Newspaper Delivery Game

Needed:
Three newspapers
Bike to sit on
3 papers
Tape

Tape three papers on the floor with different points on them. Divide into two teams and have the first person on each team sit on the bike and throw each of the three newspapers at the paper targets. Whoever has the most points after everyone on the team has gone, wins.

We did this game at pack meeting, and it was really fun. It was great and the boys loved it.

ksl.com - Read with kids during summer break, expert advises

I read this article on KSL.com and was very impressed. As I talk to Moms this Summer, I am so surprised that some just don't care about Summer Learning for their kids. I really liked this article and the fun ideas they put in.

ksl.com - Read with kids during summer break, expert advises

To take it one step further: They mentioned Utah history, why not go to some of the great Utah history sites. In fifth grade they do US history. Why not go to another state and save pamphlets and info from your state. Such a great idea. I have always loved the cooking and reading with kids. Anyway I hope you like it as well.

Paper Rockets

We have done these in scouts twice and they are sooooooooooooo fun. It is fun if you are old or young. Anyway check it out and we are doing this as a family for the fourth of July! Pictures will be added later.

Needed:
Paper Rocket Launcher (can be made for less than 30 dollars)
Paper Rockets (you can buy them or make your own)
Air Compresser

Paper Rockets:

Make Your Own:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Rocket-with-Launcher/

Buy It:
http://www.itsablast.com/

Launcher:
Make Your Own:
http://www.nasa.gov/ (/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/High_Power_Paper_Rocket_Launcher.html)

Buy It:
http://www.itsablast.com/

Swimming Lessons

Private vs. Public

So every Summer we do Swimming Lessons and I have to decide where I should go. And after years of Swimming Lessons this is what I have come up with.

Private

Pro Private: Better Lessons, Longer swimming, More relaxed environment, Kids seem to get really one on one care.

Con Private: More expensive, You have to wait for each age group to have their lessons-which can be hours if you have lots of kids, Pool cleaning may or may not be up to code.

PUBLIC

Pro Public: Every age group goes at the same time, Trained teachers, lifeguards, pool cleaned and up to code, Cheaper

Con Public: Bigger groups, hectic, smaller area to swim, no individual time,

So I have learned that they are both good, and it really just depends on your schedule, and what you think you can and can't do. This year the thought of just hanging out at a pool for hours, just doesn't sound fun, so we went with public, but overall I think I like Private the best.

Hopefully this helps you decide what to do. And remember Swimming lessons are worth the time and money. Right now as I am writing this and watching the news, they have reported two almost drownings. Swimming Lessons are a must.

Umbrella Ball!

Simple, but fun game. Get 1 umbrella and 5 pairs of rolled up socks. Then take turns throwing all five into the umbrella from about 10-15 feet away. The umbrella rolls, rotates, etc and makes it a challenge to get it in. Another way would be like shuffle board and have white socks 5, and then colored socks 5, and be on teams. That way you can try and knock someone else out. If you are in the umbrella at the end of your turn, 5 points. It is really a fun game.

Water Balloon Dodge Ball!

Have at least 5 water balloons per player. Divide into 2 groups on opposite sides of a line with each side having their balloons in a plastic tub. If you are hit with a water balloon you are out (like dodgeball). Last one in wins.

Safety!

Four quick notes on safety:

1. Have your kids wear their helmets. I always sit watching the kids come from school and only one or two are wearing helmets. I have started thinking of an idea to get kids to wear them to school for next year, but maybe you should think of a reward for your kids for wearing them this SUMMER. If you have the same problem at your school, my idea is to ask McDonalds or Wendy's to give free ice cream coupons and give them to the cross guard. When she sees a helmet, she gives out a coupon.

2. Another safety note is about cars and drivers. Yesterday a friend's son came home telling her that a toddler had been killed when a car ran over him, backing up. Yes Sensors, rear video cam, mirrors, etc. help this from happening, but it is not 100%. The only thing that is, is walking around your car before you leave and REALLY watching and going slow. You don't want to kill a child, so slow down people and check out how you are driving.

3. Lets be mindful of the amount of water we have right now in the rivers (and I don't mean in just Utah). Also we need to have a big reminder of the dangers of Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools. Commit to watching your children closely. My husband just went camping with my little son, and in the same canyon, on the same day a child drowned. It was so sad and I kept thinking, "What if that had been my son?"

4. Streets. Need I say more. Put out some sort of Safety reminder while your children are riding bikes. It will help drivers slow down and look for your child. Teach your children bike safety and road safety. If you have TEENAGE drivers talk to them about children and how it would wreck their life if they killed one.

I know we are all so busy and stressed as Mothers. But just remember to watch your kids and even if you don't get all the dust in the house, or the dishes aren't done, you will be happy because they will be ALIVE.

UGH!

I woke up this morning in a panic. School is ending in 1 day and 2 hours. I have done nothing to prepare myself for my kids to be home. Well I have bought their Summer school stuff, but that is it. So now I am motivating myself to get on the ball. Past Summer posts have showed lots of ideas of how I am going to organize the troops. Every year I try and change it up, to make it fun for the kids. So check out some of those ideas.

So this year we are doing the chore chart on the computer http://www.myjobchart.com/about_my_job_chart , I did not like this idea the first time I found this, but now that I moved my computer into a central location I really like this idea and my kids love it. It is easy to add rewards and add new jobs and teach the kids how to use a computer. We are also going to start a Summer Reading Chart. I got a poster board at a school supply store, it is pre-laminated with 300 squares on it. I also bought wet erase markers and wrote our Summer reading chart on the top. I also bought re-usuable stickers for it. Every book (or bigger kids so many pages, equals one square). When we get the poster board all filled up, we are going to go see the new movie, Cars 2.

Someone gave me an idea of putting treats, money, dollar toys, etc. in a jar and each day they get all their jobs done, they get to pick something out of the jar.

Anyway those are my new ideas for this Summer.

Karo Syrup Painting

I think painting with Karo Syrup is one of the coolest looking finished product you could ever do. If you are drawing a picture and then painting check out this link and you can see all the steps.

www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/05/summer-craft-ideas-part-five.html



When I did this to get my degree, we did it preschool style. We used thick white paper plates, and we would put drops of Karo syrup all over the plate. Then we added food coloring all over the plate. The kids then would move the plate and make swirls and watch the colors change colors. When dry, we cut off the rim of the plate and we had an awesome painting.



When painting with Karo Syrup I suggest going to the dollar store and buying brushes that you can throw away. Or you can go preschool style and just hold the plate and blend. Remember that Karo syrup if gets warm will stick to everything and will melt and make a mess. I made this mistake of putting the art in my binder and leaving it in the car. It stuck to everything. Hanging on a fridge, would be perfect though.

Shooting Stars!

Every year on the 12th it is shooting star night. We went out last night about 11 and saw lots. They go on the day before and the day after, so tonight you can still see them. Its best if you find a really dark spot to view them. Make sure you print off some star constellations, to look at while you wait.

Having a rough kid day?

I have found this year to be really challenging with my kids. I am fighting one everyday to get her work done. We finally have gotten to the point that when we are ready to go do something fun, she misses out. One time it was riding bikes in the front yard, another it was visiting a museum, watched people eat crickets, did crafts and games (she went to grandmas). I find that I personally start having the worst day, when she is acting up. So I have been trying to let her do her thing, and focus on the other kids, until she chooses to obey. The easiest way for me to be happy and them is to put them in water. Here are 10 generic ideas to do in water. If you are like me, sometimes you need a little reminder.

10 ideas to do with water!

1. Go to the swimming pool
2. put your own little pool up in the back yard
3. do wet sidewalk chalk drawings
4. do a slip and slide
5. Duck races at a little stream. (this is really fun)
6. give them water guns or squirt bottles
7. Let them wash your car (this is the best)
8. Sprinkler under the tramp or on the ground
9. Have spounges and a bucket of water
10. Make a water slide, by putting your hose on down your slide of your swing set!

Swimming Lessons Started

Well we started swimming lessons yesterday and I was so glad to have my favorite sunscreen on hand. Now this might sound silly to you, but if you have children with sensitive skin or like my children are black, you find that just any sunscreen won't work. My favorite sunscreen for my family is Neutrogena. I buy the kid mist, and also the baby cream. But my favorite one is this one:

I love to do their little faces with this sun stick. If you haven't used a sunstick before, you need to try it. They have them in all brands, but once again my kids don't tolorate the other brands. This baby and the other Neutrogena brands will run you about 9 dollars a bottle. The stick we bought for our trip in Feb. and we are still using it. Anyway I thought this might help you, because I sure have wasted lots of money on sunscreen that makes my kids skin hurt.

Coin Toss and Walk

Need something fun to do today?

Take a quarter and go on a coin toss and walk. Start in front of your house and let your child toss the coin. Heads means left, Tails means Right. at the start of every street do this and see where you end up. Your kids will have lots of fun trying to see where they will end up.

Fun Things To Do In Summer!

I found some lists last year, so if you need more ideas than the ones on here, then go to the right side almost to the bottom and find Summer and you will get more ideas.

2010 List of Ideas for Summer:

1. Find some Falls
2. Grow a Garden
3. Splash at a splash park
4. Have a Paper Airplane Contest with the neighborhood
5. Have a sidewalk chalk art contest with the neighborhood
6. Have a bubble party
7. Go fishing
8. Go Camping
9. Go to a Rodeo
10. Start a Dog Walking Business
11. Do a obstacle course
12. Have a outdoor Scavenger Hunt in your yard
13. Have a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
14. Do Library Day at your public library
15. Have a neighborhood Olympics (even babies can do an eating contest)
16. Have a block party
17. Visit your state capital and take a tour!
18. Do a Day Trip to a close National Park
19. Flashlight tag at night
20. Night Games Outside for Older Kids
21. Duck Races in a stream (Rubber Duck)
22. Feed ducks at a pond
23. Visit a Farm
24. Set up a Candy Store on your porch
25. Shadow Puppet Show
26. Join a Movie Show Program
27. Have a Family Game Night
28. Movie Night once a week
29. Have a Pizza Making Night. Mom and Dad are the judges
30. Make Homemade Play dough
31. Have a "BORED" game day!
32. Decorate T-shirts


So I am ending here for now, but post in the comment section with your fun ideas!

Colored Noodles for Art!

Warning: This is NOT an edible activity and should be made with adults only and then let the kids use them for the project.

So it is VERY easy!

1. First buy noodles at store. You will want different shapes, different sizes, etc.
2. You will also need to buy Rubbing Alcohol and food coloring.
3. put rubbing alcohol in jars about 1/2 way. Add a couple of drops of food coloring. Mix. Do this for each color.
4. Add noodles into jars.
5. Let sit over night.
6. Take out and dry on cookie sheets.
7. When dry put in bag or bucket.

Colored Sand!

How fun is this! My friend posted on her blog that she went to get a sandbox, and all she could find was colored sand. I thought that was so cool. The brand is Crayola and this is what they say about their product:

Crayola Colored Sand-

Crayola Colored Sand allows children to take their create experiences outdoors! The brightly colored sand is soft and does not discolor or stain skin. The sand is available in a variety of colors!

I read on another person's blog that it also looks really cool mixed with regular sand.

Pretty cool! So you can find it at Walmart, Costco, Target, and Toys R Us

new cute website!

My cousin found this site and it is really good!

http://www.kmckaydesigns.com/

She directed me to the below summer fun projects, to the all about me book, but don't only check this out, check out her whole site.

All about me book:
after going to the site, click projects and then go to page two and scroll down to Summer fun projects, click on it. Scroll down again and click on any picture and she will give you the template and instructions on how to make. Or just click here:
http://www.kmckaydesigns.com/projects/summer-crafts-for-kids.html

It can be now found in the mom section on the left side of this blog!

Back To School

I might be slow in posting, but I am now back, and will try to post as often as I can. Anyway today I was thinking what I could do to get my kids ready for school to start. I read some articles on the Internet and came up with having a "Wrap Up Summer Party" Have a dinner, play outside games, and at the end let everyone take a turn saying what their top five things of Summer were. Hopefully this will create a Goodbye and get them thinking about the future. With my children being difficult, I have learned that transitions are the hardest things for kids. I thought a wrap up summer party could help with this transition.

Remembering Pioneers

This activity is a cooking activity that the pioneers did all the time. But for me it has an even better memory. My grandpa made this with us on a regular basis growing up. It was always a big event. We always LOVED it. It is one of my fondest memories about my grandpa. He died when I was 14 but I have memories at 13 of him making this taffy for me and all my church group. So I thought that I might do a little Pioneer activity with my kids and then tell them all about their Grandpa Great that they never met. I don't know if this is the exact recipe, but it is close.

Old Fashioned Honey Candy
In a heavy saucepan boil 2 C honey to the hard ball stage, 225°
(when tested in cold water). Pour onto a buttered surface. When cool enough to handle, butter hands and start pulling as you do for taffy.
When honey holds its shape and is a golden color, twist into ropes
and place back on the counter top or baking sheet and cut into pieces with scissors. Wrap individually with wax paper.

My View Of Lemonade Stands

Today I am totally getting on my soap box and I am addressing Lemonade Stands. Sometimes as I am traveling on a busy road, I look and see a Lemonade Stand. 10 years ago, I would have stopped and supported these little kids, but now I drive on by and pray that those children will be safe. I just can't support them anymore. I want to go find the parents (which are never by their kids) and yell at them to Wake Up! We live in a very different world now. Are Lemonade Stands safe? NO, and here are some reasons why:

1. By setting up a Lemonade Stand on a busy road, you are encouraging STRANGERS to stop and talk to your precious child.



2. Most of the time the parents are sitting in their cool house and couldn't get to the child in time to keep them from getting taken.

3. Sometimes the parents don't even have a visual of the child and that is even scarier.

4. If they are choosing a busy road then they could get hit by a car.

So what can you do if your child wants to earn some money?

1. Pay them to weed in your yard, do odd jobs for you, etc.
2. Have Grandma Pay them to do odd jobs.
3. Teach them how to make something to sell at a parade (or just sell pop or candy).
4. Let them have a candy store on your porch (advertise to neighbors and friends)
5. Pay them to give you a minute massage on your back or feet.
6. Do a Ice Cream Store on your porch with your neighbors and friends.

But Please, oh please! Stop putting kids on a busy road, by themselves, earning money, WITH STRANGERS!