Daisy Days!

Emma is officially a Girl Scout! Or, more specifically, she is a Kindergarten Daisy. We found a great troop for her to join that is a multi-level group. They have 2nd year daisies, and brownies, all in the same group. The only catch was that, although they wanted to have a new group of kinder daisies join this year, they needed someone to lead that group. Guess who got drafted? Yup, story of my life here. It's cool though. Emma & I are both excited to be a part of this group and I seem to have a nice group of kinders. There are only 3 in this age level (including Emma) so that is definitely manageable and they all seem like sweet little girls.
This past Tuesday evening was our first official meeting. After the opening circle, we had a short meeting at each level. I had my girls practicing their promise and then we made friendship bracelets using embroidery floss in all the colors of the GS Daisy. The little ones seemed to really like the craft. We talked about how all the colors work together to make a pretty bracelet in the end but how easy it can get knotted up and scraggly looking if all the strings don't go in the same direction and wrap together. Symbolism, anyone? ;) Then it was time to get back in the big group. The older girls went through the annual rededication ceremony and then the newbies went through the investiture process. This was just ceremoniously putting on the uniform for the first time, getting pinned, and saying the girl scout promise. They were all so serious and so cute! Grandma came to see Emma be invested and to take pictures for us. It was nice to have her there supporting my girl!
This year is going to be busy but lots of fun! Emma is so excited to get to cookie sales and to (maybe!) go camping this next summer, but that is an expensive one so we will have to see. In fact, a lot of these events have additional costs that quickly add up. But the girls get to keep a portion of all money they make from cookie sales and fall product sales, so that will help. We are also apparently allowed to recruit for sponsors, even family members, so I asked Grandma to ease up on the toys and stuffed animals come birthday/ Christmas time for Emma and to maybe just sponsor her for a few bucks. We'll see how well that goes... I also had a conversation with Emma about how extra events cost extra money and that maybe SHE could come up with a way for us to save a little bit more. After thinking and brainstorming  with me a bit, Emma came up with the idea that maybe she could be in charge of the recycling in our house. I LOVE THIS IDEA. So Emma is now the self-appointed recycle person. She makes sure that all plastic water bottles and aluminum cans make it into the recycle bag. I told her that every time it gets filled we can take it to the recycling center and she gets to put all the money towards her girl scout ledger. Win, win, right? It's working great so far. Emma is even keeping an eye out for extra bottles/ cans when we are out & about. She collected 3 more at Sophia's birthday party this weekend and is planning on making a "recycling bucket" for empty water bottles at her own birthday in a couple months... I am constantly amazed by this little girl and how smart she is... 4 years old and she figured out a way to get herself a "job" so she can make money for what she wants. I don't know how much she will actually end up earning, and I will probably supplement with whatever extra I can, but her heart is in such a good place. I couldn't be any prouder of my girl...