Heart Hunt

The kids tell me the best part of Valentines is our heart hunt. This year, Teagan and I have a cold and aren't feeling 100% . This years heart hunt was definately last minute but just as fun. 

One heart leads to another which will lead to their valentines.

The kids took turns leading the way to each heart!

I was happily surprised how well they cooperated.

Pretend you don't see the laundry!

Happy Valentines Day!

Turning 7 Fairy Style

Sadie turns 7 next week, to celebrate we had a fairy party last night. The party was a lot of fun to create and received rave reviews! We had the party on a Friday night so it wouldn't consume our weekend, it also gave parents a chance to go out if they wanted too. I put it together a little on Wednesday and Thursday evening so we were ready for Friday. 

Waiting for our guests

We decorated with what we had and balloons.

When our fairies arrived their first stop was at the fairy beauty shop. Were they had their hair glittered, simple fairy colored eye shadow applied and a butterfly nail applique. They received their wings, and halos too.




The fairies next step was to the wand station, to choose and make their wands.

We played 3 party games

The games:

1.  I hid 6 party rings in the main party room.  I told the girls Tinkerbell had lost her ring, and we needed to find it. The rings were the prize.

2.  We did a fairy toss with the decorated bowls and rattan glittered balls.

3.  A fairy version of hot potatoe, passing a thimble with pixie sticks. When the fairies got out they got to sit and enjoy their pixie sticks.  It took the sting out of getting out.

Then it was time to eat cup cakes and open presents! 

Passing the thimble.

Happy Birthday Sadie!

Sadies "real" birthday is on a school day, so instead of bringing cupcakes and to avoid the cost and waste. I am making her bottles of pixie dust, from the dollar stores Sports Bottles with powder candy pack. A new label and few ribbons to each bottle will make a fun inexpensive classroom treat.

New to me:  http://www.haloheaven.com/

~ DeAnn






Teaching Websites

A BIG thank you goes out to my 2 campuses on a great list of teacher approved websites!
If you are looking for a fun way to build skills check out this list for a sight that may meet your childs needs.

http://www.starfall.com/
http://www.funbrain.com/
http://www.storyplace.org/
http://www.thatquiz.org/
http://www.spellingcity.com/
http://www.nyphilkids.org/
http://www.hoodamath.com/
http://www.bigbrainz.com/
http://www.multiplication.com/
http://www.chompchomp.com/  grammar
http://www.kids.mysterynet.com/  reading comprehension
http://www.edutopia.org/
http://www.mathplayground.com/
http://www.sproutonline.com/

We had fun tonight practicing our spelling words at spellingcity :) 
DeAnn

String Art

Saw this cute valentine craft in Family Fun magazine.

Super simple and attached to a card it will make a unique valentine.   Here is what you need to make your own:  corn starch glue made by mixing 1/4 cup corn starch and 1/2 cup water. Yarn, cookie cutters on a covered cookie sheet.  We cooked ours at 225 for  about 2 hours. They can also air dry for a couple days, instead of popping them in the oven.

Dip your yarn in the cornstarch glue, slightly wringing the excess off.

Place yarn in cookie cutter for the desired shape.
Remove CC before cooking :)


 Have Fun!

Recent Reads

My recent reads as I continually work on providing a home of love and harmony. I adore how the tv is off and we are reading, reading..reading :)

30 Very Veggie Devotions about Kindness:  Love it, simple and meaningful. The kids are enjoying it. We read it every night, only takes a few minutes to make a valuable point.

Making Brothers and Sisters Bestfriends:  So far so good, thought later we'd read and discuss as a family. Very biblically based, some good points. I like how its written by siblings. 

A Sane Womans Guide to Raising a Large Family:  Great, for the new Mom of 1 or the seasoned Mom of 10. Offers some good advice, and websites.

What are you reading? 

DeAnn

Fairy Garden

The weather is a tease of spring, perfect for playing outside all afternoon, which we took full advantage of from bikes, 4 square, chalk pictures on the drive way and What Time is It Mr. Alligator.  We started our outdoor fun, with the girls making this cute fairy garden, that I wanted to share:

If I was a fairy, I'd want to live here! ~ DeAnn

New Years Resolutions

Happy New Year!! May 2011 bring good healthy and joy to you and your families. New Years resolutions, maybe if I post them I'll actually do them. One can hope right :)

Like the rest of the world, I resolve to get in shape!
Hopefully riding my new pink bike will help :)
Start a new family devotion book.
Practice and learn more about sewing, bought a machine..no excuses.
New doors for the house, been meaning to do that for what 10yrs!
Oh..my list could go on and on..but you know what, I'm just going to enjoy each day as it comes!

Life is a celebration, maybe that is my new years resolution!
~ DeAnn