Dirt--you can do it, too!

While reading through the recent comments on my blog, I came across one from a good friend of George's expressing his simultaneous admiration and repulsion (it's all the same, right?) at how dirty George and I allow our kids to get. Well, Kevin, this post is for you.

I'll admit I haven't always been so adept at keeping the kids' filth level high, but with the practice of many years and two boys that are very good at the art, I am proud to say I probably have the dirtiest kids this side of the muddy Mississippi.

How did I achieve such a feat, you ask? It was difficult, but if you follow a few simple steps, you too can have dirty kids that will be the talk of the neighborhood.

First, every kid needs a good example. After all, how are children supposed to know what they are capable of if they've never had someone show them the ropes?

If you grew up squeaky-clean and have little to no experience getting dirty yourself, don't worry, there is still hope. You simply need a courageous spirit, strong stomach and a high tolerance for extra work.

I found the thing that helps the most is allowing children to take their nutrition into their own hands.

Literally.

Speaking of food, if you want to have a really big mess to clean up, try giving the kids something to eat that is cartoonish-ly too big for their little mouths. As always, something sticky is preferable.

Food that is simply out of their league as far as dexterity or ability goes will work in a pinch as well.

You need to start them young before proper hygiene is even a thought in their tiny minds.

Allow them to spend time with someone who has mastered the skill of becoming as dirty as possible in the smallest amount of time. Older siblings are usually the best for this. Learning at the hands of these experienced dirt-dwellers is an invaluable education for the up-and-coming mud monsters.

If your children are discouraging you with how clean they are, give them a hose and point them in the direction of the closest dirt pile. The results will astound you:

Keep that hose close...

Is your child a little squeamish about getting his or her hands messy? There are easy solutions for that  as well!

Ask them to help you while you cook:

Offer them tastes! Who can resist tasting that yummy batter?

Carving a pumpkin? Make sure your son or daughter has the honor of scooping out the "guts". It's fun and messy--a sure-fire way of getting rid of their aversion to slime.

 If all else fails, break out the paint.

Your children will be ready to compete in "Dirtiest Kids" after 5 minutes.

But let's be honest--being dirty isn't just about dirt. Have a dog? They are a perfect way of ensuring your kids have all kinds of germs on their face and hands as well.

 

Yum! Look at that immune system go!

Congratulations! Your kids are now dirty!

Do they feel lonely in their grime?

Always remember to share, share, share!

There are some trade-offs to the remarkable talent of accumulating as much dirt as possible.

One example: feet that won't come clean, even after long soaks and scrubs in the bath.

Oh, and get used to extra housework! 

You may be able to skip swimming lessons with all the water they'll see because they will be taking lots and LOTS of these:

A word of caution: because of the extra time spent outside doing physical activities, please be ready for the occasional

 

and

However, even with the obvious draw-backs, you get so much in return. Healthy, happy kids that almost never get sick and don't have allergies!

So, dive in! Let them have fun! Dirt? Hooray!

You'll do extra laundry

and extra work

but in the end, you'll have more of this!

And honestly, that's what it's all about.

First day of School!

Yesterday was Lance's first official day of school! He's been having mixed emotions about going to school--mostly a little excited with some reservations. 

This week was been build-up for Wednesday, his first day. Monday, his dad drove down from Fairfax to go with us to his Kindergarten Orientation.

Lance found his desk and met some new friends.

Me, Lance and Scott

Lance's teacher, Mrs. Thiede. She is very nice and has been teaching for three years.

Tuesday it was starting to dawn on Lance that he was actually going to start school and he was getting more nervous than excited. After talking to Lance about it, we decided to start a family tradition my family has had since I was in school. At the beginning of the school year, my dad would give each of the kids a father's blessing. I loved it because I felt like it gave me courage and strength for the year ahead. 

George was happy to give him a blessing Tuesday night before bed.

 I think it made Lance feel a little more comfortable, knowing that Heavenly Father is aware of him and will help him.

The night before. So excited!

We had to wake up early (Lance catches the bus at 7:10 a.m.). Lance was pretty groggy and kept telling me it was the middle of the night. After a yummy breakfast of Eggo waffles (his pick), we packed his lunch and is backpack. We were ready to go!

First day of school! Lance picked out his outfit.

We met our neighbors Killian and Kendall outside and walked together to the bus stop. Killian and Kendall are going into first grade this year so they knew the drill. It was nice for Lance to be with friends who could help him with questions.

Running to the bus stop. Do you think they're excited?

The bus came and before he got on, I snapped a picture. I love his face.

Lance and Killian and Kendall hopped onto the bus and drove away. Melissa offered to watch Jude for me so I could drive to the school to meet Lance there and walk him to his class. They were the last bus to pull up.

Love that last little jump.

All smiles.

He's so excited, he's pinching his arm. Funny kid. :)

Killian looking cool in his hoodie.

School--it's serious business.

Kendall

Walking together to the school.

Lance decided "flying" was better.

Veterans.

Walking into the school...

...and down the purple stairs to the kindergarten and first grade classrooms.

So excited to start his first day!

Big first graders.

Jude and I spent the day together at the park with friends and making cookies for the kids when they came home from school. I kept thinking about Lance and wondering how he was doing, if he liked school and was having fun. It's a long day for a 5-year-old. He doesn't get home until 3:20 p.m.! I do NOT like that at all. I'll admit I said more than one prayer for him that day.

3:20 rolled around, though, and it was time to get Lance from the bus. Jude was excited to see the bus again and kept saying, "bus! bus!". 

Lance got off the bus all smiles. When I asked him how school was, he said "it was awesome!" I was relieved!

Watching the bus leave. Lucy and Bennett came up to welcome Kendall home. It was fun for the kids to have a big welcome-home group waiting for them.

Thumbs up!

And of course it wouldn't be the first day of school without a tasty treat! Jude and I made chocolate chip cookies and I made some sweet milk, a family tradition since my mom was a little girl. It was a hit and a perfect way to welcome home the little scholars.

I had told Lance the day before he could pick out a special meal for dinner Wednesday night--you know, because it was a big day for him. What was the special meal he wanted? Ramon. Yes, Ramon. Okay, Lance. because it's you're special day I'll make you Ramon for dinner. What a funny kid! 

I can't believe my little guy is in school! Am I really that old? I feel like I've hit a milestone in my life... and I'm not sure I like it. I realized yesterday that Lance's teacher will now see him for more hours during the day than I will. I hate that idea. I'm excited for Lance and all the opportunities he'll have to make friends and learn important life lessons from interacting with so many different people from different backgrounds, but part of me wants to hold on just a little longer. I'm not ready for him to grow up. I think of the two of us, I will have a harder time than Lance with this transition in our lives.