Yolanda the Yarnspinner and Rosalyn Robin were very excited one fine sunny day in Crystal Pond Woods. 

Yolanda had some extra money to spend. She had fifteen dollars to buy herself something special. “Rosalyn Robin,“ sighed Yolanda. 

“There are so many wonderful things I want to buy! I can’t decide on what would be the best thing to get with my money. What do you think?" 

“I think we need to go visit Jordan the Judge,“ suggested Rosalyn. “He is always helping people with tough decisions so they make the best choice.” 

Jordan is the judge for Crystal Pond Woods. His courtroom is a very special place. He sits at the front of the courtroom, high above everyone else. He has a gavel that he uses to get the court’s attention before announcing his decision. Jordan always tells the animals how important it is to base their choices and decisions on facts – on things that can be seen or measured.

 When one of the animals is having a hard time making a decision, Jordan will ask, “What are your considerations?” Then he listens to and thinks carefully about all the considerations. After arriving at the best answer in light of these considerations, Jordan bangs his gavel and announces his decision.

Then what do you want to buy?

I don't know!

Yolanda and Rosalyn arrived at Jordan’s courtroom to discover that it was very busy. They had to wait awhile until it was their turn. 

Jordan the Judge then said, “Good afternoon, ladies, what can I help you with today?”

 “Well, Jordan the Judge,” began Yolanda, “I have fifteen dollars to spend, and I can’t decide how to spend it. 

Here is a list of all the wonderful things I would like to buy!” Yolanda handed Jordan the list and he read it aloud.

“You would like a black purse, a computer, a brown coat, a gray hat, a vase, a book of poems, a pair of red mittens, an orange scarf, a pair of black earrings, a brown sweater, and a red dress. 

Hmmm, I see that since any of these things would make a very good choice, there is not one right answer here – so to help you make the best choice, Yolanda, what are your considerations?”