Our Skittles Jar

When Paul was getting ready to deploy, I started looking for ideas to help the kids mark the passing of time.  One idea I came across spoke of letting each child have a Hershey's Kiss every day as a "kiss from Daddy".  We liked that idea, but because Josiah is allergic to milk, we came up with something a little bit different.  I thought I would share it here!

Sometimes we like to call hugs and kisses "sugar", so when Paul left, we made the decision to let the kids have "sugar" from Daddy every night before they go to bed!  They each get four Skittles per day. (One Skittle is like one potato chip-- it's impossible to eat just one!)

When Paul left, I bought a giant jar and filled it with Skittles.  I needed four skittles each for four children for 380 days, so that came out to about 6,000 Skittles!!

I think it has meant the most to Isaac.  He watches the jar like a hawk!  When Paul was home at Christmas, Isaac asked him if he was home for good.  Paul said, "When the Skittles jar is empty, Daddy will be home for good."  Isaac responded so sweetly, "If I look in the jar and see only one Skittle, I will eat it so you come home!"

Here are some pictures of our Skittles jar!

This is the jar when we started.  It was almost entirely full!

I took these pictures yesterday!  When the jar is empty, Daddy will be home!!!

Not too much longer now!  Just about seven and a half weeks!