Today's Activities

Today we made snowmen for our windows. I know we are little late in the season but it was still fun. I cut snowmen shapes out of brown paper and scarves and hats out of felt. Simeon and Abbi used a pencil sharpener to make crayon shaving. They arranged their shavings on wax paper and helped me iron the paper shut. I know the picture is a little dark but they are very pretty when the sun shines in.

After the above craft we turned into pirates. We drew a treasure map of our house, grabbed our swords and put on our accents. We followed the map through the house to a treasure of gobstoppers. The kids didn't expect to find a real treasure but were very pleased when they did.

I know the drawing is a bit on the bad side - but at least the kids could still read it ;)

An evening of reading

Dragons and trolls and dwarves - oh my! Throw in a great story teller and two children eager to hear and you have made the recipe for our newest family tradition. We have always read to our children - that's not the "new" part, but we are now adding books that will encourage more imagination and reading/listening comprehension. We are using this time to read stories that will broaden their vocabulary and help them to think out of the box. Our first book of the season is The Hobbit by Tolkien. The first couple of days Mark was only able to get through 2 or 3 pages before the kids lost interest. Now Mark reads a chapter and Simeon still wants to hear more! Who can blame him for wanting more when you have a story teller like Daddy! Daddy uses so many voices and captures the mood so well that you feel as though you are part of the story too! Yes he is my husband - but I still have bragging rights and I think that Mark is one of the best story tellers ever! And for those of you who are concerned...we still read the kid books too!

Sweet rewards

Some friends of ours started a sticker chart to encourage good behavior in their children. We thought that was a good idea and started a sprinkle system. It seems as though at times we get so caught up in punishing the bad things that our children do that we forget to also encourage and reward the good. This is a visual reminder to all of us to remember the good. When Mark or I see the kids helping cheerfully or cleaning up without being asked to, they get a spoonful of sprinkles added to their jars. When their jars are full, they will receive a prize...this time a pez dispenser.

An afternoon of painting

The kids spent the afternoon painting some "Christmas Ornaments." Since we didn't get to do all of the activities for our advent calendar (due to other circumstances) we are doing some of them now. The kids cut out dinosaurs, ducks, bears, and more. They had fun mixing colors to make new colors and painted their "cookies." Of course we have all had to resist the temptation of grabbing one of the ornaments and eating it. They look so much like cookies but are definitely not!

Bake-Art Dough

4 cups unsifted all-purpose flour

1 cup salt

1 1/2 cups water

Blend flour and salt, add water and stir. When water is mixed in, work dough into a ball. Knead dough 5 minutes, or until consistency is smooth and pliable. Add more flour or water if needed. Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to 1/8" Cut out and place on cookie sheet (if using for ornaments don't forget to put a hole at the top with a toothpick). Bake at 350 for 20 mins. Remove and allow to cool. Then paint.

My Kitchen

So I usually use this blog to talk about the kids but this time I thought I would show you my kitchen. I know many people have contributed to my kitchen through labor or ideas and can not see the results. So here they are. Obviously this is not my "dream come true" kitchen, but considering what we had to work with, I am pleased. I also appreciate every one's contributions to my kitchen - I just sat back and relaxed while everyone else did the work:) - thanks!

All dressed up and ready to...roll?

Smiles

I finally caught some smiles with the camera!

It's that time again

Today we started potty training with Abbi. The morning was a bit rough with 3 accidents on the floor but the rest of the day looked promising. In fact, she stayed dry the rest of the day -even through nap time. However, tomorrow is another day and I am sure we will have lots of ups and downs along the way. We are very proud of her!

Abraham at 1 month

My little snuggle-bug!

Just Some Cute Kids!

Christmas Day

Christmas Cookies 101

First you mix the dough, making sure to get flour everywhere! Next, cut out shapes and make sure to overlap the shapes so they don't quite turn out like the picture. Next, bake...and remember to set the timer! Let cool then add lots and lots of icing and sprinkles! Finally, enjoy, making sure to get icing on your hands and face! Most importantly - have fun with the ones you love!

Snowy Days

Simeon loves playing in the snow while Abbi tries to decide if she really wants to get snow on her clothes...hmmm, what to do, what to do?!

Abbi's 2nd Birthday

The long wait...

of a bug cake...

and the reward!