Back to {Middle} School

We are in the second week of school here in California.  

So Far....So Good
(although I don't want to jinx it)

The transition to Middle School has been a good one - for Both of Us!

~ In Years Past ~

~ Like So Many Families Across America ~

The First Day of School was filled with Mom rushing to get the Perfect Picture (followed by child grumbling and groaning)

Last year I finally got Smart - and started doing a Dry Run Sunday.

Little K get's to try out her First Day of School Outfit - and I get to take all the pictures I want.

No Rush

No Hassle

Everybody is Happy

This year - Little K actually asked ME first - if we were going to do a photo shoot before school started.

Aaah - after years of training - I've finally got her requesting that pictures be taken. 

There is One downside to my plan.  I ended up with over 200 shots.  Many of them were really good.

How will I ever choose my favorites

What a difference it makes when my child is relaxed and happy (and mama too).

She was willing to pose anywhere I suggested - and I was willing to try HER  suggestions too.

This shot was on a wall about 12 feet off the ground.  She had to climb on my shoulders just to get into position. 

Oh what the neighbors must think of us.

Time to be a little Goofy

And a little more Serious

And maybe a little Cheeky

So how was the First Day of School in your house?

I have a feeling this is going to be a Great Year. 

Bleach Art T-Shirts

We've been doing some Summer Crafting with the Kids.

Keeping it Simple - but filled with lots of options for personal expression.

We started with a Solid Black Cotton Tee.

Your work surface should be covered completely.  I also placed a barrier on the inside of the t-shirts to prevent bleeding from the front side to the back - although that could be a successful look as well. 

Not any Rules here.  

The girls Raided my Craft Studio and pulled out all kinds of decorations:

stencils

chip board shapes

keys

paper clips

flowers

rice

silly bands

Almost anything goes

Just make sure your decorations are fairly water resistant (heavy cardboard worked just fine).  And that you don't care if they get bleached (metal objects can discolor and paper will lose it's color).  This is not the place to use  family heirlooms or expensive mementos.

After (what seemed like) Hours of Arranging - and Re-Arranging.  They each decided on the perfect design.

Truth is - they wanted to keep working on their designs but I was itching to see how the effect would turn out so I rushed them to finish.

Next step is to mix up a solution of bleach and water into a spray bottle.

I forgot to take a picture of this part (see above where I couldn't wait any longer).  I'm not sure of the proportions.  I actually used the bottle I already has mixed for in the bathroom to keep the shower mildew at bay. I would guess about 1/3 bleach to 2/3 water.

Then you just spritz over the design.  

We adjusted the spray nozzle to include both a stream spray and a mist spray for different effects.  

Don't they look cool.  

Just as a precaution - I gave them a quick wash and dry to remove any of the extra bleach solution.  

Next on the agenda is to try the Bleach Pen method - although I think that would require considerably more artistic effort than I want in a Summer Craft. 

Last Bento {of the year}

I'm feeling a little nostalgic as I make Little K's Last Bento Lunch for this year.

 (meatballs, flower shaped cucumber slices, apples and cherry tomatoes)

Mostly - because it may be the Last Bento Lunch I may EVER make for her.

She's moving up to the Middle School next year:

Where kids try to pretend they are Cool

to mask how Insecure they really feel

and make fun of anything and everything Different

to try and Feel better about themselves

Nope - I don't think we'll be packing any Bento Lunches next year - at least not for the first few months.  

Until she finds her way around and settles in with a bunch of kids that she doesn't yet know - and kids she has known for some time (but that have changed as they try to find their place)

I have faith - she has the confidence to stand up for what she wants.  

She isn't easily influenced by others.  

Although it's not always easy, and tears are shed. 

She is braver than she knows

She is stronger than others imagine

She will be just Fine

(I think we are talking about more than just Bento)

Maybe I should organize my Bento Stash after all.  I've been wanting to do that for several years.  It has a way of getting out of hand.  

I have a feeling I'm not completely done packing Bentos - not just yet. 

Graduation Time

It's that time of year - kids are graduating and moving on.  

We had the honor of attending one of the most beautiful Commencement Ceremonies I have ever been to - for an equally beautiful young lady.

In addition to a sweet card, made by Little K, using our favorite new craft material - Washi Tape...

We also made a little Cap and Gown Money Holder.

Made from a simple square jewelery box.  We were lucky to find one in the Grads color of Hunter Green.

Inside we tucked some rolled up bills.

 

Added a punched circle to the inside of the lid with our Congratulations sentiments.  Not only for a little decoration - but it hides the brad that holds on the tassel (made from embroidery floss).

Since she is a graduate of the Class of 2012

we managed to roll the bills so they show

~ 2012 ~

So proud of all our friend who have worked so hard this year.

Congratulations Graduates

and

Bring On Summer!