Yesterday, my daughter wanted to paint her rocking chair the color purple.

It was getting later in the evening and I asked her if she "would wait" until today. Her mother works at a hardware store, so I sent a text message and asked if she would pick up a small can of purple paint.

I love when the kids ask to do projects because they can usually turn into great learning lessons. When you homeschool, anything can turn into a lesson! This project not only helped with her coordination and imagination but it became a lesson of not quitting when you start something.

We started early in the morning because it's supposed to get really hot outside today in Tennessee. She got on her best painting clothes, we assembled our tools and quickly got to work.

We didn't have any sandpaper, so we used steel wool to give the chair a light sanding. I had my daughter do most of the work on this project, to include the sanding.

She was amazed at how much cleaner the chair became as we sanded it.

"This chair is a lot cleaner, don't you know it Daddy?"
"I know now".

This began the fun part! You can see the excitement on her face as she is opening up the paint can. She also had a new paintbrush for her project, which she loved.

"My new paintbrush is going to get dirty, don't you know it Daddy.?
"I know now."

)

This is about the time Lily wants to quit.

"Daddy, it's getting hot out here. I wanna go inside."
"Sweet heart, you wanted to do this project; right?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"What would happen if Daddy stopped working on the car in the middle of a project? Would we be able to go anywhere?"
"No, Daddy. Mommy wouldn't be happy either!"
"Ok, so you think you can motivate yourself to see your project through to the end?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"That's my girl!"

She goes on with her project and I could tell this conversation was still on her mind. She really wanted to stop.
"Wouldn't chocolate milk be really good right now, Daddy?"
"Yes, we'll get some chocolate milk when we are finished".
"But I haven't had my chocolate milk yet".

CRAP! BAD DADDY.

My daughter starts off her morning every day with a cup of chocolate milk. I started our day off so quickly, I forgot to get her milk. Justified break time.

After the well-deserved break, it was time to get back to work! This is about the time she tells me we should put the wet chair on the porch so her brother can sit in it. I am informed of the importance of the color purple for girls. She even starts to give me pointers on how one should paint! The break really helped lift her spirits and she saw the rest of the project through with a smile on her face!