Wowza!

Our friends, neighbors, and M's school really came through for her recycling denim project! Check out her "tower!" We kinda lost count after 70 pairs...

M bagged 'em all up this morning and this afternoon (after swimming lessons, hip hop, lunch, and Costco) made the trek to Tacoma Mall's Build-a-Bear to drop them off (they are serving as a drop off site - and paying for the shipping! - this weekend). It took us two trips from the car, and of course, I parked waaaay too far away from the store, but hey, it made it more memorable that way, right?!

I am really raising some sweetheart girls. As we were walking back to the BAB store for the second time, I said, "Has there been anything you've seen here at the mall that you want to go look at?" and M said, "I saw some WebKinz in a Hallmark." I agreed we could go look at them. Then, in the BAB store, E said, "Can we look around here for a second?" I said, "Sure." They conferred for a minute, then very, very sweetly and sincerely said, "Mom, do you think we could make something to share?" I agreed, 'cause really, how many 9 and 5 yr olds could go in that place and not even whine/beg/plead - and they didn't at all! M said, "E, we need to pick one down here in this section, where they don't cost as much." It was just heartwarming to see her be conscientious about that, and not just all about what she wanted! They quickly agreed on a cute doggie. We tossed around some names, and then I suggested they call him "Levi," since we were there 'cause of the denim project. And, then, of course, they spied some jeans for him, and what's a mom to do?! (I just realized I didn't take a pic of him in his jeans! Sorry he's nudie in these pics!) I have to say that the lady doing the stuffing was awesome with the girls and took lots of time to congratulate and thank them for bringing in the jeans to recycle. They were just so cute to share him and fluff him and take turns holding him. I wonder how long that will last?! ;) One of my favorite parts were all the hugs and sincere "THANK YOU, MOMs!" I got from them...without even provoking them! Awwww, shucks.

I did get out of there for under $20, so I figured it was my special way of thanking BAB for footing the shipping (can you imagine how much that would have cost me?!) and for supporting this cool recycling effort. I hope "Levi" will be a tangible reminder to the girls that yes, kids can make a difference and that recycling is a way to improve lives and our planet! Shout out to Nat'l Geographic for Kids, too, for running this project! My girls looooooove that magazine, BTW, if you are looking for a great gift for any elementary-aged kid in your life...

So Far, So Good

Here's M, Queen of the Recycled Denim, and this doesn't even include the jeans from school, just from our neighbors and friends!

M's Big School Announcement

M got to make an announcement over the intercom to the whole entire school this morning! (Sorry that I forgot and turned the camera sideways...it's the audio I was trying to capture, anyway, right?!) She has asked her school, everyone in our condo complex, and several of our friends at church to donate their used denim so she can donate it all to National Geographic for Kids, who are 1) trying to set a world record for most recycled denim and 2) partnering to recycle them into home insulation for houses affected by recent natural disasters. We are proud of her enthusiasm and hope we get lotsa ratty, old denim for the project! We are turning it all in to Build-a-Bear this weekend (I didn't want to pay to ship it all, but they are serving as a drop-off site just for this weekend). I will have to take pics of her with her final donations, and of her cool poster we made for the school. Goooooo, M!

Great Advice

I attended a conference yesterday morning for parents of gifted kids. I heard some great stuff, and one "motto" that I think should be embraced by all adults in all situations.

The class was on advocating for your gifted child in all kinds of situations, not only at school, but with siblings, extended family, clubs, church, etc. The facilitator told us if she could make a bumper sticker, it would say,

"Don't complain unless you have a possible solution."

I LOVE IT! How many times do people just want to moan and groan but don't want to come up with anything constructive to remedy the situation?! I think I should cross stitch it and display it in several locales: the RS room, our family room, the principal's office, the grocery store...ah, the possibilities!

Love at Home

The closing hymn in Sacrament meeting today was "Love at Home." During the third (and final) verse, E was trying to get a tiny dress back on her tiny Barbie doll. She brought it to me, and I shook my head "no" and pointed to the hymnal. She took it to Daddy, who did the same thing. She kept trying and trying to get it on, and that darn Barbie's skinny thumb kept getting caught on her beautiful sheer sleeve.

So, we sang the last refrain, "...when there's love at home" and as the last note fades out, E (quite LOUDLY) yells at her little Barbie:

I HATE YOU!

Ah, it was a classic!

*sigh*

I took the girls to see the local high school production of "Oklahoma!" tonight. They enjoyed it a lot (gee, imagine that...my girls like drama, singing, and dancing?!) but it did go pretty late for a 5 yr old. Towards the end, at about 9:30pm, "Curly" and "Lori" were finally admitting their love and singing some mushy song. E, who was sitting next to me, let out this BIG sigh and leaned her head on my shoulder. Just as I started to say, "Are you getting sleepy, honey? Hang in there, it's almost over" she said, "Oh...it's just sooo romantic," followed by another big sigh, "I just love it."

When we asked M what her fav part was (we went w/her buddy, A, and her mom), she said, "The Oklahoma hello!" (Willy stradles Ado Annie in a big smootch)

HELP! I think we're in for it!

"O"

Putting E to bed tonight, she said, "Mommy, I just remembered what that prophet's name was we learned about in Primary today. His middle name was O. David O. McKay." I said, "The O stands for another name, like J stands for your middle name (Joy)." She said, "No, it stands for 'hallelujah!'" and began singing the Hallelujah chorus. Where does she come UP with this stuff?!

Here she is with her impromptu microphone...

M's Latest Poem

M brought home book of About Me poems her class just published...here is hers:

M
Funny, smart, mad, down right crazy
Sister of E
Daughter of P and K
I am the lover of dogs, adventure, and gross things
I feel worried, out of control, and concerned
I need dogs, candy, and books
I give comedy, lessons, and time
I fear tsunamis, high tide, and poisonous polluted air
I would like to see the moon up close
I am a resident of *our town*
R

Gee, you'd never guess she's been raised by a mom who was raised with a healthy fear, respect, and love of the ocean, would you?! I take no credit for the gross things, though! :)