Joy started out the AWANA year with half of last year’s book to complete. I kept thinking that my kids would be self-motivated to work on their verses without me having to push them to do it. There are plenty of incentives worked into the AWANA program after all, but it just didn’t happen. So when we started in the fall, I told the girls that I wanted them to finish last year’s book and this year’s book by the end of the year, and I have been requiring them so say their verses to me daily.
Some time during the year Joy just really took off on her own. She would still come and say her verses to me, but she worked on them without me telling her to and worked faster than I required. In fact by the end of February she had finished the book from last year, this year’s book, and the whole review! I was so proud of her that I told her I was going to take her on a special Mommy and Me date to celebrate her hard work. The weekend before Easter we set our on our adventure:
The first thing she wanted to do was get her ears pierced.
She was very brave and only gave me a worried look at the moment her ears were actually pierced.
She can’t stop smiling and showing people her new earrings!
Next she wanted to get her hair cut–short!
She was happy to model her new ‘do!
I took her to the Cheesecake Factory for a fancy lunch and this is what she wanted…
We ended our day with a movie! We saw Rio in 3D. I absolutely love 3D!
It was so fun to go out just with Joy and get to splurge a little. She behaved like a little lady. We had so much fun. I just wish I could do things like this more often!
What a sweet idea!!! I did a lot of Daddy and me dates when I was little, but I think mommy time is rare. She looks adorable with her hair and earings. 🙂
I actually go so far as to pull my daughter out of school early so we can catch a movie, or go for a pedicure. School is important, but life goes so fast, these moments are so worth it. she looks adorable with her new look!! 🙂
What fun! She looks really cute. I laughed at her gourmet meal. I’m very proud of her for doing her work on her own and early.
Look at that sweet smile on her face! A special day, just for her. I love this, Esther. 🙂
Oh my…she looks so pretty!
What a delightful day you two must have had 🙂
Maria
SO much fun!! I look forward to doing these things with my kids too. Her ears look so cute and her new cut is adorable!! =)
So fun! How old is she now? Amy had her’s pierced for her 7th birthday.
I’m going to have to show my daughter this post. She has wanted to pierce her ears for a while now & each time we go she chickens out. Maybe if she sees these pic.s she finally go threw with it 🙂
Looks like a great mommy & me day 🙂
How fun. That looks like my kind of lunch, too.
I remember going with my mom to get my ears pierced. I think it’s important to do things like this with each individual kid. Glad you had such a good time.
And, I did AWANA when I was growing up. I am such a supporter of this. I like how through the whole program you are constantly reviewing verses from the past. It’s how they get drilled into your head. I still remember so many of the verses today that I learned back then.
Wonderful pics of the “mommy and me” date
Very sweet! I love that you rewarded her for her great performance. It sounds like a perfect day. I love one on one time with my kids.
My mom my me wait to get my ears pierced until I was 14! And then, she told me she thought I’d regret it. I don’t wear earrings much now, but I still like having them pierced. 😀
Wow! That sounds like the best reward ever! Quality time with you and all of that fun stuff! Her haircut and earrings look beautiful! And being so self-motivated to go through Scripture at such a young age is the best part of all. What an amazing kid! 🙂
What fun! I bet she will always remember her special day.
What a fun date! I love one on one time! (Even now and my girls are 18 and 21!) The new “do” makes her look very grown up!
What an absolutely special time! I had a lot of daddy dates when I was little, but not a whole lot of mommy dates. Mom was so busy with us six kids! Great job for taking the time out to have a special date with Joy! (She looks adorable!)
I can’t think of a better simple pleasure than spending time with our kiddos. What a big girl she’s getting to be, and such a pretty one, too. Thanks for linking up today. This made me remember yesterdays with my own daughter. I miss those days.
Oh, what a wonderful day you gave her!
I absolutely ADORE this idea!!
Totally precious…I loved the days of Awanas and I have picture of my daughter now 20 on her date with her Dad…so many memories come flooding back. This is just priceless….enjoy!!!
Very sweet. She will probably always remember this day. It’s great that you made this day happen for her.
Sounds like the perfect day for a little girl! I have some inspiration for my daughters next birthday.
Wow I think your other daughter will be motivated to try and earn a Mommy and Me date as well!! You really showed her a great time!
Tell Joy her cut and new earrings are beautiful. Cute pictures! (You just made a beautiful memory Esther)
Looks like tons of fun!
what a precious girl and wonderful mom!
What a sweet date! Such a brave little one and her new haircut is too cute!
Looks like a fun-filled day for the two of you!
blessings..Trish
WTG Joy! I cannot wait until A is old enough to do stuff like this. For now she is just starting to brush my hair and letting me brush hers and we paint her nails 😀
I love dates with my kids! Looks like you had fun!
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Real Peachy Mom
This is a great idea. I need to do this with one of my little ones who wants her ears pierced, too. Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of having date days with our kids. I hope we can do something like that when my daughter is older. We recenty watched Rio too & also loved it!
What a fun day and a great reward! Her new haircut is so cute! I love it! I love momy/kid dates too!