Broke

Well, yes, these days we are all feeling pretty broke and it isn't looking like there is much hope for a change of pace; however, I am broke for an entirely different reason and it is a GOOD one at that!  My little Kate has her heart on a typewriter.  She wants one really bad.  She and I looked online at Craigslist this morning and found a general ballpark figure to be about $50.  (I am REALLY glad we started here!  You'll see why later!)  She ran off to count her money, as did her sister since she wants one too of course, and while Anna had plenty, Kate was short about $15.  (Anna is a SAVER and Kate is my SPENDER!)  Anywho, I told them I would make them a deal.  I would make a list of jobs they could do today and there would be two pay options...one for a job that was "OK" done and one for a job that made me say "Incredible!"  I also told them I was the boss and had the flexibility to adjust their pay accordingly, which could mean an increase or decrease.  Here is what was on the list...(first price is for "OK" job and second for "Incredible" job!)

The Lazy Susan Cupboard......$1.00 / $2.00
Organize the movie cabinet downstairs....$2.50 / $5.00
Organize the movie cabinet upstairs...$2.50 / $5.00
Wipe down the inside of fridge in garage...$0.50 / $1.00
Clean out the van....$2.00 / $4.00
Clean out the truck....$2.00 / $4.00
   This included all trash, cleaning the windows inside & out, organization of things that should remain inside, fill up napkins & misc. in glove boxes, and wiping down dashboard and cupholders!
Windows....$0.25 / $0.50 per window
Wipe down the inside of fridge & freezer inside...$1.00 / $3.00
Organize tupperware cupboard....$0.50 / $1.00
Sweep off front porch & cobwebs.....$1.50 / $3.00
Organize shoe tub/toys in garage....$0.50 / $1.00

Girls...let me tell you....they got it all done!!  Everything!  They did it with EXCELLENCE and felt proud of the money they earned and the new skills learned.  Plus, I have all kinds of little chores completed that just never seem to quite get accomplished.  I docked pay $0.50 if the worker had unnecessary tears for dramatic purposes solely or a poor attitude (which did happen by the way!).  I explained to them what an "OK" would be, an "Incredible" would be, and then what it would mean to "take it to the bank baby!"  They both earned extra money on some jobs because they voluntarily took it to the next level.   For example, on the lazy susan job, Kate filled all my baking necessities (flour, sugar, etc.) and then combined bottles of canola oil, etc. Seriously! LOVE IT!!  We blared the Pandora and had smiles all day (for the most part!).  These are not their ordinary chores so they learned all kinds of new skills along the way.  They both earned about $20 and are now able to get a typewriter. 

While they worked, I did too!  I got the hallway closet all reorganized, as well as four cupboards, the garage shelves tidied up, and laundry done all while still helping them as needed!

Okay, so why am I glad we looked at Craigslist first?  Well, Scott suggested we also look on Ebay.  Well lucky them...we found some great deals on vintage typewriters for LESS than Craigslist, even with the shipping!  Seriously!  What a great day! However, I know they would not have been so motivated had we found these great deals ahead of time.  Working towards a goal is really good for kids.   



PS:  We also talked about what they would need to tithe from their earnings.  :)