We're walking... we're walking... we're driving?
UPDATE on Max's Trip to the Sea!
We ran some numbers for both mileage and gas... took into consideration the fact that we will be south after Christmas... considered that we already have a plethora of travels planned for December... made note of the fact that this month is Christmas... grimmaced at the thought that our economy is in a recession... did not forget that we are in the midst of a fundraising campaign at church... and took into account Josh's work schedule... and... and... gas has not technically hit a buck fitty in IC... yet.
BUT we are not about to crush Max's dream based on a technicality (just don't tell him that yet!).
We came up with two plans to get us to the beach after we considered the cost of the whole trip... one on our front and one on Max's. Our's is "simple" - we will squeeze and scrimp as much as we can to get the funds out of our budget. And in essence, our's is to match every penny of Max's.
Max's is to find ways to raise funds to pay for the gas - 77 gallons specifically.
How does a six year old raise funds? Good question! We're still figuring out all the specifics of that one... he has used some of his spending money and got a check for his first gallon from his awesome relatives (you Q's are too cute!) and is doing extra chores around the house and asks politely for any spare change we have here and there and in the laundry room and (his main bread winner) returns cans for cash.
Now let me tell you something... I HATE returning empties! YUCK! I don't care how well I clean them, they are always gross to me. I would rather give away my empties (which, quite hoestly, is what I generally do) than collect from others. And, I HATE the empty return places because they are always so sticky and smelly and noisy and who knows what you are going to touch and with kiddos in tow around such conditions... AHHHH! I am not a notorious germ-a-phobe but empty redemption places are about as nasty to me as they come. Thankfully, Josh has been the one to return so far!
Thankfully too, I love my son more than I despise empty redemption!
Today, we returned 2 (yes 2!) shopping carts full of empties we were given from a friend. (Thank you ladies! Thanks you Gates'!) The boys love the thought that each can gets them 5 cents closer to the sea and they love the auto machines that eat the cans. True, they had to jump up to reach the hole and in the process got all sorts of sticky liquids on their hands and down their sleeves and on their coats BUT they did not care!
No amount of stickiness was able to deter their utter satisfaction and beaming smiley faces of watching the $ go up by 5 cents each time. No amount of germ-a-phobia will now stop me from helping them and their joy of doing empty redemption.
Because seriously, you should've seen Max's face coloring in 9 (yes, 9!) gallons on his gas bar graph!
How exciting and fun! We have some cans that Max could have. Let me know if you'd like them!
YES! When can we come get them?
hmmm, I want to support this too. Would he consider selling some paintings/coloring he has made?
Hmmmm... that may be able to be arranged....
What if Max found a supplier willing to donate some fir trees and he chopped them down and made wreaths to sell over the holidays? I would be willing to buy a few more gallons of gas in exchange for a wreath. Also, I'm forgetting which GI Joe figures I've given Max. Has he received any deep sea divers from me that you recall? I will look and see if an appropriate GI Joe figure may be able to accompany him to "the sea"
this is so exciting! you guys/your ideas/max are all a popular topic around our house! ps. could the boys put out a flyer for shoveling snow? walking dogs/watering plants, ect around your neighborhood? i realize they are a bit young, so maybe not. but just an idea! also, you can hang posters at Panera Bread and STuff Ect-- you could put your story/ a pic of max and ask for people's cans!! Or how about Craigslist??? ok, i'm done now!
OR!!!! what if Max made his own homemade wrapping paper with his art work??? everybody is in need of wrapping paper at this time of year-- and i could use a little more for the kids gifts! :)
You could pick them up tonight if you like, after 5 p.m. I can leave them on the front porch if I leave.
what a meaningful, exciting trip this will be--and so many lessons being learned! working hard, patiently waiting, trusting! i can't wait for more updates!
Does Max accept donations via paypal, or do we need to mail a check if we want to contribute to the fund? :-)
Aw schucks Kirsten! You're too sweet! He is selling artwork for whatever amount you deem, which you could pay for by check (or his mom has paypal, :)!). Josh did set up the Smarty Pig account as well but I think it is kind of complicated to use, but you can be the judge, :)!
Can I request a certain piece? For Max to painting/draw something Christmasy for my fridge? If so, I'd like to place an order!
dana, could you e-mail or facebook message me your address? i'm rounding up some "customers" in ames for max's artwork :)
Aw schucks... you girls are so sweet!
I hear you on hating can redemption centers. I always try to find a time when it will not be crowded, but I haven't ever found that time. Anyway, there is no can redemption in IL, whether that is good or bad, there is just recycling. But what a fun, creative way to help the kids work towards their goal (earning the 77 gallons of gas)! Good job!
If Max brings some artwork to Christmas, we would buy some...
We filled up for $1.49 a gallon last night in Ames and I thought of you and your family!!