Home Alone?

So, this year the bus driver asked my wife it would be ok for her to let Random Girl off the bus without her being present.  Of course, we thought about it for a day or so and then told her yes, that would be fine.  Always prepared, we went ahead and got her a princess key for the house and put it in her book bag for that "just in case" situation, hoping never to need it.  Needless to say, several weeks after receiving said key, a miscommunication landed my 6 year old at home, alone.  Not being prepared she panicked and my wife found her several minutes after the bus had dropped her off, crying at the end of our driveway.  Yes, we are magnificent parents

So, my wife takes this prime opportunity to educate Random Girl on exactly what she needs to do in case she finds herself at home along again.  She covered all the bases, and being the genius that she is, Random Girl brought up some good points on her own.  So, now she knows to come straight in the house, lock the door and dead bolt, watch some TV, and if someone shows up she doesn't know, hide in our bedroom with the door shut and locked.  Pretty simple rules, she seems pretty good with it.

So, as of yesterday, we have now let her come home two more times without anyone being at home and everything has been fine.  Yesterday however, we got stuck at the car dealership trying to get financed for a car and didn't make it home for an hour and a half after Random Girl got off the bus.  Mom and I were both extremely nervous.  We actually left early to make sure everything was fine and of course it was.  When we pull in the driveway, she runs out, wraps her arms around me and says "Where have you been?  I have been waiting all day long for you to come home."  My little princess.  So now I feel better about the once in a while occasions when she comes home and is alone.  What are your thoughts?  What's a proper age to let your child stay at home alone and for how long?  They grow up so fast now, it's hard to tell when it's too early.  What do  you think?

Randomly Daddy's Girl

So, lately my oldest has been more of a Daddy's girl then usual.  She draws me pictures and just acts more loving then usual.  I think she misses me since I have been working extra long hours and haven't been able to spend much time with her.  Christmas is here though and time for our annual shopping trip for Mommy so we should get some good bonding time together.  In celebration, here's some of Picasso's Art. 

My Evening Artwork Last Night

What Does that Mean Mommy?

Yesterday my wife had to pickup Random Girl from school early to take her to get a tire changed on the minivan.  She wouldn't be home in time for the bus so it was a necessary evil.  On the way to the tire store, Random Girl asked Mom what "bitch" meant.  What, WHAT?  Now, we refrain as much as possible from using foul language in front of our children.  The occasional explicative may escape, but usually on the milder side.  So, the conversation began that it was a female dog, but that some people use it as a derogatory word to describe people and that it was not nice and should never be used.  Apparently it's the favorite word of one of the little boys in the class.  The same little boy that spends his days in time out and ISST.  What a person I want rubbing off on my child.  So, the word was explained and she was cool with the not using it part.  She just needed to know.  What to do?  Should I talk to the teacher about the words this little boy is using or not?  Will it matter?  Oh, what a day to be a dad. 

Sunday is a Great Day for a Photo

Daddy's little girl.  Last Christmas Super Dad had a great idea to by his daughter her own tools.  Just food for thought guys, not such a great idea for the long haul.  We had fun building her first tool box, she did really well.  It started her on a grand building adventure.  She built herself a stage outside and she has tried to help Daddy with everything.  This is such a great feeling to have her want to be involved in what I am doing.  The bad part is that we use her tools in the house.  When we need to find a screw driver and one is not instantly available, we grab hers.  That means that we aren't exactly sure where all her tools are.  Yes, I know, bad parents.  Christmas is right around the corner this year and I am already planning on buying her a couple more kids build kits from Lowe's.  Hopefully we'll find all her tools before we want to put them together. 

Random Girl has O.C.D.?

My oldest has always been different. She says the strangest things at the strangest times,  often seriously, always funny.  So, it was an amazing discovery to find out that she was an organizing freak of nature.  She came home the other day from 1st grade to proudly announce she had organized her cubby at school.  She went on to explain her methods and how everything had it's exact place.  She has done the same thing to her books in her room.  We just recently moved her into her own room. It's immaculate.  It's at least as immaculate as a 6 year old can keep her room.  It drives her nuts when her sisters go in there and disorganize her stuff.  Everything has it's own place, and it needs to stay there!  I have to say that I love it.  Takes after her old man after all.