Houdini Crayons

MOMSchooling Moments:

Uncovering the JOYs of Homeschooling A Large Family

It was the end of the homeschool day and all the books and school supplies were put away. The chaos of the first half of the day was over and the second half was just beginning. “Breathe…you can do this!” I geared myself up for the constant reminders of “Did you practice piano?” “Do you have your stuff ready for church tonight” “Have you finished your chores?”….and multiply that times 5 kids and a crying baby.  “Breathe…you got this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthen’s me.”

The end of the day rolled around. Whew! After a long day the kids finally settled down for the night…or so I thought. While I was taking care of my 7 month old, I heard little pitter patters in the stair well. I made my way up the stairs and guess what I found? Evidently, my 3-year old was working on some homework. My little Picasso scribbled ALL THE WAY UP the stairwell with black crayon while amazingly managing to draw at an angle all the way up! There was more black crayon than paint. Have you ever had one (or 100) of these wonderful Homeschool Art Projects on your walls?

I could not help but think…”Where in the world did he find this crayon?” No matter how hard I try to keep those lovely little colorful pieces of waxy goodness packed away from little hands, those Houdini Crayons (and markers) always seem to find a way out. I could pack them in a lock box with 20 high security locks, wrap it in bubble wrap and duck tape, and send them halfway across the world and they would still make it back to my house, into little hands to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece on the wall, floor, kitchen cabinets, doors, or any open canvas.

Was I upset? Absolutely! (I think I should have called in for an emergency Chiropractic adjustment because my head was about to spin off.) But when I stepped back from the heat of the moment, I had to chuckle. After all, it was kinda cute to see him standing there admiring what he thought was a great creation. I guess I just have to start appreciating these moments because they help me grow. That is the kind of homeschooling mom I want to be…not perfect, but willing to be molded in my Potter’s Hands.

Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8