Lilla Rose- our new business

www.lillarose.biz/GulfCoast 

A year ago, Jeremy and his friend decided they wanted to start an Audio Video company.  All of the entrepreneurial talk in our home has bred similar desires in the children.  Both girls have been trying to think of businesses for the past year....most not making it past the cut of mommy's approval.

However, last month a friend introduced us to Lilla Rose, a direct sales company that creates these beautiful, strong hair clips.  We like to call them "Hair Jewelry".  After hosting our own party and listening to the business opportunity, we decided to pursue it.

Although I am technically the representative, we did this as an opportunity to teach Nicole what it is like to own and run a business.  This business is hers with my heavy hand of guidance.

We decided the best way to do this business was through community garage sales, farmer's markets, and vendor events.  So, we bought the big kit.  It's called the Fast Start.  It required an additional $500 investment....but provided us with instant inventory of 75 items to sell at a booth.

Nicole and I sat down and learned about the business and she created an flyer to give to potential investors, because she had to find a way to buy the initial kit.  After a few hours, she started calling grandparents, gave her sales pitch about why she wanted to start a business, why Lilla Rose was a good fit for her, what she needed from them, and when she would pay them back.

A few hours later, she had raised the needed money and we bought the package.

We immediately got to work at a church garage sale and booked a few parties.

She started making some videos, and we took a lot of pictures.

She has had to sit with me as we enter orders, organize excel spreadsheets, and work on understanding our money.  She has created really fun and engaging games for parties, geared towards children, designed our display table, and shares why Lilla Rose is so great to those passing by.

I am really proud of her effort this past month.

It's been fun to watch my self proclaimed 'tom boy' do something a little girly ;)

We are waiting for our monthly commission check to hit soon, but I think she has made enough to pay back her investors (and that's after using her initial sales money to buy business products like catalogs, banners, etc.)  I can't wait to start teaching her how to tithe, save, give, and set some aside for fun :)  Ultimately, she'd like to save enough money to go on a missions trip.

You can order at www.lillarose.biz/GulfCoast

The Making of Athletes

The girls have really been enjoying our active lifestyle this summer.  Nicole has taken up running and recently joined a local youth running team.  She trains with them 2-3 times per week.  I like it because they are teaching her great stretches, helpful drills, good form, and lots of encouragement.  She likes it because she gets to run, meet new friends, and...run :)

Hannah and Nicole both did the local Jr. Triathlon this month as well.  What a wonderful event!  One of my goals is to particpate in a triathlon.  I'm really hoping to do it next spring.  These girls inspire me!

It's short, but a great start.  .4 mile run, approx 2 mile bike ride, and 400 yrd swim (in the Lazy River).  They get a shirt and a medal..

This time they participated with some sweet friends as well.

Jeremy and Nicole ran one final 5K for the summer as well.  

She asked me not to race so I could film her finish ;)  Her goal was to run it in under 30 minutes.

In case you forgot, a 5K is 3.1 miles.  

Under 30 minutes means faster than a 10 minute mile.

She did it!  She finished in 29:20!!!

Amazing...I was so proud!  She received a medal for placing first in her age category, 10 and under.

First week of Fourth, Second, and Kindergarten

It's that time of year again....the beginning of the school year.  Three weeks ago I was literally hyperventilating over, and nearly in tears because school was starting and I felt completely unready for it.  After having a pretty good week under our belt, I'm feeling much better and less stress.

The girls were so excited to find a matching skirt.  They wanted us to match at church....awe....

We started with our annual "When I grow up..." pictures

Nathan got two pictures this year because his first answer was so crazy.

Let's face it...the second answer was crazy too!

Even I got a picture this year.  Yep- I'm that old!

I don't really have a lot of  pictures from our week.  Everyone started back in Cycle 1 of Classical Conversations.  Nicole is starting the Essentials program for the first time.

 She has been very excited about.  I'm not sure if it lived up to her expectations or not...but she did great.The girls made "bottomless shoes" this week too.

We now have a book basket and I am working hard to implement "Tea Time" a few times throughout the week.  The kids love it...but I've always had a "it's another thing to clean" attitude.  However, I want to focus on spending time WITH them and this is something they all three really enjoy.  So, we will have our snack, or um...tea time like this.
I was praying for the Lord to help me find a really cute, inexpensive tea set.  After going to several thrift stores, I found this one...and it's perfect.

We read poems, silly books, chapter books, science...whatever during our tea time.  It's a special time.

This is what Nicole looks like after an hour of Essentials and math ;)

Oh...and....as a bonus to our first week, Grammy and Gramps came down.  We got to spend a bit of time with them in the evenings.  The kids were thrilled!  We even had an impromptu "belated birthday party" for Gramps.