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Recently, I've led us in a focus on becoming more poor in spirit...selfless, humble, God focused... As a mother, those characteristics are called for on a daily basis. How do you find the balance it takes to daily give up your own wants and needs and do what's best for God working in you and your family?
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I found that some of our best family memories and even learning experiences happened when I gave up control for the kids to have times of exploration and creativity. The result was new discoveries, fun, laughter, and a mess (usually chaos). I would think the words "let go and let God!" Amazingly, things would turn out really well.
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It reminds me of "pillowland". Caleb came up with the idea that if we made a "land of pillows" in the family room, it would be soooooo much fun. Every pillow in the house found it's way into this room-even cushions from couches and chairs in other rooms. Over the course of several years, we created pillowland often. Then, came the role playing of the inhabitants of Pillowland. Sometimes it was "Western Pillowland" or "Doctor / Nurse Pillowland" or "Star Wars Pillowland" or just "Pillowland" that reminded me more of Carebears living on their clouds.
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Wednesday, Steve and I went to Children's Hospital of Philielphia to see Lauren and her mommy, Cristi. Lauren is waiting for a heart transplant. Wednesday was her 3rd birthday. Steve and I took some fun things to help her celebrate: a big fun book about how to pray for Lauren, a prayer journal for Cristi, and one smiley box for each of them filled with post-it notes. Why post-it notes? From one mother who has been in and out of hospitals with her children, I am aware of the needs. Having things to entertain, hold attention, learn, and make a memory are all valuable reasons why post-its are great. Along the way there may be some post-it note chaos, but in the end, there will be smiles. Enjoy the ideas below and remember to keep praying for Lauren and checking her mommy and daddy's blogs for how she's doing:
Cristi's" http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2009/01/very-merry-un-birthday.html#comments
Tim's http://simplefamilycomplexlife.blogspot.com/.
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FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUN WITH POST-IT NOTES:
1) LABEL IT: Look at different things in the room and either write the first letter of the item on the post-it note AND/OR the name of the item. So, basically you are making post-it labels like: one with 'bed' and one with 'b'; one with 'window' and one with 'w'; one with 'door' and one with 'd'. Then, have child post them in the correct places. Keep them in their spots as labels to discuss in coming days.
Variation: Write labels for various objects and places and put them all in the WRONG places to see if child can unscramble them.
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2) ENCOURAGE IT: Catch your child doing something good and each time, make a smiley face on a post-it note and stick it to her saying, "It makes me happy when you ____________."
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3) STEP ON IT: Take 10 different post-its with shapes drawn on them and spread them out in a grid about a foot or two apart. Here are ideas of 10 pics to draw or draw your own on 10 different post-it notes: a ball, a star, the sun, the moon, a heart, a diamond, a triangle, a flower, a cloud, an apple. Tell your child where to step. "Step on the _________." You can make an additional rule by having child say, "Mother may I?" before stepping.
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4) LINE IT UP: Stick post-its end to end to make as long as the child is tall. Then, write numbers on each post-it from 1 to ___. Then, child can say "I'm 15 post-its tall." "I'm 20 post-its tall."
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5) LOVE IT UP: Help your child draw/color a heart on several post-its. Each time someone comes into the room, remind your child to give that person some love. The child can stick the heart on the other person.
6) GIVE IT UP: Give your child a pad of post-its and then you stand back and see what will happen. You may witness some amazing things. You may have to bite your tongue as you watch creativity begat chaos. Enjoy observing!
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7) Anyone have more ideas? It's your turn...leave comments/ideas for what Cristi can do with post-its in the hospital room with Lauren.
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1 comment:
Patti! I love you! just when I'm looking for a new and creative way to connect with my kids, you offer a way. This is exactly what I needed. Aislyn is very into writing notes right now and I think she'll be able to use this method to connect with her daddy and brother. I'm so going to use this to praise my Josh! He loves notes of praise and he loves post-it notes. Thank you God for "Aunt" Patti! love you lots and bunches, Alana
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