I live in a modest, 1100 square foot house. I live in this shack with three children, a rabbit, two snakes, a Great Dane, a Dachshund with a heavy heart, and a husband lucky enough to spend most of the day outside of this madness. Yesterday it was 111 degrees outside. The day before, it was 114. The humidity is at 60%, and my boys have been outside for TWO nine days. Needless to say, I am forced to be very creative when it comes to entertaining them. The character above was necessary to overcome the fight, barking, barking and constantly crying for attention… and only dogs! He compiled a list of indoor-activities that left little to be desired. Maybe you could even use a little help!
Welcome!
As California’s energy crisis looms, we strive to participate in conservation. Considering we don’t have air conditioning, a part of me feels that we are already doing our part, but in the name of good world fun, I came up with a plan to conserve energy and my health. Turn the largest room into a field! Turn off all the lights, close the curtains, make it as dark as possible. Bring a dining room table, cover it with a large sheet, (the segment is too hot and heavy! tell stories, campfire songs eat, (just imagine the heat from the fire), and consider having a picnic (or in my case, laminate) a blanket on the ground, sandwiches, or even microwaved s’mores, and enjoy the time! just forget to argue with your kids.
Get “Beachy”!
There’s no way I’d rather be on the beach than right now. I love to smell the ocean, the cool breeze, the cool water, and feel the sand between my toes. Considering the hours are gone, and gas is $3.00 a gallon, I’ll just have to pretend for now. Tell the kids to throw on their swimsuits and put on their shades. It’s time to travel to a tropical paradise—believe me! Fill your bucket with cold water and encourage the kids to dip in the “ocean”. Play groovy music (I suggest the Curious George soundtrack), make tempting little drinks and use fresh fruit on skewers. Play fishing, or even sparring. You’ll have all the fun of the beach without the heat of the sun, the sand on your chest of ice, or the washed up poo on the chips.
Show you have talent!
In my house I have a singer/prince, a minor magician/eater, and a dancing queen. Everyone loves to use these skills and love to keep them. While laughter can be chaos, I prefer organized chaos, like a family talent show! I think every family should have one. Print out various flyers announcing your show and hand them out to each child. Tape them up around the house. Help your children prepare for the act by encouraging them to complete their exercises in their rooms. I find this step crucial for me; to actually have time to do things or around the house, and the chance to do a few surprises for the show. Children choose clothes for making and help them hair style. Their name is announced, and the families act proudly, and their faces are excited to act. I like to turn all the lights down and shine a lamp through a filter for a disco ball effect. If you have a video camera, now is the time to use it! Celebrate the show with homemade ribbons or souvenirs for everyone, and you’ll be delighted to know you’re creating a wonderful memory.
Beating the summer heat can be so much more exciting than a trip to the pool or lazing around with the television set to cartoons. Get creative, escape the heat, and show the true meaning of summer with your fun!
