Primitive Easter Eggs & Practical Parenting

Look what I made the other day! These primitive Easter eggs were a fun and easy craft to make. I found them online a few months ago here and decided I just had to make them. It was an inexpensive craft made from the plastic eggs that everyone fills with Easter candy and some cinnamon. I also wrapped them in cheese cloth to give them a nice primitive texture but you can't really see it in the photo.

They smell soooo good! They are sitting in my foyer and each time I walk past them the sweet smell of cinnamon greets me. I would have liked to have left them out on a country plate or in a shallow country bowl but I knew that it would be too big of a temptation for our kittens. I didn’t want to wake up one morning and find cinnamon all over my white carpet! Now, I’ve got a BIG surprise coming up tomorrow but it will remain a secret until then. So come back and see what the suspense is all about!

Now on to the Practical Parenting… This week, it is discussing the “final leg” of school as summer is on the horizon and how we can help our kids motivated.

The “final leg” and the “last leg.” These are two very similar phrases, but with very different meanings. When we return from Spring Break we will be starting our 3rd quarter of school – you might say we are on the final leg of our school year. So, how do you keep your child motivated and help them finish this final leg of the year strong? How do you keep them from feeling that they are on the last leg?

One thing that is very important is your attitude about the last quarter of school. If you express to your child that you are tired and can’t wait until summer break – guess what they will begin to express? That right – your child will oftentimes mirror your feelings and emotions. What your child needs from you at this time of year is renewed excitement and encouragement to do their best.

The last quarter of the school year is one where many new and challenging concepts are introduced, and the final touches are made to be sure your child is ready for the academics of the next grade level. I have seen many children “fade” at this time of the year. As a school, we will keep your child as motivated as we can, but we need your help as well.

Keep giving your child that position motivation and reinforcement that you gave them at the beginning of this school year. Now would be a good time to be checking on their homework situation, and on projects that are in the works.

Determine now how you will help your child think this time of year is as important as the beginning of the year. Pray daily with your student for God’s strength and motivation to help them finish strong. Pray that very thing for yourself as well. Approach this time of the year with the determination to finish strong on this “final leg” of the school year.

So, remember to stop by tomorrow for my BIG surprise. Until then, have a great day!

Okay...you twisted my arm! I'll give you a little hint. 100th post tomorrow and a give-away!!!

May 2009 Pictures

My, how time flies! I’m finally getting some pictures posted from last month. Friday was the last day of school for my girls and it has been a whirlwind of activities these last several weeks. I’m looking forward to some good ole fun and relaxation with my family this summer! We’ve got a camping trip coming up that we can’t wait for. It’s always good quality family time since you do not have the hustle and bustle of life.

Yesterday we put our Korean exchange student of 9+ months on a bus headed to Canada for a few days. She’ll return for one night in a hotel and then will be headed home to her family in Seoul. I’m sure her family is very excited to see their daughter. My how she has grown since she came to live with us! Her parents will be amazed at the young lady she’s turning into when they see her. Her English improved so much while she was here and she was an all A’s & B’s student at the last semester. Quite impressive! Her many hours of homework she put in paid off. We will miss Rosie’s smile around the home.

On to the pictures…Last month we took a trip to Seattle so Rosie could see some of the famous sites. First on the list was Pike’s Place Market. It was a gorgeous day for walking around Seattle! We walked the Market, ate some yummy food and showed Rosie the famous Fish Market. Then, we headed to the Seattle Center to walk around and show her the Space Needle. She really enjoyed that! To end the day, we hit the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner…Rosie’s favorite and we can’t complain!

We spent Mother’s Day at our home but my mom was home sick. We missed her! Last year I was sick in bed with a high fever for Mother’s Day. There must be something about this holiday! We just never have enough time when we get together as families! I guess we just need to get together more often. I picked up an apron for Kimberly for Mother’s Day and low and behold, I got an apron for Mother’s Day from my family as well!

The girls had their Spring Program’s. I posted a video of Katelynn’s performance last month. Madison had a speaking role in her program. She was totally in her element up there on stage performing! Imagine that!! Stay tuned soon for a video clip of her performance at her Talent Share from this month!

My sister and her family came and visited and the time with them went by so quickly! We jammed in as many events as possible. All my pictures are from our last day and evening together. It’s always the hardest day as we say our good-byes. We enjoyed our time together though!

Let me close with a prayer request for a family that goes to our church and school. The mother was just a few days out from delivering their baby boy, Jesse. It was evident the cause of his death, upon delivery, as the cord was knotted and wrapped tightly around him. Please pray for the Collins family, for peace and comfort as they handle their loss. Hug and love on those precious to you!