DAILY BLESSINGS

MORE FUN IDEAS!

WELCOME! Enjoy your visit here where you'll find a variety of ideas for crafts, customs, and traditions; as well as tips on organizing, frugality, homeschooling and more ~ May God BLESS us all as we journey through this wonderful vocation together! (If you have an idea you'd like to see me post here...PLEASE DO SHARE!)

THE CATEGORIES ON THIS PAGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

EASY GIFT IDEAS

HOLIDAYS AND HOLY DAYS CRAFTS AND IDEAS

LINKS, RESOURCES, AND IDEAS FOR SCHOOL

HELPFUL TIPS, LINKS, AND IDEAS FOR THE HOME

FUN FAMILY CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

BROWSE AT YOUR LEISURE!!!

EASY FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS!

COVERED IN COMFORT AND PRAYER!!!

I was thrilled this past year to learn how to make a "no-sew" fleece knotted blanket (thanks to my friends over @ http://www.thehomeschoollounge.com/
who pointed me in the right direction for basic instructions with this craft.) Visit: www.exploringwomanhood.com http:///homelife/ideas/pom-jan03.htm
to learn how!

Someone suggested a "special touch" to me that turned this basic blanket gift into something FAR MORE SPECIAL...A PRAYER BLANKET!!!

Whether you are making a blanket for a newborn baby, a child's birthday, a friend who is ill, or (as in my case) your spouse...

As you tie each and every knot to make the blanket...YOU SAY A PRAYER FOR THAT PERSON! So...by the time your blanket is finished...you have said a prayer with EVERY knot!
The symbolism is that you are covering the recipient of your gift in COMFORT AND PRAYER!

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed making this gift! It was SUCH a beautiful experience!
Yes, I would've thought of my husband anyway, while making the blanket...but to actually PRAY for him on each and every knot...WOW! What a journey this was...As prayers came to my mind, I was so full of love for my dear husband...and I also prayed that I would be a better wife, a better help-meet, a better friend....

When my husband opened the blanket (which you can see in the image above) , he was absolutely speechless when the kids told him that every knot represented a PRAYER I had said for him! (Now he teases me some times, while he's covered up in his blanket, watching tv...and says things like "Hey, I think you need to add a few knots to this"...or "Did you cut these strips extra wide so you had less knots?" LOL)

This is a PERFECT gift for Father's Day, a birthday, Christmas, a Baptism, a WEDDING, a GET WELL offering....ANY occasion really...and the finished product is a constant reminder to the receiver of the gift...that YOU CARE...and that YOU PRAY FOR THEM!

Makes you want to make a hundred of them doesn't it? HAVE FUN!

DESK SCULPTURES FOR DADDY!

Here's a great Father's Day/birthday/ANY day gift idea:

Let the kids go outside to find some large rocks (with at least one flat side so it will "stand")

Have them paint the rocks in any colors or patterns that they like

Dry over-night

The next day, help the kids find and cut out a photo of him or herself, and glue it to the rock!

VOILA! Present it to Dad as a desk sculpture or paper-weight!

We did one for each kid that was under 13 last year...so my husband's office was FULL of them! (When the company down-sized offices this year, he lost some space and had to bring them home...now they are decorating our school room ! You can see a photo of the finished product in OUR SCHOOL ROOM listed on my home page!)

ANOTHER NICE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

For those dads (like my husband) that are a bit hard to buy for...because they never WANT anything... this is a great idea :

Knowing that my husband enjoys looking through the Sunday papers sometimes...but we do not have it delivered...

We ordered a gift subscription for him for one year from our local gazette! It was delivered to our mailbox and he enjoyed having something all his own to kick back and read each week!

TREATS FOR A YEAR FOR DADDY!

This is one of the BEST gifts we have ever given to my husband! He DELIGHTED in it all year long!

We took a small decorative box and filled it with twelve "coupons"...one for each month for a whole year.

On each coupon was written a special dessert.

Inside the box was a note to my husband telling him that he could "redeem" one coupon per month to receive his own special dessert treat for his enjoyment! He just had to hand it in before shopping day so that I could make sure I got the proper ingredients. (I'd make a bit extra for the kids so that he wouldn't end up giving all of his away!)

As each new month arrived, we would catch a glimpse of dh, joyfully going through his box, trying to choose which coupon to hand in that month!!!

It was easy...fun...and kept on giving for an entire year!

HAND PRINTS OF LOVE FOR DAD!

Using two different colored paints (one for girls, one for boys) and dipping each person's hand in some paint (including Mommy's!), we placed our prints all around on a white background, with a beautiful frame.

Messages were added that expressed our appreciation for his hard work and our love for him.

Names were placed under each hand print.

When more babies arrived...we made a new and smaller one that said "US TOO DADDY!"

My husband has both of these next to his desk and needs only look up at them to be reminded of how much he is loved and appreciated!

Here's a photo!

EASY TO MAKE GIFT SACHET

My dd, 13, just received this as a gift from her best friends for St. Valentine's Day.

However, it's a gift that would be appropriate ANY time of year for almost ANY occasion!

Supplies:

cool-burning scented candle
small square of pretty fabric
ribbon or raffia

Instructions:

Let the candle burn a while so that there is a good bit of "liquid" wax
carefully and repeatedly dip your fingertips into the melted wax
as soon as it hardens on your fingers (c'mon now...I KNOW you did this as a child like the rest of us, LOL!!!! And peeled Elmer's Glue off of yourself too, probably, LOL!!!)....peel the little wax chips off and set aside in a pile
Once you've made a small handful of scented wax chips, spread out your piece of fabric
Place the pile of chips in the center
Lift up all the sides of fabric around the pile, forming a sachet
Tie with pretty ribbon or raffia

VOILA!!! Give as a gift by itself...or enhance another package with it...or...keep it for yourself, and place in a drawer, on a shelf, or anywhere you'd like to freshen!

HOLIDAYS and HOLY DAYS CRAFTS AND IDEAS!

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER ACTIVITIES

Visit the following link to learn how to make Resurrection Cookies!

This is a very WORTHWHILE activity that incorporates Scripture Readings with symbols and actions (and BAKING) that illustrate the story of Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection!

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.annieshomepage.com/cookiedoughr.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.annieshomepage.com/resurrectioncookies2.html&usg=__Tzee6O_80PCer-jB-O_qx_0hBp4=&h=178&w=255&sz=3&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=OuYjIoZCp0c5wM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dannies%2Bresurrection%2Bcookies%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Visit THIS link to learn about a new and WONDERFUL tradition of making and using 12 plastic eggs, filled with various symbols, that, as opened each day tell the story of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection...much the same as a "Jesse Tree" during Advent.

This Activity is best begun 12 days before EASTER!

http://www.annieshomepage.com/eastereggstext.html

HOLY WEEK COLORING CUSTOM

Beginning on Holy Thursday, the entrance into the Triduum...create a coloring page for your children that illustrates the coinciding reading of the day...as the children enjoy their coloring, have someone read the Scripture story to them...and then save their pages to add to your EASTER DECORATIONS on SUNDAY!!!

Suggestions for coloring pages:

1) on Holy Thursday: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

2) on Good Friday: Jesus on the Cross

3) on Holy Saturday: Roman Guards at the TOMB

4) on EASTER SUNDAY: THE RISEN LORD!

HOURS OF SILENCE

To offer honor and reverence to those hours traditionally held as the "hours of AGONY" for Our Lord...have your family keep SILENT (or as close to that as possible) from NOON until 3 p.m.

During this quiet time...engage in activities appropriate to your focus...perhaps some spiritual reading on the Passion...kids can draw quietly (pictures that illustrate the theme)...spend time in silent meditation/prayer...go for a quiet walk and BE with the Lord in nature, etc...

The point here is to be willing to STOP our normal, every day activity, for three small hours to say "WE BELIEVE, WE REMEMBER, WE PRAISE YOU LORD"

CASCARONES!!!

This tradition is BRAND NEW to me...and I am so thankful to the mom over at Catholic Family Vignettes for posting it! It will DEFINITELY become part of our family's Easter traditions!

Visit this link to learn how to take part in these delightful "confetti" eggs!

http://catholicfamilyvignettes.com/2009/03/16/cascarones-pysanky-and-egg-coloring-fun/

LENT

Lenten Pretzels

To learn about the history of pretzels, and their proper place in connection with the customs of the Lenten Season, visit:

http://www.geocities.com/joelle109/Lenten_Pretzels.html

The site includes a tasty recipe to make your own Lenten pretzels.
Some serve one pretzel at each Lenten supper, to remind us that we are in a season of prayer/reflection...I LIKE THAT!

LENTEN SACRIFICES and CHILDREN'S STATIONS OF THE CROSS

During Lent, it is common to make personal sacrifices to offer penance for our sins.

While it is good and fitting to do this, it can also be very enriching for the entire FAMILY to make a GROUP sacrifice as well.

"Giving up" something that we enjoy, is a way of saying to God, "I like this...but I LOVE YOU MORE"...it's a way of depriving ourselves of something that is good and enjoyable, in order that we can experience on the smallest of levels the idea of "sacrifice"...and also...it is a way to UNITE ourselves to Jesus, whose sacrifice was the greatest of all.

Here are some ideas for a FAMILY SACRIFICE...meaning, as a whole family, you would give this up for the entire 40 days of Lent:

TELEVISION
DESSERTS
COMPUTERS/ELECTRONIC TOYS, I-PODS, etc...
ELECTRICITY (we know a family who did this one year, but made allowances for heat and such)
BREAD (the same family did this another year, and said it was one of the most difficult and challenging offerings they had ever made)
EATING OUT (or buying pizzas)...(you can add to this offering by taking any money you would have spent, collecting it in a jar throughout Lent, and then donating it to the poor)
MOVIES
DRINKS, except milk, juice, water
SNACKS/CANDY

(We'd love to hear YOUR ideas too!)

Here are some ideas for personal sacrifices:

Why not try giving up:

MAKE UP/NAIL POLISH
READING FOR ENJOYMENT (any reading for school or Church or business is still permitted)
DRAWING
MUSIC (this is DIFFICULT!!!)
TALKING ON THE PHONE (except when necessary to make appointments for doctors and such)
COMPUTER TIME
BEER/WINE
SECOND HELPINGS
COFFEE

Remember that Sunday is not a "penitential day" during Lent since it celebrates the Resurrection as well...therefore, if you really want to...you could indulge a tiny bit in those things on a Sunday...some people do, some people don't...some say they'd rather struggle through the whole time...some say that by allowing it briefly, it makes it even MORE of a sacrifice to have to start over without it on Monday. (I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!)

Children's Stations of the Cross Kit:

A friend gave this to us some years ago...I love its simplicity. It's tangible...because the children can HOLD each item while praying the prayers...and yet, it's short and to the point so as not to wear out the attention span of young ones. Our family uses this kit while sitting in a circle. We pass each item around so that each person gets a personal moment to hold it and reflect while the "leader" reads the meditations.

Needed:
Small box (labeled and decorated for "Stations of the Cross"

Items to fill the box...basically one item to represent each of the fourteen stations.
Our kit includes:
1)a piece of string to represent the rope used to tie Jesus' hands
2) wooden cross for the cross He carried
3) bandaid to place on his bruised knees
4) a picture of Mary, whom He met along the way
5) a small heart (ours is wooden and painted red) to represent the generosity of Simon the Cyrene in helping Jesus carry the Cross
6) a small white cloth to represent the cloth used by Veronica to wipe Our Lord's face
7) another bandaid for the wounds of His second fall
8) a tissue to comfort the weeping women
9) a third bandaid for His wounds
10) a purple cloth to represent his cloak
11) a nail
12) a crucifix (for His death on the Cross)
13) a picture card of The Pieta (Mary holding her lifeless Son) to represent when Jesus was removed from the Cross
14) a rock to represent the stone rolled in front of the tomb

We have someone name each station (visit:
http://benmakesten.blogspot.com/
and go to the post entitled "LENT" to find links that list the fourteen Stations of the Cross

and while the item is being passed, the "leader" gives a brief explanation/reflection of the station and then says: "We adore You Oh Christ and we praise you"
and the group answers: "because by Your holy Cross, You have redeemed the world".

When the item has just about made its way around the whole circle, the next station is announced and the next item passed.

You could add a closing prayer of choice to finish.
You could also have EACH member of the family create one of these boxes, and then they would just hold their own item, rather than passing ONE throughout.

PARTY DECORATION

We like to let the kids choose "colors" for their birthday celebrations,and have always, in the past, included balloons as part of the decorations.

If you're like my husband, who worries constantly that a Little or Tiny is going to choke on a broken balloon...then this new decorating idea is for you!

Using different colored art paper (either multi colors, or with some pattern or theme)
cut out many round-type snowflakes, making them various sizes and designs.
For a great tutorial on making really nice snowflakes visit:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nM0dwtK1U2g&feature=related

Attach fishing line or very thin string, and hang from the ceiling or doorways, making them drop at different lengths, some long, some shorter.

THIS IS SO FESTIVE LOOKING!...especially since they are COLORED! It takes the place of balloons very nicely and it really looks pretty!

(We have traditional white snowflakes hanging throughout our entire kitchen from the ceiling like this...and with tiny blue lights atop our kitchen cabinets...it gives a very lovely and WINTRY look to the room at night!)

VALENTINE CANDY HOLDERS

Here's a great little craft that is fun to keep, or give away as a "Valentine"!

Supplies:

cardboard paper towel tube
construction paper (or card stock)
small candies and/or trinkets
stapler
glue
stickers, markers, tissue paper (red,pink, or white), foil, paint, or other things with which to decorate
choice of: plastic juice bottle lid, cotton balls, large cork, tin foil balled up, etc...

First, decide how you wish to decorate the cardboard tubing...you can wrap it in colored tissue paper, foil, or paint it.

Next, add designs and/or stickers to the tube for a Valentine theme.

Using the construction paper, cut out two medium/large sized hearts, and write "Be Mine" or "Happy St. Valentine's Day" or some other greeting on both hearts.

Pinch the top of the cardboard tubing closed...place the hearts on either side of that (so that your message shows on each heart facing out) and STAPLE both bottom heart-points TO the pinched tube (this is creating your candy holder TOP)...if you want, you can continue to staple all around the outer-edges of the two hearts...or even glue them together for a more "finished" look.

Now, fill the decorated tube with small candies (or trinkets)

Finally, using one of the choices above as a "STOPPER" (we have used cotton, as well as juice caps, and foil balls) stuff it in the bottom of the tube to hold all of the candy inside.

VOILA!!! You can now enjoy your treats from time to time...or...better yet...give this away as a special gift to a special someone!!!

FAMILY VALENTINES!

Here's a fun tradition to add to your St. Valentine's Day celebrations!

Each year, about a week before St. Valentine's Day, each member of our family sets to work
creating their own "Valentine Bag"...made from simple brown lunch bags, these can be as decorative or elaborate as the "artist" wishes. Everyone must make their own bag...even DADS.

As always, Bigs help the Littles where needed...

Once all bags are made, we set them on display in our family dining room... we take a vote on "BEST BAG"..."MOST ORIGINAL"..."MOST COLORFUL", etc...

The rest of the week is carried out with everyone making hand-made Valentines for each other...no store-bought allowed...(we have allowed prints from a computer, IF the person takes those prints and adds them to a home-made card of some sort)

Everyone takes delight in sneaking their Valentine (and often, some candy treats) in each others bags without being seen on February 14th!

We like to read the story of St. Valentine and celebrate with some special-made cookies and our "prize-winning" bags!

Valentine Glitter Ornaments

This craft is suited to older children, but Littles can take part with help:

Supplies Needed:

Red Glitter
Elmer's Glue
Waxed Paper
white, pink, or red ribbon or yarn (ribbon looks prettiest)
hole puncher

Instructions:

Spread out sheets of waxed paper
Using the glue, draw various sized HEARTS on the paper, filling the entire shape in with glue
Sprinkle red glitter over the heart shape (trying to keep the excess down, but just shake it off when dry if you have some)

Allow to dry (preferably overnight)

carefully lift ornaments off of waxed paper, and use hole puncher to (carefully again) put holes for hanging in the top of the hearts

Hang with ribbons!

THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL!

(We use this same craft at Christmas time, making stars and bells, and using silver and gold glitter!)

LINKS, RESOURCES, AND IDEAS FOR YOUR SCHOOL

WEARABLE WORDS!

We enjoy a book as part of our English class for 6th and 8th grade, entitled "Creative Communications". It is written in a friendly format, giving very creative assignments in order to develop the tools of oral and written communication.

This assignment is called : WEARABLE WORDS

The point is to help the students understand that when we wear clothing with words on it, WE ARE COMMUNICATING something to the world! We are "promoting" the idea behind the graphics and words on our item.

There are many items of clothing, hats, totes, etc...which are "out there" on the streets, promoting ideas that are NOT good or appropriate.

This assignment gives your kids an opportunity to counter that, by designing something they wish to communicate with a POSITIVE message.

The three points of focus are: BREVITY, CLARITY, and NEATNESS

Allow the student to choose the item for which they wish to design a slogan...tee shirt, purse, tote bag, baseball cap, handkerchief, etc...

Instruct them to create THREE samples on paper, using small drawings with all the words, graphics and coloring they would use on the real item. They must then choose ONE to actually make.

If you do not wish to spend money toward the creating of an actual item...you could just end the assignment with the drawings.

The communicated message on the item may be an expression of faith, a Truth they wish for people to ponder, a joyful exclamation of something (like HOMESCHOOLING IS AWESOME!) or any positive message they want to promote to the world...such as: SMILE...pass it on!

BE CREATIVE, HAVE FUN!!! This assignment offers varied concepts both in the Language Arts and ART classes!

Here's some photos of our finished items! We'd LOVE to see photos of YOURS too!

GREAT SITE FOR AMERICAN FLAG STUDY AND ACTIVITIES

http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Flag.html

STATE HISTORY PROJECT

Over the years, I have developed a fun and interesting State History Project for my kids.

Each student, upon reaching anywhere from 4 -6 grade (depending on the child) is given this project in our home school.

They are able to learn quite a bit about our state's history (and since we have moved between states, we now have a couple of DIFFERENT state scrapbooks!) as well as use their own creativity in making a fun and attractive keepsake for themselves...a scrapbook!

I thought that many of you would like to use this project in your own homes. So, I have copied and pasted it here for you, and invite you to copy and paste it into your Microsoft Word (or similar) so that you can print it! (I tried to send it from my documents to this website, but I kept getting an error message...SORRY).

Feel free to print it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! You will need a few supplies, such as an empty scrapbook, and any accessories you might use to decorate and fill it (markers, cut-outs, stencils, etc...)
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STATE HISTORY PROJECT

You will be creating a scrapbook on our state of ___________________.

In order to gather information for your project, you will need to research facts about our state. by reading books, studying online, and making personal observations and/or interviews, you will be able to answer the questions below, and design a colorful, unique, and interesting scrapbook that you can save and share with others.

You will be graded on presentation, (how neat and organized it is) as well as creativity, and how well you answer the questions. Spelling is to be corrected BEFORE you enter something into your scrapbook!

I hope you will enjoy this project and learn a bit about this beautiful state in which we live. After answering all of the questions, there will be space at the back of your scrapbook to add anything you might want to share that was not included in the questions. (In other words, during your research, if you learn something interesting that is not covered in the questions, write it down in your notes, and save it for the end of your scrapbook).

Have fun! Do your best! Happy Learning!

You may design the cover of your scrapbook before or after you complete the project. You might want to wait until you learn a little about your state, because that information might give you some ideas for your cover.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the name of the state in which you live, and how did it get its name?

2. What is the population of your state?

3. What is the MOTTO of your state?

4. What is your state song?

5. Who founded your state? When?

6. What is your state flower?

7. What is your state bird?

8. What does your state flag look like and what do the symbols on it represent?

9. What is the early history of your state?

10. What are the main sources of agriculture in your state?

11. What are the main industries in your state?

12. What are the predominant religions practiced in your state?

13. What are some of the major cities in your state?

14. What is the capital of your state?

15. Who is the Governor of your state?

16. Who are your State Representatives?

17. What are the main bodies of water in your state?

18. Describe the landscape of yours state? (mountains? flat? mostly rural or city? lakes or rivers?, etc…)

19. What sorts of wildlife are common to your state?

20. Anything you want to add…(more information, write a poem, attach pictures, etc…)

CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the State History project, and hopefully have learned some fun and interesting things about ____________________!

FOR YOU TO PRINT AND USE!

POETRY TEMPLATE

Here's a nice "prompt" exercise to let your students "try their hand" at poetry.
The first words of each line are given, and they are to fill in the rest of each line with their own personal thoughts. (There is no right or wrong here...it's about whatever comes through their heart when they think of the prompts). You can read the one my son composed on the OUR TURN page here at DAILY BLESSINGS. Feel free to copy and print this template...and share as many as you like with friends!
(We'd also LOVE to see your finished piece if your child would like to share it with us!)
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I AM A BOY

I am a boy..._______________________________________________________
I wonder...________________________________________________________
I hear...__________________________________________________________
I see...___________________________________________________________
I want...__________________________________________________________
I am a boy..._______________________________________________________

I pretend...________________________________________________________
I feel...___________________________________________________________
I touch...__________________________________________________________
I worry...__________________________________________________________
I cry...____________________________________________________________
I am boy..._________________________________________________________

I understand...______________________________________________________
I say...____________________________________________________________
I dream...__________________________________________________________
I try...____________________________________________________________
I hope...___________________________________________________________
I am a boy...________________________________________________________
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I AM A GIRL

I am a girl..._______________________________________________________
I wonder...________________________________________________________
I hear...__________________________________________________________
I see...___________________________________________________________
I want...__________________________________________________________
I am a girl..._______________________________________________________

I pretend...________________________________________________________
I feel...___________________________________________________________
I touch...__________________________________________________________
I worry...__________________________________________________________
I cry...____________________________________________________________
I am girl..._________________________________________________________

I understand...______________________________________________________
I say...____________________________________________________________
I dream...__________________________________________________________
I try...____________________________________________________________
I hope...___________________________________________________________
I am a girl...________________________________________________________

BOOK REVIEW FORM

Here's a template for you to print and use at home!

It's a simple "book review" for students who are learning the concept of writing thoughts pertaining to a book they've read...but who have not yet mastered the idea of writing a full analysis.
Copy and paste into a word document...and then PRINT!
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Book Review Form

Name:_____________________
Grade:_____________________
Date:______________________

The title of the book I read is: _________________________________

It was written by: _________________________________________

The book's genre is: ________________________________________

The main characters in the story are: ____________________________

_______________________________________________________

The main events of the story are as follows: _________________________

________________________________________________________

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_______________________________________________________________

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I liked/did not like this book because: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENT!

Let's test for solubility!

Supplies:

four clear glasses
measuring spoons
spoon for stirring
3 T each: rice, sugar, salt, and sand or dirt

Instructions:

Fill glasses with water, leaving enough room so as not to spill when stirred
Add rice to first glass and stir vigorously for one minute (did it dissolve?)
Do the same with the others, leaving the salt for last

Now add the salt...notice that the crystals go to the bottom of the glass
Stir for about two minutes, until completely dissolved
Ask student: Do you think there is still salt in that water?
Taste and see!
Now take about 2 T of the salt solution and place on a saucer, setting it on a windowsill until all water evaporates (probably taking a few days)
NOTICE WHAT IS LEFT IN THE SAUCER AFTER THE WATER IS GONE!!!!!!!

NOTE: This experiment was taken from Science 2 for Little Folks by Nancy Nicholson ...It is available through Catholic Heritage Curricula...visit their catalogue website:http://www.chcweb.com/catalog/

ANOTHER COOL SCIENCE PROJECT!

My friend SAHMinIL over at Catholic Christian Homeschooling Blog

has posted a REALLY neat science project that she learned while watching a PBS show with her kids. The project is called "Planting Socks"...

You just GOTTA' go read it so that you can TRY it!

I told her that my fear is that CERTAIN of my kids' socks would grow WITHOUT taking the specified hike first, LOL!!!

Go check it out!

CLICK HERE!

PAINTING WITH CRYSTALS!

My good friend Haley, whom you can find here:

http://mymommykissestheprincipal.blogspot.com/

has a GREAT recipe for a cool science project...you can make crystals and use the mixture to PAINT PICTURES!!!!

Click the link above to visit My Mommy Kisses the Principal for instructions to this very fun activity!

GREAT SITE FOR STUDY OF FRONTIER DAYS!

If you are studying early Appalachia, Frontier Days, Kentucky, Native Americans, etc...this site is FANTASTIC, and FILLED with activities, ideas, link, and resources to enrich your learning. We are reading Rebecca Caudill's, Tree of Freedom, and have found MANY worthwhile things on this site to add to our lessons!

http://www.frazierarmsmuseum.org/pdf/KY%20-%20Teacher%20Resource%20Guide.pdf

HELPFUL TIPS, LINKS,AND IDEAS FOR THE HOME

TEN TINY TIPS TO TRY!

1) Don't throw away those empty cereal boxes! Open the bottom and flatten out the box, then keep a stack of them in your art supply cabinet or area. These really come in handy for various crafts where a bit of cardboard is needed! You can also cut out a large circle and use it as a paint palette!

2) Organize ALL of that wonderful artwork...if you're like us, you find yourself SWIMMING in drawings, sketches, paintings, and more...We solved this by keeping two folders (the large, envelope-style expandable kind) per child on file. One folder holds the current year's artwork, and the other holds PAST years' artwork...Obviously we can't save every single drawing...but this allows you to keep a lot, while also cutting down the clutter of random pictures lying all over the house.

3) Hang a bulletin board to display the most special items...be it drawings, essay, poems, or other projects...this keeps things in one neat place...and still brings attention to and celebrates your children's wonderful work!

4) Need somewhere for the Little's clothes, but have no more room for another dresser? Try a small three-drawer plastic storage bin (the kind on wheels...we take the wheels off) placed INSIDE a closet!!! These are just the right size for a small child's clothes, and low enough to the ground so that items can still be hung above it in the closet! No space was used up in the bedroom, and LOTS of money saved by not buying a new dresser! (We have four girls in one of our rooms...the two olders share a "real" dresser" and the two Littles each have one of these plastic drawer sets in the closet). And, if clothes are not the problem, these work well for storing TOYS too!

5) Need some fire starters? Save an empty cardboard egg carton. Shred some old newspaper into tiny slivers and fill each compartment of the carton. Pour melted wax paraffin over each filled section, and let cool. Now, when you need a fire starter, you simply snap off one little part of the egg carton...they work beautifully! (This is also a perfect craft for an older scout troop or
4 H club that can work with the paraffin under adult supervision !)

6) Make your own baby food? Store it in the freezer in ice-cube trays...when needed, pop out a cube and thaw or warm...it's the perfect serving size for a baby!

7) Tripping over shoes all day? Place a large storage bin inside your hall or foyer closet! It's easily accessible for the kids to grab their shoes when needed, and keeps them all in one location to cut down on that shoe clutter!

8) (I haven't tried this one yet...but am eager...if you try it, let me know how it works please!)
Start saving banana peels in your freezer now for spring. When planting tomatoes, first dig a little deeper than normal, and line the dirt with the peels spread out and the insides of the peels facing up. Plant tomatoes as usual. I read in an insert for Taste of Home Magazine (http://www.tasteofhome.com/) that this produces robust, healthy, fruitful tomato plants!

9) Have several students close in age, and trying to keep up with their individual lessons? Group them together for general subjects like Religion, History, Science, Geography, etc... Present ONE lesson to the group, and then give age-appropriate activities and assignments. My kids LOVE this and it has saved SO much time and energy. I HIGHLY recommend it!

10) Out of candles and don't like aerosol sprays? Sprinkle a little cinnamon and clove powder into a small pot of water and simmer for a few hours...your house will smell WONDERFUL. (But be careful, because a tired hungry husband might come home thinking there is a delicious home-baked treat nearby...better have one ready just in case! LOL)

FAMILY ALTAR

This is a very easy and nice way to help us call to mind our unity as a Christian family, and our sense of living a prayerful life in our homes.

Choose an area that is easily and frequently seen, (a small corner by the front door perhaps, or an area in a main room such as the living or dining room).

Place a table, shelf, or buffet-type piece of furniture in your designated spot to use as the altar.
(If there is room on the wall above, you could hang a cross or picture of Jesus)

Upon the table, put items which reflect your family's prayer and spirit. (On our altar we have a lace cloth, on which we've placed the Bible, a framed prayer written by my husband, some candles, a statue of Jesus, a small picture of the Blessed Mother, a small wooden statue of our parish, and a few small pictures of some Saints)...there is no right or wrong here...only the keeping in mind that the items which you put on the altar should be reflective of your faith, your spirit, and your prayer.

If you are putting a cloth, or runner, on your altar, you can change this in color throughout the year to match different seasons, holy days, and holidays.

Your family altar will be lovely to look at, as well as a nice, outward sign that emphasizes Joshua's Scripture: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"... (You could even frame THAT and place it on your altar!)

In our home, this is where we gather each night for bed-time prayers as a family. We also come together here when we have need for special prayer intentions. But, even if you don't normally all kneel together as a family when you pray, just HAVING this small family altar in the home is a calming, joyful way to remind yourselves that you are "a family of God" each day.

SAVE THOSE DOLLARS!!!

Have you ever considered making your own laundry detergent and other household cleaners rather than purchasing them at a store?

REALLY! It's not as difficult as it might sound, and the rewards of money-saving are GREAT!

Currently, I make my family's own laundry detergent, "windex" style cleaner, and baby wipes...I also make bucket cleaners for large jobs like scrubbing walls.

Crystal Miller, over at: http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/homemaking.htm
has a PLETHORA of recipes, tips, ideas, and instructions for making household cleaners, as well as MANY other topics of interest. When her page opens, scroll about half way down, and you'll find a link for the cleaners.

Once you know the recipes, these things take merely 10 minutes or less to make...older children can easily take on the task if you can't get to it...and it is very gratifying to know that things you are making yourself are helping to keep your family's home clean AND saving those hard-earned dollars for other things!

GIVE IT A TRY!

SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES!

Trying to save money while grocery shopping?

We have cut over $100 per week out of our grocery bill by splitting our shopping among several stores.

At first, this sounds simply like an inconvenience, but in the end, it is really worth the time, gas, and "getting in and out of the car" once you see how much you can save!

Look in your area for a "budget bakery" or "discount bread" store. (That is, if you don't already make your own breads). We are able to get 100% Sarah Lee Whole Wheat (and other healthy) bread for .75 per loaf!!! And it is NOT expired! I can get bagels, crackers, buns, and bread at these stores for the price that I'd pay for the bread ALONE at the grocery store.

Next, make use of your local Dollar Tree...We can purchase our toothpaste, toiletries, napkins, dish soaps, and some dry goods here for $1.00 an item! THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAVINGS.

If you have an Aldi near you, it's worth going there for milk, produce and some other items like condiments, cereal, apple juice, etc...we buy ten gallons of milk at a time here for 2.29 a gallon...which is almost HALF the price of the milk at the grocery store.

Once finished at these two stores, I then take what's left on my list, and complete my shopping trip at the grocery store.

(I use a shopping list, and a prewritten menu for the week ahead)

Even though it DOES take up a bit more of your time since you are going to 3-4 stores instead of one...it is WORTH it when you save over $100 a week (and that's INCLUDING gas money) on groceries!!

HATS, COATS, and BOOTS GALORE!

We have FINALLY worked out an organized system to keep control over the seemingly endless heaps of boots, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and other winter apparel !!!

Since we have a LOT of mud where we live in the woods (especially when snow is melting)...things can get out of hand quickly if people are tramping through the house wearing their snow clothes...

We made it a rule that the basement door must be used for coming and going when playing outside...(of course, that part will only work if you HAVE a basement door)...
Right inside that door, we lined the whole wall with nails spaced about 5-6 inches apart.
Each child has been given a nail on which their snow pants, coat, and scarf get hung. Directly under their nail, they place THEIR boots...
This has helped IMMENSELY in the chaotic search for whose snow pants are whose and "I CAN'T FIND MY COAT" dilemmas common to winter days around here!

Near the door, we have placed a large plastic tote bin...and this is where all hats and gloves are to be kept when dry...gloves MUST be in a matching pair to go into the bin...single gloves stay out until the mate is found. (If you wanted to be even further organized, you could have a separate container for each child's gloves and hat, but this way is working fine for us)

It doesn't matter who uses which nail, as long as only ONE person's things are on the nail, with boots underneath.

My husband is thrilled that there isn't a myriad of items strewn all over the basement floor, and the kids seem to like having all of their belongings in one place!

SWAPS!

Two of my ingenious friends came up with these creative and fun ways to rid our homes of clutter as far as clothing and toys, help others, and acquire needed items for ourselves!

1) CLOTHING SWAP

The only prerequisite to taking part is that you bring a bag of clothes to donate...you are then free to "shop" and take home as many clothes as you like!!!

Have a group of moms volunteer to come and set up tables with donated bags of clothing(these can be collected in advance, or brought straight to the swap a few hours before opening) according to size and gender (newborn table, girls 2-4T, boys 8- 10, etc...)
You may include mom and dad clothing (or maternity clothing) if you like!

Moms are then invited to come and "shop" during the designated hours...and, as stated above, as long as you donated something, you may take home as many items as you need.

2) TOY SWAP

Same basic idea as above...but Moms were invited to bring children along to this one so that they may "shop" for Christmas gifts for their siblings!

All left over items are donated to local charity.

You can do this with books or curricula as well!

LAUNDRY HELP!

After years of just trying to keep up, we have developed an organized laundry system that really works nicely.

In our laundry room, we have a posted schedule.

There is no laundry on Sundays.

For every other day of the week, we have listed pairs of names (except for two days, when there is only ONE name listed on each day)

Beginning on Mondays, only the laundry for the TWO LISTED NAMES is done...if it gets done early, then someone else may add some laundry to that day.

Each day of the week, the laundry for the listed two people is washed, dried, folded, and put away (don't start picturing perfection here...OF COURSE there are days when that doesn't work out...but it DOES work out, more than it doesn't...so that's GOOD).

In our house, we have

Mondays: two girls
Tuesdays: two girls
Wednesdays: one boy (learning to do his own laundry)
Thursdays: one girl (who does her own laundry)
Fridays: mom and dad
Saturdays: two boys

Note: towels, sheets, blankets, rags, coats, etc...are simply "worked in" as needed, either in the evenings, in between the scheduled loads, or in the free time if someone's laundry gets done early.

This system keeps the clothes fairly organized (you're only working with two people's at a time...and I do one Big with one Little, so it's easy to tell whose is whose),
and it leaves Sunday for the Day of Rest.

It's also an incentive for people to get their clothes into the hamper...because if they have an item they want to wear, and it's not there on their given day...then it is not getting washed until the next week (unless free time opens up and they wash it then)

True, we still have the washer going six days a week...but it's really not that bad and it has helped us to keep on top of things in this area!

GREAT GARDENING SITE FOR KIDS!

Visit this link for a WONDERFUL site to teach kids all about gardening (it teaches MOMS too!)...from planting, to fertilizing, to bugs, and care, this is a GREAT resource or science project! (It is actually a sub-page on a website for HEIDI, by Johanna Spyri!)

http://www.copper-tree.ca/garden/index.html

FREEBIES!

If you like this cute grocery list above, you can get some for yourself...FREE!

Along with the list, you'll find many other FREE items that you can download/print such as: Thank You Cards, Business Cards, Letterhead, Invitations, Birthday Cards, Certificates, and more!

Visit: http://www.easyfreeprintables.com/

And, for LOTS of free samples, visit:

FOR OTHER GREAT IDEAS, LINKS, RESOURCES, and FREEBIES,

VISIT Exploring Womanhood

http://www.exploringwomanhood.com/homelife/ideas/pom-jan09.htm

AND DEBBIE (from the Homeschool Lounge) at her blog:

http://homemade-school.blogspot.com/2009/02/some-ideas-i-use-for-younger-kids.html

FUN FAMILY CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

HOME MADE SHRINKY DINKS!

My dd recently learned how to make SHRINKY DINKS from salad bar containers!!! (I suppose if you know what Shrinky Dinks are, it will tell your age, LOL).

Anyway, visit dd's blog to learn how!
http://mama-rambles-on.blogspot.com/2009/02/things-begin-to-settle.html

FAMILY RACE DAY!

With Spring right around the corner, it's time to start planning some fun, outdoor activities for our families!

Why not host a "FAMILY RACE DAY" ?

We began this originally at the request of our dd (who was about 5 at the time)...she LOVED to run races, and was eager to race someone other than her brothers and sisters...

We sent out fliers, with date, time, and a few details. We invited each family to bring their own picnic supper.

We decorated with colored flags and finish lines...balloons, streamers, etc...and we also purchased some small trinkets for prizes...one family donated some plastic "medals" that can be bought in bulk from places like http://www.orientaltrading.com/

We split the kids into age groups once the races began...every runner received a medal, and the first, second, and third place winners got an extra little something.

The BIG FINALE RACE was the BEST part of the day: THE DADDIES RACE!!!
I can STILL hear the screaming and cheering from the kids AND the wives!

This year, we are going to add different TYPES of races...like "wheelbarrow", "three-legged", and sponge relays (each runner dips a sponge into water, runs to an empty bucket, squeezes it in, runs back and hands off sponge....the winning team is the one with the most water in the bucket at the end!)

There were FREEZE POPS all around to enjoy after everyone was hot and thirsty...and the rest of the day was spent having a picnic,playing, getting squirted with the hose, and reliving the day's exciting events!

So go ahead! Get started on YOUR "FAMILY RACE DAY" fliers....and begin a NEW ANNUAL TRADITION in YOUR yard!

NEAT LITTLE CRAFT MOBILE!

This is from Seton Curriculum's "Art 3" book.

All that's needed is:

paper plates
scissors
paints
thumb tack or pin
marker

Have the kids paint the paper plate in any design they'd like. Since the finished product will be a "snake" mobile, they might like to paint the plate in a "snakey" pattern. Let that side dry, then paint the other and let dry as well.

With the marker, draw a spiral circle starting in the center and working all the way to the outer edge of the plate.
Cut off a small strip or portion of the plate from the outer edge...perhaps 2 1/2 inches long, and an inch into the plate.
Now start cutting along the marker line, and continue cutting around the spiral until you reach the center of the plate.
Take hold of that center piece and "lift it out" or "pull it up" out of the center of the plate.
Draw to "eyes" on the bottom tip of the "snake".
Use the tack/pin to hang it from your child's bedroom ceiling. (You could attach a string if you want it to hang down lower)

HOME MADE PLAY-DOUGH FOR "inside" DAYS!

My kids LOVE this dough recipe because it keeps for a long time if you seal it well in baggies.

(We've also used empty play-dough containers, and that works well too!)

Ingredients:

1 C flour
1/2 C salt
2 t cream of tartar
1 T oil
1 C boiling water
food coloring of choice

(multiply recipe to suit family size...I usually double and that gives everyone a small ball)

Instructions: Mix first four ingredients, add water and stir until ball forms....knead in color!

NOTE: food coloring does makes messy hands...but for ADDED fun...we love to let the kids make "surprise" dough! To do this, I make a hole in the center of the dough ball....squirt in some drops of food color, and gently fold the dough back up....then I let the kids start squeezing and kneading that ball of dough and it turns color right before their eyes! They LOVE the surprise of finding out what color they've gotten!

COFFEE FILTER BUTTERFLIES!

This is an EASY craft, and really brightens up a room! (We have them hanging all around our classroom at home!)

Supplies Needed:

coffee filters

water color paints/brushes

clothespins (the hinged kind)

Instructions:

Have each child paint the coffee filter in their own creative way

Let Dry

Pinch the coffee filter from the center sides toward the middle and clip with the clothespin

VOILA! You are finished!

MAKE YOUR OWN GEL CANDLES

EASY AND FUN!

http://www.exploringwomanhood.com/homelife/ideas/pom-jan09.htm

A YOUNG LADY'S CRAFT

Monday, February 9, 2009

THE NOTEBOOK

Here is a wonderful idea (restoring a custom from long ago when the "lady of the house" kept one of these, and passed it on to younger generations). We found this idea in a nice little book entitled, "Tea and Cake With the Saints" (click "My Book Corner" in the left hand column of this blog to read more about this lovely little book).

This craft is for yourself, or for a "young lady" in the house (my 13 year daughter is making one currently).

Needed items for this craft:

A binder or scrapbook (preferably with plastic page protectors)
stickers, or scrap-booking type decals, cut-outs, and accessories
markers, pencils, or perhaps even paints
scissors, glue and/or tape
a nice ink pen or permanent marker or calligraphy pen
any other item you wish to use to decorate

Instructions:

This "notebook" is meant to be kept on-hand, and gradually developed and added to over time (even years!).
You (or your dd) can divide it into sections (with tabs) for any categories you'd like to include.
Some ideas for categories are:
recipes, personal thoughts/journal, poems, decorating ideas and photos, budgeting information, organizing tips and ideas, party theme ideas, holy day custom and traditions, etc...

Over time, you or your dd can write, cut-out, draw, take photos, etc...various items to add to the notebook. The style is left to the individual imagination...some might like to hand write all recipes, some might like to print them from a computer, some might like to cut them out of magazines...some might like to do ALL of these things....the development of the pages is entirely up to YOU!

As time goes on, you can decorate and add to each page, compiling years of ideas and suggestions and memories of successful crafts, meals, and plans.

This can remain a keepsake for yourself...or be intended to pass on to a daughter, or younger sister, or daughter-in-law, etc...(if it's passed on...the new owner can begin to add her OWN things and do the same in future years!)

I really liked this idea... and I'd love to hear about your notebooks!

FUN CRAFT FOR ALL AGES!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

ELBOW MACARONI ART

Here's a fun and easy craft to do with kids of all ages!

Supplies: white card-stock, a permanent marker, elbow macaroni, crayons, colored pencils, (or markers for those daring families...we don't do markers with so many Littles in the house!), and glue

Begin by drawing a picture with a permanent marker on plain, white cardstock.
(Vary the degree of detail according to age: a simple butterfly or balloon or house for younger children; a scene for older children)

Have the kids color the picture

(Older children can complete the next part on their own, Littles might need some assistance)

Using glue, begin to outline all of the forms in the picture, covering only 2-3 inches at a time.
Place pieces of elbow macaroni along the glue line. Then, continue on covering the next 2-3 inches, and filling in, until all of the images in the picture are outlined! (Some kids like to "fill in" certain spots of the picture, for instance, instead of just outlining the sunshine, they'll fill in the entire circle shape with macaroni...let the kids decide how their picture will look!)

My children absolutely love this craft and we enjoy it often...sometimes with a holiday or seasonal theme, such as turkey pictures for Thanksgiving, or flowers for Springtime...the possibilities are endless!
We like to hang them at intermittent spots all through the house art-gallery style!

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER ACTIVITIES

Visit the following link to learn how to make Resurrection Cookies!

This is a wonderful activity incorporating the reading of appropriate Scriptures that tell the story of Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection, with baking cookies...using ingredients and actions that symbolize the different parts of the story. REALLY WORTH YOUR WHILE!