Mission Accomplished…Saving Money with a Chart

Look who accomplished her mission of saving for a stuffed animal!

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Last time we left off my six year old was busy working odd jobs like folding towels around the house in order to save enough money to purchase a Build-a-Bear stuffed animal. She was keeping track of her savings using the chart I made for her.

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Caroline had saved about $23.00 when I received an email from Build-a-Bear announcing a 40% off sale on the stuffed animals. This meant that the stuffed animal Caroline wanted that originally cost $28 would now be on sale for $16.80! This would be a big savings for her.

When we started this money saving process I told Caroline that if she bought the stuffed animal I would buy an outfit for the animal. Any other accessories she wanted to buy would be her responsibility. Once we knew about the sale I told Caroline to kick her saving into overdrive because we needed to get to the store in a few days in order to use the 40% coupon. The sale would give her an opportunity to buy the animal and an accessory.

The day of the big purchase came. Caroline laid out all of her money and counted it. We made piles 100 (when counting the coins we counted to 100 and she knew that meant she had one dollar).

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Just a quick note about how I taught my daughter to count nickels and dimes. We worked on knowing that 2 nickels has the same value of 1 dime. So when we lined up the coins we lined them up into ten cent amounts. Looking at the coins in vertical groups you see 10 cents, 10 cents, 10 cents, and 5 cents. By having her line up the 2 nickels on top of each other she knew they were the same value as the dime. Putting her fingers on these coins she would count: 10, 20, 30, 35.

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After all the money was counted, Caroline had saved $27.93. Not quite the $30 goal but I knew with only 1 day left in the 40% off sale we needed to go to the store now.

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Caroline walked right to the stuffed animal she wanted – Risa the Rock Star Rabbit. With each rock girl you  get to choose a star that goes inside of her. Caroline chose the word, “fearless.”

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I turned down every opportunity the Build-a-Bear workers tried to extort get more money from Caroline. Don’t you want a talking heart inside for $5? Don’t you want a bubblegum smelly in your animal for $4? No we don’t. It’s not in the budget.

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After getting her bear stuffed , choosing an outfit and pair of shoes for the newly named “Blueberry,” we made our way to the check out. Caroline gave the animal and pair of shoes to the clerk who totaled up everything. In what I can only call fate or a small miracle from the money gods the total came out to $27.93! The exact amount Caroline had.

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I had Caroline count out her money and give it to the clerk. Yes, I am that mom who will make everyone else behind me wait. It was a big moment for her and I wanted her to be able to see it through to the end. After all, since we had exchanged all of the 100’s into dollar bills at home she only had to count out $27 in bills and the 93 cents in coins.

Here’s the end result!

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Caroline really loves “Blueberry” and is proud of the fact that she worked hard to get her. I am sure she’s going to request another money saving chart at some point and that will be fine. What I am most excited about it when she gets to the money counting lesson at school and she kicks some serious coin counting butt.

Well, that and when she starts folding my towels again.

A Texas History Bow Hunt

Now that school is in session around here let’s talk about ridiculous homework.

Last year my son studied Texas History in 7th grade. It’s not really a topic that thrills him which is surprising because he is such a history buff. Give him US History or World History and he is set. But Texas History for a whole year can be a bit much.

At  some point when studying Texas History one must cover the Indians. When my son got to this part in the curriculum his teacher gave the class the assignment, “How to Make a Bow and Arrow.”

Sounds kind of cool.

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But some of the specifics of this assignment are kind of crazy. Below it says, “Choose a piece of wood for the bow. Find a piece of dry, dead hardwood – oak, hickory, yew, black locust, or teak.”

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Now teak wood is found in Indonesia and Myanmar while there are several types of yew wood some of which are found in Europe, Pacific, Canada, China, Japan, Florida, and the Himalayas.

What the assignment should have said was find a piece of wood at your neighborhood park.

We did just that.

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The directions above say that the wood should be free of knots, twists, or limbs.

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The next step in bow making comes in selecting a bow string.

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Yep, you read that right. Just go back outside and grab some strands of silk from your caterpillars.

We used string. Good ol’2015 string on our bow and arrow.

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Next you need to make your arrows. “You can straighten the arrow by gently heating the shaft over hot coals – be careful not to scorch or burn the wood.”

I feel like there’s a lawsuit just waiting to happen with this assignment.

We skipped the hot coals part.

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The results…

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The arrow ended up flying about 5 feet.

At  school the teacher had set up a large paper buffalo on a string. The idea was that the buffalo was pulled back and forth so the kids could try and hit it.

My son did not hit the buffalo with his wooden bow and arrows.

Guess which kids hit the buffalo.

The ones who used PVC pipe for the bow and proper arrows.

Man oh man was my son angry when he found out they got the same 100 that he did for the assignment.

I did have to point out to him that he too kind of broke the rules when building his bow and arrows – no wood from the Himalayas, no hot coals were used, and certainly no caterpillar silk.

Can’t wait for homework in US History this year.

Maybe he’ll get to practice medicine on his brother using only tools that were available during the Civil War or perhaps he’ll get to brew his own beer while studying Prohibition.

National Waffle Day…First Day of School

Today is National Waffle Day (August 24th) and the 1st day of school for us!

To celebrate both events we had waffles this morning.

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This year we have a kindergartner, a 4th grader, and an 8th grader!

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Pretty good start to the school year as we only had one kid who forgot their lunch…the 8th grader of course.

Can’t wait to ask them after school what they did all day and for them to respond with, “I don’t know. Nothing much.”

Ahhhhhhhh! Tell me something!

*By the way, tomorrow, August 25th, is National Banana Split Day!

The Night Before Kindergarten…

My little one is going to kindergarten and I couldn’t be more excited for her. She’s grown so much and come such a long way it’s time for her to go. But I will admit I will miss spending Fridays with her.  Whether we were sewing together, playing board games, reading books, or just hanging out at the mall she was always by my side.

I changed up “The Night Before Christmas” for all those mommas out there who are sending their little ones to kindergarten this year. Enjoy!

*And for the record, I don’t plan to get into golfing. It was late and that’s all that rhymed to me at the time 🙂

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Twas the night before kindergarten when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The backpacks were hung by the front door with care.

In hopes that the morning rush would not cause momma to swear.

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The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of crayons and markers danced in their heads.

And momma in her jammies and dad in his shorts,

Had just settled down to watch the TV report.

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When all of a sudden Momma shouted out so,

“She’s so little I just don’t think I can let her go!”

Dad tried to reassure Momma that little one would be fine,

He consoled her and reminded her that it was time.

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“She knows her letters, her sounds, her numbers, and more,

It’s time to let her move on and go through that school’s front door.

There will be PE, music, art, and recess too,

Think of the fun she’ll have with her playground crew.”

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Momma said, “I know that she’ll love school and her friends too,

It’s just that I’ll miss her and everything that we do.”

“Don’t worry,” said Daddy, “Little one is now big and ready to go,”

“And now you will have time to become a serious golf pro.”

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So with those words of encouragement in her heart,

Momma knew now she would not fall apart.

She gathered her covers, fluffed her pillow, and grabbed a good book,

Rolled over and read all about eagles, chip shots, and those awful duck hooks.*

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The next morning the whole family got up and had breakfast together,

Brushed their teeth and hair and looked up the weather.

Shoes were put on and backpacks grabbed from their hooks,

And off they all went, little one without a second look.

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She arrived at the school front door a little nervous and shy,

But daddy told momma, “Your eyes must stay dry.”

Down the hallway and into the classroom the family all went,

Dad taking photos to mark this momentous event.

IMG_0383So as the clock struck eight, it marked the time for parents to leave,

Momma kissed her little one good bye and just had to believe.

Little one gave a quick hug and right then Momma knew she’d be okay,

“I’ll see you at three big girl, I can’t wait to hear all about your wonderful first day.”

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“Happy Kindergarten to all, and to all a good-year!”

 

Love you sweet girl! I know you will have a wonderful kindergarten year!

 

*Duck Hook: A shot that flies sharply from right to left for right-handed players. It is usually hit unintentionally, since it is difficult to control.

Winter Bingo – New on Etsy!

I’ve been working for the last few weeks on a new Winter Bingo game and it’s finally ready!

Winter Bingo is perfect for those school winter parties you are planning!

(There are no religious images used in this game)

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Winter Bingo is perfect as a a cold afternoon activity!

A sample of the call cards…

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Winter Bingo is perfect for all ages during the Christmas break!

Boards come in 5 x 5 boards , 3 x 3 boards, and 1 x 4 boards.

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That’s 54 different boards!

All proceeds from our etsy sales go to help fund our adoption so we thank you so much!

Go on over and check out this Winter Bingo at Big D & Me Etsy.

His New Teacher

My eight year old really comes out with funnies sometimes.

The latest one was about his new teacher.

 Being completely serious…”Dad, Mrs. H is as old as you.

She’s 40 but I think she only looks 38.”

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I’m hoping I get the same assessment from him next year when I turn 40.

Camp is here!

My 4 year old is flying the coop for a few days this week and she couldn’t be more excited.

School has been out for her for almost 2 months now and she is tired of me.

And well…I hope she has a good time.

When getting ready for her camp, which she is THRILLED about, she asked me a few questions:

“What bag am I going to put my sleeping bag in?

You don’t need a sleeping bag, I’m picking you up after lunch.

Sad face.

“What pajamas am I going to pack?

You don’t need pajamas, I’m picking you up after lunch.

Sad face.

“Do I change clothes there at night?”

You don’t need to change your clothes, I’m picking you up after lunch.

Sad face.

I have a pretty good feeling there will be a lot of crying when I pick her up after lunch today.

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Personal Stylist to Preschoolers

There are children in preschool who dress one hundred times cooler than me.

Cute little capri pants, newest JCrew sweater, and the shiniest little flats.

At times, I want to steal their wardrobe. However, I think the 3T cardigan might look a little off on me.

The thing is though, I’m not sure preschoolers should look like a littler version of their moms. How easy is it to climb the jungle gym in patent leather flats? Do you really need that jean jacket when playing in the sand?

I think there must be some tough mornings for preschoolers and their mothers.

And in this house, it’s just not worth the battle.

Caroline chooses her own outfits and I’m okay with that.

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Most of the time.

This little diddy was by far her most inventive.

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Yep, she’s rockin’ stripes, leopard, and polka dots.

She even insisted on doing her own hair.

 

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As we were walking into preschool on this particular day a parent said, “Ahh, looks like she won the battle today.”

Actually there really is no battle.

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What’s happening is individuality and confidence.

And smooth mornings.

42 Pains in the Arse

I’ve mentioned a few times about a project my husband and I were working on, one that nearly drove us over the edge.

This was the sneak peak.

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Now here’s the story.

My daughter’s preschool had a school auction to raise money for an outdoor cover on the playground so I decided to donate a gift certificate to my etsy shop.

I tried to think of a way to make an eye catching display and settled on a picture frame with chicken wire.

I found a large detailed frame, spray painted it black, and had my  husband add chicken wire to the back. I then spray painted some clothespins and hung up information about my  shop.

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It looked something like this (I, of course, forgot to take pictures of the actual frame):

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I also had a book of products with the frame:

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After dropping off my donation, which I valued at just under $7,000 (or slightly less), I received an email from the school director asking if I could make 40 of the chicken wire frames for her staff for their end of the year gift.

“Jackpot!”

“Yippe!”

“Who needs Powerball?!”

We do, that’s who.

My husband and I jumped at the opportunity to make a little cash. Boy were we fools.

After saying “yes,” to the job, I scowered area Goodwill, thrift store, resale shop, and garage sale for about 3 weeks. I’m fairly sure there are no more 8 x 10 inch frames left in the DFW area.

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After sanding down and spray painting about 9 of the frames, we decided to add the chicken wire. That’s where we ran into TROUBLE.

Out of the 9 frames, only 2 didn’t break.

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At this point, we were a week out from the delivery date and freaking out a bit.

We were using a hand stapler and it just was not working.

050800 So I decided to buy an automatic staple gun from Home Depot for $59 and hope that would help.

Thankfully, it worked (most of the time) and we were back on track.

Each frame also had glued on ribbon on the back so that the chicken wire scratch anyone.

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Texas received quite a bit of rain during this time which under different circumstances would have been wonderful, though when you are trying to spray paint 40 frames, it really is awful.

Mix that with room mom meetings, field days at two schools, and a soccer tournament weekend and we were sprinting to get the frames completed.

A lot of the spray painting occurred in our garage (with the door up) but we are fairly sure we were high for two thirds of this project. Complex math was not our friend at this time.

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In the end we finished on time (even providing an extra 2 frames, hence the 42 pains in the arse title), although I was drying clothespins with a hair dryer 30 minutes before the drop off.

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Turned in, done!

A little money was made and a lot of learning too.

You would think I’m done with renovating frames but I’ve actually got some bigger frames just waiting in my garage. I’m going to start spray painting those soon.

Maybe next week.

On second thought, maybe next month.