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!

cotillion

co.til.lion \k-o/til/yen \ also co.til.lon \k-o/til/yen, k. o/t-e/ (y)-on\ n [F cotillion, Lit., petticoat, fr. OF, fr. cote coat] 1: a ballroom dance for couples that resembles the quadrille 2: an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls 3: To assemble a group of young people to develop, appreciate and respect their role in society through dance and social skills education.

We've known a few other kids who have gone through cotillion classes, and when we found out it was available in our area through JDW, we decided to take advantage of it. Katie was very excited, because she loves new experiences, but nervous because she didn't know anyone else in the class. We had fun shopping for dresses and playing with her hair.

Week #1 - introductions

Week #2 - ladies' choice (happened to fall on Katie's birthday)

Week #3 - costume party

Week #4 - table ettiquete (mom as chaperone)

Week #5 - daddy daughter dance
It was a fun experience and I look forward to doing it again, twice!

Katie's #11

Katie's birthday was on a Tuesday this year. We always get up and do our little family thing in the morning - gifts and breakfast candles. That evening, she had one of her cotillion classes - we'll do that in another post.

The big party was planned for Saturday. She and her friend Emily have been talking for years about doing a party together. They are exactly one week apart in age, and have known each other since they were 2 years old.

We hosted a pool party at a natatorium on the other side of town. They have a lot of friends in common - between church, school, and scouts. It was a great group of kids!

I think they got the biggest kick out of the diving boards. Most pools don't have them anymore, for liability reasons I guess. I don't know what the exact height was, but it was a good ways up there.















Number eleven is going to be another great year! We love you, Katie!

how's the weather?

This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid.

I was a bit skeptical when I heard they were making it into a movie.

I have to say, it was pretty cute.

They exaggerated the storyline quite a bit, but did it in an entertaining way.

They even added a little romance.







It was especially fun in 3-D! And they don't just pass out those flimsy paper glasses... now we get real shades!

Anna's teacher read the book in class, then invited the children and their families to join her at the theater to see the movie. Anna even got to sit next to her. What a thrill! Thanks Mrs. Cherry!

oompa loompa doompadee doo

I don't remember the first time I saw the original movie (Gene Wilder) and I still haven't seen the new one (Johnny Depp), but I do remember reading the books. My sister had the Roald Dahl box set, and I loved the fantasy and imagination they provided. The Magik Theatre always does such wonderful interpretations - this time they mixed a little old and a little new. Fun for everyone!

Charlie and Grandpa... Augustus, Mike, and Violet... the oompa loompas... Willie Wonka...