The princess mentality- little did I know

For as long as I can remember most princess stories have annoyed me. I mean what is up with those princesses wasting their precious time, waiting around for some so called prince charming to make them feel worthy, to save them, to do for them what they can do themselves, to make their lives worthwhile? Who is the bozo who told them they were not strong enough, smart enough, capable enough or good enough all on their own?

Well I don't know who, but I can tell you this, I was of the mind set that there would be no princesses of any sort in this house. Not just for the sake of any daughters I may have, but for my sons too. I wanted Daniel to know that females could be smart and capable on their own and that he didn't owe it to anyone to cater to their every whim to "make them happy." Especially at the expense of making himself miserable. It's up to the individual to recognize the blessings and joys that are out there, and find their own happiness. And, for my daughters, I wanted them to know that they can lead, and achieve, and be happy, and full filled without a so called prince charming rushing in to save the day. They of themselves are enough. And there will be no princesses!

Then Elena came home... we didn't expose her to the princesses, but she found them! And quickly! A visit to the toy store for her to pick out some things. It seemed like everything she wanted was princess themed. Then our trip to Toledo in early October where we stopped by one of the malls while there. Elena was holding Jesse's hand and, Jesse says lets go into the Disney store. Well let me just say that Elena has been Daddy's little girl from day one. She wouldn't let go of his hand for anything, or so we thought... She spied a pair of sparkly red princess shoes, and for the briefest moment the world seemed to stop. She dropped Jesse's hand, standing there with her mouth agape, as if she just couldn't believe it. Right there before her very eyes was the most beautiful thing that she had yet to see in her 2 years. Then she began running from one pair of shoes to the next, to dresses and so forth. We knew we were in trouble. Next on the calendar was Halloween and the only costumes that interested her were the princess ones.

There was no escaping reality. We had a little princess on our hands. I even have it marked on my calendar to call Disney back on such and such a date to make sure I reserve the story time meal with the princesses for Elena. In retrospect all I can say is one little Ethiopian Princess opened my eyes to the modern day princess, and what I never saw in the old ones. Our little princess is smart, feisty, independent, kind, and capable. And, had I looked hard enough I would have noticed that even Cinderella had it hard before she had it good, and she was still able to be kind to the least while living in her misery. Snow White was also kind and hardworking, Belle was kind, smart, and brave. I could go on with the rest of the princesses, but I'll stop there. Suffice it to say the princess free home has become the official princess zone, princesses everywhere all the time! Little did I know...

today's tidbits- The teacher from the 3rd preschool called back today. Jesse spoke with her and thought it sounded more like a daycare than a preschool- another bad sign from this preschool. We are going to visit it anyhow on Friday just to compare with our other two. We are visiting the first one tomorrow. I hope it's a great visit! Still keeping my fingers crossed.

photo 11- Oh how I love that sweet smile :)

photo 12- This just confirms I need MUCH more practice behind the lens with inanimate objects.