Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas Ornaments for Kids!

'Tis the season to be wrapping gifts, drinking eggnog and putting up the Christmas tree. As you set the tree up let your little ones help out this year with the decorating. Here are three darling ornaments that I found on the Martha Stewart website. Your kids will love making these as much as you will love hanging them up for display. Happy Holidays! 


Picture
Button Wreath Ornament 
Tools and Materials 
-Needle nose pliers or wire cutters
-16 gauge copper wire, cut to 9" lengths
-72 buttons for each wreath
-Scissors
-Satin ribbon, 1/8" wide and 6" long
-Seam binding for decorative bow

Directions
1) Using pliers, make a small loop at on end of the wire.
2) Thread buttons onto the wire until you have enough to form the size of the wreath you want. Our wreaths are 2 1/2" in diameter. 
3) Using pliers, bend the plain end of the wire around the looped end. This will form the wreath.
4) Use the satin ribbon to make a loop for hanging the wreath; tie the ribbon in a knot about 3" above the wreath. 
5) Tie a bow of seam binding to decorate the wreath. 

Candy Cane Ornament 
Picture 
Tools and Materials
-5 1/2" long red and white pipe cleaners
-Scissors
-Green pipe cleaner
-Hot glue gun
-Glass beads (optional)
-Ribbon (optional)
-Small ornament (optional) 

Directions
1) Twist together 5 1/2" red and white pipe cleaners. 
2) Make sure the stripes of the combined red-and-white stem are neatly spaced
3) Curl the top into a hook. Bend a 3" length green pipe cleaner at 1/2" intervals to shape a holly leaf. Hot-glue the leaf in place, then hot-glue on a cluster of glass beads for berries, or tie on a ribbon threaded with a small ornament. 

Peppermint Ornament
Picture 
Tools and Materials 
-5 peppermint candies 
-White frosting 
-5 red cinnamon candies or mints
-6" long twine 

Directions
1) Lay five or so peppermint candies in a circle to form a wreath.
2) Bond candy sides together with icing. 
3) Adorn front with cinnamon candies or mints. 
4) Let dry for two hours before hanging. Loop twine around ornament; knot. 



Monday, November 28, 2011

the BEST uses of masking tape

We are back from Thanksgiving weekend! Hope you all enjoyed the holiday! We are going to share some fun, free activities to do with your kids using masking tape today. Masking tape is usually one of those things you have lying around somewhere. I have always used it for packing and labeling boxes so I was so excited when I saw these fun activities using masking tape on Pinterest (a fun site, especially to search for kids activities). These activities encourage creative play and get the imaginations going!

A Masking Tape Car Track? Or how about a whole Masking Tape Town? This is an easy, inexpensive way to let your kids' imaginations grow without buying new toys. Whether you have a big open play room or a compact living room, kids can enjoy a track made just for them. And if they get tired of it, you can always make a new track virtually anywhere in the house. Masking tape shouldn't ruin your things (duct tape would be a little risky) but you might want to give it a test before going all out. All you need is tape, imagination and some cars, trucks or trains. It looks so fun and there are no limits!

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This Masking Tape Letter is another idea that I love. You use the tape to form a letter (names and words work too!) on a piece of paper and let you kid scribble away. When they are done, remove the tape and you have a perfect monogram created by your wonderful child! It can make a great gift for a loved one as well.
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I love finding new uses for everyday materials. Have you ever used masking tape for fun activities or crafts?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving Reading!

Thanksgiving Day is coming up quick! Take some time out tomorrow to sit down with your kids and read some fun Thanksgiving books together. Here are 5 of the top selling Thanksgiving children books that I know your kids will love!! 

Picture 
Arthur's Thanksgiving
Arthur has been picked to direct his school's Thanksgiving play- and cast the roles. But all his friends want to be the star, and no one wants to play the Turkey! What will Arthur do?
Arthur finds his role as director of the Thanksgiving play a difficult one, especially since no one will agree to play the turkey. 
Written by: Marc Brown 

Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet
This is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever! There is a gigantic turkey, Grandma's secret stuffing, green beans, and authentic cranberry sauce, the kind that doesn't come out of a can. And desserts? There are almost too many to count. 
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Join Nancy and her entire family as they celebrate Thanksgiving in this brand-new story book, complete with more than thirty swanky stickers. Written by: Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser


Thanksgiving Rules
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Percy Issac Gifford's Offical Thanksgiving Decree: I officially command you to eat EVERYTHING you see! Percy knows just what to do to get the most out of this delicious holiday. And so will you if you follow his ten simple rules. From "the early bird gets the turkey" to "life is sweeter when you eat sweets," his rules will help you eat your way through the big meal. But is there more to Thanksgiving than stuffed turkey and sweet potatoes with marshmallows? See how Percy discovers the true recipe for a perfect Thanksgiving holiday. Written by: Laurie B. Friedman, Teresa Murfin

10 Fat Turkeys 
"Looky!" says a silly turkey swinging from a vine. "Gobble gobble wibble wobble. Whoops! Now there are nine." Girls and boys will gobble up this hilarious county story about ten goofy turkeys roller-skating on a fence, doing a noodle dance, and more! Give thanks! This Thanksgiving favorite is now available as a board book with foil cover. Written by: Tony Johnston
Picture 


Thanks for Thanksgiving
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks--the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family! 
Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette's beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life. Written by: Julie Markes 
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Monday, November 21, 2011

Turkey Fun Round-Up

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How do you keep your kids entertained on holidays?

The internet has so many fun Thanksgiving recipes, activities, and printables right now! Looking for some cute, free things to keep your kids busy and learning this holiday? Check out these  Thanksgiving coloring pages and place-mats you can print off. Coloring helps kids learn their colors and develop those fine motor skills that are so important to their development!

I love this fun place-mat.
Kids can color this festive coloring page.
You can print out some decorative pieces for kids to color.
Here you can find a variety of cute turkey crafts.
Or you can cover the the kids table in kraft paper and let the kids color away to their hearts content!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Sub for Santa


ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL BLACK FRIDAY!
Shopping? Excited for all those great deals?

DON'T FORGET TO 
and shop for YOUR "ANGEL" along with all you other shopping.


You can also sign-up to volunteer your time.
Learn about how you can volunteer by clicking here.



Last year the United Way of Utah County Sub for Santa program helped
5,633 CHILDREN 
or
2,069 HOUSEHOLDS in UTAH COUNTY!


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Healthy Lunch Box: Turkey Wrap

This post came from  Super Health Kids. It's a great blog about all things food and getting your kids the nutrients they need! Recipes, meal plans, and proper portions are all cover in this great blog! Check it out!

These amazing turkey wraps are the perfect meal for all of your left over turkey meat from Thanksgiving. The spread, cranberry sauce and cream cheese, help the wrap stay together without having to use any toothpicks. 
*All of the food groups are represented in this lunch so your child will get a well balanced meal. 
Turkey Wrap
Turkey Wrap
* Whole Wheat Wrap
* 1 tablespoon Cranberry Sauce
* 1 tablespoon Cream cheese spread, light
* Turkey
* Zucchini ribbons
* Yellow squash ribbons 
* Avocado 
* Lettuce
* Spinach 
* Tomatoes 
* Orange
1) Combine cranberry sauce and cream cheese in a small bowl. After thoroughly combined, spread on one entire whole wheat tortilla. 
2) Using a vegetable peeler, slice long strips from the zucchini and squash and place in center of tortilla. 
3) Chop avocado, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and turkey, and spread on tortilla. 

Turkey Spread

4) Roll tightly, using the cream cheese spread on the edges to keep sealed. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Place on cutting board and cut two inch pieces from the roll. Serve with orange wedges and ENJOY! 

Turkey Wrap

Picky Eater Tip
It isn't necessary to put all the ingredients in this wrap. Let your kids help you make it and have them choose one of the vegetables if they are particularly picky! Leave out the cranberry sauce if they don't like the color. Leave out the zucchini strip if that makes them upset. Let them have ownership over their wrap while giving them a choice. "Do you want yellow squash or green zucchini today?" 

*Recipe found here

Monday, November 14, 2011

Thankful Turkeys!


Thanksgiving is next week! Are you ready!? What a great holiday to think of what we are thankful for! It is also a great time to teach your kids about gratitude and spend time with family.

One tradition I love on this holiday is a making a Thankful Turkey. There are many versions of this idea you could do. I just draw and cut out a big turkey on some construction paper. Then cut out feathers in lots of different colored paper. Everybody can write (parents can write for the kids) the things they are thankful for on the feathers and stick them on the turkey! Easy, cute, and fun!

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3

The word "thankful" may be a little hard for your toddlers to understand. You can ask them what they say thank you for, or what makes them happy. It especially fun to see what is important in your kids' lives.

Do you make  What are your Thanksgiving holiday traditions?

Friday, November 11, 2011

Speech and Language Development

Does your child have speech delays? Here are a few activities for every age group that can help with communication skills.
Birth to 2 years
* Encourage your baby to make vowel-like and consonant-vowel sounds such as "ma," "da," and "ba."  
* Identify color
* Introduce animal sounds to associate a sound with a specific meaning: "The dog says woof-woof."
* Expand on single words your baby uses: "Here is mama. Mama loves you. Where is baby? Here is baby." 
2 to 4 years
*Repeat what your child says indicating that you understand. Build and expand on what was said. "Want juice? I have juice. I have apple juice. Do you want apple juice?"  
* Expand vocabulary. Name body parts, and identify what you do with them. "This is my nose. I can smell flowers, brownies, popcorn, and soap."  
* Sing simple songs and recite nursery rhymes to show the rhythm and pattern of speech.
* Place familiar objects in a container. Have your child remove the object and tell you what it is and how to use it. "This is my ball. I bounce it. I play with it."
4 to 6 years 
* Continue to build vocabulary. Introduce a new word and offer its definition, or use it in a context that is easily understood. This may be done in an exaggerated, humorous manner. "I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk." 
* Talk about spatial relationships (first, middle, and last; right and left) and opposites (up and down; on and off). 
* Encourage your child to give directions. Follow his or her directions as he or she explains how to build a tower of blocks.  
* Offer a description or clues, and have your child identify what you are describing: "We use it to sweep the floor" (a broom). "It is cold, sweet, and good fro dessert. I like the strawberry flavor" (ice cream).  


Thursday, November 10, 2011

10 Reading Tips For Toddlers from KBYU-Ready To Learn

1. Don't expect your toddler to sit still for a book

Toddlers need to move, so don't worry if they act out stories or just skip, romp, or tumble as you read to them. They may be moving, but they are listening.

2. Recite rhymes, sing songs, and make mistakes!

Pause to let your toddler finish a phrase or chant a refrain. Once your toddler is familiar with the rhyme or pattern, make mistakes on purpose and get caught.

3. Choose engaging books

Photo Credit
Books featuring animals or machines invite movement and making sounds. Books with flaps or different textures to touch keep hands busy. Books with detailed illustrations or recurring items hidden in the pictures are great for exploring and discussing.

4. Keep reading short, simple, and often

Toddlers frequently have shorter attention spans than babies. Look for text that is short and simple. Read a little bit, several times a day.

5. Encourage play that involves naming, describing, and communicating

Set up a zoo with all the stuffed animals. Stage a race with the toy cars. Put your toddler in charge and ask lots of questions.

6. Every day is an adventure when you're a toddler

Choose books about everyday experiences and feelings. Your child will identify with the characters as they dress, eat, visit, nap, and play.

7. Ask questions

Take time to listen to your toddler's answers. Toddlers have strong opinions and interesting ideas about the world. Encourage your toddler to tell you what he or she thinks. You'll build language skills and learn what makes your toddler tick at the same time.

8. Play to their favorites

Read favorite stories again and again. Seek out books about things your toddler especially likes — trains, animals, the moon. These books may extend a toddler's attention span and build enthusiasm for reading.

9. Not having fun?

Try a different story or a different time during the day. Reading with a very young child is primarily about building positive experiences with books, not finishing every book you start.

Find reading tips for all ages at this link 

KBYU-TV also offers

1. Quality educational television programs

2. Safe and fun online environment-engaging activities, games and videeos that teach and reinforce key skills and concepts

3. Online Video workshops-that provide insights into how children develop and demonstrate how to combine media with reading and hands-on activities to greatly enhance children's learning


Friday, November 4, 2011

Is EVERYONE Sick?

I don't know about you, but I feel like EVERYONE is SICK!  There are FOUR people sitting around me that are sick!  I feel like I am sitting in the middle of a SICK BUBBLE.  If it is this bad in my office then I don't even want to imagine how bad it is in the day cares and schools.  
The weatherman says it is supposed to snow this weekend too!  

Teach your kids 
or
  ask Elmo to teach your kids about staying healthy!


Elmo is very busy keeping kids healthy, but you are in luck!  
You can find Elmo at www.sesameworkshop.org.

Is everyone you know sick too?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Indoor Activities!

Now that the seasons are changing and playing outside isn't always an option--here are 3 different activities you can do with your kids that helps develop gross motor skills. Plus, they are really fun and will help you and your child grow closer! 
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1) Scavenger Hunt 
*Pick several toys or other objects and hide them around your home. You can create a list with drawings or pictures of the objects and help him cross them off. Don't hide things in difficult spots and exercise caution when hiding beloved objects like security blankets or pacifiers. Some toddlers love this and think it's very fun to find them, while others melt down at the mere thought. 
2) Find the Timer
*Hide a ticking kitchen timer set to 5 minutes. He should be able to detect the ticking noise getting louder as he gets closer. You can also indicate closeness by saying closer, farther, or hotter, colder or by increasing or decreasing the frequency of clapping as he approaches the object. 
3) The Up and Down Game
*Let him hold an object (flags are especially fun for this game) and tell him to raise it high if you say a word that is high or hold it low if it's something hta tis low. For example: if you say grass or ant then he would hold his flag low and if you say sky or stars he would hold his flag high in the air. 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Ask Janae Column #2

Good Morning! (sorry no pictures today...it takes too much time)

It's a blustery day in these parts!  Leaves are a blowin', wind a swirlin' around my head, whispering promises of a beautiful Holiday season!  I LOVE September for self reflection, beautiful leaves, and the combination of back to school excitement and the calm that settles in.  I LOVE October for big parties and friends, dancing and pumpkins, laughing and parties. I LOVE November and December for FAMILY.  I come back into myself a bit after loads of people in October...and just enjoy FAMILY.  I love the rain and snow.  I love the hot chocolate, games, dinners, and shopping for loved ones.  How blessed we are to have families.  They drive us crazy, and complete our lives. 

First off today, I wanted to thank the people that have sent me questions.  I have no doubt that the "ask Janae column" will be some great fun!  And MAN you ladies have issues!! Just kidding haha !
My friends over at "Help Me Grow" have decided that it might be great if after I respond to your questions, they add some more information from a community resource point of view

*after all, that is what they do*

I remember when I was first married and felt so alone.  I knew there were other mothers out there dealing with the same issues that I was, but I didn't know how to get connected to the people or places that could be tools and support for me.  (and honestly didn't know if I wanted to) There is something about being frustrated that makes us want to isolate.. that's how I am anyway.  But, there is happiness in having someone around you that GETS where you are coming from.  Hopefully, this is what we
*the ladies at Help Me Grow* can can help provide people with...

SO, it will be impossible to keep up with my life, and questions, and pictures, and events in my life
BUT I will sure give it a shot, because I love it and I feel like it is a life calling for me. SO, without further waiting...here is "Ask Janae Column" question #2!


Dear Janae,
I am having the hardest time getting along with my sons new step mother! I'm asking you because I know you understand how hard this might be. My son's dad and I have had an awesome co-parenting experience since we divorced 14 years ago. That is until now ugghh. He has had several girlfriends that I adored one very serious one that actually became my friend. I almost adopted their little girl who is my youngest sons age because she wasn't ready to be a mom and he had become a drug addict. She was a part of our family for many years. He recently met and married his new wife and at first I couldn't be happier for him! It has been about a year now and she has effectively cut our son out of their lives and the little girl, and his little girls mother out as well. I cant even have a civil discussion with him about our sons grades let alone his day to day struggles. I am FRUSTRATED beyond belief and need an outsiders opinion on how to handle this in the best way for my son. He hates his father now and I am so sad for him. 

How have you kept your cool in your situation and still bonded with your own step-daughter? I know my situation is opposite of yours but with what seven + kids under your belt it seems you have successfully managed to keep her feeling loved and cherished.  Anything you could add to my scope of understanding I would completely appreciate!
 
will be watching for my reply:)



Dear ..... :)

Hmmm, I can see that these "ask Janae" questions could get tough for me to answer because of past issues they bring up, but answer I will. 

Co-parenting is, with no doubt one of the hardest things a parent can have to deal with!  It is hard enough for two married people that were raised differently to get along and agree how to parent, let alone two SETS of parents *FOUR* people to cooperate.  I wrestle in my own mind how best to solve each problem every day...add a spouse you love, .....an ex that used to be intimately involved with one of you....and both new spouses, and it's enough to send all four individuals over a cliff!  I could spend a year writing a book on many angles that surround this one question, but I will try to stay focused on the one specific question you asked

"How do I keep my cool in my situation and still stay bonded with my step daughter?"

First off and most importantly, this is about the child.
 Unfortunately, there are VERY few couples that can keep this the focus for a lifetime.  In our situation, we had several good years of trying to co-team parent, and several harder years.  There were times I felt like I could write a book with my husbands ex on how to pull this monstrous task off, and other times I wanted to run away screaming.  I am sure everyone involved felt the same way.  After all the emotions of pain, hurt, anger, etc... that come with a separation of parents, is overwhelming.  For this reason, I come back to my very first point.  This is about the child, not the parents.

Even if we are doing well enough to understand this, I believe it is a struggle for all to keep this in the forefront of their brain when hard times come up *and they will*



"Holding a grudge is like letting someone live rent-free in your  head." by...I'm not sure.

But the point is, it's ok to be angry and not agree with someone.  It's ok to tell them.  But If you hold onto it for days, weeks, months, and years...you are sacrificing your life and happiness to someone you didn't agree with in the first place.  You are giving your most valuable asset {time} away.  You pay.  Decide what amount of anger is worth your time.  Be Angry.  And then decide to let it teach you a lesson and m.o.v.e. o.n.

This one lesson helped me make it through the 18 years.

Another thing I made sure to do is not focus all my talk and energy on them.  This is easier if you choose not to think about it all the time, because then all of your conversation with your spouse isn't about.  Your kids and step kids don't have to hear all the venom over and over and over again.  Why bring all the frustration into your marriage?  Again, it will come up.  You will have no choice but to deal with situations all the time, but then move on.  I always tried as hard as I could to leave my feelings about any given situation away from my step daughter.  I had to talk to her about each thing that happened of course, but not the anger...not the proofs of "why I am right".  Your kid already feels like a pawn, why make it worse than it already is?

Try to see it from their point of view.
Not that you have to agree with it, but try to understand their feelings and thoughts that brought them to the place they are at.  I try to use this advice in all areas of my life.  If you look at their story, their reality and past, you will start to understand why a person does what they do.  You can still agree to disagree, but a level of respect for them as a parent helps calm things a bit.

Communicate.
As uncomfortable as this can be at times, it always helps big things from getting bigger.  As I look back over the times we *the parents* were doing well, there was always more communication.  When Syd started to get older, it was easier to let her do the communicating.  This led to more issues along the way and disagreements, than if the parents had talked/hashed it out.  It wasn't Syd's fault, she was just trying to make everyone happy, and kids know what each parent wants to hear.  So that's what they do.  Tell everyone what they want to hear.  Save the pain for the child, and talk.  Believe me, I get it.  This isn't always possible, it's just better.

Remember that the child isn't the problem.  The child isn't the one that did something wrong.  They are a product of their situation.  If you look at your kids or step kids this way, it is easier to separate the pain from the child.  I always wanted to be close to Syd.  I loved her.  I see her mom in her and her dad in her, two people that don't get along.  But she is Sydney.  She isn't them.  She has her own spirit and her own life.  Adding to that, she has me in her, and her step dad.  It is ok to not agree with each other, but still love the child.  As a step mother, I always felt like it was my role to love Syd.  Be her friend, and her back up parent.  I never wanted to take away the love she had for her mom.  I respected the role she had.  I wanted syd to know, that I will always be there for her.  Why is it a problem for so many when kids have several adults that they can go to for love, understanding, and answers?  Syds mom was always good to let me do my role in the best way that I knew how.  We respected each other.

Laugh together.
Play with your step kids.  Love unconditionally.  Like I said, they are the ones that matter.  Know your truth.  In court you hear lots of things that you aren't.  You hear allegations... you are judged by others by how you parent, step parent, foster parent...KNOW YOUR TRUTH.  Be the best you and try not to think about what everyone thinks about you.  It can eat you alive.  Focus on things you can change and control, not the other way around.  This is where the happiness lies in all of the chaos.

MAN.
Once again, this is a HUGE question.  I could write forever, but I can't.  One question at a time!  Please feel free to chime in, add to my feedback, share experiences.  I am not perfect, I wasn't perfect as a step parent.  I tried my best.  Like I said at the beginning, it is one of the hardest things in life to be a parent, ....step parent....co-parents.... So just do your best.


Janae Moss, Pink Moss
"Dear Janae" Advice Column