Never boring

Since I am working on a graduate degree in Volunteering this year, I began my usual routine on Tuesday.  I spend the morning in Caitlyn's kindergarten room and usually eat lunch with both girls before spending the afternoon in Emma's 3rd grade room.  I love it, I learn so much about the girls day, friends, teachers and even homework tips.  Oh, and I love that both my girls will still hug and (kiss- just C) me in class.  

As I left C's class after volunteering on Tuesday I ran into E's little gal posse.  They were running up to me saying "Emma is in the office, she hit her head, she is bleeding, she ran into a piece of metal."  Ahhhh- these are not the words you want to hear about your child.  I found Em in the nurses office almost in tears with a pretty big bump on her forehead and a good scratch.  After a quick trip to urgent care, a good cleaning of the wound, some tylenol and a 40.00 band-aid we went to lunch at Macaroni Grill.  She was fine and we went back to school.  

As we left for the day, Emma showed us where the "incident" had occurred.  Sure enough, she was going after a 4-square ball and ran right into an electrical box on the side of a portable that was hanging down from the AC unit.  We all took turns feeling the corner of the box and when it was Caitlyn's turn, she declared "OW"…pause, "O", "OO", "U" - the 4 sounds for the OU phoneme.  Emma and I died laughing, C, however was clueless that she had just made us laugh.  I guess once you are a spading kid, it is just a part of you.   

Giving hearts

We have been trying harder to keep track of the girls' chore charts.  Some chores they do are just their own way of contributing to our household and some "extra" chores are worth a little money.  Today, we totaled their weekly allowance and before we left for mass we encouraged them to give some to the church. They both brought their wallets and decided on the amount they wanted to give.  Emma filled out her envelope and Caitlyn filled out hers.  

The second collection basket was for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.  Both girls gave a little to help once again.  Afterwards, Caitlyn continued to "mess" with the remaining money she had.  I leaned over and told her to leave it alone and to look at the alter.  She responded by whispering "but Mom, I want to give the rest of my money to the people in the Philippines."  My sweet, giving little girl was not "messing" with her money, she was preparing to offer it all to those in need.  I teared up and told her we would find the usher after mass.  Bryan helped her find the usher after mass and she emptied her wallet into the basket.  Her selflessness and loving nature was shining tonight.  What a beautiful reminder of what God calls us to do everyday.  

Thank you Em and Caitlyn for reminding us of God's word.