To Do It Over Again!

I keep looking at my scrapbook, my favorite one, the one with wrinkled pages that hold unfading memories of raising and nurturing my four children; memories that linger and make me long to relive those days again. Even now, years later, there are reminders tucked away all around the house that clearly capture every heartbeat of what my early mothering days were all about. They leave a bitter-sweet feeling in my heart about my children, relishing and savoring every moment of their childhood while delighting in our close friendships now.




When the children were no longer infants and old enough to participate in the same activities, I purposed myself to keep them busy and challenged during their most vulnerable and impressionable years. I came up with a strategy that would involve every facet of their development; creating a learning environment that would duplicate a picture of life they would need to adapt to as adults. I wanted their activities to nurture their intellectual, emotional, social, psychological, physical and spiritual growth. So in order to accomplish this I designated each day of the week to emphasize one of these areas.

On Mondays: we we did fun things right around the house;
picnics on the porch, crafts, painting, played dress up, did puzzles,
built forts under the dining room table, played hide-n-go-seek,
game-a-rama night on my king size bed, water balloon and squirt gun fights, etc.
(this stimulated their initiative, imagination, and creativity)

Tuesdays: drove to a new park or library in surrounding cities
(this satisfied their need for discovery, adventure, and curiosity)
 
Wednesdays: had company/friends/special guests over
(this encouraged them to learn hospitality, serving, organizing/planning, and cooperation)

Thursdays: chores
(this fostered accountability, responsibility, team work, and diligence)

Fridays: outreach, babysitting, visiting grandma or someone in need
(this drew out their compassion, selflessness, and a sensitivity to someone else's feelings and needs)

Of course, our family life was not limited to just these activities. We did so much, my goodness, I honestly don't know how I kept up with it all!




When school began, I missed our fun times together and I know they did too. Receiving them into my affections was a part of their every waking minute. So, to continue our togetherness, I devised what I called, "After School Together" and broke it down into three categories;

Things To Do - activities that required continual interaction with each other
scavenger hunts around the house
began a basement gallery with their latest works of art
made pine cone bird feeders rolled in peanut butter and bird seed
wrote letters to the president and editor of local newspaper
bubblegum blowing contests
had the kids make up the dinner menu for a week and prepare the foods
directed a mini aerobics session in the living room
baked cupcakes for someone just to say we cared
talked about what  "I'm Thankful For...."
"Name That Tune" on a kazoo
send a secret letter to someone they'd been praying for
balloon volleyball (the more balloons the better!)
craziest outfit contest

Things To Make - from supplies around the house
thank tank from old coffee can - decorate a coffee can and fill it by
       writing down all the things you appreciate in life,
       then share them during dinner               
refrigerator magnets
memory game
puppets
place mats
door knob signs
bookmarks
mosaics using colored rice
potato print wrapping paper - carve flat surface and dip in colored inks
sandpaper art - color and melt in oven at low temp.
name cards for dinner table
creation critters - press thumbs in watercolors and design little creatures

Things To Eat - after we made them together
juice cubes in ice cube tray
push ups in dixie cups
peanut butter balls; peanut butter, honey and non-fat powdered dry milk
     use just like play dough, embellish their artwork with raisins, coconut, nuts etc.
popcorn balls
rice krispie treats - incorporate the element of surprise;
     every time they're made, have a "secret" ingredient ready;
     m&m's, caramel chips, butterscotch chips, candy kisses, etc.
gelatin knox blox cubes - everyone picks their favorite flavor
granola - always a healthy choice!
cut veggies and dip
frozen banana on a stick covered in chocolate
ice cream sandwiches using their favorite cookies
quickie pizzas; each one assembles their own
yogurt sundaes - have a fun variety of toppings available
smoothies in the blender - create family tradition recipes

alphabet pretzels - children follow an easy recipe
     using yeast, then shape their initials

These lists could go on a mile long, but I think you get the idea. Just writing these out helps me relive those moments I have cherished all these years. I miss them terribly. The opportunities are endless to instill a core value system in our children during the small window of time that is available, which is approximately the first seven or eight years of their life. I had read in my early child development books that simple gestures like direct eye contact, touching, hugging, heartfelt listening to their every concern, understanding and encouraging every situation they found themselves in, lays the groundwork for children to discover their true value and worth. The earliest formation of their self identity and self concept comes ultimately from the unconditional love from their parents.

A challenge indeed, but one I would do over a thousand times.

And, after you've exhausted yourself in the whirlwinds of daily commotion and demands, you can rest your head on your pillow at night with a smile in your heart, because the joy you receive from your little ones far outweighs anything you gave.

Train up a child in the ways he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6