"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Economics 101

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. ~ Helen Keller

A few weeks ago was the third grade Economics Fair. This is a wonderful activity that teaches the kids about work and the value of money. For a month or so before the fair the students are able to earn "money" in all sorts of ways, turning in homework, doing well on test, listening, staying on task, etc. They also have to pay when they don't do the things on the previous list.

On the day of the fair each child is to bring 30 items to sell at their store. Loni chose to make and sell boondoggles. 30 BOONDOGGLES She also brought nail polish to paint nails.

The boondoggles were a big hit. When I arrived she had almost sold all of her goods including the one that I was hoping to get. Darn, I guess the early bird gets the worm.

Her nail painting was also a favorite. She even had a few unexpected customers. It is amazing what boys will do for a pretty face.


The day was a complete success. Not only did she sell out, she was able to purchase all sorts of treasures: beaded necklaces, playdough, painted rocks, handmade cards, erasers, bookmarks, and I could go on. This was a fun way to teach about the value of work. A big thanks to Mrs. Godfrey for such a wonderful lesson.

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary"

When it comes to work, I am not a big fan. There are times that I would almost rather do anything else. But looking back it is the work that I have done for my family that has brought me the most joy. I love the feeling of cooking a nice meal or knowing my kids have clean, matching socks. It is so rewarding to paint a room or finish a science project. There are so many things that I dread but feel such a sense of accomplishment when completed.

"Work IS love made visible"~Kahlil Gibran (Simple Abundance)

When it comes to work these are the rooms that I think of.



Our Kitchen-where our family usually hangs out.




Our Laundry/Bathroom I love this room it totally makes doing laundry happy!

27 comments:

Mandy said...

What a great experience for Loni. She is so cute with her Boondoggles :) It's funny those boys asked to get their nails painted just to get to talk to her.

Amber said...

I LOVE that saying! Perfect for a laundry area. :) I think I just may print that out and put it on my fridge. :) Thanks for the reminder.

hoLLy said...

first of all, i love the song you picked to go with the post:) so cute. also, congrats to loni for her economic success. her ideas were awesome! too bad she didn't save you a boondoggle, maybe she'll make you another....for a small price:)

Scrappy said...

The previous comments took the words right out of my mouth. (Would it be mouth or fingertips?) :)
Love the song, saying, laundry room, and the boondoggles!

Nate and Hilary said...

That's what I need - a happy laundry room. I really need to get decorating my house, so it reflects a little more of myself, but it seems like I just never have time. How do you do it all?! I like the quote "Work is love made visible." Where did you get it/who said it?

Erin said...

Way to go Loni! What a great activity! I love it!

I'm so glad you are taking pictures of your house... I love your house and have so many fun memories there.

Are You Serious! said...

♡ I love your house! I seriously need you to come over and decorate my house! :) It's so bright, cheerful and Happy looking! I love it!

Lisa Cannon said...

The fair seems like it was a huge hit for all. What a great idea!

Our kitchen is the same way, we are always there, hanging out as a family. Your laundry is darling! I love doing laundry, am I weird?

Grammy Staffy said...

Tell Loni Lou that I am proud of my Honey Bunny. What a good little business owner she's turned out to be. Good job Loni!

I love the pictures of you home? I will miss it. How is the packing coming? Sorry I'm not there to help you. I love you, Mom

Marie Rayner said...

I love your home, especially that laundry room!! I really need to spend some time decorating our home. I am so busy working from day to day that I rarely ever have the chance to spend some time here in the cottage decorating. You have inspired me to do more! Congrats to Loni!! Well done!
PS. I can see now why it will be such a wrench to leave your home. (((hugs)))

Katie Voorhees said...

You have a darling house! I second the motion to have you come over and help me decorate!

Corey and Susie said...

What a cute teacher with fun ideas!

And how about all these pictures of your house with not a thing out of place! I sure wish mine was always that clean!

Tell Lonica that I would love to cut her hair..bangs would be darling!

Tricia said...

Where do you find the energy?? It must run in the family, your sisters and mom are the same way it seems! You are inspiring to me, too... I need to be happy about the little things I do for my family, including yucky laundry! LOL

Good job LONI on the sale!! It's always fun to earn money to buy things, but it's knowing how happy you can make others feel with your hard work that's really fun! You made lots of kids happy! Your mom is a great example to you!! Love Aunt Tricia

Wendi said...

Great job Loni!
What a great little business woman you are.
Fabulous idea...kudos to the teacher.
I am loving that quote:"Work is love made visible"
Your kitchen and laundry room are bright, happy spaces. I might enjoy doing laundry there. MIGHT!

allredclan said...

Do you really know all these people who post on your blog? ;) There are sooo many! =)

Once again, you have made me smile. =D I guess it has been a while since I've seen the inside of your home. Looking at it, just makes me long for a clean home, but I don't think any amount of decorations could make laundry fun for me. Laundry is my nemesis.

Danielle Christiansen said...

WOW! She is a girl of many talents..just like her mom. I love the one of the boy getting his nails done.
Your house is so cute, but I am sure your new one will be just as nice.

Jill said...

Loni has Mrs. Godfrey!! That's so great. She's was Kenzie's 3rd grade teacher, and I just loved her. She was the best!!!

Having a fun, nice laundry room does help make doing laundry a little better. Who am I kidding, it's still a pain!!!!

Baak Talk said...

Hi Lynell,

Remember me, Rebecca Davis? I have been sneaking peaks at your blog through Erin's link. Wow! I can't believe how your family's grown into such lovely young men & a blossoming young woman! Truly, a beautiful family!

I have to say, your recent posts have really touched a note with me. After living in Huntington Beach for my whole married life, we have decided to move out to Murrieta (an hour away and NOT by the beach) so we can pay for missions, college, etc. It's a scary and very sad feeling, especially since we are displacing our kids who are doing so spiritually well here, especially my duaghter who will be going to high school next year and is devestated.
It's so comforting to know that we will all have that unspoken bond with our brother and sisters in the gospel. I'm grateful for spiritual confirmations. It's comforting to know, I'm not the only one.

Good luck in your move! May you be blessed with much happiness and many new decorating ideas for your new home!

Susan said...

I'm so proud of Loni, she always succeeds at whatever she does because she knows how to work hard, just like her mother!

Anonymous said...

beautiful home and great reminder! So true. My new mantra!

steve and lisa said...

Lynell
Lonica's boondoggles are so cute! BOYS are so different! I cannot even remember what Trent sold!! We loved that day though! Oh - just remembered! (yes, i am getting old!)!
LOVE your adorable house! I am sure your mind is swirling with ideas for your new home! You are an amazing mom, wife & mother! I was always in awe of what you accomplished in just one day! Lisa

Allie said...

I have a feeling that won't be the last time she gets a boy to do something like paint his fingernails for her LOL

Now, all I have to do is decorate my laundry room super cute and it will make doing laundry happy??? SIGN ME UP!

bows and more said...

I love this idea! What a fun way to teach little ones about life! She is so cute! I bet my boys would let her paint their nails! Love the saying too it is soo true!

Misty said...

Check your daughter out, so happy for her success.

And. I love you laundry room and kitchen!

KATE said...

I love that Miss Loni can work it! wow!!

and cute cute house!!

Mo said...

I hope you are paying attention to all the comments about your house. When I was reading them I couldnt help remembering when we were at Tai Pan. You were saying you have no idea what to do with your new house and that you dont know how to decorate. In fact your comment was "I am terrible at decorating". Lynell, I cant believe you say you are terrible at anything. Everything you touch turns to gold.

Anonymous said...

I have to say that I love your kitchen layout! I'm currently coming up with ideas for designing a kitchen for a family member's new home. Your kitchen really caught my eye for its great layout and massive counter space.

I also love Enchanted, so great song choice!

Allie
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