Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Play is productive

July 7, 2017 by Kristin 14 Comments

Ben had been asking to make these Power Balls. He would ask when I was changing Rachel’s diaper, in the middle of a phone call, or as we were getting ready to leave. I said no a bunch of times and wouldn’t commit to when making a craft would be a good idea.

(Confession: Y’all, I can be a fun mom, but I don’t really like to have craft time with my kids.)

My mother-in-law – who is the best there possibly could be – watched the kids Wednesday morning while I was volunteering at the local crisis pregnancy center. And she helped Ben and Cate make Power Balls.

That same afternoon they wanted to make more with the powder that remained while I caught up on work – hello, Independence Day weekend that felt like a much-needed vacation – and Rachel napped. I said yes, I mean, I didn’t really have a reason not to because they could do it themselves.

They made 19 bouncy balls – some of which glow in the dark. They took turns, made some for other people, and spent the afternoon playing together.

They asked for more, and I found them for less than $10 on Amazon, so I bought them another box. I’m probably won’t tell them I have them until it’s a rainy afternoon and some sibling unity is needed. I may not win any awards for being a good play-with-your-kids mom, but I will take the sibling teamwork that came with this one specific afternoon of play.

Plus, hey, I got a lot done that afternoon. And perhaps I owe some thanks to whoever bought this craft for one of my kids who knows how long ago as well as my dear mother-in-law.

*****

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday crew with this post. Kate Motaung gives a one-word prompt and writers write for five minutes flat. Join us!

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Filed Under: Five Minute Friday Tagged With: Ben, Cate, mom confessions, motherhood

Comments

  1. Rachel Q says

    July 7, 2017 at 9:12 am

    That looks like fun! Yes, I’m with you, I’m not very good at getting out all the craft stuff and making a mess but I know the kids love it so I try to remember that! I’m getting out and playing today in the yard because it’s a beautiful day! Happy Friday to you friend! (Stopping by from #FMF)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 7, 2017 at 6:48 pm

      We played outside so much today – that’s definitely more my kind of play! Glad you’ve had a beautiful day to enjoy. Hope your weekend is great too!

      Reply
  2. Carol says

    July 7, 2017 at 9:36 am

    Great project. It is true–the grandmas have a little more time to play. I love that play brings people together, developing skills.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 7, 2017 at 9:37 am

      Yes, playing certainly does bring a lot of people and concepts together. I’m so glad my kids (in 2nd and 5th grades in August) still get two recesses each day. Thanks for being here, Carol!

      Reply
  3. Tara says

    July 7, 2017 at 10:20 am

    Sounds like a great kids project. I know some other moms who don’t like doing craft time either. But sounds like you found a win with these balls, mom! I’m in the 5 spot this week!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 7, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      I wish I could remember who gave them to us. 🙂 But, yes, it was definitely an unexpected win. Glad you’re here, Tara!

      Reply
  4. Patti says

    July 7, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    Sounds like your kids had a great time! Thanks for sharing. (Your FMF neighbor)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 7, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      Thanks for being here, Patti! Happy Friday to you!

      Reply
  5. Shana says

    July 7, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    This was a fun read! Makes me wonder what type of mother I’m going to be? Hmmm……?? My fondest memories of play time are with my older brother. We have memories to last for all eternity! lol Your #fmfparty friend No. 52

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 7, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      There are some things that totally surprise myself about how I mother and some things that nobody would be surprised by. 🙂 I’m glad you have fond memories of having a brother – that what I want for my girls! Thanks for stopping by, Shana!

      Reply
  6. Susan Shipe says

    July 7, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    I like crafts!!! But most grandmothers do!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 7, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      I like *some* crafts … 🙂

      Reply
  7. Joanne Viola says

    July 9, 2017 at 6:31 am

    Oh my gosh, I love this! Who knew there was a way to make your own bouncy balls. Every year, EVERY YEAR, on our way to vacation, we stop at a diner for breakfast. Yes, the only way to drive to the lake (in my husband’s opinion) was at the crack of dawn and before we “wasted time” eating breakfast. So we stop half way. The thing is … EVERY YEAR on our way out, the kids ask for a quarter to buy a bouncy ball. I kid you not. Well we all are leaving the end of the month and this woman is going to buy some kits for them all to make them on vacation. Not sure if my adult kids will enjoy themselves more or my granddaughters. But this will be such a hit! Thank you friend for sharing this! xo

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      July 9, 2017 at 7:37 am

      What a fun story! Let me know what your kids think of them. So glad you’re here, Joanne!

      Reply

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Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

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