A new flock of sweet ones arrived yesterday, to be part of the American Girl Book Club at the Carnegie Library in Jefferson, Texas. Here's a few of forty five new third and fourth graders who joined us yesterday and WOWZA .....what energy in the room!!
You know what is interesting? When I look at these girls, it's hard not to imagine what they will look like when they become women. Also, I can see the potential they carry in these bright smiles.
Have a great week!
xox
Constance
The American Girl Book Club of Jefferson, Texas recently read two books about girls living in New Orleans during the 1800's.
The newest heroines of the American Girl book series are called, Cecile and Marie Grace.
These girls tell separate stories describing how they have met (from their own perspective) and meanwhile the reader has an opportunity to learn a bit about the culture of New Orleans. Cecile and Marie Grace have grown up differently from one another but tie a true bond of friendship after having an "adventure" during a Mardi Gras Ball, (actually two Mardi Gras Balls). These books includes a brief history of one of America's most beloved places, The Crescent City, also intermingled in the text are French words and even a mini French to English dictionary in the back of the books.
Our girls first have "circle time" where we discussed the story they read, then Michele surprised us by pulling out her hoop slip.
A girl from each meeting was chosen to try the slip on, and don't these girls look regal?
Next, Kay (who grew up in New Orleans) reminisced about her life there, describing the unique food, Mardi Gras parades, balls and costumes. She spoke about what it was like taking the streetcar to and from school ( 7cents each way), about the different cultures living together, the meaning of gumbo and why we call it "The Crecent City". Do you know?
If not, here's a clue!
*************
Kay delighted the girls by bring supplies to make their own Mardi Gras masks to wear this year. Here's a small sampling of the masterpieces:
These girls make me happy, so I hope that they'll also bring you some joy too!
xox
Constance
A new school year has delivered with it a fresh crop of sweet little girls who are now part of our local American Girl Book Club. So many signed up, we divided the group into two. Now forth graders meet one day and the third graders come the next.
As girls arive to the meeting, they're greeted and given a necklace to wear and to keep. Something the character that they have just read about might have worn.
Our meetings officially comes to order as we "sign" American Girl.
Next, it's Circle Time where Michele leads a discussion about the book the girls have just read.
This week we talked about Kaya, a brave and courageous Indian girl who lives in the Pacific Northwest during the 1700's.
Next, girls then move to tables and get to look in their goody bags, where they find the book they will read next, but discover other surprises relating to the chacter they just read about. The girls above are holding Dream Catchers.
The younger girls were given plastic horses like Steps High, (Kaya's beloved horse), among other trinkets.
The girls always partake in an artistic craft, something to keep.
Finally, a meal is served.
This photo above makes me tear up....I just adore it!
Many of these girls don't have much, so being part of the American Girls Book Club, means a lot to them. At the end of this year, each member will have eleven books to keep, ones they can start a personal book collection with. It is an expensive endeavour, run completely by donations and when I think of all the people who have donated their money and time, from all over the United States for the past three years, that makes me tear up too!
I think about how just ONE tiny action can make such a profound difference in another persons life and consider how a smile or word of encouragement can really change a persons destiny. I want this to be a safe and fun place where these little girls feel valued and loved, so they will grow into strong & successful women with good manners!
(Above: my friend Deborah with one of our newest American Girls)
~*~
Happy week to all!!
xox
Constance
Today was an exceptionally beautiful day, postcard perfect and it was Jefferson's annual Pilgrimage Parade and Tour of Homes.
(Beautifiul parosol, a gift from Mélanie of Le Petit Cabinet de Curiositiés)
The American Girl Book Club donned their hats for the occasion and rode in the parade. Last year the girls took second place and I just found out that they won first place this year!
Michele is the mastermind behind this wonderful club.
And her husband is our handsome driver.
his copilot, Betsy!
Our assistants Charmain and Petra helped in every way!
Here we are ready to roll~
Also lining up for the parade, Dorothy in her Lady Bug Costume. She sat up in the back during the parade. Anna chauffeured the Lady Bug in her Beetle, too funny!!!!
It was fun to ride in the parade. It's the first one of my life.
One last thing~
To all you Mother's out there, especially mine:
Thank you for all that you do
For all your secret sacrifices
For love, unconditional.
Love,
Constance
Deborah gave a party last week for Birthday girls Patricia and Donna. A gigantic Bunny was invited too. Here's the before..........
and after!
*******************
The next day was the American Girls Book Club where we discussed Molly, a girl who lives during the depression and World War II.
Michele read two true stories of actual girls who lived during this time. One a about a little German girl called Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, the other about a eight year old Japanese girl, Sadako and The Thousand Paper Cranes. Both stories make me tear up and are wonderful for adults to read too.
The girls had fun!
I had fun!
Each got to create a miniature Victory Garden.
I smiled and took photos~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope Spring is filling you with delight and wonder~
xox
Constance
Each silhouette, a masterpiece!
American Girls last Monday afternoon. Such joy!
xox
Constance
