Renee's Workshop

ASL word of the day...Invite/Welcome

2011-08-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

Invite v. To ask politely for the presence or participation of, as at a gathering of friends or a meeting.
Bekeh is inviting you to her party.
Same sign used for Welcome, Greet, Hire, Employ

(the hand brings another to oneself) Bring the upturned right curved hand from in front of the right side of the body in toward the center of the waist,

Baby Headbands

2011-08-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Headbands are easy and fun to make.

Purchase stretch lace at a craft store or fabric store.
Measure baby's head and cut stretch lace one inch smaller than head
Overlap ends one inch and sew together
Add fabric bows, silk flowers, buttons and bling with fabric glue or sew them on.

Homemade Bubble Solution

2011-08-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

Jeanne and Jess love to make BUBBLES

Homemade Bubble Solution

Stir together:
1/2 gallon of water
1/3 cup dish washing liquid
3 tablespoons glycerin (find at drugstores or craft stores)

Make a large batch and put into a large bucket or small inflatable pool for lots of big fun.
Make fun large wands using, heavy wire or old badminton rackets...take out the net (sometime you can find some at the dollar store),
Go outside and have FUN!!!

Angel

2011-07-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Save a place in your

Garden

for Angels to dance

Memories

2011-07-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

Grandma Marilyn & Grandma Nee' crafting time (Kaleb is in green)

When someone you love

becomes a memory...

the memory becomes a treasure.

We will miss you!... Kalab Mitchell 1998-2011

ASL word of the day...Bicycle

2011-07-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

bicycle n. A lightweight vehicle with two wheels in tandem
RJ loves to ride his bicycle!

(shows action of pedaling a bicycle) Move both S hands in alternating forward circles, palm facing down, in front of each side of the body.

Fun with chalk

2011-07-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Chalk is not just for inside fun...Take it outside and PLAY!!

Remember the days of Hopscotch? Make it a longer game by drawing 20 squares instead of the usual 10.

Have a jumping contest and see how far each person can jump from a designated spot. Use different colored chalk to make each person's distance.

Draw a series of O's in front of the garage door or wall and play Hit the Mark

from a designated spot, each person takes turns trying to hit each O with a tennis ball

When a player misses an O, it becomes the next persons turn

Joke of the week

2011-07-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

Q: What did the paint say to the wall?

A: I've got you covered!

Bear Tales...The Nightingale

2011-07-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Nightingale
ivy o eastwick

The Nightingale
made up a tune
about the foxgloves
and the moon.

She sang it high,
she sang it low!
it was as dreamful
and as slow
as summer moon light
on the lea...

She sang it three times
round to me.

Gardening Fun!

2011-07-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Freddy the Frog loves to be outside and garden

Being outside had great health benefits, such as exposure to fresh air and sunlight. Studies show that we are happier, healthier , smarter and more self disciplined when we can be outdoors.

Gardening is a great workout! Turn gardening into play

Challenge your kids to a weeding contest: Have each child pick one type o weed and start pulling on the count of three. Then see who's collected the most when the allotted time ( such as 15 min) is up

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

A star spangled day full of Flags and Streamers!

Thank you to all those who serve

or have served to bring

FREEDOM to our country!

Inexpensive Travel Journal

2011-06-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Are you vacationing this year? Are you doing the "Stay Home" vacation? Either way...Here is a great way for the kids to journal the fun things your are doing this summer
Pick up a composition book for each of the kids.
You can make a book cover with fabric and add pockets or allow them to cover the front with pictures, stickers, paper and mod podge for a one of a kind look

Let them buy postcards, keep the ticket stubs and brochures from activities you have done and at the end of the day, they can glue in the items they have collected and then journal about what they saw and did.

This is inexpensive memento that they will have for years to come.

Off to Dallas

2011-06-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

Don't follow your Dreams. Chase them!

I am off and running "with the bulls"... Dallas here I come...to a trade show!
These bulls are Bronze Longhorn Sculptures at the Pioneer Plaza in Dallas.

3 Minute Bean Relay Game

2011-06-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

3 minute Bean Relay

Divide everyone into teams

Place a bowl of dried beans at the starting line for each team
Set a grocery paper bag 20 feet from each bowl

When the race begins

The first person on each team uses a wooden spoon to scoop up beans from his teams bowl
Race to dump the beans in to their team bag
Hands off his spoon to the next player on their team
Game continues until time is up
The team with the most beans wins.

The Journey

2011-06-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

The only journey is

the JOURNEY within.

I am off to Portland... See you Friday!

Love One Another

2011-06-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Love one another

but, make not a bond of Love

let it rather be

a moving Sea between

The Shores of your souls

kahil gibran

asl word of the day....Thirsty

2011-06-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

thristy adj. having a thirst: craving liquid

Related form: thirst n same sign used for parched

(Indicates a dry throat) move the extended right index finger, palm facing in and finger pointing up, downward on the length of the neck, bending the finger down as it moves.

Joke of the week

2011-06-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

Q: What kind of pool can't you swim in?

A: A car pool!

Bear Tales...The Brown Bear

2011-06-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

The Brown Bear
Mary Austin

Now the wild bees that hive in the rocks
are winding their horns, elfin shrill,
and hark, at the pine tree the woodpecker knocks,
and the speckled grouse pipes on the hill.
Now the addler's dull brood wake to run,
Now the sap mount abundant and good.
And the brown bear has turned with his side to the sun
In his lair in the depth of the wood,
Old Honey Paw wakes in the wood.

Oh a little more slumber says he
And a little more turning to sleep
But he feels the spring fervor that hurries the bee
And the hunger that makes the trout leap
So he amble by thicket and trail
So he noses the tender young shoots,
In the spring of the year at the sign of the quail
For sappy and succulent roots

Oh as still goes the wolf on his quest
As the spotted snake glides through the rocks
And the deer and the sheep count the lightest foot best
and slinking and sly trots the fox
But fleet-foot and light-foot will stay
and fawns by their mothers will quail
at the saplings that snap and the thickets that sway
When Hone-Paw takes to the trail
When hw shuffles and grunts on the trail

He has gathered the ground squirrel's hoard
He has rifles the store of the bees,
He has caught the young trout at the shoals of the ford
And stripped the wild plums from the trees
So robbing the raging he goes
And the right to his pillage makes good
Til rou round out the year at the first of the snows
In his lair in the depths of the wood
Old Honey-Paw sleeps in the wood.

Banana Frozen Treat

2011-06-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Ready, Set, Go! It's Banana Time!

This banana shake is yummy frozen treat.
Too thick? serve with a spoon

3 bananas ( the riper the sweeter)
2 tablespoons milk

Peel the bananas, cut them in half width-wise, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until firm
Place the frozen banana in a blender, add the milk and puree until blended and creamy
Serve in small paper cups with small plastic spoons
makes 4 servings

River

2011-06-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Advice from a River
by Ilan Shamis

Go with the Flow
Slow Down and Meander
Go around the Obstacles
Stay Current
The Beauty is in the Journey!

Button Fun Activities

2011-06-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

Are the kids bored with their Toys? Here some fun Button activities...Just dump your button box on the kitchen table , add glue, fabric, yarn, cardstock , elastic thread and pie plate for some creative time with the kids.

Button Art: Glue buttons and bits of fabric or yarn onto card stock to create a textured portrait or landscape
Pan for Buttons: Place a pie plate on the floor near a wall, line up 10-12 feet away, and see who can pitch the most buttons off the wall into the pan.
Make button jewelry: String elastic thread through the holes of assorted flat buttons, tie it into a loop for a wrist and ankle bracelet
Build a button tower: See who can stack the most buttons with the tower falling over.

ASL word of the day...Thank You

2011-06-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

Thank v. To express gratitude to: Thank you Bekka!
Same sign used for Thank you

(The hand take gratitude from the mouth and presents it to another) Move the fingertips of the right open hand, palm in and fingers pointing up, from the mouth forward and down, ending with the palm angled up in front of the chest.

Bear Tales...Happiness

2011-06-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

HAPPINESS
jeanne de lamarter

Oh, Mother, don't you love the wind?
It circles round the hill
It makes my hair stand up on end
and makes my breath stand still!

Oh, Mother, don't you love the wind?
It whistle flying by
It makes umbrellas of my dress,
and tumbles up the sky!

Joke of the week

2011-05-31T04:57:00.000-07:00

Q: What did the cop say to the Popsicle?

A: Freeze!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

Mix together is bowl: (diabetic version) set aside
2 cups sifted flour (whole wheat )
2 cups oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

cream together:
1/2 cup brown sugar (splenda brown sugar)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (splenda)
1 cup shortening
2 egss 1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Add dry ingredients and mix. Add one bag of chocolate chips to mixture

Drop onto greased cookie sheets
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minues

Yields: 5 doz

Patriotic

2011-05-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

The air is warm

The sun is bright

it's a patriotic scene

with parades and bugles

where banners wave

and flags can all be seen.

lillian leaminton

Asl word of the day...Morning

2011-05-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

Morning n, The early part of the day, before noon

Austin ate breakfast this morning

(Represents the sun coming up over the horizon) With the left open hand in the crook of the bend right arm, bring the right open hand upward, palm facing in.

Joke of the week

2011-05-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Q: Why did the kid start a gardening service?

A: He wanted to rake in some cash!

Spring Dandelion Art

2011-05-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

Go out side and picks some Dandelion Blossoms

Put some colored tempra paint on a paper plate

Give each person a piece of white paper

(cut cardstock 4" x 6" to make mailable postcards)

Using their dandelion blossoms as a paint brush, dab the paint onto the paper.

This is a fun activity when your yard is full of dandelion blossoms like my yard is right now.

ASL word of the day...High

2011-05-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

High adj. Having a great height, Having a specified height, Raised to an elevated position, To or at an elevated place.
same sign used for altitude

(Initialized sign showing a location at a higher elevation) Move the right H hand, palm facing left and fingers pointing forward, from in front of the right side of the chest upward to near the right side of the head.

Stuffed Apple

2011-05-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

An apple a day can be full of surprises.
Try this nutritious treat:

Core an apple
Fill it with peanut butter
Top with raisins

The filling keeps the apple from turning brown. Take it with you by sealing it in a plastic bag

Bear Tales...Merry Go Round

2011-05-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

Merry-Go-Round
Marguerite gode

Round and round
Goes the merry-go-round
The music is churning
An organ-sweet sound,
While horses and tigers
And zebras and bears
Go galloping, galloping
Onward in pairs

Joke of the week

2011-05-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

Q: Why did the computer go to the doctor?

A: Because it had a virus!

Instant Stickers

2011-05-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

To make stickers:
Cut a bunch of pictures from old magazine, something they have drawn, coloring books or comic books.
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of flavored gelatin in 5 teaspoons of boiling water (adults only).
Using a small paint brush, coat the backs of the cutouts with a thin layer of gelatin solution.
Let dry
Not the stickers are ready to lick and stick!

ASL Word of the Day...Baby

2011-05-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

Baby n....a very young child: Daddy is holding baby Abigail.
same sign used for : infant

(Action of rocking a baby in one's arms) With the bent right arm cradled on the bent left arm, both palm facing up, swing the arms to the right and the left in front of the body with a double movement.

Tissue Paper Butterflies

2011-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Cut butterfly shapes from white construction paper
Set out assorted colors of 1 inch squares of colored tissue paper, small containers of water, and paintbrushes.
Paint the butterfly shape with water and place the tissue paper squares randomly on the butterfly shape
Have them count to ten
Remove the wet tissue paper to view the fun colorful creations!

Bear Tales...If I were otherwise

2011-05-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

If I were Otherwise
joyce l brisley

If I were very, very tall, as tall as I could be,
I'd play with all the little birds up in the topmost tree;
I'd jump right over houses and think nothing of a wall
If I were very, very, very, very tall

If I were very small, as small as I could be
I'd run among the blades of grass where you could scarcely see,
I'd play with ants and beetles and I know I'd love them all,
If I were very, very, very, very small!

Joke of the week

2011-05-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

Q: Why do zebras like old movies?

A: because they are in Black and White!

Fruity Yogurt Shake

2011-05-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Fruity Yogurt Shake

1 cup orange juice
1 container (8oz) lemon yogurt
1/2 banana
1/2 cup orange pieces
1/2 cup chopped apple
1/2 cup grapefruit pieces
2 cups frozen vanilla yogurt

Combine orange juice, lemon yogurt, banana, orange, apple, grapefruit, and frozen yogurt in a blender. Blend just until combined. Chill in freezer about 30 minutes or until mixture is desired consistency, stirring after 15 minutes
yields about 4 cups

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T05:09:00.000-07:00

For you are the first friend I ever had,

and the best friend I ever can have,

and nobody can respect and

love you too much to please me.

charles dickens

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

International Dinner Time

2011-05-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

For a fun international learning experience... Have an traveling adventure at home!
Go the library to find some books, cook books. videos and music about the country of choice.
After dinner, you could watch a movie that was filmed in that country, play games or listen to music.
Have the kids help with the menu planning, and have them make flags from country of choice.
You could even let the dress up with an international flair.
Put up a world map and learn where each country is.
This is a great way to learn where you ancestors came from!!

Mexico: Chop tomatoes for spicy salsa, mix up some guacamole, and lay out a make your own taco or burrito buffet grande. (Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Today May 5)
Italy : make pesto or shape pizza dough into singe serving pies so everyone can pile on the topping combination of his or her choice. Play an Italian opera to set the mood and mangia!
China: Try making steamed dumplings, sesame noodles or moo shu pork. For atmosphere, string up colorful paper lanterns.
USA: Do everything red, white and blue.

Bear Tales...Looking in

2011-05-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

Looking In
dorothy aldis

Coming home one winter's night
Passing window warm and bright,
We looked through and we could see
People snug as they could be.

Safe inside, they didn't know
That it was cold out in the snow,
Or how it prickled on my chin,
Or how I stood there looking in

Joke of the week

2011-05-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

What do you give a bird who isn't feeling well?

Medical tweetment

Calculator Fun Game

2011-05-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

This game is great for entertaining your kids during boring times such as: doctor office visits or car rides. Give them a pocket calculator and challenge them to see how many number combination they can come up with that spell words when the calculator is turned upside down. Here are a few to get you started

663 (EGG)
604
771
77345
5508
733
7714
618
3045
637
35007
7738

Friendship

2011-05-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Friendship is Love,

without his wings!

-lord byron

ASL word of the day ...Nurse

2011-04-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Nurse n.
A person trained to care for ill people: Sariah wants to be a nurse.

(Initialized sign similar to sign for Doctor) Tap the extended fingers of the right N hand, palm facing down with a double movement with the wrist of the left open hand held in front of the body, palm facing up.

Bear Tales...Tree-Children

2011-04-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tree-Children
mary carolyn davies

The little trees that to the breeze
Make quaint and timorous courtesies:
I like to come and play with these.

Each grown-up pine that stands in line
Is but a stranger great and fine-
The little trees are friends of mine!

Bird Word Search

2011-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

SPRING IS HERE!

Bird Word Search

S N O I T A C O L B
T T E R R I T O R Y
R S C L A S S I C B
E P S O N G L I N L
A E A R S L G G P E
M I N T I N Y N E N
G B N P I H R W C D
S T S E L T S I H W

BLACKBIRD
LOCATIONS
TERRITORY
BRILLIANT
WHISTLES
CLASSIC
STREAMS
PATROL
PATCH
PERCH
WING
SONG
TINY

Eat Like a Bird "Tweet"

2011-04-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Healthy "Tweet"

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsps honey
2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 cups sunflower seeds

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet until hot; add cumin and chili powder. Cook over medium high heat for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add sugar and honey and stir until sugar dissolves.
Stir in pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring constantly, or until the seeds are toasted and the mixture smells good.
Carefully spoon seed mixture onto a big piece of lightly greased aluminum foil
Cool completely. Store seeds in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Theres a Lighthouse

2011-04-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

There's a lighthouse
On a rocky hill
That beckons those who roam
To help them through
The stormy seas
And find their way back home

Though the clouds
Are growing darker
And the seas crash with such might
Up ahead still burns
The torch of Christ
like a lighthouse in the night
vicki b wright

Happy Easter!

Asl word of the day...Christ

2011-04-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

Christ n

(Initialized sign following the location of a royal sash) Move the right C hand, from touching the left side of the chest near the shoulder downward to touch again near the right side of the waist.

This Little Bunny

2011-04-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Cut five bunny shapes our of felt or paper and decorate them to match the following poem
If using paper, glue flannel or felt to the back of each bunny.
As you recite the poem, place the appropriate shapes on a flannelboard.
(to make a flannel board...cover cardboard or foam core with felt or flannel)

Poem:
This little bunny has two pink eyes
This little bunny is very wise
This little bunny is soft as silk
This little bunny is white as milk
This little bunny nibbles away
At cabbage and carrots the livelong day!
author unknown

Eggs-ercises

2011-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Slow Melt: Pretend you are a chocolate bunny melting on a hot day . Start by standing nice and tall, then slowly ooze to the floor

Basket Balance: Try balancing an empty Easter Basket (or plastic bowl) on your head as you walk across your yard

Rabbit Racers: Give a younger buddy a head start and race across the park. Try racing three times. Is your younger buddy getting faster?

Egg Toss: Pretend a tennis ball is an Easter Egg. Standing close to your buddy, toss him or her the "egg". Each time you catch the "egg" take a step back. How far apart will you get?

Octopus Tag

2011-04-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Set up a rectangular ocean: To determine the right width, have everyone hold hands and spread out across the field. Build two side lines with markers.
The queen (king) octopus stands in the middle of the "Ocean" and cries out " I am the octopus queen (king) of all motion. Let's see if you can cross my ocean:
The fish try to run or sneak across the ocean as the octopus tries to tag them.
If tagged, they become seaweed. Keeping one foot planted, the seaweed try to reach out and tag the running fish. If they are tagged, they become seaweed too.
Once everyone has the crossed the ocean and is on the other side, the octopus repeats the chant and the crossing contest starts again.
The game continues till all the fish become seaweed.
The last fish tagged becomes the new octopus.

Enthusiasm

2011-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Enthusiasm is Contagious

Be a Carrier

Bear Tales...The Playhouse Key

2011-04-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

The Playhouse Key
rachel field

This is the key to the playhouse
In the woods by the pebbly shore,
It's winter now: I wonder if
There's snow about the door?

I wonder if the fir trees tap
Green fingers on the pane;
If sea gulls cry and the roof is wet
And tinkle-y with rain?

I wonder if the flower-sprigged cups
And plates sit on their shelf
And if my little painted chair
Is rocking by itself?

Homemde Word Necklace

2011-04-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Make a fun necklace using

plastic lids(colored ones are great)
and old magazines.

supplies needed to make charms:
plastic lids, old magazines, glue stick, clear packing tape, scissors, hole punch.

Does your child have a favorite band, favorite expression, favorite cool word? Now they can tell the world with these easy to make charms from recyclables,

Cut out a bunch of words from old magazines and use a glue stick to to affix them to the plastic lids.
Leaving enough space around each word to create a margin.
Cut out the plastic back words, leaving room at the top end to punch a hole later
Seal the words with clear packing tape
Trim any excess tape from the edges.
Punch a hole in the plastic and attach a key ring or large jump ring
String all the words onto a necklace length ball chain, ribbon or crafting cord.

Laugh

2011-04-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

A day is lost

if one has not laughed

Asl word of the day...Hat

2011-04-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

hat n. A shaped head covering, as one with a crown and brim

(Location of a hat on one's head) Pat the top of the head with the fingers of the right open hand, palm facing down, with a double movement.

Bear Tales...Trains at Night

2011-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Trains at Night
frances frost

I like the whistle of trains at night,
The fast trains thundering by so proud!
They rush and rumble across the world,
They ring wild bells and they toot so loud!

But I love better the slower trains,
They take their time through the world instead,
And whistle softly and stop to tuck
Each sleepy blinking town to bed!

Who am I?

2011-04-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

PJ dreams of being this cat

Find the Capital letter in each clue below that does not start the sentence.
Unscramble the six letters to find the name of this cat that lives in the rainforest

I am the largest cat in the Americas
I am a solitaRy animal
I have powerful Jaws
I swim And climb very well
I like to ambUsh my prey
I snarl and Growl

Inexpensive party cake ideas

2011-04-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

What I Make with My Hands
I give with my Heart...

You don't have to spend lots of money
on a bakery decorator cake.
Make a cake using a cartoon theme
by frosting a 9x13 cake a using colored frosting
to make up your design. Make a garden theme, by frosting the cake with green "grass" and blue "water" and add a plastic figure to make a fun inexpensive cake.

Joke of the Week

2011-04-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Q: Why did the bacon laugh?

A: Because the egg cracked a yolk!!

Asl word of the day...Dirty

2011-04-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Dirty adj. Not Clean: Please wash the dirty dishes.
Same sign used for filthy, nasty, pollution,soiled

(Represents a pig's snout groveling in a trough) With the back of the right curved 5 hand under the chin, palm facing down, wiggle the fingers.

Frozen Fruit Cups

2011-03-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Frozen Fruit Cups
makes 121 small cups

1 cup orange juice
15 oz can crushed pineapple
7oz can namdarin oranges
1 pint strawberries
2 bananas
1 1/2 cup ginger ale

Measure the orange juice in a mixing bowl
Open the cans of crushed pineapple , add the pinapple and its juice to the mixing
Open the can of mandarin oranges and drain the juice from the mandarin oranges into sink,cut oranges into small pieces add to mixing bowl
Wash strawberries, remove stems, cut into small pieces and add to bowl
Peel bananas, cut into small pieces, add to bowl
Stir the fruit and juices together and then stir in ginger ale
Pour the fruit mixture into small paper cups
Cover the tops with wax paper or plastic wrap
Put the cups into the freezer for several hours.

Bearr Tales....OFFER

2011-03-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

OFFER
mildred bowers armstrong

Come around at seven
When the moon is out;
I'll ask the queen to send a guide
To show us both about.

Yuo'd better bring your overshoes
And a cover for your head;
You'll soon be wet with night dew
And burrs are everywhere

You must watch sharply
And not cough or sneeze
You will see the lanterns
Of stars among the trees.

You must listen closely
And not draw away;
You'll hear the misty fairies
Laughing in their play

Flower Dolls

2011-03-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

Make a flower doll using silk flowers, ribbon and tulle

These dolls are 5" baby dolls

Pick a flower you want to use and separate the petals

Glue edge of petals to the inside of ribbon to make a skirt and let dry

Cut a 6" x 2 yard strip of tulle and fold in half . Wrap body to make underclothes and tie off

cut a 6" x 1 yard strip of tulle. Fold in half length wise and sew a gather stitch down middle,

gather tight to make a under skirt, place on doll and sew in back of skirt

Tie petal skirt on over tulle underskirt.

To make a hat, use leftover petals, leaves and stemans.

Aren't these the cutest Flower Babies! Use larger flowers for a larger doll.

Miracle

2011-03-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Such a big Miracle

in such a little girl

Game Time is great for the Family!

2011-03-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Jonathan loves to play HISS from gamewright.

What your child wants and needs is to be with you and enjoy spending time together.
Children want you to take pleasure in them, play with them and listen to them. Nothing bolsters their self-esteem more!!
Pull out a game or invest in a new one, turn off your TV and video games for GAME TIME!
Playing game is an easy, excellent way to spend unhurried, enjoyable time together.
Added Bonus: board / card games are also rich in learning opportunities.
They satisfy your child's competitive urges and the desire to master new skills and concepts, as well as teaches them how to take turns, and live within rules.

Remember the cost to take a family of 4 to see a new movie can cost you $50-$60 for a ONE NIGHT OUT
The cost of a new game can cost $6.00-$60 that will last for years. Play a $60.00 board game for one night each month...you only spent $5.00 a month for interactive family time.
Games are Worth the Investment!

Asl word of the day...umbrella

2011-03-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

Bekah should have taken her umbrella to school today.

umbrella n.A portable circular cover of waterproof fabric on folding ribs attached to a long handle and used to protect you from rain or snow

(Mime raising an umbrella) Beginning with the little finger side of the right A hand on the index finger side of the left A hand in front of the chest, palm facing in opposite directions, raise the right hand upward in front of the head.

Joke of the week

2011-03-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Q: How many months have 28 days?

A: All of them!

Bear Tales...Sea Child

2011-03-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

Sea Child
nancy byrd turner

Mermie was a sea child,
The cheerfulest of girls;
For a game of marbles
She had to use pearls.
She slept upon a coral bed,
Her toys were rather few,
But when she couldn't have a doll
She'd make a dolphin do.

Iced Cookies

2011-03-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

Homemade cookies make great gifts...

if you don't eat them first!

1 1/4 cups flour
1 stick butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla or 3 tablespoon cocoa powder
frosting & sprinkles

Mix flour, butter, vanilla (or cocoa), sugar, and baking powder until it looks like breadcrumbs
Add the egg and mix together until it forms a smooth dough
Sprinkle a little flour onto your work surface and roll out the dough with rolling pin
.Do not press too hard, Use cooking cutters to cut out shapes
Place the cookies on a greased baking tray
Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Let cool and decorate with frosting and sprinkles.

Let's go fishing

2011-03-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

Make a fishing pole by trying 3 feet of string or ribbon to half a dowel or wooden spoon.
Attach a paper clip to the end.
Cut fish from different colored construction paper and attach to top of fish a small amount of self adhesive magnet strip.
Then let the kids go fishing!

You can help them practice finding colors such as: Find all the red, then all the blue, etc

Learn numbers by writing numbers on the fish shapes and asking them to catch fish "one" , Fish "Two
or place letters on your fish and have them practice their alphabet.

Smile

2011-03-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

A Smile Increases
Your Face Value

ASL word of the day...My / Mine

2011-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

My pron. A form of the possessive case of I, indicating that something specified or indicated belongs to the speaker; my book. or maybe Austin is saying: MINE!
Same sign used for: mine, own

(pulling something to oneself) Place the palm of the right open hand on the chest, fingers pointing left.

Irish Girls wish you Happy Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

A rainbow over the horizon

a pot of gold

a shamrock path

the hush of fairy wings...

these set my Irish feet to dancing.

monique white

Joke of the week

2011-03-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

Q: What do you call a fake stone
in Ireland?

A: A sham rock!

Irish Soda Bread

2011-03-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

An Irish Tradition for Saint Patty's Day

(grandpa comber enjoying his Irish Heritage)

Irish Soda Bread

1 cup old fashioned rolled otats
3 1/2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tbs caraway seeds
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup raisins and/or dried cranberries
3 eggs
1 1/3 cup buttermilk

preheat oven to 325 degrees F
coat baking sheet with cooking spray. (reserve 1 tbs oats)
In large bowl combine flour, sugar, caraway seeds, baking powder, soda, salt and remaining oats.
Toss in raisins and/or cranberries.

Lightly beat 2 eggs, stir beaten eggs and buttermilk in flour mixture until combined
On lightly floured surface, knead mixture until dough forms.
Shape into 6" round loaf and place on baking sheet

With serrated knife, cut 1/2 inch deep "X" into top of loaf.
Lightly beat remaining egg; brush over dough, and sprinkle with reserved oats.
Bake 50-55 min or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom
Transfer from baking sheet to rack; cool .

Popcorn popping

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Make a fun spring blossom picture with construction paper, glue and popcorn.

Cut out a tree trunk from brown
Tree top from green
and glue onto a sheet of blue construction paper
Glue popcorn to the green tree top for "Blossoms"

sister

2011-03-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sister

a little bit of childhood

that can never be lost

Barrette Organizer

2011-03-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a simple way to organize

your barrettes and hair bows...

Simply tie a rainbow of ribbons to a hanger
String a pony bead to the end of each ribbon for weight
Now clip each barrette to the ribbon that match and you can easily find the one that you need

ASL word of the day...School

2011-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

School n. An institution for teaching and learning: old enough to go to school.

Tap the fingers of the right open hand, palm facing down, with a double movement on the upturned palm of left open hand.

Park Explorers

2011-03-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Need a way to have fun and save money? Become a Park Explorer....

Jump into the car and travel to another neighborhood
Find a new public park to explore

Each park in your city will have a different mix of playground equipment to try out.
The kids will love it!! Find one you really like? Next time bring along some friends to share it with.

Bear Tales...Headlights

2011-03-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Headlights
carolyn forsyth

Over the back of the crouching hill,
     Over the hump of the night
The automobiles, with squeaks and squeals
     Keep lifting their eyes of light

They seem like animal eyes in the dark
     That are stealthily searching for prey;
And the road is afraid for it wriggles its tail
     And hurriedly slithers away....

Malted Vanilla Cream and a Joke!

2011-03-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Q: What happens when frogs park illegally?

A: They get toad!

Malted vanilla cream:

in pot, blend milk with malted milk powder to taste
warm over low heat.
Stir in a drop of vanilla extract
Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of malted milk powder

Puddle Jumping game

2011-03-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

Cut out "puddles" from felt and place around the room
Have the children pretend that the felt pieces are puddles
Let them practice jumping into and over the puddles.
( You can use things like carpet squares, construction paper, etc for puddles)

Baby

2011-03-06T05:11:00.000-08:00

Baby

the beginning of all things...

Wonder, 

Hope,

a DREAM

of possibilities.

Welcome baby Abigail Grace!

snowman puppets

2011-03-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

Cut snowman shapes out of white cardstock or index cards. Cut two finger holes at the bottom of each shape. Using a marker, draw his face and buttons on. Stick two fingers through the holes to make his feet. Have the snowman act out different movements.

Snowman, snowman
running down the street
watch what he does
with his snowman feet.

ASL word of the day...Golf

2011-03-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Golf n. An outdoor game played by hitting a small ball into a series of holes: plays nine holes of golf every Saturday

(mime swinging a golf club) Beginning with the right modified X hand near the right hip, palm facing left. and the left modified X hand in front of the right side of the body, palm facing in, swing the right hand upward and the the left.

Bear Tales...Farmers

2011-03-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

Farmers
marchette chute

Farmers have horses,
And cows,
And ducks,
And always a hen
That sits and clucks,

And sometimes
A little
Baby pig.
So we're being farmers
When we
Grow
Big.

Joke of the week

2011-03-01T04:52:00.000-08:00

Q: How do you get an Astronaut Baby to sleep?

"Rocket!"

Bear Tales...Radio Wish

2011-02-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Radio Wish
ruth dixon

I'd love to tune into the air
If I could hear instead
Of jazz-song just a cricket's prayer
Before he goes to bed.

And then I'd tune and tune and tune
Till I heard way up far
The lullaby of Mother Moon
To a baby Star

Joke of the week

2011-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Q: Why did the clock get sick?

A: It was run down!

Dolly and Me...Fleece Scarves

2011-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

To make a scarf cut a piece of fleece 6" x 60".
Wrap the fabric around the person to make sure it is not too long. Cut one edge of fleece to size.
Fringe the two end edges by cutting 1" apart x 4" deep.

Make a matching doll scarf by cutting a piece of matching fleece 3" x 24"
Fringe the ends by cutting 1/2" apart x 1 inch deep.

Rainy/Snowy Day Bowling

2011-02-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Once the room is ready to go

To make bowling pins;

Gather 10 toilet tissue tubes (with kids that doesn't take long)
Decorate cardboard toilet tissue tubes with paints, markers or stickers
Use them as bowling pins on a cold rainy/snowy day
Line up the pins any way you like
Use a small ball for your bowling ball
Make up your own rules

Creativity

2011-02-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

Creativity is piercing the mundane

to find the marvelous

bill moyers

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Renee' wants to wish everyone a
Happy Valentines Day.

She is off to Cleveland this week
and will be back on Saturday

Dolly and Me picture taken by Kayleigh (4)

Fun Family Game

2011-02-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

That is so FUNNY!

Body Language the game

This game of Q&A pairs two people (parent-child duos are the funniest!) to put on one silly performance.

Have one person stand with his hands behind his back.

Next, have the other person stand behind him. (on a stool or bucket if needed) and slide his hands out and around his partner.

Now pose questions for the front player to answer out loud while the other uses his arms to make accompanying gestures.

It makes a great family game!!!

Here are some questions to help get you started:

How do you get ready in the morning?
What do you do at work all day?
How do you make a pizza?
What's the best way to put on sunscreen?
How do you handle a swarm of mosquitoes?