Growing Up

We ventured into Scottsdale tonight to visit Karla and get some fabulous hair cuts. I always think it is so fun when Trevi comes with me. She is at such a fun age because she is asking questions that really make me think and laugh. She was concerned about getting her hair cut because she thought she might look like a boy, but I assured her that we would not do such a thing. Her hair was getting a little bit stringy, but now it is looking very healthy and as beautiful as ever. Sorry I didn't take an after shot but just imagine it a few inches shorter.

She was a bit worried about the washing part but she toughed it out. She is always worried about soap in the eyes.


(Below is a story I have to record because it is my job as a mommy. If you hate wordy blog entries you can stop here.)

Saturday is Trevi's birthday and before Christmas and Birthdays I always go through her toys, clothes, etc and get rid of anything that is not being used, broken, etc. Last year I had to be a bit sneaky because she kept trying to take the stuff out of the boxes and put it back in her room. So this year I tried a different tactic. I just told her that I needed her to help be go through all her toys and pick out which ones she would get rid of. She did not like the idea of this and I explained that she was going to give them to another little girl who needed them more than her. She was still resistant. So we had a little talk about how she is very blessed to have so many great things and that we have to share we others when we can.

Then I had a light bulb go off: what a great teaching moment. I feel really blessed to have been raised by two very generous people. My parents are so generous that it took me until my adulthood to realize that it is not a standard trait in being a parent to be so generous. I really want my kids to have that "second-nature" trait of being so giving.

So I put an ad on Craigslist stating that we had some free clothes and toys for a 3 or 4-year-old little girl. I asked that those in need of such things please reply. Well needless to say I got a bunch of responses. I had a feeling about one lady so I went with it. Trevi and I put all of her toys and clothes that she had picked into the car and drove to meet this lady. When I met the lady I was reassured of my decision. She was in need and so grateful. It was a great experience for me and Trevi seemed to have understood it for the most part (she is still a bit in awe that kids don't have all the things they want or need in life).

So I believe this will be our family tradition from now on. Every Christmas and Birthday we will choose things that we no longer use and that can be of use to others and pass them on. It is a great way to get rid of clutter and hopefully a lesson to my children as they get older that we are blessed to have so much and not entitled.