Schenks Do Science!

Thomas had his first science fair today.

I honestly can say I had really little to do with it. Brent and Thomas deliberated for weeks what kind of project to do. Thomas wanted to make robots, Brent wanted to do something with electric circuits. They ended up compromising, naturally with a project on sports. Thomas wanted to know why certain balls bounce higher than others.

I have to say my biggest commitment was not getting annoyed with all the balls bouncing around in my house. Okay, I did help glue but really that was because I didn't want rubber cement all over the table and couch. Brent did most of the work. It took about five nights to finish the project.

What I most loved about the science fair was how the cafeteria at the school was full of kids just excited about science. All of the kids were buzzing around checking out what their friends had learned. Thomas was ping ponging around the room so fast I couldn't keep up. He was checking out a condensation project, a balloon hovercraft, a liquid gak ball, a wind turbine, a solar eclipse model, and lemon electricity circuit plus more.

I kept hearing:

"Cool!"
"How does it do that?"
"What is that?"
"Why does it do that?"
"Wow!"
"Mom look!"

I loved seeing him excited about science and just learning how things in this world works. Science gets kids excited about math, physics, chemistry, and biology. I can't say that I have always been great at math myself but I have always loved science. Science kept me wanting to learn more.

That is exactly what I want for my kids. I want them to have the desire to learn more. In all things. Personal growth should challenge us, excite us, and make us keep wanting to grow. Science isn't just important because it brings us new inventions, new technology, and innovations. Science is important because it teaches us the art of investigating and exploring. It teaches us to ask questions.

Being able to ask questions, that is an important life skill. That is how we learn. At all ages, in all things questions give us answers that we need.

That is why I love science. I'm just glad my kids like it a little too.

A letter to Thomas

Thomas turned eight on Friday. We had friends over to celebrate his birthday today.

Here is Thomas blowing out his birthday candles. For the first time he stopped to make a wish before blowing out the candles. It kind of melt my heart.

He won't tell us what he wished for. But I had to smile because this birthday showed me how different he is just from last year.

Thomas,
You love to lead. You are a great leader.
You are smart. You think for yourself and like a good challenge.
You are impulsive and like to have fun in the moment. But you are getting better about knowing when to stop and think before you do something.
You make friends easily because you love to laugh. You do silly things and it makes everyone smile.
You have a strong sense of morals. You want things to be fair.
You are a big help around the house. You always help your sister and you even help your brother too. Even when you don't want to.
You make mistakes, but you always are willing to try again. You are persistent.
You like to win. You are ambitious and I know you will do big things.
You are observant. I see you. I see you watching your dad and I.
You are starting to ask good questions about life. I love seeing you think out problems and wonder about God.

Eight I think will be fun. I know we will have our share of challenges ahead of us. But I know that means there will be even more opportunities for you to grow. I love seeing you grow up. I love our "date" nights. Our birthday breakfast was my favorite. Your dad and I are proud. We love you.
~Mom