Caught!

So, we had our first experience with STEALING! And I just knew it was going to be Lacy, she's such a "stuff" person and our big hoarder of the group. I routinely clean stuff out of her bed because if I don't, she tends to accumulate tons of little things which are then put into various containers that she also collects like Altoid tins, oatmeal containers, shoe boxes,etc. So, I opened up her oatmeal container to find some coins, chapsticks, littlest pet shop pets, some Barbie shoes AND an unopened little container of Mentos gum. I was LIVID! I called her upstairs and began the inquisition.
Me, "Lacy, where did you get this?"
Lacy, "From the toy store" lip is trembling at this point
Me, "That's stealing, you know that's stealing? When you take something without paying for it?"
Lacy, "Cause I didn't ask you?"
Me, "It's against the law to steal, to take things from the store without paying. Mommy is just so upset"
Lacy, "I'm sorry"
Jason was in a meeting but I sent him a text, "Lacy stole gum. Any advice?" Of course he replied we should take her back to the store to return it and apologize. Figuring doing it right away would have the most impact, woke the little ones up from their nap, told Lacy to get her piggy bank because she was paying for the gum and loaded everyone up. Of course Lacy couldn't steal from Walmart a mile up the road, she has to steal gum from a store all the way in Gurnee. So, during rush hour, Lacy and I practiced what she needed to say & even though I was so upset and embarassed, I was also proud of her because when we got to the store, she spoke up when I told her it was time and said, "I'm sorry I took your gum and didn't pay for it" When Jason got home, he read her a Ten Commandments bible story and explained it's not just our rules but it's one of God's rules that we don't steal. I hope & pray she got it and that Lily got it too. Later, Lily asked for a snack and I told her no. She said, "we're not having a snack because Lacy steals???" Progress not perfection!