Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Butterflies & Potty Training.... Life is Good!

If you love them set them free..... ahhh yes.  Just to let you know we (Granddaughter # 4 and I) raised 5 very tiny caterpillar larvae into chrysalis', which we called cocoons because she said that soooo much cuter, and watched them emerge into Painted Lady Butterflies.  All 5 of them survived until release day.  Sorry to say, we lost one.  Not lost, in the sense of can't find.... died.  The other 4 successfully flew away into the vast backyard.

How did this adventure present itself???  Well, who says you cannot raise a child with bribery.  We were potty training and she saw a commercial for the "Butterfly Garden".  "I want one of those" came out of her tiny little lips with such sincerity and yearning, a grandmama just couldn't ignore.  However, keeping in mind we did have this potty issue hanging over our heads, and controlling my desire to provide her with EVERYTHING she wants, something strange came out of my mouth.  "If you go potty in the toilet.... I'll get you a Butterfly Garden."  Oh no!  What will her mother (Daughter #1) think of such shenanigan???  Not being sure, I neglected to inform mother because we had not discussed raising a child using this tactic.

Then, I received a phone call.  "Grandmama.... I used the potty!!!"  Yea!  Yes!  Yahoo!  Oh No!  Where could I find this Butterfly Garden??  I needed time.  "Okay, as soon as you use Grandmama's potty, we'll get the Butterfly Garden!"  Phew.  Bought some time.  But now, Mother knows.  "Let me speak to Mom please."  Then the biggest weight off my shoulders.  Mother told me how SHE got her to use the potty, and I must say.... bribery at its best!  After purchasing a much desired, whined, and pleaded for camera at Walmart, Mother placed it in the bathroom.... not to be played with until mission was accomplished.  I was SAVED!  Mother and Grandmama agree again AND success!!!

Life is Good.