I've been meaning to share this project with you for a week or so. The snow makes it look like it is from ages ago, but really it has just been a week!
When Pete and the kids were buying supplies for my potting bench Pete added a stack of pine lumber to their cart. The pine was a gift for Sage – his very own project boards. I was amazed that it had never occurred to us before to buy Sage his own lumber. He has always had access to our lumber, but there is the necessary permission before digging in and the pieces below his own workbench are small scraps, limiting the scope of his projects.
Sage is a child who would likely trade every toy in the house for a stack of lumber. He was in his bliss and set to work immediately. While Pete built my birthday gift Sage worked at his own workbench, transforming the lumber, two old balance beams, some wheels and rope into this:
He had some papa help with the angle of the seat (the concept was his own but he needed help with putting that part together). The front wheels pivot and it is steered by the rope. As I watched the kids playing on their new cart I realized: we could have bought him a little ride-on cart. I'm sure there are plenty of ready-made carts and scooters and other toys out there, just waiting to be purchased.
And that, of course, would have entirely missed the point. He didn't get a new cart – he got an amazing experience of building, tweaking, completing, and succeeding. In reality, it isn't about the cart at all.
Oh wow, good job sage. The since of accomplishment must have been wonderful. That makes it that much more special. What a good idea.
Fantastic job, Sage! Love the idea that you had and brought to life. Charles, Maggie Lu and I are impressed!
It’s great.
Way to go Sage!! Love the expressions on his face!
What a great way to explore his creativity! My brother did tons of little projects like this growing up — I remember he built a go-kart out of an old lawnmower motor, some wood scraps and wheels — you steered it with your feet! And what a great feeling of accomplishment to build something with your own two hands (having it actually work is the icing on the cake!)
He is awesome! Wow, how great for you to get him his own lumber. I think my Elijah may turn out liking lumber and making things like your Sage.
Now that is inspiring. Well done!
Stefanie,
Sage just told me last week that It should be motorized, so keep your eye out for an old lawnmower on the curb. Kindred spirits!
~ Rachel
Sarah,
I read your note to Sage and he had a big smile.
Hugs,
Rachel
Hey, those balance beams seem familiar. 🙂 Sage sure put them to good use. My kids would be thrilled to do the same with theirs. Lumber as a gift. Great idea for my builder. Hmmm…a birthday this Summer, what a great, over-the-top-with-the-simplicity-lifestyle approved gift.
I thought you might recognize them! Lumber. The gift that keeps on giving. Now get your arse over here for a ride on Sages new scooter. Or at least a latte.
*love*
Rachel
How wonderful that he has parents that understand him so well. He will be an exceptionally well rounded man when he is an adult. Great job of parenting, a gold star goes to you and your husband. To top it off he is a great big brother too.
Will be coming soon. Really.
I had to show this creation to John. He was SO impressed!
That looks so great! I can’t believe he made it all by himself, how wonderful. So great that he can have his own lumber to be creative with and build with.
My boys are exactly the same. They would take a ball, a bicycle and some lumber/tools over every single other thing we own. 🙂 Love that … wood working projects are a favorite around here too. Big, small, as long as they involve tools!
love this. excellent point about the freedom of your own perfect pile! it sort of goes along with that abundance mindset too, doesn’t it? <3
Absolutely! Abundance.
~ Rachel
Amazing!