When to TRY NEW THINGS

Every kid is different. And Lillian is not a child who enjoys change. She does not see life as an adventure....and it takes a lot of convincing to get her to try new things. So, no matter how many times I do it -- or how hard I try -- the idea of a MYSTERY ADVENTURE is really not exciting for her. It's more like a chore...something she DREADS...as you can see...

Amy's boys get into it...they're playing my game...being good natured about where we might be going and what we might be doing. Lilly is none of those things...

I mean -- really -- doesn't the look on her face say, "I am not buying anything you are selling..."

After some time...the boys are having so much fun...that is almost a smile you see...

C'mon, Lilly -- We are at the Figge Art Museum -- and the kids are making Gingerbread Houses out of graham crackers..with tubs of candy.

Cash threw himself into the task...trying to eat his weight in candy before the night was over...

Cale, on the other hand, took it on like a true architect, thinking through the foundation part before he committed any actual frosting...

And, I think I learned the most about Garrett that night. His house caved in a dozen times before he figured it out.   And he never pitched a fit or gave up or got discouraged. He would laugh and start all over again...Lillian made a dozen trips to the candy bar for more building materials...and Garrett STUCK TO THE JOB...

At the end of the night -- all four kids had little Gingerbread houses that actually made the trip home in the car. And Lillian had a wonderful time. Which only proves my theory...

CHANGE IS GOOD -- AND you SHOULD try new things, go new places, meet new people -- even if you're afraid...maybe that's when it matters the most...