Day 15 with Elf part 2 Be Kind

  We the children had fun if I do say so myself.   The elf not only taught them two new words but also encouraged them to be kind to each other and others.  My youngest daughter would even randomly say be kind throughout her day as if she liked the sound of it, or maybe it was a great concept.  She would remind her brother to act on it as well.

  For our be kind movement we choose different areas to act on, explore and learn from.  There should be a who, what, why in everything and end in observing how the recipient felt as well as yourself.  If you feel good you will continue (hopefully).

  We chose for our be kind mission:

1.  The firestation.  The mission bring cookies. To make them happy and know they are thought of.

2.  Toys for tots event.  The mission to donate a toy for a child to have something on Christmas.  To make a child happy with a toy.

3.  Help an animal shelter.  The mission to provide a donation to the shelter.  To provide something of use or fun to the animals.

4.  Nature.  To provide substance to the birds.  Even though the ground is not covered over providing them some food will hopefully entice them to visit us more and make them happy.

  It took us all day but it was a nice day even if busy.  We started out by making cookies.

Of course while I was in the other room the kids needed supervision so Elf was happy to help.  He was pretty strict.  Not a finger went in the bowl, muscles were however made during this stirring session .

Chocolate had to be retrieved for one batch of cookies and Elf knows about kids and chocolate so he watched very closely.  (Hint: if you bribe with chocolate nothing will get eaten)

Finished product

delivered safely.

Next stop was our toy donation. We had trouble locating a box.  I guess they were all picked up but after I sent a Facebook message I was pointed to 1 location and we headed there to drop off our toy.

The kids choose a toy yesterday for this event and it was neat to have the dialog with them.  She never once questioned why.  She picked out a gift and was happy to make another child happy.

Last stop on our day was to give some donations to the animal shelter.  There are a lot in the area but I choose one that I have gone to several times.  I looked online to see what they were looking for.  We selected peanut butter dog treats and a couple shoe boxes for the cats.

We ended our day with making bird seed ornaments.  They do need to dry so hopefully they will be ready to hang up tomorrow.

The Elf day 1

  This is the first year with an elf.  I have different plans for him.  He will not be up to mischief as I have read about others.  He will encourage us to interact with each other, get out and about and play games.

  He was placed in position yesterday to been seen in the morning for his first activity with us.

  I have read where some families are not participating in the elf idea because they find it creepy that he moves.  My daughter thought it was cute that he was stationed by the door.  My son said he had to go with us since it was his idea.  They realize it's not real but it's a fun imagination game!

  We got some great books to read over the next few days and in the end it was a nice introduction for everyone.

Date 23

  I hope this week is proving itself fun.  I hope you are enjoying your undivided time with your child.  Sadly, I need an excuse to stop what I am doing to give one on one attention to my kids.  Everyone is always going in so many different directions that it just becomes second nature to entertain or neglect kids.  But to stop and give undivided attention to just one takes effort.  I need an all hands on deck plan in effect to help. Older ones or dad has to step in so that I can hang out with one child over another.

  So today take your child out and provide them with  some  culture or not.  Today your date is to take them to the museum.  This weekend my youngest daughter and I spent some time at the local art museum.  She asked to stay and look around after we dropped her sisters off. I said sure why not.

  We actually spent the whole day out and about and she really liked it.  The art museum at a childs pace (with a boot) does require patience but as long as she enjoyed herself who cares if she doesn't know who made what.  We discussed different types of art.  I asked if she could make me a bowl with her playdough?  I asked if she could paint the face of a person?  If she could make an abstract picture.  Her little wheels were just turning.  I know she is plotting her future art debate.

  You don't need to go to an art museum.  We have a children's museum as well as even the botanic gardens.  So choose a place they would like to explore. A place you can walk at a comfortable pace and learn and communicate about.

  Have fun!  That's all that matters.  I'm sure your child will just love to experience something new.