Summer Art Challenge 2020

It's halfway through July and I think I am finally finding my groove.  I think that a lot of my creativity was spent planning activities for my kiddos when school abruptly shut down back in March.  I was mentally tired.  So, when summer finally arrived I really wanted to do nothing. And then, we went on an adventure and I think my brain was reset (if that's even possible).  So now, we are home and taking advantage of every ounce of summer that we can. . . even in the middle of a pandemic. 

Every summer, the kids and I have tried to some sort of challenge for the summer.  We've done random Pinterest projects, STEM projects, and last year we did an art challenge where we studied 6 artists and their very different styles of art.  (I will link them at the bottom of the page).  This year, when going through some of my old teaching files from my pre-mom life, I found an art journal I had my class create, studying different techniques and skills of art.  And so, we are doing at least one a week.  This may just continue on in the fall, since we are not going back to the classroom, but are doing distance learning, so keep an eye out.  My goal is to highlight our projects weekly on the blog. 

Why art?  First of all, I am in no way an artist.  I draw stick figures.  My circles are really wobbly blotchy round-ish things.  But despite my artistic shortcomings, art is everywhere and art is important.  It gives kids confidence and allows them to express themselves in ways that speech cannot.  It also is some great time with my kids when we sit around the table to create together.  We have amazing conversations and it's just a blast.  My boys are getting older and my oldest is now taller than me (sniff sniff), and I want to take advantage of every moment I can.  So, art time is also our designated us time, where they aren't in front of the tv, video games or  playing with legos.  It's one of my favorite times. 

This week we talked about two different topics:  Color and Media. 

Color is fun, because it begins with the color wheel.  I had a printable that I have no idea where I got it from, but the IKEA kids plates are the perfect size to trace a circle onto a piece of paper, then use a ruler to draw your lines.  (I'd probably do the circle and lines for the smaller kids and let the big kids take care of their own). 

The color wheel starts out with talking about the Primary Colors - Red, Yellow, and Blue.  We first painted those colors on every other triangle of the circle.  Then we talked about Secondary colors and actually used those two primary colors to mix paints and create the purple, orange, and green. 

The next lesson we did continued with color and taking it a step farther to make different shades and tints.  Shades are what happens to a color when small amounts of black are added into the color and tints are what happen when white is added slowly. 

(Sorry about it being upside down. . . oops!).  We started out with the primary colors, but added in the secondary color green.  You can really do this with all 6 colors if you wanted. We started out with a blotch of each original color and then 1 drop of black, mix, and blotch.  Then 2 drops and 3 drops.  Then we did the same thing for white. 

Media

Once we had finished studying color, we moved on to Media.  Media is really the different ways we can achieve the same design, but using different mediums.

For this project, we divided our paper into fourths.  I chose a rainbow and Ethan chose a grassy scene with birds and a sun and Weston kind of did what ever he felt like (partly because he started out with the solar system and it was going to take forever. . . he didn't have time for that!).  We started with oil pastels (if you don't have these, crayons are okay, too!) and drew our picture.  Then we moved on to paper scraps and made a collage.  Finally, we pulled out the acrylic paints and water colors and painted our picture. 

I absolutely loved how this came out and even though both boys took a different approach to the project they both turned out great and got to explore different forms of media.  I really want to mention that with art, it's okay if each kid steers from the original outcome and does there own thing.  They both achieved the same thing . . . in getting to see how different mediums work, but each one shows the personality of each child.  That is what is so much fun about art . . . there really is no wrong way! 

Are you taking time to get creative?  Are your kids?  I'd love to hear what you are doing and how you are keeping sane.  Feel free to tag @jolieklassen on instagram or @outoftherightbrain on facebook to share your creations!  Or feel free to leave a comment. . . this makes my day!

And as promised. . . links to previous summer challenges:

Summer Art Challenge 2019

Summer Stem Challenge 2018

Summer Pin Challenge 2017 - This is the last post from that series, but all previous are linked at the bottom of the post.

Also, as a bonus, we are also working on some STEM projects. . . but due to time, those will only be shared on instagram. Don't forget to follow me over there!

fiddle leaf fig love

I would never call myself a green thumb.  In fact, I have never been that great at keeping real plants alive.  Yet, each year I plant a garden with high hopes and every now and then something grows.  Several years ago, I decided to try my hand at a fiddle leaf fig tree.  I mean, it looks so cool in all those instagram home pictures.  Plus, I had just read The Nesting Place, by Myquellin Smith (aka the Nester) and she had mentioned that spending a little bit of money on a plant and dividing it by how long it lived is pretty inexpensive home decor.  So, when I heard that Lowes had some in stock, I rushed out and bought one! (I think it costed $30).  I figured it if lasted 3 months, that's 10 bucks a month for a pretty tree.

I thought I had high hopes that I would be able to keep this sucker alive for 2 months.  I was going to call that impressive.  I mean, I couldn't even keep a maidenhair fern alive for a few weeks! But, friends, I stand before you today (well, really I'm just sitting here at my computer) to tell you that this very same fiddle leaf I bought is 3 years old! 

Please excuse me for a minute while I do a happy dance. 

Okay, I think I'm good. 

Everyday I look at my friend Figgie, and mentally give her a high five. . . she deserves it!  I don't do much at all.  She's the one doing most of the work, standing there, oh so still, soaking in sweet rays of sun and drinking up water from her moist soil.

I've had a lot of questions about how I even managed to do it, so I thought I would jot down some things I have learned about how to take care of Fiddle Leaf Fig plants. I really  hope that this helps you to take a risk and try a house plant or not to get discouraged if you've already killed one. . . or two or even think your killing your current plant.  There's hope! 

:: Fiddle leaf fig plants are VERY finicky.  They don't like to be moved around a lot.  It puts them in a little bit of shock.  This means, don't put them next to a door that will open up and send a lot of air movement back and forth or put it right next to your air conditioner vent where it will blow air on to it.  They really just like to stay still. 

:: They like sunlight.  If you scroll back to the picture up at the top, I had originally had it in our family room next next to a rather large window.  But, because there is an awning over the patio just on the other side of that window, not as much indirect light came through.  After a few weeks there, Figgie really started to struggle.  So, I moved her to our front room where she lives in our front window.  There is the perfect amount of indirect light that she loves.  At Christmas, she gets moved to a wall farther away, but because it's winter and only temporary, she struggles, but survives. 

::  They love a moist soil and consistent watering.  I pour 2 cups of water in my plant's soil every Thursday (thirsty Thursday!).  If your leaves are turning brown, they aren't getting enough water or you are over watering.  But also don't freak out by occasionally losing older leaves from the bottom (eventually older leaves will fall off) and also when you move it. . . it goes into shock a little and may lose a leaf or two as a result. If you loose more than one or two leaves here and there, that's when you should worry.  In the above picture, there were some signs that I wasn't watering enough.  Once I started implementing Thirsty Thursdays, she did much better! 

A lot of hints are to water only when soil is dry to the touch.  Water well and consistently and only water when the soil is dry.  Experiment and see what works best for your plant.

:: Take care of those leaves!  Because it's just hanging out in your house collecting all the dust, those leaves need to be cleaned off every now and then.  I like to take a slightly damp rag and wipe them down every now and then.  This allows more sunlight to hit those gorgeous leaves! 

I also like to pour a little bit of milk in a cup and wipe the leaves with that.  This gives them some nourishment and helps them to thrive. 

Last month, I tried melted (and cooled) coconut oil (as recommended by Nesting with Grace) and it made my leaves so clean and green. . . it almost looked fake!  But, it's thriving!

:: Name your tree.  Spend some time talking to it and giving it some love and encouragement. (only part joking here).

I hope that this helps you take a risk and try fiddle leaf figs in your own home.  Let me know if you have any other questions or helpful hints.  I am by no means an expert and if you could see my most recent dead fern (I really just need to stop with the ferns), you would believe me when I say that I am not an expert.  But, I am trying and learning as I am going.  It's definitely a fun journey to be on and I love the natural color it brings to our home with out any foo-foo decor.  It's simple and fun all at the same time. 

Oooh! And before I forget, I should mention that one of the things that I has made me fall in love with houseplants is that they help purify the air within your home.  There is only so much your air filter can do and no matter how hard we try, impurities come into our house (I'm not going to get all science-y on you. . . that's my husband's job) and one of the best ways to clean that air is by having real plants in your home.  Plus, they really add so much natural beauty to your decor.  I am definitely on team house plant. . . even though some (read ferns!) don't always survive!

Have a great weekend!

10 things keeping me sane right now

Hi everybody!  Life in Quarantine has been a constant flow of emotions and man. . . is it a roller coaster! Last week,  Laura Tremaine, who is a blogger/podcaster suggested we write down the 10 things that are keeping us sane right now.  When I first saw it, I will admit, I was in a funk.  I was tired of being home, tired of oh, so many things. I kind of chuckled and brushed it away, but as I thought more and more about it. . . we are surviving. . . and I think pretty well, despite the occasional moments when we feel we are going to crack. 

I wish I could write and tell you all that everything is going perfect and honky-dory over here.  While we have our routine established and for the most part life is good, there are some days where I want to curl up and cry (for example, i was doing just fine today. . . until the cdc guidelines for schools next fall came out. . . ugh!).  We are mourning so much loss and missing a lot of things and there are so many unknowns that, at times, anxiety creeps in. 

I know that there are a lot of areas that are opening up and trying to resume normalcy, but where we live, sheltering in place will end next week.  The reality is stores will open, but beyond that I'm not really sure what will be different. There is so much anger and frustration out there, that no matter what anyone does it will be wrong.  Where a mask and you get insulted.  Don't where a mask and you get insulted.  SO.MUCH.MEAN!  Let's be better than this and show love and kindness!  Let's find ways to smile with our eyes and show love to others! 

In many ways, this post is also a reminder to myself of what I need to be doing.  In the midst of the quiet and our new (hopefully temporary) normal, I find that there are things that I have been doing to keep my sanity.

1.  Exercise. 

While I have not been able to work out like I would at the gym and I am very easily distracted around the house, I have been making sure we are moving each and every day.  Lately, bike rides have been our jam.  Everyday, just before lunch, the boys and I take a ride through our neighborhood.  It is good for our hearts and our souls. 

At the beginning, I was running in the mornings while listening to music and that was quite wonderful.  Unfortunately, my knee started yelling at me a lot so I stopped.  But, I honestly miss it. 

Exercise has been a serious source of energy and keeping my mental health in tact.  I have noticed that the days in which I am not as active, my heart and mind struggle. 

2.  God's Word. 

This has been a must.  I'm even leading a zoom study because I just love studying God's Word with women!  But seriously, scripture has been giving me life (which it really does!).  Even today, my heart was heavy with so many things, I was reminded of his faithfulness and his love when I slowed down and opened my Bible. 

3.  Reading.

I love to read and I will be the first to admit that sometimes I spend too much time on social media and forget to curl up to a good book.  I have several books open right now and it has been so nice to slow down and just read.  Last Saturday, I actually spent most of the day reading a book. I am not even sure when the last time I did that.  It felt so good. 

4.  Write things down. 

I am a list maker.  I make lists that are really long and I know I can't get to everything in one day.  But, the act of writing down my hopes for the day have really helped me focus and accomplish something.  I'll admit that sometimes I just end up hiding from my kids because my mere presence causes them to want to tell me random things that don't pertain to their homework and then homework never gets done.  I spend a lot of time just hiding in my office watching The Great in secret (so the kids can't hear!). 

Also, write down your prayers and thoughts in a journal.  Writing prayers down helps me focus my thoughts on what I want to pray and it helps me track how God is working in my life so I can look back and be reminded of his answers and his constant presence.  I want to look back at this time in our history and say that God's changed me. 

5.  Get outside.

We've been making sure we spend some time outside each day because the sun does us good!  We've been taking advantage of some great weather for bike rides and managed to hit a local trail and ride for a picnic.  We started out taking daily walks, but now we just ride everywhere.  Soon, that will be swapped out for swimming because next week we entering the triple digits and well. . . that's not fun! 

My husband and I have also been taking nightly walks around the neighborhood, while the kids read in bed before lights out.  This gives us some of that uninterrupted time that we lost when had to give up date nights.  The reality is that these short little walks are one of my favorite parts of the day. 

6.  Get out of the House.

This one goes along with get outside.  But, this one is a little different.  We noticed that the boys were also getting extra antsy just being stuck at home and only going outside for walks and bike rides.  So, every now and then we jump in the car and drive to a restaurant that we can order via drive thru.  Yesterday, they came with me on my weekly coffee run to pick up our dinner for later. 

I'm so glad our kids are at the age where we can leave for little bits of time and they are fine at home.  Our oldest has his own {flip}phone and so we can keep track of them. This has allowed me to grab my favorite iced latte from our favorite local spot once a week.  I have been able to get out, have a few minutes of alone time, and just feel a little bit human.  I know it is just a latte, but the act of getting out of the house, alone has really helped my sanity. 

Today my husband and I snuck away to drop something by his office and ended up grabbing Starbucks on the way home.  It was something little, but we had a few minutes alone together and a little treat.  (side note: today was the first Starbucks I have had since before the Shelter in Place was mandated!). 

We have also planned picnics at local parks and hiking just to get out and have a little bit of an adventure.  It does the heart good to not be in the same place for long periods of time.

7.  Order take out.

We have been trying to get take out from some local places as well as some of our favorites.  It's nice to take a break from cooking and have someone else do it.  Plus, supporting local businesses is a great way to help your community's economy.  We usually do it on night's where we can do a movie night and just get all cozy in our family room. 

8.  Do a little shopping.

I know this sounds funny.  It's probably driving my hubby crazy, but one of my favorite things to do is to wander stores and shopping centers.  It's weird.  It's my jam.  I obviously can't do that and so, shopping online has been something I do every now and then I order something.  I don't know if it is the simple act of focusing on something else, but it helps. . . just a little.  Plus, it has been taking longer to shop things and so I have something to look forward to several weeks. 

9.  Finding new ways to do grocery shopping.

When this whole thing went down, shopping really stressed me out.  I was really worried about finding food that our whole family could eat and wondering if we were going to starve.  Obviously, we are just fine.  It turns out that during quarantine, nobody wants the dairy free/soy free stuff.  Jon started out doing all of the shopping, but that grew old and we wanted to see him.  So, we joined Thrive market and started ordering some things online (It's like Christmas when it gets delivered!) and started using instacart for some things.  Those things are game changers!

10.  Find ways to be creative and Spread some joy.

I'll be honest and say finding creativity during quarantine was hard.  Trying to balance what I wanted to do and working with the kids on school work was weird.  I had a difficult time finding balance.  We started out baking a lot. . . until we realized we needed to ration out our flour (my sourdough will survive this pandemic!).  Baking relieved so much stress and gave us something to enjoy! 

From baking we moved on to gardening and figuring out how we can bless others.  So, we played with succulents and made our own chalk and shared our baking with friends and tried to spread some joy in a season that is hard.  My kids wrote letters and we made cards and we sent them to people who just needed a snail mail hug. 

I've also been staring at a pile of fabric and several quilts that need to be worked on.  I've even started cross stitching again and I won't lie, I don;t think I am going to stop.  I often find myself sitting on my bed, stitching in hand, watching You've Got Mail or Sweet Home Alabama. 

I feel like right now, more than ever, there has been a battle for our minds.  This pandemic may feel very lonely and horrible at times and I wish very much that I could give each and every one of you a hug.  I am so thankful that God is always with us. . . even if we are entering into some deep valleys of emotion.  As we move into different phases of opening up, and we're all singing that Frozen song and opening up the gates, I just want to say continue offering grace and love.  Smile with your eyes to the best of your ability.  Don't judge or cause anyone to feel shame.  No matter what direction we all lean, to someone you are wrong.  Let's be lights and not add to the stress or shame of others. 

I'd love to hear from you. . . what are you doing to keep sane??

Let's Chat! {Another honest, quarantine conversation}

Today is Friday.  Just wanted to throw that out there in case you have forgotten what day it was.  I completely forgot to give one kid the code to get onto his zoom. . . I wish she sent them out to their school emails so it would just be easier.  But, it gets sent to dojo and well, I forgot.  There were a few other ways this morning went kind of down hill, but I have decided to not let them ruin my day.

There will be no crankiness or meltdowns today.  I can't deal with them right now. But despite of the crankiness, I really have to give a shout out to my kids because they have just rocked this quarantine life hard!  They dove right into learning at home with out skipping a beat and have done well at it.  I can't really blame them, though.  We are all starting to crack a little.  Some days are harder than others. But, when I sit back and look at this time during quarantine, I think that I am going to treasure it! 

How are you all doing?  Are you feeling yourself starting to crack?  Loving every minute of it?  Or even falling into a dark pit of despair?  Be honest with yourself.  This quarantine life is far from easy.  I think that's why I keep doing these Friday chats. . . pretending we are sitting around a table with our favorite drink in hand is how I'd love to be spending my time right now. 

The highlight of my week was having an article featured over at Flourish Motherhood and I feel so privileged to get to stand with so many other amazing writers and write about patience.  If you want to hear about how a Barbie doll taught me about patience, click here.

We have 2 more weeks of school where the kids actually are doing work.  So, we are working on finishing up projects, books, and getting ready to have a mind break before we start our summer challenge.  I am not entirely sure what we will be tackling this year . . . so if you have any ideas, please let me know.  This last week, both 5th grade classes and all of their teachers, and administration had a big zoom scavenger hunt.  It was fun for him and it was nice to be able to get some fun with his buddies instead of spending an hour talking work.

Let's continue this chat with my prompts. . . cause this brain is really scattered today. 

Outside my window the sun is shining and there is a soft breeze.  The weather has been perfect this week and quite honestly we are soaking it all in before we jump back into full blown summer mode. 

I am thinking about what our Summer challenge will be and what projects to tackle.  I am also dreaming of finishing the bathroom so very soon!  (last few things come in the mail today!) 

From the kitchen right now. . . not much.  This was a really hard week in a few ways and honestly, I've struggled getting a lot done.  I did make a great summer pasta salad for dinner last night: some random pasta, cut up some fresh zucchini, broccoli, red onion, and red peppers that I had laying around and tossed it with the Primal Kitchen Italian Dressing.  Everyone gobbled it up! 

I am wearing my new Fabletics yoga pants!  I love them!  My order took forever to get here, but totally worth it!  I wasn't sure how I would like their stuff, but I am glad I signed up for their VIP membership.  I also got a pair of joggers, which I now want more because they are amazing!

I am creating a cross stitch little sampler and staring at a pile of fabric hoping that inspiration will come.  I've really struggled with the creative part of quarantine.  My focus has been off and I have found myself readjusting to having the kids home and being at their disposal when they need help.  Sometimes, I just hide. . . and read. . . and pray. 

I am going to go find adventure tomorrow.  We need to get out of the house and just go do something in our area that is not our neighborhood or backyard.  We will find it and we will conquer. 

I am reading It's all under control, by Jennifer Dukes Lee.  It is perfect for right now and I'll be honest. . . she struggles with control.  Today, I was reading about the importance of waiting and I just couldn't help by think about this quarantine situation we find ourselves in.  We are in a period of waiting. . . we are waiting for life to get back to some kind of normal . . .jobs to restart, stores to open.  My kids have already decided to belt out that song from Frozen about opening up the gates! Anyways, we are all waiting.  Lee mentions in chapter 11 that, "the work God does in the waiting room often proves to be more important than the end result."  I was really challenged by that because as much as I want life to resume normalcy, I really REALLY don't want to miss out on what he's doing through this waiting/slow down period.

I am hoping that COVID-19 drama stops.  It's really bad. 

I am hearing the clatter of Lego's.  I have lego builds all around the house from many, MANY daily challenges.  I don't mind.  Nobody is coming over. . . ha ha ha!

Around the House school work is strewn on tables.  Legos creations are displayed. Plants are growing.  And the Amazon truck just delivered my faucets for the bathroom and our vanity light came yesterday.  It might have taken over a year, but it looks like the front bathroom is finally getting finished!  Woot! Woot!

One of my favorite things are bike rides and the cooler temperatures.  I am finding myself sitting outside reading books and doing my Bible study. 

A few plans for the weekend are to find some sort of adventure to get our hearts in the right place and teach my kids how to play scrabble.  Bring it!

What I am listening to we love the Disney Hits playlist on Apple Music.  We've also been listening to Hamilton (also. . . July 3rd!!. . . we are ready!) and I am loving Ellie Holcomb's new song.

I hope that you know that whatever you are feeling, you are not alone.  If you are feeling like you are about to crack or you are falling into a deep, dark pit, please PLEASE reach out to someone.  Do something that brings you joy.  Find someone to pray with you.  Have a zoom coffee date with someone.   Remember, you are not alone.  We have a God that promises to never leave us and even when he feels silent. . . he's right there holding your hand! 

Now, it's your turn!  Grab your coffee and let's connect! You don't have to do them all! I can't wait to hear from you! You can even private message me if you don't want to make it public.  

Outside my window
I am thinking
From the kitchen
I am wearing
I am creating
I am going
I am reading
I am hoping
I am hearing
Around the House
One of my favorite things
A few plans for the week
What I am listening to 

Quarantine Succs {free printable}

 

The world is full of unrest.  There is so much anxiety, anger, and fear out their that I think we all need to take a moment and breathe.  Between crazy virus bug, life sheltering-in-place, and now crazy killer hornets making an appearance, it is enough to make us all get a little tight in the chest.  (I know because I just described how I've been feeling and I can't be the only one!)

Take a moment right now and just breathe. 

Maybe even jot down some things you are thankful to God for. 

Don't worry, I'll wait. 

Okay. 

Don't you feel a little bit better? 

It the midst of everything that is going on in the world, I find myself wanting to spread some joy.  Reader friends, I think that's what the world is missing right now . . .some joy!  Many of us are stuck at home and it's easy to fall in the "ME" trap.  What are my fears?  What are my needs?  Where can I find flour or yeast? When am I going back to work?  We need to set aside our fears, worries, and frustrations and think of others.  I don't know about you, but we really miss our people. And I am 100 percent sure our people are missing their people. We are all missing people, things, events. With holidays, like Mother's Day and graduations coming, it's enough to drive us all a little mad.  It's sad and depressing, but let's start spreading joy to the people around us and maybe. . . just maybe. . . we might be filled with the joy by giving. 

Just as quarantine was starting, my parents dropped off a box full of succulent clippings ready for me to plant.  As I planted them and got my succulent garden cleaned out from the wet winter, I noticed a bunch of baby succulents.  I knew I didn't have enough planters to get all of my clippings, I was inspired!  About a week into quarantine, Facebook and Instagram ads kept showing me one for a company that sent succulent and candle boxes to loved ones saying "quarantine succs."  Now, there was now way I could spend the 30-50 dollars these boxes cost for neighbors and friends, but i could do something.  My mom had mentioned the idea of taking some succulent pots to her neighbors to encourage them (If you know my mom. . . this is totally something she would do, too!  She is the most generous and giving person I know!).  I completely hijacked her idea. . . because she's a genius! 

I ordered these terra cotta pots on amazon, and surprisingly they showed up that week (it's been hit or miss on what we can get now and what we have to wait for).  I grabbed some soil from my garden and potted a bunch.  But, they still needed fun tags with that snazzy slogan I had seen on those social media ads, so I got to work and made some fun tags.  I printed them out on white cardstock and just cut them out with some scissors (I know, really fancy!) and glued them to some Popsicle sticks I found in the kids art closet.  Easy Peazy!

Then we drove around dropping them by some sweet friend's houses.  It was fun for us, because we got out of the house. . . we called it our quarantine adventure! It did our hearts good to think of others during this time.  So, I making my printable free to you so that you, too, can spread some joy to your friends, neighbors, office mates.  Let's spread some joy! 

You can find the the FREE PRINTABLE LINK HERE. I'd love to see how you use them.  Don't forget to tag @outoftherightbrain on facebook or @jolieklassen on instagram so I can see how you use my printable.  Also, remember this is for personal use only.  Please don't sell or claim as your own.  Thanks! 

Succulent art work is from Clara & Co. 

Teacher Appreciation 2020 {Quarantine Edition)

We are living such a weird time right now.  Normally, I would be working on a bunch of projects for my kids teachers. . . but they're not exactly "in school" right now.  While we have temporarily transitioned into {home}schooling, our kids' teachers are working their tales off providing distance learning activities and various zoom meetings for our kids to keep learning despite the current state of things.  Many of them are not only trying to teach their 20 to 30 students, whom they love like their own, but they are also trying to help their own children do their own distance learning.  Let's face it, education right now is NOT ideal. 

If you are new to the blog, I LOVE teacher appreciation week! I used to be in charge of it for our kids school and I loved being spoiled as a teacher (before I quit, had our oldest and started this blog).  Teaching is probably one of the most underappreciated jobs on the planet and  I think it is so important that we find ways to bless our teachers. . . from a distance.  I've come up with a few ideas that might work that might make it easy for you to just take a minute to say thanks to your child's teacher. 

I have a ton of ideas and printables (free, btw!) here on the blog.  But, in all honesty, those don't really help us right now.  But, if you wan them, you can find them here, here, here, and here.

But, if you are like me and won't be seeing my kids' teachers anytime soon but still want to send them some sort of warm fuzzy to make them feel loved and appreciated, here are some ideas that I came up with. 

1.  The PTA website has some great printable resources to celebrate your teacher.  If you can't get things dropped off at your child's school (we can't!).  Just snap a picture of it and send it via email or class dojo (or one of many other class messaging systems!). 

2.  Coffee shops like Starbucks and some local shops have digital gift cards.  Send one of those to your child's teacher via email and give them a little treat to celebrate their hard work! 

3.  Amazon does e-gift cards.  Teachers are constantly using this shop as a way to buy stuff for their class or even themselves! 

4.  Send them a door dash gift card so they can order take out one night next week. 

5.  Have your child write a thank you letter via email to their teacher. 

6.  Parents, send a thank you to them from you. . . this sometimes goes farther than the note from your child (not a joke!)

7.  Be on the look out for emails from your child's teacher.  They might have something small planned heading to your in box soon! 

If you have any great ideas to add, I would love to hear them!  Make sure you leave a comment below so we can all see your fabulous ideas! 

 

Connection Time (because we're still at home)

Happy Friday! 

Can I confess something to you? 

I have learned so much the past 5 weeks of Shelter-In-Place and that is grace is mandatory.  Things are not the same and sometimes we just need a good cry because staying at home and not doing a lot of those things that bring joy and fuel your life is hard.  I am a 7 on the enneagram and some days are a struggle.  I miss the trips that were planned and planning for our summer adventure (which is most definitely postponed due to some things possibly not opening up).  I miss going to Target and this Holderness video is exactly how I feel. . . who's with me? 

However, while in some ways my heart is heavy with sadness of being trapped in my house, it is also filled with great joy to have this extra time with the boys at home and not an ounce of busyness.  Last night, while my husband was on a zoom meeting, the boys and I took off on an evening bike ride.  There were soooo many kids out riding their bikes, walking their dogs, and just outside in their front yards.  Can I just tell you that for about 15 minutes last night, I felt like we had gone back in time to when I was a kid.  I think that one of the coolest thing that has come out of this life of quarantine is our kids are able to be just that. . . kids.  We might even get to know our neighbors from 6 feet away because all of a sudden we are all outside. 

My husband sets up our outdoor movie screen (something that we had planned months ago to invite our friends to <insert sad face here>), we are doing it as a family.  Bring on a take out dinner supporting a local favorite and outdoor movie night.  In the meantime, I am going to try to get this Friday post finished.  I hope that you all are surviving.  I know that kids are home, you might be home - not working or working from home and now homeschooling.  Things are different.  There are worries and burdens and the struggle is real for everybody.  But, I hope that as you read this, you are encouraged, and feel a warm hug. . . because you are not alone.  The song from High School Musical. . . "We're All In This Together" really seems quite fitting for right now.  Because, yes, your story is different from mine, but your need for connection and productivity is the same.  Let's come together and check on our friends, whether or not via text  or a snail mail card (you can get some free ones right now through Hallmark!) or make a zoom coffee date! 

If you are new to the blog, which I know some of you are, here's how these connection posts work.  I have a series of prompts that I answer and then I let you guys answer some or all or even just one in the comments below, on my facebook, and even my instagram.  Let's chat! 

Outside my window. . . well, I am currently outside on my patio table typing this post because even though it is 85 degrees, there is a soft breeze and shade.  If I close my eyes, I pretend I am at the beach (probably some serious wishful thinking on my part, but it's quarantine. . .ha ha).  My amaryllis that I planted 3 years ago in bloomed 2 beautiful flowers.  The yard games are out and the outdoor movie screen has been set up for our little family movie night. 

I am thinking that today was a bit hard.  There was a way too much whining from my boys today as they finished up school work and I just felt so much angst.  Thankfully, I ran away and grabbed my Friday treat and it was the best 15 minutes of my day! 

From the kitchen we baked these chocolate chip cookies for the 4th time since we were quarantined, made our favorite cinnamon rolls, Ethan made this lemonade and then made us drink out a mason jars and paper straws!  I also whipped up some freezer waffles with my sourdough discard. 

I am wearing yoga pants and a tank top.  It's getting warmer by the day and well, comfort is key.  I have bought some new clothes, but have no where to go to where them.  I did, however, join Fabletics.  I can't wait to get my order and see how everything fits! 

I am creating a list.  Just kidding.  I am getting really good at making lists and not getting a lot done.  Right now, my husband and I are working on getting the hallway doors painted!  You can tune into my fb stories or insta stories to find out more before I get the blog post done.  I am super excited not to have 1964 orange-y brown doors in my hallway!   I also need to make a sleeve for Ethan's new kindle (his other one died. . . RIP dear kindle fire). 

I am going ha ha ha. . . absolutely no where!  We are riding bikes almost every day and I am running almost every day.  It has been so good for my mental health to get out and do something where the kids don't ask me for help every time I sit down.  I really am loving having the kids home, but some days, it's hard.  We are definitely not perfect people. 

I am reading  so many books right now.  I am working the next book in the Cheney Duval, MD series (mindless reading that gives me a break).

I am also reading On the Bright Side, by Melanie Shankle and It's All Under Control by Jennifer Dukes Lee.  The control one has been really timely for this crazy life we are currently in.  It's actually a Bible Study, too so I am leading a zoom/FB study based on that book.  So much fun!  

I am hoping that this virus dies and life can get back to normal.  I know it's necessary, but sometimes my heart is weary.  I don't like all the negative, opinion bashing that I see on social media.  It's hard.  People are sick.  People are angry.  People think they know better than others.  Words hurt, even if they aren't towards anyone specific.  I will say that as a Christian, it makes me so sad some of the hurtful and prideful posts I am seeing. 

I am also hoping that some of this new normal doesn't stay temporary.  I like the kids playing and being kids.  It's pretty great. 

I am hearing birds chirping and my boys playing Minecraft. 

Around the House there are things strewn everywhere.  School work, craft projects, board games.  There are a lot of messes, but there's so much creativity that is coming out of being stuck at home!  I am having fun digging out my many, many file folder games I made when I was a teacher way back before Ethan was born and putting them to use {home}schooling Weston. . . who just happens to be a third grader! 

One of my favorite things is technology.  Seriously!  I know Zoom has its issues, but I love that I can have a coffee date with a friend, host a Bible Study, and my kids can connect with their friends all because the technology is there.  It definitly makes staying home so much better!

A few plans for the (next) week include tackling some of the creative projects that I have been wanting to get to.  But also, finish as many doors with what's left of our gallon of paint. 

What I am listening to everymorning is worship.  I blast some tunes and hit the road running.  It seriously gets my head (and heart) in the right zone each morning.  We are also filling up on Disney Hits playlist on Apple Music. . . it's our favorite! 

I do plan on watching the next story of Phantom of the Opera on you tube this weekend.  I'm sure that Andrew Lloyd Webber's music is great in this one, too!  So, maybe I will be downloading the soundtrack to that, too? 

I'd love to hear how you, my fellow reader, are doing?  I'd love to be able to pray for you or send you a virtual hug.  I am so thankful for you taking the time to read and respond.  It really does make my day hearing from you! 

Now, it's your turn!  Grab your coffee and let's connect! You don't have to do them all! I can't wait to hear from you! You can even private message me if you don't want to make it public.  

Outside my window
I am thinking
From the kitchen
I am wearing
I am creating
I am going
I am reading
I am hoping
I am hearing
Around the House
One of my favorite things
A few plans for the week
What I am listening to