Family Night - Weeds in our life

For Family Home Evening, we talked about Weeds in our life.

Weeds of contention, Weeds of behaviors.

We talked about how our family is a garden, and we need to get the weeds out of our life.

We talked about how weeds can suffocate plants, and our lives.

So, we went out to the front yard, and took care of the weeds.

We bought the kids gloves and spades and rakes.

Insert evil laugh (below)

Then we went to a nursery to buy some new flowers and trees.

I'm a sucker for succulents.

Then we came home and planted.

The kids were filthy, happy, and totally got the message. I love when everything just comes together like that.

PS - When did my kids get so huge?

Growing : Plant Pansies

Did you know Pansies are great winter flowers?

The best part is that they are cheap!

So, if they die (early)...no biggie!

Hehehe.

We took advantage of our last nice afternoon before we start hitting 50 degrees.

It is amazing how much children love to be outside and touch real living things.

My kids jump at the chance to plant, get dirty and make/do.

Even the babies love it.

We chose halloween colors. :)

Children are curious, they learn by doing, and most of them love playing in dirt.

Working, cultivating, and experiencing what comes with gardening, helps children learn about the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time.

Gardening gives kids a chance to learn important life skills and teaches environmental awareness by exploration.

It is so fun, and anything outside is worth the time, in my book. :)

Handmade/Kidmade Flowers - Daisies 1

I used to do this all the time when I was a kid.  Did you?

 Skittle Smashing?

 Mmm this one looks like a poppy!

 Fun Fun for everyone!

 It is so easy and super fun!

 There is so much concentration in this activity.

 PUSH PUSH PUSH

 UGH!

 TaDa!

 Good and they taste the same.

 But different nonetheless.

Its a Smashing Good Time!

Handmade/Kidmade Flowers - Tulips 2

Whaaaaa? Another Egg Carton Craft? YES!

This is so much fun! I have loved the emails on these flowers.

Okay Parents: cut the cartons like this...

Ignore my nails, I am a nail biter.

yikes, apparently I don't believe in lotion either!

Okay pre-poke the holes with a wooden skewer.

Found these green straws at WM for a buck.

The bendy part of the straw is where the neck of the stem will go.

Now have the kiddos paint the cut cartons.

Both sides, Then let dry.

Then cut tissue paper in 2x2 squares and find a mini muffin liner. This is optional, as I liked it with or without.

Then stack the tissue in the dried cups.

Muffin Liner on the top.

then use the skewer to poke through again.

Then slide the straw right in.

So cute!

Here they are alone.

Here they are in my daffodil pot.

You can find the Daffodil Craft HERE

That's it! Kidmade flowers!

Handmade/Kidmade Flowers - Tulips 1

I love tulips, they aren't my favorite flowers but I do love them. I especially love that the previous owners of my house planted over 50 bulbs 6 years ago and ever since we moved in (6 years ago) They keep on keepin on!

So lets learn about Tulips. :)

Now the Prang Watercolors I got at the dollar store and I like them better than Crayola's...I will show you why later...

 Start by painting the entire paper.

 Then let dry.  The colors from the crayola set are in the middle.  MUCH more watery looking.

 Then using a thick card stock (I used index cards cut out a leaf shape.

 Have the kids use this as a pattern to trace.

 Sticking out your tongue is not a requirement! LOL

 Then cut out leaf shapes.

 then glue together.

  It is so very fun.

 Ta Da!

 They all look different and pretty...just like the real thing!