Chore Chart

As we get in the groove of this new school year, we're implementing more of a routine that has been sadly lacking the last few months. Last week, we introduced a chore chart for the girls. It's very simple, with only 3 chores each (2 of which are joint chores, such as unloading the dishwasher together). They put an "X" next to each chore they complete and when they've done all the chores for the day they put a sticker at the bottom of the chart. Madison can read her chore list, but I put pictures on Chloe's so she knows what her chores are. When they fill up the monthly chart, they'll get an allowance (although I might tweak this later and pay allowance weekly). We do the chores as soon as we get home from school, so it's out of the way. The kids LOVE it. I used to really be into routines, but ever since I started working from home 2 years ago, it's been harder to stick to one. But the kids and I really do so much better when we all know what to expect. And I need to relish this time when the kids actually love to help. I know it won't last long!

Clueless

The other day I brought up to my siblings and parents that next year will mark my 10-year high school reunion. I was promptly and good-naturedly ridiculed by my teenage sibs for being old. As if to emphasize their point, a few nights later I found myself watching the movie, Clueless, on TV. It had been a while, and I wasn't able to watch the whole thing (darn JR doesn't appreciate great cinema when it's staring him in the face!), but the few minutes I caught were priceless. The dialogue! ("Surfin' the crimson wave," "As IF," "WhatEVER," etc.) The music! (Radiohead, Luscious Jackson, Counting Crows, et. al.) The fashion! (Plaid mini skirts with thigh-high socks, flannel shirts galore.) Seriously, who could ask for a more fervent tribute to the 90's? I couldn't have asked for a sweeter formative decade, even if I am old.

First Day of School!

The mythical first day of Kindergarten has come and gone. It went pretty much as expected. Madison was excited (with a smidge of trepidation), as Daddy gave her a blessing before we (both girls and I) headed off for the 4-block walk to school. The weather was beautiful, and I was so glad I walked instead of lazily taking the car. We got there a couple minutes early and waited outside until the teachers opened the doors for the kids to enter (the kindergarten classroom doors lead directly outside, which brilliantly avoids little ones from having to navigate a large school to find their classroom). The second she walked into that door, I let out all the feelings I'd been hiding from her over the last couple weeks and cried half the way home. It wasn't all bad cry: it was a mix of sadness, hope, loss and pride. By the time I was home, I felt great, and the pride had won over the other emotions. Beyond being worried about what words she'll bring home, or how her classmates will treat her, I'm proud of my daughter's abilities and all that she has to bring to her new friends. We love you, Madison!