So I woke up this morning with the pressing desire to get a good art project into our day. When our days stretch too long with errands, or activities, like they did earlier this week, then something has to give and sometimes it’s an art project that goes by the wayside. I’ve been wanting to get some bubble wrap printing done, like I saw on the The Artful Parent blog, but then I saw something else that caught my eye: tissue paper stained glass inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Here is the link: http://artfulparent.typepad.com/artfulparent/2009/10/tissue-paper-stained-glass-inspired-by-frank-lloyd-wright.html

When we moved on post I was thrilled. We were fortunate enough to be given housing in a neighborhood that we actually wanted. The commute is awesome for D.Brooks, there are tons of old trees everywhere, and some of the houses are cute. Seriously, only some. It’s an older neighborhood, and we really love that. We love our hardwood floors, the layout of the house, the yard… you get the picture. What I’m not crazy about are the kitchen counters and the window in the door leading out  into the yard. The window, at one time, had the ability to open and close. It no longer has that ability and unfortunately, the glass is all gross but I can’t clean it because someone has nailed it shut. But I love the house and I’ve begun to ignore the counters (or I’ve become used to them, one or the other) although the window has always been another story.

So when I saw the tissue paper stained glass project I immediately thought that I would commission Brooksy to make me something to help cover up the awful window. I don’t like to ask Brooks to make me anything in particular because I feel like it may stunt his creativity. Thankfully he was excited to learn all about Frank Lloyd Wright and was even more excited to start working on his own piece.

I had no idea what he would end up creating. I shouldn’t have been surprised that what he came up with included monsters, because he spends hours sketching them in his notebooks, and imagining the places they live and what they do. He asked me to be his assistant, which entailed cutting shapes to precise specifications and handing them to him when needed. This was his process:

I’m not quite sure of Broooks’ room specifications when he finally gets to where he’s supposed to be mostly, but I think this might be a good project to include in one of his care packages… just in case he’s got an ugly window he wants to cover up too!

After he finished his commission it was time for our Campfire USA club meeting. The Boy and I look forward to the meetings. He enjoys spending time with his friends. I enjoy putting together lesson plans for the kiddos in our group. We’re finishing up our environmental emblem and were learning all about habitats. After a lesson, a group activity, a video, and individual projects it was finally time for what most of the kids were excited for: creating a habitat in a jar.

It’s a super simple concept: the kiddos take a jar, fill the bottom with pebbles, layer some moss on top, then add a bit of dirt before adding a small plant. The last step is to fill in any gaps with soil and to water the plant. After the children screw on the lids they shouldn’t have to reopen the jars to rewater their plants. They have created a virtual ecosystem in a jar, replete with it’s own water cycle. Little Brooks spent some of his own allowance so that he could purchase a jar of his choice. His finished project is pretty neat, and I’m kind of hoping he’ll let me keep it in my kitchen it’s so pretty. But we’ll see!

So after a full day of learning, play, and fun my little boy left to spend the night with his best friend. Thankfully I got a big hug and kiss or I’m not sure I’d make it through the night with both Brooks’ gone. I’m that he’s helping his best friend celebrate his birthday and that, as much as I miss him, he’s creating some special memories all on his own.