One afternoon a few weeks ago, Evelyn asked if she could play "temple run" on the ipad. Ooooooh, how I hate that game! Both Evie and Dane are fascinated/obsessed! I know kids enjoy playing games, Wii, watching TV.... part of life in this day and age. But there is something about that game that just pulls and hooks them so intensely-- and I don't like it. I'm thinking strongly of trashing it soon, but hate to break their little hearts. Well, in response to Ev's request, I asked if she might instead be interested in origami?? I had a stack of papers from ages ago and I presented it to her. She kind of shrugged her shoulders and headed upstairs to watch a tutorial on youtube. An hour later...she emerged with an armful of folded hearts! It was adorable. Later that day, she asked if we could string her creations up in the kitchen..."kinda like a banner that you make, mom". I asked if she'd be able to learn how to fold cranes, as I'd always loved origami cranes and she eagerly rushed off to figure it out. Finished product below!
At the beginning of the school year, Dane began creating these monthly calendars in his classroom.
They're darling and I love to hang them up on our kitchen bulletin board. But the tender part of this story lies in Dane's interaction with me each month as he totes them home. You see... I may have displayed quite a show of excitement and drama back in September upon receiving his first calendar. I'm guilty of this, I'm a little overly dramatic and excited most of the time!! Well, he got the idea that these calendars meant the WORLD to me and so since this time, he just waits on pins and needles to bring them home each month and is absolutely terrified to miss school around the end of each month as he is certain that will be the day the class makes the calendar and he will miss out on bringing home the precious prize for his mother. It's so cute, so funny, so sweet. He adores giving me things and finds so much joy in this. In fact, last weekend at Chuck E Cheese, he cashed in quite a few of his tickets to buy a ring. Weird, I thought for a moment... but when he turned around and handed it to me, I was so touched. He is a special little guy!
I am constantly amazed at how much I adore my children. As babies, they are cute and lovable, fun to squeeze and cuddle. But soooooo high maintenance! As they grow they become little people with little personalities and interests. It's truly one of the most exciting things I've ever experienced to watch my children mature and become actual people! I am so lucky to be a mom. How I ended up with four beautiful children, I can't imagine, but I'm so grateful. Evelyn and Dane are my little friends and though we have issues here and there, (of course) overall I enjoy their company so very much.
One last thought. Obviously I attempt thousands of behavior systems in an effort to change things up and keep my kids in line (hehe). Last month we tried earning gold coins in exchange for prizes that I would buy (mostly legos) to reward good behavior. This month we are doing a sticker chart--- the kids earn stickers for helping, chores, sharing, kindness, etc. Very basic, nothing new.... but the fun part about this system is that once they have reached 25 stickers... they earn what's called a "YES day". I took the idea from a fun book we ordered a few years back and which quickly became my kids FAVORITE story. The child in the book is allowed a Yes day only once a year or so, in which everything he asks for, he gets (within reason, of course). He wants to eat his food outside, he wants pizza for dinner, he wants to stay up late, he wants to wear what he wants to wear, etc. So the kids are working towards a Yes day! It will be a special day for them to feel honored and proud of their good behavior. So far, they are mightily motivated!!!!!
My project of the week is an attempt to figure out a long list of easy, good for you dinners for my children and husband this spring season. We have SO many after school activities and I'm at a loss as to how to pull it all together in the evenings after a long day. What was I thinking, signing up for so many teams/events???? As Gob from Arrested Development would say... " I think I've made a huge mistake." It's only two months of chaos, though! Wish me LUCK!
