Paper bead necklaces and gratitude

Neko's school has this amazing program called "partners." A few weeks after school starts, each kindergartner is assigned a seventh or eighth grade partner. For the rest of the year, this is their big kid helper. The goal is for the little kids to have an older kid to help show them the ropes. They help them read. They take field trips together. They help them make their way to the bathroom and find lost mittens. The goal for the bigger kids is to teach them to give back. To look backwards from where they are, and remember what it was like to be the little one.

Neko's partner has been Kaili, who has been nothing short of spectacular. She plays with Neko at recess, always goes out of her way to be friendly and helpful, and draws her pictures and notes that I uncover in Neko's backpack.

So last night, as our last gift to prepare in the day, we made a paper bead necklace for Kaili. (A special shout-out to the Martha Stewart craft aisle at Michael's for making it all possible.) Making the beads was a little tough for Neko, but she selected the papers and strung the beads. I let her do it all herself, but when she made the pattern symmetrical on both sides, the designer in me was rather proud.

Then Neko carefully decorated and redecorated the box, making it just so.

I think it turned out beautifully, and will definitely be one of the most heartfelt gifts we give this year.