Shopping with the Allowance

Emily,
Today you went shopping with mom and spent your allowance for the first time. Mom took you to Target and said that you had to go up and down 3 aisles of girl's toys so you could comparison shop and find the most you could get for your money.

You came home with a "Littlest Pet Shop" toy. This one had camping items, a tent, row boat and some torches. You were thrilled and can't wait to earn more money and go back to Target!

:)

Why Women Worry About What They Wear!

Today was "Red Day" at Emily's school. When she came home I asked her if everyone in her class had worn red. Then she broke out with this..

"NO!, there was one girl who wore pink shorts with a purple Strawberry Shortcake shirt, white tennis shoes and black socks!"

OH MY Goodness! So girls pay attention to what other girls wear even in kindergarten and with such detail.

:)

Day 1 of Kindergarten

Emily was beaming as she told me about how on day 1 of kindergarten she was moved up to the "blue" area for good behavior. Her teacher has a chart (you all remember them) that starts every student at green. Good behavior moves you up to blue and then to yellow (Sunshine). Bad behavior moves you down to purple (warning), orange (no recess) and red (letter home).

Yay for Emily!

She also talked excitedly about a new friend she made today named Rylie. She's not in Emily's class but she has the same recess time. Emily was so proud when she told us how Rylie was afraid to ride the bus so she held her hand and made it better.

What a big girl Emily is growing up to be. Mom and I are so proud.:)

Emily was so excited about school that tonight she played teacher and we were her students. Mommy and I started on green but by the time we were done, Papa was on purple. I guess it's not ok to tickle Ms. Emily.

Kindergarten Starts Tomorrow

Sondra and I took the day off to attend Emily's kindergarten orientation last Thursday. It was a thrill to sit in the cafeteria and think, "Hey, this is it. Our first daughter is going to school." Pre-school just wasn't the same because it was more of a discovery whereas now it's all academic.

We listened to the principal give an overview of the school and then we went to Mrs. Freeman's room where she gave a detailed explanation of her class. I had 50 million questions swirling in my head but only asked when language arts was taught. The teacher in me wanted to know all about the curriculum but I held back.

The letting go begins.

I think the hardest part for me will be seeing her step onto the school bus. That feels so grown up to me. Your baby steps onto a bus and goes somewhere on her own. No mom, no dad, no grandma - traveling out of sight and growing up when we really want her to stay our baby forever. I think many parents would agree judging by the many who will be bringing their children to and from school.

We are so proud of you Emily.

Reading

Allowance

Emily has begun receiving an allowance for chores she completes around the house. Before going to bed she picks up the toy room, family room and her bedroom. For each clean room she receives what she calls "A Money."

She is a very determined little girl who likes to get the job done by herself for fear of having to share her reward. This great reward? - it is a nickel to you and me but to her it is far more valuable.

Emily is at an amazing age when she holds a coin like you or I would hold a diamond. Once we gave her a dime and tried to explain that it was worth 2 nickels. No good. She wasn't having it. She wanted a nickel and nothing else.

What happens to all of these nickels you may wonder. Well, she has 3 small piggy banks. One is for her to spend, the second is to save for the bank and the third, get this, she says she is saving to buy her daughter some nice toys.

Oh, my does it start early! :)

Papa's Great

As I was leaving Emily's room tonight at bedtime she said.

"Tonight we read the story "Mommy's Great." We don't have a book, "Papa's Great" but I still think you're great.

:)

Maddy's First Trip to the Beach

Here is Maddy walking to the ocean for the very first time. Emily was very excited to "go get in the water" but Maddy wasn't so sure.



She tried to hide behind Sondra when the waves came in. :)