Uptown girls (for a few hours)

Hannah and I got “dolled up” today and drove all the way to Dallas to shop at the Galleria. We were both excited to see the new American Doll store (the original store is located in Chicago, which I saw on my trip in January). And we did have fun, but only for a while. Everything was sooooo expensive (the dolls start at about $90, or at least the ones we saw), that after a while it just wasn’t fun for her because she knew she wouldn’t get one.

Even if she had the money, I don’t know if I could stomach letting her buy one herself. I mean, what kind of investment would that be, what would I be teaching her about being a good steward of our money? I say this carefully, because I know that there are some little girls 1) whose parents can afford not only the doll but all the accoutrements and accessories and/or 2) receiving a doll is extremely important to some young ladies.

But it isn’t for Hannah. I mean, yes, it was on the “that’s neat!” level, but she has not been pining and dreaming and wishing and hoping. So I think it’s a different matter, just being wistful about something “kinda neat” rather than something you’ve longed for and saved for.

Anyway, she didn’t leave the Galleria empty-handed. We bought a small gift for John for his upcoming birthday and also a little stuffed dog for her (which she said she’d pay me back for). I don’t always take her up on that, but sometimes I think it’s good for kids to be able to spend some of their money and feel that “pain” of bringing out the ole’ wallet and plunking down some money. They need to see what it’s all about, earning the money (she does chores for extra money now and then), and then stepping back to decide whether that was a wise choice or not. I don’t know if this is a sound principle, but I’m trying to do something to teach some money management.

Well, I have more to share, but I’ll close for now. Oh! I had a terrific birthday (on June 20^th). Maybe I can write more about that in a later post. Probably the best birthday in years, and believe me, I was due for one! Ha!

TW