It has happened with Sam. A few years ago it happened to my Madeline too. I come up with a creative and fun craft or activity for them, and they take that idea and make it so much better. This preschool winter craft I did with Sam is a prime example. I will still take…
My Peanuts Building with Peanuts
I excitedly made my first batch of all natural soap recently. It’s funny how it is the littlest things that can make me so very happy. I have wanted to make soap for quite awhile, but wasn’t ready to take the plunge into using Lye. So when I finally gained the courage to buy some…
Building ‘Me’ with Blocks
I did a neat activity with my little ones while I was teaching kindergarten. I am sure you have seen this classic before. The little one lays down on a big sheet of paper, a partner traces them, and they cut ‘themselves’ out and decorate. I thought I would do this with Sam one afternoon…
Calming Lavender Lotion Bar
As you may know, we are taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle as a family. We are living simply, trying to slow down, and “make our own” whenever we can. The big trick? I need it to be easy. So much of the “making our own” is hard! But THIS, my friends—this is easy….
Wooden Blocks Made from Our Old Tree
Wooden blocks are wonderful learning toys for kids. Wooden blocks can come in all different shapes and sizes and can be very easily homemade. My 3 year old absolutely loves playing with blocks right now, so we decided to make him some wooden blocks for outdoors. …
AMAZING DIY Kids Forts!
When my now 11 year old daughter was very little, she absolutely loved forts. It didn’t really matter what they were made of – elaborate with sheets, blankets, and Christmas lights … or as simple as a box. It was something about having a place of her own. A small, cozy spot that only she…
Math Activities: Lemonade Stand
As we are starting our veggie garden, I am reminded of the end of our gardening season last year. We had so many extra vegetables that the kids set up a vegetable stand – and had a blast. Creating a business is such a fun activity for kids – and also FULL of math activities!…
Firefighter Games for a Firefighter Themed Birthday Party!
This past weekend was quite busy. We had double booked ourselves, so to speak. Now I really like to keep myself busy, thrive on a challenge – absolutely. But this was a bit much even for me. You see, we had our chicks scheduled to hatch on Saturday so we planned our Sammy’s birthday party…
Exploring Toy Cars
I was unsure about writing this post … as perhaps it is common knowledge. However, for me it was not common knowledge and I found it totally awesome. This simple activity has also kept my preschooler busy for 3 consecutive afternoons. And any activity that can do that deserves a post to help any Mama…
Why You Should Think INSIDE the Box:10 Benefits of Puzzles
Over the summer, puzzles were a huge hit with Madeline. They were perfect for rainy days or during quiet afternoons while the baby rested. I was pushing them a bit onto Sammy during the summer… as a nice quiet activity while the baby napped, but he would not oblige me—instead, he preferred the racing, banging,…