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We had a great time in Dover City. It was definitely different from sitting, chatting while the kids ran around and played. This time we sat with the kids to make sure they didn't start chatting or running around. I must admit that our little group did very well. Jerry was able to capture their attention as well as keep it through the entire the puppet show. Of course, Luci had to have his snacks and juice. I wasn’t sure if food was allowed so I had to keep it under wraps. That was difficult; when he brought the puppets out to interact with the children during the performance. He really does an amazing job, keeping them engaged. So much that Mothers from Wesley Chapel are coming on a regular basis. His version of Little Red Riding Hood was cute and offered a lesson of why it’s important Not to Talk to Strangers. Even grandma had enough spunk to get away from the Big Bad Wolf. We all got a kick out of her getting away so quickly. He continued to encourage feedback from the kids in the audience during the show. Ayla, liked the songs so much she couldn’t stop dancing and clapping in Michelle’s lap. The kids were able to reenact their own version of the play by making paper puppets. They had a great time coloring and walking around with their little creations. Luci and I loved coming home and making up our own stories with the puppets. It was really cool watching him make the connection between the craft and the story..."mommy redhood in wolf." I got a lot of smiles and giggles from that alone. After the craft, Jerry gave us a tour around his workshop. We were able to view puppets from previous and upcoming performances from around the world. The bright colors and shapes of the puppets during the tour were only able to hold their attention for so long. Luci was excited to run around in their yard and jump from place to place. It was time to leave! Reminding me more how much my son needs a yard to play in. Knowing the kids had some energy to release we took them to McDonalds down the street from Puppet World. When I saw how huge the play area was, I felt my stomach flop. I knew Luci was going to make it his next conquest but mommy wasn't mentally prepared. As much as I wanted to stop him or divert his attention; I let him go. He was confident and secure because every time he looked behind; mommy was there. I was praying he didn't get scared up there and want me to climb up after him. I couldn’t imagine myself squeezing through the tubes. I was put to ease when I could hear Luci laughing and giggling throughout the twist and turns of the tunnels…thank God! Gracie was a little hesitant at first; tiptoeing in and out of the tunnel but once she gave it a try; she kept going and going. I was proud of her because she had to go by the Big kids to get through. This was a struggle in itself. Constantly, reminding the bigger kids to watch out for our Little ones. Of course, they continued to race by. Michelle and I kept giving each other the LOOK. I did my best to keep my cool because it became very frustrating when their parents; just sat there and did nothing. I guess their McCafe` was more important. It took a lot out of me to speak nicely to this little girl as she just crawled over Gracie and stepped on her... telling her to “be careful and watch where you’re going.” I understood my frustration had nothing to do with the kids but with their space head parents. In the corner of my eye I could see her mother approaching. I was already forming my words for her if she had something to say. It was best she didn’t! Trust Me! Soon, it looked as if Luci and Gracie were racing through the tunnels after each other. You would have never known she just got trampled. While the kids were wearing themselves out Michelle, Gemma and I began to talk and share a little of ourselves. We shared our past and our feelings on certain subjects. I even opened up and shared my reasons for not pursuing a career as a Forensic Scientist. This isn’t something I am usually comfortable talking about with others. Yet, I was among women who could relate to my discussion making. They understood that I wanted to be an involved mother and that was nearly impossible in Law Enforcement. Gemma, talked about how she works at night to make sure she has that quality time with Gracie. We make those sacrifices for our children to make sure that we’re doing our best to be the mother that they need and deserve. It felt good opening up and it surprised me that I shared something so personal. It’s really interesting to see how women open up through the connection of their children. While watching our children playing I realized they weren’t the only ones learning how to grow and share with each other.
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