The Citizenship Award

This morning we went to Ashlyn's school for an assembly program. We had gotten a letter saying Ashlyn had been chosen for an award, but we didn't tell her about it. She ended up getting the citizenship award because she is nice to others, considerate of their feelings, and respectful of other people in general and their property--this is definitely stuff she does at school and does not carry over into her home life. She was so excited when they called her name. She was trying not to smile but she couldn't help herself. Also today she was picked to be class helper (which includes but is not limited to, line leading, helping with the ABC chart and getting to hang a picture in the hallway listing all her favorite things) so she was totally overwhelmed. AND she had an appointment to get her cast off this afternoon...what a day for Ashlyn!
You will notice that in this picture Ashlyn is at home, so it must be late afternoon, yet she still has her cast on. Well, mistake #1 was taking Haley and Owen to the appointment with us and mistake #2 was not taking Scott. She was all for it until the doctor picked up the power saw thing they use to cut the cast off. At that point Ashlyn started crying loudly and saying no. When Dr. Susini actually turned on the saw she started screaming loudly. When he leaned towards her she backed away and started kicking. At this point, Haley started absolutely panicking and joined Ashlyn in saying no, and then Owen, not to be outdone, started pitching a terrible fit in the stroller. So the doctor said he wasn't going to do it and to come back Monday morning with Scott and without Haley and Owen. As we were leaving and Ashlyn realized that she couldn't go swimming tomorrow as planned, she changed her tune and started begging to go back in. We usually give in, but today I was so embarrassed and mad I didn't, and the doctor wouldn't have given in anyway. I think Ashlyn learned a very good lesson this afternoon, one that was really driven home when Scott came in from work and dealt with her. Sadly, a day that started off with so much promise and fun ended with no tv privileges and one sad little 6 year old, sitting in her room having her own private pity party.