skirting the issue

Bethany is almost 4.

Bethany is all girl, but not too prissy.

Bethany loves to wear skirts and dresses.

I've tried to convince her that she can wear some of her dresses with blue jeans underneath. She didn't go for it. She doesn't even like to wear stretchpants or leggings underneath. Tights don't bother her so much, fortunately.

Bethany's closet consists mostly of hand-me-downs. With two big sisters, plus several thoughtful friends, she definitely has an abundant wardrobe. Ask me how much of it she'll wear... let's say less than half. When Katie and Anna were that age, I never let them wear dresses to school. It was always pants and tennis shoes. Since they've been passed down, and she's at the bottom of the chain, I've let her have a little bit more flexibility.

Yes, I realize at this point, I should post some adorable pictures of her wearing said dresses. If you've been following our blog, you'll know that I've been slacking in the post area. I have now made the decision that it's more important to get the thoughts down than worry about whether or not the pictures are attached. I'm hoping to get back on the bandwagon soon!

Back to the story... because she is so passionate about her wardrobe choices, I've been able to use it as a bartering tool. "if you pick up your toys, I'll let you wear a skirt to school." "if you stay in bed and take a nap, I'll let you wear a skirt tomorrow." You get the idea. It has worked better than anything else I've tried.

Bethany's birthday is in a few weeks. Looks like we'll be shopping for skirts!

subbing

I unpurposely discovered last year how easy it would be to do some part-time substitute teaching at the girls elementary school. Unfortunately, the school district was not accepting applications for new subs at the time, so I had to wait. I went through all the paperwork and training over the summer, and started working back in October. I've only made myself available on the days when Bethany is in preschool, so I'm still filling this last few years of having her at home with plenty of mommy time. Because Katie has been at the school for 4+ years now, and I did quite a bit of volunteering for Anna's class last year, I've gotten really familiar with all the in's and out's of how the school operates. There is really a wonderful network of families - friends - classmates - teachers - siblings - etc. that have made it easy to get my name out there. I have been able to work about once a week, and have to turn away as many jobs as I accept because of scheduling conflicts.
I also have to mention the wonderful support of friends who have helped us out as we've adjusted to a different schedule. Bethany's preschool day is 9-2. A full-day sub job is 7:30-3. That leaves a clump of time that she gets juggled. Shayne is fortunate enough to have the option to work from home sometimes, and that has helped a lot. And I know he's enjoyed being a little more tuned-in to her life too.
I have enjoyed being up at the school more, just so I can be close to Katie and Anna. No, I do not think I would qualify as a helicopter. It's just nice to be near - I love the spontaneous smiles, hugs and kisses in the hallway or cafeteria. It's enabled me to connect on a different level with their teachers as well. I truly believe that having that open line of communication between teachers and parents is a HUGE part of a child's success in school.
Bethany has another full year of preschool, then she'll be able to join us. Of course, by that point, Katie will be in middle school. I'll be able to work 3-4 days per week. Shayne already has those paychecks worked into the budget. For now, I've got my foot in the door, and it gives us a little fun money.

beanboozled

The girls found these Jelly Belly candies in their stockings on Christmas morning. I think they waited until after breakfast to start the sampling. The good ones are good, but the bad ones are BAD! Problem is, you just don't know until you've started chewing.

Bethany found one of the boxes today and there were just a few jelly beans left in it. She has decided she really likes the licorice flavor, so she went for black.

She started chewing and said "mmm!".


I said "did you get black licorice?"


She said "yes".


I said "let me smell".


***me taking a big whiff***


Definitely NOT black licorice! She was quite amused at my reaction. I tried to get her to drink something so the smell would go away, but she refused. She kept breathing on me, and I literally had to get away from her. It smelled like old gym shoes. It was actually SKUNK! Nasty!

I wonder who comes up with these flavors! Do they actually have taste testers? Blech!