Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Coolin' Off

Today it was super hot and the sun was intense! The kiddos were getting terribly rowdy in the house, and I needed to get out in the garden to pick beans, so I suggested they play in the blow-up pool. Well, I didn't need to ask them twice, that's for sure! They were suited up in no time and headed out for lots of sliding, swimming and splashing...




After they'd been out there for over an hour or so, I made them come in for a little break to have a snack and watch a movie while I took a shower. I always make sure the kids are sitting in the great room when I take a shower. I need to know where those little boogers are...well, really just the youngest little booger. After the movie, Kendall wanted to count her money. She has been saving up for a Nintendo DS. We won't buy it for her, but we told her she could start doing chores and earn an allowance to start saving for it. She is also allowed to put half of her money from making the honor roll, or birthday money, or money from her grandparents in there. You can never learn fiscal responsibility too early! Well, she is up to $70 in cash! Then she wanted to take all of her change to the bank, but I told her she had to count it and roll it first. Can kids ever get enough practice counting money? When she was all done sorting and counting and rolling, she had another $16.50! Boy, is she thrilled! I keep telling her how good it will feel to go to the store and buy her DS with money she earned ALL BY HERSELF. Plus, it's a good lesson. Let's just hope that this will spur her to keep up with her chores, as I'm about to add a few more to her list! And if all goes well, Noah will be begging for chores soon!

10 comments:

Kate said...

fun fun fun! And what a great $ lesson for Kendall (and Noah b/c I'm sure he just idolizes everything she does :) It's so refreshing to see a parent NOT trying to appease their child buy just buying them everything and giving in to them on every whim. She'll appreciate it all the more, and probably take better care of it, knowing how long and hard she had to save just to buy it. Bravo!

Jenelle said...

Good for you on not buying it for her. Delayed gratification is so important to learn and not often taught. She'll take better care of it too, because it took so much for her to get it.

Stay cool and have a good day.

Teresa said...

My kids have had SOOO MUCH fun in their blow up pool this summer...they have spent hours and hours and entertained ALL of the neighbor kids in that thing! $20 well spent for sure.

That's what we Logan and Kenzie wanted a Wii. They saved and put their money into an envelope. They even sold a few toys and lemonade at a garage sale too. It was such a valuable lesson. I'm waiting for them to "want" something else so we can start the process all over again. :)

Kiki said...

Wow!!! That is awesome that she has saved so much so far...you guys are doing a great thing for your kids, you should be proud!!!

That pool looks like fun, its so nice that your kids play so well together!!!

kenady said...

That looks like so much fun! Our kids love the blow up pool too!

Great job teaching Kendall about saving money. I agree that you can never do it too early.

Looking forward to you visit to MB in a couple of weeks!

California Girl said...

Your kids look so happy!

Anonymous said...

Great photos of the kids. They look like they're having such a good time.

I am IMPRESSED with Kendall's ability to save her money! I see way too many people who just buy their kids everything their hearts desire. Kendall is learning a valuable lesson by working towards her goal.

Reggie Hunnicutt said...

Soon you will be walking on ice at the pond.

Stacy said...

that's a good plan

Jen said...

Excellent teaching there!! I wish my kids would learn how to save. If I give them a quarter, they're begging to go to the store. They will spend their money on anything in sight--even if it's something they dont' really want. I guess I need to figure out something to do so they can learn to save and how to buy things for themselves! I don't think they've ever wanted anything big like that though....geez...does that mean they're spoiled?

 
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