How confusing..

All the time I hear these phrases come out of my mouth, sometimes with definite authority, other times just gentle reminders, but either way, I hear them often.

Stay out of the street.
Be careful that you don't run out in front of cars.
Stay on the sidewalk.
Don't pick up food off the floor.
Let's not be greedy.
Let's not wave at strangers.
Don't take candy or toys from strangers.

Then something happens...something called 'a parade'. This is what I heard come out of my mouth.

Come off the sidewalk down into the street.
Let's not go back on the sidewalk.
Pick up all the candy off the ground and put it in the stroller.
Run out and grab those Smarties before that Hummer gets here....go on...you can make it.
Take a handful of candy that this strange man is offering you.
Smile and Wave to the cheerleaders and they'll throw you a football (this one was my worst & I will NEVER SAY THAT AGAIN!)
Keep waving and smiling and they'll give us things.

On the stroller ride home, I heard a little voice, "Look Mommy, there's still candy in the street!"
....the lecture began!