Every year, at about this time, the homeschool engine (also known as Mom) starts losing steam. It takes more than coffee and a rah-rah squad to keep the girl going. In an effort to finish the academic year gracefully, she begins looking for "alternative education opportunities," also known as field trips. I'll admit, the choices are limited out here, therefore one must be creative and enthusiastic when it comes to planning the educational escapades so that the students don't become suspicious of her deep desire to ditch the classroom.
Some field trips are more mentally stimulating for the children and the teacher than others. I think investigating the intricacies of what it takes to keep a beer brewery or a donut shop ticking should not be undervalued, especially when it comes to gaining a full and sincere appreciation for the good things in life. But, since there's no breweries, wineries or bakeries out here, I'm out of luck.
A few weeks ago, Steve's mom called and asked if she could take the boys on a field trip to a local business called Splatter Works. "Heck yah!," I mean "That would be wonderful!," I rejoiced. And, bless her heart, she made all of the arrangements just for them, including a tour of the shop and pottery painting session as well. We had fabulous time! And, it was especially fun for me to see our rugged farm boys put on an artsy hat for a few hours......
Annette, the owner of the shop, gave us a technical tour, explaining the process of glazing and firing the individual pieces of pottery.
"This baby is hot. Like 1500 degrees or sumpin.'"
After each student chose their piece of pottery, Annette helped them select the paint.
The tiles on the wall show what the colors will look like after being glazed and fired, depending on how many layers of the paint are applied prior to glazing.
Each boy took his time, and put so much care and thoughtfulness into his piece of art. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised at how much they enjoyed working on their own little project!
George, painting an enormous coffee bucket mug for daddy.
Andrew and Ben chose football banks. I tried to talk them into painting something more practical like a cool bowl for their breakfast cereal, but it was no use. They would rather torture me with more dusting.
Henry knew exactly what he wanted to paint - a plate of his own to put his breakfast bagel or snacks on. And, he uses it proudly every single day!
We could not leave out our sweet little "Larlie."
Even though he applied more paint to the table and his face than precious little kitty, he was just happy to be doing what the big boys were doing.
Ben was so focused, he had no idea that I was stuffing my face with chocolate chip peanut butter Gelato while watching him. Yummy, Gelato!
Guess who was first to finish painting just to get in line for treats??
This kid would eat a bag of sugar with a spoon every day if I would let him.
I don't want to brag about my prophesy skills, but I think that Andrew might be holding a symbol of his future. It's his dream to play college ball. If anyone reading this is connected to Bill Snyder in any way, you might want to let him know that Andrew is on his way. Thank you.
The almost finished products, waiting to be glazed and fired.
Granny (cracking us up with her glasses and stache) with her gang of artists.
Well, 2 out of 5 participants isn't bad, is it?? {Oh, picture grief. Lots of sighing.}
I made this adorably perfect cupcake cookie jar for all of the cookies we don't eat.
Just kidding. But, I would take it home with me, and I would dust it without complaing, because it's super ca-ute.
What a good lookin' bunch of boys! Looked like a lot of fun, too.
ReplyDeleteThe boys did a great job with the pottery! Glad you had a little homeschooling help. I took our older kids to paint some pottery long ago. Thanks for the reminder. I'll need to get the little boys out there someday. They'd love it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I never put it all together, but three of our boys have the same names. Andrew and Benjamin are our youngest, and our third's middle name is George. Man, why do you have to live so far away? Our kids would get along swimmingly.