Monday, November 28, 2011

Paperback Book Christmas Trees

 


I made pumpkins out of paperback books, so why not Christmas Trees??  Same principle.  Cut half of a tree shape all the way through the book.  Glue covers together.  This time I splurged for spray paint, with the pumpkins I painted on acrylic paint and it worked well.  I used glue, white embossing powder, and glitter for the snow.  The star toppers were in the miniatures section at Michael's.  I wrapped wire around their bottoms and stuck the wire down the hole in the middle of the tree.  The tall one in the back I glued a round chop stick in the middle when I glued the covers together.  I need to find a cute little jar, fill it with Epsom salt for the snowy look,  paint the chop stick dark brown and stick the tree in.


Sunday, November 27, 2011

Corn Maze


We went to a corn maze and had a blast!  Little did we know it was a whole lot more than just a corn maze.

 

Upon entering you could either go through, around, or over the "mountain". 


They all chose the over the mountain slide. 


Wind Tunnel

 

The maze was pretty big and even though it was kind of busy, you didn't run into a whole lot of people. 
 

I think we were in it a little under an hour. 

 

There were check points you came across that had little activities.  We didn't even run into half of them.


The girls loved the teeter totter, as you just don't see them much anymore.  These were the old fashioned, no safety spring, fly off the seat if the other person hopped off kind of teeter totter.  Old School.


Zip line.


I'd bet everyone will want to go back next year :)




Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A Solution to Threading Yarn With Little Hands

For all threading projects I have always used tape on the end of the yarn to make it easier for little hands to sew, lace or thread beads.  It is one of those things that was an OK solution but an aggravating one at that.  A little piece of pipe cleaner changed all that and I am VERY happy with the results.  The needle stays on, the yarn does not fray, and it's much easier for the little hands to work. 


All I did was wrap the yarn around the bottom of the pipe cleaner, fold it over, and twist a little. 
Works wonders and it's reusable!


The piece of tape at the other end of the yarn is also strategically placed so the yard doesn't pull through (or the beads don't fall off) AND is a great place for their name.  Sometimes I tape it to the table so it's not tempting to swing it around. 


I've used it with threading pasta for a necklace and it works well in that project as well.

Works for ME!!  Go to We are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday ideas!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Funky Christmas Door Hanging Instead of a Traditional Wreath

Started with a picture frame from Salvation Army, took out glass and backing, and spray painted it white.


Hung funky colored ornaments (found at Michael's) with wire at different lengths.


Attached a few glittery floral sprays with wire to figure out placement but will go back with hot glue once I've got it where I like it.

 

Added a bow and called it a day.  I'll get a better picture of it once it is hung AFTER Thanksgiving.  Doesn't all this Christmas decore BEFORE Thanksgiving drive you a little crazy??  :)

Monday, November 21, 2011

Kids in the Kitchen Loaded Pretzels

No shots of the kids actually IN the kitchen but I promise they did most of the work :) 
We made the flavor combos up as we went with our stocked pantry (aka my baking supply addiction)!

These are Chocolate Peanut Crunch. 
Melted chocolate covered in chopped peanuts and chopped peanut butter chips.


Classic M&M.  Melted chocolate covered in mini M&Ms.


The individual shots of the last ones all looked pretty funny.
Melted caramel, covered in chocolate drizzle and fall colored sprinkles.  These are awesome.  The salty pretzels combined with the sweet caramel is perfect.

Here they are all wrapped up.  They look so neat and tidy.  We made bundles of three, tied them with curly ribbon and a Happy Thanksgiving tag.  Easy (except the clean up, I'll find those sprinkles for days)!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Turkey is a Big Hit!


I made a paper bag turkey for the dramatic play area of my classroom and it's been a big hit!  They have been basting, cutting, and serving it all day.  The tutorial can be found over at One Charming Party.  I stuffed mine with newspaper instead of popcorn to give it a little longevity.  It seriously took less than 5 minutes to make.  Got a paper bag and a glue gun?  Go make it!  Your kids will love it!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

LOVE This Turkey Project


Our Mission:  Disguise Tom Turkey so he won't be eaten for Thanksgiving!

I LOVE family homework projects and we had so much fun with this one.  Lexi wants to be an actress so we decided to dress up our turkey (now a girl) very "Hollywood".  Do you think she will be discovered or will she blend right in with the A-list crowd? 
I wanted to share the letter home in case you want to use it in your classroom...


Dear Parents,

It’s time to have fun creating a very unusual bird.  As a family, disguise Tom Turkey so that he won’t be eaten for Thanksgiving!  You may choose to dress your turkey as a dentist, an astronaut, a farmer, a cheerleader, a ballerina, a clown, etc…be creative and use any materials you have at home.  Everyone gets to help. 

Cut out the turkey below and mount him on cardboard or heavy paper.  Make it very original and have fun!

Please help us save these turkeys!  The turkey homework is due November 11, but you may send it in earlier.  When your Tom Turkey is incognito, he can hide-out in our classroom!

Happy Turkey Dressing!


Guess My Latest Cake


Is this one too easy?  HERE is the completed cake.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Heaven is for Real for Kids - Review


Heaven is for Real for Kids - A little boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven and back


"During an emergency operation at three years old, Colton Burpo had an experience that few people have in this life; he was able to see Jesus and visit heaven.  Colton now shares his experience with children so they, too, can have comfort, joy, and wonder of knowing that heaven is indeed for real and that Jesus really, really loves them!" 

Heaven is for Real for Kids is a beautifully illustrated book told by Colton Burpo to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo.  The story is simply Colton's recollection of heaven.  He is carried to heaven by an angel, meets Jesus, and sees the beauty only heaven could hold.  He describes the people, the angels, the animals, and the throne.  On each page there is a bible verse that corresponds to the story. 
There is an introductory letter to parents for teaching their children about heaven,a question and answer page, and a prayer you can pray with your child about what you just read.  The book is for ages 4-8.

I read the book both to my own kids and my preschool class.  My students had many questions about the pictures and what was going on in them.  They were very interested in the angels, as we are memorizing an angel finger play for the Christmas program coming up. 

Scarlett, my three year old, liked the pictures of the animals the best.  When asked what she was most excited about in heaven, she said she was excited to just go to heaven with God.  Lexi, my 6 year old said, "I would get to see all my cousins and grandmas and grandpas that had died."  Emma, age 8, said, "To be with God and my family members I have never met before."  I had Lexi draw a picture of what she thought heaven would look like.  Scarlett did one of the coloring pages that is linked below.
 

You can see a few pages on the Flipbook HERE.
Download Coloring Sheets HERE.
Watch the book trailer HERE.
I received a complimentary hardback copy of this book from the publisher through Tommy Nelson Mommy. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Ruffles!


It's on the imperfect side of things but I have a good handle on how to make it better next time.  
HERE is the completed cake.