Everyone Loves a Snow Cone

Last night my daughter had market night at school. This is where they teach them about running a business. They have to provide a good or service, manage their store and hopefully make a profit. I was her paid helper. I earned 6 fake dollars last night. Go me! We made and sold snow cones. It was a lot of work no doubt. I basically made the cups of frozen deliciousness and she worked the cash register. Let me tell you why you should do snow cones too, if given the opportunity.

1. Snow cones are awesome.

2. Everyone is already aware that snow cones are awesome.

3. People flock to help you to carry supplies when you pull the snow cone machine from your car.

4. Your work space smells like snow cones.

5. I am pretty sure a 9-year-old flirted with me to get extra syrup.

6. I was tipped 12 dollars by one young man because I was “working so hard.” (Settle down people, I said it was fake money)

7. The noise of the machine drowns out the sound of a bunch of 9 year olds

8. You get to take snow cone breaks

9. Everyone is in a better mood when high on sugar

10. None of those sugared up kids live at my house.

11. Other parents are jealous of your line of customers

12. Other kids want to leave their station and come to yours

13. When you say mixing flavors is allowed, you receive rock star status

14. The teacher forgives you for the syrup all over the floor after you give her a snow cone.

15. Your daughter tells you that you are the best mother EVER (maybe she was a little high on sugar too)

16. The dad at the station next to you, asks you to slip him a snow cone under the table. He acts shocked and appalled when his son catches him eating it. He blames you for making a mean snow cone.

17. Your daughter learns the value of having a good product in the free market

18. Your competitors learn the value of having a good product in the free market

19. You earn tons of fake money that you can spend on absolutely nothing

20. You are declared the biggest winner, earning the most profits at Market night (unfortunately no one will corroborate your story)

Yes, I have just rambled on and on about making snow cones with my daughter. That is really the point you know. I made snow cones WITH my daughter. It was a great night and I hope it is a memory that she will carry with her.

I think back to my grandmother’s house. We would play outside and the snow cone vending truck would come driving by playing that creepy music. Us kids were mesmerized. They purposely drove slow enough to allow time for us to get worked into a frenzy, and run inside to beg for money. It worked every time. My grandma, however, said no every time. She would say “Let’s make snow cones together instead.” My argument was always that they didn’t taste as good, but truth being told, hers were delicious.

My daughter is my oldest child and she is growing up right before my eyes. When we discussed the possibilities of things we could do for business night, her eyes lit up when I mentioned snow cones. I thought about all of the work it would be for me. Buying a cooler full of ice, syrup, cups, straws and napkins. Getting all of the supplies and the machine to the school. Sitting there working my tail off, grinding that ice for all of the students. I would be covered in syrup, with ice in my bra (that shaved stuff goes everywhere). It sure would be a huge hassle. Then I looked into her enchanting green eyes and saw THAT look that usually only works on her daddy.

I don’t know about your kids but mine are pretty easy-going. They really don’t ask for much. I guess with four, they have learned, you have to go with the flow. But every now and then, one of them gets an idea. There is something that really matters to them. As a parent, you know the difference.

Childhood is such a small part of their life. It should be a magical time, full of promise and wonder. They have to believe that anything is possible. As parents we want the best for our kids. We would give them their hearts desire, every single time, if we were able and could still teach them how to be honorable adults. As a parent, it is our job to balance the two, because we know that life is not always easy. Sometimes we say no because we love them. I hope to raise my kids to be considerate, level-headed, kind, passionate, grateful, humble human being.

You know the difference between something your kid wants and something that is REALLY important to them. If something means that much, you have to do your best to make it happen. What seems little to you, can mean the world to them. You have to make her snow cone dreams come true 🙂

P.S. Snow cones are still awesome

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