tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980888323491512612024-03-27T16:53:07.691-07:00The Wonder YearsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-39054392495008245242013-04-11T11:53:00.002-07:002013-04-11T11:53:39.368-07:00Closing RemarksHello thanks for visiting this blog. I have been back and forth for months on whether to continue blogging and I've recently decided it is time to close this space. I will continue to leave up the blog as a resource for others but due to many changes and reasons I won't be here to monitor or add to it. I will still be on pinterest! Best wishes to all, AmyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-21466668298934162222013-03-25T17:41:00.000-07:002013-03-25T17:45:36.942-07:00Kids Cooking: Spring Colored Hardboiled Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found this idea for colored hard boiled eggs on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/68891069272626491/">pinterest </a>and wanted to test it out with my daughters before using it with my preschool group this week for snack. It was a lot of fun and my daughters loved the results. </div>
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I hard boiled the eggs ahead of time (and prepared some for the preschool group as well). After they were shelled we cut them in half and removed the yolk. Next, my daughters chose what colors they wanted (two each) and we prepared the glasses of water.<br />
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Some drops of food coloring, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and water was all that was needed. After we stirred it in the glass, my daughters dropped in one half of the egg in each color. It only took a few minutes before the eggs were colored. While we waited we prepared the deviled yolk.</div>
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We used our fancy frosting decorating pen to put the deviled yolk back in the egg. Pretty and fun!</div>
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We will do this activity this week for snack in the preschool room. I know everyone will love it.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-85825211622446559952013-03-14T17:57:00.002-07:002013-03-14T17:57:26.656-07:00A Saint Patrick's Day Puppet Story For Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In addition to our traditional Saint Patrick's day <a href="http://mommyme-thewonderyears.blogspot.com/search?q=gold+rocks">activity</a>,</div>
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I also prepared a short little standing puppet show. The story is based on a traditional Saint Patrick's day tale I found while searching online and my children loved it. </div>
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Here is a quick version of the story:</div>
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One day a little leprechaun named Lucky, was admiring the pot of gold he had been collecting for a long time. He had been keeping it safe in his home but began to worry that someone might find it and try to take it away.<br />
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Lucky took a walk to the woods where he looked around for the perfect hiding spot for his gold. He saw a tall oak tree and decided he would hide his gold in the earth under the tree.<br />
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After his pot of gold was buried, Lucky felt his gold was safe and now no one would find it. <br />
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Just as Lucky was heading back to his home a Woodsman spotted him. "I can't believe my luck," thought the Woodsman, "I have caught a leprechaun and now I will get his gold!" The Woodsman danced with happiness and shouted, "I have found you leprechaun and now you must give me your pot of gold." Lucky was very upset that he had been so careless and was caught by the Woodsman. But, Lucky was also very clever, as all leprechauns are, and knew how to trick his way out of giving the Woodsman his pot of gold.<br />
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"You are right, Woodsman. You did catch me and so now I must show you where I keep my pot of gold. Here. I have buried it in the earth right here." "Hooray", danced the Woodsman. Now I will have all of the gold I need." "But, wait, dear Woodsman," said Lucky. How will you dig out the buried gold? You do not have a shovel?" "You are right," said the Woodsman. "Here, I will mark the spot of the buried gold with a red bow. Then, when I return, I will know exactly where the gold is buried." The Woodsman laid the bow on the ground and set off to get his shovel.<br />
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"Ha, ha," chuckled Lucky as he quickly tied many more red bows and laid them on the ground. Lucky tied and tied until the whole forest floor was covered with red ribbons.<br />
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When the Woodsman returned with his shovel he couldn't believe his eyes. The whole forest was covered with red bows. "Now how do I know where to dig?" he shouted. <br />
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The Woodsman could not remember where the gold was anymore, there were too many bows. He stomped off back towards his house while Lucky the leprechaun laughed at the trick he had used to keep his gold safe.<br />
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After I preformed the puppet show, I left out all of the pieces for the children to reenact the story. They all loved the story and it has been used for two days, as well as an inspiration for various other puppet shows, too. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-88705250861822069362013-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:002013-03-07T18:13:02.501-08:00A place to create<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I recently found a great deal on a Melissa and Doug workbench for kids. The idea of a workbench was appealing but I wanted to use this workbench as a place for creating with all sorts of materials. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GZmhzUHvZWi8GqBwwfMJOdnWAK_98DQylMwB0mf4R4CbwDyKHEr9Y6daOTJVTRF30Rudh466_IOaYjfUWsmBbOxoCC8PNlO2ndlojfGeYtz4ZykbEQcP1aR0UqkXqt_0oK-Noq6AQQ/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GZmhzUHvZWi8GqBwwfMJOdnWAK_98DQylMwB0mf4R4CbwDyKHEr9Y6daOTJVTRF30Rudh466_IOaYjfUWsmBbOxoCC8PNlO2ndlojfGeYtz4ZykbEQcP1aR0UqkXqt_0oK-Noq6AQQ/s640/IMG_2094.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The workbench is dedicated for creating and offers a variety of recycled and everyday materials for use in whatever way imaginable. I envision it someday covered with markings and wear, showing evidence of projects past. I want it to be a place where creativity comes first and making a mess isn't a concern. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgKFPG5QqJUlveXdlOAOjMdZGnscPRzB3veabaGz891qFLmL_iWo_qIIMmO8aKAH3S87ENeOnbIb0k-b78WTdJmSjSmWymEjSHnlwWMf0bqlgI7aKrGTecRnXmnQlzVikS9-YHRi-9A/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgKFPG5QqJUlveXdlOAOjMdZGnscPRzB3veabaGz891qFLmL_iWo_qIIMmO8aKAH3S87ENeOnbIb0k-b78WTdJmSjSmWymEjSHnlwWMf0bqlgI7aKrGTecRnXmnQlzVikS9-YHRi-9A/s640/IMG_2100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because I plan to stock it full of recycled materials for creating, I wanted to use some of these materials for organizing as an example of thinking "outside the box". This shelf contains cotton balls, glue, markers, decorative edge scissors, google eyes, magnetic tape, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, tape, regular scissors, and left over craft projects to complete.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0HgpCAqbzBVD-z5ZZ1Ne3Meq7lNxbcinPNe6unmrm09gS6Id3hQtDiTU_COnQqb1bif3FMb5XsV2_86EStdsALW7Rjx5frKJAhTltj9pFSD_1l7Py8ad22icxZLx3-FZvCI6-Lse3A/s1600/IMG_2097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0HgpCAqbzBVD-z5ZZ1Ne3Meq7lNxbcinPNe6unmrm09gS6Id3hQtDiTU_COnQqb1bif3FMb5XsV2_86EStdsALW7Rjx5frKJAhTltj9pFSD_1l7Py8ad22icxZLx3-FZvCI6-Lse3A/s640/IMG_2097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below the work area is recycled cardboard, plastic containers, tin foil, cheesecloth, ribbon, and yarn. And below that level are paper materials like magazines, colored paper, recycled envelopes, and newspaper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S6gNn-gWMGrE879M2Eu0njO7XPEvRcFPnLfrY6eQAE9Uma4edRd8gn06aVRBcH2Jzn1W_lf5zL86KaxicBeiNAurexVAkVkVwPmg3fn_-wMugwQZfVAW-uJ3NK1gYjPf7-nTyCC4sg/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S6gNn-gWMGrE879M2Eu0njO7XPEvRcFPnLfrY6eQAE9Uma4edRd8gn06aVRBcH2Jzn1W_lf5zL86KaxicBeiNAurexVAkVkVwPmg3fn_-wMugwQZfVAW-uJ3NK1gYjPf7-nTyCC4sg/s640/IMG_2099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughters have really been enjoying the space. Very popular right now, is the magnetic tape which is magnet on one side and sticky on the other. I cut it into small pieces and keep it in a box. They love making magnets for the fridge and even came up with the idea of pipe-cleaner magnetic hearts. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-54937166387753986632013-02-23T08:29:00.000-08:002013-02-27T06:01:42.311-08:00Spring Bulbs and an Indoor Picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbOLOvwYY9bIpyoinR_NKASEvMyu3g8mt5oKMOAfoSNlOFgZWGskQqNxRjJyH0rY0ead8cYXcSuigBLmlL6rI1TxmC_kd0SsItd9QZKxr8NxGKh3xFGzCmbvksmu0KOBabT1pPw7Qdg/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbOLOvwYY9bIpyoinR_NKASEvMyu3g8mt5oKMOAfoSNlOFgZWGskQqNxRjJyH0rY0ead8cYXcSuigBLmlL6rI1TxmC_kd0SsItd9QZKxr8NxGKh3xFGzCmbvksmu0KOBabT1pPw7Qdg/s400/IMG_2006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each winter, around Christmas, many stores can be found selling flower bulbs. I always buy some to give away as Christmas presents and to force bulbs in February at home. We found a variety of bulbs at the hardware store and food store this year and I ended up buying more than usual.<br />
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Some came with the special glass jar for holding the bulb. It is a great way for children to watch the growing process- first with the roots and then the green shoot and last the flower. My daughters get so excited to see the first sign of the blossom and what color it is.<br />
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We planted these in soil and added rocks to the top. <br />
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These are sitting on the top of spice jars and surrounded by gravel.<br />
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This little bulb is sitting on a rock inside the jar and the roots are submerged in water. Be careful not to let the bulb sit in water-it will rot- just the roots in water.<br />
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And for fun, a cute little photo of a recent indoor picnic- perhaps inspired by all the flowers? It made me think that just a few props- blanket, picnic basket, play food and dishes can inspire great play.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-54229149185543520322013-02-17T13:30:00.002-08:002013-02-27T06:02:15.477-08:00Contact Paper Snowflakes (and indoor play photos)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that clear contact paper looks frosted on a window? I didn't until I read it on a home decorating blog. I had some clear contact paper left over from a long time ago and used it to cut some snowflakes to stick on our playroom door. <br />
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Cutting the folded contact paper was too difficult for my children to do, but they do enjoy seeing them on the glass. <br />
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One afternoon my daughters spent a long time building with legos and blocks. They were so happily engaged. My daughters love the Friends Legos and for Christmas got a few sets. Legos are one of the few plastic toys I don't mind in the house.<br />
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They still use the duplo legos as well. They are great for starting lego play because the pieces are so big and easier to put together and take apart.<br />
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Good Old Block Building "Roads"<br />
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Bridges, roads and houses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-58641798863311445152013-02-06T10:51:00.001-08:002013-02-27T06:02:46.374-08:00Number Go- Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today my youngest asked to play a game. She got out the skip-bo cards but since I've never really played skip-bo, we settled on playing go-fish with the cards instead. </div>
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Playing the game reminded me how great Go-Fish is for practicing numerals and letters. In fact, I'm thinking of making up one for practicing sight words. <br />
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The skip-bo cards were actually pretty good for this game since the card is simple in appearance and font. <br />
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She loved playing, so I know we'll be playing Go-Fish again soon, in some form or other.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-35939578832651472952013-02-05T08:43:00.001-08:002013-02-05T17:27:28.758-08:00Birdcage Doll Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was so excited when I found this old birdcage at the thrift store this past weekend (and yes, we got more building cloths too). I cleaned it up and put it in the large bay window in our kitchen. I even put a plant bulb in a jar inside of it with hopes of a beautiful flower growing inside the birdcage soon. However, it didn't take long for my children to discover that the birdcage would also make a wonderful cage, house, and play space, for their little people.<br />
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So now I'm sharing my birdcage, but I can't blame them, it does look like a fun place to play!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-33145372167088409952013-02-01T06:41:00.002-08:002013-02-01T06:41:41.104-08:00Indoor Building Play and Indoor Forts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just this week I moved a few things around in our playroom. As soon as I did this there was a increase in creative play. I find it interesting that this seems to always be the case. Just a little rearranging seems to offset something in our brains enough to get us to think differently- creatively.</div>
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Building with cloths has been a focus of play since the rearranging of the room. We are lucky to have two sets of playstands- one I purchased years ago and the other -a craigslist find. I am looking to add a couple more large building clothes so we'll be heading to the thrift store this weekend.<br />
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As I watched my two children playing with blankets and making little houses and rooms with two simple supplies- essentially furniture and cloth- I remembered back to my own childhood of fort-making. With all it's simplicity it seems a wonder that fort making has stuck as a consistent form of play through who knows how many generations? Because of this, I imagine fort-making must satisfy something in the child's development and needs. I came across this article on the very subject. Here are a few excerpts:<br />
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<a href="http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news_events/ed/2007/spring/features/einstein.html">Einstein May Never Have Used Flashcards, but He Probably Built Forts</a></h2>
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<em><a href="http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news_events/ed/2007/spring/features/einstein.html">Why one alum is part of a growing movement to bring play back into the lives of children</a></em></h3>
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<a href="http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news_events/ed/2007/spring/features/einstein.html">http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news_events/ed/2007/spring/features/einstein.html</a></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Goodenough’s interest in all of this was sparked in 1990 when she was teaching in California and pregnant with her second son, Will. During a lecture one day by environmental psychologist Roger Hart about children’s relationships with the environment, she started thinking about what motivated children to find secret hiding spaces, what she calls “just for me” places.</span></div>
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“There’s an unforgettable thrill of being apart from the rest of the world,” Goodenough says. “It can be modest — hiding in a cupboard or under a chair — but that capacity to be able to look out and not be seen is very powerful.”</div>
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Six years later, while on vacation at Pocono Lake in Pennsylvania, without toys or a TV, she and Will spent an afternoon building little huts out of ferns and bark. She started thinking again about secret spaces. Through teaching children’s classics and after talking to other people about their memories of childhood, she decided to pull together a collection of essays, poems, and short stories, called <em>Secret Spaces of Childhood</em>. Joyce Carol Oates and Robert Coles were two of the contributors. She says she was surprised at how varied the pieces were.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6BH-9lRpXH7dheh2CQ1XjJqLF_cg7WohQhPAiRcujgs7gvOuErtT1UIhjtN7oqonESPMfvbB6LCjI38s6fvEUnFkrTrEeeTeMfZWvkP3h3oBfgpHJM9INiMkyqDXs-a52E6-v2ukrA/s1600/IMG_9270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6BH-9lRpXH7dheh2CQ1XjJqLF_cg7WohQhPAiRcujgs7gvOuErtT1UIhjtN7oqonESPMfvbB6LCjI38s6fvEUnFkrTrEeeTeMfZWvkP3h3oBfgpHJM9INiMkyqDXs-a52E6-v2ukrA/s640/IMG_9270.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">“I thought everyone would have the same memory — the blanket over the table or the tree house, but they were all different,” she says. “It’s about developing a sense that’s as unique as we are. What concerns me is that when you take away the choice — you give a child a toy with a single monologue that’s pulled by a string — you take away imagination.”</span><br />
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Luckily, she says her own childhood in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., was full of imagination, thanks in part to the woods behind the house and a family ethos that cherished the outdoors.</div>
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“In our family, if you were taking a walk or watching the stars at night, this was considered sacred space,” she says.</div>
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As we continue to lose this sense of sacred space, and along with it, free play, Goodenough says it’s a downward spiral for children, documented by research: a rise in stress, diabetes, and obesity, for starters. Children also lose an appreciation for the environment and the opportunity to “find their niche.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM-9G6mRxTf1G_cS6C8rGeEauTgtI9XxV0fwoyAhAH2D0nTOLNuGxtgBKd_bCbeE6PI6eA-xcJMvhHCMl3u0d9KmWaN0wumBaSndY03Ut_qIB5rQaDbVeTvwz0g-a_I_lgUY3hEJSTQ/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM-9G6mRxTf1G_cS6C8rGeEauTgtI9XxV0fwoyAhAH2D0nTOLNuGxtgBKd_bCbeE6PI6eA-xcJMvhHCMl3u0d9KmWaN0wumBaSndY03Ut_qIB5rQaDbVeTvwz0g-a_I_lgUY3hEJSTQ/s640/IMG_1434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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“In our highly programmed, commercial world, down time and away space slip away. Children need the space and time every day to do nothing, so that who they are can grow.”</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I would have to agree with the article, there seems to be something very thereputic about creating and playing in a space apart from everything else.</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Here are a few ways to encourage fort-building:</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">* Sheets or large cloths accessible for play </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">*Pillows </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">*Large Boxes </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">*Clothesline and Clothespins or Clamps </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">*Flashlights </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">*Fort Signs</span></h3>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-78523555714423224402013-01-28T16:51:00.003-08:002013-01-28T16:53:16.539-08:00Reusable Sticker Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5vmCvtZXIrmf5i10uWR-I6-smXBtuhE904IQ7qVladi012y2WKqUfVFwGXjDVB_IW3afEliYSiWC2zTNavPew9sp_kqfLHRPgv_x-o6iTsD4u1Zw493E-k-OpuKvs7IeQ4tNqtYW0w/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5vmCvtZXIrmf5i10uWR-I6-smXBtuhE904IQ7qVladi012y2WKqUfVFwGXjDVB_IW3afEliYSiWC2zTNavPew9sp_kqfLHRPgv_x-o6iTsD4u1Zw493E-k-OpuKvs7IeQ4tNqtYW0w/s640/IMG_1906.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was going through our "quiet bag" (our bag holding quiet activities for my daughters to use when we are out and at appointments or whenever they need to sit quietly), and noticed that our reusable stickers were quite the mess. My daughters love stickers and reusable stickers, and I've found they really like all of the Melissa and Doug sticker and reusable sticker books. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSAnKCbCRG5uzyljY-yHYE6_WY5TbHv4JzF7pLKt70gsozS0MXuu9LukXhrYAIqOr-aqJTUGHM-BCixqAs7nx17fopCrQ1-EBzrGvIWtcSaSoTYh658XTqAdUp_NaeniuWeyCzTQlGw/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSAnKCbCRG5uzyljY-yHYE6_WY5TbHv4JzF7pLKt70gsozS0MXuu9LukXhrYAIqOr-aqJTUGHM-BCixqAs7nx17fopCrQ1-EBzrGvIWtcSaSoTYh658XTqAdUp_NaeniuWeyCzTQlGw/s400/IMG_1909.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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My daughter enjoyed putting the reusable stickers on the sliding door on this cold and snowy day. It was kind of like a giant flannel board!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTurMRC7rxbFKTyx6hAtGkrUqlJBfflT1qQDyX7fGZ9DaGTlea1KOrpO4WX9vsHL6Rf3VUUqMiaglzIz9t1reaft9ihyphenhyphen3OcjDbZBuv6LMiNEyDaGspNqHtYaTc5vgS6IKNZtqJyA_bRg/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTurMRC7rxbFKTyx6hAtGkrUqlJBfflT1qQDyX7fGZ9DaGTlea1KOrpO4WX9vsHL6Rf3VUUqMiaglzIz9t1reaft9ihyphenhyphen3OcjDbZBuv6LMiNEyDaGspNqHtYaTc5vgS6IKNZtqJyA_bRg/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am keeping a set of the stickers in a box for use on the sliding door, because after all, it's nice to have some quiet play in the house too!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-14699921453918155392013-01-27T12:38:00.001-08:002013-01-27T12:42:21.130-08:00Making A Beeswax Window Ornament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is something about this time of year that makes me want to decorate windows. I just ordered a book for making those beautiful <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863154948/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0863152457&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=03XWRMK6K485YM5MX1KF">Waldorf window stars</a>, but in the meantime I just couldn't help myself trying my hand at some beeswax window ornaments too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBbr9vkIAxe9TCQm5F3UDGHqAjy_yV5mGWojJv1LFja2mO_HmqCO4fBlqDmrMf3yv8R9FnQvocbMS8j4XTBkJhRucjcxFBf76W4tBXvwuSZy8QKAL56p-ynnmoZ8dl6U9QtTfl1A-kg/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBbr9vkIAxe9TCQm5F3UDGHqAjy_yV5mGWojJv1LFja2mO_HmqCO4fBlqDmrMf3yv8R9FnQvocbMS8j4XTBkJhRucjcxFBf76W4tBXvwuSZy8QKAL56p-ynnmoZ8dl6U9QtTfl1A-kg/s640/IMG_1896.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the past I have made small beeswax ornaments using plastic soap molds and melted wax and using our large cookie molds was a similar process. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIV31ubdCO4-eMXak1ZHlfhxVT4i-DTpWdiPnXQbfn5BF_dilHqU0CKRwf6KgDc8eLEvg78xwt7qHLgz8AoQXha6YVyNLheoPQhBcdqBKYd6cON9NJ_nx7ViqDq_AylZJK5Q89ftU3A/s1600/IMG_1901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIV31ubdCO4-eMXak1ZHlfhxVT4i-DTpWdiPnXQbfn5BF_dilHqU0CKRwf6KgDc8eLEvg78xwt7qHLgz8AoQXha6YVyNLheoPQhBcdqBKYd6cON9NJ_nx7ViqDq_AylZJK5Q89ftU3A/s640/IMG_1901.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had found these shortbread cookie molds at goodwill last year. We baked with them first, but my girls never really like the cookies we made with them. Later, we used them for paper molds found <a href="http://mommyme-thewonderyears.blogspot.com/search?q=making+paper">here</a>. Here is a photo of what I needed to make the ornaments, while my daughters watched. I started by lightly spraying the cookie molds with cooking spray and then wiping off the excess. I also cut two lengths of string that would be used for hanging.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7UFQKybtSMjLFcvOj96lQQitmmeo6Z5vBy6OXykmxAOxfc7wjHos2zkq6J3DfuAIm5baBGhC-yebWf0qOqCveCQ2v5_T9ovsDXP2wwhoWILsTA-aJq7mER9gCUR1KwXmWUVEPc59Hw/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7UFQKybtSMjLFcvOj96lQQitmmeo6Z5vBy6OXykmxAOxfc7wjHos2zkq6J3DfuAIm5baBGhC-yebWf0qOqCveCQ2v5_T9ovsDXP2wwhoWILsTA-aJq7mER9gCUR1KwXmWUVEPc59Hw/s320/IMG_1903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The beeswax won't come off of utensils and pans used for the process so I was sure not use anything I didn't mind being covered with wax. I found the best way to melt the wax, in this case, was a tin can in a pan of water with the beeswax inside the can. When I was finished melting, the can was recycled and the pan remained free of wax. I used a plastic spoon to stir the wax inside the can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HDPUOxfAQZPkIr1dnZ7dS_ZO-Pwt8qdYTcdT-pCEmP7XlcgfuXJq8WjbmTlmtoOSoUmD1AciRrj-J-CGwFCnymQ7lga7LJ2kyPm_8DD-TPkBITLOUIMbXkSgHgpDm2gYCVmQGdStwQ/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HDPUOxfAQZPkIr1dnZ7dS_ZO-Pwt8qdYTcdT-pCEmP7XlcgfuXJq8WjbmTlmtoOSoUmD1AciRrj-J-CGwFCnymQ7lga7LJ2kyPm_8DD-TPkBITLOUIMbXkSgHgpDm2gYCVmQGdStwQ/s640/IMG_1902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the wax melted on the stove, I poured it into the molds and added the string. They cooled pretty quickly and came out of the molds easily.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEdUJ9WPzY_me5rMiUwHkWc0sfScWZad-ZyxdS3aFM477W7IO-cKEWypPTsmURC-Rvt0RBgfqiTDRiQn3FSw5AajBLkKV5QtnmVLbjkDBbuYAmUgI32IQdjJCxr9DwUdl9YTuIYeN1g/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEdUJ9WPzY_me5rMiUwHkWc0sfScWZad-ZyxdS3aFM477W7IO-cKEWypPTsmURC-Rvt0RBgfqiTDRiQn3FSw5AajBLkKV5QtnmVLbjkDBbuYAmUgI32IQdjJCxr9DwUdl9YTuIYeN1g/s640/IMG_1898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the glow of the wax and the smell of these ornaments. And now we are enjoying our beautiful ornaments in many windows of the house! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-11836585161703276542013-01-24T09:41:00.002-08:002013-02-27T06:03:38.051-08:00A January Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been so cold here the past few days. We are inside and staying warm. Here is a little of what's been going on.</div>
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Afternoon watercolor painting with a sprinkling of salt. Painting is so calming and the added salt sprinkled over the wet paint makes it even more pretty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnMnr77B-gBSa_r3FBFEfl4Wst1rXqh4hsaMLS2etjQMw4JxsFSExtXFvCbVmkVqA_vWiqNGBWCmVipWtJ7DH7tXlBwqcD9IbSIMV2uDLjRKgmmcLLmMIOVi_CsPysvUGINORPlfojw/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnMnr77B-gBSa_r3FBFEfl4Wst1rXqh4hsaMLS2etjQMw4JxsFSExtXFvCbVmkVqA_vWiqNGBWCmVipWtJ7DH7tXlBwqcD9IbSIMV2uDLjRKgmmcLLmMIOVi_CsPysvUGINORPlfojw/s640/IMG_1870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Despite my aversion to public places during flu season, we managed to go to the library so we would have some new books to read. My daughter often sees me sitting in the rocking chair in front of the wood stove after dinner with a magazine or knitting. She likes to do the same with her babies when the fire is going.<br />
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Here are a few books we brought home from the library which I wanted to share. In the book When Spring Comes, a girl remembers all of the things that will happen when spring arrives and all of the things to look forward to. After she daydreams she focuses on the present and all of the special winter activities still to do until spring comes. <br />
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The other book we found is A Little Golden Book Collection of 9 Eloise Wilkin stories. I just love the illustrations, they are charming and based in reality with so much detail.<br />
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The illustration alone will interest a child, just really well done!<br />
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And lastly, the January nature table is simple this month but reflects a lot of what we see outside this time of year. Hope you are all staying warm!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-50299089617472743732013-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:002013-01-15T12:00:39.105-08:00Children's Board Games Reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Christmas, my daughters received a few new games from relatives and from Santa. Around our house we find that we play much more board games, checkers and work on puzzles in the winter than at any other time of year. It is such a fun way to spend time together. All of the games shown here were recent gifts and have been enjoyed by the entire household.</div>
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Santa gave my daughters this HABA animal Yahtzee game. We all have fun playing this game, it is a great introduction to the real version. I found it perfect for my 5 and 7 year old.<br />
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This was a stocking stuffer for my youngest who absolutely loves charades. Previously we had a very similar version by HABA which we loved so much it needed replacing when the cards wore out. I found this in a department store.<br />
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I haven't played Elephant's Trunk but it seemed to be a hit when our house guests played it with my daughters. Both my girls gave it a good review.<br />
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Another game that was given to my daughters for Christmas was this Laundry Jumble Game. They really loved this game which involves reaching into the laundry machine and finding the clothes that match the card. It reminds me of a Montessori game, with it's use of the senses. The polka dotted underwear created nonstop laughs for them, especially when an adult had to find it or mistakenly pulled it out.<br />
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Lastly, we have been playing Bugs Building. The game involves a colored die which dictates what color the player needs to remove from the tower. This one also is a lot of fun.<br />
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I would love to know if you have any suggestions of fun games your children like to play!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-49779075078793578142013-01-12T08:14:00.000-08:002013-01-12T08:14:16.551-08:00Children's First Sewing Projects <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When Grandpa asked what my daughters wanted for Christmas they both said "a sewing machine." My daughters were so excited when they received the gift and have been asking every since, for sewing projects. After discussion on safety, some practice just using the foot pedal and sewing a straight line, they were ready to start.</div>
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I closely supervise them, of course, but they have been extremely responsible and careful and take their sewing seriously. We started with two projects using felt. I like using felt because it is easier to cut, has a finished looking edge, great colors, and the thickness seems to help.<br />
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We made a simple felt heart mobile which involved cutting out heart shapes and sewing one after another.<br />
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The mobiles only took a few minutes to sew and make a great valentine decoration.<br />
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The second project was a valentine bag. I cut out two squares and a handle, and two hearts. We sewed the hearts on one square first, then sewed the handle on and finished by sewing the bag together. <br />
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I'm sure they will be doing many more sewing projects in the future, they love it.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-40409979178748828792013-01-07T17:32:00.000-08:002013-01-27T12:46:09.425-08:00Recently Added Playroom Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently added to the playroom: a dowel that sits between the two playroom windows for hanging crafts and decorations and a mason jar hanging vase. Both additions will make it easier to change things around seasonally.</div>
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The seasonal nature table has been moved to the window ledge. The gnomes were made from a giant wooden peg person, felt and wool.</div>
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The fall banner has been changed out for a new seasonal winter banner.<br />
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We have hand drawn cards for each of the daily activities- craft day, painting day, baking day. playdough day, and drawing day. Easy to rotate and helpful for remembering what day it is.<br />
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Lastly, a little color for the windows with these capri shell wind chimes. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-75421155450109343452013-01-04T11:10:00.001-08:002013-01-27T12:46:34.107-08:00House TourAfter cleaning the house today, I thought I should take some photos if it's current state. I am still waiting to find a few families in our area that need childcare, and am surprised how long it is taking. It certainly is different from our last area. In the meantime, if you are interested, here's a bit of our new home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0CFjb0QZxOVunsHhdw5riaiy7W7N_9xocosTakRb2pD9nAiUZ0ecamsvQPhjM3iN8hdUtDN98aDNkD1kITC7f3AcOtuSWw9y-EvN5-DXByzkwtlFIBilRv1JUydM7B7lLLQF6KEFsQ/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0CFjb0QZxOVunsHhdw5riaiy7W7N_9xocosTakRb2pD9nAiUZ0ecamsvQPhjM3iN8hdUtDN98aDNkD1kITC7f3AcOtuSWw9y-EvN5-DXByzkwtlFIBilRv1JUydM7B7lLLQF6KEFsQ/s640/IMG_1776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A very open floor plan. We divided it up into three areas- dining, media, and reading/play. <br />
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One would think, that with a whole basement of toys and space my children would play downstairs but they typically play in this area. I think they like knowing where I am and what I'm doing. <br />
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I had visions of wallpapering one accent wall in each of the girls' rooms. However, it just wasn't in the budget so I opted for stencils. My youngest chose butterflies.<br />
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My oldest chose horses and we covered one wall with them. They enjoyed painting them onto the walls. The stencils I found on etsy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-33724350674780377472012-11-17T07:16:00.002-08:002013-01-27T12:44:14.908-08:00Painting Acorn Caps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNCqFbcljeRQutzgR8J_f5gwOrjpzn0_PmEEWIyi9o7_CNHii6OJ_k1JxPynACZFuPst6rWLzNHI7jmCfcTvrufiraVVi0c598YvT_p6BvE6O3cA4S4VOtT8nQhy7Nc7RvHean1gylQ/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNCqFbcljeRQutzgR8J_f5gwOrjpzn0_PmEEWIyi9o7_CNHii6OJ_k1JxPynACZFuPst6rWLzNHI7jmCfcTvrufiraVVi0c598YvT_p6BvE6O3cA4S4VOtT8nQhy7Nc7RvHean1gylQ/s400/IMG_1615.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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On our walks and while outside we've been collecting pinecones and acorns. Like the squirrels, we're storing them for winter (crafts and play later when there is nothing but snow on the ground). I keep both the acorns and pinecones in a sealed bag for a week or so just to make sure nothing hatches or crawls out of them before we use them.</div>
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I pinned this idea found <a href="http://naturalkidsteam.com/wordpress/2012/08/making-gnome-fairy-dishes-from-seed-pods/">here</a> about making fairy dishes from seed pods and knew my girls would love it. This is the second time we've painted acorn caps, they do love it.</div>
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We broke off any little stems from the caps to help them sit flat and in some cases we sanded the bottoms. Using craft paint, they painted and decorated the caps.<br />
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They love these cheery little dishes and use them with the doll house and their little play figures. I love that each one is unique.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-19726968806734277382012-11-04T11:25:00.004-08:002013-01-27T12:45:38.553-08:00An In-Home Childcare Room<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi! Since the last post we've finally settled into our new home! Boxes are unpacked, rooms painted, closets organized and the childcare room is now set up. It has been a very busy summer and fall. Right now I am just starting to advertise to provide in home childcare for a very small group of children. Here is a tour of the childcare room.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the tour!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-58333439340341731952012-07-02T20:03:00.000-07:002013-02-27T06:05:49.434-08:00Take Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work.”</i></span></h1>
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Sometimes it takes a little more to get us to stop and slow down. Thank goodness for rainbows.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-56799222614204804852012-06-28T10:49:00.001-07:002012-06-28T10:49:21.296-07:00A little summer work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really didn't expect to be blogging anytime soon, with all that is going on around here- packing, emailing, planning... However, I thought, "why not just take a few photos of some summer activities?" After all, I need a break, mentally and physically, from all the craziness of planning a move.</div>
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I am trying to stay focused in helping my oldest continue school work throughout the summer. She loves spending the one on one time with me and enjoys the challenges if offers. We only spend about a half hour with reading and/ or math, just enough.</div>
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Here are the singular and plural words and cards she worked on recently. These were made from a phonetic type coloring book and laminated and then I typed up the words. It was many years ago when they were made so I don't have the name of the coloring book. This set served as the introduction to singular and plural and the definitions of the words and their use in written language.<br />
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Also, we've been playing Shut the Box, a game of addition. I have her write the equation out and solve it and then she uses either those numbers or alternative numbers (equal the sum) to fold down. It is a fun and simple game, great for addition!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-29882256255682106122012-05-28T20:21:00.000-07:002013-01-07T18:24:36.955-08:00Updated Changes<br />
Update- With our recent news of my husband's change in employment location, we are headed from Vermont to New Hampshire. We are excited, nervous and awaiting all that encompasses this transition. Because of the move, my youngest will no longer be enrolled in a public school preschool (because there is none) and possibly a part time kindergarten the following year (as opposed to the full day program we anticipated). Once we are settled, I am planning to start a small childcare program from our new home (and hoping we find a house that fits this need). With all these changes I will be back in this space with (I'm sure) lots to blog about. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-49117002776221300792012-05-17T04:49:00.001-07:002013-01-27T12:48:46.344-08:00Summer Flags (Revisited)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it's not quite summer, but close enough for us to make our summer flags. My daughters had so much fun <a href="http://mommyme-thewonderyears.blogspot.com/search?q=nylon+flag">last year </a>making and having these flags to use that we had to make them again. This time, instead of kool aid, we used Easter egg dyes that I purchased on sale after Easter.<br />
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I prepared the dyes with hot water and vinegar. Each end was dipped into the dye for a few minutes.<br />
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Lastly, the middle was dipped into the dye.<br />
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I rinsed the flags out with cool water and we hung them to dry.<br />
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Using last year's dowel, we assembled the flag and it was ready to fly.<br />
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My daughter's love running around carrying the flag and standing still swinging it back and forth because it makes an impressive "flag rippling" noise.<br />
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Last year, we left them outside all summer long but discovered the sun faded them quickly that way. This year we will put them in the garden shed along with the other outside toys, so the colors will last longer. This brick makes a handy little stand to hold them when they're not in use.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-36500320997733269622012-05-09T12:43:00.000-07:002013-01-27T12:50:27.905-08:00May Nature Table Crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is so exciting to see nature blooming outside with all the beautiful colors. It seems like each day there is something new to look at, something beautiful to admire. Right now we are enjoying the pink blossoms on the apple tree. When we moved to our house, 5 years ago, I was so happy to have a tree in the backyard. Not only does it provide shade for the sandbox on a hot summer day, it houses bird nests, and holds our swing (and occasionally a daring climber). We appreciate and anticipate the tree's appearance throughout the changing seasons, always a beautiful reminder of cycles and change.<br />
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Inside, we've made some new decorations for the nature table. I cut out some felt leaves and flowers that were easily strung with thread and a needle to make a spring garland.<br />
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At the top of the nature table is some cut "paper grass". We colored strips of white paper, green. Then we folded the paper accordion style and cut a fringe to make the grass. Flowers were also drawn in the grass. I think the only thing we need now are some little eggs! With all that chirping outside, we may just be lucky enough to come across some robin eggshells outside.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-62473112959628210482012-04-30T19:03:00.002-07:002013-01-27T12:51:26.867-08:00Crafting for the nature table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are welcoming the month of May with a little spring banner above the play cubbies.</div>
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Around here, May means some much needed warmer temperatures and more spring colors outside- a real cause for celebration!<br />
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We've even started making some changes to the nature table. Just the past week or two the bees have come out and are very active. So active, in fact, that both of my daughters were stung with their very first bee stings ever. On a visit to the playground my oldest daughter found this piece of an old and abandoned nest. She brought it home and placed it at the nature table. A few days later we crafted our own bees out of modeling beeswax and added them to the nest. The girls decided they needed "really pointy stingers," which they have but of course these bees won't sting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-398088832349151261.post-29548980530254774172012-04-26T19:53:00.003-07:002012-05-17T04:50:20.213-07:00Drawing: Free Drawing and Form Drawing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A new addition to our drawing materials is a set of oil pastels and pastel paper. My daughters have been using them every so often on drawing day and have enjoyed this new medium. Originally, I purchased them because I liked the idea of blending and smudging to create new colors. <br />
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The pastels draw well, with bright colors and a smooth application. They aren't too messy either. We've found they are a nice change from crayons, markers and pencils every once and awhile.<br />
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In other news, my oldest daughter (6 1/2 yrs) has started form drawing. I purchased <i>Form Drawing for Beginners</i>, by Donna Simmons because I actually know very little about this Waldorf method. Form drawing is a therapeutic art, which among other things, helps the child improve and prepare for handwriting. <br />
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My daughter has really taken to it, she loves it and requests time to work on it.<br />
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The images beginning with straight lines and curves later move to running forms and then spirals. They are very simple and are practiced several times, in the air, on large paper and then on smaller paper. I like the way each form encourages slow, careful and deliberate movements. Each form is structured and organized in a way that allows the drawer to focus and reflect requiring a peaceful environment- which is always a good thing.<br />
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I use an easel to draw the form and she stands and draws it in the air, on large paper, and later in her drawing journal. We've also started coloring boarders around the work, in the traditional Waldorf fashion. My forms aren't perfect and it is harder than it looks. I always seem to find something that can be improved in each one, but it is fun having a challenge like that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1