The Real Pooh-Bear

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker is my June selection for "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Children love animal stories; and,  my grandchildren are familiar with Winnie-the-Pooh, so I know they'll love this book!

On his way to military training, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian, purchases an orphaned black bear cub and names  her Winnipeg- "Winnie" for short. Harry feeds Winnie milk and biscuits. Winnie follows Harry as he tends to the horses, and she sleeps under his cot every night. Other soldiers help Harry play with and care for Winnie. And, who wouldn't want to cuddle and play with a black bear cub?


During World War I, Harry and the veterinarian corps travel to England to care for horses used in battle.  Harry takes Winnie along, and she watches the men train. Soon, Harry's company must go to France to help wounded horses. Because the battlefield is too dangerous for Winnie, Harry makes arrangements for her to live at the London Zoo.

Winnie loves her new home, and receives a special visitor, the son of a famous author.


Jonathan D. Voss illustrated the story using watercolors, and pen & ink. The end sheets contain black and white photos of Winnie, Harry, and others.

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh is published by Henry Holt and Company, and appropriate for ages 4- 8. Check it out. It's worth reading!

D.E.A.P. (Drop Everything and Play)

"You see that cardboard box over there?", I said to my husband. "You're gonna turn it into a puppet theater."

"I am?", he replied.

"You are. Here...I printed several sets of building instructions. It has to be finished before Joy gets here Friday."

So with the "honey-do" project assigned, the wheels in my husband's engineering-mind start turning. Dale came up with his own plan using a dish barrel box (18" x 18" x 28"), utility knife, hot glue gun, and/ or packaging tape, 2 cans blue spray paint, and one dish towel.


Instructions:

1. For window, draw rectangle for opening approximately 14 inches wide and 10 inches high and 2 inches from top of box. 

2. Using utility knife, cut only along top, right, and left sides of rectangle.

3. To make shelf, lightly score along bottom edge of rectangle, and fold flap out.

4. Draw line across the outside of flap 3 inches from fold.

5. Draw another line across the inside of flap 6 inches from fold.

6. Lightly score both lines.

7. Fold along lines. Glue flap to box, making sure shelf is level.

8. On opposite side of window, cut door.

9. Spray paint box and allow to dry.

10. Cut dish towel in half. Hot glue each half inside window to make curtain.

11. Seal flaps on top of box with hot glue.


Joy loved playing in the puppet theater. She still does, and so do her siblings. It's also served as a restaurant, a store, and a reading nook. A cardboard box and imagination goes a long way.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is a happy talent to know how to play."

Sometimes you have to set life's serious things aside and step away from the pressures, anxiety, and distractions. Sometimes you have to leave the dishes in the sink and take a play break. Sometimes you have to drop everything...and build a puppet theater.

Make time to play. It will refresh your spirit.

What would you and your kids do with a cardboard box?

Welcome to "Mimi & Grandpa Camp"

Every summer, my husband and I host our grandchildren for several days of jam-packed FUN. We call it "Mimi & Grandpa Camp." We pitch a tent in the living room, and that's where they sleep. All of them. I plan different outings each summer, along with crafts, music, games, cooking, and Bible story activities.  Here's a list of things we've done:

• Observe sharks, stingrays, seals, and penguins at Moody Gardens Aquarium, Galveston
• Miniature golf and bumper boats
• Swimming and water basketball in our backyard pool
• Story time at the public library
• Ride the carousel at the mall
• Make homemade ice cream.
• Choose new hairstyles for Saige and Caroline at the American Girl's doll salon.
•  Paint pottery for their mom's birthday
• Tie dye shirts using neon colors- lime, orange, and fuchsia.
• Jump, slide, and giggle in the bounce houses at Jump N Jungle
• Play Bingo. Winner gets a dollar store prize!
• Watch movies and eat popcorn. Mary Poppins is a favorite.
• Scrapbook
• Sing Scripture songs to memorize Bible verses.
• Read Bible stories.
• Make puppets and put on a show.
• Praise dance until we drop!

Even if you're not a "Mimi" (or a "Nana"), I hope these ideas help inspire you to fill your summer with fun and special memories with your kids.


What summer activities do you like to do with your children or grandchildren?

Prayer for Graduates

 
Lord God, thank You for the gift that our graduates are to their friends and families. Thank You for blessing each one with gifts and talents. May they use them to Your glory. Fill them with Your love and wisdom. May they always trust in You, seeking You for guidance and strength. I thank You, my Father, that You are always with them. May they look to You as their Lord, Savior, Protector, Provider, and Peace. In the Name of Jesus...amen.