I think everyone should have a mark for a successful day. For me, it's learning something. Often when I'm going to bed, I think to myself, "What did I learn today?" I'm trying to pass on the same tradition to my kids. Because I think learning is a temperament, just as much as happy or fussy, etc. So here are some ways that we're encouraging learning around here right now.
So often, it's easy to post finished projects. Today, in celebration to the spring that's slowly in progress around us- the warmer breezes are coming!- I'm posting a few pieces of what we're currently working on instead. Because sometimes the process takes awhile, especially with little hands about (smile).
We began this collage rainbow two weeks ago. We've spent two sessions on it, with two colors to go. I underestimated how entrancing it would be to a preschooler to cut the paper into little pieces & glue them on. Isia also modified the top of the paper to be "more rainbow-like." Was I expecting to spend so much time on this project? No, but that's when I need to step back and let her work happen.
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And here's my work in progress. The pattern is "Another plain vest" by Pickles. I'm doing the 5-6 size, partly because Isia's growing like a weed lately and partly because it was the free version. It doesn't hurt that she should be able to wear it for awhile either! I'm finishing up the back part, which is always the hardest part for me. So close... and so far away. And all those ends to weave back in. Here's to pushing on!
And some tulips from a dear friend to remind me that spring is getting closer. This is our first spring here, and I was promised by the previous owner (and house builder!) that there's lots of bulbs to enjoy when it comes. I can't wait to meet them!
What are you working on right now?
This is the hardest part of winter for me. We had a beautiful respite on Saturday- sunny and warm enough for light jackets- but we've plunged into freezing temperatures and snow again. And while I wouldn't mind hiding under the covers until March (maybe even April) with this book, that's not an option with these two bouncy little people. So it's time to dig deep. Here are twenty-five ways to motivate me to get through the rest of winter. Hopefully they can help you too!
1. Draw in the sunshine with glittery markers.
2. Make play-dough. This recipe from Kids Activity Blog uses conditioner & cornstarch.
3. Cover your kitchen floor with large paper and let the kids loose with markers!
4. Or let them stomp paint! Here's a great activity from Mess for Less.
5. Place different textures under paper (onion bag, washcloth, etc) for crayon rubbings.
6. Make lemonade! Using a lemon juicer is perfect for building little hand muscles.
7. Play with your food. Simple faces make my kids laugh & get excited about new foods.
8. Create some edible snowflakes with flour tortillas. So yummy!
9. Make oatmeal special with a scoop of ice cream & cinnamon-sugar sprinkled on top.
10. Large mugs of steamy hot chocolate make any day better.
11. Have a picnic, indoors or out.
12. Make a blanket fort to snuggle in and read books.
13. Play flashlight hide-and-seek. Even during the day my kids love this.
14. Middle-of-the-day bubble baths are a fun way to warm up little hands and toes.
15. Hang a bird-feeder (or make some birdseed ornaments) for great bird watching.
16. Snack often! Little individual quiches with crescent rolls are a household favorite.
17. Double soup recipes for freezing. Even better, swap an extra batch with a friend.
18. Bake this beer bread! Perfect for little helpers to sift flour & watch the beer fizz.
19. Making crackers has been on my list this winter. This recipe looks like a keeper.
20. Let your kids prep soft fruit. We use butter knives but plastic works too.
21. Go outside at least once a day, especially if you don't want to.
22. Have a project! Knitting is a good distraction for my hands and mind.
23. Call a friend. I tend to recluse in winter, which is when I need my friends the most!
24. Go to bed early with a good book.
25. Drink lots of tea. Peppermint is good for energy, roobios is helpful for moody days.
What would you add to this list? The more steps the better! (smile)
