Kids Bowl Free All Summer

Check it out!!!
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

Date with Mom and Dad Coupons

Are you looking for a fun gift to give your kids?  Kids love to spend one on one time with their parents so why not give a gift that will do that.  I found that our kids would rather create a memory than just get a present.  My kids seem to be very social and would rather sit and talk with us than play with their toys.

While on Pinterest I came across this great idea and I can't wait to do it with my own kids.

Check it out!
http://lets-explore.net/blog/2011/12/a-year-of-dates/
You can download and print the coupons!!!

Valentine's Day

Our next holiday is Valentine's day which I love.  There is always so much adorable pink things out there!

Here are some ideas I found on Pinterest:

Valentine Glow Sticks- http://www.theteacherwife.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-make-my-glow-v-day-freebie.html

Valentine Party Table- http://atozebracelebrations.blogspot.com/2011/02/sweet-tweet-valentines-party.html

Valentine's Garland- http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/sns-link-party-107-banners-pennants.html

Valentine's Wreath- http://www.etsy.com/listing/89489847/reserved-for-dw-berry-wreath-valentines?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=valentine&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Valentine's Wreath-  http://www.thehybridchick.com/2011/01/paper-heart-wreath/

Kiddie Valentine- http://luxefinds.com/Redirect.php?targetURL=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F~r%2Fblackeiffel%2F~3%2F531954401%2Fkiddie-valentines.html%3Freferrer%3DLuxeFinds.com&searchJobId=8293725&ss=valentines&sr=15&entityType=BE&entityId=9-76074&title=Kiddie+valentines&page=&sourceName=Black*Eiffel

Personalized Valentine's Day Card- http://www.tangledandtrue.com/2011/02/valentine-round-up.html

Valentine's Day Garland- http://www.marthastewart.com/274866/valentines-day-crafts/@center/276967/valentines-day#/272197

First Day Of School Pictures

Well the first day of school is only 23 days away.  I really can't believe how fast summer has went by.  Well my little man will be starting 1st grade and I started last year by taking a picture of him on the 1st day of Kindergarten and the last day of Kindergarten.

First Day of Kindergarten

Last Day of Kindergarten

For the last day I remembered to make a sign for him to hold so we would always remember.  So I want it to be a little cuter so I added some color and a border.  Simple but better than black letters on a white piece of paper.


Here is what I have come up with for Bryson and Keelin, since she will be in 3 year old preschool.

 To make them I opened a word document.
My page set up is landscape
I think made a box with the box drawing tool.  Once I had the box I doubled clicked on the box.  A menu comes up where you can change the outline border and color.  So I did the dots and changed the color.
I clicked okay
Then I drew a text box in the dotted box.  I choose the font "Chalkboard Bold"
Then type the words you would like to say.  Highlight the text and then change the color and size to what looks good to you.
Next doubled the the outline part of your text box and a menu box will come up.  There you will select under Line - Color - No fill.
Then print away.  Make sure on your screen it looks spaced evenly before you print.

You can always get more creative but I was going for simplicity!

Slow Melt Popsicles

I know this may seem like a silly post but I have to write one.  I LOVE Popsicles but I don't like them when they are dripping down the front of my child's shirt, melting as soon as you walk outside and most of all HUGE for little kids. 

I came across a great box of Popsicles called Slow Melts.  They are tiny and don't melt fast at all.  Look for them in the store if you have little ones because they will make having a Popsicle enjoyable!

Memory Jar

I was searching Pinterest and I came across this Memory Jar idea.  I LOVE capturing memories especially with the kids.  Kids do say the best things and often make you laugh so hard.  So why not capture them throughout the year and have a good laugh or cry at the end of the year.  Very simple but cute idea!


Here is the website where I found the idea:
http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/2008/9/9/magical-thinking.html

Alphabet Printable

I was looking online for worksheets to do with the kids and I had a friend share this website with me. 

Check it out!  You can do lots of activities!

http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/5611/www.first-school.ws/theme/alphabetp1.htm

Summer Park Passport

This is an idea I saw on Pinterest and so I took the concept and we are going to try and do it.
We are going to try and visit several parks in our city.  We live in Livonia, MI so some of this might not apply to those reading but you could take the concept for your own city.

The idea is we go, have a picnic and play.  Of course we take lots of pictures, especially one my the sign.  We will then print the picture and put it on paper and write what we all liked best about the  park.  After it is completed we will put it in a sheet protector and in our Summer 3-Ring Binder.

Livonia Parks

All have playgrounds

• Beverly Park
• Merriman and 6 Mile
• Bicenntennial Park
• 7 Mile and Newburgh
• Bluegrass Park
• Newburgh and 5 Mile
• Botsford Park
• 7 Mile and Middlebelt
• Castle Gardens Park
• 96 and Newburgh
• Clements Circle Park
• West Chicago and Middelbelt
• Country Homes Park
• Yale and Plymouth
• Devon-Aire Woods Park
• West Chicago and Merriman
• Elm Park
• Inkster and Plymouth
• Greenwood Park
• 5 Mile and Newburgh
• Harry Wolfe Park
• 5 Mile and Merriman
• Jaycee Park
• Farmington & 7 Mile
• John F Dooley Park
• 96 and Middlebelt
• Livonia Community Rec. Center
• 5 Mile and Merriman
• Meadows Park
• Inkster and 6 Mile
• Mies Park
• West Chicago and Merriman
• Nash Park
• Lyndon and 5 Mile
• Pastor Park
• Lyndon and 96
• Rotary Park
• 6 Mile and Hubbard
• Shelden Park
• Farmington and Plymouth
• Stymelski Veterans Park
• 96 and Farmington
• Wilson Acres Park
• West Chicago and Joy Road
• Wilson Barn
• Middlebelt and Plymouth

WELCOME TO SUMMER

So I seen this fun idea on Pinterest to make a plain WELCOME TO SUMMER sign.  But I did something a little different.

We were able to share it with some friends and the kids were so EXCITED.  Something they will never forget!!!

Drive In Movie Birthday Party

On June 17th we celebrated my sons 6th Birthday with a Drive In Movie Theme.  We had a blast with it.  Actually I think I had more fun with it then the kids did. 

Here are some pictures from the party!

These were the party favors.  I bought the Popcorn cups at Target in the dollar section.  I got the treat bags at Hobby Lobby.  In the treat bags are a microwaveable popcorn bag, a tube of Mini m&m's, glow sticks and dubble bubble gum.

 We wanted to set the big screen up outside but it didn't get dark until way too late so we moved it inside to the backroom.  Featured movie was Despicable Me!

 My Concession Stand.  I gave every kid 6 tickets.  They could get a certain amount of items for tickets.
One Ticket per Item

• Capri Sun
• Lemonade
• Popcorn
• Hot Dog
• Mini Kit Kat
• Mini m&m's
• 3 Hershey Kisses
• 2 Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
• 3 Twizzlers
• 2 Airhead Sour Strips

 A big picture with the delicious cupcakes

 Our popcorn cupcakes.  I made cupcakes with a cake mix.  I used Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting Betty Crocker.  I used white miniature marshmallows and yellow miniature marshmallows for the popcorn.  I used a knife and put a cut them in half (not all the way throw just enough to make them look like popcorn).  I put a mixture on each cupcake and there you have it!

 My popcorn machine and hot dog set up.  I just put hot dogs in a crock pot with some water for a few hours and they were ready to serve.

 Here are the cars for the drive in.  I bought large moving boxes from Home Depot.  I cut off one of the sides and then taped it all up.  I bought large black plates for the wheels and stirring wheel and small yellow plates for the headlights.  The kids then decorated them with markers and had fun!

Here are the boys in their cars.  They wanted to race them - surprise I was dealing with 8 Kindergarten boys!!

The boxes were a great thing because during the movie they stayed in them and ate all their snacks in them plus if we need to get control we just said "Everyone get in your box".  It was great!

This party was the most fun I have ever had from the planning all the way through the kids going home!

Hope someone else will have fun with the idea!!!

Here are a few links that SO helped me in planning.
Whole party idea:   http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/01/drive-in-movie-night.html
Cupcakes: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/popcorn-cupcakes-686323/
Party Supplies: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/party-supplies/themed-party-supplies/carnival-party-supplies/

The Winner of the Magnetic Responsibility Board is....

Anonymous said...

BETH LINDELL: This is my fourth attempt at leaving a comment so you can tell I really want this. lol. I know there are a lot of mom's out there that are ready to put this in use right now but i still have a few years before I make Evelyn do chores. However, i feel it's never to early to prepare and get ready. I think it's actually great for just my hubby and I. I love organization tools, like borderline obsessed with them. So when i saw this i realized that i'm gonna need it. So that's why you should pick me : )

June 15, 2011 1:20 PM

 
Winner chosen through...
Result: 18 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

Magnet Responsibility Chart Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

As a parent, I have stressed about raising responsible children.  Everything from helping around the house to being kind to others.  When processing all that I think about I also begin to try and think how many chores are too much or what should I expect from my children.  I have a 5 year old and 2 year old and I know they can help around the house but I couldn’t figure out how to keep track and keep them accountable in a fun kid friendly way.  I have tried to create multiple chores charts - some are kid friendly but too short, some are so long that my children will never understand them.  I am sure they look at it and become overwhelmed.  


I came across this great product on Families With Purpose - Melissa & Doug Magnet Responsibility Chart.  Families With Purpose is a great resource website for families and has great encouragement too.  Their mission is “We inspire and enable parents to create a meaningful family life for themselves and their children by providing products, resources, and services which empower parents to take control of their family life and build a warm and loving home.”  I think this is so amazing to me as a mom.  


Families With Purpose sent me this product to review for them.  For those who read this blog you will be able to enter a giveaway for your very own Magnet Responsibility Chart!!!!!!  I love a giveaway, so enter! (See the bottom of this post for the giveaway.  DISCLOSURE:  I did receive a free Responsibility Magnetic Chart from Families With Purpose that has enabled me to do this review)

Here is how we are currently using the chart in our home.
We have hung the chart in a place where we see it all day.  We didn’t put it in Bryson’s room or is a corner.  I knew if we did that we would not use it.  This chart is heavy and made very very well.

Every week Bryson (my 5 year old son) and I sit down and pick out the 7 responsibilities from the 27 magnets provided that he will focus on for the week.  We place them in the spaces next to the days of the weeks.  I love that we can change them out easily each week and change things up.  They also give you 2 white blank magnets to write your own responsibilities on.  

With the chart, you get 63 reward magnets that are super cute smile faces.  When they accomplish a responsibility they place a reward magnet next to the responsibility magnet under the correct day of the week.  

Bryson is finding this so enjoyable and it keeps him engaged in what he needs to do throughout the week.  One rule we have is you must do the responsibilities with a positive attitude or you don’t get a reward magnet.  

At the end of the week, if Bryson gets 30 reward magnets he earns his small allowance and a slurpee or Icee from where ever he chooses.  His allowance is set at $3 a week right now.  He has three jars - Save, Spend, Give.  He puts a dollar in each one.  We are doing it this way until he understands the math of how to split up his money for Giving and Saving.  This has worked well for him.  

Families with Purpose has many many more amazing products that I can’t wait to look at and try.

Okay now is the time - this is how you can enter the giveaway... (U.S. Residents ONLY)

• Leave a comment on this blog about how this chart would help your family
• Visit Families With Purpose and leave a comment on this blog about another product that would help you.

Additional ways to enter... (come back and leave a comment separately for each one that you do.)

• Like Families with Purpose on Facebook
• Follow Families with Purpose on Twitter
• Follow Families with Purpose Blog
•  Follow my Blog - Organizing As A Parent
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook Page
   

Winner will be randomly drawn on June 15th!!  Winner will be notified by email.
HAVE FUN!!!!!!

**I will add my own pictures tomorrow!

Resurrection Rolls

I am going to do these!

Article and Picture FOUND at  http://savingdollarsandsense.com/2011/04/06/resurrection-rolls-recipe.html


Easter is just around the corner and as a Christian family it has always been a time of reflection of all that has been done for us.
If you are looking for a fun and simple way to share the message of the cross with even the little members of your family then this recipe is for you!
As parents we need to share our faith with our children at all ages.  This recipe is a great way to do just that, and they get to enjoy a yummy treat at the end of the lesson.

Resurrection Rolls

Ingredients

1 package Cresent rolls
melted butter
large marshmallows
cinnamon
sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degree

Give each child a triangle from the cresent rolls
The cresent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in

Give each child a marshmallow.
This represents Jesus and His purity.

Have child dip the marshmallow in melted butter.
This represents the oils of embalming.

Dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar.
This represents the spices used to annoint the body of Jesus.

Wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the cresent roll
(not like a typical cresent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside, otherwise the marshmallow will leak out.)
This represents the wrapping of Jesus’ body after death.

Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
The oven represents the tomb

When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloths) and discover that Jesus is no longer there,

HE IS RISEN!

The marshmallow melts and the cresent roll is puffed up,
but like the tomb - IT IS EMPTY!

I found another recipe that is completely home made and doesn’t use refrigerated cresent rolls. This may work better for those of you who already have the simple ingredients on hand. You can find the recipe here.
I think this is a great tradition to add to your Easter time celebrations that takes the focus off the eggs and chocolate bunnies for a while and puts it right where it belongs!


http://savingdollarsandsense.com/2011/04/06/resurrection-rolls-recipe.html

Here are my Resurrection Rolls- they were super fun and delicious too!!!

 Some of them didn't seal up so well but the ones that did and did not leak the marshmallow were perfect!

They were empty!

Homemade On The Go Meals

I was reading my Family Fun Magazine this month and I loved this little idea that was in there.  This mom makes her own On The Go Meal when traveling instead of stopping at Fast Food Places.  Love the idea!!!

Here is the link to read the article:
http://familyfun.coverleaf.com/familyfun/201104/?pg=51&pm=2&u1=friend#pg51

Easter Bunny Cupcakes

Easter is coming fast!!!  I love Easter and all the celebration that comes with this special day.  Jesus' death and resurrection, Welcoming of Spring and Warm weather, Egg Hunts, Easter Baskets, time with family, cute Easter clothes and of course yummy food.

I received an email from Family Fun with this fun recipe on it.  Here is the link and it is a short video on how to make these Fun Easter Bunny Cupcakes

The Begley Welcome Spring Party

On my early posting I put the ideas that we were going to be trying for our Welcome Spring.  Our theme was The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

First thing Bryson asked was "Where's the games?".  To that I replied, "I don't have any games this time buddy.  We are going to do some fun activity sheets."  Well this is what happened after that answer.

He made up his own game all by himself.  We had to start on the paper with our name and then we had to run and grab a caterpillar which was worth lots of points or you got stuck with a cocoon which was worth 0 points.  We had fun!!

We did lots of activity sheets.  I read the story to them and then they glued the order of the different items on their page.

We decorated a wall with the story pictures!

Of course we made a caterpillar with cupcakes too!

And the last here is a picture of our whole party and the food we ate for lunch!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was a hit in our house!  It is one of our favorite books (we read it lots too at our party)!

Welcome Spring Party

On March 20th Spring Began!!!!

Since our weekend was crazy with having additional kids in the house we are postponing our Welcome Spring party for April 1st, plus Bryson doesn't have school that day.

For our Begley Welcome Spring party we are going to do the theme of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

Our decorations will consist of the kids making the different food items from within the book!  I also have a large Hungry Caterpillar book so I made copies of the pages to decorate with as well.

Our menu will consist of:

• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Hot Dog (represent Sausage)
• String Cheese (represent Swiss Cheese)

Our activities will include:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar DVD (rented from the library)
• Reading the Book
• Building a Caterpillar, Cocoon and Butterfly out of paper
• Clips From the Book
• Caterpillar Cards 

Well see how it all turns out!!!

Cute websites I found from parties that were done (I might have to do this for Keelin's party)
First Website- Super Fun Party
Second Website- A super cute cake