Saturday, December 06, 2008

"Something Fun"

A couple of weeks ago, desperate to convince Caleb to finish his lunch, I promised him that as soon as he was done we would do "something fun." The tactic worked like a charm, but my steel-trap minded little boy has daily made me regret saying those two words. Now any time he is bored or in need of encouragement or just plain ready for a new diversion he'll come to me and say "Mommy, I need to do something fun." That statement regularly tests my resourcefulness and powers of creativity. Under the guise of doing something fun we have visited the playground countless times, danced to every track on the ipod at least twice, cooked or watched cooking shows (Caleb loves the Food Network), and done every Thanskgiving and now Christmas craft I can think of. Below is a sampling, for posterity's sake, of some of our crafty creations from the last several weeks. Some have been more engaging that others, but I am proud to say I haven't yet failed to produce "something fun" when bidden.
a Caleb sized scarecrow
Indian corn made using punched holes and glue
(this and other ideas are from Amy's blog)
a Thanksgiving crown he refused to wear...
but was happy to share with Isaac
pasta colored with vinegar and food coloring...
for decorating pictures and,
making garlands
it's supposed to be a turkey
yarn stars
more Indian corn, this time painted with q-tips
this too is supposed to be a turkey made from a styrofoam
ball stuck with various beads, strait pins and pipe
cleaners (this project was a big hit with Caleb)
Frosty and Santa
the obligatory hand-print turkey

28 comments:

Kimberly said...

Good job, mom!

Jana and BJ said...

You are amazing! I am so impressed and I aspire to have this quality as a mother.

Lindsey said...

You are awesome! When I have two little ones at home I am definitely goign to have to get more crafty! Now I know where to come for ideas!

alisa and sometimes brandon said...

Fantastico! Do crafty ideas come with the children? If not, I'll be in dire straits and my kids will be constantly bored. :)

dana said...

UMMMMM, and you wondered what you were going to do that was "fun"? Hello Mary Poppins. Totally fun ideas. I love the life-size Caleb Scarecrow.

Mibi and Lee said...

Wow you are so creative!!!!!

treen said...

I caught your comment on my Halloween pictures - thanks! I'm bookmarking this post, because Summer is getting to the age where she also wants "something fun" to do (but she hasn't learned this phrase yet, thankfully).

stephanie said...

I hope the ideas keep coming! I am sure he will keep asking for a fun project.
Good times!!!!!

bwebster said...

Ah, you're such a great mom, Linsey. Caleb and Isaac are lucky to have you. ..bruce & sandra..

Paige said...

I love you but this is absolutely ridiculous and way past your job as a nurturer. One magic word, my friend-
PRESCHOOL.

robin marie said...

i love all of those "something funs"! especially the god's eye. i have one from my little sister in my car!

Jake said...

I used to be young and energetic like you.

My kids like to fingerpaint with shaving cream in the shower. Sometimes I let them do it twice a day. It smells like I cleaned the bathroom when they're done.

Annemarie said...

I love that his idea of fun is the Food Network!!!
I wish we lived closer...we could do craft time together. This gave me some great ideas for this week, though! THanks!
You are an awesome mom!!
Paige is ruthless.

Jessica said...

I have a 9 year I'm going to ship down to Venezuela. She lives for crafts and I couldn't loathe them more. What a nice mom.

K. Crisler said...

I'm so impressed! If you keep this up you will be featured in the next issue of Martha Stewart Kids! By the way, I have a darling rudolf project I want to do with Caleb sometime while you guys are here.

teresa and the boys said...

Hi, Mother of the Freaking Year. I am humbled and inspired. Also, you get points for correctly using the word "bidden."

diane said...

You are fun and creative.

I miss this stuff. At one time I had a whole collection of jewelry made by my pre-schoolers. Designed with pasta, buttons and beads.

lis said...

I wanna come play during "something fun" time!!! :)
You are a fun mom, indeed!!! :)

Lauren in GA said...

I am totally in love with all of those projects!! The styrofoam ball turkey is so amazing! I am going to copy these!

So, I am guessing the beads have to have a hole in them, right? Are they beads you would string on a necklace?

Lauren in GA said...

By the way...you are totally SUPER MOM in my book!

Unknown said...

Great crafts! You've got a ton of talents, Linsey. And you're using them the greatest way possible...to bless your family. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Lauren in GA said...

Thank you so much for answering my questions!! You are a dear! Or, I guess being in Georgia I should say, "You are a Peach!" I appreciate it!

angie {the arthur clan} said...

I just wanted to stop by to thank you for stopping by my blog today as part of BATW!

Wowza...you are one creative mommy keeping your little guy busy with fun activities. Good for you! :)

Christie said...

I'm exhausted just looking at what you made. You are an excellent mother.

Ilene said...

What an excellent mother! When my boys ask to do something fun, too often I find myself saying "Later." It is something I struggle with every day. Thanks for some great ideas and inspiration!

Jacqueline Auna and family said...

Fabulous! Wow. Like King Louis (the Jungle Book), "I wanna be like you!" (Sorry, it's late!) I too am humbled and inspired by all your projects and ideas...

Adrianne said...

You are freaking amazing. I can't stop thinking about cleaning up after all those projects. Can MAriza come to my house?

Rachel Cotterill said...

Well done you :) I totally understand his feeling that 'something fun' is required!

 

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