the year without candy

When I was in high school, my dad paid me $100 to go an entire year without candy. I did it, but it was incredibly hard. Ben and Luke heard about the challenge and asked if they could take the challenge for $100. We said "ABSOLUTELY" not thinking they would actually be able to make it. Turns out, we were wrong. In fact, they were so good at not eating any candy, that halfway into the month of January, they asked us how much more we would pay them if they went without candy AND desserts. I told them we would pay them $150 each. They shook on it. As parents, we were completely dumbfounded.

For six months, these darling boys went without candy, cookies, ice cream, cake, & brownies. They didn't even blink when it was in front of them. It wasn't difficult for them, but it was SO hard to "celebrate" as a family when they couldn't fully celebrate with us. We were so proud of them, but kind of annoyed at the same time. When July hit (and we knew they were going to stick to the challenge until the end of the year) Aaron sat down with them and told them they HAD to eat desserts. It sounds completely crazy now that I am typing it out, but that's what happened. Aaron was willing to STILL pay them $150 at the end of the year.... as long as they went the entire 12 months without candy.... but desserts were re-introduced on Ben's birthday (July 4th).

Halloween Day was the ONLY exception. They ate candy on that day and that day only. They were sick by 8 PM. When December arrived, these darling (determined) boys asked if they could get their money early so they could buy Christmas presents for their family members. I thought it was so sweet and ran to the bank to get out their cash. They were paid on December 10th. They paid their tithing, and carefully budgeted out their money for gifts. They were indeed generous and so excited about what they got each other. (I will have to explain what they got each other & their reactions when they opened their gifts later.... so cute!)

Do I believe they were honest during this challenge? Of course. I trust them 100%. Luke came to us on a Sunday afternoon in March sometime last year. He was crying. His primary teacher had given them Starburts for answering right answers to questions during the lesson... and Luke accidentally ate three-- completely forgetting about the challenge. He felt SO bad, mainly because he'd let Ben down (they were going to do this together, after all.) Aaron and I were so pleased with his confession and his disappointment in himself that we gave him a second chance. He committed to the rest of the year and said he'd never forget again. We told Ben he could have a pass too and Ben laughed at us and said, "No way. I don't need it." They are so cute! It is a privilege being their mother.

Inspired by his older brothers, Zack continues to challenge himself to go without candy. He always says he can go a month. The longest he's ever gone is 10 days. And THAT is quite an accomplishment for our little 6 year old. I love that Ben and Luke's example rubs off on their siblings.