Summer Journals

These are our summer journals.

I got the idea from Guy's preschool teachers.  Every day or so, I ask my children to draw on a topic, usually something they've been talking about a lot.  Then I label it and date it on the back.  Here are our first entries.  I asked the kids to "draw about" what they think their school classes will be like next year.  Even two-year-old Autumn participates, although she draws just her favorite items so far.  

Another writing prompt that I gave them last week was "Draw about your worst dream."  Guy knew just what to draw, since he'd had a nightmare earlier that week.  This activity opens up some nice conversations for us.  And Guy "drew a solution" into his "bad dream".  He drew a school mate protecting him.  I asked him about it, because I didn't remember him mentioning this part of the dream the first time he told me about it.  He said,"Well, I wasn't sure what Ryan was doing in the dream, so I imagined him protecting me."  Nightmare resolved...all on his own!  I like it.

Scarlett couldn't think of a nightmare to draw, so she made one up:  Her future teacher Miss Ann getting caught in a storm was her idea of a "bad dream".

Each child has a folder and we keep our pictures in order by date.  These are our summer journals, and they are quickly becoming a treasure to each of us.

PS - A reader on Sugardoodle asked about a list of writing prompts/questions to get the kids writing/drawing.  I found a pretty creative list of journal prompts at Super Teacher Worksheets.

Continue reading... »

He Wants to Be an American Soldier

Three things make me cry immediately:

Marching bands.

Parades.

Members of the military bearing the US Flag.

Each of these things alone bring tears to my eyes almost immediately.  Put them all together, and I'm powerless from curling up into a ball and sobbing, anytime, any place.  

So, I guess you could say that this weekend is the start of crying season for me.  Between now and the 4th of July, I'll probably cry more than the rest of the year combined.

It's already happened, you know.

During my son's preschool graduation, the teacher announced what each child wants to be when he or she grows up.  As Guy "accepted his diploma" his teacher said, "When Guy grows up, he wants to be an American soldier."  

I was sort of surprised by his answer (although I probably shouldn't have been), and I could hear an almost inaudible sigh of admiration and respect come from the crowd.  Guy was, in fact, the only child in the preschool to have this as his career goal.  Suddenly, everything that this choice would mean for him flashed before my mind's eye.  

All of the children's goals were admirable, and all involved helping other people, but Guy's choice would mean that he'd be willing to quite literally lay down his life for others.  I don't know that he was aware of this fact, but I was.  And it made me cry tears of great pride in the selflessness of an innocent little boy and of thousands of men and women who currently serve and who have served in the US Military.

At the end of the ceremony, all members of the military were called up to stand by the children as they sang "God Bless America".  Barely half of the servicemen and women had made it to the front of the room before I started crying.  One older gentleman was dressed in full Navy uniform...all white with a blue tie and white cap.  We in the crowd gave them a standing ovation, and I was hooting and hollering like an mad woman with tears streaming down my cheeks.  (I look ridiculous when I cry!)

Anyway, it was a nice moment.  I am so thankful for the experiences that I have had in life that have made me aware of the sacrifice of men and women in the military:  grandparents who always stood up when the color guards marched by in a parade, even if for the twentieth time, parents who put together 4th of July parades every year and had us march through the streets, even if our family was pretty much the only parade participants, an elementary school that allowed for the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance, a marching band director who taught discipline, integrity, and who required all of his students to know their music by heart, including the Star-spangled Banner and who asked us to play loudly with our instruments held high.  For a grandmother who bled red, white, and blue, and for grandfathers who gave their lives for the liberty of us all.

I love this quote:  "The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." - Douglas MacArthur

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!

Continue reading... »

"I will do my best not to let the disaster beat me."

My dear friend Yuki has provided me with a translation of the letters that we received from the girls in Japan yesterday.  

Here are their touching letters in English:

From Saya Yahata

Thank you for a lot of great gifts.

The flower bag pack is so cute and my favorite.

I wish I will do my best not to let the disaster beat me.

So please keep in touch and cheer me up.

Thank you.

  

From Natsuki Abe

We were damaged by earthquake and Tsunami.

I lost many my important things.

But I am happy now because I got lots of cute gifts from you.

I will treasure it. Thank you.

 

 From Yuri Shoji

Thank you for your lots of great gifts. I am happy very much.

Our house was damaged by Tsunami and water and mud covered all of our house.

Now we cleaned up first floor but still we need a lot of work.

And there are still many earthquake and it makes me so scared.

I really appreciate you because the gifts from you make me so happy and my fear is gone when I got them.

Thank you.

Yuki has started a disaster relief group for Japan here in my local area.  The blog can be found here.  She is selling handmade t-shirts to raise money for the people of Japan.  They come in all sizes, children through adult.  (I'm really drawn to #2!)  You can find out how to order here...or email her at susquehannav.japanesec@gmail.com

Continue reading... »

A Well-loved Child

Some "experts" were on the Dr. Oz Show the other day discussing what should be done to curb childhood obesity in our country.  One doctor/administrator said, "There are only two things that change behavior:  money and fear."

Say what?

I wanted to laugh out loud at the entire scene of ignorance and short-sightedness that was being displayed by all involved:  the host, "the experts", the guests,and the audience.  It was truly the blind leading the blind.  But I couldn't bring myself to laugh, because it was all just too heartbreaking.

The good doctor seems to have forgotten about the strongest, most effective motivation for change, which is L-O-V-E.  To be fair, they all had the best of intentions.  I also realize that government institutions cannot say "Love is the answer."  They are expected instead to regulate and enforce.

But today, I am sure glad that there are still good human beings out there that understand that LOVE is the greatest force on earth.  

I sent my two oldest children to preschool this year.  It was a big first step for me as I transition into a new realm of Motherhood--a Mom of school-aged children!  All of the teachers have been amazing!  But Scarlett's teacher has really shown an outstanding example of loving those she teaches.  Actually, both of her teachers have had a big impact on my little girl.

From day one, she has simply glowed with love for each one of her students.  They could feel it.  I could feel it...and now, nine months later, I can see the results of her love:  a well-adjusted, well-rounded, happy little girl, who loves to learn, and who feels ready to experience her world. 

And to think, I almost didn't send her to preschool this year.

My friend Sue said this recently in a post about parenting,"A well-loved child is likely to become the person he or she was meant to be...a son or daughter of God who acts the part."

I am so thankful to the good teachers who have helped my son and daughter this year to discover who they are and to act well their part.

What a blessing!

Continue reading... »

Dear Japan: 私たちもあなたを愛して

My kids and I were so excited today to find a special envelope in our mailbox from Ishinomaki, Japan!  Here are our new friends Natuki, Saaya, Yuri, and Hiiro, showing off the backpacks that we sent them. I am so happy to see that they also received these beautiful quilts from someone special!  I had hoped to send blankets along with the backpacks, but was unable.  Teamwork rules!!  (Can you believe that The Sleepy Time Gal had originally hoped to get 30 boxes sent to Japan...and as of today her readers have sent nearly 700 boxes?!)


I truly believe that the Lord works in mysterious ways...and that out of everything tragic and troubling, He brings about beauty and growth and wisdom and charity and strength.  After all, what could be more devastating about the scene behind these girls?  And what could be more delightful than the looks of hope and happiness on their faces now?  A great example of the yin-yang of life.  He truly has the whole world in his hands!  


I hope that these girls will continue to shine brightly.  They are so special.  They are the future.  And they have a great light to share with the world around them.   

This picture makes me so happy!

We love you, girls!

We love the sweet notes and drawings that you sent!

Now to get someone to translate for me!

(Yuki, are you reading this?)

If you want to help out, go to: 

Continue reading... »

New Mormon Musical in The Works

I'm sorry, but this is just too funny not to post:

The Sistas are toying with the idea of a new Mormon Musical.

Broadway-lovers and "roadshow" alumni alike need to hop on over and check out their ideas.

I think they are on to something...

Continue reading... »

100 Books of Summer

My kids and I have decided to see if we can read 100 books together this summer.

Here is our 

100 Books of Summer 

Reading List:

Note:  We LOVE and own the majority of the books on this list and consider these titles to be the best of the best.  However some are new to us.  We welcome your book recommendations for children ages 2-6.

ENJOY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

The Art Lesson by Tomie De Paola 

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina 

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch 

The Napping House by Audrey Wood  

Where the Sidewalk Ends: the Poems and Drawing of Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein  

I Dream of Trains by Angela Johnson

Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh

Most Loved in All the World by Cozbi A.Cabrera

~~~

Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell

My Parents Think I'm Sleeping by Jack Prelutsky

I Saw You in the Bathtub and Other Folk Rhymes by Alvin Schwartz

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Volunteer of the Year by Marc Brown

Old Man Whickutt's Donkey by Mary Calhoun

Tootle by Gertrude Crampton

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

~~~

Charlie Cook's Favorite Book by Julia Donaldson

And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss

Snow Music by Lynne Rae Perkins

The Bunny Book by Richard Scarry

Stay Awake Sally by Mitra Modarressi

No Jumping On The Bed! by Tedd Arnold

On the Moon by Anna Milbourne and Benji Davies

Who Wants an Old Teddy Bear? by Ginnie Hoffmann

Three Samurai Cats by Eric A. Kimmel

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

~~~

Wild About Books by Judy Sierra

Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz

Who Wants a Dragon? by James Mayhew

The Best Nest by P. D. Eastman

Giants Come in Different Sizes by Jolly Roger Bradfield

William Shakespeare -To Sleep, Perchance to Dream by James Mayhew

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Purplicious by Victoria Kann

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

~~~

Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Spelman

Fanny's Dream by Caralyn Buehner

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers

I Said No! by Kimberly King

Freight Train by Donald Crews

The Empty Pot by Demi

Mean Soup by Betsy Everitt

Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel

Knuffle Bunny:  A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

~~~

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

Dinosaur's Binket by Sandra Boyntan

Mice Are Nice by Charles Ghigna

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

If I Had a Big Blue Boat by Kindermusik

Whose Shoes? by Stephen R. Swinburne

Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel

Someday by Alison McGhee

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

~~~

The School Bus Driver from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Stone Soup by Ann McGovern

Sector 7 by David Weisner

Tsunami! by Kajikawa Kimiko

Truce by Jim Murphy

Hansel and Gretel by Michael Morpurgo

The Hinky-Pink: An Old Tale by Megan McDonald

My Garden by Kevin Henkes

Eloise Wilkin's Poems to Read to the Very Young

Who Said Boo? by Nancy White Carlstrom

~~~

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

In A Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz

Little Quack's Bedtime by Lauren Thompson

A Winter Day by Douglas Florian

Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs by Alan Katz

Hop On Pop by Dr. Seuss

See Inside Your Body by Katie Daynes

Ootah's Lucky Day by Peggy Parish

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls

Sylvester and The Magic Pebble by William Steig

~~~

Miss Spider's Wedding by David Kirk

I See Santa Everywhere by Glenn McCoy

Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein

No Fighting, No Biting by Else Holmelund Minarik

Superfudge by Judy Bloom

On The First Day of Grade School by Emily Brennen

Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszka

Chugga-chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis

Hopper by Marcus Pfister

Good Night, Sleep Tight by Barbara Cratzius

~~~
School Days by B.G. Hennessy

Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet S. Wong

The Impossible Patriotism Project by Linda Skeers

All Those Secrets of The World by Jane Yolen

The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z by Steve Martin

Not A Box by Antoinette Portis

The Adventures of Marco and Polo by Dieter Wiesmuller

June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner

The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood

The Secret-Keeper by Kate Coombs

Continue reading... »

"This is my special talent..."

Guy and Steve went on the fathers and sons camp out with the boys from church this weekend, so the girls and I had a camp out of our own on Friday night with some friends.   

No, we didn't sleep in the tent, silly!  No, we just played in it...

 

On Saturday, we spent the day shopping, people watching, eating out, and painting ceramics!  Our forte.

The boys had a great time on their trip, and Guy talked about it in his "spotlight" in Primary yesterday.

As the spotlight child, Guy was invited to "share a special talent or interest" with the other Primary children.  This is what he did:  He walked up to the front of the room and unrolled his sleeping bag for the kids to see.  Then said, "I went camping with my dad this weekend for the Fathers and Sons camp out."  Then he pulled out his pocket knife and started to wittle.  His complete disregard for knife safety was making the leaders nervous, I could tell, but the fact that someone was wielding a knife in the middle of Primary sure gave the kids a thrill!

Then he said, "We learned about the Priesthood during our camp out.  Someday, I will hold the priesthood.  I will use my priesthood to help other people.  This is my special talent."

It was very sweet.

Continue reading... »