Sunday, August 17, 2008

Homegrown Gifted Child Program

The term "gifted" is often applied in academic circles to a child who is exceptionally bright and promising. I prefer to apply the term to kids that do things that honestly and openly express their uniqueness and creativity.

The "gift" for me is their ability to make me smile and stretch my heart just a little wider, if possible, to allow more love for them to seep on in.

By this definition, my kids are gifted.

After a few "creative" episodes last week, I just had to share. Here goes.


Part I:
Katelyn received this double baby stroller several Christmases ago, and outside of cousin Kesley's occasional use of it, it sits unnoticed in a corner of our playroom. Until last week, that is, when the kids realized it was a joy ride in the making; 2+ hours of giddy goofballness. The helmet just adds to the Rainman effect.

And EVERYONE got a turn...notice the cat. He didn't seem to mind, and rode around for a good 20 minutes.

Part II: Kalli has a sweet little friend, Lauren, who comes from a very proper and upstanding family. Kalli was invited to attend Lauren's garden birthday party last week. I tried to persuade her to wear something girly to no avail. The outfit below was the compromise after a 10-minute stand-off in her closet. She wanted to wear her monkey shirt and raggedy jean shorts.

When I returned to the party to pick Kalli up, my friend Jill (the mother) chuckled and said, "Kalli entertained the girls with some body art." Out from the backyard strides Kalli followed by six little girls in flowing dresses and bows. "Check out my tatoos, Mom," she proudly exclaims. Several of the other mothers got all wide-eyed and astonished looking. I gave Kalli a hearty pat on the back, complimented her artwork and then fled the scene.

Upon arriving home, Kalli busted into the goody bag, which contained a flowerpot rendition of a cupcake, a sucker and some other junk. Kalli, eager to share and realizing the sibs were all out for the afternoon, divided her spoils with the obvious next of kin, Fletcher. Please do not be alarmed by the following pictures. She's a work in progress, to be sure.




We live life to the fullest around here~! Have a great week...Us

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to agree, your children are gifted:)! As for Fletcher...I hope you brush that dogs teeth. He is going to have a mouth full of cavities after all that junk!!

Love ya!!!

Mom-entarily Out of Order said...

We love the stroller game at our house - though ours is doll size my kiddo's still squeeze themselves into it. It's the best entertainment.

Oh I love Kalli's legs, but mostly I love the star on her forehead. She is a STAR! Way to go Kalli. :-)

Simon Tribe -ooh ha haa said...

Since I only have one child, I often wonder what big families do at home. Yesterday, at my parents house, my family watched old home videos and laughed our heads off. It reminded me of what big families do - such as make up skits, have fashion shows, and make your little brother play dog. Your description of the kids playing with the stroller for hours of fun just made me smile even more and look forward to my family growing! Big families are the best!!!!

Simon Tribe -ooh ha haa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

that's my girl

Bailey Bunch said...

The stroller cracks me up, especially the helmet!:) Gotta love kids! You have some amazing children who brightens everyones day! What a great family you are!:)

teage-and-erin said...

I love how your children are all so independant and strong willed. Yet they are also very sweet and considerate as well. You are such a great mom Mara! I can learn a lot from you!

Laurie said...

I love the photo of Kalli sharing her treats. That is classic. Did she share in the sucker experience after that photo was taken? :) Can't wait to see you guys. We'll be home this weekend probably.

Syd said...

Your kids are awesome. Totally gifted!! :) Yeah, Maddy has her own sense of style. Which usually involves an ugly pink hat. :) She's gonna be so fun when she is a teenager (both Maddy and Kalli). I am hoping to come play next summer. Dave signed a contract in American Fork Utah (did I tell you) and we'll be moving next June. I hope to be in WA in July!! :) It'd be fun to hang out!! Hugs!!

Susie said...

Mara love your blog and looks like you have had fun. Cute beach pictures. Your kids are growing up fast.