Twirls 'n Curls

Pretty much any parent will tell you, our kids teach us MUCH more than we could ever teach them. Here are a few lessons they've had on display this summer that I just had to share: Character Traits Empathy : the art of making your expression match someone else's for awhile   Industry : Our willingness to learn from the generations before us  connects both teacher and student to something bigger than themselves.      Serving : Learning to do things for yourself is great.  Learning to do things for others is even better. On Style      Flair : There are certain mundane tasks one simply can't avoid in life.  However, one always has the choice to do them with style. Uniqueness : Be proud of who you are, quirks and all. "Today you are you! That is truer than true.  There is no one alive more you-er than you!" - Dr. Seuss     Tech-Savvy: ...

 A few weeks ago we had a fantastic Vacation Bible School! This was our first year using the Group Publishing curriculum, which really impressed us. They had tons of hands on, small-group activities and key points each day that really drove the lessons home. The songs were fun and got the kids moving, but they had a great message. The Bible stories were amazing - I'll try to post about those later. The main auditorium is where we have our opening and closing sessions, so it's decorated to the max. Some easy ideas for any flight/sky theme: 1. We flew objects all over the room by hanging them from vents with fishing wire, such as kites, small airplanes, and hot air balloons. To make hot air balloons, blow up beach balls and attach a basket with ribbon for hot air balloons. Our "baskets" were small round tupperware containers covered with brown construction paper. You can also use empty rolls of packing tape. How easy is that? 2. To make a large hot air ballo...

 I had one of those defining moments recently. You know, where you see something - perhaps one of those things you've always done - in a new light. My girls had two friends over for the day, which meant they outnumbered me 5 to 1. I knew it was futile to try to get any housework done, so we packed up and went to the park instead. Once it got too hot to be at the park (in the desert, that's about 10:30am - the slide was steaming!), we decided to cool off with some ice cream at our local diner. As the waiter handed me five ice cream cups, I noticed several containers of sprinkles on the counter. "Do you mind if I put some of those on?" I asked. He hesitated, then gave me a half smile. "I guess it would be all right." I sprinkled about 10 mini fish-shaped sprinkles on each scoop and brought them over to the table. The girls squealed with delight. "Mine has fish sprinkles!" "Mine too!" "They're soooo cute!!" And I realiz...

On a recent vacation to the Grand Canyon, we had the chance to visit a local deer farm . It was incredible (and slightly overwhelming at times!) to be so close to so many deer at once! Along the way, the girls picked up some important lessons about friendship as well: 1. Apparently, a kiss on the hand is not a universal sign of affection. 2. Sharing food is a sure way to win friends... and more friends...but 3. You can definitely have too much of a good thing! 4. Always look new acquaintances in the eye, for safety reasons. 5. A good friend will respect your personal space,   while others are just downright nosy. 6. It's ok to be different, you won't (and shouldn't) always blend in. 7. If your real friends aren't working out so well,   then find some imaginary ones. 8. And finally, to test a friend's loyalty...   grab their tail and give it a good tug! (Go ahead, I DARE you!!)

Contrary to what some of my pictures may tell you, we really have been productive this summer. Once in awhile I'll go into teacher mode and call it "Fun School." Mostly though, we go on little adventures or just learn through the activities we do:   ~ My parents taught me to respect and learn from those older than I was, and I want to teach the same to my daughters. So very regularly, we walk around our neighborhood and visit different elderly friends, many of whom are church members. ~The kids have been on a greedy kick lately (more on that later), so we are letting them earn their own money by sorting cans and bottles for recycling. Great for the environment and our pockets too! ~ Hannah wants to help in the kitchen all the time! Here she is at her grandma's house washing dishes. ~ And finally, after a busy summer, they're learning the value of a job well done. :)

 ~ When you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help.~ ~Being comfortable with who you are today  plays a big part in who you will be tomorrow.~ ~With a little extra effort, you can make anything special.~

Inspired by my three little blondies: ~There is no challenge that, given enough time, you can't lick.~  ~If you don't like the way today looks,  you might need to change your perspective.~ ~When it comes to looking good in a swimsuit, confidence is everything.~