Cricut Free SVG files

For those of you who are interested in the cricut SVG files, keep reading!

Go to www.myscrapchick.com and sign up for a free SVG file to be sent to you weekly. They are really cute. Today I got a bunny book template! Once I get it, I save it to my desktop, then I extract all files and then place it in a personal SVG file that I made. I put categories in it like: Fall, winter, christmas, baby, etc. Just with doing this, I am getting a big collection. Ever since I switched to the program surecutsalot, and figured out about SVG files, it seems I don't miss a day that I am doing something on my cricut! Pretty Fun!

Problems

So I got a lot of viruses on my computer and that is why I have taken a little break! Now we are all fixed up and I will be posting again real soon! Have a great day!

Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics!

For the opening of the Olympics, we are having an Olympic Party!

We will be serving food, in honor of the host city. Canadian Bacon will be involved in the menu! I think we will either do a Canadian bacon pizza, or pancakes with Canadian bacon, eggs, and of course Maple syrup (their flag has a maple leaf on it)

We also are having olympic torches (ice cream cones) for the very start of the olympics!

During the commercials we are going to be having Commerical Olympics.

We are having the following activites:

Qualifying Round (Juniors): Chew your gum fast!
Qualifying Round (Seniors): Blow a bubble with your gum!
1. Ice Hockey! Who can catch the most marshmellows in their mouth
2. Speed Skating: Divide into two teams. Put each team on a opposite side of the room. Put a ball in the middle on a chair. When you say go, the first one that gets the ball wins that round. Keep going until you get a winner!
3. Figure Skating: Glide around the room on little papers! Don’t fall and make sure you do some tricks and some artistic moves!
4. Luge: Who can melt an icecube the quickest (just using your body)
5. Ski Jumping: Jump Rope!
6. Bobsled: cup racing! (cut a circle out of the bottom of two cups. Put a long string in each of the cups. Attach strings to chairs or have others hold them. You are only allowed to blow, no hands! Whoever gets to the end first wins!)
7. Curling: Who can slide their cotton ball to the target! The closest wins! (must be done in kitchen or on hard floor)
8. Cross Country Skiing: Blow the snowball to the end the quickest (ping pong ball)
9. Biathlon: Snowball toss! (Make your own)


Whoever wins each even will get gold chocolate medals!

Learning to count Money!!!

I have been such a big slacker! So sorry! Anyway I was thinking about what idea I wanted to share and I decided to share this.

I decided last week, that I wanted to teach my three little ones more about Money. I have a nine year old, seven year old, and a four year old. The nine year old is delayed and so she is just starting learning about money. So I came up with this idea.

I got jars and filled them with different candies. I then put prices on each of the jars. I have been using real money to encourage my kids to do things that they need to be doing. My nine year old has a real problem bringing her homework to and from school. My seven year old has a real problem with anger, and my four year old doesn't want to color or do any kind of preschool. So now they get money for this. They also get money for doing extra jobs, being kind to others, etc. Mondays and Fridays I open the store. They have to figure out the money (right now they require a lot of help with that) and then they get the candy, that they had enough money to buy.

Already I am finding that people are happier, my house is cleaner, we are being more responsible, and we are learning about money. And since they are really little candies, I don't feel bad about the amount of sugar they are getting.

This is how I set it up:

.10 two jelly bellies

.30 one gummy worm

.75 two gummy rings

1.00 Dum Dum

2.00 Mini Candy bar

3.00 Other little candies

Yes these are really high prices for things. I am very generous with the money as well, so it equals out. My goal is for them to be counting money, so by having it high, it makes them need to count more. Also my 12 year old does this also. You would think she would be mad, at how high the prices are. I have told her she can just put her money in savings if she doesn't like it. She does about 1/2 and 1/2.

Music!

These are two of my all time favorite cd's to sing with kids.

They are really fun and the kids love them! Charlotte Diamond, 10 carrot diamond

So Big, by Hap Palmer

Have I done any good in the world today?

My thoughts have been consumed with the people in Haiti. Especially the children. I can't even imagine what they have and are going through. It makes me sick to think of their situation. I have a little 6 month African American boy. He looks just like the kids in Haiti. The night after it happened we ran out of formula. What did we do? We ran around the corner to Walmart, that is open all night and bought some more. It struck me hard the next morning that something like that the people in Haiti can not do. It doesn't matter who they are to the child, they can't meet the child's needs. Even now a week and some days later they still have children suffering. I can't imagine not being able to provide basic needs for my child. And could I help my child feel secure, when I didn't feel secure. So many parents have been killed. Where are those little children? It haunts me. And so I encourage you to help in anyway you can, the children of Haiti.

My sister has always told me that she has a good 72 hour emergency kit and a good food storage, because she never wants to be in a position that she has to look her child in the eyes and explain why they are so hungry. It always makes me think when she says this. I think I will personally try to be better prepared for an emergency in my home, as well as help the children of Haiti.

My Cricut

For those of you that have a cricut and buy cartridges all the time......
It is time to stop.

1. Go to sure cuts a lot on-line and buy their software. I didn't get the CD with mine, so it was a little cheaper. But it runs 75 dollars without CD and 90 with CD.
2. After that you can use your cricut with the software on your computer. You will need to get a USB cord that runs from the cricut to your computer though.
3. The program allows you to use ALL the fonts you have on your computer to use on your cricut.
4. It also lets you use any dingbat like thing.
5. In addition you can google free SVG files and pretty much get anything you are looking for.

Today I found a ship that looked like Colombus's for my daughter's poster she was doing on him. It is great and really easy. So if you have a cricut (which I don't know how a mom doesn't with all the parent homework that needs to be done) get sure cuts a lot!

Quote

Peace begins with a Smile!

I have been teaching my children about Peace and becoming a peacemaker. I found this quote and I loved it. I printed it up and put it on a magnet board that is in the kitchen. I was told in church a couple of months ago that one of the best things we can do as a parent, is to smile at our children. Specifically when they have been out and are coming back to the house. I thought back to how many times I have told my kids (when picking them up from school), to get in the car quick- we are going to be late. What if I had stopped and given them an appropriate greeting? So this week I am working on that. Smiling more and by doing that, showing them how much I love them. So start smiling more and you might see a difference in your home life.

One of my favorite things!

One of my favorite things from my childhood is Fondu'. I have really fond memories of doing this on special occasions with my family. I even had a really fun Sweet 16 birthday party doing this. When I married my husband, I started doing this as a romantic dinner for us. Then when kids came we started to include them. Now we do Fondu' once in November for our Anniversary, on New Year's Day, and sometimes on Valentine's Day. This year we did a party for our daughter for her birthday. All the girls had so much fun learning how to do Fondu'. So buy a fondu pot, cut up some vegetables, and have some fun!

Our Favorite Menu
1. Steamed Rice
2. Cut up Carrots, Mushrooms, Zuccinni, Artichoke canned hearts, Yams, fresh pineapple
3. Chopped up steak, shrimp
4. Sauces
5. Peanut Oil
6. Box of Tempura (found in baking section of store. It is a mix, You dip stick in tempura with veggie on and then dip in oil)
7. Depending on if you have an electric Fondu' pot or not you might need Sterno to heat the oil. It can be found in the camping section of a grocery store.

For Sauce Recipes, I just make up my own. I don't know how much of each ingredient. Sorry.

Sauce 1 (for meat):
catsup
mayo
parsley
tabasco sauce
worshiresauce

Sauce 2 (veggies)
Parm. Cheese
Cream Cheese
A little Milk
(Soften cream cheese before mixing)

The best part of Fondu is that it forces you to spend time talking with each other. So if your family needs more time communication go buy a fondu' pot and get started.

Family Plan for 2010

A long time ago my cute friend Nancy made me a New Year's plan for my family. I loved it and it was so darling. After that I made the above papers. Not nearly as cute as hers was, but it still does the trick. Each year on or around the first of January, our family gets together and we make a plan of at least two things to do in every month. They are things that we are looking forward to like: Making a snowman, going on vacation, mom's birthday, game night, swimming, etc. We put them on the side of our fridge and then the kids can look forward to something, and the parents can be fun parents.

We also print these papers up. We also put them on the side of the fridge. They are for quick little notes we want to remember. Almost like a little journal. Someone lost a tooth, a funny comment someone made, an acident someone had, etc. This was also my friend Nancy's idea. At the end of the year I simply place the paper in my family scrapbook and transfer any info I want to the kids personal scrapbooks. It is so easy and I feel like I am remembering our life moments.

One Word......

This year I have decided that as a family we are going to have a one word goal for the whole year. I think I will even frame it or put it in Vinyl lettering somewhere in the house as a reminder. Because I am LDS, and I hold Family Home Evening, I am going to do it then. First I am going to introduce the word, then the next week teach them what it means, and then the weeks after that I think I will have one person that is a detective that gets to find an example of someone doing that in our house that week.

So After thinking and talking to my cousin, I got my word. It is a word that I feel my family needs to be working on this year.

The word is.....

Peace

I am excited to have my Peacemaker Detectives and hopefully by the end of the year I will have a home that has more peace, more peacemakers, and that we will be more like the Prince of Peace- Jesus Christ.

So I encourage you to do the same and come up with a word that your family can work on, or a motto for your family. It can be a simple word, that hopefully can change your family for the better.

Christmas Nativity Program Scripture Version

Every year we have a nativity on Christmas Eve. We dress up, have simple parts, and of course remember the real reason for Christmas. I have two versions of our Christmas programs. I tried to find other people's so I wouldn't have to go to the work, and never did. So if you do something like this or want to start here is the first one. Also parts can be adjusted depending on how many people you have. We have a lot of people.

2009 Christmas Program


Mary:

Joseph:
Jesus 1:

Angel Gabriel:
Angel 1:
Angel 2:

Angel 3:
Wiseman 1
Wiseman 2
Wiseman 3
Shepherd 1:

Shepherd 2
Star:
Narrator 1:
Narrator 2:
Narrator 3:
Narrator 4:
Inn Keeper 1:

Inn Keeper 2
Herod/Leading Music:

Please bring this copy with you on Christmas Eve to follow along!

Away in a manger (First Verse)

Narrator 1: And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said.

Angel Gabriel: Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Narrator 2: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

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

Joseph: The journey was long and slow. I couldn’t find a place for us to stay, each Inn we went to the Inn Keeper said….

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”.

Narrator 3: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Silent Night (First Verse)

Narrator 4: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,

Angel 1: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you agood tidings of great bjoy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is aborn this day in the city of David a bSaviour, which is Christ the cLord.

Angel 2: And this shall be a asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Narrator 1: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Angel 3: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth bpeace, good will toward men.

Narrator 1: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,

Shepherd 1: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

Shepherd 2: and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Stars Were Gleaming (1 Verse)

Narrator 2: And they came with ahaste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it awondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and apondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Narrator 3: Now when Jesus was aborn in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying,

Wiseman 1: Where is he that is born bKing of the Jews?

Wiseman 2: for we have seen his cstar in the east,

Wiseman 3: and are come to dworship him.

Narrator 3: Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said,

Herod: Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Narrator 4: When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Star: When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy!

Narrator 4: And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and afrankincense, and myrrh.

With Wondering Awe (First Verse)

Narrator 1: And being warned of God in a adream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod:

Narrator 2: 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.

Joy To The World (First Verse)

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.