Word of the Week: Respite

By noon on Monday I already knew that my school plans for the early part of the week were simply not going to be happening. Not because of anything negative, I could just see the resistance, the desire to do anything else. And when that manifests in my kiddos, I take it pretty seriously, because, after all, our "school" involves a great deal of fun, so when they are drained, it's a sign that they truly need a break.

So I gave them one. We took the whole week off, instead of just Thursday and Friday as I had planned.

They loved it. Monday afternoon was spent mostly taking turns playing on my computer. I made cake.

Tuesday the kids got new bikes. We had been waiting for the weather to cool, and the time felt right, and the day, sort of perfect. They love them.

Grace is still trying to bravely learn to balance and ride without training wheels, which is going to take some time, but she's working very hard at it.

Zak is in complete sensory heaven on a bike. I had forgotten how instantly regulating it is for him. He is different after he rides, calm, organized. His motor slows for just a little while.

The helmet alone was worth the entire investment for Kit. Crazy cute! And her tiny balance bike is so light, even she can easily lift it and move it from one place to another. And it came with a bell. I mean, there is no word for the exponential adorableness of this child and her bicycle.

And to make a great week even better. Their time off led right into mine.

My amazing hubby bestowed upon me the most perfect gift. Four nights, by myself, in a cabin in the woods. I'm not sure he even understands how perfect a present this is for me. I have a huge stack of books, a fridge full of fruits and veggies (and other scrumptious ingredients to cook without timelines or children melting down as they bicker and a three year old tries to climb me as I attempt to drain pasta), coffee, tea, fuzzy slippers, a deck with a view of nothing but trees, and Gilmore Girls on DVD.

I love my family fiercely. I will always strive to meet the needs of those I love as best as is within my reach. And because of that love, and to sustain my ablilities to be able to continue supporting these amazing people, I will take this time to nurture myself as well. They have many busy plans to keep them occupied and happy while I'm here. We will all be giddy when I return. So I feel no guilt, just gratefulness for this much needed and deeply beloved...

Respite.

Le Petite Chef: Mud Pie

Here it is, as promised, Grace's Mud Pie recipe! She did all the work, I helped explain terms and measurements, stirred at the very end to make sure everything was evenly coated (at her request), and helped hold the pot. She let one of her friends spread the Nutella and add the "dirt" to one of the pies while she did the other. This is a very kid friendly recipe, I highly recommend it for ages 8 and up! The original recipe is in the book The Cooking Book, by Jane Bull. But we modified it just a bit. Here are our supplies: 3/4 c butter 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1/2 c sugar 1 c graham cracker crumbs 1/2 c dried fruit 1 chocolate bar (we used Nutella spread instead) We added: Heath chocolate and toffee bits Black Sixletts (found in the party aisle) These are the original measurements, we doubled the recipe though. Step 1: Crush graham crackers. We used a gallon size zipper bag and a coffee mug (I don't own

Preschool at Home! Chalkboard Painting

Here is another treasure from the backfiles. This started as an act of desperation on my part, I just needed her to be occupied so I could finish something, but it quickly became one of her favorite activities. If you have a chalkboard (we made ours on a half wall with chalkboard paint), all you need is a paintbrush, sponge, or washcloth, and a cup of water. Dip the brush in the water and have at it! Kit LOVES how the water turns the board black. So often, she will be at this so long that by the time she gets across the board, the first area she painted will be dry and a fresh pallet once again. You can get creative with the things you use as paintbrushes, but she has been completely happy with our basic art brushes from Walmart. I love watching her do this.

Saying Goodbye

For the entire month of August, I just didn't let myself think about it beyond the facts. For the last two weeks, I just focused on anything else that took my mind off of it. Over the weekend I was busy getting things ready, so I was too busy to think about it. Tuesday came. Miss V came. It was a good visit, with laughing and smiling, and questions asked and answered, and Kit played with her, and smiled and made us laugh like usual. But it was different, and we felt it. I didn't let myself go there, because I didn't want to break down, not that it would have been the first time in front of her (nor the second, or third, or even fourth probably.) And then it was time for her to go, and we took some pictures, and all the kids hugged her, and I held Kit on my shoulder on the steps so she could wave goodbye until Miss V is out of sight like she has every week for at least five months. And then we closed the door, and Kit went on with business as usual, beca

hide-n-(sensory)-seeking

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