Coloring contest

I didn't know that on Saint Patrick's Day our family had traditions….until Ella decided to make a plan.  She spent a while up in her room writing a list of things to do together as a family.  We had to pin the pot of gold to the end of the rainbow.  Also had to play pin the hat on the leprechaun.  Another was a coloring contest.  These are the pictures.  Kurt and I were supposed to be contestants too, but I convinced her we needed to be judges (I had things to do, like dinner and laundry, dishes, etc.).  Next time I will think twice.  

They colored and colored.  Each one working as hard as they could.  Making their picture the very best.  The oldest ran out of ink in his black marker (as seen above).  The youngest thinks clovers are black.  The middles like to add other details (look at the adorable mushroom on Ella's).  So how in the world is a mom supposed to choose which one child is the winner?  They shuffled up the pictures so I wouldn't know who did which one.  Well, if I didn't know each of them and their styles that would have been a marvelous idea.  But a four year old is definitely not going to be able to do what a ten year old can.  I tried to make a tie, pointing out all the good things about each one.  Declaring each the winner of a different category.  That was not going to fly.  

The only thing left was to call dad inside.  He looked and picked.  How?  I don't know.  He said it was obviously either of the middle children's because they took so much more time in the detail.  I wish it could be that easy.  True, he didn't know they spent equal time…but how was it so easy?  I think about the feelings I'm going to hurt.  The arguments I will face.  Whose fits do I feel like dealing with at the moment?  Who do I not really want to upset today?  Who needs encouragement?  They each tried so hard.  But I am so thankful for my husband.  It's life, we all have to learn to lose.  I'm a huge fan of teaching kids how to lose.  I just don't like to choose who is the loser (or in this case which THREE lose)!  Next time I'm just going to color!!!