Second Version of the Christmas Nativity

Away in a manger (First Verse)

Angel Narrator 2 (Mary, Joseph, and Donkey come out) Many years ago in the city of Nazareth a young woman, named Mary had an angel appear to her. The angel told her that he would be the mother of the Savior. Mary then married a man named Joseph and together they planned and waited for the Savior to come.

Angel Narrator 1: A decree went out from the king of the Romans, that all the world was to be taxed, in the city that they were born in. Mary and Joseph had to travel to ethlehem to pay their taxes.

Mary: I rode a donkey, my baby was coming soon.

Joseph: The journey was long and slow.

Inn Keeper 1: “No room!”

Inn Keeper 2: Joseph knocked on my door and asked for a room. There was no room. I started to send him away and then I called him back. I said, “I have a stable, you may stay in”.

The Nativity Song (Third Verse)

Angel Narrator 3: So Mary and Joseph went to a stable, where animals like horses and cows were kept. The baby Jesus was born in the stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. (Baby Jesus comes out)


Silent Night (First Verses)

Shepherd #2: In the fields near Bethlehem, we were tending our flocks of sheep, and an angel came.

Angel #2: Don’t Be Afraid!

Angel #3: The Savior, Jesus Christ, has been born and is lying in a manger.

Angel Narrator 1: And suddenly all the Heavenly Angels came saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men.

Angel Narrator 2: And when the angels went back to heaven, the Shepherds said to one another:

Shepherd #1: Let’s go to Bethlehem and see baby Jesus!


Stars Were Gleaming (1 Verse)

Star: When Jesus was born I appeared and was the brightest star in the sky.

Wiseman #1: My friends and I followed the star, traveling from the east.

Wiseman #3: We said, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? We saw the star in the east, and have come to worship him.

Wiseman #2: We found baby Jesus and gave him gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Murr.

With Wondering Awe (FirstVerse)

Angel Narrator 3: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the prince of peace.

Christmas Bells Are Ringing

Songs are from mostly the LDS Primary Book:

The Nativity Song
This is the stable shelter so bare; Cattle and oxen first welcomed him there. This is the manger, sweet hay for a bed, waiting for Jesus to cradle his head.

Away in a Manger
Away in a manger no crib for his bed, The little lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay, The little lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. Asleep, Asleep, Asleep, Asleep, Asleep the Savior in a stall, Asleep, Asleep, Asleep, Asleep, Asleep the Lord of all.

Silent Night
Silent Night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and Child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in heavenly peace.

Stars Were Gleaming
Stars were gleaming shepherds dreaming; and the night was dark and chill. Angels’ story rang with glory; Shepherd heard it on the hill. Ah, that singing! Hear it ringing, Earthward winging Christmas bringing! Hearken! We can hear it still!

With Wondering Awe
With wond’ring awe the wisemen saw The star in heaven springing, And with delight, in peaceful night,They heard the angel singing: Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to his name.

Christmas Bells Are Ringing
Christmas Bells are ringing, here what they say to you.
Jesus is born, In Bethlehem, In Bethlehem.

Another Blog To Check Out!

My friend was a guest blogger on this site and asked if she could put my website up. Of course I said yes, and had to check out this blog. Enjoy!

http://keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com/2009/12/encouraging-kids-to-be-creative.html

Fits Game | Passion for Puzzles - A puzzle weblog about all kind of puzzles and puzzle games

Are you still doing Christmas shopping? This is a great game if you need an idea!

Object is to skillfully fill in your playing board so that all the differently shaped tiles fit perfectly without leaving any spaces. If a piece doesn't fit precisely, slot it in the best you can because the game is not over yet. The next tile may fit better than the last and make you the winner! FITS is a lot of fast-paced fun with just a few easy rules for non-stop entertainment! Happy Puzzling!

Christmas Eve Date

A few years ago someone told me that they were going to have Hot Chocolate as a couple on Christmas Eve night. Of course they didn't have kids, and I am sure had plenty of time to have cocoa with each other. I decided that this was my new goal. Can I get ahead and organized to have a small moment with my husband. The answer is yes. Hopefully by tonight I will be done getting ready for Christmas. And my husband and I will have a moment on Christmas Eve that is not about the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but a moment just for us. We are also a game couple, so we will also be playing a quick game of our new favorite game Fits. It is something to look forward to. Anyway just thought I would pass it on!

Christmas Websites!

The first Christmas website I am sharing today is called http://www.santas.net It is a website where you can email Santa, you can find all traditions of different countries, a place to check Santa's list to see where he is putting you (good or bad), Where all the symbols of Christmas came from (more than you think on this website), jokes, and more fun!

The next website I will be trying for the first time this year. Join me, or wait and I will tell you if it was good. It is http://www.noradsanta.org This website allows you to track Santa's movements on Christmas Eve! I think it sounds neat and will keep my kids busy during the day as they check on him. It also has other fun stuff.

Neat LDS Toy!

I was reading a friends blog and she made a comment about the fisher price nativity characters were teaching the missionaries. I looked in and guess what? I saw LDS missionaries right in the nativity. Here are the kinds and I found them for a pretty good price at http://www.deseretbook.com/ for the Nativity go to http://www.fisherprice.com/ I think my kids will really like the missionaries!

Ornaments for the Grandparents

Yesterday I made 30 paper ornaments in about 30 minutes with my cricut. I also printed pictures of all my nieces and nephews and my brothers and sisters. I placed one picture on each ornament and today I will give them to my grandma, updating something we did in the past.

A few years ago we bought her a Christmas tree that was pre-lit, and was pretty small. You see my grandma is too old to really do the whole big Christmas thing. But this tree we keep the ornaments on year round and she puts a garbage bag over it until Christmas and then she has someone grab it out of the basement for her. The only ornaments she puts on are of her grandchildren and the greats. She loves it so much!

I try every once in awhile to give my mom a ornament for her tree with my kids on it. Not only does she enjoy looking at them, but her grand kids love to see how they have grown up. Remember to write the date on the back with the child's name.

This activity is also perfect for an out of town grandparents. They mail really easy and will give them joy when they open it up!

What I tell my children about Santa!

My children ask me all the time, "Mommy do you believe in Santa?" And I always answer them with a very honest answer, YES! When they stop believing I make it clear that if you don't believe, you get nothing. And I make it clear that I really do believe in Santa. That keeps the magic alive and well (even when your 12). I had to teach my husband all about this, when he married into a believing family. And because we all believe, it brings a magical atmosphere to our house. To me Santa represents more than just someone that brings us toys once a year, or a commercialized holiday. Santa is special because he spends time with us and shows us he loves us! He follows the example of Jesus Christ and chooses to serve others. He makes others happy and does good deeds for us. He brings families together, and gives us wonderful memories. Santa is magical.

I remember when I was younger and the Santa that was living in our basement would come home from different family parties in the valley. One family in particular would only get together for their Christmas party, and this was the only time they talked to each other, or gathered together, and they always had Santa come. Santa was the only thread that was keeping this family together. It was important to them, and it always humbled the Santa that lived in my basement. I saw this Santa in the basement, do many good things for others. He brought families together, brought happiness-when their was none, did subs, and did good deeds all year long. He even sent a Christmas letter to each child that he knew. Now I do the Christmas letter in his honor.

I have heard people say that their kids resented them, that they felt lied to, etc. But for me Santa lives in my heart, and that's what I tell them. So far I haven't had any big problems. I really just link how Santa is good and how he is a symbol of Christmas, and that symbol is a example of Christ. Hopefully this helps if you get asked any hard questions this year or in the future.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Countdown!

My mom was a really amazing woman and mother. She still is, but I am talking more about when I was a child. Every year my mom did things that made Christmas extra special. One thing she did was make gingerbread men with us. After we had done that she would get a really long piece of plastic wrap and she would lay 25 (or the amount of days left for Christmas) cookies on the plastic wrap. Then she would fold over the wrap so you had a big long line. Then she took red and green ribbon and would make individual sections between the cookies. Then she would hang it up in the kitchen. Each day we would cut one cookie off and have a little treat. We loved counting how many days until Christmas! So if you have little ones, this might be the thing to try!

I do a form of this. I just buy candy and I have a fabric countdown that I hide the candy in on the day. Not as clever as my mom, but she didn't have 3 holiday birthdays either!

Stained Glass Pictures

For an activity, I am going to get some Vellum and print Christmas images on them. I haven't decided if it is going to be religious or like Santa. Then you just give your child crayola markers and let them color the picture. Then you tape in the window. They are really cute.

Another idea you can do with them is make the picture a size of a wallet picture. After they are done coloring it, then go to a craft store and buy see through Christmas balls. Roll up the picture and place inside the ball. These make great gifts, a great craft to keep kids busy, or just a fun ornament to do at Christmas time.

Above pictures are of my kids coloring with Vellum paper. They had so much fun and it looked so pretty when placed into the window. I found this link that had christian stain glass windows that are done. http://www.sundayschoolprintables.com/coloring/coloringpage7.php

I used this one for my kids:

Christmas Ornament!

When my husband and I got married we started giving each other one ornament a year. They were just random, but I love to see them each year as I get them out and put them on the tree.

A few years ago we started giving us as a couple one ornament and then our kids their own of the same ornament. So now that we have five kids, that means 6 exact ornaments on the tree. I mark each one with their name and the year they got it. Theme wise I have chosen to do Santa. This has a very special meaning for me and as they grow older they will find out why I love Santa's. We had Santa live with us in our basement. He had beautiful bells, a beautiful beard, and over all looked authentic. I miss him now he is gone, but will always remember him by Santas around my house. My Mom has a big tree that only has Santa ornaments on it. It also has dates and names of everyone who has found out what she collects. Because we had Santa live with us for so long growing up, my mom has Santa's everywhere in her house that people have given her.

When my children get married, they will take their Santa ornaments and put them on their trees. And then hopefully the tradition will continue and they will also love Santa and have a tree of Santa. More importantly when they are starting out and are poor, they won't have to buy ornaments.

When I was a child our tradition was that we made a homemade ornament every year for our tree. We also made two others and would include them in our 12 days of Christmas (we called it Pixie) to give to elderly or singles in our ward.

So come up with your own ornament tradition and like me alter it when needed and most of all make memories with your family- now - This Christmas!

Clothespin Ornaments!

This was a homemade ornament we made as a child. The other one I didn't have a picture to, but I can tell you the instructions at the bottom.

Materials:
1. 2 No-roll clothespins (3 3/4")
2. Brown Paint
3. Paintbrush
4. 2" piece of string or ribbon
5. Red pompom
6. 2 little googly eyes

7. Craft Glue or Hot glue gun


Instructions:

1. Holding the 2 clothespins so that one is right-side up and the other is upside down, overlap the top 1" on each clothespin and glue in place as pictured. If you are using craft glue you will need to wait until the glue is completely dry before proceeding.
2. Paint both clothespins brown. Let dry.
3. Glue the eyes and red pompom on the reindeer as pictured for the face.
4. Tie the two ends of the 6" string together in a knot and glue to the back of the reindeer as the hanger.

5. As always put date and name of child that did it on back or bottom!

Clothespin Candle
This one is so easy! You take a clothespin a regular one and paint it bright red. Then take felt and make flames and attach them on the ends of the clothespin. Then you can cut with felt some ivy and berries and place where it pinches on the outside. Then you pinch it on the branch and it is a little tree candle. As a little kid, that was my very favorite ornament!

CINNAMON CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS (Do Not Eat)

About 10 years ago I made these at church. I have put them on my tree every year. If you keep them in a gallon ziplock bag, they really keep their smell from year to year. This is fun to do with children. I am just this year needing new ones, because mine are all getting broken.

4 oz. ground cinnamon (cheap spices can be purchased at dollar store)
1 tbsp. cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
2 tbsp. white school glue
3/4 c. applesauce
(Do NOT eat!)

Makes about 12 large ornaments.
Any spices can be used, the spices are only used to give the ornaments a good smell. Combine spices in a bowl, mix together. Add applesauce and glue. Work with hands until smooth. Mixture will be like wet dough, if too juicy add a little more spice. Roll out to a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with Christmas ornament indented cookie cutters. Cut a hole in upper edge of ornament with a drinking straw so ornament can be hung.

Place on rack to air dry for several days (3 or 4 days), turning until dry. Do not put in oven. Great gift toppers or ornaments.

Straw for Jesus!

This idea is very similar to the one I added earlier today. You make or buy a manger that is big enough for a doll to be in it. Then you get a bag of straw and place it by the manger. Then either you let your child put a piece of straw in every time they do something good for another person, or my favorite at the end of the day you all do it together as a family and tell each other what you did that was nice. By the time Jesus is "born" there should be plenty of soft hay for him to lay in. Use your doll on Christmas day and place him in the manger. I also before my kids get to open presents (and so daddy can set up cameras and such) read them a short child version of the Nativity. It sets the right kind of mood for the day!

A Different Kind of Christmas!

One year someone gave us a really fun activity, that made Christmas more special and more focused on making others happy and not ourselves (which in turn made us happy). Anyway make a list with 25 activities and print it up using a white, red, and green piece of paper. The activities could include:

1. Do something nice for your mom today

2. Do something nice for your dad today

3. Write your grandma a note

4. Draw a picture of Jesus and give it to someone

5. Help sister make her bed today

6. Sing someone a Christmas song today

7. Call and talk to someone you love on the phone today

8. Read a story about Jesus and tell about it at dinner

9. Do 3 nice things today for your brother

Etc.

Then cut up the daily activities into strips and take each strip and make a paper chain, rotating each color. Each day rip one off until you get to the end and reach Christmas. Also at the top of your chain have your child color a picture of baby Jesus and then talk to them about the gift they are giving Jesus this year. Which is all the acts of service. This really gets the kids thinking about how and what is important in life and not so much of what Santa is going to bring them.

Adoption, Foster Care Style

My first child was biological, a honeymoon baby of sorts. We haven't ever conceive again. After 5 years of trying we turned to adoption. We certainly had no idea what we were doing, because we were pioneers in this on both sides of our families. I didn't know anyone who had been a birth mother, was adopted, or had adopted children. But we felt it was what we should do. We signed up with our church agency and tried to get a baby. Not long after someone called us about a little older boy. He was 18 months and he was black. We were so excited. We even got all ready to get this cute little boy. It fell through and we were crushed. But right after our sister-in-law called and told us of a little one that she used to babysit. She was in Foster care in California and was free for adoption. She had lots of physical and mental problems. Did we want to get more information and see pictures? We said yes, but really in our heads we were thinking, No! are you crazy! But something special happened when we saw the pictures. And below is the picture we saw.We knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was our child. Half a year later we finally got her to be our foster child. Three years later we FINALLY got her adopted. And now she is 9 years old and I love her so much. She is physically so healthy and mentally is only a little behind in school (they were wrong about her mental state). She is happy and she has a family and we love her so much. We would not be happy without her in our family. During the infertile stage of my life, my heart stopped beating, because of all the sadness of not becoming a mother again. I felt guilt to my daughter that I couldn't give her the sibling that she wanted so bad. I felt broken and alone. While everyone was pregnant, I was experiencing Hell. And as soon as this little one came into my life, my heart started beating again. Yes I missed out on Two years of her life, but it doesn't seem to matter anymore to me. I have got her now and that is what matters. I was happy and I could love again. Now I have 5 children and I love them all so much.

Recently we went to an adoption celebration put on by Utah Adoption Council. They had picture after picture of children that needed parents and families. Ages varied from 2 months old to 18 years old. I walked up and down the hall, holding my children's hands and explaining to them what this was. That some kids get to be 18 and never have had a parent or stable family. It affected me and it affected my children. It is not fair that these children are alone and don't have a good family that loves them.

I think back if we hadn't fallen in love with our daughters picture.....

All the times we would have missed out on.

And so I encourage you, to search out one of these lost souls and make a difference for them. They might have baggage, they might not look like you, and it might be scary and new territory for you, but I know you will be blessed and happy for saving a child and giving them wings to fly. And who knows you might even find a beautiful angel like our little girl is.

If you are interested you can go:

http://www.utahfostercare.org/ or

http://therhouse.blogspot.com/

Thanksgiving Fingerplays & Songs

Sung to: "If You're Happy and You Know It

"Hello, Mr. Turkey how are you?

Hello, Mr. Turkey, how are you?

With a gobble, gobble, gobble,

And a wobble, wobble, wobble.Hello,

Mr. Turkey, how are you?

Five Little Turkeys

Five little turkeys by the barn door ,

One waddled off, then there were four.

Four little turkeys out under the tree,

One waddled off, then there were three.

Three little turkeys with nothing to do.

One waddled off, then there were two.

Two little turkeys in the noonday sun,

One waddled off, then there was one.

One little turkey - better run away!

Soon will come Thanksgiving Day.

Indians and Pilgrims Sung to: "row, row, row your boat"

beat, beat, beat the drum,

beat it loud and clear.

to tell brave Indians everywhere

that hunting time is near
cut, cut ,cut the logs,

make them long and short

to help the pilgrims build a house

a warm and friendly fort

Bike Safety

A week ago my cute nephew was hurt on his bike on a bike trail that all the kids use. He was so bad he got life flighted and had surgery on his head the next day. Because his skull got dented into his brain. He is still recovering and..............

HE WAS WEARING HIS HELMET!

Yesterday I sat waiting for my kids at school and I counted all the kids riding bikes and scooters going home from school. They weave in and out of traffic and they don't watch, and.....

THEY ARE NOT WEARING A HELMET!

I stopped counting at 20. It makes me sick to think that my nephew had a helmet on and this is what could happen. He spent two days in ICU and spent 5 days in the hospital. So this post is all about remembering to get your kids wearing their helmets. I just never really thought about it before this cute nephew got hurt. Even my kids go around the neighborhood without putting one on every time. But that ends now.

GET YOUR KIDS TO WEAR HELMETS!

Being Thankful!

My daughter and I started a fun little experiment today. We got a journal and we are naming 10-15 things every night that we are thankful for. And we are not repeating. We will be going until Thanksgiving. She is only 6 and it was so cute to see her little list: mostly family members, but she didn't forget the Tramp, Turkeys, and of course her teacher). What a cutie!

So try your own experiment and see how many different things you (or your child) is thankful for!

In the past we have used turkey feathers, but they always get thrown away when we are done with them. This way I can keep them forever.

Safe Trick or Treating Reminders for Kids!

Have each child carry or wear something lit, such as a flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace, or flashing attire for visibility. Light-up shoes are also practical, and ever-so-noticeable on a dark Halloween night.

Require well-fitting shoes to be worn; preferably sneakers. While adorable in the store as a costume accessory, kids planning to go trick or treat should wear sturdy shoes and not the princess high-heel, too-large boots, or other types of shoes often shown with costumes. Save those types of shoes for costume parties and not when a child is going trick or treat. Their feet--and most likely you who may end up carrying either the shoes or the child--will be thankful.

Avoid costumes that drag on the ground. While cute initially, costumes that drag can trip up little feet, get caught on bushes, and create a tussle that sometimes results in the child wanting to remove the costume. Remember, kids who trick or treat want to be costumed AND comfortable.

With the thought of comfort, pick costumes that are bathroom-friendly as well. On this same subject, parents should pre-plan a bathroom stop along the way (a friends' house will do and is a good time for a water break as well), or at a public facility if driving.

Be sure a child's mask allows full visibility and breathing. Spiderman masks, for example, sometimes only have small eye slits and nothing for the nose or mouth. Parents should try on masks for size and not hesitate to cut out larger openings for a trick or treater's comfort. If possible, find a mask that "breathes" and is easy to put on and off. The types of mask that easily can slide up on the head and then pulled down are best.

Trick or treaters should walk, not run, and should never cut across lawns or driveways. Obstacles could exist that aren't readily visible in the evening.

Only carry flexible props, such as knives, swords, ninja items, etc., that can't cause injury if a kid accidentally falls. No play prop should resemble the real item; and consider leaving play weapons at home and not part of trick or treat night.

Only trick or treat at houses that are lit. Residents who do not wish to be bothered by trick or treaters often leave off their lights as a sign; respect their preference by only going to houses that are lit.

Be sure kids don't get over-heated and keep hydrated. Plan costumes according to weather; don't have your child dress in an adorable lions costume with heavy fur and hood if you live in Southern states where temperatures could still be in the 80s in the evening; by the same token, a fairy costume might be impractical for a cold northern evening. Be one of those creative parents who accessorizes jackets or thinks "cool comfort" for their kids.

Walk with your children. My dad always did even when I was getting older. But when I was getting older he hung back and just made sure we were safe.

Do a once over at the end of the night to make sure your child's candy is o.k. I really have had to throw lots out over the years.

Keep track of time and don't trick or treat after 8 p.m. (general recommendation). That allows ample time for children to trick or treat, and by then, the excitement of the evening and the candy/treats means little ghouls will be tired.

Watch for cars and others that are not paying close attention.

Make sure your child says Thank you and is respectable to the owners house!

Check This Out!

I just wanted to tell people that are new to this blog, to check out the label section almost half way down on the right side. You will find past posts that might interest you!

I have had a request for more cooking ideas. My sister-in-law started this site, and for some reason I never put it on this blog. So here it is. You can also found it in the Mom section!

http://www.ihatetocook.blogspot.com/

I will try to post a few more cooking with kid ideas! It is fun to cook and it is good for ALL ages! Even teenagers love to be in the kitchen sampling!

Musical Chairs with a TWIST!

My cute babysitter (one of the best ever) always googles lots of games and crafts to do with my kids. I have decided if you don't have a babysitters bag, maybe you aren't the babysitter for my kids. Anyway last night my kids painted pumpkins black and made black pumpkin bats. Even the eye balls had cute little black kittens on them. She went all out. Then she told me about a game they played and I thought it was so cute I thought I would post it. It is so simple and it would be really fun to play with a group.

Towel Musical Chairs!
Instead of chairs you use one big beach towel. Every time the music stops everyone has to be sitting on the towel. When the music goes they get up and the host folds the towel in half. This keeps going until it is so small only one person could sit on it. The last person to sit on it wins! For a bigger group you might want to use a blanket. Anyway that's it!

Key to Musical Chairs: I always have a special chair for the child to sit in when they are out to avoid tears. They also get to wear a funny hat and get a treat! Ever since I have done this, we have never had fits.

One of my Favorite Halloween songs!

For two days I have been looking for one of my favorite Halloween Songs, that I had lost in my filing. After one hour on the Internet (because it has the same title as a Disney song) I found it, and I thought I would share.

For This Is Halloween (tune:10 Little Indians)

One little skeleton hopping up and down,

One little skeleton hopping up and down,

One little skeleton hopping up and down,

For this is Halloween.

Two little children playing trick or treat...

Three little pumpkins standing in a row...

Four little goblins running all around...

Five little witches flying through the air...

now I will teach my preschooler this song and I will print on the computer the right amounts ex. 3 pumpkins on one page. Then I will make a counting book and let him make three pumpkins on his page.

Alphabet Games!

I found this on the Internet a long time ago, and can't remember where it was from. I thought it had good information though, so I thought I would post it.

Alphabet Games
Letter Hide and Seek---Each morning hide six to eight letters around the room in places where the children are likely to come across them in work and play.

Letters in the Mail--Place cut out letters in envelopes adressed to children

Alpha-bag--Place several letters in a bag, pull one out at a time and go for a letter hunt.

Alphabet Hokey-Pokey (give them a letter and sing the song "put your letter A in, put your letter A out...")

Find your Partner--Pass out enough paris of upper and lower case letters so that each child is holding a letter. Children match up with letters.

Letter Walk--Look for letters as you walk in and around the building.
What letter Could it be? Hve a set of alphabet cards. Start to pass a letter card around the circle. Say "Stop". The child with the card holds it up. The group says "1,2,3, what letter could it be?" Letter is identified and game continues.
A Tisket, A Tasket

Body Letter writing--Have children write letters in the air using different body parts.

Letter Hopscotch

Twenty Questions--Using an alphabet chart or marker board, the teacher says, "I'm thinking of a letter. Can you guess what it is?"

Guess What?--Make a set of 3-D letters, palce in a container. Children choose a letter blindfolded and tries to identify the letter by feeling the shape of the letter.

Write and Wipe--The teacher writes a letter on a marker board. Children are asked to identify the letter and write on their marker board.

Gone Fishing--Make a fishing pole with a magnet on the end. Children fish for magnetized letters to identify (paper clips work well on the letters)

Tips to help PREVENT Swine Flu for parents!

I have read some scary things about swine flu and some things that suggest swine flu is nothing, but because I have a very small 3 month old, it is constantly a wonder to me, how to prevent it. I know nothing is perfect, but I don't want to do nothing. So I found this website that gave me a few tips on how to protect my family. It is: www.ziggityzoom.com, it has lots of other interesting articles and information as well. The link for the Swine Flu article is http://www.ziggityzoom.com/parentsguide/content/tips-help-prevent-getting-h1n1-swine-flu

A Healthy Afterschool Snack!

Everyday my kids come home and have an Apple for their after school snack (because my mom has a big orchard- and we have lots) Lately I have been trying to dry them in my drier. I have made lots of different flavors: Jello sprinkled (they are a little more sticky), cinnamon, pumpkin spice, plain, and Carmel flavored. I am going to give them to my kids all Winter long, so they are eating healthy.

I had someone today tell me that she considers candy a snack. WHAT? I guess either I am clueless, or a very mean mom. Either way my kids are not having an after school snack of candy, but of dry apples. And the flavoring on them might not be healthy, but the amount put on, makes it really not a big deal.

I find that my kids eat a whole tray while I am putting them in, and a whole tray as I am putting them in bags. I know they will love them. So if you have lots of extra apples at your home, dry them.

Other hint: My kids eat more apples that come out of that fancy dancy peeler that slices, peels, and makes it into a curly pile of apples than they do just eating the apple. They even eat the shavings of skin. So if your child doesn't like apples, you might want to try that, because it is really fun.

Halloween Fingerplays and songs

One of my favorite things to do with my preschool kids (or my kids at home) is get a big plastic pumpkin and fill it with shapes to make a pumpkin face. Then I put a big paper pumpkin on the floor and we have a song time for Halloween. Each of the shapes has a song or finger play on the back of it. Each child takes a turn picking one and then we sing it. Most of the time I don't write the song on the back, but put a picture of something that would hint to what we are going to sing, to stimulate their little minds. Ex. Spider song= Spider on back of triangle shape. Try it out for home use, FHE, preschool, or church. You can do any them and change every holiday if you want.

Here are some of my favorite Halloween Songs and finger plays:

1. Spider on the floor (get spider rings and each child gets one while you sing)

There's a spider on the floor, on the floor.
There's a spider on the floor, on the floor.
Who could ask for anything more,
than a spider on the floor.
There's a spider on the floor, on the floor.

Now the spider's on my leg, on my leg.
Now the spider's on my leg, on my leg.
Oh, I wish I had some Raid for this spider on my leg!
Now the spider's on my leg, on my leg.

Now the spider's on my chest, on my chest!
Now the spider's on my chest, on my chest!
Oh, I'd squish him in my vest, if it didn't make a mess!
Now the spider's on my chest, on my chest!
Now the spider's on my neck, on my neck!
Now the spider's on my neck on my neck!
Oh, I'm gonna be a wreck, I've got a spider on my neck!
Now the spider's on my neck on my neck!

Now the spider's on my face, on my face!
Now the spider's on my face, on my face !
Oh, what a big disgrace, I've got a spider on my face!
Now the spider's on my face, on my face

Now the spider's on my head, on my head!
Now the spider's on my head, on my head!
Oh, I wish that he were dead. I've got a spider on my head!
Now the spider's on my head, on my head!

But...... he jumped off, and now the spider's on the floor on the floor!

2. Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. (one hand is gate, the other hand's fingers are the pumpkins)

The first one said, Oh, my it's getting late! (Point to wrist)

The second one said, "There are witches in the air. (wave on hand in the air)

The third one said, "But we don't care. (shake your head)

The fourth one said, "Let's run, let's run! (move your arms like they are running)

The fifth one said, "Isn't Halloween fun?

Then Woooooo went the wind (Make sound with mouth)

And OUT went the lights. (Clap Hands)
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight. (roll hands)

3. Who's behind the pumpkin face

Who's behind the pumpkin face, pumpkin face, pumpkin face?

Who's behind the pumpkin face?

BOO it's me!

4. If you're a ghost and you know it!

If you're a ghost and you know it just say boo, ("Boo")
If you're a ghost and you know it just say boo, ("Boo!")
If you're a ghost and you know it and you really want to show it
If you're a ghost and you know it just say Boo!

Other verses!

If you're a cat and you know it say meow
If you're a skeleton and you know it shake your bones
If you're a bat and you know it flap your wings
If you're a vampire and you know it show your fangs
If you're a werewolf and you know it give a howl
If you're a mummy and you know it give a groan
If you're a witch and you know it give a shriek

5. Three Little Witches

One little, two little, three little witches

Fling over haystacks, jumping over ditches.

Slide down the moon without any hitches,

Heigh, Ho, Halloween's here!

Fun fingerplays!

Five Little Hotdogs
(Use one hand as skillet, and other hand fingers as hot dogs. Bam is a clap)
Five little hotdogs frying in the pan, the grease got hot and one went BAM!
Four little, three little, two little, one little, etc.
NO little hotdogs frying in the pan, the grease got hot and the pan went BAM!

Popcorn Song
Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels,
in the pot, in the pot.
Shake them, shake them,
shake them, Shake them,
shake them, shake them, '
til they POP, 'til they POP!

Motions are crouching, shaking self while crouching, then jumping up at POP.

Halloween Tip!

This is my family three years ago. The kids costumes were bought and then I made my husbands and mine. Most of the time we do themes. This year I wanted to do Winni the Pooh, but the girls decided they wanted to use costumes from years past. We have done: Peter Pan, Fairytale, Little Mermaid, The Office, Traditional Halloween, and of course the Wizard of Oz.

So......Here is my tip!

If you are going to make your kids Halloween Costume you might want to buy the fabric. I was in the fabric store yesterday and so many people were buying stuff to make Halloween costumes. In the past I have always bought early for two reasons:

1. Long Lines the closer you get to October

2. Low Stock on certain colors and materials

I bought this year, but the same applies if you are buying. Buy early so you have a good selection for your kiddos!

More fun new websites for Moms & Kids!

Two new sites I found and LOVE! I really want to make this I-Spy Blanket!

http://www.tipjunkie.com/

The second is this one. It is has a million ideas like these:

This is a Halloween Countdown! So cute!

http://www.executivehomemaker.com/category/

Both can be found in Mom section!

A boy that teaches us about living!

Check out this really cool clip about a boy named Ben Underwood. When he was three he lost both of his eyes to Cancer. He didn't let it stop him and he is an inspiration. My daughter's therapist recommended this video. He has others watch this clip if they are complaining about how hard something is or that they can't do something. I made my whole family watch this and I think I am going to encourage my kids to follow suit and believe that they can do anything as well!

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!

Apple Lesson!

Today I wanted to show you how one little activity could extend to like a week of preschool lessons. Once you get started you will realize how easy it is to teach your child while doing something really small.

Apple Stamping is the small activity I am starting with. All you do is half the apple, and then they can dip in the paint and stamp all over their paper. You could even make a big tree by stamping with leaves, then let them make the apples, then have them cut them out.

Other Activities you can do are:

1. You can have different colors of apples that your using and talk about all the different kinds of apples and colors of apples.

2. Art:You can paint with all the colors of the apples and talk about what happens when you mix certain colors together.

3. Fine Motor Skills: Cutting skills

4. Safety: Not touching knifes (can be taught while you are cutting apple)

5. Math: The patterns. You can make patterns with the apples (red red green. red red green. Let them guess what comes next).

6. Creativity: By letting them do art and get messy you are helping their brain work on their creativity. In other wards the right side of their brain!

7. Science: You can talk about what is inside an apple and show the seeds, stem, and skin

8. Math: Don't forget to count the seeds in your apples!

9. Taste/Math: Taste testing the different apples and make a graph of your findings

10. Math: Play Hi Ho Cheerio Oh (yes they are cherries, but I don't think they will even notice)

11. Field Trip: Go to a real farm and pick apples

12. Cooking: Dry apples with your kids

13. Singing/Poems: Learning little apple songs, finger plays, or poems.

14. Reading/Writing: Practice writing A. Because A is for Apple!

15. Fine Motor: Cut an Apple out of card stock and punch with paper punch holes around side. Attach string and let them sew.

16. Fine Motor: String Apple Jacks onto a necklace.

Now that was just in a few seconds I came up with all that. Imagine if I used the Internet, some of the preschool sites listed on this website, or took time to come up with other activities.

Have fun creating fun for your child!

Quick 'Candied' Apples

I found this on a website. I thought it might be fun for kids to try.

Ingredients:
Jello Powdered dry gelatin, Sugar-Free or sweetened (any flavor)
apples

Method:
1. Spread dry gelatin on a plate.
2. Cut apples in half.
3. Dip the cut side of each apple in the gelatin. The colors will brighten as the gelatin picks up the apple’s juice.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

Servings:As many as you want!

MAKING APPLESAUCE WITH KIDS!

Its almost time for Apples to come in season. My mom has a big orchard, so we always have bushels and bushels to eat. What could be more fun than teaching you kids to make applesauce!

Here is what you need:
4 medium apples
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
pan
spoon
cinnamon
Apple Core Slicer

Directions:
Adult: Peel Apple
Child: Push down Apple corer and slicer.

Adult: Cut the apple slices into small chunks.
Child: Put the apples in the pan with 1/2 cup water

Adult: simmer for 15 minutes.
Child: Stir in 1/4 cup sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon, a little brown sugar at the end for extra sweetness.

Wait until the applesauce cools, and you can eat this warm. Or refrigerate and eat it when it's cold.

Yum Yum! And best of all they got to help do it!

Reminder!

I just wanted to remind everyone of a really good website if you have questions that you need answered. Here are some of the articles it has on it:
Trauma and PTSD, ETM-TRT, Self Improvement, Self Help, Mental Illness, Weight Control, Addiction, Long Term or Terminal Illness, Sexual Assault, Parenting, Working With Children, Working With Teens, The Extended Family, Healthy Couples, Parent & Family Links, Spousal Abuse, Divorce, Divorce (LDS), Pornography, Mediation, Career Planning, Psychological Links, Health Links, Weight Control

and you can find it all at this website:

http://www.annettenay.com/

I really am impressed with what she says. And best of all she allows you to email a comment or question you have for her and she will answer it. Everyone of us have problems with something or other and I think it is awesome she is willing to give us all this information.

So just a reminder (because I have suggested her before) check her out!

Anger, Stress, and Bad Self Esteem in Children

On Sunday I was watching Shark Tank (A show that my husband and I can relate to, because we have dealt with investors). They had a lady named Lori Lite on and she was trying to get them to invest in her product. Anyway it was really cool. One book was called the Angry Octopus. It was described as this:

An Anger Management Story introducing active progressive muscular relaxation and deep breathingby Lori Lite • Illustrated by Max Stasuyk

Children love to unwind and relax with this fun exercise known as “progressive muscular relaxation”. Children relate to the angry octopus in this story as the sea child shows him how to take a deep breath, calm down, and manage his anger. This effective stress and anger management technique focuses awareness on various muscle groups to create a complete resting of the mind and body. Muscular relaxation can lower stress and anxiety levels. It can be used to decrease pain and anger. This engaging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can let go of anger and fall asleep peacefully.
This is one of four stories featured on the Indigo Ocean Dreams CD.

She also has CD's. I have already ordered some to try. Any parent that has a child with these issues understands that we will try anything to help our child. This might help. If you are interested go to:

http://stressfreekids.com/category/products/books/

Reminder!

I know I have been a MAJOR slacker with my new baby, but if you need school ideas to make your kids days perfect, just click on the school section and it will bring up lots of past ideas. Have a great day!

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.