Well, it happened. Jackson came home with an assignment on his first day of preschool. The directions were attached to a large piece of white construction paper. I was supposed to help Jackson make a banner using our family name. We could trace our hand prints, glue things on it, use pictures, or do whatever we wanted to tell our family’s story. They kids would get to present their banners to the class. Having just been on a great vacation to Wyoming that produced tons of fun pictures, I thought we should put them to good use. I’ve always loved making collages, so this would be fun.
Then the questions started bombarding my mind. Does this need to look like a child did it, or do they really want me to do it? The directions said it would go on the wall, so maybe it’s supposed to be part of the room decor and it needs to look nice.
Being a first-time preschool parent, I’d never been faced with this dilemma before. BigMama’s stories about Caroline’s Fiesta float came to mind. If I err, do I want to err on the side of not good enough or too good? My perfectionist tendencies overtook my willingness to submit myself to my three-year-old’s creative genius and it came out like this.
I’m so ashamed. I did let Jackson pick out the pictures, though. And he sat beside me and cut scraps of paper while I did the work. Not that that makes it okay.
Curtis is the one who takes Jackson to school, so I called him just minutes after I knew he would have dropped him off. “Did you see the other posters?” I begged him to tell me they all looked like ours. He’d only glimpsed a corner of one and couldn’t tell. “The teacher said it looked nice.”
Nice. Is that good or bad?
As I entered the wing of classrooms to pick him up yesterday afternoon, I was faced with the humiliation of my life. There on the wall of the hallway – not inside the classroom as I had thought – the children’s artwork was prominently displayed. It took .5 seconds for me to realize that one of these things is not like the others. Every other poster had hand prints. Every other poster had evidence of a three-year-old’s art skills. Every other poster was right and ours was wrong! Wrong in big, bold letters, with brightly colored polkadot scrap paper and obnoxious Disney pictures. Wrong with our named spelled out for everyone to see! Wrong with the faces of our family, so that the horrible mother who is too OCD to do crafts with her son can be easily identified! Oh the horror!
Seriously, I’ve never been more embarrassed. All I could say to the teachers was a mild thank you as they returned my boy to me. I didn’t dare make eye contact in case I was about to get in big trouble and have to go to the principal’s office. I scurried away as fast as one can with a baby on the right hip and a leaping, bounding child holding the left hand.
I have no idea how long those posters are going to greet every single person who passes through the hallway, but I am praying to our merciful Lord that He will see that I’ve learned my lesson and let them come down soon. I don’t know how long I can bear to face my public shame!
Please, someone, comfort me in my time of trouble and tell me I’m not alone. Did you do something really dumb when your kid was in school?
I called my mom as soon as I got in the car. She was both embarrassed for me and pleased to have been given such a great laugh at my expense. I had just been to my first Motherwise meeting that morning and she said, “Honey, one day when your kids are grown and you’re helping lead something like Motherwise, that’s the story you’re going to share.” She’s probably right. But if anyone would like to go ahead and learn my lesson now, then be my guest.
Oh my Amanda I feel your heart on this one. Last year I created my daughters Science Fair project for her and she's in 5th grade!!!!!!!!! She did paste the pieces of paper on the display board and told me what she wanted but I did all the writing. As for the project itself she watched and told me what she thought we should do but I did the labor of it.
we do it I think for fear of our children failing. Over time I hope that I will learn to let go and allow her to do for herself more.
you could always get together for Jackson and create a new banner and ask the teacher to post it instead. Of course keep both and hang them in his room when they come off the school walls.
Hang in there motherhood is a life long learning experience so they tell me. I'm only 34 with an 11, 10 and 7 year old. I fear I have a long way to go 🙂
I think all of us moms would like to thank you for sharing w/ us! My sister and I would say you get the "mom of the year" award for that one. My baby just turned NINE this wk (so sad)… Anyway, I still have a tendency to want to do projects like this for my 2 – 12yr olds and my 10 yr old. I have perfection and control issues that I'm still working though(lol). All of the other moms are probably thinking they should have been more involved after seeing your project…
1blessedmommy
Amanda – My daughter's kindergarten homework last week was to make a scrapbook page. Same issue, is it my work to do w/ her or her work to do on her own. Of course I stressed over if I could use a nice piece of pink scrapbook paper from my supply instead of the wrinkled piece from her backpack? It was such a busy week the next thing I knew it was Thursday and it was due Friday! She helped pick the pictures (per-selected) I cut the pictures to size, she arranged them, I straightened them, I glued them down.
Friday morning at the bus stop I peek in her back pack to see 1 of the pictures already fell off….
To me it depends on how interested they are in a project. I will take baby steps away from helping, and avoid being the mom insisting something is fun….when to them it isn't.
Amanda, Let me give you a little chuckle of your own. My daughter just started her freshman year in High School. Her assignment for Theatre Arts was to create a star and decorate both sides with items that tell who she is and what she is about.
I have an entire room in my house organized with every adhesive, paper, sticker and gadget that can be used to scrapbook. My hubby calls it the "Woman-Cave."
My daughter who knows her mother VERY well hid the assignment from me until a friend "outed" her. I could hardly restrain myself. Off I went to the store for more stickers, gadgets, poster board, etc. etc. I even invited her friends to come over and do their stars with her. (commence with the eye rolling)
Then, in front of the entire family she says, "Mom, are you going to let me do this? Or, should I just pick it up from your desk before school on Tuesday?" (hoots of laughter from the hubby)
After a weekend of peeking around the door to see what it looked like (think…"caaaaake, caaaaake" as your Mom shared in the simulcast), I finally heard the words of an angel…"Mom, I need you!! Can you help me? Hurry!" (Yes sweet girl! Crafty-Mom is on her way to SAVE THE DAY!!)
Well, "help" consisted of solving the crisis by assisting with the removal of spray adhesive from her cell phone. "The buttons are stuck! Mom, I can't even text!" (hopes dashed)
Feel free to just have a great big belly-laugh at my expense. I certainly did when I relayed the story to my friends.
I got in trouble by the teacher when my son confessed to his teacher that I had done his project. I tried to make it look like he did it but she caught on right away. The sad part was how badly I wanted to lie to her to cover up for my humiliation!
That is HILARIOUS!!! Thanks for the laugh! I bet the teacher got a good kick out of it! 🙂
FROM ONE AMANDA TO ANOTHER AMANDA:
I am a K-1 Resource Teacher this year and have taught K, 1st, and 3rd. over the past 17 years of my teaching career. IN YOUR DEFENSE: As a teacher,I have always tried to put myself in the parents' shoes. I would have clearly stated in the directions that I wanted the child to do some of the work as well as the parents. To compare, if I had to come to LPM and do YOUR job, I would need very clear directions about what to do. Just like I would need those clear directions from you, You need clear directions from your teachers. Also, don't EVER be afraid to ask specifics on an assignment. Any teacher who is unkind or unwilling to answer your questions shouldn't be teaching. I'm sure Jackson has a sweet preschool teacher, she just needs to remember parents aren't in "education" all day long and need more interpretation. From all I see in this blog; YOU are a fantastic wife and mom! Have yourself a nice long weekend! Blessings, Amanda (Olive Branch, MS)
Sweet Amanda, there is no way I can give you advise. I am laughing so stinkin hard I cant breathe. I am so sorry but this was probably the best post I have ever read…sorry at your expense. But I needed to laugh today…Praise you Jesus for the Moore ladies who you have given an incredible writing gift…Yes I have done stupid things with my four boys, but I cant think because I am still laughing. Love you much!!
Amanda…
Oh yes, totally get that.. though thank goodness our preschool teacher didn't do that to us this past year.
The thing that I had trouble with was thinks like bringing a "treat" in for his birthday… like remembering that…
And things like, I was bringing Peter to school the last day before christmas and saw all the other kids bringing in presents for their teachers. Hmm, yeah, didn't even occur to me. At the time there was no money either…
So, that afternoon I found two Christmas latte mugs i had around the house, found some old white and red tissue paper, green string from a ball of yarn the cats sometimes play with, and an assortment of single serve hot chocolate packets I had gotten recently.
stuffed the mugs with the hot chocolates, wrapped them in tissue paper, tied with green string and put Peter's name on them… I didn't let another holiday sneak up on me like that again! 🙂 Valentines, Easter and the last day of school, Peter and I went to the local Hallmark store, and he picked out the scented candles for them and votive holders, candy, cards, etc.
Now he is in the big elementary school and I am wondering what I will mess up this year! 🙂 Maybe by the time our kids are 20??? Nah, we won't have it down even by then! 🙂
Have fun entering the world of schooling and all the "unspoken rules" we will all encounter there!
God bless,
Heather
One of your best posts Amanda…I laughed! So sorry, but I LAUGHED! Cause I've had the same feelings of wanting it to look a certain way too. I even was an elementary teacher. I think I finally let go with my first when he got to be about 4th grade and it just 'wasn't cool' to have mom help ANY MORE!
Dear Amanda, my prayers are with you. As you are just starting the school years, know that your worry and occassional embarrassing actions will happen again! Laugh and go on! Take this experience and realize that Jackson still loves you unconditionally – whether the poster was completed like all the others or not. My daughter is 16 and started a new high school this year after a recent move. It a season in our lives that has us praying to the Lord for everything surrounding a young woman's transition in what can be a difficult environment. God is good!
Oh believe me I have had worse embarrassments than this. Just a word of warning those little memos you get from school are evil because they do not tell you everything. Can you email the teacher at your child's school. If you can you have to ask questions because it is like you have to read between the lines. I had so many embarassments because of these memos. I feel your pain!
So funny Amanda! Been there done that! We all make that mistake, at least one time! You made a memory! It's all good. You are a great mama and there is no shame in that.
Love ya, Vicki
Oh my goodness. That is so funny Amanda.
Oh yes, I have done stuff like that before too. I let them do it, but shamefully try to change their mind and do it "my way".
My youngest who is 8 had to do an "All about Me" poster last year in 2nd grade. I about passed out when she did it on her own. Amanda, she DREW a picture of herself instead of using 1 of the hundreds I have taken of her! Drew it. Unfortunately she is not as passive as the 19 and 15 year olds. I think they tipped her off or something because she lets me know about these projects after she completes them. OH my goodness I have realized from this post I have another problem. Just last week she had to take some things to show & tell about herself. I tried to change what she wanted to take. I need to go now and google this to see what the recommendations are for it. LOL…
Dear Amanda,
Welcome to the club! I have 3 kids that are now in high school & college. I still remember those projects that (we) would do togehter like it was yesterday. We've all been there. Enjoy these moments now…they go fast!
Love & prayers,
Grace Friendswood, TX
It is such a mom thing!!!! To want to help your child. We sooo want them to do what we think would be right! I have fought that with my fourth grader.Last year, mom would HELP with her homework and I realized I was just giving her the answers! God knows your heart,give evrything to him.
In His Love,
Angela Goodwin
Amanda,
I LOVE your honesty and humility. It is so difficult to share embarassing moments. I just wanted to share a word of encouragement. I have never been a mom..or been in this specific situation, but the fear of not measuring up to others standards on any level is very real. I remember in high school, i would always hope someone else would have forgotten to do their homework, or someone else's project looked simliar to mine. Or in college when i wouldn't study for a test, i would always hope someone else wouldnt have either. There is just something comforting about someone struggling just like you..or doing that art project just like yours. It wouldnt have been so traumatic if just one person had done the same thing. I still haven't figured out why we are like that.
As i was reading your thoughts this morning..God gently reminded me of the place in his word where it says we shouldn't compare ourselves to others. God knew that he would need to speak this specific word over us because it is something we all struggle with. I think times like these teach us to be less judgemental to those who have made equally embarassing mistakes!
Personally, i LOVED your collage. It was beautiful!! So take heart…that God loved it and he doesnt compare us to anyone else!!
I've been on both sides of this little drama! Here's the thing: honestly, no one is going to notice as much as you did. And in the big picture (no pun intended, here) it's not going to make or break his preschool career. He won't be forever marked as "that kid whose mother did his first project for him"!
I would make a date with his teacher, and prostrate yourself on her little table, admitting your complete ignorance on this school/parenting gig….teachers love parents that need them, and often, they feel intimidated by PARENTS. It's a crazy insecure thing that just keeps going in circles until someone humbles themselves. (That someone, by the way, was usually me. Because I was the most clueless one in every school relationship, regardless of which side of the desk I sat on.)
Maybe this is your opportunity to start a book: Hand Over the Gluestick, and No One Will Get Hurt; Lessons in Preschool Parenting.
Currently working on the Daniel study and also Me, Myself and Lies, there are several things I learned about my childhood. Unfortunately one of them was that I never wanted to do arts and crafts projects because my mother and my sister were always so good at it and they hoovered over me telling me what and how to do what comes next…on my projects! So eventually (about 4th grade) I decided if those projects were assigned I was not interested and I knew if I told them about it the night before they would do it for me. I would rather write a book report anyway! Well I love to let my 4 year old go to town with the things she does. I help her on certain things so she learns to follow directions, but that is the extent of it. We don't do projects to look exactly like the picture and when we are painting pottery she gets to pick the colors and just paint her heart out. Now I wouldn't do that, because as I moved away and do not have my helicopters in the air above anymore, I LOVE to do crafts!!! I want her to enjoy it too. These lessons all come in our own time. Sorry to hear you felt embarrassed. It's okay though because every parent does something worth laughing about!
This reminds me of the simulcast ….Do GOOD,not do RIGHT". I don't think anyone could ever out-do me on humiliating moments!!
Amanda – I too have been there and it is very hard to let go and let your kids be. I had the reverse last Valentine's Day – My 6 year old wanted to do her own card box, no help ( and it showed!!) She was so proud of it! All the other kid's boxes were works of art!
The bigger lesson here is to let our children own what belongs to them!!! For better or worse!!!
ps – it just as easily could have been the other way for you – Jackson's his own work and the others perfect! Either way, it is hard to stand out!!!
kae h, jacksonville
Amanda –
Thanks for sharing your story! You see, my son is also in preschool. Just this morning my hubs was reminding me that I needed to get ours in to the teacher. So now I know, I wont be doing it myself, but letting my son do it. What great timing!!!
Blessings my Siesta!
Well Amanda…Here is your opprotunity to make your own collage.
Any pics of your trip, we would love to see your creative touch on your won art project.
Hello, you have the most fabulously wonderful site here and I had to leave this comment for you ! Your posts are beautifully written, creative and original too, and you have interesting pictures.
It's all perfect !
Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes…. 'Happy September'….
Amanda – I was a kindergarten teacher for 10 years before I became a mom & I think that everyone else should of put as much pride & effoert into their banner – that word banner to be displayed was very hard to read!!! Definately better to err on the super creative side!!! One year when my husband taught 5th grade they had a solar system project, one of his student's dad was the head chef at a hotel here in Dallas – he and his pastry chef had a great time creating the planets in chocolate!!! I'm not even sure that the child was present in the creation of that project! It is always such a toss up in what will come back when you assign a project – just stay really involved in Jackson's class and you will get the hang of what the teacher is looking for & every teacher is different!!! Be proud that you poured a lot of time & love into that banner & didn't just have Jackson color it while you cooked dinner!!! youre and awesome mommy!!!
I am an OCD mom and proud of it….sometimes it takes the mom helping or rather controlling the project (or situation) to let the child know that it IS important to take the time to think it out and not just slap it together. All aspects of life need to be thought out and not impulsive or slapped together. Doesn't God our Father have a HUGE hand in our daily life projects? I loved your project and it is something that can be framed or put on the fridge when it comes home instead of the trash. I am on my 3rd child and still maintain a huge part of doing projects.
I can relate to how you feel. I taught 1st grade for 33 years and there are times when teachers make assignments and forget to make it extremely clear that it is a parent child project, or I should say CHILD/parent project. We as parents have a tendency to want our child to not be embarrassed if what they do is not up to the quality of the others but one thing to remember your child will be proud no matter how it looks as long as you take the time to help them. To them it is the best creation because it is them. Please be assured that you want to monitor some of the work so that it doesn't look like there was no parental assistance but children are so creative and that is one thing that is being taken away from our children in schools today. You are such a good mom, and so involved with Jackson and now Annabeth, so don't feel too bad "YOUR" poster was absolutely gorgeous. Next time let Curtis help Jackson and see what they come up with, it is amazing what daddy's do with these kind of assignments. sometimes they are worse than moms with the extravaganza.
I hear ya, Amanda. I struggle w/the same ocd-ness… and I'm a preschool teacher! When my son was in preschool, I forgot his show and tell on the first day of show and tell. When my daughter was in preschool, I at least made it about half-way through the year before I forgot show and tell, and she reminded me about it for a week! "Mom, do ya still feel bad about forgetting my show and tell?" It makes me a much more forgiving preschool teacher with my students and families!
My son is now in 7th grade, but 2 years ago when he was in 5th, I was helping out at the halloween party in his classroom. A bunch of moms were there and we were standing in the back of the class waiting for the kids to get back from gym. We were eyeing the desks, etc. And I leaned over to the mom next to me and pointed out a desk that not only didn't close because it was crammed full, but there was also a pile under the chair. So sorry for that mom! Well, the laugh was on me when my son came strolling into the room in front of all the mothers and yes, sat right down at THAT desk. I was horrified! It shouldn't have surprised me since his bedroom is decorated in "exploded dresser" motif. Just think, you can use your poster to spiff up Jackson's room when he is 12!! In the meantime, we'll eat our humble pie and pretend it's French Silk!! This too shall pass….you're a great mom!
That is hysterical I had to take a break before I could type. You got to love it. I am not a mom yet but I am so filing that away in the back of my mind for when I am. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to see your face though when you saw the rest of those posters.
Yesterday I took my 5th grader out to his new school so he could practice his locker lock. He had trouble at first perhaps because I was screaming, "RIGHT! RIGHT! WAIT! I MEAN LEFT! LEFT!!" Then I said to him, "Why don't I just be quiet and you try by yourself." He opened it perfectly. This stuff happens all the time when you're a mother. All. The. Time. If it's not your turn, it's someone else's.
I am a bit OCD myself, love crafty projects, and DON'T let anyone help me with them (in fact I have quit scrap-booking and gone straight to shutterfly photo books because they are just much more crisp, clean and symmetrical, but anyway)… I also work at a preschool, AND am the mother of a 3 and a half year old. So some of that obsessive-compulsiveness had been FORCED (and not gently) to the wayside 🙂
Be comforted: neither the child or the parent is being graded :-p
Here are a few tips on how you can involve Jackson so he has ownership of the project while maintaining your desire for things to look good as well as to create. Not that you will probably be given a family collage again, but since that is the example you gave, that is the one I will use.
1. Let Jackson paint the background all by himself. Paint is fun. And after it dries, it should be at least somewhat colorful and fun to look at. It will also be obvious that Jackson took part in the project.
2. Let Jackson pick the pictures. (see? you did that 🙂
3. After you cut out the letters, ask Jackson to help you find the next letter that you need. Very educational, lol.
4. Put the glue where YOU want the picture to be, and then let Jackson push it on… (and there just may be a little extra straightening to be done, but Jackson TECHNICALLY glued it 😉
If you can't decide whether it is something that the parent or the kid should do, let the kid do it. Because Jackson will always be proud of what he did at this age regardless of what the rest of everything else looks like.
Have fun!
And thank you for the giggle… we had a mildly traumatic day in my class at preschool today. I was in need of a lighthearted preschool story that didn't involve copious amounts of blood. ay-yi-yi.
Darling Amanda! You only need to worry about this if you are STILL doing it ten years from now. Something tells me that you have learned how to navigate this issue very early on. Relax and enjoy the time spent with your son!
Oh that is so funny! We have all been there! Here is my story.(one that sticks out) Mind you, this is my 3rd child and she was old enough to have her first spanish class, probably 9th grade. The assignment was to make a family tree that was unique, he didn't want to see any trees or houses involved. So, as we gathered at a family meal, with aunts and uncles and the like, we discussed said project. All adults voicing their ideas. The winner was…make a flower pot with flowers and put pictures in the flowers! COOL! So, I ran with it. I got silk flowers at AC Moore, bought a plastic flower pot which I then cut in half to glue on the foam board, grass stuff, little bugs, oh you name it! Then came putting it together cutting out the pictures, gluing, etc. I did let my daughter help with some of those things. Then, the BEST part, my grandson was maybe 2 or 3 at the time and he had been a bumble bee for Halloween that year! PERFECT! I took apart an old flashlight, used the spring, cut out our little bumble bee and glued him on the spring near a flower. Oh it was precious. Now, my daughter was not TOO put out with me, and who would know???? It LOOKED like a 9th grader could accomplish this feat. I could hardly wait to hear what "my" grade was! To my delight, it was an A+, AND he was so excited and thrilled with it that he wanted to show it to his fellow student teachers, take pictures, etc. I still have this masterpiece in the attic. 🙂 It is so easy to get carried away with projects you like, now math, forget it! There have been many others throughout the years, I am so perfectionistic when it comes to those kinds of projects, my child's would have looked just as wonderful as yours! Even in BSF when you take your 2-4 year olds, they have "quiet time" on a towel. Not my kids…nope, bought them "kinder mats" so they had a nice comfortable quiet time. Oh boy! Glad that is all over!
You ARE hillarious!!!
This made me laugh until I cried. My 5 year old has the same assignment due on tuesday. My problem is the opposite of yours: I lack one ounce of creativity although I do have to admit to being somewhat a perfectionist. I'm an accountant. I don't know if I'll live through the next 13 years of class projects! Thanks so much for sharing. I even emailed my son's teacher and told her she had to read this blog.
You did teach me something, though. I'll be writing our name very small at the bottom of the poster 🙂
Chrystal
Dear One, the most humbling experiences in my life relate to raising my sons- the first child does seem to get our most "neurotic" tendencies- a wise counselor told me once that a little "benign" neglect (the emphasis on BENIGH) can be very healthy for a child- You are a wonderful person and your children are most fortunate and blessed to have your and husband as parents- they have a marvelous foundation in you! I know for a fact that the healthier, happier and balanced the parent, the more the family is resilient and blessed. Your children have a double portion with the addition of fabulous God centered grandparents.
You cannot win on this. Had you let Jackson do his own thing, the other drawings would have been mom master pieces. God keeps me humbled and also laughing at my self, because I tend to take things just a wee bit too seriously.
I've been there!!!! Only, I was a new preschool teacher and in my great desire to show that I could do cool stuff with kids… I kinda did it FOR them. Parents came in and when I proudly presented them the beautiful artwork that their kids did they politely said to their three year olds, "WOW!" and "Gee, I didn't know you were so talented!" How embarrassing.
Oh, sweet Amanda! You are a wonderful mother! Those of us with the "scrapbooking gene" just can't help but create. Great work! I'm sure your little guy will NEVER know the difference — and he's the only one who matters.
Blessings,
Diana
Oh Amanda,
This little story cracked me up, I hope that doesn't hurt your feelings! But, I did chuckle. I am a teacher that accepts such art projects every year. Although, here at my school we give each child a 'child shape' to decorate as themselves and then again at Christmas we give them a 'gingerbread man shape' to decorate. It is always wonderful to see the time and effort put in by each family. Yes, when they are displayed outside the classroom for the world to see you can definitely see who was dominate with the creative vision for the project; the 5 yr. old child or the parent. But, I love them all! The ones with the OCD mom are the 1st on my list to ask when I need help! 🙂
You are a fabulous mom this is just a 'bump' in the road.
Love,
Noel
🙂
Yuma, AZ
P.S. Didn't you feel the spirit prick you at all when Travis was speaking of Lily Kate's collage during Sat. morning worship?
When my 23-year old was about Jackson's age, they had a Halloween dress up day at school where the kids got to come dressed up. Thing is, I obviously didn't get "the memo" because when I dropped him off at school that day, I found out that the WHOLE school was enacting Mother Goose stories. No kidding, every class was dressed with a different theme – and my son's class was doing the Three Pigs. How embarassed was I when he showed up with his "pirate" outfit on? I think those teachers thought I was on crack. I just kept saying, "I'm so sorry – I didn't know."
This story has a good ending. They had some extra pig noses, so my son got to participate in the big parade around the schoolyard.
This is so embarassing still, I am going to sign it Anonymous.
I'd comment but I can't stop laughing!! WITH you, of course… 🙂
Let me assure you and encourage you that there is nothing wrong with your poster. When I was in the preschool profession I did a similar project by sending home giant feather shaped cutouts to be decorated by the families to go on our class turkey. You would get some that you could tell the parent just told the kid to color or left them to their own devices and then you had the ones where you could tell there was family time involved. The important thing is what Jackson thought of his poster and that you spent time together doing it. Which all in all should have been the goal of the project. He got to spend time with you looking over the pictures and reliving the family time!! I give you kudos and a gold star!!!
It was great hearing from you today and Melissa yesterday! I have missed ya'll! ummm…The poster was AWESOME! We too, as Christians are unlike others in the world…so think of it as an illustration as to how we should stick out from the crowd, let our light shine before men…so that GOD can be glorifed!
Oh, Amanda! My mother is just now becoming my friend and I must thank you for one of our first gut-wrenching laughs together! If for no other reason, the Lord had this happen just for the miracle of my mother and me sharing a heartfelt laugh! I hope that makes you feel better(?) PS I'm still laughing!
Been there, done that!!! If you learn the lesson now you will get to benefit from it many, many times as your children continue in their education. I think with boys the temptation is there longer than with girls typically. I will think that I am over "that" until the next project comes along that could really use scrapbooking /artistic skills. Thankfully I do think most teachers grade boy projects more for content than artistic interpretation…they know it's not going to look like the girls'. My biggest struggles with this were when my son was in 3rd grade doing a diaroma (spelling?) and then when he was a freshmen and suppose to do a scrapbook based on "To Kill a Mockingbird"…thanks for sharing…I truly think most Moms of boys can relate big time! 🙂
Great job, Amanda! Join the ranks … for ALL of us have helped our children with their projects! As a teacher, I expect it and encourage it! The children love it when their parents help them! Maybe you could add some handprints (or footprints) and some fun, colorful scribble and tack it on the bottom. Or cut out the outline of a little boy and have him draw on a face and color it. It is OK, Amanda! His teacher knows that you are an involved parent! That is good! 😉
Just like you, Amanda, remembering Travis's story ( I missed it – b/c I was heading up the Simulcast) I am putting into immeadiate practice a point your mother made in the simulcast.
I believe it is Chyil in the greek or something – I don't have my notes in front of me but it means writhing or twisting in waiting for a desire to become delight. Well my Pastor spoke a Word over me the other night about something he was receiving from God about me and my future, trouble was, he left it at that, and NOW I don't know what he means- simply he thinks definitly that I have something aboutmy future concerning God and that he usually donsen't tell people this, especially women. I am thinking it has to do with study or doctrine or something (he said that I should not just facilitate a simulcast but I should teach a study?! Yikes!) I was just blown away becasue on Sat. morning your mother gave us that point, twist in praise! And SATURDAY NIGHT AT CHURCH GOD GAVE ME A REASON TO!
WHAT ON EARTH (LITERALLY) IS GOD UP TO?!
I just get to wait and praise as I wait.
Learning is forever, you are such a great family.
Awwww, Amanda! I feel your pain; I always wanted my kids to have the "right" thing. I MOSTLY let them do their projects by themselves, but it was hard not to offer copious craft supplies & ideas.
They are now 21 & 24; neither became axe-murderers & both will spend eternity w/me in heaven. I call that success.
I pray that is the worst mistake you ever make in your childrens' upbringing.