Another Good Read

"When You Are Happy" by Eileen Spinelli

Here's another good book you need to check out. We got it at the library today. I really enjoyed the sweet story about the relationship between a child and loved ones. Not only is it a good story, but it's written beautifully. It also has great illustrations that are colorful and interesting.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

I decided this year that I wanted the ornaments on our tree to be homemade, and I wanted most of them to be ornaments that I could make with N. So, I went to the craft store, got my supplies, and in less than a day N and I made these creations. I wasn't worried about how perfect they looked. I just wanted N and I to have some fun together. We haven't put our tree up yet (my hubby forbids it!), but I know N will be so excited to hang ornaments that he made.

Supply List:

Acrylic Craft Paint

Glitter Glue

Fun Foam

Craft Sticks

Red pom poms

Jute or ribbon

Scrap fabric

Googly eyes

Hot Glue Gun

Sticks gathered from yard

Fishing line

Wreath Instructions:

These are just unpainted wood ornaments you can buy at Michael's or any craft store. They were 99 cents a piece. They were pretty fast and easy to put together. It was cute to see N paint them. I think you can see which one is his (at least I hope you can!). It was good for him because he had to follow my instructions of only painting the bow red and the the rest green. He was so proud of himself.

Snowman:

1. Paint stick white front and back.

2. While drying, take your fun foam and cut out top hats. Glue on with glue gun when paint is dry.

3. Use the stick end of the paint brush to make eyes, mouth and buttons for snowman. Using brush end paint a carrot nose.

4. While drying, go outside and gather sticks. Your kids will love this part!

5. Break twigs to desired length and glue on. Let dry.

6. Tear small strips of fabric and tie on your snowman's neck.

7. Glue on a small loop of jute or ribbon behind the top hat for hanging.

Reindeer Instructions:

1. Paint front and back of stick brown. Let dry.

2. Glue on googly eyes and pom pom. Use stick end of paint brush for the mouth

3. Gather more sticks if needed. Break to desired length and glue on. Let dry

4. Rip more fabric for scarves. Tie on.

5. Glue a small loop of jute or ribbon for hanging.

Snowflake Instructions:

1. Paint 4 sticks per snowflake (I decided to paint mine blue) front and back (if desired). Let dry.

2. Using hot glue gun, make two crosses. Then glue the crosses together as in the picture. Let dry.

3. For the glitter, I just used white glitter glue. Make sure you let it dry.

4. Use fishing line for hanging or ribbon.

These ornaments were so good for young kids because the painting part was really easy. By the time we got to the detailed parts, N's attention span was done, so I did the finishing touches. These ornaments were also easy to mass produce because while one thing was drying, you could work on something else.

As we get closer to putting up the tree I have a couple other ornaments I want to make, and I also have some I want to save for next year. I think I will make this a tradition- make a new ornament with my kids. I had fun, and so did N. That's what it's all about!

Here's a list of some other great ornament ideas and instructions:

Popcorn Cranberry Garland

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

Peppermint Candy Wreath and More

Do you have an ornament suggestion? Or what is something fun you like to do with your kids during the holidays?

Children's Book of the Month

I decided it would be fun to do a children's book of the month. For November, I chose "If You Give A Cat A Cupcake" by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond. These two also wrote the original "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie." These books are so cute. I just think the story is cute and the illustrations are darling. N instantly loved this the first time we read it and we've read it every night before bed for about a week. This is the first of the "If You Give A..." books I've read him, so I'm excited to read more of them to him.

Any fun books you've read to your kids lately or is there one you've had forever that your kids never tire of? Please share! I never know what to get when we go to the library, so it helps to have specific books in mind.

P.S.- If you have something fun you did with your kids you want to share, please do. It's not too late.

What have you done that's fun?

What's something fun you've done with your kids this week or recently? Anything to do with FHE, preschool lessons, fun books you've read, crafts you've done, etc. Please share! And don't worry if it's not extravagant. The best things are the simple things.

I took my kids to the Tree House Museum with a friend. N loves that place, so I bought a membership. If you haven't been you'll have to give it a try. Kids love it so much! If you don't know much about it check out their website.

I'm excited to hear what you've done! I'm in desperate need of ideas! I've gotten a little lazy.

P.S.- Sorry for the lack of posts. The creative juices haven't exactly been flowing lately.