Saturday, June 29, 2013

The Great Back Pack Debate, Season II

It is not even July 1st and my kids are already pestering me about backpacks.  I mean asking me about backpacks.  I'm quite pleased that they are all excited about entering their new grades, but can't we have a moratorium on school supplies until at least August 1st?

Thank you Toys R Us for sending out the sales flyer promoting backpacks (it is actually a good deal, buy one backpack get a lunch box free).  Thank you Pottery Barn and Lands End too for sending out your fall catalogues.  My children will get new shoes and backpacks for school, but we will hold off on new school clothes until October.  If  I bought their fall sweaters and pants now, they would not fit my kids come the fall!  (Another bonus, here in Virginia it stays pretty warm until at least Columbus Day and they can wear their summer clothes with some new pieces bought at end of season sales!)

But, I digress from the backpacks.  My six year old is begging.  Begging and pleading for a Hello Kitty Back Pack on Wheels.  The backpack is only$16.99 and won't break the bank and it does come with a free lunch box.  I'm a little hesitant for a few reasons:

-It is June.  We haven't been out of school for even a month yet.
-Hello Kitty is this week's selection, next week it will be La la loopsy or something else
-I really do not like buying my kids "character" items
-I'm sure the super affordable $16.99 roller back pack will be broken by October 1st!

The little kids and I spent a great deal of time this morning on other websites.  Searching for a backpack that they would like.  I do want them to be involved in the selection, but would rather spend my money on a backpack that will last.  When my oldest started preschool 5 years ago, I bought him his first back pack at LL Bean.  We still have the bag and use it to tote toys and games to Grandma's.  It is a little small for him to take to 3rd grade!  But you get my point!

I think I will distract her and order the backpacks using my coupon from a brand website that I know that we will get a few years out of these bags.

Have a great weekend & thanks for stopping by!

Friday, June 7, 2013

Your Mountain Is Waiting

This Sunday, my oldest niece (who is also my God Daughter) will be graduating from High School.  She is the oldest of the grandkids and first to reach this milestone.

I know I am a "dorky" Aunt.  I am okay with this. I enjoy it.  My cool factor left the building a long time ago.  Yes, I drive a mini-van and yes, I have a lot of kids.  I'm not up on the current fashion/shows/movies or music. But, I am up with love and pride for this girl!  She was my first "kid".   When she was born I was still in college.  I got to meet her within hours of her birth.   I had the pleasure of being her first babysitter, her nanny.  I would watch her several times during the week while her mom went to school and worked.  I also got to watch her on weekends (which was great - I had access to a free washer and dryer and cable TV!).  I took her to her first movie (Disney film Hercules), took her to Gymboree classes and for Ice Cream.  Took her to her first museum.  I was there for her first Halloween (she played and counted the candy - her parents didn't tell her she could eat it!).  She had her first  sleepover at my apartment and I even brought her to a sorority meeting.  I loved every minute.  When we would go out and about strangers would mistake her for my daughter.  I would politely explain that I was the Aunt.  (Except one time we were out at the mall and my niece called me Mommy (it was a phase  - she called everyone this!) and I know the lady next to us thought I was denying being a young, unwed mother!)

She will be going to college this August.  Now is the time for her to discover things for herself.  She is an adult and needs to make her own choices and find her own way.  I know she will do great!

"You're off to great places.  Today is your day!  Your mountain is waiting.  So....get on your way!"

- Dr. Seuss