I'm sorry I haven't been around much. My family has been through a lot of changes this year. Even though I haven't been around much, there is still a lot of great stuff in the archives here at Little Fun; Little Learning. Here are a few of my favorites.
Santa Claus Handprint Craft
Christmas Ornament Ideas
Easy Ornament Idea
Reindeer Handprint Craft
Snowman Ornament
Christmas Tree Craft
Enjoy!
My life is changing once again. As you can imagine, working 16 hours a day in a group home was exhausting! My hubby was contacted about another job and he's accepted. We're moving next week. Sorry I haven't been around. Hopefully, life will settle down soon and I can get back to sharing great ideas with you.
I came across a site today and wanted to share it with you. Check out EBibleTeacher. Here's some of the great things I found:
Enjoy!
Why are d-CON® Bait Paste Pouches™ a good solution for your household?Their flexible material lets you put them out of reach of children and pets
in the smallest crevices and cracks.Mice take the bait and then leave. d-CON® Bait Paste Pouches™ are palatable to mice. They are moisture-resistant, so they’re perfect for use in damp
environments and humid climates.
The winner will receive 3 d-CON Bait Paste Pouches which has a value of $17.97. To win this giveaway, simply leave a comment below. You can tell me where you’d use these in your home, what you like about the product, if you have an issue with rodents, or if you’d give these to a needy friend.
This giveaway is for those with a U.S. address only. To see the complete list of giveaways, visit the bloggy giveaways site.
Good luck everyone!
My daughter is in kindergarten. I'm pleased with the progress that she has made, but I have one issue that is really bothering me. She has homework EVERY night!!!! The teacher sends it home on Monday and it must be returned to school on Friday.
When I was a teacher, I made a point of not assigning homework just to be assigning it. I tried not to give any on Wednesday nights because I know that many churches have services on Wednesdays.
What do you think? Do you think homework every night is too much or just right? I'd love to know your opinion.
New Chex Mix Bars combine crunchy Chex pieces, pretzels and peanuts with chewy and indulgent ingredients like caramel and chocolate. And if that’s not enough, they have less than 150 calories per bar and provide at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving (48 grams recommended daily)!
If you’d like to win, just leave a comment below telling us what you would do with this wonderful basket of indulgence. Would you keep it for yourself or choose the thrifty route of saving it for a Christmas gift?
Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is limited to U.S. addresses.
To see the complete list of giveaways, visit the bloggy giveaways site.
Good luck everyone!
My daughter is in kindergarten and although she is very intelligent, she seems to struggle with rhyming words. While I at Marshall's this weekend, I found a matching game for rhyming words by The Learning Journey. At Marshall's the game was a great price at just $4.99! I got it for her and tonight we played the game together. Hopefully this will help her with the concept of rhyming words.
This game can also be purchased at The Learning Journey website. Unfortunately though, you'll pay a lot more for it at $10.99. Still, it's a great game.
image from The Learning Journey website
Thrifty Mommy is giving away a $60 credit for RS Designs. Here are some fo the things RS Designs offers:
Toddlers and Sexual Discovery - Here are some tips on how parents can encourage appropriate physical boundaries.
In case you're a regular reader at this site, you may be wondering where I've been. Things have been crazy for me lately. In the past two months, my family's lives have drastically changed.
We are moving to another part of North Carolina, about 4 hours from where we're currently living. We have made several trips to our new destination and have begun some job training. On top of all that, we are doing some serious downsizing. We have already sold some vehicles and about half of our possessions. We had too much anyway. ;)
Life is not the same and my time has been very limited. I hope that I can get back to regular posting soon. It make take a few weeks though. At least you'll know what I'm up to.
How are things your way?
Congratulations to Erin of Mommy Octopus. She is the winner of the Teddy Ruxpin DVD giveaway.
Nest Learning puts short video clips on YouTube that you can view for free. Here's their latest video on Helen Keller. They also have 30 other videos on YouTube. Click here to view their collection.
Woohoo! It's time for the Bloggy Giveaways. This giveaway is for 2 Teddy Ruxpin dvds. These are volumes 1 and 2, which include episodes 1-10. The value of this giveaway is approximately $24.
To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment below. If you’d like two entries for this prize, you can write an article about this giveaway and/or Little Fun; Little Learning on your blog. If you decide to use this route, please leave a separate comment below with the link to your article.
Unfortunately, blogger does not provide me with email addresses of commenters. Please leave a way for me to get in touch with you or check back next week when I will announce the winner.
Please check out my other giveaway at Thrifty Mommy. You can click here to see a complete list of Bloggy Giveaway participants and prizes. There are already hundreds to choose from.
We've seen comedian Tim Hawkins in concert a few times. Tonight I searched for him on YouTube because I wanted a laugh. I found this video and thought it was appropriate for you all. Enjoy! :)
Click here if you'd like to see the better quality video from his site.
Students sit down in a circle. One student is chosen to be the kitty. The student goes around the circle and chooses someone. That person has to look at the kitty and say "Poor Kitty" three times while patting the kitty on the head. If the person laughs then that person becomes the kitty.
Of couse, you can change the phrases if you'd like. You may want to try, "What a cute kitty" or "Don't cry kitty".
This game can be played indoors or outdoors and it does not require any expensive equipment. Hooray!
This is a copy of the supply list I had when teaching full-day preschool.
folding nap mat
small pillow and blanket
change of clothes
baby wipes or antibacterial wipes
2-3 rolls of paper towels
gallon or pint size easy zip storage bags
durable folder for taking home papers
scissors
Crayola markers - classic and assorted
Crayola colored pencils
Scotch or Elmer's glue sticks
hand sanitizer (8 oz or larger)
---------------------------------------------
For glue sticks, colored pencils, and markers I ask that you buy the name brands specified. Through experience we have learned that the other brands do not work as well and that the children become very frustrated that their supplies do not work properly. Please do not buy Dollar Tree brand school supplies.
****This list was done five years ago. Back in those days (grin), the RoseArt and Dollar Tree brands did not work well and did not hold up like the Crayola. This may have changed since then.
More stuff from my basement. :)
The Three Year Old - A Year of Beginnings
The Four Year Old - An Exuberant Year
The Five Year Old - The Composed, "Together" Year
This scavenger could probably be played with older kindergarteners as well as first and second grade students. More treasures from my basement. :)
Find someone who
1. is the tallest _________________________________
2. wears glasses __________________________________
3. has the most freckles __________________________
4. has the shortest hair __________________________
5. has been to Disneyland _________________________
6. likes broccoli _________________________________
7. can whistle you a tune _________________________
8. has a pet but not a dog or a cat _______________
9. rides a bus to school __________________________
10. has shoelaces _________________________________
Some of you may have seen the teacher and staff "survival kits". It's a cute little gift. You can assemble the following into a baggie with this poem.
Teacher & Staff Survival Kit
Puzzle Piece: To remind you that our school isn't complete without you!
Smarties: To help you have all the answers when you need them.
Crayon: To remind you that your work leaves a mark.
Charleston Chew: To remind you why you "chews" to work in education.
Equal Packet: To remind you to treat everyone fairly.
Peppermint Pattie: To help keep your cool.
Thyme Seed Packet: To give you a little extra "thyme" to get things done.
Every now and then you teach kids that seem to get on your last nerve. It helped me to have this list of character qualities to remind me of the good qualities in each child. These are also character traits to model and teach your child.
obedience
love
perseverance
kindness
attentiveness
thankfulness
loyalty
orderliness
patience
fairness
service
tenderheartedness
joyfulness
discernment
tolerance
hop
helpfulness
promptness
thoroughness
encouragement
resourcefulness
humility
decisiveness
flexibility
genuineness
virtue
confidence
honesty
friendliness
wisdom
faith
meekness
self-control
diligence
forgiveness
initiative
commitment
creativity
responsibility
contentment
generosity
honor
reliability
thriftiness
courtesy
courage
alertness
carefulness
eagerness
persistence
tactfulness
A few days ago I gave you a progress report for 3 and 4 year olds. Today I found a kindergarten report. My basement is full of all kinds of treasures. :)
Check plus = Commendable - The student has exceeded the expectations for him or her individually or for the group.
Check = Performing Successfully - The student has attained the performance level for his or her group or for the child individually.
Check minus = Experiencing Difficulty - The student has not reached the performance level for his or her group or for the child individually.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
_____ Has positive attitude toward self
_____ Considers the feelings of others
_____ Interacts well with peers
_____ Monitors and controls own behavior
_____ Exhibits appropriate listening skills
_____ Attempts to solve own problems
_____ Accepts responsibility for personal possessions
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
_____ Speaks so that he/she is understood
_____ Uses age appropriate vocabulary
_____ Listens and responds appropriately to language
_____ Verbalizes own thoughts and ideas in a group
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
_____ Controls pencil well
_____ Manages scissors and pasting comfortably
READING READINESS
_____ Enjoys books, stories, records, listening tapes
_____ Knows letters covered to date
_____ Name
_____ Formation
_____ Sound
_____ Can retell a story
_____ Understands story content
_____ Can predict outcomes
_____ Blends sounds comfortably
_____ Attacks new words independently
NUMBER DEVELOPMENT
_____ Associates a number symbol with number name
_____ Recognizes and continues patterns
_____ Applies knowledge of numbers to daily activities
_____ Forms numerals correctly
_____ Responds to oral math activities
_____ Understands basic coin values
_____ Can join sets
_____ Can separate sets
_____ Compares objects as to length, size, shape, quantity
_____ Understands counting order
_____ Understands basic shapes
WORK HABITS
_____ Exhibits interest in learning
_____ Values own work
_____ Exhibits age appropriate attention span
_____ Listens to and follows individual directions
_____ Listens to and follows group directions
_____ Works independently
_____ Thinks independently
_____ Uses time wisely
_____ Seeks help when needed
_____ French _____ Music _____ Physical Education
As I am packing to move, I continue to come across things that I think you all would like to see. This week I found a preschool progress report for four and five year olds. Please remember that this is a guide and that your child does not need to master all of these goals. These are things to look for and strive towards.
Evaluation Key: This progress report is designed for four and five year old preschool children.
G = Good Progress
W = Working on Skill
NA = Not Applicable
Self-Reliance Skills
I go to the bathroom alone.
I am learning to dress myself.
I can brush my teeth.
Practical Skills
I can say my first and last names.
I know how old I am.
I know some colors.
I can recognize/point to body parts.
Social/Emotional Skills
I accept and respond to my teacher's authority.
I respect and show concern for people and things around me.
I play and share cooperatively with other children.
I have a good self-image.
I have appropriate control over my feelings.
I follow routines independently.
I can follow direction.
I can work well in small groups.
I am learning not to disturb classmates while they work.
I seek only my share of teacher's attention.
Listening Skills
I listen quietly; my attention span is lengthening.
I respond to a story by answering questions.
Speaking Skills
I speak clearly.
I communicate in sentences.
I can answer some questions.
I am expanding my vocabulary.
I wait my turn when speaking in a group.
Fine Motor Skills
I use my small muscles in:
Holding, using my crayons
Holding, using my pencils
Holding, using my scissors
Easel/watercolor painting
Pasting/gluing
Simple puzzle assembly
Playdough/clay
Stringing beads
Manipulating small pieces
Manipulating zippers
Manipulating buttons
Manipulating snaps
Tying my shoes
Gross Motor Skills
Walk up/down stairs (alternating my feet)
Walk (forward, backward)
Run
Jump in place (two feet together)
Balance (left foot, right foot)
Hop (one foot, two feet)
Throw a large ball forward
Kick a large ball forward
Catch a large ball
Bounce a large ball
Do a forward somersault
Gallop
Skip
Take part in games
Reading Readiness
I can say the alphabet (rote memory).
Lower case alphabet: Identify some letter names
Produce some letter sounds
Upper case alphabet: Identify some letter names
Produce some letter sounds
I can print my first name.
I can recognize eight colors.
I can identify human feelings (sad, happy).
I can identify likenesses/differences.
I know some opposite words (hot/cold).
I know some position orientation words (top/bottom).
Math Readiness
I can rote count to ________.
Recognize some numbers
Name some numbers
Recognize some shapes
I can find shapes in my environment.
I can identiy size difference (big, little).
I can sequence different sizes (small, smaller, smallest).
I can categorize objects (shape, color, size, texture).
Music-Art-Science-Social Studies Readiness Skills
I participate in music activities.
I participate in art activities.
I participate in science activities.
I participate in social studies activities.
Weight:
Start of year
End of year
Height:
Start of year
End of year
As some of you know, I will be moving in just a few weeks. My time here at Little Fun is limited, but as I come across some of my old teaching things I'm trying to share those ideas with you.
This is a hand and footprint flower that is easy to do and inexpensive to make. (Well, other than getting the kids to sit still! lol)
To make:
1) With a paint brush, paint the child's foot with green paint. Press foot down onto cardstock paper.
Tips: I have found that if the children look at their foot while pressing it down, they will try to press it down themselves and it makes a smudged mess. I ask the child to look at something while I press their foot down. This helps a lot! I had a pan of water sitting by to clean the children's feet. It looked like I was having a foot washing service. ;)
2) On separate cardstock, make the petals of the flower using the child's handprints. As you can see from the picture, you can face the handprints whichever direction you choose. After the petals dry, cut around them to make a flower shape.
3) Use the child's forearm for the stem. I wait until the feet have dried before I do this. Cut around the feet (leaves) and forearm (stem). Attach the handprints (petals) to the feet and forearm by stapling them together. If you choose, you can use a poster board instead of having to attach the pieces together.
Although this craft is easy, it is very time consuming when you have 13 children in your class. I suggest spreading it out over several days.
If I remember correctly, this idea came from an older Mailbox magazine.
Have fun!
I'll be busy tomorrow, so I wanted to leave you with some fun activities today. Enjoy!
You could use these activities to go along with spring or when learning about farms.
Two Little Eggs (Poem)
Two little eggs
In a nest soft and deep.
Two eggs crack;
Then two birds peep!
Two birds eat,
And two birds sleep.
Then two fly away
With a "Cheep! Cheep! Cheep!"
Chicken Noises
Make a noise like a rooster. (crow)
Make a noise like a hen. (cluck)
Make a noise like a chick. (peep)
Make a noise like an egg. (silence)
Ten Chicken Eggs
Five eggs (hold up five fingers)
And five eggs (hold up five more fingers)
That makes . . . ten!
(pause and let children answer ten)
Sitting on top is Mother Hen.
(Place hands together knuckles up.)
Crackle! Crackle! Crackle (clap three times)
What do I see? (look amazed)
Ten fluffy chickes. (hold up 10 fingers and wiggle them)
As yellow as can be. (Close fists)
Peep!, peep!, peep!, peep!
(hold up a finger for each peep)
Peep!, peep!, peep!, peep!
Peep! Peep!
The Chick in the Egg
Tune: "The Wheels on the Bus"
The hen on the farm lays a smooth white egg,
Smooth white egg, smooth white egg.
The hen on the farm lays a smooth white egg,
Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck!
Inside the eggs grows a little chick,
Little chick, little chick.
Inside the egg grows a little chick,
In twenty-one days.
The chick has a beak to crack the egg,
Crack the egg, crack the egg.
The chick has a beak to crack the egg,
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap!
He hatches from the egg and flaps his wings,
Flaps his wings, flaps his wings.
He hatches from the egg and flaps his wings,
Flap, flap, flap, flap, flap!
The hen keeps her chick warm in the nest,
In the nest, in the nest.
The hen keeps her chick warm in the nest,
Peep, peep, peep, peep, peep!
Try these books:
Good Morning Chick by Ginsburg
The Golden Egg Book by Brown
Egg-napped! by Montes
Chickens Aren't the Only Ones by Heller
My family will be moving in a few weeks. I've been so busy looking through things in the basement. Deciding what to keep and get rid of is pretty hard and time consuming. I've been going through all of my teaching things too and downsizing. Talk about painful! It has taken years to accumulate all of the teaching things that I have.
While I was cleaning this week, I found some information on reading with your child. I thought I'd share these tips with you all. Please keep in mind that some of these tips are meant for older children, but there are still plenty of suggestions that will help you with your preschooler.
Before:
Fisher Price is giving away a free Planet Heroes dvd. This freebie is real. I got my dvd today. Enjoy!
Sorry for my absence these past two weeks. Last week, we were out of town checking into a job possibility. This week, I am in Virginia visiting Kelly. She co-authors with me at Thrifty Mommy. We are working on a surprise writing project together.
The next few weeks, my articles may be sparse as well. My family will be moving across the state. I have a lot of packing, purging, and organizing to do. My days will be full.
If any of you would like to do a guest post with children's activities, please send me an email at knowhimwell@hotmail.com. Please label your email "guest post for little fun".
Thanks. I hope to be back in the swing of things soon.
I've been looking through my boxes of teaching things. This week, I came across a weather doll that I've had for a while. I found the pattern in a book, made a copy of the pattern, colored the pieces with colored pencil, laminated the page, and cut out the pieces.
Here are some paper doll patterns I found for you all:
you'd like to see and then click "next". This will take you to several pages of wardrobe choices that you can print.Do you have any weather related ideas to share?
In the spring, it's a good time to introduce the life cycle of a butterfly to children. The good news is, there are many activities to choose from. Here are some activities that I have used or recently discovered.
I was fortunate enough to find this kit at Dollar Tree many years ago. These figurines show the different phases of the life cycle. I'm sure you could pick up one of these kits at your local teacher store or online.
More ideas:
Foam caterpillar: Sorry, I don't have a picture of this one. I remember making this several years ago though. I just took different colors of craft foam and cut out circles that were about the size of a quarter. We glued these together to make a caterpillar and then added wiggle eyes.
Collage: Use paper scraps, yarn, fabric, tissue paper, clips from magazines, etc to create a butterfly collage.
Life cycle booklet: Cut a piece of paper into 4 equal pieces. On the first page draw a leaf and then glue a small white circle onto the leaf. Use a hole puncher to punch out the circle - you can use white paper or craft foam for the circles. This is for the egg. On the next page, draw a leaf and then glue on a spiral shaped noodle for the caterpillar. On the third page, draw a tree limb and then glue on a shell shaped noodle for the chrysalis. On the last page, glue on a butterfly shaped noodle and also draw the body of the butterfly. Of course, you can add flowers, trees, and other embellishments to your book.
Do you have any caterpillar or butterfly ideas to share? Have fun!
Contest is open only to legal US residents, over the age of 18 with children inWay to go, Subway. Let's see what kind of bad publicity you can get for this one. Read it for yourself here.
either elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.
A few weeks ago, we took the kids to the science center. My favorite part was when they fed the sharks. I got some great video of it. You can also see some pictures that I posted at Thrifty Mommy.
Don't forget to check out the ocean crafts that I posted last week.
My daughter's preschool class has been learning about the ocean this week. Here are some things they made that I thought you would like to see.
This is a turtle. It is made from a small styrofoam bowl. Just tear up some pieces of green tissue paper and glue it to the bowl. There is a hole punched on each side of the bowl with a string tied to each side. This allows the turtle to attach to the child's arm so that they can pretend their hand is a turtle.
I made something similar a few years ago with my preschool class. I used a larger bowl and cut out a turtle head, arms, legs, and tail for each child. We glued these to the bottom of the bowl. Just another option for you.
This is sort of an ocean in a bag. This uses blue ziploc bags (I think the freezer ones are blue), glitter, foam fish, and I think the jelly material inside is liquid petroleum jelly. Otherwise, I would suggest using clear or blue hair gel.
For this, you need to cut a circle from cardboard/tagboard or cardstock. Cut out a small triangle for the fish's mouth and glue the triangle onto the fish for a tail. Then glue on some glitter and add a large sequin eye.
All of these activities are easy enough that you could do these with ages 2 and up. Is anyone having an ocean theme for Vacation Bible School this year? If so, these would be easy and inexpensive crafts.
Don't forget to check out this awesome National Geographic video to go along with your lesssons.
Have fun!.JPG)
12) Allow children to paint with different objects. Some suggestions are cookie cutters, string, toy cars and trucks, golf balls, marbles, straws, fingers, different sized brushes.
To the tune of Happy Birthday
Happy Mother's Day to you
Happy Mother's Day to you
Happy Mother's Day dear _______
Happy Mother's Day to you
In the blank you can use Mommy, Grandma, Mawmaw, or someone's name.
Happy Mother's Day everyone! :)
The Carnival of Homeschooling is up at Melissa's Idea Garden. There are a lot of submissions this week. Stop by and check out all the great ideas.
My post about making your own games is included in the carnival. :)
Here are some recipes that I have on file. Hope you enjoy them.
Homemade Playdough Recipe #1
3 cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of salt
3 cups of water
2 Tbsp of vegetable oil
1 Tbsp cream of tartar
food coloring or 1 package of unsweetened Kool-Aid
1) Mix all ingredients in large saucepan over medium heat until dough comes away from the edge. Remove from heat.
2) Knead 3-4 times and store in an air tight container.
Homemade Playdough Recipe #2
1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring of choice
1) Mix all the ingredients, adding the food coloring last.
2) Stir over medium heat until play dough has a smooth consistency. Remove play dough from the pan and allow to cool for a few minutes (we always put ours on an empty desk in the room away from the children).
3) Knead until smooth. After it has cooled, place it in a plastic bag or airtight container to keep it soft.
Edible Peanut Butter Playdough
2 cups peanut butter
6 tablespoons honey
nonfat dry milk or milk plus flour
cocoa or carob for chocolate flavor (optional)
edible treats for decoration
1) Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix, adding enough dry milk or milk plus flour to reach the consistency of bread dough.
2) Add cocoa or carob, if desired.
3) Shape, decorate with edible treat, and eat!
Edible Frosting Playdough
1 can frosting mix
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
Mix together until it reaches your wanted consistency.
Oobleck
1 1/2 cups corn starch
1 cup water
green food coloring (few drops)
Mix the ingredients together and allow children to play with the mixture. When pushed together, the mixture will appear dry and solid; as children let go of the mixture, it flows like smooth liquid.
I have another recipe for Oobleck here.
I was decluttering today and came across this homonyms matching game I made when I was teaching. Here's what I did:
This was so easy. You could do this with numbers, sight words, animals, etc. It's easy to make your own games. Don't forget to store these in a clear plastic baggie and to label the baggie.
I hope this tip helps inspired you. Have fun!
This umbrella was simply made by cutting an umbrella from construction paper and then allowing the children to golf ball paint the umbrella.
This was made a few years ago, but I'm sure we picked purple for the umbrella because purple was our color of the month.
I think this umbrella looks a bit funny because it's handle is so short. One of the other teachers cut them out so that they would fit onto one piece of construction paper. You could make a smaller umbrella with a longer handle.
Other options:
Paint white raindrops with blue paint or blue rain drops with white paint.
This golf ball painting idea can be used for many seasons. You can paint pumpkins for fall, ornaments for Christmas, heart for Valentine's Day, etc.
Let children sort of stamp the paper using paint and cookie cutters, rather than golf ball painting.
Use marbles instead of golf balls.
Enjoy!
I had two 40% off coupons for Michael's this week, so I decided to go out there and find something for the kids. I was pleased to find this Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center. It was $14.99, but I got it for about $9 with my coupon.
Unlike most dry erase activities, this one actually erases! I was so excited that I did not have to use water and a paper towel to clean the slippery little sheets. The sheets fit inside a plastic board type box. The kids put the sheets inside the box and then write on the clear plastic part. The eraser wipes the marker right off with little effort.
This activity board will provide hours of entertainment and learning for my kids. It will make a great addition to the things we carry into church for their quiet entertainment.
The Crayola website also has some free printables that you can use inside the dry erase board.
Have fun!
Sorry I haven't been around this week. My daughter is out of school for the week, so I decided to take the kids to see my parents. We've had a fun and busy week. We'll be leaving today.
Check back later for some fun spring activities.
Laura over at Laura Williams' Musings tagged me for this Meme, 7 Facts about me. I'm supposed to include some random and weird things about myself.
The rules are:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Things about me:
1. I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate cigarette smoke!!!! It is one of my biggest pet peeves. It makes my eyes water, makes me sneeze, and it smells horrible! I have a hard time understanding why we have to be subjected to cancer causing agents while enjoying a meal, especially when less than 25% of the population smokes. I think all states should follow California in making no smoking rules. Ok, was that a fact or a rant? I guess a bit of each. lol
2. I have a few other blogs - Thrifty Mommy, A Healthy Balance, and another one that's anonymous.
3. I was a full-time teacher before having my children. Since then, I have taught a little part-time, but right now I'm staying home.
4. If I don't go back to teaching, then I would like to find more freelance writing work. I really enjoy writing.
5. I sing and play the piano at church. I am a one man band.
Ok, for some weird things about me.
6. I have a really long tongue. It is hereditary. I can touch my chin and my nose.
7. I am double jointed. My knees lock into my legs and it looks a bit weird. I can bend my fingers back a bit far, which totally freaks out my husband. I can also make a popping/clicking noise with my toes.
The people I am tagging:
1. Revka at The Porch Light
2. Angie at Baby Cheapskate
3. Jennifer at iMommies
4. Kelly at Thrifty Mommy
5. Char at Raising a Healthy Family and Weary Parent
Several years ago, someone gave me some jelly beans with a Jelly Bean Poem.
Wednesday night I took some plastic eggs, jelly beans, and poems to church for the children to stuff their eggs. It was an easy and memorable activity.
Please note: Not all jelly bean packages have all of these colors. You should compare the color list before purchasing your jelly beans.
Red is for the blood He gave.
Green is for the grass He made.
Yellow is for the sun so bright.
Orange is for the edge of night.
Black is for the sins we made.
White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for His hour of sorrow.
Pink is for our new tomorrow.
An egg full of jelly beans colorful and sweet
Is a prayer, a promise, a loved one's treat!
~Charlene Dickensen
Words can really change attitudes, self-esteem, relationships, and lives. Here are 50 things that you can say to your kids. Try at least one of them today. Also, it's good to be specific when using praise. Instead of "beautiful picture" try saying, "I really like the colors you used." Instead of "nice job" try, "You did a great job cleaning your room. It looks so nice."
What can you add to this list?
HORTON HEARS A WHO is an uneven adaptation of the famous story by Dr. Seuss
about the elephant who hears a tiny voice crying in the wilderness and declares,
“A person’s a person, no matter how small!” HORTON HEARS A WHO is sometimes
entertaining and humorous movie and sometimes dull and annoying when it dilutes
its message of faithfulness, compassion, self-sacrifice, and looking out for
others with some Romantic, politically correct messages.
Some other thoughts:
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