Boxes and PJ's...

A shoebox, pair of pajamas and a cubby are ordinary objects to many. At Angel House, these three things are way more than simple. They are something to call "your own!"One afternoon, after receiving a shoebox labeled with their names, the children decorated them with stickers. Carefully, each child placed the specially chosen stickers onto the sides and top of the box. Everyone loved the elephant stickers, and the boys thought the "machine" stickers were pretty cool! They really enjoyed decorating the boxes and couldn't wait to bring them downstairs.
We weren't finished with our box project yet, however. Each child was then able to pick from a stack of brand new pajamas. ~~Sandy wanted each child to have their own set of pjs in hopes to make laundry easier. She also hopes the kids will grasp the bedtime routine a bit better, as well. Each morning, pjs will be placed back into the box for safe keeping until bedtime.~~ Everyone had a great time choosing pj's and placing them in the box. Now they were really anxious to bring the boxes downstairs!
And, finally, we would! The children were so excited! They all placed their boxes in a "cubby" and rolled up their blankets to also be placed in there. After we finished putting everything away, we explained once the pj's learned to stay in their place each and every day, the children could add some of their own things into the boxes. What excitement that idea brought to their little faces!

Sandy plans to work on this new system for a bit. Once the children have it down, there is yet another special surprise for each box. What a fun day that will be at Angel House! I cannot wait to share it with them in June!

I am sometimes amazed at how something so simple can make the children's day. I can imagine, however, when there are 19 others to share a room, the dinner table, and even a bed at times, something of "your own" becomes pretty special. I am so glad we were able to give that something special to each of the children at Angel House last week. It made them so happy and they really did understand the idea.

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...Many even asked if they would be able to take their box and pjs with them when they go home.... Doesn't that just warm your heart???!!!