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1. <?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921</id><updated>2024-03-16T13:52:43.967-05:00</updated><category term="recipe"/><category term="desserts"/><category term="dessert"/><category term="tips"/><category term="crafts"/><category term="entree"/><category term="hints"/><category term="soups"/><category term="babyfood"/><category term="breakfast"/><category term="appetizer"/><category term="entrees"/><category term="hint"/><category term="sneak a zucchini porch day"/><category term="soup"/><category term="August 8"/><category term="National Zucchini Day"/><category 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term="no pectin peaches"/><category term="no snacking for kids"/><category term="no time for mom"/><category term="oatmeal cookies"/><category term="oatmeal raisin cookies"/><category term="one pot dish"/><category term="oreo"/><category term="oreo recipe"/><category term="organic baby"/><category term="outside games"/><category term="pasta for babies"/><category term="peach cobbler"/><category term="peach cobbler recipe"/><category term="peach preserves"/><category term="photo memory craft"/><category term="pink eye"/><category term="pipe cleaner spinders"/><category term="pompom spiders"/><category term="potatoes for babies"/><category term="pound cake"/><category term="preschool activities"/><category term="princess cake"/><category term="project for valentines"/><category term="pumpkin cake"/><category term="pumpkin recipe"/><category term="recipes"/><category term="recipes for babies"/><category term="recipes tuna"/><category term="replace pasta salad"/><category term="resignation letter for a teacher"/><category term="robot"/><category term="romantic"/><category term="romantic anniversary gifts"/><category term="salad"/><category term="salmon"/><category term="salmon recipe"/><category term="scrapbooking"/><category term="sewing"/><category term="sewing made easy"/><category term="sock puppets"/><category term="stand up lamb cake"/><category term="stay at home  mom"/><category term="stay at home mom"/><category term="strawberry lady bug"/><category term="stuffed green peppers"/><category term="stuffed vegetable"/><category term="sugar cookie recipe"/><category term="sugar cookies"/><category term="sugar cookies for kid birthday party"/><category term="summer dessert"/><category term="summer salad"/><category term="sweet baby smell"/><category term="sweet salmon"/><category term="t-rex cake"/><category term="tea cakes"/><category term="tea quote"/><category term="the choice to stay at home with my kids"/><category term="thirty-one"/><category term="thoughtful gifts"/><category term="time goes so fast"/><category term="toddler valentines"/><category term="toddlers"/><category term="toddlers has pink eye"/><category term="tottler dress"/><category term="train birthday cake"/><category term="treat bag"/><category term="treats kids"/><category term="tuna"/><category term="tuna casserole"/><category term="tuna noddle casserole"/><category term="turkey pot pie"/><category term="valentine ideas"/><category term="valentines"/><category term="vanilla milk shake"/><category term="veggie wrap for kids"/><category term="vegtable pizza for kids"/><category term="what to pack for the hospital when having a baby"/><category term="wilton lamb"/><category term="wilton lamb cake pan"/><category term="yogurt"/><category term="yoplait"/><category term="yummy chicken soup"/><category term="zucchini bread recipe"/><title type='text'>Mommy Plus Two</title><subtitle type='html'>A blog dedicated to kids, food and living life.  Here on the pages of Mommy Plus Two, you will find recipes, tips, hints and authentic observations of the successes and failures of being a mom.</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/-/crafts'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/search/label/crafts'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>11</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-8233082841426937340</id><published>2013-02-12T13:58:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2013-02-12T15:39:35.449-06:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="kid crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="project for valentines"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Swedish fish"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="toddler valentines"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="valentine ideas"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="valentines"/><title type='text'>Easy Valentine&#39;s ... Swedish Fish Bowls</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
2. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBkXaB04R7i-CaqF-IHV4c6kVsPr-8GgUdNwjkuMyFBaIOnEveY_BRpnQxs3BITgAAsB8cydxzFKWIgPeax1UY5nmKA9zZqrQMYXFneF3QQZQUiNNIPHLtQk125b2nidTDHLYtzQYUDrM/s1600/P1030527_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBkXaB04R7i-CaqF-IHV4c6kVsPr-8GgUdNwjkuMyFBaIOnEveY_BRpnQxs3BITgAAsB8cydxzFKWIgPeax1UY5nmKA9zZqrQMYXFneF3QQZQUiNNIPHLtQk125b2nidTDHLYtzQYUDrM/s400/P1030527_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
3. I saw this idea in <i>Family Fun Magazine</i>.  It is super cute and best of all it is super easy.  I created all the parts, and my kids put the Valentine together.  I started this project yesterday afternoon and finished a couple hours later.  You know what part took the longest?  Finding Swedish Fish.  I went to three stores.  So if you know where to locate these yummy gummy fish, the project itself is fast and fun for the kids.<br />
4. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtcxSMvH5lBfyVdc9BLxc-iGyp2bG9SYZjUkuVFIFQB357xZOFFgatAlYny1zdgzbtDbGErN_im3HACq1RyrteyAhjNZtdZN_wgSX4bxbxjABqOG3R75ZONfEZleaAyCB0LLWt_f_V4_n/s1600/P1030518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtcxSMvH5lBfyVdc9BLxc-iGyp2bG9SYZjUkuVFIFQB357xZOFFgatAlYny1zdgzbtDbGErN_im3HACq1RyrteyAhjNZtdZN_wgSX4bxbxjABqOG3R75ZONfEZleaAyCB0LLWt_f_V4_n/s400/P1030518.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
6. <br />
7. <b><i><u>Items to gather before you start:</u></i></b><br />
8. <br />
9. <b>blue card stock, or blue construction paper, or blue paper</b><br />
10. <b>small clear treat baggies</b><br />
11. <b>Swedish Fish (gummy fish)</b><br />
12. <b>marker</b><br />
13. <b>something to tie the baggies with (ribbon, twisties, string etc...)</b><br />
14. <b>regular scissors </b><br />
15. <b>scissors that cut with a curvy edge or regular scissors (you have to cut the waves by hand - up and down with your scissors)</b><br />
16. <br />
17. <br />
18. <br />
19. <i><span style="font-size: large;">Depending on how old your kids are they can help with the entire process. I have a four year old and a two year old, so they couldn't join in on the fun until step three.</span></i><br />
20. <div>
21. <i><br /></i></div>
22. <br />
23. <br />
24. <b><i><u>First Step:</u></i></b><br />
25. <br />
26. Cut the blue paper a bit shorter than the width of the clear baggies so it fits inside.  And only about half has tall as the baggie; you have to leave enough room to use the ribbon or twistie to close the baggie. After you have all the little blue squares cut, cut the top of the blue paper with the curvy scissors or use the regular scissors in an up and down fashion to create the appearance of a wave.  This is going to be the water background for the fish.<br />
27. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
28. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HXQD5ccYMsIRL17LQ71Rf7R-4EQkXS-jBUhOiOJ1BK8VJmCa6gltA2ePqYyfHXVCFoosCMSL2SG6P4IYF7F9cmqfEd9v6kli0sZ9AGL3hXx_jf98Vjs0Q7_2NDj2Mrw5ShsHlFotffXG/s1600/P1030529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HXQD5ccYMsIRL17LQ71Rf7R-4EQkXS-jBUhOiOJ1BK8VJmCa6gltA2ePqYyfHXVCFoosCMSL2SG6P4IYF7F9cmqfEd9v6kli0sZ9AGL3hXx_jf98Vjs0Q7_2NDj2Mrw5ShsHlFotffXG/s400/P1030529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
29. <b><i><u>Second Step:</u></i></b><br />
30. <br />
31. Write on the wavy water background you just created.  The suggestions from <i>Family Fun Magazine</i> are:<br />
32. <b>I am glad you are in my school, It's ofFISHial - you're awsome, and I FISH you were mine</b>.  So cute with the fish at the bottom of the "bowl" aka baggie.  I added a heart and my child's name.<br />
33. <br />
34. <b><i><u>Third Step:</u></i></b><br />
35. <br />
36. This is when my kids joined the process.  I set the project up like a little assembly line; they loved it.  They put the water (blue paper) in the fish bowl (clear baggie) and then put five fish in the bowl on the same side as the little note I wrote about being in "school together."  And lastly, they placed their small Valentine on the backside of the water.  And I tied the bowl (clear baggie) closed.  It was a great afternoon project.  It used various skills: listening to directions, following the process, and counting. <br />
37. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
38. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHOFB4shyphenhyphen0D1LmAKP2j3bWAxqY25b3nly_L4zBm7WlVjAL1EFpZ57RRVB_9UYYQPqNPw8uxgo229ERj0rYhTlfxwC8V9GD5TldeC_chO-JKFtzPzfzClpmKi0iHVAjqpu1ZSz5IH6GGkx/s1600/P1030562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHOFB4shyphenhyphen0D1LmAKP2j3bWAxqY25b3nly_L4zBm7WlVjAL1EFpZ57RRVB_9UYYQPqNPw8uxgo229ERj0rYhTlfxwC8V9GD5TldeC_chO-JKFtzPzfzClpmKi0iHVAjqpu1ZSz5IH6GGkx/s320/P1030562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
39. <br />
40. And the best part is it looks special even though it didn't take must time or money to add something to the simple Valentine card.<br />
41. <br />
42. <div style="text-align: center;">
43. <b><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks again Family Fun!
44.  
45. </span></b></div>
46. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
47. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIs6X_FaprBCZysuWR5pY-Au9xVfvhFmRNF49O4tCMo85iKcMNtKq6ZcJJxNiHtmeX3KSxR2x0sthBWib8pYVQJGq6ODccSuszJMWarOBzj-RLuC5IzgMi7UlJqxREfdK_BL5ntXPSHCB/s1600/P1030557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIs6X_FaprBCZysuWR5pY-Au9xVfvhFmRNF49O4tCMo85iKcMNtKq6ZcJJxNiHtmeX3KSxR2x0sthBWib8pYVQJGq6ODccSuszJMWarOBzj-RLuC5IzgMi7UlJqxREfdK_BL5ntXPSHCB/s400/P1030557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
48. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/8233082841426937340/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2013/02/easy-valentines-swedish-fish-bowls.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/8233082841426937340'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/8233082841426937340'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2013/02/easy-valentines-swedish-fish-bowls.html' title='Easy Valentine&#39;s ... Swedish Fish Bowls'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBkXaB04R7i-CaqF-IHV4c6kVsPr-8GgUdNwjkuMyFBaIOnEveY_BRpnQxs3BITgAAsB8cydxzFKWIgPeax1UY5nmKA9zZqrQMYXFneF3QQZQUiNNIPHLtQk125b2nidTDHLYtzQYUDrM/s72-c/P1030527_2.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-4334609337793431358</id><published>2012-11-01T10:29:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2012-11-13T07:25:55.557-06:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="craft"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Halloween craft"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Halloween memory"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hints"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="kids crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="photo memory craft"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tips"/><title type='text'>Halloween Photo Memory Tree</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
49. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu3BuoN1P4Vl-0Sz_olzEKiqMzTOZKM5z-VXqi4jCD9aMle58MEB6twPDdseh7mCBTh1hs5-_42cdGYtoOpvtXHpakrTmI9O9PrlWo1ZOEb8fkEnvHTGNiXLNxoySY7yymfqPShGx25Kg/s1600/P1020886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu3BuoN1P4Vl-0Sz_olzEKiqMzTOZKM5z-VXqi4jCD9aMle58MEB6twPDdseh7mCBTh1hs5-_42cdGYtoOpvtXHpakrTmI9O9PrlWo1ZOEb8fkEnvHTGNiXLNxoySY7yymfqPShGx25Kg/s400/P1020886.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
50. <br />
51. <br />
52. Ever since I was a kid, my mom puts up this cute white branch Halloween tree.  She hangs white light on it and places it near a black caldron with cob webs coming out.  It is very festive.  I always liked it. Since I have had kids, I have looked to buy something similar.  This year I found a tree, a bit larger than I had in mind, at Micheaes.  It is black with purple LED lights.  It can be used outside or inside. I was excited because I got it for 50% off -- which is always nice.  The best part is how I decorated it. I took a picture from kids' past Halloweens, at this point that isn't a lot of pictures, and glued each picture on some felt.  Leaving enough felt along the edges to write in marker the year the picture was taken and put a hole punch on the top.  Through the hole, I put ribbon -- cute Halloween ornaments right?  I even put a few pictures up of my husband and I from Hallos past.  The tree turned out cute, and I look forward to watching the ornament collection grow throughout the years.  I have to say that the kids love stopping and looking at themselves and showing guests when they arrive.<br />
53. <br />
54. <div style="text-align: center;">
55. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Halloween 2012.</b></span></div>
56. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/4334609337793431358/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/11/halloween-photo-memory-tree.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/4334609337793431358'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/4334609337793431358'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/11/halloween-photo-memory-tree.html' title='Halloween Photo Memory Tree'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu3BuoN1P4Vl-0Sz_olzEKiqMzTOZKM5z-VXqi4jCD9aMle58MEB6twPDdseh7mCBTh1hs5-_42cdGYtoOpvtXHpakrTmI9O9PrlWo1ZOEb8fkEnvHTGNiXLNxoySY7yymfqPShGx25Kg/s72-c/P1020886.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-4794699891754555662</id><published>2012-08-16T09:29:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2012-11-13T07:31:11.168-06:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="educational toddler activities"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hint"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hints"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="preschool activities"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tip"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tips"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="toddler activities"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Toddlers rainy day activities"/><title type='text'>Toddlers and Rainy-Day Activities</title><content type='html'>&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;It&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; was a rainy day yesterday; I had to come up with several activities to keep the kids&#39; attentions. &amp;nbsp;I know everyone has done this before. &amp;nbsp;This is just a journal of what the day looked like for my kids and me this time.&lt;br /&gt;
57. <br />
58. <b>5:30 am</b><br />
59. Everyone is awake.  I am not saying this with a smile on my face. It is just a fact of life; I am raising farmers for children.  They like to wake with the sun; however, I always lament that I don't have chickens for them to feed.  If I had chickens, at least my kids would have something to do that early in the morning.  Since there are bi-laws against chickens where I live, I tend to relay on the Disney channel that early in the morning.<br />
60. <br />
61. <b>6:15 am</b><br />
62. <b>Breakfast</b><br />
63. Daddy leaves for work, and the kids get instantly hungry watching him driveway.  It always amazes me how dirty the floor gets after oatmeal, pancakes, and fruit. Crumbs and more crumbs -- and two of the three food items cannot even make crumbs.  I have determined kids are just crumb-makers; they can make crumbs out of a banana.<br />
64. <br />
65. <b>7:00 am</b><br />
66. <b>Dress-Up</b><br />
67. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
68. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUpgjBWcEIQYjfVsyBT6ojLtzFpTts_oohT4hAoLIGGzBCMHKbZU8p3-MsIMmk-gY2QvdfWjF5siWEPXdb3jzLbF84A0j3W6E4CF8fCHxTfq3aWJWrtcmZEKBLvK2X1JdzL2A91krTeFt/s1600/P1020518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUpgjBWcEIQYjfVsyBT6ojLtzFpTts_oohT4hAoLIGGzBCMHKbZU8p3-MsIMmk-gY2QvdfWjF5siWEPXdb3jzLbF84A0j3W6E4CF8fCHxTfq3aWJWrtcmZEKBLvK2X1JdzL2A91krTeFt/s320/P1020518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
69. Aidan wants to dress up like a pirate. Madeleiene, Zuzu, wants to do anything he wants to do.  So pirate day it is; the house is immediately filled with Arrrrrs. <b>*mommy/teacher hint: dress-up is great for developing a child's imagination.</b><br />
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79. <b></b>
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82. <b></b>
83. <b>7:15 am </b><br />
84. <b>Science Play</b><br />
85. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
86. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1walJb0-NoJyYDuA4Nqr3RUNlDdVbYri-m3YNtRZdcGMk-LTbl-GSCIlM26qKOY98mDcu1fzyWGkl96z2UkYgiSIMIVBAF62XfZ7dEntaQAigemog-34dn-JtM_ktmOSY45_nvU24KEXQ/s1600/P1020495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1walJb0-NoJyYDuA4Nqr3RUNlDdVbYri-m3YNtRZdcGMk-LTbl-GSCIlM26qKOY98mDcu1fzyWGkl96z2UkYgiSIMIVBAF62XfZ7dEntaQAigemog-34dn-JtM_ktmOSY45_nvU24KEXQ/s200/P1020495.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
87. I set up a fun activity I saw on Pinterest.  Put baking soda in a flat container with sides.  Place a small amount of white vinegar in several small bowls and put a bit of food coloring in each of the bowls.  Place a kid's medicine dropper or a kid's medicine syringe in each bowl. Put your kids in ponchos -- and stand back and watch the fun ensue.  When the colored vinegar hits the baking soda, the chemical reaction is lots of fuzzy colored bubbles.  The kids loved it. Aidan is almost four and it kept him entertained almost an hour and half.  Zuzu is two so it kept her going for about an hour.  Anyway I call that a success.  And at this point, it is ...<br />
88. <br />
89. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
90. <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tnxS2WS4WNRBMcFL39ZrCvEhF2UC0E2fVRS1loXkuKXpHsYv3tSJ9_k9KRkv_NzsS9tJzh6XCukzweTBQbOCXN7IXD1AzeC1ayonabtnLEMSsBJOD08YTo9ZcJQngSJTEPeRkyP3UgnD/s1600/P1020496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tnxS2WS4WNRBMcFL39ZrCvEhF2UC0E2fVRS1loXkuKXpHsYv3tSJ9_k9KRkv_NzsS9tJzh6XCukzweTBQbOCXN7IXD1AzeC1ayonabtnLEMSsBJOD08YTo9ZcJQngSJTEPeRkyP3UgnD/s320/P1020496.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
91. <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>*mommy/teacher hint: this activity is good for teaching cause and effect</b></td></tr>
92. </tbody></table>
93. <b><br /></b>
94. <b><br /></b>
95. <b><br /></b>
96. <b>8:45 am (Only 8:45 am)</b><br />
97. <b>Snack Time</b><br />
98. This past Christmas, my mom bought me an air popcorn machine.  I thought it would be healthier for me and the kids, they would enjoy watching the popcorn pop out of the machine, and I could put olive oil and salt on it.  Another fabulous use for olive oil --- trust me you have to try it.<br />
99. <br />
100. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
101. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdyC8sb8jprZloxlpmYDQbhN45l-rm3MSM5UeHUPSWF7J4V_WyDAsnI7P-S2aK7Z_-BUjXte4_3sapeOlM1N5jVpo6p-ZcEsIjr5Oh3Y__brNod_tY9KGyjNC1JeYscinzZk5NTcRats3/s1600/P1020505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdyC8sb8jprZloxlpmYDQbhN45l-rm3MSM5UeHUPSWF7J4V_WyDAsnI7P-S2aK7Z_-BUjXte4_3sapeOlM1N5jVpo6p-ZcEsIjr5Oh3Y__brNod_tY9KGyjNC1JeYscinzZk5NTcRats3/s320/P1020505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
102. <b>9:30 am </b><br />
103. <b>Cooking Play</b><br />
104. I thought....... only 9:30am..... what to do... what to do.... ? Let's make pudding.  It is easy, it will keep them on a task, and it will give them something to look forward to eating after  dinner.  They were super excited when I told them we were making pudding. They yelled,"Yeaaaaaaa!"  Then Aidan asked, "what is pudding?"  Once again I realize that my highly healthy eating standards have held the kids back a bit on the spectrum of normal American eating habits; I am not saying that is a bad thing -- but I just cannot help but notice. I explain that it was creamy, light, and yummy.  That is all the kids needed to know.  They enjoyed sticking their tiny fingers in the pudding and sampling the yumminess that they were going to endulge in after dinner.<br />
105. <b>*mommy/teacher hint: cooking helps kids learn to follow directions</b><br />
106. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
107. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFMq7cLkWktYvobGyRHklYhWv094jtOFZssAkOBdn2i5W-2Dpoddzhrexnx2wiIvztSsZtRyGNM0VhL_QcryxR8XYSD4-nfk4CXy_e3DxM8q75V_MqyN_2N98pb6OJeJvcr8-7EGfsbTJ/s1600/P1020506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFMq7cLkWktYvobGyRHklYhWv094jtOFZssAkOBdn2i5W-2Dpoddzhrexnx2wiIvztSsZtRyGNM0VhL_QcryxR8XYSD4-nfk4CXy_e3DxM8q75V_MqyN_2N98pb6OJeJvcr8-7EGfsbTJ/s320/P1020506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
108. <br />
109. <b><br /></b>
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119. <b><br /></b>
120. <b><br /></b>
121. <b></b>
122. <b></b>
123. <b>10:30 am</b><br />
124. <b>Reading Time</b> <br />
125. We went up to the kids' rooms and read a bunch of books.  They love taking tuns to pick books out to read.  I am so happy that they have the reading bug; now I just have to keep that momentum going as they continue through their childhood. <b>*mommy/teacher hint: this one is a no-brainer -- reading is wonderful -- teaching kids to appreciate the joy or reading is life changing.</b><br />
126. <br />
127. <b>11:30 am</b><br />
128. <b>Art/Letter Practice/Stamping</b><br />
129. The kids love drawing; most kids love drawing.  They like using those big dot markers, pip-squeak markers, and stamps. I have regular stamps, letter stamps, and stamps that I have made.  I keep those big caps that are on the kid's milk jugs at most restaurants.  Then I glue two of the same foam stickers on the back.  Instant stamps. <b>*mommy/teacher hint: art/ letter stamping inspires creativity and starts kids thinking about and using letters.</b><br />
130. <br />
131. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
132. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZJdainaYUqxHxVcdCVInui5rlQTdIqoqDBwbo3bs6mSnw3oYYPe0NgytUiC8lSjy_RmeQasV7kSAoJL4qoWd5MvAiV4DAgOIGlX-s7AtSsladKVIINwF7WCYMR7WeHNeADBsGzuKTQwj/s1600/P1020519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZJdainaYUqxHxVcdCVInui5rlQTdIqoqDBwbo3bs6mSnw3oYYPe0NgytUiC8lSjy_RmeQasV7kSAoJL4qoWd5MvAiV4DAgOIGlX-s7AtSsladKVIINwF7WCYMR7WeHNeADBsGzuKTQwj/s320/P1020519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
133. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
134. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eVNep8eBWyB_BfmUlYXbByIXbp8RQU6nBcJpN__Yg4u3gprujNYfNNUUP9dHN1KZaPnp_DPXrZB3UMHTWi33mOv7ch70rUAsyDkQzdFJtZqfsnS3Dh3FSOGhB3nIpzBHwnfY3vJ1zebs/s1600/P1020510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eVNep8eBWyB_BfmUlYXbByIXbp8RQU6nBcJpN__Yg4u3gprujNYfNNUUP9dHN1KZaPnp_DPXrZB3UMHTWi33mOv7ch70rUAsyDkQzdFJtZqfsnS3Dh3FSOGhB3nIpzBHwnfY3vJ1zebs/s320/P1020510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
135. <b><br /></b>
136. <b><br /></b>
137. <b><br /></b>
138. <b>12:00 pm</b><br />
139. <b>Lunch Time</b><br />
140. I put on a little good old fashion Tom and Jerry.  Nothing gets the kids attention as two animals going after each other like cat and mouse -- literally.  This wonderful show allows me enough time to make lunch.  Ahhhh it is so quiet that it is almost scary how much attention the kids give to the TV. About 12 pm Nonna stops by to visit and have lunch with me and the kids.  It is always a  treat to have Nonna come by -- the kids squeal with delight when she walks into the kitchen.  She happily sits down and eats with us.<br />
141. <br />
142. <b>1:00</b><br />
143. <b>Nap Time</b><br />
144. Zuzu goes upstairs and after a half hour of fighting her sleepy feelings, she surrenders.  Aidan says he is a big boy now, so he wants to take his nap on the couch in the family room.  Nap time today ... it is so quiet in the house that I hate to even breath too loudly.  Most of the time the kids take naps at different times, which is good and bad.  Good because  I get alone time with each of the kids.  Bad because I don't get any down time for myself.  But soon they will be big and they will not want to spend all their time with me and I will have so much down time that I will not know what to do with it.  So for now -- I don't care about my down time.  But today -- they happen to asleep at the same time.  The quiet house and the sound of the soft falling rain is beautiful.<br />
145. <br />
146. <b>2:00 pm.  At this point, there is still a lot of day left.</b><br />
147. <b>Sorting Game</b><br />
148. This game keeps their attention for awhile.  I bought a large divided dish at the Dollar Store, a bunch of colored pom poms, and a couple of tongs.  I give them some of their bowls.... and they are off and running having a good time.  At first I ask them to follow my directions, put all the blue pom pom here and all the yellow there .... you get the idea.  Then after awhile, they start to create their own plan.  It is amazing to watch how they think and the patterns they see. <b>*mommy/teaching hint: sorting and creating patterns with color is the beginning of mathematical skills, literacy skills, organizational skills.</b><br />
149. <br />
150. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
151. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVP7XIHW_NplRknqtp9uDGyLZuW27huHTTveSRafiSiTcwFdfqpB4PvHgCCdErrwnxPxUtZXv1FVUtP80atUxxuHU-5s1EsSixsChZURq9Oa190gi4VDdLyOT6eNc0yQ0mkLvKyJDRcV3/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVP7XIHW_NplRknqtp9uDGyLZuW27huHTTveSRafiSiTcwFdfqpB4PvHgCCdErrwnxPxUtZXv1FVUtP80atUxxuHU-5s1EsSixsChZURq9Oa190gi4VDdLyOT6eNc0yQ0mkLvKyJDRcV3/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
152. <br />
153. <b>3:30 pm</b><br />
154. <b>Pirate Dress up (again)</b><br />
155. <br />
156. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
157. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLu_6Y09YRV-kHtidqnRLITcE-7SbXcBeNG95nwdUfYqxGC6zzhUVuz9qW_IzCgF2JuFbdPbzyr5yfjNnOEH39jSkVRTeqUlWrgZN6Kc1uVZ6deacR3e0yx7i3wBDTxScjoOsdnLqCTTs/s1600/P1020513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLu_6Y09YRV-kHtidqnRLITcE-7SbXcBeNG95nwdUfYqxGC6zzhUVuz9qW_IzCgF2JuFbdPbzyr5yfjNnOEH39jSkVRTeqUlWrgZN6Kc1uVZ6deacR3e0yx7i3wBDTxScjoOsdnLqCTTs/s320/P1020513.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
158. <br />
159. <b>4:00 pm</b><br />
160. <b>Mommy starts to make dinner</b><br />
161. The rest of the day is filled with playing in the family room, basement, and mommy making dinner.<br />
162. <br />
163. <b>After dinner, it is bath time, reading time, snuggle time......whoooooo.... bed time.</b><br />
164. <b><br /></b>
165. <b>Hope tomorrow is not rainy; cannot wait to get outside and play on the swing set.</b><br />
166. &lt;br /&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/4794699891754555662/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/08/toddlers-and-rainy-day-activities.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/4794699891754555662'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/4794699891754555662'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/08/toddlers-and-rainy-day-activities.html' title='Toddlers and Rainy-Day Activities'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUpgjBWcEIQYjfVsyBT6ojLtzFpTts_oohT4hAoLIGGzBCMHKbZU8p3-MsIMmk-gY2QvdfWjF5siWEPXdb3jzLbF84A0j3W6E4CF8fCHxTfq3aWJWrtcmZEKBLvK2X1JdzL2A91krTeFt/s72-c/P1020518.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-1208841161845255399</id><published>2012-08-10T15:36:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2012-08-14T06:37:54.507-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="August 8"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="desserts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="National Zucchini Day"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sneak a zucchini porch day"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="zucchini bread recipe"/><title type='text'>Zucchini Bread</title><content type='html'>August 8th is National Zucchini Day (aka &quot;sneak a zucchini on your friend&#39;s porch day&quot;); this day was established by Tom Roy a Pennsylvanian who thought it was a good way to spread out the overwhelming amounts of squash being harvested at this time of year. &amp;nbsp;Tom Roy wanted to encourage the sharing of the overzealous vegetable crop.&lt;br /&gt;
167. <br />
168. "Sneak a Zucchini on your Friend's Porch Day" was a big success this year for my family.  My son is almost four and my daughter is two; they really got into it this year.  Aidan wanted to make a pirate zucchini man.  Which was not a big surprise, since he has been dressing up as a pirate at least twice a week since last September when Target starting selling Halloween costumes, and I bought his pirate costume.  He has actually gotten to the point of introducing himself as Pirate Aidan, Arrrrrr.  And it is always at that point where I happily say, "yes, my son is a pirate." And my daughter decided she wanted a Mee Mee (aka to the rest of the world as Minnie Mouse) zucchini girl. So the three of us were off to crafting a pirate and a Minnie.<br />
169. <br />
170. We put a pirate scarf on one and Mee Mee (Minnie) ears on the other one. A sword and a couple of sets of eyes and we had accomplished our task; they turned out adorable.  It was time to make the zucchini bread.  This is the recipe I used; I found it on <b>www.allrecipes.com</b>.  It had all sorts of great reviews, so I thought I would give it a try.  The only tweek I made was adding some nutmeg.  I cannot make a recipe without adding something.  Nutmeg was an easy no-brainer to add. I have to say the zuuchini bread turned out moist and yummy; I would make it again.<br />
171. <br />
172. <br />
173. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zucchini Bread </b></span><br />
174. <br />
175. 3 cups of flour<br />
176. 1 teaspoon salt<br />
177. 1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
178. 1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
179. 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
180. 1 teaspoon nutmeg (this is what I added)<br />
181. 3 eggs<br />
182. 1 cup vegetable oil<br />
183. 2 1/4 cups sugar<br />
184. 3 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
185. 2 cups of graded zucchini (I chopped it finely)<br />
186. 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional) <br />
187. <br />
188. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and nuts.  Mix all wet ingredients: zucchini, eggs, oil, and vanilla.  Mix wet and dry just until combined.  Place batter into greased and floured pans.  This will either make 2 loaf pans or 4 mini loaf pans. Bake at 325 for 40 - 60  minutes.  I made 4 mini loaf pans and it took 55 minutes.  They turned out perfect.<br />
189. <br />
190. <b>Back to the Zucchini Day...</b><br />
191. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
192. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmdVvERprcMalNLbo-pHHpyCFT2EdZCQ_sit_zXTp_j7I6ywMOZOz6zeslH1vedW8WU_fqptgi4sLdZyND6fSIf0G31U8dO88stFlOxT_dwddtD9orYiu3c43al6Gp7tI20DbmdEFiQFs/s1600/P1020481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmdVvERprcMalNLbo-pHHpyCFT2EdZCQ_sit_zXTp_j7I6ywMOZOz6zeslH1vedW8WU_fqptgi4sLdZyND6fSIf0G31U8dO88stFlOxT_dwddtD9orYiu3c43al6Gp7tI20DbmdEFiQFs/s320/P1020481.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
193. <br />
194. My kids were so cute as they creeped up our neighbor's driveway to leave Pirate Zucchini, Ms. Minnie Zucchini, and the mini zucchini bread.  They were very proud of themselves as they ran back to the car.  The only glich in our plan was my daughter; she started to run back to the car with her beloved Minnie Zucchini still in her tight little grasp.  I had to pry it out of her hot little hands.  A few hours later, our neighbor, my kids call her Ms. Dawn, called to say she knew only two little kids who would leave a little pirate and Minnie zucchini on her front porch.  The kids laughed with delight as she teased them and told them how much she appreciated the squash people and the zucchini bread. <br />
195. <br />
196. Another successful year celebrating August 8th, Zucchini Day.  But it's not about the silly "National Holiday;" that is just my excuse today.  It is about creating traditions and memories with my children who have stolen my heart and soul and filled them with love.  I adore spending time with them; and on that note, I'm closing the laptop so I can go and play with them.<br />
197. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
198. </div>
199. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
200. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5AtkWp38MjZkFMjG3cTTWk0s5cr28PL2dcyunLH8oqqWMzWZZIDWgH9YJI8X2eAQcV7siuaijftlZ63EFd9KYhst4dl5iYxzdPqaBftVFv1jb5hTuW0gpJp_hSqzaZiRB_oF2dtiO6jH/s1600/P1020493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5AtkWp38MjZkFMjG3cTTWk0s5cr28PL2dcyunLH8oqqWMzWZZIDWgH9YJI8X2eAQcV7siuaijftlZ63EFd9KYhst4dl5iYxzdPqaBftVFv1jb5hTuW0gpJp_hSqzaZiRB_oF2dtiO6jH/s320/P1020493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
201. <br />
202. &lt;br /&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/1208841161845255399/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/08/sneak-zucchini-on-your-friends-porch-day_10.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/1208841161845255399'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/1208841161845255399'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/08/sneak-zucchini-on-your-friends-porch-day_10.html' title='Zucchini Bread'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmdVvERprcMalNLbo-pHHpyCFT2EdZCQ_sit_zXTp_j7I6ywMOZOz6zeslH1vedW8WU_fqptgi4sLdZyND6fSIf0G31U8dO88stFlOxT_dwddtD9orYiu3c43al6Gp7tI20DbmdEFiQFs/s72-c/P1020481.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-5860769012516643645</id><published>2012-04-17T13:43:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-17T13:43:35.914-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="kid crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="left over toilet paper tube"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="make a robot"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="robot"/><title type='text'>Make Robots out of Toilet Paper Tubes</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9teNpt_rDD9l4LPznJkyt7zJGVUZybtS1sCc_nOsvj_GSAKOuutDLW1AHxYQ2JkHX6-8cjNQkw7XgENDgUQuz9jFqTxg1HZP5OJe0O9BeLsg9Bu-5vdVUw6H32cSNS8cg1u7U0RCCXPjs/s1600/P1010665.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;240&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9teNpt_rDD9l4LPznJkyt7zJGVUZybtS1sCc_nOsvj_GSAKOuutDLW1AHxYQ2JkHX6-8cjNQkw7XgENDgUQuz9jFqTxg1HZP5OJe0O9BeLsg9Bu-5vdVUw6H32cSNS8cg1u7U0RCCXPjs/s320/P1010665.JPG&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;What do you do with your leftover toilet paper tubes?&amp;nbsp; Recycle?&amp;nbsp; How about re-purpose?&amp;nbsp; I got this idea from Disney Family Fun magazine; now there robots were more advanced than my kids&#39; robots, but you get the idea.&lt;br /&gt;
203. <br />
204. The kids painted the toilet paper tubes with Do-A-Dot markers.  My son painted his robot's eyes with liquid paper "Wite-out"(the one on the left).  My daughter had me draw a face for her robot (the one on the right). We taped antennas on the robots and curled pipe-cleaners around a pencil to get those crazy arms.  My son decided on his own to grab a paper towel tube out of the recycling bin to make an extension for his robot.  Kids, you have to love watching their brain work.<br />
205. <br />
206. Anyway, now my son saves leftover toilet paper and paper towel tubes.  He has fun decorating them with his sister, and I love watching them be creative.<br />
207. <br />
208. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryKXDAsCV1OTTYY-mIKG8AD94Avx2yX5Osa1QiSptKCk5u5aGa7MWN32qngjxT1_Sf69jAWsL8LuUCCmHFwrP7cwsqVgnlI1GCyxOl2DPNDVLm2gK6hL-IcscaOCBfhSpiekSIwI4csHK/s1600/P1010666.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;240&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryKXDAsCV1OTTYY-mIKG8AD94Avx2yX5Osa1QiSptKCk5u5aGa7MWN32qngjxT1_Sf69jAWsL8LuUCCmHFwrP7cwsqVgnlI1GCyxOl2DPNDVLm2gK6hL-IcscaOCBfhSpiekSIwI4csHK/s320/P1010666.JPG&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/5860769012516643645/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/make-robots-out-of-toilet-paper-tubes.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5860769012516643645'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5860769012516643645'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/make-robots-out-of-toilet-paper-tubes.html' title='Make Robots out of Toilet Paper Tubes'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9teNpt_rDD9l4LPznJkyt7zJGVUZybtS1sCc_nOsvj_GSAKOuutDLW1AHxYQ2JkHX6-8cjNQkw7XgENDgUQuz9jFqTxg1HZP5OJe0O9BeLsg9Bu-5vdVUw6H32cSNS8cg1u7U0RCCXPjs/s72-c/P1010665.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-1471538170168035853</id><published>2012-04-16T13:47:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-16T13:57:37.572-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Eleanor Roosevelt"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Eleanor Roosevelt tea quote"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="homemade cards"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="scrapbooking"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tea quote"/><title type='text'>Making a card means more than buying one</title><content type='html'>I was reading (in true mommy form) a free magazine that was sent to my home -- flipping through it kinda reading and kinda looking at the pictures.&amp;nbsp; Anyway I saw an ad for women clothing that used an Eleanor Roosevelt quote that I had never read before. The quote was,&quot; a woman is like a tea bag - you can&#39;t tell how strong she is until she gets in hot water.&quot;&amp;nbsp; I liked it so much that it made me pause and reread it.&amp;nbsp; I thought what a great quote.&amp;nbsp; I pulled the ad out of the magazine; I didn&#39;t know what I was going to do with it, but I knew it was good.&lt;br /&gt;
209. <br />
210. Then a few days later I was chatting with a girlfriend.  She was going through a difficult time. As I listened to her story, I could hear the pain in her voice; I could hear the tears in her heart.  Yet she was so strong.  She had to be for her child. And I thought to myself -- no matter how much pain a mommy is in, when it comes to her baby; she is stronger than she ever thought she could be.  Where does that strength come from?  And then I thought of the Eleanor Roosevelt quote.  I had a use for that quote. <br />
211. <br />
212. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YoliDUy8elDsEeVenFVU_QQMkN6aOwgeIgofd7XgsxtOmkKtYqn2GazVkUJv5IqmzRY1Y0SqeJs-o7NM8kxIjTI4LI6mTfgiRq8JhvPFfYJrG0-73l9_x2qEbeor_Ee071bJ5Ex7i1bI/s1600/P1010714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YoliDUy8elDsEeVenFVU_QQMkN6aOwgeIgofd7XgsxtOmkKtYqn2GazVkUJv5IqmzRY1Y0SqeJs-o7NM8kxIjTI4LI6mTfgiRq8JhvPFfYJrG0-73l9_x2qEbeor_Ee071bJ5Ex7i1bI/s320/P1010714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I was going to send my girlfriend a note.<br />
213. Not an email.<br />
214. Not a text.<br />
215. Not a phone call.<br />
216. A written note sent through the US  Postal System.<br />
217. <br />
218. I took a plain card and used a scrapbooking edge punch to decorate the sides of the card.  I taped a tea bag on the outside of the card and stamped the words "Thinking of you" on the card.  Then on the inside I wrote Eleanor Roosevelt's beautiful quote and wrote a personal message from me to my girlfriend.<br />
219. <br />
220. I have to say it turned out as I thought it would; she loved it.  My girlfriend said it was a thoughtful and warm gesture; it was the exact message I was trying to convey to her.  I highly recommend using this quote and idea for a little note to one of your girlfriends.  Or using one of your favorite quotes on a card that you have created; it is the personal touch that I believe means so much more.  Any of us can go to Hallmark and buy a card, any of us can text or email a friend to check in on her when she is feeling down. But making a card -- nothing special -- but the act of making something yourself for someone else says,"you are worth my time and energy." <br />
221. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/1471538170168035853/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/making-your-own-card-means-more-than.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/1471538170168035853'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/1471538170168035853'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/making-your-own-card-means-more-than.html' title='Making a card means more than buying one'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YoliDUy8elDsEeVenFVU_QQMkN6aOwgeIgofd7XgsxtOmkKtYqn2GazVkUJv5IqmzRY1Y0SqeJs-o7NM8kxIjTI4LI6mTfgiRq8JhvPFfYJrG0-73l9_x2qEbeor_Ee071bJ5Ex7i1bI/s72-c/P1010714.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-5753821890313588592</id><published>2012-04-14T16:11:00.013-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-14T16:50:14.098-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="chalk games"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hint"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hints"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="home made playdough"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="outside games"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tip"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tips"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="toddler activities"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="toddlers"/><title type='text'>Making Playdough and Outside Chalk Games</title><content type='html'>As a stay at home mom, I am always looking for activities to do with the kids.&amp;nbsp; My kids wake up at 5 am and go to sleep around 7 pm.&amp;nbsp; This is a long day.&amp;nbsp; We have made homemade playdough in the past, but this by far is my favorite recipe I have used.&amp;nbsp; First of all the cooked playdough recipes are far better than the non-cooked recipes.&amp;nbsp; Here is the best one I have landed on:&lt;br /&gt;
222. <br />
223. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Homemade Playdough</b></span><br />
224. 2 cup flour<br />
225. 1/2 cup of salt<br />
226. 4 teaspoons cream of tartar<br />
227. 2 cups of warm water<br />
228. 2 teaspoons vegetable oil<br />
229. food coloring<br />
230. scented oil (optional)<br />
231. <br />
232. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKOlMcRlsV7B3wwuuCMGZK0ilKBmuV8gTLAYWJXM3Rlsxm5inHnMIVboeqS7-NvBcuYsuQSyu3xs87WEsdli_5mIyXolfWnXnNTk4OvB14j-ZV2UefwM7wDb8xTD41MapCeTELPr4uniL/s1600/P1010982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKOlMcRlsV7B3wwuuCMGZK0ilKBmuV8gTLAYWJXM3Rlsxm5inHnMIVboeqS7-NvBcuYsuQSyu3xs87WEsdli_5mIyXolfWnXnNTk4OvB14j-ZV2UefwM7wDb8xTD41MapCeTELPr4uniL/s320/P1010982.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Put all ingredients in a pot and cook over low heat until it comes together as a smooth ball. If you want you can add some peppermint oil or lemon oil.  Who doesn't like nice smelling things, but you don't have to.  Take it off the heat and take playdough out of pot and let it cool on your counter.  Once cool enough to handle, kneed until smooth.  Cut into four equal parts.  Now the fun part.  Use food coloring to dye each section.  The kids love doing this part.  When storing, I place plastic wrap around each ball and then put each ball into a sealed plastic baggie.  Then I put all the baggies in a Ziplock plastic container.  I  know it seems like a lot of protection for some playdough.  But you can keep this for a long time if you keep it airtight.<br />
233. <br />
234. <br />
235. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outside Chalk Game</b></span><br />
236. <br />
237. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjjg76Ydg1t2vlyYhv5AxlalUmBBx9rchetVqNh80mVZTI9J6PU6zzrDhxwM8KkNJ7D0pbkrdZKDkcJ8Nu881QVPTbIGg0qTeo-BRq45hYIubYdinfJO0LAmGiS2ysHsZH81EtFXzRec_/s1600/P1010975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjjg76Ydg1t2vlyYhv5AxlalUmBBx9rchetVqNh80mVZTI9J6PU6zzrDhxwM8KkNJ7D0pbkrdZKDkcJ8Nu881QVPTbIGg0qTeo-BRq45hYIubYdinfJO0LAmGiS2ysHsZH81EtFXzRec_/s320/P1010975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
238. We had a lot of fun with this direction following game. And what kid doesn't need to practice following directions.  Get four or five different colors of chalk.  Make a start box and a finish box across from each other. For example start with blue.  Make a blue circle (big enough for  kids to jump into) jumping distance from start box.  Then continue making a circle path to finish box.  Then do the same with the next color.  Keep trying to intermingle the colors so it is fun for the kids to jump.  Always make sure each color path has a safe jumping distance to the next circle of its color.  Lastly, you sit back and start to call out directions for the kids to follow.  You can make them follow each color path or you can mix up the colors like Twister. Have fun outside.<br />
239.      <br />
240. <br />
241. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/5753821890313588592/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/making-playdough-and-outside-chalk.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5753821890313588592'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5753821890313588592'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/making-playdough-and-outside-chalk.html' title='Making Playdough and Outside Chalk Games'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKOlMcRlsV7B3wwuuCMGZK0ilKBmuV8gTLAYWJXM3Rlsxm5inHnMIVboeqS7-NvBcuYsuQSyu3xs87WEsdli_5mIyXolfWnXnNTk4OvB14j-ZV2UefwM7wDb8xTD41MapCeTELPr4uniL/s72-c/P1010982.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-5827239977247594147</id><published>2012-04-04T14:16:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-06T09:46:15.636-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="little girl&#39;s dress"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="making a dress"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="making a skirt"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sewing"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sewing made easy"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tottler dress"/><title type='text'>I Made Two Dresses and a Skirt; Sew Can You</title><content type='html'>Let&#39;s start off by saying I am not a seamstress even by loose definition.&amp;nbsp; When I first got married, I bought a sewing machine because that is what I thought I had to do.&amp;nbsp; I was moving into a home with the man of my dreams -- and all homes have sewing machines.&amp;nbsp; Or at least I thought they did. My mom had a sewing machine, her mom (my Nonna) had a sewing machine, and I guess I translated that to mean I needed to buy one.&amp;nbsp; I mean that didn&#39;t fall under the tasks for my new husband.&amp;nbsp; That was going to be part of my wife domain.&amp;nbsp; I guess I never stopped to think about the little side note that I didn&#39;t know how to use the machine.&amp;nbsp; I bought the machine thinking that I was woman, and I would be able to figure it out.&amp;nbsp; The only sewing experience I had was one semester class in high school.&amp;nbsp; I knew I could sew a square pillow. So I bought the machine.&lt;br /&gt;
242. <br />
243. It sat on the kitchen table for a couple of weeks.  It took me days to figure out how to fill the bobbin and how to threat the machine.  Once I figure those two things out, I put it in a closet in the basement and waited for the time to use it.<br />
244. <br />
245. It has been 7 years since that purchase.  My daughter is turning 2 this summer.  I am not sure what came over me, but recently I wanted to sew.  Sew something. Sew anything.  I was looking through the Hanna Andersson catalog with all those adorable outfits for kids.  And I came across this dress they were selling--a pillowcase dress. You know how they tell little stories in catalogs to help put you in the mood to buy -- it is like foreplay for buyers.  Anyway they told a nice story about how Swedish women used to make dresses for their daughters out of old pillowcases so that nothing went to waste.  Gold -- I struck Gold.  I knew what I was going to sew.  I thought this was an idea that my lack of skills could bite into. I decided I wasn't going the old pillowcase route. I was off to Target!<br />
246. <br />
247. <b>Sewing Experiment #1: Pillowcase Dress (modeled after Hanna Andersson's dress)</b><br />
248. <br />
249. I have to say it was pretty easy.  I made a mistake on the bottom when sewing the ribbon on, so I sewed a cute button over my mistake.  For about ten minutes, I kept staring at my mistake. Five minutes after that, I kept looking at my cute embellishment -- the button. <b>*mommy hint - don't be hard on yourself when trying something.  Just see your mistakes as a opportunity to get creative. </b>The armhole was a bit tricky.  But with a helpful hint from a Wheeling High School Home Ec. teacher (I went back to my roots -- asked a high school teacher) I was able to finish.  The key to the arm holes was using double faced bias tape.  It turns beautifully around the curve of the underarm.  Who knew that?   I didn't -- remember I don't sew; I just own a nice sewing machine.  With the addition of a couple of ribbons to create the shoulder straps, I was done.  Here it is; if I can make it, so can you.<br />
250. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenqoHQnX5rMXTgPBHM-_tmoaOIDecNsJ5IX2djz46m6AByNHR7wnPAMz6aSnZXpaK163WPq3JZy8BmFZJ4UKUMxiwExLzlZ_NDkfLrRmd5xvIHHD_JrEwdiIQwnZJJLNCYiKDPg5cys-6/s1600/P1010819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenqoHQnX5rMXTgPBHM-_tmoaOIDecNsJ5IX2djz46m6AByNHR7wnPAMz6aSnZXpaK163WPq3JZy8BmFZJ4UKUMxiwExLzlZ_NDkfLrRmd5xvIHHD_JrEwdiIQwnZJJLNCYiKDPg5cys-6/s320/P1010819.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
251. <b>Sewing Experiment #2:  Tube Top Dress</b><br />
252. <br />
253. I started this dress because I was at the fabric store buying thread and ribbon for my pillowcase dress. And I saw this no-brainer fabric. It was already sewn in that scrunchy tube-top style on the top.  The dress on the right I didn't even need to sew the bottom of the dress.  It was a short fabric bolt made for a little girl with Disney's Ariel the mermaid on the bottom.  All I had to do was sew the dress up on its size and sew ribbons on the top to hold the dress up around my little girl's neck.  The dress on the left was made from a longer fabric bolt, but in the end all I did was measure my daughter and cut the dress accordingly.  Then I sewed the bottom of the dress, sewed up the side of the dress, and again added the ribbons to hold the dress up.  Talk about easy to make. <br />
254. <br />
255. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVZJoTqtByIS8AAH8O4BqgIdUDR3M5QmG13pfyeJWeYmz04EMp2PYHTiI2RDyWBqdUJFK91g6r3VGRQoawqybrXD04PP3A_feOY1js5mDVHbP72VIFqHNwU7KpTV9FfsgjdtegT1Sp4zL/s1600/P1010817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVZJoTqtByIS8AAH8O4BqgIdUDR3M5QmG13pfyeJWeYmz04EMp2PYHTiI2RDyWBqdUJFK91g6r3VGRQoawqybrXD04PP3A_feOY1js5mDVHbP72VIFqHNwU7KpTV9FfsgjdtegT1Sp4zL/s320/P1010817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
256. <br />
257. <b>Sewing Experiment #3:  A Skirt for Mommy (modeled after a skirt I wear all the time)</b><br />
258. <br />
259. Lastly, I was feeling confident<b>. </b>I have a favorite knockaround skirt I love to wear in the summer. It is a khaki knee length cotton A-line skirt.<b> </b>I bought some cute cotton fabric and a piece of elastic. I laid the skirt on the fabric and cut it out an inch bigger, so I could sew it.  I sewed the sides and the bottom.  Then I had to make a waist band.  I made the band a bit bigger than my waste so when I sewed it, it would be the correct size.  Then I made the elastic one inch smaller than my waste, so the skirt would stay up.  Lastly, I sewed the waste band with the elastic in it on to the skirt and literally one hour I had a new favorite skirt.  Here it is<b>. </b><br />
260. <b><br />
261. </b><br />
262. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNv0kl7aVn2_F40Zvr4T6GXW2Z-qI_vTODWSoGu1qESfaeR-aCeqQt3sh5uMPcYZZNu6i3fyAP4cyDX3ixzHjs4lVs77SQa1whrOP1kF14yfajEUOxGl1JrIo5TjaPcyAWH1vq41wUMMzK/s1600/P1010818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNv0kl7aVn2_F40Zvr4T6GXW2Z-qI_vTODWSoGu1qESfaeR-aCeqQt3sh5uMPcYZZNu6i3fyAP4cyDX3ixzHjs4lVs77SQa1whrOP1kF14yfajEUOxGl1JrIo5TjaPcyAWH1vq41wUMMzK/s320/P1010818.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><br />
263. I have to say there is an incredibly satisfying feeling that comes over you after creating something from scratch. Knowing that you created this item out of fabric and thread. You did it.  At one point it wasn't clothing and now it is.  It is exciting.  That feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating something has nothing to do with gender.  All people no matter their sex -- no matter their age --- feel great after creating something from parts.  If I can make these, I know you can.  Get sewing and see what you can create.<b> Feel the satisfaction.<br />
264. &lt;/b&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/5827239977247594147/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/i-made-two-dresses-and-skirt-sew-can.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5827239977247594147'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5827239977247594147'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/04/i-made-two-dresses-and-skirt-sew-can.html' title='I Made Two Dresses and a Skirt; Sew Can You'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenqoHQnX5rMXTgPBHM-_tmoaOIDecNsJ5IX2djz46m6AByNHR7wnPAMz6aSnZXpaK163WPq3JZy8BmFZJ4UKUMxiwExLzlZ_NDkfLrRmd5xvIHHD_JrEwdiIQwnZJJLNCYiKDPg5cys-6/s72-c/P1010819.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-5952695128970942381</id><published>2012-03-11T11:04:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-12T11:48:27.214-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="airplane"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="candy airplane"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="craft"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="goody bag"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hersey chocolate"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="hint"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="kid craft"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tips"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="treat bag"/><title type='text'>Candy Airplanes Big Hit as Treat for Goody Bag</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GxZqzNzSwAfF762j2qJlAFwqAEEDgIt1ql_m1N5REUa6emhh0lPFwF0raMX13hEjNDc4yOOfOjAz4FQfgZtszK5VHMKtlF4s7txLTTic5N0V6UyU9vAC9xbi2ouGXx_pVuQjKO02OFpV/s1600/P1010619.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GxZqzNzSwAfF762j2qJlAFwqAEEDgIt1ql_m1N5REUa6emhh0lPFwF0raMX13hEjNDc4yOOfOjAz4FQfgZtszK5VHMKtlF4s7txLTTic5N0V6UyU9vAC9xbi2ouGXx_pVuQjKO02OFpV/s400/P1010619.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;These candy airplane were a big success as a treat in my son&#39;s Valentine&#39;s Day gift bags.&amp;nbsp; But they could be used for treat bags for any occasion.&amp;nbsp; I originally got the idea from Disney&#39;s Family Fun magazine; someone put it on pinterest. The original plane&#39;s wings were made from a stick of gum, and the wheels were hard Lifesavers.&amp;nbsp; I modified it to be a bit more 3 year old friendly.&amp;nbsp; I don&#39;t know about your little ones, but my little ones don&#39;t chew gum yet. So with a few changes it is now ready for a tots goody bag.&lt;br /&gt;
265. <br />
266. <br />
267. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zJYgjwTG4HMYOWviOo7gmJexrmIxxi44zkcOm9mXYk_0p8RvJRizA4UaBI6e9L0xSfloEGBlTRmQKsjMlk0P0DT4uM3TnZ587tkN35wQFrt0lsnIKWQNIS9bf_MDZeS7jhAutWpaRUG3/s1600/P1010601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zJYgjwTG4HMYOWviOo7gmJexrmIxxi44zkcOm9mXYk_0p8RvJRizA4UaBI6e9L0xSfloEGBlTRmQKsjMlk0P0DT4uM3TnZ587tkN35wQFrt0lsnIKWQNIS9bf_MDZeS7jhAutWpaRUG3/s320/P1010601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Items needed to assemble plane:</b><br />
268. <br />
269. Small Hersey chocolate bars (instead of gum)<br />
270. Gummy Lifesavers (instead of hard mint Lifesavers)<br />
271. Smarties<br />
272. Small rubber bands    <br />
273. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79AYEflbQobEPK4R979bBmSE-bdERfbnXNVyXiwpf541Xqylic-UiTqr0M4h43l4WSUbmOnUgbnIEhz_lZaQHGCS5FERRIqeToJuz7UDgMTYFb-pF2IoJMtBsM5nW8db18wpAEw0SKUOJ/s1600/P1010606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79AYEflbQobEPK4R979bBmSE-bdERfbnXNVyXiwpf541Xqylic-UiTqr0M4h43l4WSUbmOnUgbnIEhz_lZaQHGCS5FERRIqeToJuz7UDgMTYFb-pF2IoJMtBsM5nW8db18wpAEw0SKUOJ/s320/P1010606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Step One:</b><br />
274. <br />
275. Place rubber band between two gummy Lifesavers and keep your fingers in the rubber bands during the next steps. It makes it easier to put the plane together.<br />
276. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4-dTSyDFl_fd8Pw605FXNPlpYaJbo9m6oFsUqkznRK8WtyLZnspwHhsWNG1CwlV6xiblnnky6v_H-KArYFgaUrEX4Q7xjoGT_Ny61u_ctesoyIrk6vFtMUuLFGE_8fiijL9C6eNGiJGh/s1600/P1010610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4-dTSyDFl_fd8Pw605FXNPlpYaJbo9m6oFsUqkznRK8WtyLZnspwHhsWNG1CwlV6xiblnnky6v_H-KArYFgaUrEX4Q7xjoGT_Ny61u_ctesoyIrk6vFtMUuLFGE_8fiijL9C6eNGiJGh/s320/P1010610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Step Two:</b><br />
277. <br />
278. Fit the Smartie between the two Lifesavers "wheels."<br />
279. <br />
280. <b> Step Three:</b><br />
281. <br />
282. Then loop one side of the rubber band over the Hersey bar (keep your one finger/thumb in the other side of the rubber band so to hold it in place). Then loop the other side around the chocolate bar.<br />
283. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU08emT680Hv2vI0-JngPKwuKaWMPAmv0t7cMnVSFeme7t57IprWYGyVDEQmBJqPh5t1Mm2wmOMmRJ5NAgw2zihqwd25RATJ-hNdFwKv45UMrmo2s9x1hF9aA_qRpifR2ZEPv3EvEWLp9/s1600/P1010616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU08emT680Hv2vI0-JngPKwuKaWMPAmv0t7cMnVSFeme7t57IprWYGyVDEQmBJqPh5t1Mm2wmOMmRJ5NAgw2zihqwd25RATJ-hNdFwKv45UMrmo2s9x1hF9aA_qRpifR2ZEPv3EvEWLp9/s320/P1010616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
284. <br />
285. <br />
286. <br />
287. <br />
288. This is what it looks like from the underneath side of the plane.<br />
289. <br />
290. <br />
291. <br />
292. They are easy to make with the kids, and they are a big hit when the goody bags are opened.  The best part is it is not another throw away item tossed into the goody bag. The kids actually eat them.<br />
293. <br />
294. <br />
295. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ7Px6GIAQTJsuw8b1FYWTl8tQKVNh-71U2j3TybTWrmopT8H31ugTKaEmnJqiDxLJdMcis6r0XsVRQscy6vnCpWv0uMoFBDUrBf_0qSteDPy7rbK5EGIo4cBq8lQ6P4Pq1preuZWBK67/s1600/P1010602.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ7Px6GIAQTJsuw8b1FYWTl8tQKVNh-71U2j3TybTWrmopT8H31ugTKaEmnJqiDxLJdMcis6r0XsVRQscy6vnCpWv0uMoFBDUrBf_0qSteDPy7rbK5EGIo4cBq8lQ6P4Pq1preuZWBK67/s400/P1010602.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/5952695128970942381/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/03/candy-airplanes-big-hit-as-treat-for.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5952695128970942381'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/5952695128970942381'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2012/03/candy-airplanes-big-hit-as-treat-for.html' title='Candy Airplanes Big Hit as Treat for Goody Bag'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GxZqzNzSwAfF762j2qJlAFwqAEEDgIt1ql_m1N5REUa6emhh0lPFwF0raMX13hEjNDc4yOOfOjAz4FQfgZtszK5VHMKtlF4s7txLTTic5N0V6UyU9vAC9xbi2ouGXx_pVuQjKO02OFpV/s72-c/P1010619.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-7523089707377420752</id><published>2011-10-23T13:51:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-12T11:50:44.288-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="easy halloween craft for kids"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="halloween craft for toddlers"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="pipe cleaner spinders"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="pompom spiders"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tips"/><title type='text'>Pipe Cleaner Spiders</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaDfAjo_BpqBNCkEdZEOB_EYxUvv-dlpaKxDPvPV_Uhor8iBqATBVQlV-pAW7NnzozdwwhTt-mxT-BjqDFp-urWfdLQDiZ-rJK-zt_POvK9eLn_rQQF6jSmyglZmYIFxIGNgp8iJR5F1w/s1600/P1000930.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;240&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaDfAjo_BpqBNCkEdZEOB_EYxUvv-dlpaKxDPvPV_Uhor8iBqATBVQlV-pAW7NnzozdwwhTt-mxT-BjqDFp-urWfdLQDiZ-rJK-zt_POvK9eLn_rQQF6jSmyglZmYIFxIGNgp8iJR5F1w/s320/P1000930.JPG&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
296. It has been raining for days now, and I am feeling the change of seasons the way all stay at home moms (or I should say stay at home parent) feel it.  No longer having the option to go outside and play is painful -- it is painful for the kids and painful for the parent. I have been trying to think of things to do inside.  I feel out of practice.  During the summer, we play outside so much that I am out of practice creating inside activities.  This craft is an easy one to start the indoor season off with -- I remember making pipe cleaner spiders when I was little.  Talk about easy craft for toddlers. I am sure you made these, and if you didn't you are never too old to give them a try. Here they are ----  <br />
297. <br />
298. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxESZGLkkC_cujCLMuW5t4czPT5uh4fDD4d9ISuW6LKe_0Bd00EisNpi8xEeqUWN9ew-GlCHAO8euj17GJs3tg-ujGeq46Bdr5ZLyFMOnw2zaf6lfcuyS7HGi2FSlJVIJ0pVemv0iN25-h/s1600/P1000929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxESZGLkkC_cujCLMuW5t4czPT5uh4fDD4d9ISuW6LKe_0Bd00EisNpi8xEeqUWN9ew-GlCHAO8euj17GJs3tg-ujGeq46Bdr5ZLyFMOnw2zaf6lfcuyS7HGi2FSlJVIJ0pVemv0iN25-h/s320/P1000929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
299. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpk2ej9-IPjfMclspEQ9-C1vegjUsqlGWaRMU6ZA7DAdPDjdphw4VVAe3wVByMEtvDi1eMshFd12XfHL9E4De9qfXzMUZSZgSj_X96_R6cnOQM4lzb1PPJs0-ZNmKuzXdSLLvspyA97CJ/s1600/P1000927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpk2ej9-IPjfMclspEQ9-C1vegjUsqlGWaRMU6ZA7DAdPDjdphw4VVAe3wVByMEtvDi1eMshFd12XfHL9E4De9qfXzMUZSZgSj_X96_R6cnOQM4lzb1PPJs0-ZNmKuzXdSLLvspyA97CJ/s200/P1000927.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
300. <br />
301. <br />
302. All you need is:<br />
303. <br />
304. black and orange pom poms <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(I like getting the bigger size)</i></span><br />
305. black pipe cleaners<br />
306. googly eyes<br />
307. glue kids can use<br />
308. <br />
309. hot glue gun <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(this is for you to use when the kid glue doesn't quite work; you can make some quick glue fixes) </span></i><br />
310. <i><br />
311. </i>Directions:<br />
312. Take 4 pipe cleaners and twist the 4 of them together in the center.  Then glue the pom pom on where you have twisted the pipe cleaners (this is where the hot glue works better than regular glue).  Now it is time to glue the googly eyes. Lastly, bend the spider legs.  Fun easy project -- and my son loves playing with them by moving them around the house.<br />
313. <br />
314. Happy Halloween<br />
315. <br />
316. <i><br />
317. </i><br />
318. <i><br />
319. &lt;/i&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/7523089707377420752/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2011/10/pipe-cleaner-spiders.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/7523089707377420752'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/7523089707377420752'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2011/10/pipe-cleaner-spiders.html' title='Pipe Cleaner Spiders'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaDfAjo_BpqBNCkEdZEOB_EYxUvv-dlpaKxDPvPV_Uhor8iBqATBVQlV-pAW7NnzozdwwhTt-mxT-BjqDFp-urWfdLQDiZ-rJK-zt_POvK9eLn_rQQF6jSmyglZmYIFxIGNgp8iJR5F1w/s72-c/P1000930.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982327713765908921.post-2534432979817851355</id><published>2011-09-03T09:09:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2012-04-12T11:51:38.634-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="August 8"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="crafts"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sneak a zucchini porch day"/><title type='text'>Sneak a Zucchini on your Friend&#39;s Porch Day</title><content type='html'>August 8th is Sneak a Zucchini on your Friend&#39;s Porch Day.&amp;nbsp; I know I am late to be writing about this.&amp;nbsp; I have no excuse except for life is full, and I am better off for it.&amp;nbsp; Don&#39;t beat yourself up if you missed it this year -- or if you didn&#39;t realize that this &lt;u&gt;&lt;i&gt;holiday&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/u&gt; existed. I just recently found out about it myself. Since the zucchini is one of our Earth&#39;s most prolific plants, it only makes sense that gardeners have to figure out something to do with this surplus of zucchini beside zucchini bread.&amp;nbsp; Too bad zucchini didn&#39;t grow everywhere in the world -- talk about putting a food dent in many nations&#39; hunger problems.&amp;nbsp; And I am not trying to take the world&#39;s hunger issue lightly -- it is a genuine wish that the more prolific crops could grow in any climate.&lt;br /&gt;
320. <br />
321. But that being said, by the time August rolls around a lot gardeners have a lot of zucchinis.  When this  August 8th <u><i> holiday </i></u>is upon us next year ...  think about leaving a zucchini on your neighbor's porch. Maybe if you have time, you could cook something delicious made from zucchinis..... OR you could make a zucchini person with your child and leave that on your neighbor's porch.<br />
322. <br />
323. My three year old and I made two zucchini people, Mr. and Mrs. Squash and left them with a little note on our dear friend's porch.  It was tons of fun to make.<br />
324. <br />
325. Here are some pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Squash 2011<br />
326. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlssPlNB3YB1W8t4E1bs7E9djZrUBBc1Oa4ctl4oyhdPqg9-H8PlrsUmqu0K011umucYwQRmXFQMht_RFlQA9QHPzNoXzfxOw8_Ye601rrkzxSrEsOCAvj1MMG7Lwftfy5JOlgxg3ojmy/s1600/P1000221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlssPlNB3YB1W8t4E1bs7E9djZrUBBc1Oa4ctl4oyhdPqg9-H8PlrsUmqu0K011umucYwQRmXFQMht_RFlQA9QHPzNoXzfxOw8_Ye601rrkzxSrEsOCAvj1MMG7Lwftfy5JOlgxg3ojmy/s400/P1000221.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
327. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxyYsi9dnoVfSmfscKmVi6Kv7ZK-X7I9VZO8KvNoc-P4ufwdCOZTr8KTgpQ5AqicMHjfSp_wRMCl6htXBkWwm95JcJZ0h7dhbyMNHvcE7qdt5LSfnFbc-Q4wOpsDnCs8_7cV4NclTBuR_/s1600/P1000225.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxyYsi9dnoVfSmfscKmVi6Kv7ZK-X7I9VZO8KvNoc-P4ufwdCOZTr8KTgpQ5AqicMHjfSp_wRMCl6htXBkWwm95JcJZ0h7dhbyMNHvcE7qdt5LSfnFbc-Q4wOpsDnCs8_7cV4NclTBuR_/s400/P1000225.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/feeds/2534432979817851355/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2011/09/sneak-zucchini-on-your-friends-porch.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/2534432979817851355'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8982327713765908921/posts/default/2534432979817851355'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.mommyplustwo.com/2011/09/sneak-zucchini-on-your-friends-porch.html' title='Sneak a Zucchini on your Friend&#39;s Porch Day'/><author><name>Christine</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16247980444535553110</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='28' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxW9HOHwc1Kiliid-OkziAiy8dNk-lAu9K99ExfnoLPn0HbeIOEVblzx_i1A80L5fEPEUvGImJIptX8gZSvnlC2F1dTlA-goOX0NSYvlroNeucEO-Cz1VgueQZuduTHI/s220/portrait_BW.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlssPlNB3YB1W8t4E1bs7E9djZrUBBc1Oa4ctl4oyhdPqg9-H8PlrsUmqu0K011umucYwQRmXFQMht_RFlQA9QHPzNoXzfxOw8_Ye601rrkzxSrEsOCAvj1MMG7Lwftfy5JOlgxg3ojmy/s72-c/P1000221.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry></feed>

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