Jace brought home a project sheet from school the other day that explained how everyone in the class was to make items to bring to a trade fair for a culminating activity to their studies on the economy. This is right up my alley and I was pretty excited about it! Well, I have to admit, my mind was racing! I was trying to think of something that would be great, easy to make, not messy, something everyone would love, yes I wanted something perfect! But, I couldn't think of anything that fit the bill. I asked my sweet son if he knew what types of things the other kids were bringing, he named off this thing and that, then he nonchalantly added, I want to make those crystals we made at Christmas. Seems like that's not a big deal, right? Well, it is a big deal! MY ten year old ~ the one who would play all day, leave his room a total mess, never pick up a single book, and probably not shower for days on end if I would let him ~ had his very own idea of what HE wanted to do. I'm not going to lie, My heart was filled with pride. Also, I almost fainted. Here I was, ready to save the day and make sure he had the perfect 'product' for the fair, and he already had the perfect idea! I was also a little flattered that he remembered that project we did at Christmas. Hey, when you're ten, four months ago might as well have been four years ago. It was so nice to be reminded that the things I do with him don't go unnoticed. They do actually make an impact! As a parent, that just feels amazing. Now, I realize, some of you may be thinking, "Okay, is she seriously this proud of a TEN year old acting responsibly?" The answer is YES, yes I am! You see, responsibility is not his thing. He is a free spirit if I ever saw one and I adore that about him, but it does present challenges. Also, it is not easy to 'teach' responsibility. It just isn't. Sure, you can impose consequences for lack of responsibility and give rewards for a show of responsibility and give tips on how to be responsible, but the truth is, each kid gets there at his own pace. You can believe that I am praising that kid like crazy for this success on the path to responsibility.
As far as 'our' project, it turned out great! I did help him with it, and that's okay, because the project requirements did state that parents could help so we didn't break the rules! But he jumped right in there, was very excited, and even came up with the idea to make a red and black school spirit S shape. Best idea ever, if you ask me (yes, I am biased, I know). Here are some closeups of my fave suncatchers:
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| GO LIONS!!! |
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| Jace made this one, "for the girls" |
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| Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon |
We ended up making a total of 18 suncatchers
and they turned out to be a big hit. He didn't return home with even one left over.
I have to say, Jace's 4th grade year has been so awesome. His teacher is truly amazing and I am thankful beyond measure that he was placed in her class. When your child is happy to go to school and excited about projects, it makes life oh so grand.
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| Excited for a great day of trading goods |
I think it's pretty apparent that he was just as proud of himself as I was of him.
