Shaving Cream

So my sister in law and the kids came over for lunch and fun stuff. I thought shaving cream would be a good idea since the age group for shaving cream usually is 2-6. Well she and I stressed a little too much about the shaving cream being yucky and not to eat it and the boys wouldn't touch it. They both FREAKED out. Then I gave up and pulled out the squeegie to clean it up and that is what the boys preferred. Cleaning it up! Hahaha Here are our traumatized boys before the squeegies...

and after...I will be doing this again, P.S. DO NOT USE SCENTED cream yuck!

Original Post 4/10/08

Zen Garden

We had the cousins over so my bro and sis in law could go on a date. We decided to do an all Asian night at our house. So...

I read about the different countries that we consider Asia.

They painted on Rice Paper.


Here is my son's finished picture.

We labeled it for hanging and then went outside to hunt for rocks.

I filled 2 8x8 glass casserole pans with salt.

They put their rocks in it.

Then they raked and scooped.

We made Zen Gardens.

They played for about 45 minutes and then ate lemon cookies and watched Mulan.
You know, for the full effect.

I then dumped everything into a gallon ziploc bag so they could do it again anytime.
It was very calming.

Original post 2/23/08

Stompin

Today we received a package of presents for my daughter's birthday from Auntie S. What is ironic about this is that today is actually Auntie S's 23rd birthday! CRAZY. I took out the presents and there was some bubble wrap inside the box, My son asked me how it worked and when I showed him he was squealing with delight. So I put it on the floor and let him have at it...in less than 30 seconds the little one walked over to join in!

Thanks Auntie S! Happy Birthday to you!

This is a perfect example of how you don't need money to entertain toddlers!

Original Post 9/25/08

Boxed Robots

We get back from Sam's and I see my son doing this...
I finish putting everything away and he says to me "Look Mommy, I'n a Robot" (yes I'n)
So I cut a hole in the Cheerios Box and said...
"Yes honey you are a robot! Do you come in peace?"
He said "Yup, peas and apple juice"
I don't know which is funnier... him in this get up or the fact that he is talking about robots while he is wearing his favorite caveman shirt? Either way, I laughed and looked over at the little one.
I can only assume that if she were talking she would have said "Me too, Me too!" I love that they are so close in age and that they always want to be crazy together!

She loved the box on her head...maybe we have figured out this year's Halloween Costumes?

So, I guess you need to add these to your cardboard stash! :)

Even when they don't mean to be my kids are an inspiration!

Original Post 9/27/08

Flat Maracas

Today we made Flat Maracas, next week we will make round ones.

Before we could start the kids wanted a snack. I know the picture is crooked but my daughter looks like a doll sitting in that chair!

Here is what you need:
(the scent crayons aren't necessary but I had them and my boy wanted to use the stinky crayons)

First color the plates
(I used small plates because I have kids with little hands, but you could use big ones.)

She thought it was hilarious to sit with her brother.

Then you staple all around the edges, leaving a 2 inch hole at the top. Then you fill with rice.
(You don't have to use rice, dry popcorn-unpopped, salt, beans...anything will work)

My son was very into this, look how serious he is!
She opted to use her hands
The last thing you do is staple the last 2 inches of the plate and shake away!
(staples work much better than glue and you don't have to worry about dry time)
He was double checking my stapling job.
They were quite easy to make and will last a very long time. We put them in our music box and will use them for Jack's Big Music Show tonight. We are doing a music themed Family Home Evening.

(these pictures were all taken in My Daughter's room, yes those diamonds are hand painted. My husband is great at full filling my visions. It looks awesome trust me!)

Happy Monday everyone!

Original Post 8/4/08

Musical Xylophones

I was sitting watching my son's favorite show with him this morning as I usually do, and right before it was over I realized that we hadn't done a project in a long time. At my house my son only get's an hour of TV in the morning so this was perfect timing. I went into my recipe box of ideas and pulled one out, and I have decided that every Monday from now on we will be doing Music Mondays. If you want to join us, just call me and we can set up a music date!

This week we made water xylophones.
We opted to do 6 instead of 8 and it worked out just fine. We filled up each mason jar with 1 cup and each one got one more cup until we reached 6 cups.
Then we put food coloring in them, to make them look cool.

Then we headed outside and went to town. I love my daughter pooping in this last picture! Hahaha.I am ready mom!

We played music for about an hour talked about the Jamaican sounds and then had a picnic lunch in the grass. The little one wasn't really into it, so I let her bang on my metal bowls and we had a mini band outside. I wish I had my harmonica! It's packed away somewhere, DANG!

Here is my son concentrating...


Happy Monday everyone!

Original Post 7/21/08

Torn Paper Collage

We were babysitting for some friends and usually when we babysit at night we do a project. Before the project my son and his friend had a belly contest. She totally won! :) First we tore some construction paper. This lasted about 8 minutes. Then we sorted them into piles.

I asked the kids what shape they wanted and my son said a truck, so I squeezed glue into that shape and he filled it in. He did a pretty good job.

His friend wanted a house, and then when it was finished she told me she wanted to add a tree so we did. Hers looks nice too.

My daughter attempted to tear but the paper was tastier than I thought.

I saved the extra paper for another day, this made really cute pictures on my art wall.

Original post 7/25/08

Horns/Kazoos

Today we made horns. Some call these kazoos but I have another way to make kazoos, ah another week.

This is what you need...
Wax paper, Construction paper, glue, tape, something sharp (wooden skewer) rubber bands, scissors, and of couple toilet paper tubes.

Let's construct...
First you cute the construction paper the width of the tubes. Then you glue the paper to the tube. For extra hold tape the seam of the construction paper to the tube.

This is my son making sure we did a good job. :) Crazy boy!

Then you poke holes into the tubes, so you can change the sound later. Like a horn.

After that cut the wax paper into a square, and put on the top of the tube. wrap a rubber band around the top and you have a horn! Blow into it for a tooting good time.Here is the finished product. This project was very easy and practically no mess. My son enjoyed the cutting the most. I recommend this to anyone with a toddler running around their house. Happy Monday!

Original Post 8/18/08