6 Sensory Table Ideas

     As parents and grandparents, we are always on the prowl for a safe activity that will engage our child either by himself or with a friend  that they can experience independently.   We want an activity that will not only allow them to be creative, but will also let them use their senses and develop their fine motor skills.  (The time will come too quickly where they will be asked to use a pencil and paper.)    One of my favorite and easiest forms of play is the sand and water table.  Now, there is no need to go out and purchase a sensory table but there are several reasonably priced ones at Walmart, Target and Toys R Us.  One of my favorite and easy sensory bin to store is a simple storage bin with a lid.  You can store the play material in the bin, take the lid off and “dwella”  it’s playtime.  You can also have several bins ready to go with different material stacked in your garage for a beautiful day outside or a fun activity on a rainy day on your porch or kitchen table.  LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!!!

                  Water with/without bubbles is always a favorite.  This one just happens to have plastic butterflies hiding in the bubbles just waiting to be scooped up with nets or little fingers.  Note:  The fine motor development with the scooping and picking up the slippery butterflies with fingers.

                  Here is a fun and easy activity.  It is a large block of ice which was frozen in a pan with small plastic toys, sparkly gems and sequins.  You put the frozen block of ice in the tub and give the children different tools to try to remove them.  This little girl had a small rolling pin.  You can also supply small rubber mallets with golf tees,  eye droppers with warm water to help melt the ice, spoons, etc.  Use your imagination.  This is fun to do on a hot day outside as well as an activity to keep little hands busy while Mom cooks dinner.  They love it!   More fine motor development! 

                  Here is a bin of dried corn feed.  You can also use dried beans of all types for a clean, easy bin of play.  We have added forms of transportation  to this table but simple spoons, laundry scoops, plastic cups of assorted sizes are just as entertaining and the learning is just as valuable. 

                  Sand and cornmeal is always a favorite.  Sifting, measuring, weighing, scooping and transferring are math, science and fine motor skills all rolled in one fun activity.   Add some coffee beans for the aroma and texture along with assorted sizes of scoops, spoons, cups, scales, etc. and let them go!!!!!

                  Below is a bin of potting soil with worms.  UGH!!!!  No worries, these are small rubber worms.  Gardening spades, shovels, small cups, tongs, cups and buckets are added for the experience.

                  Last but not least is clean snow dough.  This sweet smelling dough not only is delightful to smell but to touch.  You can make it as follows:

• One small bottle of baby oil
• One 5 lb. sack of flour
• Mix together and pour into your bin. 

                  These are just a few fun, independent learning activities you can provide for your children. 

ENJOY and make memories!

5 Activities, One Great Day {Back Yard Fun Part 2}

YEA! It’s Summer time!

(At least it is for our school!! You?)

.....

Creating a whole Outdoor Classroom Playroom is my favorite ways to spend some family fun during summer. I hope you picked up the items from the previous post! Let's prepare our Playroom and get started!

First Things First:

• After a hearty, healthy breakfast, dress everyone in a swimsuit, t shirt and water safe shoes every day. APPLY SUNSCREEN before you go outside, after lunch and then later in the afternoon. Make this a daily routine and keep a bottle of sunscreen outside to help cut down on the inside/outside traffic.
• If you have a pool in your backyard, be sure to have it fenced off and be present to supervise play.
• Fill a cooler with ice water and have a labeled plastic cup for everyone.
• Bring out the tub suggested in the last blog post and LET THE FUN BEGIN!

These Five Simple Activities make for One Fun Day:

1. Paint the Fence: Give each child a bucket with water and a large paint brush and ask them to paint the fence, brick or patio.

The water will make the material appear darker when wet. (Magic?) The large arm motions of up and down and left to right will help develop the shoulder muscles, upper arms and wrists which are so needed for writing in later years. It will also encourage eye/ hand coordination.

2. Shaving Cream Play: Next, squirt a handful of shaving cream at a time and let the children paint it on the fence or house or walkway with paint brushes or fingers.

Be ready, they love to paint each other with shaving cream, as well. Mmmmmm… Mmmmmm smells great! Now, think about the senses being stimulated. Smell, touch, sight, even the sound of the squirting. I wouldn’t try to taste though. YUCK!

3. Shaving Cream Balloons: String a line of yarn at your child’s waist height. Then blow up about 5 to 6 balloons and tie them to the yarn so that they hang down next to each other. Let your child smear shaving cream all over the balloons and then give them the squirt bottle of water and have them wash the balloons clean.

They will enjoy this activity and will ask to repeat it over and over again!

4. Sidewalk Chalk: Sidewalk chalk has been around for many years. Hours of creative art on the fence or patio are great developers of fine and large motor skills. It is easily washed away for a new canvas on another day.

ENJOY! We all have budding artists in our home.

5. Rainbow paint: Hang a white sheet over the fence or between trees and give children spray bottles with washable liquid water colors. Let them spray the sheet with the water colors. (You can even take the inside of a washable marker and stick it into the water bottle.)

They will enjoy the activity and the outcome. This activity not only develops their fine motor skills with the squeezing of the squirt bottle but also their creativity. They will also be able to see the effects of blending colors and making others. The best part is that a little bleach in the washing machine will make the same sheet into a whole new, fresh canvas for the next day.

ENJOY and make memories! More Fun to follow…..

P.S. If you've tried out these activities or a variation, let us know, we love to link to you in this post!

AND

If you have ANY outdoor fun activities...link up below!!

Back Yard Fun - Part 1

Well, summer is almost here and it is time to get ready for those hot, humid days. Absolutely nothing is better than a backyard, a blow up wading pool, a sprinkler and children splashing and laughing all day long in their swimsuits.

The summer months brings with them a carefree, more relaxed atmosphere to the day. Children may linger a little longer in their PJ’s or may stay up a little later with the late sunset. Whether you are home during the day or coming home after a day at work and child care for your children, there is still time for some fun outdoor play and learning.

The next few posts by me will have some simple ideas for fun outdoor activities and a chance to make some wonderful summertime memories with your family.

My first lesson is BE PREPARED!!!!

This week, before everyone is out of school for the summer, take a trip to your local Dollar Store.

Purchase one or two large plastic tubs or laundry baskets.

Fill the tub with:

• Spray bottles
• Large paint brushes
• Small paint brushes
• Buckets with handles
• Water color paints
• Sidewalk chalk
• Bubbles and bubble wands (fly swatter , plastic strawberry carton, pipe cleaners twisted in shapes) These all make fun wands for bubbles but you can purchase a large assortment of them at the dollar store.
• Shaving cream
• Towels
• Shower curtain
• Play dough
• Soap and shampoo for outside bath time
• Small shovels

-If a Sand and Water Table is not available, use a large storage bin for water play and another one for sand or dirt play.

-Small plastic or rubber dog/cat squeak toys

Take your time browsing through the store and look for items that will use all of their senses;

1. Seeing
2. Touching
3. Smelling
4. Tasting
5. Hearing

Organize it in the bin or a couple of bins and hide everything until your summer officially begins.

When school is out pull out the baskets and LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for some ideas to use these items and let Summertime Backyard Fun Begin!

Linked at ABC & 123 and Childhood 101

Turn Off Your Cell Phone? Give it a try!

I'm sorry I have been MIA on this blog lately, lots going on over here! Thanks Sarah, Suzy and the guest bloggers for picking up the slack for me.

I was recently walking on the bike paths of near my home and was struck by the number of parents who are pushing strollers and engaged in conversation on their cell phones. I have almost become immune to it until several days ago, I actually saw a Mom pushing a stroller and engaging in conversation with her toddler. I wanted to run up and give her a hug.

Why are we all so busy that we seem to think that our conversation on the cell phones is more important than engaging in conversation with our children and teaching them about their surroundings? Why do we choose cell phone conversation over eye contact with our children?

All parents want to provide their child the best possible education. Many people think of early childhood education as the function of preschool. Yes, a school setting can introduce and encourage social skills, but going for a walk with your child can be another kind of learning experience. You might just be trying to get exerecise or fresh air, but your child is taking in the environment with all of her senses. Your child is seeing, hearing, feeling and smelling all of it and much more. Your child is aware! She needs someone to give these items names and validate her experience. It may be tempting to use the walk with your chld as a time to catch up on phone calls and take care of some business, but next time, try turning off your phone and focusing on your child. Point out the sights, sounds and smells in your surrounds and in a simple way, explain what they mean. Add the sense of touch by slowing down enough to allow him to touch a flower or leaf, or if she can walk, let him out of the stroller to touch the "touchables". To a young child the world is magical and fascinating. Even the most mundane elements are exciting!

This also applies to your time in the car, as well. Besides the safety issues, there is a wealth of learning to be done in the car. Car seats place the young child high enough to see out of the window. Imagine what your child thinks when a tractor trailer or a garbage truck rolls by. There are so many things to see such as, traffic lights, fire trucks, ambulances and police cars. Time in the car is is a good time to sing songs together or just listen to your favorite tunes. Consider this a bonus of time that you can spend with your chld.

What is the benefit of turning off your cell phone and focusing on your chld?

The result of positive, sharing, parent-child communication is the strengthening of the relationship. Your child will know that she is important to you. This provides her security and self-reliance. You are also performing the act of teaching. You are the window to her world. As you introduce, describe and explain her world, you are enriching her life. You are your child's first and most important teacher. The memories you create with your child are worth far more than the phone call you might miss. Enjoy your child and make wonderful memories!

Recycle? You bet!

Do you have as many empty boxes and Styrofoam take-out boxes around the house or in the garage as I do after Christmas? Well here is a fun idea to use and reuse your Styrofoam packaging and build your child's eye hand coordination and fine motor strength all at the same time.

1.) Look in your husband's golf bag or take a trip to the sporting goods store and buy some golf tees (multicolored tees add a little fun)

Give your child a small hammer or wooden play dough hammer and let them hammer the golf tees into the Styrofoam. (The play dough tools are on sale now at Land of Nod!)

He will hammer the tees in and remove them again and again.

2.) Do you happen to have any of those fancy cocktail toothpicks or drink umbrellas in your pantry?

Maybe you have some extras left after the holiday parties. Well gather them up and let your child create a toothpick sculpture. Just encourage them to poke them into the Styrofoam and push them in as far as they would like.

3.) You can do this same activity with pipe cleaners. Let your child snip them, curl them, bend them

and then poke them into the Styrofoam to create a pipe cleaner sculpture.

These activities not only use up the left over recyclable packaging but also:

• build eye/hand coordination
• fine motor strength needed for writing
• imagination and creativity

Get involved! Work with your child to build their vocabulary and language by giving them descriptive words for the material they are using and the process.

Just look at all the skills your child is developing!!! You can't do that while sitting in front of the TV.

HAVE FUN!!!! Remember you have a short time in your child's life to enjoy the freedom of activities like this. ENJOY IT!!!!

My Children Would Never: How to Affirm your Child, Part 2

Before I became a Mom, I had lofty, pie in the sky dreams of what motherhood would be. I couldn't wait for the sweet, powder fresh, calm, quiet infant. My baby would never cry or fuss. As he would grow into a toddler, he would never test boundaries and my older children would always be respectful and obedient...and then the children were born.

I can't tell you how many times I have had both feet and hands in my mouth from saying, "my children will never......." or "I will never allow my child to ........" In fact, I truly believe that anyone who says that their child is perfect, always happy, sleeps on schedule and a perfect little angel all the time... must be the grandma.

After our children were born, I swore to myself that I would never forget the middle of the night feedings, the colic at dinner time, the dumping of house plants and eating the dirt, me walking all the way down the aisle after communion to find my entire blouse unbuttonedand Scott trying to nurse.

I promised, I would remember these things so that I would not be that obnoxious mother that told me that her child NEVER did any of those things. There were days when my girlfriends (did I really call them that?) had me believing that I had birthed three little toots. Seriously, you would have sworn that their children, who were all about two to six years older than ours, were perfect little angels and boy, did they ever feel sorry for me!

But after a day of hearing that "my child never did that", I would go into my children's rooms and say prayers with them, tell them how much Mommy and Daddy loved them and I knew in my heart that God had given us very special gifts. I never in a million years thought I could love three little people as much as I loved them.

Now, affirming little children who were perfectly ours was easy. Now you notice, I didn't say perfect, they were perfectly ours. Remember the old saying "The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree"? Well this was definitely true in our case.

Affirmations should be truthful and not empty praise. I always felt that praying with and for your child is one of the most affirming things you can do for yourself and for your child. Think about it, don't you feel affirmed when you know that someone is praying for you? Just Him hearing you say,"Thank you for giving me three wonderful, unique children. Please keep Sarah safe at preschool tomorrow and keep Brandon calm as he takes his spelling test. Please help Scott to be his best self and most of all let each and every one of their lights shine. Let them use their special gifts that you gave them and share them with others. Amen."

Keep the affirmations exact, honest and loving. Sayings like:

~ "I'm so glad God gave you to me."

~"You are a gift from God to the world."

~ "We are glad you are in our family because this is where you belong."

~ "We love holding you and having you near us."

~ "You are such a blessing to us."

There are so many ways you can affirm your children from the time they are born through adulthood. Before long, the roles reverse and they will be affirming you. Now that's a great feeling.

Children are Silly Putty: Growing a Heart through Affirmations

Who has never had Silly Putty? That lightly colored piece of dough sold in a plastic egg. It has been around for years and years. Remember how you could cut it with scissors and then press it back together again? Remember how it would pick up the print when pressed onto a piece of newsprint or the funny papers? Remember how you could lay it out on your night stand over night and then find it the next morning so flat that it almost blended into the furniture? Remember after doing each of these things (and many more) that you could just roll it back together again and it looked just like new? It wasn't new, it had been altered but with a little rolling it looked just like it did when it came out of the egg!

Well, after playing with some at school one day, I started thinking about how we are all like Silly Putty. When looking back at our lives, we can all probably remember things that were said, facial expressions that were observed, tones of voices that were heard, nicknames that were called, affirmations that were made to each of us that molded us into the people we are today. Some of these things are positive and some of them are not. We may not even remember who the people were. They may have been insignificant in our lives but their action or words were not. They changed us, molded us but on the outside we still looked the same. Just like the Silly Putty.

I am going to share a couple of memories with you that should have been forgotten or stored way back in the crevices of my mind to never be remembered but they are still there. I have MANY and I know you do too. I was fortunate to have more positive memories than negative and I am grateful to everyone for that.

When I was four years old, like many little girls, my dream was to be a ballerina. I loved the pink tutu and tights. I loved the graceful twirling and the music. I couldn't wait to take lessons!

Well the day finally arrived and I was enrolled in a dance studio. I didn't get to take ballet like I had hoped because ballet was for daintier, more graceful little girls. I was a tall "big-boned" four year old with red hair. I was taught that day that pink tutus would clash with red hair. So I was enrolled in a tap class where I wore a black leotard with light pink tights. Much more becoming.

One class, I was in the back row and was giggling and whispering to my friend next to me and much to my embarrassment, my teacher called me to the front of the class. She called me Rita Beth (I knew I was in trouble when I heard my middle name) asked me to bend over at the waist, gently spanked my bottom and sent me back to my place in line. Now as I returned to line, I forced a slight smile to my lips to hold back the tears of embarrassment. I NEVER spoke a word in that class again.

I don't know the teacher's name, the name of the studio, I wouldn't even recognize her if she walked through the door today, but that definitely impacted me. For years I was known as a shy, quiet girl who wouldn't read loud enough for the teacher to hear her in class.

On the other hand, the memory of my Dad was that he was my never ending encourager. He was blunt, to the point and always said what he meant. I didn't always take it well when it was said but looking back on it they were words of wisdom.

I have many memories of him saying to me things like, Keep it up Rita Beth.~ The sure way to lose is to never try. ~ Never believe anyone that says you can't because you can!~ Aways do your best and you will have no regrets. ~ Nothing is a downer like a frown. ~ God gave you the looks you have. You better be happy with them because that's all you have. ~ A smile will make you and others around you feel better. ~ Nobody really wants to know how bad you feel.~ You are my Miss America. ~ God first, family second. ~ God is always there and so is family. ~ Nobody on Earth loves you as much as your parents.

There were many others, my Mom, my brother and sister, Mrs. Ferguson - a Sunday School Teacher, even my own children; too many to list. Some were good memories and some were not, but they all helped to mold me, change me and form me into who I am today.

The reason I am writing such a lengthy blog about this is because how we communicate verbally and nonverbally with children will change them. It will be stored in their little minds and could alter how they think about themselves and their actions...forever. Don't we want them to be secure, confident, independent adults? Think about it.

Let them know how special they are, love them, communicate with them, respect them, discipline them and let them know that you, God and others care about them.

Today think about different conversations, events or relationships that helped to mold you. Remember, throughout the day, that we are all Silly Putty.

The 12 Days of Learning: Keep Christmas Alive!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, we celebrated epiphany

by making candles and starry cinnamon toast.

Well, Christmas has come and gone and although we had a wonderful holiday full of special family memories, we forgot to blog. I will take the blame. I was so excited to have everyone home and around for the holidays that I basically took up all of their time and before we knew it, December 25th had come and gone and so did the family. So sad. I am a firm believer in extending the Christmas season until the VERY end and warm feelings that we all have with friends and family as long as possible.

One activity that we have at preschool is our Epiphany celebration. This is a fun activity to do at home, as well. The children listen to the Christmas story with the emphasis on the three wisemen who followed the star to Bethlehem.

A fun book to read at home is Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Meyer.

Then each child makes an Epiphany candle. It is a small white votive candle decorated with shiny star stickers. It is a simple project and can be made much more elaborate if your family wants to participate and make one at home. I have seen large three wick candles on a pretty candle holder and also a simple taper decorated with glitter. Make it special and make it your own.

Just grab this stuff.

And let your kiddos do this!

The most important part of this candle is when you light it. You can light this candle at meal time or for bed time story time. Light it whenever you want to gather your family together to share stories of the day and exchange times of when you let your "light" shine or saw someone else "shining ther light" during the day. Shining your light might be passing a smile out to someone, sharing, being patient, being kind or just listening to someone.

To extend the activity, make star cinammon bread:

1. Use one piece of bread

2. Let your child spread butter on the bread and sprinkle it with Cinnamon Sugar.

3. Then cut it with the star cookie cutter.

A simple, not too sweet snack to extend the activity!

Make this activity your own and enjoy the season. Remember, Jesus was God's gift to us and is with us everyday, not just on Christmas Day. The celebration shouldn't end on December 25th. Light your candle as a reminder to let Christmas live in your life everyday.

12 Days of Christmas: Epiphany Cookies

On the 10th Day of Christmas my grandkids gave to me,

lots of cookies to decorate and eat.

We are back from a wonderful Christmas holiday, filled with tons of family memory making.

Did you know that the TRUE 12 Days of Christmas start on December 25 and end twelve days later on January 5? These twelve days after Christmas is also known as Epiphany, the time when the three wise men followed a star to meet the new King, little baby Jesus.

Baking cookies is a fun tradition in most families during the holiday season and is a great way to extend the holidays. It is not only a lesson in math and science with the measuring, pouring, counting spoonfuls, etc., it can be a Bible story or a devotion.

1. Star Cookie Cutter: The angel told the three wise men to follow the star and, when they did, it took them to Bethlehem where they found Jesus. They gave Him their gifts: a bag of gold, a jar of frankincense, the perfume of flowers sort of like potpourri, and a special box of myrrh - the perfume of spices.
2. Heart Cookie Cutter: The heart represents love. What do you think of when you see the heart? Do you know that God loves you and He loved you so much He gave you a sacrificial gift, His Son, Jesus? Sacrificial? What's that? Well...do you have something that you really love -- more than almost anything? You only have one like it - maybe a special blanket - and you give it away. Well, that's what sacrificial means. Let's say all you had in the whole world was one dollar and you were hungry but you saw someone else who was also hungry. You took your dollar and bought the other hungry person food. That would be giving a sacrifice.
3. Cross Cookie Cutter: The cross represents life. The cross represents Jesus, the reason for the season. The baby Jesus grew up and He learned to walk and talk and became a man. He went to the cross and died for our sins. Jesus went to Heaven to be with His heavenly Father. When we believe in Him, He forgives our sins and then, one day, we will live in Heaven with Jesus forever.
4. Candle Cookie Cutter: The candle represents light of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 5:16 says we are to let our light shine. Our faith, thoughts and feelings are to be full of light. Light gives a welcome feeling. Christmas gives a special opportunity to let our light shine. We can tell others about Jesus and that Christmas is His birthday.

After baking the cookies, frost them or lightly dust them with powdered sugar. Divide them onto plates, making sure that each plate has at least one of each shape. Let your children help distribute them to family and friends.

Even though the receivers of these decorated cookies may not know the meaning of each of the cookie shapes, those who made them do. Meanwhile, the "bakers" have learned a bit more about the story of Christmas and the message of Christ...and special memories are made.

We forgot to take pictures of our cookie making! But enjoy this one!

12 Days of Learning: Sneaky Math Activities

On the seventh day of Christmas my Grammy gave to me:
Fun ways to hide math games!
Don't tell the kids, but here a couple of ways to encourage eye-hand, small motor and math development during the Christmas holidays. It is also a great filler for those times when there hands need to be busy so that you can use your hands dong something else. :)

#1 The Old fashioned paper chains:

Offer strips of red, green, white construction paper cut 1" wide. Have the tape dispenser handy and have your child loop and tape the strips in AB order (red/green/red/green). Add a white one in the mix for ABC pattern, (red/green/white...) Then have him make up his own pattern. This activity will help develop all the skills listed above.

To make this even prettier with a little more interest, cut strips from assorted wrapping paper. Remember to add a foil paper in there somewhere for extra sparkle.

#2 Pony Bead Candy Canes:

Purchase packages of red, green and white pony beads and pipe cleaners from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels. pour them in a bowl. Cut the pipe cleaners in half and fold the end of the pipecleaner to keep the beads in place.

Encourage your child to pattern the beads to make a candy cane. When they are tired of making candy canes just ask them to create any ornament using the same supplies. You will be surprised at what they will create. I think we still have a peace sign (Brandon) from years past.

*When your child is making the candy canes, remember to remind them of the shepherd's staff and how they travelled from afar to see the baby Jesus.

#3 Popsicle stick stars:

Take several popsickle sticks, glue and sparkley jewels, confetti or glitter.

Have your child glue three sticks criss -cross to make a star. After they have dried, decorate them with confetti, jewels or glitter. They sky is the limit. You ask where is the math? Well how do three sticks make six points? Hmmmmmmm.

This is also a great way to tie in the bright, shiny Christmas star. Tell them that when we let our light shine through out the year, it will brighten our world and other's, as well.

Most of all, HAVE FUN!!!!

Rita

12 Days of Learning: Reindeer Aprons

On the fifth day of Christmas, Rudolph gave to me,

a reindeer apron to match the reindeer painting.

Looking for a fun activity and a gift a loved one will cherish and use year after year? This is a great spin off the reindeer hand and foot painting Suz did! I would say, great for kiddos old enough to wear the apron and help baking some Christmas goodies!

Well, go to you local Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Michaels, etc. Sarah, not too sure where you would go for this in China. I think it is time to move home :) Purchase white aprons. They are VERY inexpensive and can be full or just half aprons.

With fabric paint, paint your child's hands brown and have them place them side by side.

Then connect the handprints with a brown paint pen in the shape of a triangle. If they are old enough...let them do it! It may be crooked or wobbly but all the more special!

Add two large googly eyes or paint them on

and a big fluffy pom pom for the nose.

A mom made these for our Breakfast with Santa last year and they were adorable. I don't have one of my own at home. Hint hint! But wearing these while baking Santa's cookies will make it extra special!

12 Days of Learning: Snowmen ornaments (Handprint ornaments)

On the third day of Christmas my Grandkids gave to me,

A handprint ornament for our lovely tree!

These Christmas ornaments are extra special made with your child's handprints are on them. GUARANTEE...anyone who receives a present with your child's handprint on it will proudly display it year after year (especially grandparents and other family members. Remember to make one for your tree too!)

Step 1: Paint your child's hand with white acrylic paint

Step 2: Lay the ornament in child's open hand and have them

gently close their fingers around the ball. Remove the ornament

and you have 5 little snowmen on a bed of snow.

Step 3: After it has dried, add the details with paint pens or sharpie markers.

Step 4: Make it pretty by tying a pretty bow on the top and you are done!

A nice tradition would be to have a handprint ornament or a photo ornament of each year as your child grows up. Then you can pass them down to your child when they leave. As for my grown children, NO, you don't get them, not yet. You need to come over and see your ornaments. Maybe you can have them next year. :)

Who's the Boss at Grandma's House?

OK, now that I am an official Grammy of three adorable little grandsons, I feel that I can be an expert on this subject. hahaha! (Is anyone ever worthy of the title "expert"?) This is our first holiday season where all the boys will be here and participating in the celebrations so I am VERY new at this role.

When you and your children go to visit grandparents or other relatives, who will make the rules and do the disciplining? Whose rules apply - yours or Grandma's?

Most of the time it makes sense for the house rules to apply - rules of the house you're visiting. You can decide with your children that some behavior may be all right at Grandma's but not all right when they get home again. For example, grandparents may permit children to stay up later than is allowed at home or maybe have two helpings of dessert.

This doesn't mean that grandparents should undercut parent's authority. Some behavior is not acceptable no matter where it takes place. For, example, running wild, jumping on furniture, destroying the house, is a no-no. Period.

As parents, you are the protectors of your children, even when it means your wishes go against grandparents' or other relatives' wishes. Sometimes you must insist on your own rules for your kids' sakes.

Talk to your parents, or other relatives before you arrive and let them know what your ground rules are and ask them to help you make the trip more pleasant by supporting your guidelines.

Fellow Grandparents, please follow the parents' lead.

It will be less confusing for your children and make the holidays more pleasant for all.

Have fun and make happy memories.

A Fun Little Quote

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags! And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What ifChristmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”

Even the Grinch figured it out! :)

Thanks Denise for sharing this with me!

EnJOY the Season

'Tis the season! We hear it and see it EVERYWHERE! Take stock of what you really want your children to remember about Christmas. Is it the story of Baby Jesus? Is it Santa Claus? Is it singing Christmas Carols? Is it the lighted Christmas Tree? All of these memories are special.

Since I am the eldest of the posters on this blog, my concept of the Christmas season is a little different from Sarah's and Suzie's. Now, when I was their age and had children the age of my grandchildren, I thought just like they do now. Their enthusiasm, joy, and love of the season is uplifting and fun! This is how holiday memories are made.

I, however, see it from a different perspective now. Christmas should not be a stressful time of year. Exciting, yes, but not stressful. Take a few moments to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Make memories your children will carry on to their children. Relax and enjoy. While getting ready for Christmas is so fun, the truth is, your children won't remember the perfectly wrapped gifts, the perfect Christmas tree or the big, fluffy bows on the staircase. They will remember the warm hugs, smiles and the joyful enthusiasm and anticipation of Christmas.

Grammy's Tips:

Here's a little tip for this busy season. At the end of the day, when your floors are covered with toys and your couch with laundry, set your timer for three minutes. Take a few laundry baskets and gather up all the toys in one and throw the laundry in the other. Put them in a closet or any place that is out of sight (so that you are not reminded of what needs to be done.) Turn the lights low (the dust doesn't show:) and light the tree and candles. Take some time to sit quietly with your family and read a story, look at the Christmas cards you have received, play a short game, talk about the many gifts God has given us that are not under the tree... These feelings are what children will remember, and believe it or not, when your children are grown up these are the precious memories that you will have of the holidays as well.

Relax and have fun! Enjoy this season and the many blessings it brings.

Glitzy Christmas Pumpkins!

Fall is over and Christmas is on its way with gusto! The stores have been decorated with lights and tinsel for months, just anticipating everyone packing away the Fall decorations and finally pulling out the Holiday Glitz!

If you are looking for a fun activity for your little one to work on during your dinner prep ,"witching hour", try this fun alternative to TV. It is a fun way to bridge from Fall into the Christmas season!

1. Pull out your fall pumpkin, glue, small scraps of Christmas wrapping, ribbon, lace, bows, etc.
2. Put the pumpkin on a tray or newspaper and let your children collage the pumpkin with the Christmas supplies. Children can snip the supplies on their own, or you could offer them "Mom (pre)cut" supplies.

3. After the glue has dried, they can paint the collaged pumpkin with Modge Podge for a hard, shiny finish.

Remember, enjoy the process and HAVE FUN!!!!!

Apple Time!

Apples are a staple at snack time in most homes during the autumn season. Red, green, yellow... they are all great!

A fun cooking activity for your little one is:

Open one roll of canned biscuits

Separate the biscuits and lay on a cookie sheet

Spoon in two spoonfuls of apple pie filling (canned)

Fold the biscuit over and press edges together with a fork

Brush melted butter over the bread and bake in the oven at 350 for 10 - 12 minutes.

Individual apple pies or tarts!

YUM!!!!!

Save 1/2 apple for some art fun.

You can press in one popsicle stick in half of the apple or just use your fingers to hold it and start painting.

For Toddlers and two year olds:

1. Press apple in your choice of color of dry jello (add a couple drops of water to dampen the powder)

2. Press the apple on to a piece of paper.

3. Perfect example of a sensory experience. You can taste it, smell it, see it and touch it!

For two and three year olds:

1. Press apple on a stamp pad.

2. Press the inked apple on a piece of paper.

For three and four year olds:

1. Press apple in assorted colors of paint

2. Press the painted apple on a piece of paper.

Try this too: cut the apple in half different ways and enjoy the different prints.

Have FUN!!!!!!

**A few picture examples have been added to our nature art post! Check them out!