Valentine Box, Take Two...

I don't know how many of you read my entry last February titled Valentine Box, but we were "blessed" with a repeat performance this year. For some reason when I got notice last year that we needed to make a Valentine Box for school it didn't click in my brain that it would be a yearly thing. When I got notice that we needed to make a box this year, my brain instantly calculated how many boxes that means I'll have to help the kids make in the course of their Elementary School career. I ran to the calendar to see if Lee would make it home before the box was due, but he wasn't due to arrive until two days after the due date. Bummer! So once again, Morgan and I tackled the project. The theme for second graders was "Love Bugs", so Morgan made a "Love Bug Hotel".

I realize a lot of times the work is actually done by the parents, but this was almost all Morgan. It took me several days to accept the fact that I was the lone adult to help Morgan with her project. I finally turned on the computer and searched for different ideas. I then let Morgan pick what she wanted to do. The internet just gave us a general idea; we had to brainstorm some specifics. I helped with a little of the brainstorming and taping, but Morgan did almost all of the box. I actually felt really good about the box when we were done.



All the boxes were on display at the school last Thursday, so the girls and I walked around to see them all. I was amazed at the amount of detail and supplies that went into a lot of the boxes. Morgan's suddenly seemed so basic. Thankfully, though, Morgan didn't compare her box to the others (a habit I'm trying to break and make sure I don't pass onto my kids by keeping my thoughts to myself) and was quite pleased with it. And I actually managed to keep the stress level low while helping her.



Next year's theme is "Simple Machines". I totally smell an airplane! And since I have a head's up on what the theme is and knowing when it will need done, you can bet I'll make sure the box gets made when Daddy is home! :)