Father's Day 2010

Perhaps you can help me out... I am stumped for a good idea for Father's Day.
Last year I LOVED the gift we gave as it will be forever a reminder of
our little gifts and the blessing of God's design for a father and leader of our home.

Have a look!

Since then we have added a little footprint!

What is this mess!

When the your kids make a mess. STOP. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Are they enjoying themselves? Are they being creative? Are they experimenting and learning? It is freeing to allow them to discover things on their own through play. Yes they will need to clean up after themselves but atleast allow them to soak up their childhood.
When I walk into an area that screams out "I AM AN ABSOLUTE MESS!" I can have confidence that someone had fun here!

More creative fun!

A couple of days ago while waisting more time reading blogs.... I came across
a creation that was not so much of a waist of time. It was unique but simple and oh so much fun!

Have a look at this newspaper hut! We did this right away and it really was much simpler than it looks. Please note I did this with my 3.5 year old and my 2 year old and I am minutes away from delivering #3! It is just that easy and fun!


I'd love to hear from you if you decide to try it! I will definitely be doing this again.

Note: I gave my kids fair warning that this structure will break eventually and not to be disappointed when it does for we will be building another one soon!

A Special Father's Day Gift (Homemade)

You have to do this when they are young. Other wise it may be poster size!

For the Birds

In the summer we (I) am always looking for something to keep the kids busy in the backyard. We did this last year and
are really enjoying doing it again this year.

We feed the birds! I have a little bird feeder and a jar of bird seed. I saved little scoops from formula cans and OXY clean and they use
those to scoop bird seeds to fill the feeder. They LOVE it! They also love watching the birds come feed. The nice thing is that it is a continual
activity. We usually do it once a week.

NOTE: You can't freak out when bird seed spills all over the grass. Just know it is not being waisted. The birds (or chipmunks) will still get it!

Another fun thing we will do is plant some of those bird seeds and see what actually grows. What is it they put in that bird seed mix? We will soon find
out!

Teaching Manners and Etiquette to your children

I have a plan to make our own booklets of specific things I want my children to know. Reading at story time will allow us to read about it and talk about it. Making the book together may be fun too!

Be watching for future booklet ideas.
This one is HOUSE RULES

Etiquette for
Little Ones at Home

*Say “Good-morning” and “Good-night” to everyone in the house.
*Greet our guests at the door with a smile and “hello!”
*Say “Good-bye” to our guests and help them out the door.
*Remember your manners: “please” and “thank-you”.
*Stay seated at the table until you are excused.
*If an adult drops something, pick it up quickly!
*Protect children - especially babies - who are younger than you.
*When you are eating a snack, offer some to the people near you.
*When people speak to you, look in their eyes and respond kindly.
*When daddy or mommy asks you to do something, say, “Yes,
dad!” or “Yes, mom!” and do it right away.

Feel free to copy or add your own ideas. I know the 'rules' can be endless but it is nice to have some that you don't usually talk about in paper for review. Most of all, have fun as you train your child(ren)!