Day 2,391

The “To Spend” Envelope

For Christmas, each of our Conley babes were given three envelops from their Auntie Kim. The first: “To spend.” The second: “To Save.” The third: “To give.” Well yesterday, since Mama needed to test out a new car seat for MillieGirl, we decided it was the perfect time to take Auntie’s advice and teach the kids what it’s really like to only spend the money that you have. So, they took their alotted amount and were given the freedom to choose anything they wanted, just as long as their items didn’t exceed the limit on the card. It was such a joy teaching them such a practical lesson that often times, is so easy to overlook and take for granted. All our kids mostly see is Mom and Dad going to the store, putting stuff in the cart, and handing over a piece of plastic to the cashier, completely neglecting the idea that you can only buy as much as the money you have in the bank, which you were either gifted or had to work for. And so watching their minds work through numbers and choices and having to make decisions about what to keep and what to put back was fascinating and interesting and really actually exciting for us. So thank you, Auntie Kim, for both the gift cards and the lessons that went along with them! Bearett ended up with the obvious: a new nerf gun and another LEGO set. Amelia bought a stuffed unicorn, a LEGO kit, and a bicycle car seat for her baby so she can take her babies and stuffed animals with her when she rides her bike. And Ella Mae, she bought two new babies and some creepy stuffed crackly circle toy thing that I wasn’t aware she was even holding onto until we got to the register. Good job kiddies! This Mama and your Daddy are proud of you!