Jude and I have fairly busy schedules. Between work and preschool and his day with his grandma (while I work), Wednesday is our only day without strict plans. It's a day I try to make fun whenever possible. Like this morning, when I decided we should skip a big grocery shopping and make Valentines instead.
Most of the art "projects" we do are totally free form. I bust out the supplies and just let him have at it. I'm not sure what got into me this time (a little too much pinterest perhaps), but I had a very specific craft in mind. I made a few heart shaped stamps and wanted him to print them on red cardstock.
I really had my heart set on it (sorry, couldn't resist the bad pun). Jude, not so much. He used the stamps for about 30 seconds and then wanted to move on to more of a smear paint wherever, abstract vibe.
I proceeded to tell him that wasn't what we were doing and pretty much lorded over his every move until another "proper" Valentine was completed. It wasn't much fun for either of us. Who wants a begrudgingly made Valentine? I realized that if I wanted heart stamped Valentines so bad, I could make them myself.
I turned to Jude and asked him if he'd like a few paint brushes, so he could make whatever kind of Valentine he wanted. I bet you can guess his response. I stamped one on my own, and realized it was kinda boring, while Jude proceeded to cover his whole card in white paint.
I couldn't give it up, sometimes I'm a really slow learner, I asked him "Why are you just covering up the red, don't you want to make something?" He replied "No, I want to do this." I did my best to let it go.
Just when I thought our little failed experiment was finished, I got schooled big time. Jude declared he wanted his dad's Valentine to have a dinosaur, a stegosaurus to be precise, and he proceeded to paint this:
I'm pretty sure there won't be any more structured craft projects in our future. I am so grateful Jude is stubborn enough to teach me how to let him follow his own path.
The hardest part of loving is learning to let go.
Wishing everyone a lovely Valentine's Day.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a serious craving for heart shaped food ...
