Our Family Rules:

This was really hard for me to do. I had so many new rules I needed to add to my older household, but I didn't want to frame all of them. So I framed this one. This one is more behavior rules:

Then I made a list of Safety Rules:

Most of these are for my 3 year old. It might look like too much, but I needed to just write them down and know what I expect.

I also have another list of House rules. Rules, Rules, Rules! I know to some it might seem extreme, but for me it will give me the guidelines I need to be a better mother. They are written the like the above ones, with the following categories: Eating (Cleaning up After yourself), Friends (Friends need to clean up their mess & You need to ask before they come to play), Chores (Do Them or else you do nothing else), Watching (T.V, DVD's, or Playing the Wii), Homework & Music (Do it so you are smart), Computer (Internet safety), Respecting House (Breaking things, Etc.), Respecting God (Going to church, etc.), Respecting Visitors (Don't be wild, go on time out when you are asked, don't show off), Respecting Myself (no hurting yourself, or your body). I didn't show you a copy of this one, because they are rules my husband and I have made. But they were categories we thought were important to cover, especially as our children get older.

I put a copy off all rules in my 3 ring binder. I now keep everything to keep my family happy in it. I have all the rules, all the consequences for breaking the rules, Every one's Chore Charts, Every one's Mom Jobs, Every one's Goal Charts, What makes us happy as a family, and what makes each person happy, Mom & Dad Responsibilities, Extra Monthly Jobs, and tips I found on the Internet to help us be a great family.

I will share some of these later.

Hope this helps you, if you needed an intervention as well!

Intervention Time!

So I decided that my home is falling apart around me. I hear yelling, slamming doors, do I have to?, Crying, Why do I have to work?, Shut up, and I hate you, more than I care to.

I also see things being thrown through the air, things being spilled on purpose, the house being treated disrespectfully, hitting, slapping, and in general people being disrespectful to other people in the house, and even people being disrespectful to themselves. And let me say, we are normal. I believe I am not the only one dealing with these issues.

So I decided to have a Behavior Intervention! When is the best time for this? I am starting the day we are out of school. Which is...... tomorrow. And you know what? I am NOT going to fail! I am determined to teach my children manners and how to be respectful. (Not that I haven't been trying the whole time they have been alive, but this is different. We got a little lazy and I think it showing. Also we have been stressed out with my mom being sick, my husband losing his job, then he got a new job, and in general life. I think when you are stressed out you slack off on certain things).No More!

Where to start?

I started my journey with of course the Super Nanny. Well not her, but ideas on her website http://www.supernanny.com I guess I am too prideful, because I probably should be on the show but........... No Way! That website had some interesting things. I did really like the reward chart for age 3 to 5 year olds.

I really liked this article. It was stuff I already knew, or common stuff, but it is always nice to have a refresher!

http://lib.cpums.edu.cn/jiepou/tupu/atlas/www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/behavior-discipline.html

I also found an interesting article called Taking Back Control of Your Family. My husband and I have a strong marriage, so I just quickly read through that part and then focused on the second part. I loved the second part. I think what she says makes sense. I liked her so much, I even went to her home page.

http://www.three-peaks.net/annette/Control.htm

I really suggest this lady. I really liked her. On her main page it address any topic you would need. I found even more information for my little intervention. I loved A Parent's Guide for Raising Children. As you can tell it has a little religion in it. I was so happy to find that she belongs to the same church I do. That makes it even easier.

http://www.annettenay.com

So I have decided to start with this plan:

1. I will have a fun activity planned for my children in the afternoon. They will get to participate only if their work was finished, homework was done, and if our rules have not been broken.

2. At the start I will give them so many mess ups of the rules. Ex. throwing things, I will start with 10 warnings. The next day 9 and so on. If the child does lower than I expected he will get something special in addition to the fun activity.

3. I will put my children on a schedule. I was told by my child's therapist, that any more than a week not on a schedule can mess kids up that have bad behaviors. It makes them feel out of control.

4. I already post our family rules on the wall in our kitchen, but I am not happy with them, so I will change them to fit our needs at this time.

5. I will focus on her stuff on a "Happy Family"

6. I will make sure that they are learning and are happy and loved!

7. I will do my best to not react to their bad behavior. I will make sure I don't get upset, I will just give out the consequence.

8. My husband and I will follow through and enforce the things we decide to do.

9. I will try to stay home while we are having this intervention. When results come about we will try to go fun places.

10. and as always we will pray for our family and try to be good examples.

Anyway this is what I am trying. If you have any ideas, feel free to put them in the comment section. I think as parents, every idea is a help to us. At the end of this Summer I hope I will not be pushing my kids out the door, but feeling sad that they are going back to school. That is the goal!

Busy Times!

I am just trying to keep up with everything going on with the end of the year! I can't believe how many things my kids are involved in. So if I am not paying enough attention here, I will make up for it another day!

Happy End Of School!

Summer Fun!

I found a new website that I really like. It is called Mrs. Bee's busy classroom. I found it accidentally, but I really liked what I saw. What I was looking at was the Camping Out Section. It was really a cool section. It has tons of camp crafts, outside crafts, recipes for camping, Camp Ice breakers, 5 minute filler games, Camping indoors, songs, safety, Mini survival kits, and book recommendations. Anyway you can go to her main site:

http://www.dcrafts.com/contents.htm

or if you want to see the specific Camping Out Section just click here.

http://www.dcrafts.com/camping.htm

I think I am going to make a things to do in Summer, and copy her crafts in the camping out section and put them in the jar. It seemed like so many fun ideas! Alot of it can also be used for Any age!

Breast Cancer

I was devastated when I found out my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the third time (cancer for the fourth). For the last 5 months, I have been with her through everything. Even now I am helping her regain her life again. It is a battle that is so horrible and it just takes the life out of you and everyone helping you fight this.

I think that is why when I saw this girl's story, I knew I had to put it on this blog. How devastating to be 10 and be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She said on Good Morning America, that she was coming forward, so when young girls felt something weird on their body, that they would come forward and tell their parents. She had said that she felt what she thought was a Rib sticking out of her chest. It was a tumor.

Anyway you can find the whole article at abc's good morning america
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusBreastCancerNews/story?id=7619276&page=1

or you can go to her website: http://www.ourlittlesweetpea.com/

I guess from this I learned: Things can always be worse! No child should ever have to go through this.

Kindergarten Graduation!

So my daughter had this cute little program on Friday and they sang this song. It was so cute! Where did that time go? Anyway I thought you would all like to see this one and the really funny one at the end. That one you can google and hear the tune if you want.

First Grade, First Grade
(Sing to the tune of New York, New York. It ends with a kickline.)

Start spreading the news.
We're leaving today.We want to be a part of it,
First Grade, First Grade.
We're ready to go.
We've worked very hard.We want to be a part of it,
First Grade, First Grade.
We know our ABCs and 123s so well.We've worked at sounding out wordsAnd stories to tell.Just ask us to rhyme.
We'll say "tens" and "pens".We've learned to share and get along
With all our friends.
So now we've made it here,
We'll make it anywhere.We're on our way
First Grade, First Grade.

This is the really funny one. My husband and I couldn't help but laughing!

Tony Chestnut knows I love you(toe knee chest nut nose eye love you)
Tony knowsTony knows
Tony Chestnut
That's what Tony,
TonyAnd his sister,
Eileen (I lean)And Eileen loves NeilAnd
Neil loves Pat
But Pat, still loves Bob
And there's Russel
And SkipThis song is silly
But it sure is hip

Website I like!

I use this website all the time, and thought you might also. I like the tracing feature it has. It allows you to type in whatever you want and have them trace it. Today my kids needed a refresher of their address and phone number. That phone number change of adding three more digits have really messed my kids up. Anyway it was easy and I know that this will help them with writing skills and with memorizing their personal info.

http://www.kidzone.ws/tracers/index.htm

This website at the bottom and the left side also has tons of fun school learning for all ages.

Fun! Fun! Fun! For Little Ones!

I went to this website listed below. It is also in my link section. I have been there before, but today I looked at two things I haven't before and thought I would share them. The first is listed right on top on the front page of the website below. It is activities to do with your little ones in May. They are pretty simple and it comes in calendar form, which makes it really easy to do.

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/

The second thing you have to click into. On that front page click on Learning Station on the left side. Then click on Learning with Nursery Rhymes. I thought it was really good information for all parents and teachers.

Have a Great Day!!!!

Mother Of The Year Fun!

This was sent to me, after I used the Mother of the year video to send to some close friends. I thought I would pass on this letter and link, so you can do it for yourself or someone else.

Thanks for sending the "Mother of the Year" video to some of your favorite moms. You've really been part of something big: already the the award video has been sent to almost 9,000,000 moms! And even today, the day after Mother's Day, thousands of people are sending on the video. We set an incredibly ambitious goal of sending this award video to a honor ten million moms. And we're almost there. I'll bet you know more moms who'd love to see themselves in this video. Or more friends who'd like to send it to moms they know. Can you send it on again? go to:
http://news.cnnbcvideo.com
We've been flooded with notes about how much people love getting the award video. A mom wrote us to say, "I don't know what was funnier, the newscast or my son repeatedly asking, 'Is that real? Is it real?' while I'm wiping tears from the corners of my eyes." Another wrote, "I sent to my best friend. She'd had a breakdown on an L.A. highway and she said it made her horrible day GREAT." One prominent blogger wrote, "Honestly, this video is beyond a home run. It is the first thing in a long time I've wanted to send to each and every person I know!"
It a win/win—make your friends and family laugh and blush while you help us grow this movement for moms and families.
Thanks so much,
–Joan, Kristin, Mary and the whole MomsRising team

I don't know much about the MomsRising Team, but I think I will find out more about them.

For Grandma on Mother's Day!

Grandma,

You are like the icing on a cupcake,

You make my life sweeter!

So you make a card that says this. Then you could either give a cupcake with it, you could let them make a cupcake on their card, or I guess both, or you could give them a cake mix, frosting, and muffin tin if you have no time! I thought it would look really cute to use real muffin cup holders on your card. I like the silver (really pretty) ones. You can find them at any store. You would cut it in half and only use one side. Then cut out the top of the muffin and let your child color, paint, or decorate it any way they want. Then I would glue that over the top of the muffin. Anyway Grandma would love this!

My Views Of Preschool!

"Inside the mind of a child a treasure awaits to be discovered"

I have always taken preschool very seriously. Not only because that is what my degree is in, but because it is the first experience your child will have with school. So here are some things that I seems to always get asked about preschools. These are just MY OPINIONS:

1. When should we sign up for preschool? I signed my son up at age one. Any good preschool will have a waiting list. Find one early and then check in the year before and make sure everything is still set for the next year. Things change so I would also call in the Spring and make sure you are still set up. DON'T WAIT UNTIL SUMMER TO FIND A PRESCHOOL!

2. Should my child go to the same preschool multiple years? My opinion is no. Your child needs to get used to new teachers, friends, new experiences, and new environments.

3. How do I pick a preschool?
*I would observe them multiple times at various times of day (before placement)

*I would ask them if I could drop in at anytime (When my child is there). I think there is something secretive if they won't let you observe your child. I always felt my parents could come at anytime and observe, and I always let them know it. My response to this question as a teacher would be, "Sure come in anytime, but don't be surprised when I put you to work!"

*I would ask for references from the preschool (other parents).

*I would make sure it was clean! Your child will be using the bathroom and probably eating a snack. For Snacks, I always made sure everything was fresh, sealed, and planned ahead of time, so my parents could inform me of problems.

*I would make sure that it was a friendly environment and that the staff (or teacher) was friendly. Remember we are trying to start our child on the right foot.

*I would make sure that my TEACHER was qualified. That is tricky, because if you are going to a multi classroom preschool, you could have one head teacher who has an education and everyone else doesn't. If I am paying a ton of money, they I want someone who knows what they are doing. I would want someone who has a degree in Early Education, Elem. Education, Music, Dance, or maybe even Drama. I feel like I learned so much from my education, and I would be lost without it.

*Make sure the preschool is Safe. I had a plan for getting out of the house if there was a fire. I had a plan of where we would meet if we had an earthquake or such. I had a plan for keeping kids safe on field trips. I had a plan for pickup: Only people on the list could pick up the kids, unless they called me ahead of time and made other arrangements. I kept my toys and learning things in good condition.

*I would look for a preschool who did things that helped my children learn by doing fun and creative things. (more on that below)

4. What Should I Want My Child Learning? Basically your child will be learning everything they need to learn in Kindergarten. I have always believed that you shouldn't push ABC's and Numbers until your child is ready. I gave them exposure to them, but never pushed. It has been proven, that nursery rhymes help children read faster, so I always did a lot of nursery rhymes. I never do prepared art. I think it is horrible to have projects brought home, where they all look alike. Was it the teacher or the child's project. I love to let the paint, sculpt, glue, etc.- I love to see their creations. I like to use fun things to teach math: games, puzzles, matching games, counting games, and cooking. I am a firm believer of show and tell. Not because I want to see what they brought, but because it gets them up in front of others, talking. That is hard for a 3, 4, or 5 year old.

Here is a typical day that I had for my preschool:
1. The first thing they did was write their name. Now did all of them do this right? No. But they were never criticized. They could scribble, try one letter, or draw a picture.
2. Then they would take their name and answer a question. Ex. Do you like Blue or Red? They would tape their name to the answer they liked best.
3. Then they would check out a book. I had them do this, to promote reading with parents.
4. Then they would play until all the kids were checked in.
5. Then we had circle time. We sang, read, talked about things we were learning, did show and tell, and did calendar stuff.
6. Then we had discovery time. I put like 5 centers up all over the room and they were free to go to each one. They were not forced to go to each one. They went to the one they were interested in. If we had a big project, I would call them over two at a time. We had science, math, art, writing, dress up, and building areas.
7. Then we had snack
8. Then music time
9. Then I read to them
10. Lastly we went outside and had recess until the parents came.

Fun times!

5. Why Preschool?
* Practicing leaving mom and dad for periods of time
* Socializing with peers
* Exposure to learning
* Practicing being on a schedule
* Increasing their attention span
* Getting use to a teacher
* Learn how to share
* Learn how to be up in front of others
* Responsibility: Hanging up coat, bringing book back, cleaning up snack and toys.
* Self Help: Zippering, Wiping their nose, washing hands, etc.

Those are just my thoughts, but if you need more reason go to:
http://nieer.org/ It is the National Institute for Early Education Research. There you will find info on lots of things. They have fast facts that show graphs on different situations. One thing I saw was how preschool can prevent youth violence.

So I hope this helps anyone who has a question. Again these are just my thoughts. I really believe in preschool and hope you have a great time on this adventure with your child.

Fun Things To Do For Mother's Day!

I really liked this list I found on Yahoo of other people's cheap ideas for Mother's Day. They had some really fun ideas. So go here:


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070509121408AAdWvT3

Homemade Flowers For Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is coming up and I know you all aren't going to have your kids make you crafts from this blog. But you could have dad look at this blog, and you could make these for Grandma for Mother's Day. Anyway these are really cute.

What you'll need:

• Basket coffee filters
• Water color paints
• Green Chenile Stems (1 per flower)
  

How to make it:

1. Flatten coffee filter onto work surface (place some scratch paper or newspaper underneath).
2. Paint coffee filter with watercolor paint. Let the filters dry.
3. Cut about 2” off the end of a chenille stem and set both pieces aside.
4. There are several different ways to make your flowers. You can fringe the ends in thin strips (leaving the center whole) to make the flower that resembles a pom pom. You can cut thicker strips, about 1” wide each, to make the petaled flower or don’t cut the filter at all to make the rose.
5. Insert the large piece of green chenille into the center of the coffee filter about 1.5” in. Hold onto the small end and turn the flower upside down so that the long end of the chenille is sticking up.
6. Grasp the center of the coffee filter and gather it around the small end of the chenille.
7. Twist the smaller piece of chenille around the gathered filter to secure the flower in place. Turn the flower back over and fluff the petals as needed.

Tomorrow is Earth Day!

April 22 is Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held. A senator (Gaylord Nelson, 1963) was the man who got the ball rolling and it took until 1970 to get it going. I really don't remember much about Earth Day as a child. Now I feel like it is a good day to talk about things like: Turning out the lights, Keeping the air/heat at a normal level, to not leave the door open, to recycle, to reuse, etc. People all over the world know that there are problems we need to work on and this is our special day to look at the planet and see what needs changing. Anyway if you want to include your family or kids in celebrating Earth Day I found that Kaboose had lots of fun ideas.

http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/index.html

Kids With Math Problems?

This is one of my favorite things! It is called base ten blocks. So you have individual cubes, ten sticks, hundred squares, and one big 1,000 block. With this you can pretty much teach anything: Money, adding, subtraction, counting by tens, counting by hundreds, etc. I bought it at utah idaho supply and it came with a workbook. The age range (I think) is kindergarten to seventh grade. Anyway I got these for my daughter and it has helped sooooooooooo much. I was to the point of major frustration with her lack of Math concepts. The nice thing also is that this is what the schools use as well. So if you have a child that is in need of some math help, try this.

Summer School

I don't know how many of you do Summer school with your kids? But I have found that if you don't, your kids play catch up for at least 3 months of the school year. This year I went to Utah Idaho Supply and bought some Summer books for my kids. What I like about these books is 2/3 of the book is a review of the last year and 1/3 focuses on the next year. I like that they are already familiar with what they will be learning. I also like that they go upto 8th grade. I got mine for about $13 if I remember right. I have had a really hard time finding stuff for fourth grade and up. So if you are interested their name is Summer Bridge and I will give you a link to their website:

http://www.summerbridgeactivities.com/

The store I was talking about has this website you can order from. Great resources for home school, summer school, and special helps for kids.

http://www.uisupply.com/

x

Rainy Day Activities

Today it is raining. There is nothing worse than a rainy day in the middle of the school break, when children are cooped up inside, you have nothing planned, and the inevitable cries of “I’m bored” are not far away! So here are a few ideas to make the day not so boring! You will find ideas for all ages.

1. Sort through the toy room:It’s surprising how much fun this can be! Get everyone together and aim to clear one shelf or drawer. You will probably find that old treasures are rediscovered, odd pieces can be thrown away, and some things will be ready to be passed down or sold. If you are not sure whether to get rid of some of the toys, try packing them away in a box and hiding them in a dark corner of the cupboard for a few months. When they come out again they will either cause a sensation, or not - which will make it easy to decide on their fate!
2. Record the sounds around you:Get out the tape recorder (Do we still have these?) and make a project out of recording everyday sounds. Try water running in the bath, someone ringing the bell and opening the door, or flushing the toilet! It certainly makes you think about things a little differently than usual. Suggest that some friends or neighbors do the same thing and then get together to see if you can identify each other’s sounds!
3. Make a video:Supervise your children using your video camera to make a neat movie, find a story they enjoy, Each child can take on the part of a particular character. Make the appropriate noises too! You will probably have to practice a few times to get the hang of it, and be prepared for lots and lots of giggles! Tip: a homemade story tape makes a great present for a child who has to go to hospital or is bedridden for a time.
4. Have a puzzle afternoon:Get out all your puzzles and invite some friends around with theirs too! Clear plenty of space and have a marathon puzzle session.
5. Have a mammoth junk modelling session with friends:Invite a few families around and ask them to bring their craft-cupboard junk with them – boxes, containers, and other bits and pieces. You provide glue, sticky-tape, scissors, and encouragement. You could make houses, or creatures, or boats, or modern art – or you could all combine together to make one giant model!
6. Make a card house:If you don’t know any good card games or haven’t anyone to play with, try building a card house! Start by balancing two cards against each other so that they stand up in an inverted V-shape. Take it from there!
7. Make an indoor obstacle course:Use easily movable furniture (kitchen chairs, coffee tables) to mark out a course. Create a tunnel to crawl through with a blanket draped over low tables, or space cushions around the room to use as stepping-stones. You will have lots more ideas!
8. Practice balancing:Balancing is fun! Try walking the length of the room with a book on your head. When you can do that, try balancing two or three – then add a cuddly toy to the very top!
9. Create an indoor den:A few blankets and tablecloths can create the most wonderful indoor den. Drape blankets between sofas and chairs, over stepladders and clothes-dryers, or tie the ends to cupboard knobs and door handles. Once the den is created find some special snacks, coloring pages and pencils, a CD player and music, a torch or two, and camp out for a while!
10. Play with string:Older children can create some wonderful inventions with a ball of string and their imagination! A toilet roll and a sloping length of string make a great message chute or rocket. Get some action toys involved too: try making them a lift (elevator) out of a box or a basket and hoist them up! Adults should supervise constantly if there are younger kids around.
11. Last One Playing: Do a challenge of your favorite game. Last one playing (and winning) is the winner. You could do Clue, Monopoly, Uno or even a younger game for younger kids. Once you lose you play a different game and wait to see who is the ultimate winner!
12. Cook: With parent supervision this could be really fun to make something yummy on a cold rainy day.
13. Do it with them! Have you ever taken the time to watercolor with your kids, play play dough, Play a game, etc. Put away the cleaning supplies and spend the rainy day with them.
14. Go puddle splashing! Dress warm and have a blast, then come in for hot cocoa!
15. Put on bathing suits and then color all over yourselves with bathtub crayons. Draw silly faces on your stomachs or write funny messages. Then get out in the rain and wash yourselves off. It's nature's shower! FYI: only do this one when it is warm rain on a Summer day.
16. Camp Out: Pitch a tent in your backyard when the clouds start to gather. You'll stay nice and dry when the rain starts, but the change in scenery will make it feel like an adventure, brightening up a dreary day. Once inside, enjoy the soothing rhythm of the raindrops hitting the tent as you tell ghost stories and create flashlight shapes on the walls. Or play a board game until the rain lets up.
17. Paint With Raindrops: Start by putting several colors of powdered tempera paint into empty containers with plastic shaker tops. Give each kid a sheet of heavy white construction paper and allow them to sprinkle two or three colors onto the paper. Lay a plastic trash bag on the ground, and help your kid gently place their powdered papers on the plastic. Watch the light rain turn the powder into beautiful art, and then take the pictures inside to dry.
18. Do dried bean and peas murals
19. Do a home jeopardy and let them make up the questions.
20. Make a box for all these ideas and let them decorate.

Cooking with Angel

So here is the story:

My mom watched a show that featured a salad she really wanted. (FYI is is called Tasty Tortellini Salad Supreme). My mom is sick so this was a big thing that she wanted to eat something. So I found it and then I found the chefs website and it has sooooooooooo many recipes. So if you need another cooking resource, here you go:

http://www.cookingwithangel.com/Menu2009/recipes.html

Homemade Peeps

I found this on the Internet and thought maybe one of you would be interested. I am not much of a cook and my fridge is already full of peanut butter eggs, so I will not be trying these this year.

http://www.abc4.com/content/about_4/gtu/recipes/story/Peeps/LPGocfdjc0eUaHC2GiSaMw.cspx
Anyway I hope you all have a very Happy Easter!

Peeps

O.k. so to me nothing means Easter than peeps. I don't even really like them that much, but still they mean Easter. Here are some fun facts about peeps to share with your kiddos:
1. Just Born produces enough PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies in one year
to circle the Earth twice.
2. It takes six minutes to create one PEEPS® chick.
3. People like to do curious things with PEEPS® ….eat them fresh or aged to
perfection, microwave them, freeze them, roast them, and even cook with them!

I went to this website and found a really funny recipe. Check out more about peeps at: http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com

Bunnies dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut or chopped nuts, & frozen

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut or 1/2 cup peanuts (about 2 ounces), finely chopped
• 12 wooden craft sticks
• 12 PEEPS® Bunnies, any color

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
2. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
3. Place the coconut or nuts on a plate.
4. Insert 1 craft stick about halfway into the bottom section of 1 Bunny. Dip into the chocolate, turning to coat completely. Holding the dipped Bunny over the bowl of chocolate, use a knife to scrape the excess chocolate off the back and bottom of the Bunny, letting it fall back into the bowl. Hold the Bunny over the plate of coconut or nuts and sprinkle to cover all sides.
5. Place the Bunny on the prepared baking sheet and repeat to dip the remaining Bunnies. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes. Serve frozen. PEEPSicles can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Makes 12 PEEPSicles

Global Sun Ovens

O.K. so my sister is selling these really cool ovens. They are solar ovens that cook in winter or in the summer.

Check it out:
www.beeprovidentsupplies1.blogspot.com

CHOCOLATE - PEANUT BUTTER EASTER EGGS

Growing up my mother made these every Easter. Then the Easter Bunny would steal some and put them in our baskets. Did you know he also steals the eggs we color? Anyway my moms were always just plain chocolate-not as fancy as the ones below. But when I think of Easter I think of Peanut Butter Eggs. And they are really really good frozen as well!
1/4 c. butter

3/4 c. peanut butter

2 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

1 lb. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla


Mix all ingredients very well until smooth and creamy. Form an egg shape with the peanut butter mixture. Dip each into the melted chocolate. Store in fridge-covered.

Easter Cookies

It is a tradition that we do these every year. It is a great object lesson for young or old children, and even adults!

You will need:

1c. whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

a pinch salt

1c. sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

1. Preheat oven to 300
2. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3.
3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
7. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
8. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.
9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt.27:65-66.
10. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Some of my family Easter traditions

We all have traditions that make us who we are. Here are a few of my family's traditions for Easter. Some of these my mom started, some I started, and some I got from others. Hopefully you will find one new one to do this year!

1. Dyeing eggs

2. Doing Craft Eggs (see below posts)

3. Egg hunt at Grandma's House in orchard

4. Egg hunt at home (one egg has a 5 dollar bill in it) FYI the older they get the more sneaky you have to be- put some candy with the bill so they can't just shake every egg and throw it back down.

5. Easter Dresses and Fancy outfits

6. Easter Sunday Pictures taken by me!

7. Easter Bunny fun is on Saturday (did you know you can write him and tell him when to come to your house? Amazing!)

8. Easter Sunday we celebrate religiously- no Easter Bunny at our house!

9. Easter Resurrection Cookies (I will post next post about this)

10. Peanut Butter Eggs (Yum Yum- Post will come soon)

11. Candy on the floor from where the Easter bunny hopped to hard and it made trails all over the house.

12. And of course really hidden Easter baskets. And I mean hidden. Some spots in the past have been: Up high, on the fireplace, under the bed, in the dish washer, in the oven, in the washer, in the dryer, up in a closet, in the tub, in the car, etc. Sometimes it takes a few hours for everyone to find theirs! It makes Easter last a whole lot longer. Here is a picture on one basket from last year. Boy that bunny can really hop! Anyway if you have a fun tradition let me know in the comment section. I would love a new fun tradition.

Onion Eggs!

So when I went to college we did these eggs. They are so pretty and they are really fun to do. I think I will be doing these this year. You do need to use hollow eggs though. So anyway check out the link they are really fun.

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=157915.0

Tissue Eggs

O.K. if Ukrainian eggs were to hard, then lets talk Tissue Eggs. My mom did these with us every Easter. First I will give you my mom's way and then I will give you an even easier way.

My mom always used real eggs. We would use a pin and make a hole on the top and bottom of the egg. Then we would blow air into the egg from the top hole and out the bottom the inside of the egg would come out (Later we learned you can also just use a shot med. thing to pull it out). Then we took all sorts of colored tissue that was cut up into little triangular pieces and glue them onto the egg. Then you would take glue and rub it all around the egg to make all the tissue lay down on the egg. Then you let it dry. You can also roll it in glitter if you want.

Now when trying to find a picture of the eggs on the Internet, I found the idea of using Styrofoam eggs instead of real eggs. I like this idea for really little kids, because then they don't have to worry about breaking the egg.

Anyway I hope you enjoy

this egg-cellent idea!

I think I have one

more coming to share!

Ukrainian Eggs

Well I guess now that St. Patrick's Day is over, we are next going to have April Fool's and Easter. When I was a teenager my sister had me come over to make these really cool eggs. Above is just a picture of what they look like-not my actual eggs, because I have yet to dig out my Easter stuff yet. Anyway first you picked out a design and hollowed out your egg. Then you waxed everything you wanted to stay white. Then you dipped the whole egg in a yellow dye. Then you wax everything you want to be yellow. Then you dip the egg in the next lightest color. And so on and so on. When you get to the end, you get a candle and melt the wax off your egg. This is a really fun activity for OLDER children or ADULTS. They also look really cool as a decoration in your house for Easter. Anyway I looked up where you can get it and found this website that you can buy the kits. So if you are interested go to:
www.polartcenter.com once there click on Easter on the left hand side, and then Egg Decotating Kits, Pisanki/Pysanky

Leprechaun Treasure Hunt!

Here's a fun way to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day! Cut out lots of shamrock shapes out of green construction paper. Take these, and some chocolate gold coins, and hide them in the backyard, or a neighborhood park. See who can find the most leprechaun treasure!

Shamrock Ice Cream Sandwiches

Shamrock Ice Cream Sandwiches

These are yummy, and a great GREEN dessert option for St. Patty's Day! Just make some green sugar cookie dough (you can cheat, and buy the refrigerator rolls and then mix in green food coloring!), roll out the dough, and cut out shamrock shapes with a cookie cutter, or a pattern. Bake as directed and allow to cool.

Now take some green ice cream (vanilla with food coloring, pistachio, mint chip- whatever you want) and allow to soften slightly. Spread some ice cream onto the flat side of half the cookies. Place the remaining cookies, flat side down, on ice cream. Press cookies together lightly. Wrap each sandwich in foil and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Larry Leprechaun!

When my daughter was in first grade she had a teacher that introduced her to Larry the Leprechaun. I thought it was a great idea then, but I think this year I am going to do it to my kids. Every day the teacher would create a weird mess that the kids could find. She always had a really small letter from signed Larry Leprechaun, saying the mess was his. He left gold dust sometimes, he left green footprints on their desks, he left notes, etc. but no matter what they couldn't catch him. So they set traps. Each child had to make a trap to capture Larry so they could get his gold. They did this at home, and it was really neat to see what they did. Anyway ended up doing the picture below. In the plate we had Karo Syrup and Gold Coins, to convince him to jump in. When he did he would get stuck. On St. Paddy's Day we found that he had snuck through all the traps and stole all the gold as well. It was really fun for my daughter! I might not do the traps this year, but Larry the Leprechaun is coming to my house soon!

I found lots of fun games for St. Paddy's Day! These would be fun for all sorts of parties and ages!

Pin The Shamrock on the Leprechaun
Supplies:Big picture of a Leprechaun green shamrock, for each child, Blindfold
How To Play: Blindfold the player, spin 'em around and let them try to stick the shamrock where it's supposed to go. Give a prize for the player that gets the closest.


Irish Hot Potato
Supplies:Potato, or Irish Jig Music
How To Play:Sit the children in a circle. Hand one child the potato. Explain to the children that when the music begins they will pass the potato to the person on their right. When the music stops whoever's holding the potato scoots out of the circle and playing resumes.
This game also provides a great opportunity to discuss agriculture in Ireland. Perhaps they could pass while you talk and when you stop (every once in awhile) the person holding the potato has to recap what you said.


Gold, Gold, Who's got the Gold
Supplies:A large gold coin
How To Play:A child is chosen to be the Leprechaun and hides her eyes as a gold coin is given to a child to hide in his lap or behind his back. The Leprechaun then has three chances to guess which child has their gold coin. (All children hide their hands in their laps/behind their backs like they have it.)

Pot of Gold Toss
Supplies:Large cardboard pot. Good size hole cut-out in center of pot, or a few small holes for older kids.Gold circular bean bags (gold coins)Bucket to hold bean bagsTape to mark distance line
How To Play:Place cardboard pot a little distance from a wall with a paper box lid on floor to catch chocolate bean bags. Mark your distance line according to age and skill of children. Line children up behind the line and place a bucket of gold coin bean bags beside them. Give each child three tries to get their bean bag through the hole. Get all three gold coin bean bags in and earn a 'chocolate' coin reward.

Everyday is a Holiday!

I found this website and thought it was a good laugh! I can't believe some of this stuff and I thought some of it would be fun to do with your kids.

February 19 is . . . . National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20 is . . . . Hoodie Hoo Day
February 21 is . . . . Card Reading Day
February 22 is . . . . Be Humble Day
February 23 is . . . . International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 24 is . . . . National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25 is . . . . Pistol Patent Day (Samuel Colt)
February 26 is . . . . National Pistachio Day
February 27 is . . . . International Polar Bear Day
February 28 is . . . . Public Sleeping Day
February 29 is . . . . National Surf and Turf Day

Want to look at all the months? Click here!
http://www.oshel.com/everyday.htm

Then I found this site and I like it the best. It lets you pick: what happens in the month, what happens weekly, or what happens daily. She also updates it all the time.

Here is a sample of hers:

23- National Rationalization Day
23- National Banana Bread Day
23- International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
23- Tennis Day
23- Tootsie Roll Birthday (1896)
24- Nylon Toothbrush Birthday 1938
24- National Trading Card Day
24- Gordon's Birthday Sesame Street
24- National Tortilla Chip Day
25- Let's All Eat Right Day
25- Hudson River Tunnel Anniversary 1908
25- Quiet Day
26- Thermos Bottle Day
26- New York Subway Birthday 1870
26- Movie Cartoon Birthday 1909
26- National Pistachio Day
26- For Pete's Sake Day
26- Levi Strauss' Birthday Born in 1829.
26- Tell a Fairy Tale Day
27- Mardi Gras New Orleans Birthday 1827
27- International Polar Bear Day
27- No Brainer Day
28- Car Keys and Small Change Day 1590 Pockets were Invented
28- Inconvenience Yourself Day
28- Public Sleeping Day
28- Floral Design Day
28- DNA Discovery Day 1953
28- M*A*S*H Bites the Dust Day (1983 Final Episode)
29- Leap Day

Wouldn't some of these be great for a calendar? I think tomorrow I will definitely pull out some Tortilla chips and tell my kids what a funny day it is.

anyway go to:http://www.holidaysforeveryday.com/ to see this site!

Church Website!

So I just found out about this, even though it was changed about 2 months ago. I found out about it through the church news. I thought that others might also not know. The LDS Church Website has changed for the better. They have updated the Friend and New Era parts. For the friend they now have: coloring (while listening to church music), Slide Shows, Listen to Stories, Little Friends Stuff, Games, Scripture Stories, and much more. Try it out it is really cute! Or better yet let your kids try it out!

The easiest way to get to it, is to go to www.lds.org then on the right side click on prepare a talk, Then hit the friend!

Game Website!

Planning a Birthday party, adult party, Murder Mystery party, Scouts, Activity Days, etc. Go to this website and you will find tons of games! It is amazing!

http://www.partygameideas.com

A New Blog Site!

So I am LDS (If you want more info on this religion go to: www.lds.org) and one thing we believe in is having a day (Monday Night) devoted to being with family, teaching our kids about our religion and about the values we want them to learn, spending quality time together, AND we love to play games and have fun. So this new website helps with that. My cousin started it and I asked her permission if I could post it on this blog.

http://vallefhe.blogspot.com

Check it out, I am sure you will like it. Also I put this in the FHE/Church Section

Leprechaun, Leprechaun where's your shamrock

Here is a game I found and I thought I would play it with my kids. Modify Doggy Doggy where's your bone to be Leprechaun, Leprechaun where's your shamrock
1. One child is the leprechaun -- sits in the middle of the circle with eyes closed
2. One of the children in the circle hides the shamrock behind their back - I always have an adult distribute the shamrock so all the kids get a turn.
3. Circle children say: "Leprechaun, Leprechaun where's your shamrock? Somebody has it in their Pocket! Guess who? Maybe you? Maybe a monkey from the zoo! Come on Leprechaun find your shamrock."
4. Leprechaun opens eyes and has 3 guesses as to who has the shamrock.
5. Child with the shamrock becomes the next leprechaun.

Valentine Boxes are DONE!

So this is what I came up with for the other kids. The cake has a hole at the top that you can put the Valentine's in and it slides all the way down to the bottom. Pretty fun! Anyway that was the fun for today I guess. Comment if you did something really cool. I will comment for my sister. She made an ice cream bucket into a basketball hoop. I can't wait to see it!

Valentine Box!

So at the first of the week my daughter needed to make a Valentine box that she would enter in a contest. I racked my brain and came up with a guitar. I thought we did pretty good on it. Then today (the day before the Valentine's party) both of my other girls came home needing Valentine Boxes! I have used up all my creativity. So I started looking and thought I would share what I found. As soon as my girls are done, I will post them as well.

Cupid Poop

Poem #1

I couldn't send you flowers

and candy wouldn't do

and mushy cards just didn'tsay

the things I want them to.

So I got you something special

and here's the inside scoop

I found you something very rare

it's genuine Cupid poop!

[Use red hot heart candies]

Poem #2

Here is something from the cupids above,

who fly along with all of the doves.

Whose arrows have hit many lonely hearts,

they send you a gift for your big heart.

Your kindness and love have been so true,

so the cupids have sent you their little poo-poo.

Special Valentine Dinner

For Valentine's Day I hold a special dinner for my kids and husband. It is VERY fancy. My husband and I used to go out to dinner, but found that all we seemed to do was sit waiting for our table. Also who wants to babysit on Valentine's day. So instead I started having a dinner, after the kids went to bed. But then my kids got older and needed to have later bedtimes. That is when I came up with a Valentine's Dinner for the whole family. I don't make my kids dress up, but I do have them help me set the table. They have to learn where everything goes, so it is correct. They also help me cook the dinner. Then we invite Dad in. Dad doesn't help, he just gets to eat. Before the dinner I sit my girls down and we talk about how we eat, how we talk, and how we act at a very special meal. I feel good about this, because it will prepare them for when they start to date. Good habits start young! Anyway here are some tips I found on the Internet. It was a website called http://life.familyeducation.com/ It also had lots of tips on how to prepare for a formal dinner.

1. Cutlery. Don't hold your fork like a cello or your knife like Lady Macbeth's dagger. Also, don't wave your cutlery triumphantly in the air to emphasize a point and don't put silverware partly on the table and partly on the plate. After you pick up a piece of cutlery, it should never touch the table again. Knives go on the plate, blade facing in and touching the inside of the plate. Only the handle should rest on the rim of the plate.
2. Napkins. Don't blot or rub the lower half of your face. Dab delicately. Don't flap your napkin to unfold it and don't wave it around like a flag. It belongs unfolded on your lap. If you leave the table, place your napkin on the chair and push the chair back under the table. Gently. Watch the upholstery. Don't refold your napkin at the end of the meal because an unknowing server might give it to another diner. Pick up the napkin from the center and place it loosely on the table to the left of your plate.
3. Chewing. Never chew with your mouth open. Also, no matter how urgently you want to inject the perfect kernel of wit and wisdom at just the right moment, don't do it with food in your mouth. And don't gulp and blurt. Finish chewing, swallow, and smile philosophically, content in the knowledge that you could have said just the right thing, but had too much class to speak with food in your mouth.
4. Appearance. Remember what your mother said: Sit up straight and keep your elbows off the table. If you have any doubt about where your hands belong, put them in your lap.
5. Breaking bread. Here is a real bread-and-butter tip. Tear bread into bite-size pieces and butter each piece just before you eat it. Don't butter the entire slice of bread or the entire roll to get it ready for occasional bites during the course of the meal.
6. Speed. Take it easy. Whether you're at the Ritz Carlton or Gertie's Grease Pit, gulping down food is not only unhealthy but also unattractive, and it can cross the line into rudeness when dining with others. Dining partners should have the same number of courses and start and finish each one at about the same time. Don't be huddling over your soup while others are salivating for dessert or vice versa.
7. Don't pick! If you have something trapped between your teeth, don't pick at it while you are at the table. If it's really driving you nuts, excuse yourself, go to the restroom, and pick to your heart's content.

I also found this quiz and I took it. I did learn something that I didn't know. So take this quiz (kids can too) to see how good you are with manners at the table:

http://quizzes.familyeducation.com/manners/respect/55534.html

My sister takes this one step further. She plans a date out with each of her kids on their 16th birthday. Boys go with mom, and Girls go with dad. They go to a really nice expensive dinner and then a play. She gives them pointers so that they know how to behave on a date. I really like this idea! As Martha would say: "Its a good thing"