Domestic Psychology

crayon use or abuse

// June 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // crafts, teenagers

Last week, I sat down to clean and re-pack the crate of emergency “supplies” that live in the van. Sarah wandered by as I emptied some nearly full coloring books and a box of crayons. “Can I have those crayons?” I said yes even though I was surprised that it was Sarah instead of Amy requesting the crayons. Sarah spends most of her free time with a paint brush in her hand, while Amy prefers crayons. Five minutes later, *one of the smoke alarms starting buzzing. Sarah was in her bedroom painting a canvas with melted crayons. I wonder how many times she would have to set off the smoke alarm to encourage Doug to build that screened back porch I’ve been requesting for nearly a decade? I don’t need a screened porch for ME. I need a porch for Sarah to use as an art studio. We also need more crayons.

*When you have five children and a husband who juggles fire, you have multiple smoke alarms. Since only one buzzed, it’s time to change some batteries.

Advent Calendar

// December 4th, 2008 // 4 Comments » // crafts, flickr, holidays, home, parenting

In theory, advent calendars are an easy way for small children children to conceptualize the amount of time left until Christmas day. In reality, they are daily anxiety attacks for moms. Aside from the constant reminder that time is running out to sell a kidney and find the perfect gift for everyone, multiple children require multiple calendars. There are wonderfully cute advent calendars from toy makers and candy shops, but one prize per day doesn’t divide well among five children. Have you ever had to assemble a Playmobile Advent calendar? Do not attempt Playmobile assembly late at night when you are tired, because you will need all your coordination and concentration. After all that work, a younger sibling will inevitably raid the calendar and open every single box long before Christmas eve. Every year, I whined about needing to create an Advent calendar that worked better for our family. This year, I put together a no-effort, big family, multiple age children Advent calendar. Our calendar is twenty-four mittens on a lighted garland with five small treats in each mitten. The children take turns picking out which mitten to remove and everyone (so far) is happy. When all of the children are happy, mommy is extremely happy.

want to know a secret?

// November 29th, 2007 // No Comments » // crafts

If you smile and say please, the pizza place that is named after a tile game will give you an empty pizza box free of charge. They are great for getting delicate projects to and from school.

I’m a dog person with a cat craving.

// July 6th, 2007 // No Comments » // crafts

I love yarn. I walk down the yarn aisle and say “ooh” at the beautiful colors. I gently explore the different textures and say “mmm” when I find the silky soft yarns. It takes every ounce of self control not to buy a basket full of the wonderful yarns. I am strong enough to resist only because I can’t knit, crochet or do anything to help the yarn find its’ purpose. I can only use a knitting mushroom and the yarn snakes are cute, but completely pointless. I need a yarn skill so that I can spend hours playing with it.

nostalgia

// March 1st, 2007 // No Comments » // crafts

When I was young, my father brought home stacks of used computer printouts on giant sized paper that we used for drawing and crafts. Now that Amy demands page after page for drawing pictures and practicing words, I realize that everyone shreds their used paper. Rats.

it’ll be easy

// May 8th, 2006 // No Comments » // crafts

Crafters who list directions for projects as “easy and fun” are evil brainwashers. Every time I see those words, my rational brain clicks off and I attempt a project not intended for someone who can only work in 5 minute bursts between children’s needs and wants.

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// March 13th, 2006 // No Comments » // crafts

Fun with paper -
wishing stars
letters without envelopes
gum wrapper chain

For Doug & Dean