I would love to have a fun purse from some place like Anthropologie, Sundance or Joules but I've gotta tell you, I'm just not spending that kind of money on a purse right now. Instead I asked myself how I could gussy up what I already own and I think this flower pin from H&M paired with a vintage hankie do the trick nicely. I love carrying around something that is uniquely me. I find that more and more I want to express myself in everything I do.On to other news... For those of you concerned that Maddie was getting switched to a school for troubled girls, let me assure you, she's not! She was attending a very large public school in our very wealthy county, where she was very much falling through the cracks. Yesterday when we went to withdraw her, we were one of many parents doing so. The teachers are overwhelmed, many of them don't care about their students or if they succeed. They can't keep up with checking work and entering grades, there is very little communication with parents and the keeping up with the Jones Jr's environment is out of control. We were lucky enough to find a very small private school 15 minutes from our house in the most tranquil setting you can imagine (pictures coming soon) where she will be one of 18 in her graduating class. Oddly enough, Sweet Hubby made the same sort of change his junior year and credits it with changing his life. I feel sure Maddie will look back and feel the same way. She loves the school, the teachers, the students, the classes, the administrator and everything about it. Today was her first official day and while we weren't counting on this extra expense, I know that it was the right thing to do for our girl.
You know, Jenn. I havent been big on pur$e costs that outdo my whole food budget for the month, either. Its a total waste. (to me) So, Im with you. Im soooo happy for Maddie! Its hard enough just trying to "make it" through those horribly hormonal years, as it is.. You are smart parents to help her out like that, shes going to blossom like those beautiful roses you planted not too long ago!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS MADDIE!!!!! GO FOR IT! you can be anything your little sweet heart desires, reach for that golden ring and dont let go!
xo
Coastal NEst
:)
Good for you... and especially for Maddie! This must have been a tough choice even though on its face it's a no-brainer. My daughter went to a big suburban high school here in So Cal where keeping up with the Joneses is de rigueur. It was tough keeping her on track and she did briefly go off the rails, but she's a sophomore in college now and has learned (the hard way, unfortunately) that no amount of peer pressure or teacher apathy should deter her from following the path toward her goals. I'm very impressed with her right now... and with you and your family for knowing what's right for your girl!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy weekend!
That's a very wise decision. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWishing your family a smooth transistion with the new school. It sounds wonderful and a perfect fit for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteLuLu
I love the flower! It's just so perfect. I'm sure that you smile every time that you see it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that things are working out for Maddie & that you have a good alternative for her.
Those kinds of decisions are so hard, but I'm sure you made the right one.
ReplyDeleteBTW I love your purse. It looks expensive:) Have a great weekend.
God will bless you richly for this decision to provide a better way for maddie :)
ReplyDeletehi jenn,
ReplyDeletei'm with you on not spending too much on a bag. half the time, mine is on my dirty car! LOL i really like how you gussied yours up.
sounds like a very wise choice for maddie. she is such a little beauty.
happy weekend!
xo
jen jen...i'm loving the bag!!
ReplyDeletegood look on the transition too!
ps--brink was hoping millie could come soon for a play date!
xo
good job being diligent with you and yours. It is a hard decision, but sounds like the right one. Congrats. And, just my opinion, but love the brown handbag. the flower is cute too.
ReplyDeleteI have felt the same way about our public school system here for a long time too. It seems the kids are just taught to pass tests and no emphasis is placed on LEARNING at all! I had to make the decision to homeschool both girls (8&13). It's not that easy and I have almost zero free time, but the girls have learned far more in these weeks with me than I saw them obtain from their public school. I'm glad you made the decision you did and you will see results soon!
ReplyDeleteGOOD FOR YOU!!!! woo hoo!! loving the purse...with or without the frou-frou...very hip! ; )
ReplyDeleteI'm glad all doors opened up for Maddiein this dilemma....one would think God had a hand in this.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful situation for her and I'm glad you are able to afford it for her.
We sent 3 kids through a huge public highschool...where every child gets a brand new car on their 16th birthday. It wasn't fun being the parent who made them drive their dad's car at night and on weekends until they were 17. But they knew if they complained they were going to get my "I didn't even have a car" speech.
Tell Maddie I'm on her side as well...Julia
Years ago we did the same thing for our son - it was the best difficult decision we ever made.
ReplyDeleteP.S.- He is now in college, is extremely happy and doing very well, and still thanks us every now and then for making him change schools when he was younger.
GREAT choice...oh and cute purse;)
ReplyDeleteYour purse looks perfect to me -- a pink bloom and big enough to hold daytimer and a book!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter opted for a small private HS and it was a wonderful choice. Not how we planned to spend our money either, but really worth it. She made lifetime friends there and it really prepared her for college, where she is not a senior. Congrats to your girl.
~Marilee
Education is the key to a successful life . . . . .worth every penny!!
ReplyDeleteJen, I hope your daughter does well. I am curious as to which private school you are putting her in. When my daughter was a jr. she went to the Indiana Academy @ Ball State. It was wonderful for her. Then my son went there and it didn't work for him, so his senior year he went back to New Castle and it was a mess. We were relieved when he graduated. Now, he is a sr @ IU and doing fine.
ReplyDeleteI hope your daughter is happy and I commend you for pulling her out of the other school.
Cheryl in Bloomington
WHOSYERGURL
Hi Jen- I see you are still busy making gorgeous things! I love your style! Thanks for stopping by my neglected blog!
ReplyDeleteThe flower is adorable! I love a fun flowery brooch.
ReplyDeleteSounds like together, all agreed and made the right decision. I would do the same.
ReplyDelete