My Little Mastermind

Hallie and I had a deal:  she could have a piece of gum if she ate all of her spaghetti.  So, of course, her mission became:  Get the gum without eating the spaghetti.

Due to our ongoing negotiations, everyone finished their supper before Hallie (including Sara, who doesn't bargain--she just declared herself "all done" and moved on without the gum).  So we adjourned to the den while Hallie sat at the table playing in her spaghetti. 

I took my dessert into the den with me, followed by a suddenly snuggly Sara who was actually gunning for a bite (or several) of my dessert.  As I told Sara that I was not sharing dessert since she didn't eat her dinner, Hallie intervened with, "Do you want a bite of MINE, Sara?"  Sara, not realizing she was about to agree to spaghetti and not dessert, was intrigued by the offer.  Hallie just wanted to clear some space on her plate.  One step closer to gum.

A few minutes later we heard Hallie talking to Archie.  She usually fusses at him more than she talks to him, so our ears perked up.  Suspicious, I cautioned Hallie not to give Archie her spaghetti.  Hallie asked, "Mommy, does the spaghetti have chocolate in it?"  I was confused.  "No, no chocolate in it."  Then I heard her say to Archie, "Then do you want some of it?"  We have emphasized to Hallie that Archie can't eat chocolate.  So that obviously means all other food is fair game.

Long story slightly shorter, she ate most of the spaghetti...or maybe I'll find it hidden somewhere a week from now...regardless, she got the gum, which she chewed until it had to taste like rubber.  And when I say she ate "most" I mean that, yes, she got the gum without eating all of her spaghetti.

Round One goes to Hallie.  I intend to stay strong next time, though.  Really. 

And until then I have important intel for future use:  Hallie will do a lot for a piece of gum.