Creating a comfortable life one moment at a time
I am smitten with this video of the suburban-dad experience. It’s a sweet tribute (in rap!) to the wonderful men who trade being cool for diapers, Disney movies, and “dozens of dollars.” And, lucky for us, are happy to do it. These dads are hot, and I’m proud to say my computer geek husband would fit right in. Enjoy!
Will making a volcano. He tells you how to make one of your own here.
I’ve put together a list of activities for those inevitable moments this summer when the kids are looking for something to do. You could cut the ideas out and put them in a jar labeled “Things To Do.” Or you could put the sheets in a three-ring binder. I might do the latter so I can include directions or information for activities that require them. (Like making play dough or learning the alphabet in sign language.)
There are about 135 activities here, so I think it should be enough to keep the kids busy for awhile. If I repeated myself or if you have any ideas to include, please let me know!
Here you go: Boredom Is Not Allowed Activities.
I spotted this fun idea for corralling summer ideas over on Whatever (via Say Yes to Hoboken). We have three months of freedom ahead of us and I want to make the most of our time. But I also want to relax and not drive myself (and the kids) crazy with trying to do too much. I like how this list has a nice mix of creative projects and adventures, with some enrichment activities (like writing letters) thrown in for good measure.
Do you have any specific goals for the summer? I really want to focus on music this year. This may have something to do with the fact that I’ve recently discovered “Glee,” but it’s also because I’ve fallen down a bit (okay, a lot) on the job of teaching the kids piano during the school year. It’s so easy to put off lessons when there’s so much going on. There’s also a guitar collecting dust in the corner and a drum set that needs repair. Lexie is still waiting patiently for me to get my act together to help her learn how to sew. And I need to help Lily with her reading and Will with his math facts.
So there’s lots to keep us busy this summer. I’ve been doing the “kids on break” thing for years and haven’t really come up with a preferred method for organizing it all. I kind of like the laid-back approach of the chalkboard. Just throw a bunch of ideas up there and check them off as you go.
How about you? Do you do better with plans and structure in place? Or do you prefer to wing it? Or maybe a little of both? (That last one seems to be how I roll.)
Mug of Birthday
