"The Decorative Scoop"

Ah.  You have happened upon one of my strengths.  :D

I have been asked the following question for my September Even Day Challenge: "Share 1 or 2 of your favorite recipes, DIY projects, or beauty/fashion tips."

Thus, here are Seven Quick Takes to a fun family craft: "The Decorative Scoop."

1.  Obtain an empty milk carton.  Rinse it out.  (I find the 2% "Great Value" from Walmart works best.)

2.  At this point, you won't be able to find the scissors.   Just trust me, ya won't.  So give your husband a sharp knife.

3.  (Husband's love sharp knives).

4.  Ask your husband to make your humble milk jug into a "scoop."  He will intently engage in the task (even though you interrupted his dinner.)

5.  In an effort to involve the whole family, peel stickers off the wall and have toddler decorate your scoop.

6.  I find that "The Decorative Scoop" is very versatile.  Suggestions that come to mind involve sand, cereal, and kitty litter, though I would recommend making a separate "Decorative Scoop" for each individual purpose.

7.  Here, my daughter demonstrates with Cheetos.  Note her surreal joy as she successfully pours her snack into a bowl.

Reduce, reusing, and recycling, this activity will have your kiddos and spouse begging for more, and demanding "Why are we doing this, Mom?  No, really?"

Linked to The Conversion Diary and Being a Wordsmith

Camp Braveheart

1.  On my dear dad's 70th birthday, I was at the nursing home because--like the great guy he is--he wanted to be with his mom for the occasion.  

2.  As I put my girls through the mandatory songs and dances (literally) of entertaining the residents, I happened to notice a pamphlet on the floor.  Thinking it was part of the usual detritus my kids strew in their wake, I stuffed it in my pocket and continued directing the songs from Vacation Bible School.

3.  Pulled it out that evening and read, "Camp Braveheart: a free two-day camp for any child who has experienced a loss."  Losses addressed ranged from pets to parents.  Zip-lining, kayaking, rock-climbing, with food provided.  The final day concluded with a Japanese lantern lighting in honor of the deceased loved one.

Very intrigued, I looked at the dates. The deadline to register was the next day.  And the ceremony was on my due date.

4.  I love (don't you?) when God just taps you on the shoulder and says, "You know that thing you've been asking about? Here you go."

5.  And I finally knew how to commemorate the erstwhile birthday of the baby I lost.

6.  So that's what my kids and I did today. I am pickled in salt water from swimming and decorated literally head to toe with face paint, sticker tattoos, and kid-made jewelry.  I participated in my first drumming circle (gulp), which fortunately was just a glorified singalong where I got to sing my little ones' names.

7.  For today, I am grateful, and glad, and at peace.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5

(for Seven Quick Takes, hosted at www.conversiondiary.com)

My attempt at Valentines...

To all the parents who sent their kids to school today with homemade, hand-dipped cake pops individually wrapped in red and white cellophane, paired with "mom and me" crafted cards painstakingly stamped and decorated with heart-shaped punch outs on hand-knit doilies: I respect you, I admire you, and aspire to be more like you. 

To my fellow moms who sent their kids to school with one of the following $2.98 boxed atrocities from Walmart:

Can I get a "woot woot!"? :)

I mean, who doesn't need a fairy puppy tattoo to know they are loved?

Ah well. Happy Sts. Cyril and Methodius Day anyway. May we all more deeply know God's love for us this year! :) TLC

"And above all these things put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect."
                                                                                                                          Colossians 3:14