this makes me smile

been awhile since i did one of my "this makes me smile" posts. i don't think this means there's been less to smile about~ i certainly hope that isn't the case!  i guess that's why i started this occasional post with a recurring theme, so i'd intentionally stop and capture the little moments that make the day-to-day grind more worthwhile, more beautiful, more joyous.  honestly, this picture doesn't seem really funny, unusual or earth shattering.  it's more the "back story" that goes with the picture that made it cause for a subtle grin.

last week AJ pulled this beauty from his backpack...his very own, made all by his eight-year-old self, beam bridge.

but first, let me explain...

AJ has been talking about bridges for weeks.  they've covered all angles at school, it seems.... i don't know if he's super engaged with all subjects taught in his grade three class, but when something interests him, it is pretty wonderful to see how attentive he is and how much of the information is being absorbed and processed later in the day as it spills over to us.  i really love it.  he was the same "chatty way" with the water cycle, the planets, and even basic language concepts that i would expect to seem much more boring to an eight year old boy (like homonyms?!?!)...so, usually at tuck-in time, or when we are out driving in the van and something triggers his memory, he will say things like "oh, that's a beam bridge!" or "today we learned about suspension bridges"...or, "do you know what a truss bridge is, Mom?" 

so, one day near the end of the "bridge" unit, AJ mentioned they were doing a bridge project.  he somewhat urgently relayed that each person in his class was charged with the task of making their own real bridge structure that must meet the criteria of being able to carry a load.  he stressed that they were to do it "all by themselves without help!!"  and also, "i don't know how i'm going to do it, Mom!!"  during bedtime prayers he asked God to help him make his bridge....my heart.....i reassured him to just be creative, and have fun with it (haha...coming from the mouth of the creatively challenged one!).

later in the week he said he'd finished it, and seemed genuinely proud of his accomplishment.  i asked how it held up ("it worked!!"), and whether he'd be able to bring it home and show me.  he promised to ask his teacher for permission to take it home.  

now, being totally honest here, after all the discussion and hype and nerves, i admit to being a wee bit underwhelmed when the finished product sat there in front of my eyes.  i tried to hide my disbelief and surprise to see that something so very simple had been an actual cause for concern.  still, however, i really loved his pride in the bridge, and seeing how happy he was to stack some books on top of his bridge and show how structurally sound it was. 

big shout out to AJ's awesome teacher, Mrs. F. she seems most capable and kind and i love how she teaches with hands-on lessons that i think AJ will remember for a good long while...even this simple "bridge project" was formative for AJ and a nice start of many projects to come.  in the end, i really think it was so much more than just about the bridge.  AJ showed courage, initiative, and gained confidence.  that's a pretty great outcome.  

not sure what his future holds, but it's sure going to be fun watching it unfold....maybe he will be a civil engineer one day?? ya never know!! :)