The Matter of Endless Summer

It is bittersweet isn't it?

The end of summer. The end of long, promising hours of daylight stretched before you as a winding road.

Oh that the summer would never end. The release of normal rules... a bit later bedtime and maybe a few more snacks than normally allowed. The extra time to bask in sunlight, play harder, and let the chores slide a few more days.

What would be the matter to have an endless summer?

Working men will have leisure in the future and how this leisure is to be employed is a question much discussed. Now, no one can employ leisure fitly whose mind is not brought into active play every day; the small affairs of a man's own life supply no intellectual food and but small and monotonous intellectual exercise. -- Charlotte Mason

Yet, during the wind down I notice a change in attitudes. A bit more boredom perhaps? A little more snipping and sniping than necessary? Less listening with kindness?

Running free won't sustain you in the long run.

Not enough good things coming in...means not enough good things coming out.

We were made to work. And to work hard.

What is the work of the young? The stretching of the mind. The focus of attention. The wonder of learning. The school books call.

The companion to work is taking time for rest.

Rest:

• with no screen time
• with no chores
• with no rush
• with no thought to the outside world
• and a heart turned to the one who can offer true rest
• for a short time

And then, get out there and give it all you've got!

There is a difference between a 'vacationing attitude' and taking time for a true nourishing rest.

Vacationing endless summer attitude:

• with little regard towards order
• with little thought of accountability
• with little remembrance of responsibility
• with little understanding of true service to others

Wishing for endless summer, or indulging in a vacationing attitude is selfish. Put off today what you could do...well sometime.

Constantly feeling that you deserve more time and more breaks is a lack of understanding.

The search for endless summer is a not possible. It's not real. It leaves you feeling dissatisfied.

Instead.

Work hard.

Rest thoroughly.

Repeat.

2 Fun Crafts to Teach Your Kids About Weather

The weather is a fascinating thing, especially for kids.  They often enjoy learning about it, and we can encourage that with weather-related crafts.  Following are some craft ideas that you can use to teach your kids about the weather. The weather is really cooperating around here. It's been windy and rainy!

Craft  a Windsock

photo credit: Sids1

Making windsocks is a fun and easy craft for kids.  They bring out your child's creativity, give you a nice decorative item to display on your porch or in your yard, and provide the opportunity to learn about the wind.  You'll need these supplies:
* An empty round oatmeal container
* Construction paper
* Glue
* Markers, paint and stickers (optional)
* Crepe streamers
* A hole punch
* Twine or yarn

1. Remove the top from the oatmeal container, and cut out the bottom.

2. Cut a piece of construction paper so that it will cover the container, and glue it on.

3. Decorate your windsock.  Cut shapes out of construction paper and glue them on, add stickers, or use paint or markers to add pictures and designs.

4. Cut lengths of the crepe streamers, and glue them to the bottom end of the windsock.  Use alternating colors for a nice effect.

5. Punch a hole near the top of the windsock, and another directly across from it on the other side.  Then punch another hole halfway between each of them.

6. Cut two 12-inch lengths of twine or yarn.  Thread the end of one piece through one of the holes, and tie securely.  Thread the other end through the hole directly across from that one, and tie it.  Do the same thing with the other piece of string and the unused holes, so that the string creates handles that cross each other.

7. Cut one more length of string, making it about twice as long as the others.  Tie it to the center of the handles, and tie the other end wherever you want to hang your windsock.

TIP: Bring in your windsock if it rains.

Make a Rain Gauge

 

photo credit: Jinx!

A rain gauge is a great tool for teaching kids about the weather.  They are very simple to make.  All you'll need is:

* A clear plastic bottle (any size will do, as long is its diameter is uniform)
* Scissors
* Ruler
* Permanent markers

1. Cut the top and neck off of the bottle, down to where the diameter is uniform.

2. Using the ruler and the marker, mark off the height by the half inch.

3. Decorate with markers if you like.

4. Set the rain gauge out in the open, where the rain will not be blocked by trees or buildings.  Make sure it's level.

5. Place sand or bricks around your rain gauge, or set it inside the hole in a concrete block to keep it from being knocked or blown over.

What do you do for spring/summer weather activities?