Sense of Wonder: August 2012

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Last Day of Camp Wonderland: Bubble Day

As summer camp came to a close, there was a moodiness that fell over every one. This summer has been so fun and, although we are all excited about back to school, we were sad that our summertime fun was coming to an end.

But, what better way to brighten spirits than with bubbles?

If I had to pick the best investment that was made this Summer, it would have to be the baby pools. They have been filled with every thing from mud to water to cornstarch to shaving cream. And now they are filled with bubbles. I made a huge bubble maker for each girl. I did not get a set up shot so I improvised with this lovely instructional illustration. (Don't make fun)

I made the bubble makers by taking two barbeque skewers and tying one piece of yarn to each stick, then tying another, longer piece to the first piece of yarn.

The girls dipped their bubble wands in to the baby pool and made huge awesome bubbles. Birdy had more fun chasing the bubbles down to pop them than actually making them, but all of them spent the morning laughing and playing.

What I loved the most about camp this year was the excited faces as the girls got to try something new. Once a week one of them could be heard shouting, "This is the best day ever!" And once a week my heart would swell a little more with gladness.

On Monday, I will be going back to work. I am overcome with thankfulness to have a job and to be able to do something that I see as purposeful and worthwhile. I am also grateful that I will be helping my husband by taking some of the financial burden off of him. I am grateful that I have found an amazing preschool for Bug to go to while I am at work. I am grateful that Birdy seems so excited to start Kindergarten and meet new friends. But I can't help but be sad that my days will no longer be filled with my own children's laughter. I can't help but mourn what has been an amazing part of my life being at home to share in my families learning. I can't help but look at the future of this blog which has become such a huge part of my life and wonder what will come of it. I can't help but think of all of you, all of the wonderful readers who's comments have lifted me up again and again and wonder if I will be able to keep this up. If you pray, I would ask that you pray for me and my family. If not them I would ask that you send what good vibes you can. Each of us is entering in to a brand new phase and none of us is sure what to expect.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Back to School

Back to school time can fill us with a mix of emotions. It's an exciting time filled with new schools, new friends, new back packs and new crayons. It can also be a stressful time as your relaxing summer comes to an end. Here are a few tips to help you make a smooth transition.

1. Don't Shop for what you don't have to. Have a back to school fashion show. Let your little one show you all the outfits they already have. Remember to make it fun. Put on some fun music, dance around while you create your new looks. See what still fits from last year, donate what doesn't fit, and make a list of what you need. I always find that if I take the time to do this, my shopping list is a lot shorter than what I thought it was going to be.

2. Have a lunch taste test party. We pack our lunches and sometimes I get a little low on the lunch time inspiration. This trick really helps. Every year I set out a table full of small bite sized lunch items and let the kids try and vote on what they like. Sometimes they will surprise you. For instance, I found out that my oldest daughter loves pickle okra, Birdy likes orange tomatoes better than red, and Bug likes mustard and ham better than turkey and mayo. Need some ideas for your own taste testing party?

Try roasted red pepper instead of tomato
Try different kinds of bread. My kids like to eat sandwiches on bread rolls, tortillas, and pita bread.
Try a variety of fruits and veggies and dips.
Don't prejudge. Just because you don't like broccoli doesn't mean your child will not like it. Keep an open mind and let them explore.

3. Do you have a big kid starting middle school or high school? Make this simple handy dandy locker combo reminder bracelet so they will have one less thing to stress out about their first week at school. We made ours in our schools team colors. On one side she had her combination and on the other she had her locker number. You could make a similar one for your little ones that has a bike lock combination or their telephone number.