Project: Picture Frames and Bath Salts

The girls and I have been making presents to give out this year (act surprised if you receive one). I found a few projects which were simple enough that we could complete them together. You still have time to make these if you are searching for a few homemade ideas.

First up 

Lavender Bath Salts

 Supplies

• 3/4 c Epsom Salt

• 1/2 c sea salt

• 2 Tbs safflower oil

•1/8 tsp vitamin E

•10 drops lavender essential oil

• 2 Tbs dried lavender, we used some that we had gathered from the garden this summer

•containers, I purchased special containers for a couple of dollars each, but any container will do. You will have 1 1/4c bath salts when done

*optional gift tags, explaining to add some to a hot bath.

Directions

1) Add salts to a large bowl. Mix

2) Add oils and mix.

3) Add lavender and mix.

4) Place in containers.

The girls enjoyed measuring, mixing, pouring and smelling. Since this isn't a precise recipe I didn't mind much if they over poured.

Our next project was soooo easy!

Decorated Frames

Supplies

• Cheap frame from store, just make sure it has a flat edge to adhere your bits and bobs. Our frames were $0.99

• Bits and bobs- we used these glass stone things, but anything goes.

•Strong adhesive that will maintain a bond.

•Cute photo

Directions

1) Remove the glass and backing from the frame and set aside.

2) Adhere bits and bobs to the exterior of the frame. Since we were using a strong adhesive I applied the adhesive one section at a time while the girls worked.

3) When adhesive is dry, check to make sure the whole deal is structurally sound. Return the glass and backing. Add a picture and you are all set.

Cordelia made a pattern while Elise was happy to attack it haphazardly.

I also had the girls sign the back of the frame. Elise can write her name now!!!

There you have it!

Making Christmas

Over the breakfast table this morning Eric and I started discussing Christmas. We made lists of family, friends, acquaintances. We broke it down into groups of those who need significant gifts, those who might like a homemade treat (fudge anyone?) and those to whom we will need to send cards. Each year our list gets longer and longer. Mostly we have tons of cards to send. I am working on plans for the rest. 

This morning I decided to set to work on a painting to be made into a holiday card we can order now and send out to friends and family around the world. I really am happy when we can take time and make personalized gifts and cards.

Painting with two young kids around is only possible if I include them. Thankfully both girls can happily paint for an hour or more. So I have set us up and we are all busy working.

Sure I have to field weird questions like,"What color does silver and orange make?"

 In case you are wondering my answer was silvange.

Have you begun Christmas prep?

Childhood

The girls were getting ready for bed, there was a lot of giggling and not a ton of putting on pajamas. I was laughing at their antics and trying hard to switch gears to the role of the parent who does enforce a bed time. This is the sacred rule for parents who want some down time; fail at this and your life will be in shambles for the next twenty four hours. Sure we (we=parents) all give the laid back parenting style a whirl, it is fun to go with the flow! I know very few people who actually enjoy bossing kids around, it is exhausting. However, a few "fun" late nights is enough to turn even the most casual of parents into believers in the bedtime routine. You see, each child has a time they will wake up in the morning. If you are one of the lucky parents with good sleepers and kids who can snooze past 7am (non-teens) then skip to the next paragraph and don't tell me about it because I am certain you will be smug and then I will be forced to challenge you to a rap off, like this. Our girls will wake up at 6am. It does not matter if there is a total eclipse of the sun, if they stayed up late, if they are sick---they will be awake and so too shall we, though Eric and I are savvy enough that we switch off the daily parental morning monitor as we daydream about the day that the girls can just get up and do their own thang.

Where was I going with this post?

Wait for it...

Oh yeah!



So the girls were laughing and carefree, not considering all of the variables that play a role in their daily life. Cordelia was wearing a blanket and underwear, running around making crazy sounds. Elise had on Eric's shirt and hat...and wanted us to call her Eric/daddy. They didn't think about their 6am wake-up or the fact that both of them are a bit under the weather. They didn't do the math and think that the bike-a-thon tomorrow would require a full night of sleep to ensure a zero meltdown factor.  Neither of them considered the size of their bladders when they asked for big drinks before bed. Not a cloud of concern went across their young minds as they tried their hands at brushing their teeth, because that is our job. Eric and I worry about those things. We remind them to wear coats or suffer the consequences of Wyoming spring temps in the 40s. We worry about complete proteins and face-washing. OK, some real talk here, Eric worries about face washing. I just cannot make myself care if their faces are dirty, they have to figure that out sometime right?!

In the midst of the bed time chaos I looked at our girls from a different perspective, realizing that this is their childhood! Ahhh, crap (sorry Grandmas) the weight of that hits me at various times and it is intense! I am trying to give them a happy childhood. One with structure and stability and fun and learning and so on and so forth. It is enough to drive a well-meaning parent to the brink. I mean, come on! If we mess this up for them there will be no recovery, none. Thankfully I firmly believe that as long as we try our hardest to influence the elements over which we have control (bedtimes, tooth brushing, love, etc.) and do our best to ignore that over which we have no control (death, accidents, super volcanoes) we will be OK...or that is all we can hope for in this life.



So I looked at those kids and thought about their childhoods. I imagined how they will reflect on these times, or times like these, as only a grown-up can and I was happy. I was happy for these two girls who have such an amazing friendship (Cordelia recently told me that preschool is great except she doesn't get to be with Elise) and two parents who love them with everything. I hope and pray that their childhood has the right balance of structure and stability and fun that they will look back and think they had a happy childhood. If not then it is probably the fault of a super volcano and I just cannot be expected to handle that problem.

Race Star?

The girls have been playing a new game, "race star." From what I understand they wear sneakers, put bands on their heads, run and pose.

No Surprise

I suppose it should come as no surprise to me. Eric and I are both artists and we make art constantly. We never planned to raise our children to be artists (because it is a tough career choice), but we always wanted to raise children who appreciate the arts.  Well, we succeeded at that goal and we aren't quite five years into this parenting gig. Our children love the arts. Of course I assumed, pre-kids, that creating was pretty much one of the first inclinations we humans have. I was wrong on that end, creation is the second real impulse that I noticed...after destruction. We humans do love to destroy, but we also love to create.

When our girls were first able to grab a crayon in their chubby baby hands I was there, ready with paper to encourage their scribbles. Of course art is not my sole focus in their education, but I have found that both girls find creating as a way to unwind. Often, after Cordelia has been working really hard on a new skill (reading!) she likes to chill out and paint or draw. Elise is happy to paint always.


The girls sketching in the back yard

I give painting lessons on Saturdays. Cordelia has been asking to have lessons from me as well. So we settled in this weekend and started our first official "lesson" as she was dead set on calling the mother daughter time. Eric and Elise spent some time together outside of the studio so it was just Cordelia and I together. I love watching her focus and intense concentration, something new in her development.



I have no expectation about where this effort will go. Each girl has their own path to follow, but I sure do appreciate the time that I have to share a passion with these girls.

Home/ Insane in the Home Brain

 

Cordelia has been a bit under the weather the past several days, sinus infection on the heels of bronchitis. With the exception of a doctor visit yesterday we have been fairly housebound. I have been doing a lot of crocheting.



We've read many books. Cordelia has been watching TV more than I'd like to admit, but I cannot stick to an episode or two a day rule when I have a sick child.  Here is where I toss my principles about TV viewing out the window:

1. Car rides. Being able to distract a kid with a movie and a portable DVD player is pretty much miraculous. Seriously though, you can play car games, sing car songs, talk, etc.---there comes a time when you just need to check out mentally and hooking your kid up to the DVD is just the ticket. Finger snaps to you if you are a better mother than me, but that's just how we do it up in here.
2. Illness. When Cordelia is ill the world crumbles. She whines. She doesn't play. Snot seeps from her nostrils and there is general lethargy. We can read books, but she tires of these quickly. There comes a point when she just begs to sit and stare into the vortex of Netflix and I allow it.

Anyway, where was I? Where am I? How did I get here?

Oh yeah...daily blog...so like I have been saying we're house bound and this post is making me realize that I am perhaps a bit stir crazy as well. This morning Elise, the dogs and I have been rolling around on the floor. Cordelia is snuggled on the couch. I am organizing seeds people! Why? Who knows?





I am thinking about art, painting to be specific. I hope to squeeze in a bit of work today. We may make a run to the store for essentials/ to pass illness on to unsuspecting people. I kid.





Yesterday Elise spiked a fever too, gone this morning, but Eric came home to help because I was running on three hours of sleep and caring for two sick littles. He came home with a soy latte and snuggled up with Cordelia. He's a good man.



Hold on I must play a game of This Little Piggie with Elise...

In case you're wondering here is the vegan version of that (grabbing one toe at a time, starting with big toe): This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had tofu. This little piggy had none. This little piggy went weee weee weee (unless you're French then it's oui oui oui) all the way home.



OK, I am back. I suppose I should get dressed and act like there is some sort of plan here, you know beyond reactionary. Perhaps it is time to build a fort!



How are you?

Back To School and Wisdom Tooth Update

Yesterday, on our way to the removal of my wisdom teeth, we swung by Cordelia's preschool. We got to do a quick orientation as she was introduced to this year's teacher (they actually already know each other) and got to check out her classroom.

She was beyond excited be back at school. When we arrived there were several of her friends from last year. The sweetness of their reunion was nearly unbearable. So darling!


Eric with the girls

 
Notice the backpack. It reads,"Friendship is Magic."
*Side note: I really tried to get her to fall in love with a plain backpack as I hate advertising for other companies. It's just my thing, but I had to let her pick the pack of her choice. Sigh. She also has a My Little Pony t-shirt. 

** Side note2: Cordelia calls My Little Pony, Honey Pie Pony. She knows the real name, but insists on calling it Honey Pie Pony...

 
 Getting her picture taken

So she is all set up and ready for day one of Pre-K classes. Ahhh! How did we get here so fast?
___________________________________
Update on Toothectomy:

My teeth were successfully removed. I was not sedated for the procedure so I got to experience something unique.

Highlights:
1. When my dentist pulled out the teeth he said, "Here that snap, crackle, and pop? That's just bone breaking."
2. As he removed teeth he said,"It's a boy." Then showed me my own tooth.
3. I was nervous so I made weird jokes as I always do. Thankfully the dental hygienists were game for it.

I am sore today, but it really isn't so bad.

Project: Nature Table

I love spending time outside with our girls. They love it too. I am trying to ensure that each of them grows to feel a strong connection to our planet. I want them to be food growing, recycling, tree loving ladies. While Eirc and I don't yet own acreage where I can let them roam I do give them access to nature. I spend hours in the backyard with them. We watch bugs. We play. We daydream. Cordelia loves to make collections while Elise just loooves to hold handfuls of leaves.

Often we take little adventures to check out the river, creeks, mountain. Cordelia searches for treasures (see this post) to bring home and then she artfully arranges them on the nature table.



We use the nature table to talk about our adventures. Cordelia is constantly editing it, playing with the stones, touching the grasses, etc. Cordelia doles out items for Elise to enjoy too.



The nature table is a work in progress, constantly evolving. It has been a great way to keep nature as a part of our lives, not just as that thing that is outside of our home.



Also, on the same subject. I highly recommend this book. I haven't finished it yet, but so far I am loving it!

Budding Photographer

For Cordelia's birthday we got her a kid sized digital camera. We knew it was kind of a roll of the dice; she would love it or be totally indifferent to the gift. Thankfully she is really into it!


Photo by Eric


Photo by Cordelia

A quick lesson from her daddy and she has been taking pictures every day!



 
Photo by Eric 


Leaves. Photo by Cordelia

I am most excited to get a little bit of her perspective: how she sees her world, what is important to her, what she wants to capture. She seems focused on her family, toys, nature, and the kitchen floor. Here are a few more pictures that she has taken:


Picture of Elise. Photo by Cordelia


Picture of me, painting. Photo by Cordelia


Of course she has also had to take many, many, many photos of her toys

Apples

Last year, when we had just moved into our house, the previous owner told us about the apple tree out front. She said that she hoped we would enjoy the apples. I didn't even think to ask her what type of apples they were; I was just so excited about it.

A few months later I glanced out the window and saw the neighbor kids in our tree. I didn't mind at first. I mean, they're kids and kids are fairly unburdened by property lines and a climb-able tree is a climb-able tree.
So I was acting cool and laid back about the whole thing, watching them with a smile until I noticed that they were throwing all of the apples into the yard before they were fully grown. It was then that I realized the reason there were so few apples growing in the first place....they'd been doing this for a while. I kept my cool and walked outside to ask them to stop. I was careful to not be a scary angry lady. I asked them nicely to please quit picking and throwing the apples. Didn't matter, I freaked them out and they went running. ***In my defense they were kind of weird kids.



Anyway, the kids moved away with their family and a new family moved in next door. Apparently the new neighbor kids don't care about our tree. The result is that my apple tree has hundreds of apples. So now I have no excuse. I need to find out A) What kind of apples they are B) What should I do with all of them?



Anyone?

50 Summer Activities for Little Ones

Summer is upon us and while it is absolutely wonderful to spend our days outside it doesn't work at all if I don't have something for us to do. So, I have been building a little list of activities for us to choose from. I thought I would share it with you and hopefully you can add to it as well!

50. Garden. No matter your child's developmental stage there is always some gardening to be done...even if you don't have an actual garden. Plant some seeds (larger seeds are better for little hands), get your kiddo a watering can, a small plant to replant, some dirt to play in, whatever you think and just get to it. Don't trouble yourself with cleanliness or the actual care of a plant, this is about the learning and engagement not plants.




49. Let's just get this one out of the way shall we? Kiddie pool. Tried and true the kiddie pool is a summer classic. Just don't forget to move it or all of your grass will die. Also, if you don't have a place for a kiddie pool just visit your local rec center or public pool and swim with that kid! Always a hit!

48. Rainy day? Build a terrarium.

47. Library! Visit your local library. Unless you are out of your mind you will use the wonderful resource that is your local library. Most libraries that I have ever encountered have many summer programs for all ages. Think weekly story time, reading programs, performances, etc.

46. Make and fly a kite!

45. Evening? If you don't mind letting your little one stay up a bit late you can do some star spotting. Add glow sticks to the mix and it will be magical.

44. Make a wind-chime or a wind sock out of things you find together. Don't think sophistication here. Find some sticks or rocks, maybe use some paint, yarn and done. Let your kid get creative, if they want to tie their old shoe onto it, let them---it won't have to hang forever.

43. Make some art. Pull out paper, crayons, paint, whatever. let your kid make some art!

42. Kick up the art making a notch and do some outdoor art. Use materials gathered in your yard or while on a walk and glue them to canvas, cardboard, whatever. Use the them to trace, dip them in paint, etc. Use your imagination and most importantly let your little one use theirs!

41. Go to a ball game and cheer like crazy, being ready to leave early if your kid gets bored or worn out....games tend to be fun for a while and then drag on, at least in our experience.

40. Come up with a list of random acts of kindness you can do with your kid. Be sure to engage your child in the activity and make it sneaky fun....ding-dong ditch a friend with treats, leave a special note or drawing for a stranger, etc.

39.  Don't underestimate the power of the play date. Meet up with some friends, prepare yourself for a few tantrums or sharing meltdowns (they are inevitable) and then set up a few different play stations so the kids can move freely without hovering.

38. Live near any water? Make and float a boat.


37. Make a stepping stone.

36. Press flowers. You can press them simply between the pages of a phone books (hey those things still have a use???) or buy an elaborate flower press. Your call.

35. Make (perhaps this is something a parent should do) and paint a birdhouse. Not feeling the whole "make a birdhouse" thing, just go to your local craft store and buy a blank bird house. Let your little one paint it as crazy as they desire. Then try and find the perfect place to put it!

34. Mix it up. Take your library books and a picnic blanket to the park and do some reading outside in the shade or on the grass.

33. Prepare a picnic together and then go on a picnic. If it's a rainy day just picnic on the floor in the living room.

32. Take a walk and go rock hunting. We walk around the neighborhood and find rocks that my daughter thinks are "cool."  I do have to remind her that we can't take rocks from the yards of others. She likes to bring a bag to collect them. See 31 and 24 for more ways to use your rocks.

31. Paint some rocks. Then find a high profile location to place them.

30. Not everyone has access to a hose, but if you do, just pop a bathing suit on your kid(s) and set up the sprinkler. It was fun when you were little and it is still fun now.

29. Make a dirt box....I know, what? Grab a box, fill it with leftover potting soil or dirt. Add some measuring cups, buckets, spoons, toys, anything and watch as your kid digs in. So simple and so entertaining. If you are brave just add water.





28. Make your own popsicles in the morning. Popsicle molds are super cheap and easy to find this time of year. Bonus points for making creative and healthy pops. Get your kid involved in choosing fruits to blend and flavors to combine.

27. When your popsicles are ready, enjoy them in the heat of a summer day. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the different flavors, see if you can identify the fruits and juices used.

26. Water balloons and squirt guns or any type of drenching device is always a huge hit. The most fun is when mom and dad give in and get soaked as well.

25. Let your kid get as dirty as possible. Make it a challenge. Give them dirt, mud, or whatever you think will get them filthy. Seriously, covered head to toe is the best thing in the world. Then hose them down before giving them a bath.

24. Use a rock collection to make a letter or design. We have a big rock "W" in our front garden, assembled from a zillion little pebbles. We add to it regularly and it looks pretty cool too.

23. Bake or cook something. Get your kid involved in mixing, supervised pouring or measuring. If it is a hot day just do it earlier rather than later or you will regret turning that oven on this summer.

22. Check out your local museums, rec centers, etc. Most museums have summer programs and activities for kids of all ages.

21. Visit a park. Coat your child in sunscreen and let them play. Be sure to pack some drinks to keep cool.

20. Rainy day? Dress up time. If you don't already have a dress up box this is the perfect time to visit a few thrift stores and stock up on a dress up box. If you can sew add a few things of your own design as well!

19. Take a walk around your neighborhood. We like to do this around sunset. Nice way to be friendly with the neighbors, learn street names and just to look around.

18. Treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. You can make a map for older kids or just have a simple scavenger hunt for the little ones.

17. Use some chalk. Write on your sidewalk. Hang a chalkboard somewhere that your kiddo can have access to it. Set out some chalk and let it happen. My girl likes to come and go with it.


16. Try out some classic outdoor games. Ring toss, tic tac toe, four square, catch, frisbee, simon says, red light green light, freeze tag, hop scotch....anything you remember from childhood. A great opportunity to share and make new memories.

15. Ask your kid what he/she wants to do and, if it is possible, make it happen.

14. Make a fort, inside or out.

13. Visit a nearby national park and take an easy hike.

12.  Grab some toddler binoculars and go exploring. Bird watch, bug watch, people watch. Add a sketchbook to the mix so your little one can "take notes."

11. Go to a local farm and pick fresh fruits or veggies...then come home and make something together.

10. Throw a theme party and invite the friends, needn't be a big or expensive party, just something different. Involve your little one in the planning, making, decorating process.

9. Make bird feeders. Then find some good spots to hang them. Don't have a yard, just go to the local park.

8. Visit your community web page for a list of activities around your town. All communities have a home page. You can find out times and dates for everything that your community is doing: arts festivals, free museum days, free swim days, farmer's market, parades, festivals, etc. I live in a very small town in Wyoming and I can tell you that there is something going on every day!

7. On a super-hot day let your child take a "bath" out back. Fill the pool with bath toys and use biodegradable shampoos and watch how something normal becomes something crazy fun!

6. Camping. Not interested in sleeping outside with your little one? Then just go "camping" for the afternoon. Set up a little tent and read or play inside.

5. Make and decorate mini (vegan) pizzas. Show your kid how to make food faces or let them do their own thing.

4. Make and hang garden stars. The project requires time collecting, making and hanging!

3. Draw or paint pictures for friends and family far away and mail them the art.

2. Start a family band. Make  and decorate instruments using household items (drums from pots, wax paper over a comb, shaker from a paper towel tube.

1. Do nothing.

Do you have anything to add to the list? I would love to hear your ideas!