Simple joys...

Homemade play dough. I made a batch the other day, using this recipe, and it is a complete success with the kids! I have never actually made play dough before, as my MIL usually keeps us in stock, but since it's been a good 6 months or so since they had any, I decided to give it a go. At first I was worried - it looked lumpy and disgusting, but when it cooled enough for kneading, it became smooth and pliable quickly. I even bought (unsweetened) koolaid for the first time in my life, which added a lovely color and fragrance, though I would think I could add more natural colors and a drop or two of essential oils next time.

Watching the two of them play with the dough shows such a difference in their personalities. the Elf carefully scuplts cars and people, and the occasional animal, while the Fairy pretends it is food that she is cutting and preparing. All sorts of imaginative play! We also spent some time making their names with long "snakes" of play dough, and I can see how to work this in as part of the Fairy's letter learning. Right now they have each made a "gingerbread" person and are chanting "Pattycake, pattycake, baker man" while dancing their people together.

I think I'm crazy...

I have had an idea. And yes, it is crazy, at least a little. What if I were to go on after my bachelor's degree, and my teacher credentialing, to get a Master's Degree in Fine Arts? With that, I could teach art just about anywhere, including at the community college level, which would be awesome. And with the number of units I already have in art, I can get a Master's in a relatively short amount of time. At the rate I am going, this would mean that I will turn 42 (not 41 as I originally thought/posted) the year I finish. Not too bad. ;) Teaching art would make me happier than teaching in a regular school. Teaching art even in a regular school wouldn't be too bad, plus they pay significantly more for people who have both a B.A. and a M.F.A. I have always loved art. I sketch incessantly these days and dream of taking up painting. This way, I could have a steady income for something I love.

So there's my insane plan for you. M thinks it is a great idea. He thinks I would be very content teaching art part-time at the local community/junior college, which is my eventual goal. Of course, I have to now find a college that offers the M.F.A. and good financial aid (though I have one idea)....

In other news, the kids are over their colds! And we are now in the midst of studying Africa. I found a great book of short stories, Behind the Back of the Mountain, which the kids are really enjoying. We read A Family from South Africa, and they kids were impressed by two things: first, how little they owned, and how long the children spent in school (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). the Elf said he was especially glad not to be in school that much.

We haven't gotten much "school" work done this week though. My brother closed on the house he bought, so we are once again helping him, and my mom, move. Since my mom is somewhat disabled (back injuries from a car accident several years ago), my brother and I are doing all the work while my mom watches the kids, which can be a difficult job in itself!

And now I am off to read another lecture by Freud for this month's (college) workshop. Ah, the excitement!