I am sad to report we have had our 1st stealing incident...

With 3 kids, I learned very early, the importance of checking pockets before I threw the laundry into the washer. (We all have stories, I'm sure) So, the other day I was checking pockets as usual when I found a scrapbook embellishment wrapper in Tristin's pocket. Weird, I thought, but then all of a sudden it clicked. I had seen a silver brad with the letter A on it on the floor the day before. I thought, Huh, where did that come from? But went about my day without a second thought, until I found the wrapper! As Mom's we just know, so I called Tristin over to talk. I pulled out the wrapper and asked, "Did you steal this?" He hesitated a moment and then said, " Yes." When I asked him why, he said, "Because I thought they were magnetic." I thanked him for being honest but then explained the 50 different reasons why stealing is wrong. We said a prayer that Heavenly Father would forgive him, and then he had to write 5 sentences saying: I WILL NOT STEAL FROM THE STORE AGAIN, next he had to write a letter to the store owner apoligizing and then the next day we went back to the store and talked to the store manager. He had to tell her what he did and that he was sorry. She handled the situation perfectly. She was firm, but kind. She asked him at one point if she should call the police over to talk to him, and with fear in his eyes and his head shaking, he said "No." I made him do the work, but as I was standing back, I had to hold back the tears. There was my little guy getting the you-know-what scared out of him, and so embaressed about the choice he made, but we all knew it had to be done. I think she was even a little watery eyed after the talk. I was both ashamed of his choice, but proud of him for making it right. I thanked the nice lady several times and then walked out of the store. We talked about it for a long time before and after and I hope all the police/jail talk scared the life out of him. It was one of those tender teaching moments we have as Mom's. The only funny part of all of this is: What 6 year old boy steals scrapbook embellishments anyway???!!!