Family Fun (free day)

  Family fun can happen anywhere.  It just has to be 1) an activity or event be done with 2) family.

  Even a day out can be all about the family.  I checked out and planned my day for the kids today.  Free is always a nice thing so I definitely utilized that as my entertainment today!

  Today we started out with our favorite once a month activity!

The kids workshop at Homedepot!  The project was a periscope.  I will admit I had to remove a few nails with this project.  Precise nailing was most important today.

  After that we made our way to Target!  Did you know they were celebrating Dr. Suess at some locations?  Lucky for us, our location was one of them.

The kids received some fun activity sheets, sat in some very comfy chairs and heard the story Green Eggs and Ham.

 After this a small walk to celebrate 30 years was our next destination.

Happy Birthday AuntieAnnes! We enjoyed celebrating with you!

I not going to ask what the favorite activity of the day was because all I want to hear is spending time together and that may or may not be the answer.  

Either way everyone got out of the house, created, ate and even got a dose of enrichment, and imagination from the Dr.  I would say it was a good day.  Bring on Sunday because it is the day of rest and relax.

Family Fun (outside play)

  A day outside with the right toys can bring smiles and fun for everyone.

It's not about who's winning.


It's about fresh air.

Stretched legs.


Off the couch.

Television and electronics off.

Hand eye coordination refined and little minds challenged.

  I get the privilege to of playing with one child then the other. Alternating between the kids and their chosen activity.

  Mom blow bubbles with me. Mom catch the frisbee. Mom throw the ball.

Trying to hold on to these moments. Savor the memories because they won't always want to play with me but, until then I will!

Helping Hands with Edmarc

  Helping hands will be a look at how we are helping our community.  At the beginning of the year I had expressed one of my 2017 goals was to volunteer more.  Volunteering can be done by anyone and everyone.  It doesn't just involve financial support, you can donate items, assist in tasks, read books or even take a walk and visit.  You can volunteer for animals or with people, a charity or an organization with a cause.

    Today I want to share with who we helped, what we did and how we helped.

  Edmarc is a children's hospice organization.  A few years ago my older girls and I had volunteered with this group helping out during a fall festival.  We had a great time seeing all the costumes and smiles.  So when I decided to volunteer this year Edmarc was on my list to help in some way.

  Edmarc helps childen and their parents cope.  They provide support, home care and smiles.  Edmarc offers various programs for the children and their families throughout the year as well as fundraisers.  These special events offer a happy outlet and a way to celebrate the holidays that may be overlooked due to medical concerns.  It's a time and a place for the kids and their parents to unwind and relax for that moment in time.

  Shopping this weekend brought me to my donation for Edmarc.  What do kids like?  Toys, games and rides.  They like to smile, laugh and have fun.  When they are sick none of these things happen or they happen less frequently.  I choose to donate toys.  A bear or a doll to snuggle with.  Something to squeeze when they are lonely, sad or in pain.

  I recently ran across a great deal at Kohls.  The toys without the books for their Kohls Cares program were on clearance.  They were marked down from $5.00 to $1.50.

 Madeline, Curdoroy and Paddington were all there to choose from.  They made me smile so I know they would make the little people smile. I bought some and dropped them off at Edmarc for the kids!

  You are more then welcome to join with me this month and support Edmarc or a organization near you.  If not find a small way, a convenient way (for you) to make a difference.

After the Rain

 

  A lot changes when you have kids.  Most things you can't even foresee but fearing the rain was never on my list.  When it rains during the day when the kids are conscious it is a cry of "come play with me".

  My kids then immediately beg to put their boots on.  Ahhh the boots. Rubber covers covering the feet and instigating them to jump and splash.  Yes your feet are covered but my clothes are not!

  Puddles sprinkled all over random places bellowing to be jumped in  everywhere.  If I park in a parking lot its an extra 2-3 minutes to the door.  We must make contact with all pooled water.

  Rain has taught me to slow down and relax.  I will walk them to each puddle and patiently wait for them to jump.  Trying to stay away from the wet zone.  They are so happy when they jump and splashing is just a bonus.  I will wait as they run from one end to the other of a puddle because for that moment in time this is the best day ever and I want them to have that memory.

  It doesn't rain everyday so I need to accept the random rainfall we get.  I'm not being forced outside when it is raining only after the fact to find the puddles.  I think rain boots are so under used compared to the other shoes.  So I guess to get my money's worth we need to get outside every time it rains.

We Love Dr. Seuss

  Although we didn't get to fancy with our breakfast other than waffles. (No green eggs and ham here).  We did take time out to read books, make some symbolic crafts and nibble on a special treat.

  When I told her it was someones birthday today and told her it was Dr. Seuss.  I asked her if she knew who he was.  She surprised me with Cat in the Hat.  So one point for my daughter whom is always paying attention to pull it out and surprise me later.

  Little man got the privilege of making spots for his puppet.

 His craft was inspired by the book Put Me in the Zoo!

The young lady had Green Eggs and Ham for her craft!  Although we are missing the ham; she enjoyed her green eggs!

My contribution to the day were candy green eggs!  I melted white chocolate and added a green m&m to the tops!  I am working on Thing 1 and 2 but, ran out of supplies so I will post when complete!

My kids had a lot of fun with today! How did you celebrate Dr.Seuss day?

Creative Action

  So growing up in NY your accustomed to snow and what it's full potential is.  We had winter carnivals and snow sculpture contests.  Went to school even when it snowed, lol.  My children have this concept drilled in their heads snow equals no school.  This misconception comes from the nearly 2 weeks of interrupted school last year.

  Raising kids in Virginia when it snows leads to the need to be more creative.  It's amazing how cold it actually is when it snows.  This leads to a huge dread on my part to get outside with the kids but they are so excited to see the white stuff we have to move and act quickly before it disappears.  One day already this snow season it snowed then stopped.  Nothing stuck and therefore there was no playtime!  What's the point of snow if you can't play in it?

  Enter potato pieces and snow!

 I bring snow in from outside and you insert the pieces just like you would with Mr.Potatohead.

 Depending on your snow it may be easier.  Sometimes her snowball was too packed for her to put pieces in.

Even the boy had fun playing with the snow and pieces.

Anything goes! 2 snowball pets!

The makings of a miniature snowman!

This lady was walking her dog!

We even enjoyed some snowcream.  Mint and vanilla flavored!  This is a rare treat based on the quantity of snow we get.  There have been years when the children have been deprived.

I will tell you what she played with the snow inside a whole lot more than she did outside.  Maybe all the winter clothes are too constricting.  It can't possibly have to do with the temperature of  30°.

23 of 25 Days of Elf antics

  Well it has been quiet with a bunch of good days with Elf but I guess all good things must come to an end.  Elf was left unattended again.  I take that back he is always left unattended we as humans have to sleep.  So I think he is onto us. He knows when we are sleeping (he knows when your awake).  Oh wait that's someone else.

Look at what Elf gave us today!

  Even if I thought it was someone else playing a trick on someone else in the house.  Elf always seems to be in the area.  Lurking if you may.  I think to listen in on our reactions or maybe to see our facial expressions when we see what he has left us.

  Well you got us today, Elf.  I'm glad we didn't have any middle of the night runs.  This joke may not have been funny to someone trying to make a quick pit stop.

  The days are numbered with our Elf.  He should go out with a bang.  I wonder what will happen.  Also I have seen plenty of parties for elves coming and going.  I think it only fair to send our Elf off with a going away bash.  After all he has brightened this home into what it has become!

The 22nd day with Elf

  It's always interesting to see what Elf comes up with.  Today it looks like he tried to keep the kids in.  A make shift temporary containment for kids.  Little does he know I have yet to find anything to contain the children.

  Poor elf your efforts although grand looking will not even slow the beasts down when they wake up.  They will charge through there like raging bulls and a red clothe.

  Lol, there you sit with the best seat in the house. Waiting for them to discover your hard work.  I can't wait to see what you have in store for us tomorrow.

  Sadly I am not counting but your days are numbered. The end is near and you will be greatly missed.  Thank you Elf for all the fun and excitement.

Day 21 with Elf

  Elf met us again in the kitchen. Either he knows us pretty good or he really pays attention to a common occurrence here. Eating. Today Elf had the preparations for a treat set out.

He was not trying to take a bath.  He had some of the marshmallows poured in a pan and the Rice Krispies were on deck looking to be next.

We spent the day out and about today but when we got home we got down to business!

This is a good kid recipe so I set the oldest and youngest in for this one.

The oldest didn't know what she walked into  the little one wanted to experience it too.

(I jumped into to dig them out after I sprayed my hands, lol.  Why didn't she think of that?)

Well that's neither here nor there.  They are even edible.  Both kids did a good job and had it not been for Elf we may not have even thought of the idea on our own.

Elf Delivered Custom Doughnuts (day 17)

  Woke up this morning to a creative tasty breakfast.  Elf had used his skills to create some snowmen for us.  I like to add us as if I'm receiving part of the deal.

He sat patiently on the table waiting to be noticed and hoping it would still be breakfast time instead of lunch.

I love catching their first impression.  I don't always get it suprisingly enough.  I may be in the other room or upstairs waiting for them to discover it.

The thoughts that go through their mind I may never know but I think they are having a great time and enjoying the surprise attention they are receiving.

Elf will practice his snowman skills for next year and lighten the frosting application one snowman looks a little spooky.

Elf had some chores on Day 16

 
  After the last couple of be kind days who knows what to expect from elf.  So every morning we just wake up and walk downstairs with some apprehension.  The first couple steps in the hall tells us a lot but not exactly what we are walking into.

 We followed a trail of cereal downstairs.  Why there was such a mess from upstairs to downstairs was a mystery.  We know any late night munchers (the father) would not have been as messy.

  We followed the trail straight to a the culprit.  Or so we think.  Well hello there Elf how do you do?  Sure we would like some cereal for breakfast.


  Everyone did their part with chores after we were done eating.

 Vacuuming up cereal takes an all hands on deck action.

  See you later Elf!

Day 15 with Elf part 2 Be Kind

  We the children had fun if I do say so myself.   The elf not only taught them two new words but also encouraged them to be kind to each other and others.  My youngest daughter would even randomly say be kind throughout her day as if she liked the sound of it, or maybe it was a great concept.  She would remind her brother to act on it as well.

  For our be kind movement we choose different areas to act on, explore and learn from.  There should be a who, what, why in everything and end in observing how the recipient felt as well as yourself.  If you feel good you will continue (hopefully).

  We chose for our be kind mission:

1.  The firestation.  The mission bring cookies. To make them happy and know they are thought of.

2.  Toys for tots event.  The mission to donate a toy for a child to have something on Christmas.  To make a child happy with a toy.

3.  Help an animal shelter.  The mission to provide a donation to the shelter.  To provide something of use or fun to the animals.

4.  Nature.  To provide substance to the birds.  Even though the ground is not covered over providing them some food will hopefully entice them to visit us more and make them happy.

  It took us all day but it was a nice day even if busy.  We started out by making cookies.

Of course while I was in the other room the kids needed supervision so Elf was happy to help.  He was pretty strict.  Not a finger went in the bowl, muscles were however made during this stirring session .

Chocolate had to be retrieved for one batch of cookies and Elf knows about kids and chocolate so he watched very closely.  (Hint: if you bribe with chocolate nothing will get eaten)

Finished product

delivered safely.

Next stop was our toy donation. We had trouble locating a box.  I guess they were all picked up but after I sent a Facebook message I was pointed to 1 location and we headed there to drop off our toy.

The kids choose a toy yesterday for this event and it was neat to have the dialog with them.  She never once questioned why.  She picked out a gift and was happy to make another child happy.

Last stop on our day was to give some donations to the animal shelter.  There are a lot in the area but I choose one that I have gone to several times.  I looked online to see what they were looking for.  We selected peanut butter dog treats and a couple shoe boxes for the cats.

We ended our day with making bird seed ornaments.  They do need to dry so hopefully they will be ready to hang up tomorrow.