Oops!

Jon and I have always worked towards independence in our children. If they are mentally and physically capable of doing something themselves, let them go for it. We'll be right there beside them, but they can do it themselves. 

We are also of the philosophy that work is good for a body. And since our children are a part of our family, they can contribute to the family by helping out.

Normally this isn't a problem. The kids wake up in the morning and do a small list of chores. Any not completed that morning are finished when they return from school, gymnastics, etc. Works pretty well for us. Since they both love learning new things and doing something that is "above their age limit" they have accomplished some pretty cool things. This also means that our household runs pretty smoothly and typically stays pretty clean.

Tonight I ran into a snag. I went to the school to help out the teachers set up the books for a book fair that starts next week. Dominic went with me and helped too. He was in ecstasy seeing all of those books. So he asked my budget for books next week. It wasn't enough to get him everything he wanted and even adding his stash of cash to the mix didn't cut it. So he asked if he could do some additional chores to make more money. Now the problem begins. I have no idea what to give him. I've googled chores and they are either already doing them, or have recently helped me do them. We don't have any extra things that need to be done.

We just washed and cleaned the car. Their closets are organized (last month). The house is clean and is being maintained by regular chores. The kids already help with laundry, dishes, and meal prep. Yard work is non-existent in this lovely single digit weather. We just washed windows and dusted all of the base boards. Caitlin just helped me mop yesterday.

I could just give him the money, but I appreciate his desire to work for something he wants. I'm just not sure what to give him. I went through all of the chores on those charts up to the teenage years. I'm either putting too much on my kids or people seriously don't expect much for their children.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Because my ocd has created a problem. =)

Book Fair

Every year we have a Scholastic Book Fair in February. And each year a goal is set for the amount of sales we need to get the books on the school wishlist.

If we reach the goal something fun is done to one of the teachers at a party later.

This year the students chose to initiate Mrs. Janzen since she was the newest teacher.

The students covered her in whipped cream. She was such a great sport about it. 

Getting all ready for the whipped cream.

 I thought it amusing that one of her daughters was the first one in line to spray her.

 Dominic has been so excited about this.

 

 The things we will do for education. =)

 After they had run out of whipped cream they got together for a group picture.

 When she got up she started chasing the kids.

 

Thank you Mrs. Janzen. You are an amazing sport.

And in the words of one of the students - "You are a real teacher now!"

Shaving Heads

This February was the annual Scholastic Book Fair at Dominic's school. Now if you know me at all or have read even a couple of my blog posts, you will know how much I love (adore, obsess, drool, etc) anything book related.

Every year the teachers come up with a crazy idea to convince the children parents to spend more money at the book fair. Every dollar spent benefits the school with money and books for the library. So it's a win-win. Last year we duct taped Dominic's teacher to a wall. This year the principle decided to take ideas from the students. They chose him getting a Mohawk if we raised a certain amount of money.

Because of several different things our budget wasn't as big this year. After some sighs and mutterings from me, I accepted the fact and moved on. 

Then on Friday as I was picking up Dominic (and some girls I was babysitting) I realized I was the last parent to pick up kids. I asked the principle if we had met our goal. He gleefully told me we were short. I asked how much and ran out to the car to place a call to my dear husband to ask if we could please, please swing just a bit more. We wouldn't want to disappoint the children, would we?!

I wish I could have captured the look on his face when I walked back in the door with my checkbook. =)

So today was the head shaving party. It was snowing so there weren't as many people as last year, but it was enough to give the principle a nice Mohawk.

Before

Notice his cape? It's Dominic's child size. 

The principle is over 6 feet tall. Very cute. =)

 My husband got the honor of clipping.

 Apparently it was decided not to shave his head, just cut it super short.

He IS the principle of our school after all. =)

 The kids LOVED this.

After

 We have the best teachers at our school. Not many teachers/principles have this level of dedication and love for their school and students. The parents are as in love with them as the students are.

So thankful to be blessed with the Whites at Algood Christian.

Aren't they the cutest couple - even if one of them does have a Mohawk?! =)

Duct Taping Party

About a month ago our school had a scholastic book fair. Mrs. Beth-Anne said that if the school met the goal that she would have a party and allow the kids to duct tape her to a wall.

So you know the parents spent a ton on books so we could see this happen. =)

Last Sunday was also Adventurers. So the party was combined with Adventurers and Caitlin and I joined Jon and Dominic.

They had all of the children line up so that they would each get a turn with the duct tape.

As you can see the adults joined in.

 Dominic was so afraid that someone would get ahead of him in line that he was basically hugging his little friend.

Thankfully she didn't seem to mind.

I noticed later that he'd let Caitlin in front of him in line, so all hope isn't lost. =)

Caitlin found a dandelion while waiting. She didn't realize that it was turning her nose yellow.

 Once the duct tape was all on Matthew (Beth-Anne's husband) pulled out the chair and she hung there.

The kids then had to get their picture with her.

Then came the fun part of getting her down. I was so afraid that she'd get some of the tape off and pitch forward. Matthew stood in front of her and held her while Jon cut the tape off.

Still taped up, but down.

Mrs. Beth-Anne is the best teacher. I'm so impressed that she was willing to do this for the kids.

And so very thankful that Dominic will have her for a teacher next year.

After the party we went out to eat with the Whites and Riddles. 

It was a great ending to a very fun day.

Book Fair and Birthday party

We had a very busy day yesterday.

First we had the book fair. It's going on all week, but I had volunteered to help sell books yesterday.

So we all went down and the kids read while I handled the sales part with a friend.

As you can see, my family loves to read as much as I do.

I'm afraid I came home with a huge pile of books.

We NEEDED more books. =)

 

 

 

We came home from the book fair and Dominic and I went straight to a birthday party for a friend he met at gymnastics. Her name is Cailyn.

Dominic had so much fun, but I think the cake and ice cream where his favorites.