Fit for a Prince and Princess

Thanks Meg for this craft idea.

It was a rainy weekend so we tried to keep busy. Once again E had his moments, but in the end he was quite proud of his castle. He wants me to copy it and print copies for everyone...how cute is he?!

And Little Miss made me quite proud as well. I was pretty impressed with this castle drawn by a 3-year old!

“It is better to create than to be learned, creating is the true essence of life”

-Barthold Georg Niebuhr

Rainy Day Fun?

E recently brought home a project he created at school using marshmallows and toothpicks. I then modified it to use with my students to teach vertex, edge and face of 3-dimensional objects. It worked like a charm and the kids, even middle schoolers, really got into it.

The only supplies needed:

I had leftover supplies and thought it would be a good project for today's rainy day. Everyone was excited to begin...

E ate quite a few of these, but Little Miss was not a fan.

No, those are not the hands of one of my children, but my husband. He got in on the fun too and couldn't wait to carry out the plan for his "chair".

E helped Little Miss make a roof.

The finished chair.

Here is Little Miss' creation; I believe this is Memere and Pepere's house, including all the rooms.

and E peeking through his tractor trailer truck

Now, to get to the reason behind the question mark in my title. This project did not go quite according to plan and the pictures are deceiving. E had several mini melt-downs while trying to create his elaborate visions. Unfortunately, I think the marshmallows were too soft and things were toppling over ...not good! We put the marshmallows in the refrigerator and hope to try again.

The empty Ritz cracker box served as reinforcement for the truck.

In the end I think everyone had fun, but it was a little rough for a while.

NOTE: I originally used plain toothpicks for the project, but the colored ones added some fun whimsy.

Pink Toes

First time for painted toenails
"Pink, Mom, like Ellie."
"Of course, Little Miss!"

Responsibility

Master Oh: "What does the belt mean?"

Students: "RESPONSIBILITY!"

E earned his Orange Belt the other night; waiting for the responsibility part to have an effect...hmmmm? What does that actually mean to a 6 year old?

"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. "~Abigail Van Buren

Leaving the nest

Well, these were the last two birds in the nest this past Saturday when we went to go look. Unfortunately, all four did NOT make it. We had a casuality at the top of the slide :( I try to forget about it because it makes me sad, but it's part of nature I suppose; survival of the fittest. These two actually flew away when we were down there; I think we freaked them out. That wasn't good, but they flew away successfully...phew! Although this experience with "our robins" was not as successful as the last time, we still enjoyed watching it take place right in our backyard!

There is more information about Robins here if you're interested; it really is amazing. Most hatch and are out of the nest in less that 2 weeks.

What was I thinking?

That picture of John Denver on my blog was a bit creepy. I decided pictures of my two beauties was the better way to go. Enjoy!

Favorite

I love John Denver; I have since I was a little girl and I still am a fan. My kids want me to be quiet when I belt out one of his songs, but I do it anyway. I especially love the lyrics of this song:

For Baby

I’ll walk in the rain by your side

I’ll cling to the warmth of your (TINY) hand

I’ll do anything to keep you satisfied

I’ll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to me

Little birds will sing along in time

Leaves will bow down when you walk by

And morning bells will chime

I’ll be there when you’re feelin’ down

To kiss away the tears if you cry

I’ll share with you all the happiness I’ve found

A reflection of the love in your eyes

And I’ll sing you the songs of the rainbow

A whisper of the joy that is mine

And leaves will bow down when you walk by

And morning bells will chime

I’ll walk in the rain by your side

I’ll cling to the warmth of your tiny hand

I’ll do anything to help you understand

And I’ll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to me

Little birds will sing along in time

Leaves will bow down when you walk by

And morning bells will chime

To tell you the truth, this song makes me cry (almost every time).

PS Speaking of John Denver, "Follow me, where I go, what I do and who I know. Make it part of you to be a part of me." Just click on the follow button on the right side of my blog (I know this is a desperate attempt to get followers, but maybe it will work ....or maybe I'll lose the few of you I have).

Thanks for reading! :)