Computers

Technology has invaded our home. About 8 years ago I got my very first "real" computer. I was 28 years old. 2 years ago I upgraded and got my second computer-a high speed, decked out bells and whistles beauty. When I upgraded I gave the girls my old computer to use for their games. They have enjoyed spending time online and playing games but we haven't gone much further than basic introduction to computers.

The schools these days may have gotten rid of PE, Art and Music but they still have computer labs and starting in Kindergarten these kids are introduced to computers.

This past school year the girls were coming home with homework that involved Internet research and computer reading programs and math programs. They were fighting over the one, slow computer.

With computer prices being relatively low in the age of the recession we are in we decided to get a laptop computer for the girls. This would give us 2 computers. Well, then the main desktop kept crashing when the girls tried to get online. Maybe it was trying to tell me something? While online shopping with Dell I realized that i could actually get a laptop and a desktop for roughly the same price as I paid for my current bells and whistles mommy system.

We bought both system exactly the same so there wouldn't be any fighting. The laptop is designated to be primarily "Isabella's" computer because she needs the most time on it since she's going into 4th grade. Ava definitely only needs the desktop and not much time on the computer. But, Sophia is a floater. Academically, she is right there with Isabella in terms of what she knows how to do. But, in school she's 2 grades behind so she doesn't technically "need" a computer. So, the desktop will be her primary computer (so her and Isabella can be on at the same time) and she can use the laptop when Isabella is not on it and Ava is on the desktop. Complicated huh?

So, the computers came yesterday. I spent 4 hours last night setting up the laptop. Email, Microsoft Office, Printer, Parental Controls, etc. I sent out an email to family and friends alerting them that Isabella now has her own email. Of course, Auntie Jen was the first one to send a beautiful message.

Hi Bella!
I am so excited that you have your own computer and email! You can send me email anytime.
I always want to hear all about soccer, girl scouts, school, friends...whatever you want to talk about, I'll be here.

I can't wait to see you. I am coming on August 8th and spending the night while your mom & dad go out to celebrate their anniversary.
It will be just me, you, your sisters and Q. Exciting, right?! SLEEP OVER! woo hoo!!

Well, I just wanted to send you an email to say "Hi" - I know you are going to LOVE your new computer...but BE CAREFUL with it!!

I'm always here for you.
I love you so much! xoxox,
Auntie Jen

Isabella sent out her very first email message ever....with this reply.
Thank You for the E-MAIL TURNS out I got it early.The one thing that sucks is I have to share it with Sophia.
Bye,
Bella

Poor Auntie Jen, was sweating bullets for a full 2 minutes. She didn't know that part of what i set up is that I get a copy of all emails. She didn't want to rat poor Isabella out but she knew that our almost 9 year old is not allowed to use such language. Her response (still the cool Auntie, but letting Bella know she's not that cool).

sweet girl!!! don't use the word "sucks" or your mom will be mad and take away your computer!
:)
hahahaha

sharing is good - you guys need the computer for school and stuff anyhow. (and emailing your Auntie Jen) Most families only have one computer for the whole house -and a lot more families have nothing.

I can't believe how big you are - emailing now. Can you please stop growing up now?!!
xoxoxo

LOL..well, mommy got ahold of this email chain and did ground her from the computer. Isabella has been told that mommy knows everything and just as she thinks she's gotten one over on me she's busted instantly. I explained to her that even though she has a new found freedom I still had to put controls on her for this very reason and that I am still in charge even when I allow new things. She said she understands and is definitely thinking about what happened today. :-)

Now...of course, I did think this was an incredibly funny assessment of the situation by Isabella. I just couldn't tell her that. Classic life of an almost 9 year old huh?