Indoor Camping

Growing up in Mesa, Arizona where the average winter temperature is 41 degrees, I despise South Central Pennsylvania winters; I HATE being cold and trying to dress a 14 month old for the snow is like fitting a square peg into a round hole (11 Step Program for those thinking of having kids- Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems. 1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh. 2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out. Time allowed for this - all morning)! I’ll admit I like one measurable, sleddable, snowman building snow a year but after that I’m ready for warmer weather…well, we’ve had snow and I’m ready for spring, kiss the cabin fever goodbye and send my kids outside into the wide open.

To change up the indoor play routine I dug out and dusted off my old 2 man tent from my collage days, set it up and the kiddos and I had an indoor camping experience. We piled pillows, blankets and sleeping bags into the tent, we read books and for lunch I served a camping style lunch of hotdogs, trail mix, fruit and macaroni and cheese.

Since warmer weather doesn’t appear to be in the forecast, another winter wonderland front is scheduled to arrive tonight, the boys and I are off for a little change of scenery at the Hands on House.

Very Hungry Caterpillar

Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
Very Hungry Caterpillar

Materials
Finger Paint
Brushes
Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
Googly Eyes
Pipe Cleaners
Headband
Aluminum Foil
Any other “crafty materials” you have lying around


My neighbor and I are both stay-at-home moms and though we love being home with our kiddos, she and I will admit-we sometimes NEED A BREAK! My wonderful and smart neighbor came up with a terrific idea, kid swapping; for one day I’ll watch her daughter and the following week she’ll watch my oldest son for a day. It’s an amazing, wonderful, relaxing… experience being able to grocery shop, run errands or clean without a “helper” or the horrendous three temper tantrums (yes, as of yesterday my “baby” is a three year old, but more on that in another post). The last time I watched Little Miss Alexa I had a theme day planned for the kiddos, Very Hungry Caterpillar; I made caterpillar antennas for each child using a headband, pipe cleaners and aluminum foil. We read “Very Hungry Caterpillar”, then headed outside where I had the kiddy table setup with materials for the kids to make their own caterpillar. Once their caterpillar works of art were complete I reminded them that the Very Hungry Caterpillar turned into a butterfly, I painted their hands and using their handprints we made butterflies. For lunch I served frozen peanut butter & jelly in the shape of a leaf (okay, it was actually a spade cookie cutter but the kids didn’t know that), ants on a log (peanut butter celery with raisins), strawberry shaped fruit gummies and for dessert autumn leaves.

Watering Can Greeting Card

Watering Can Greeting Card
Family Fun

Happy Mother's Day! I am truly blessed to have my awesome mom and wonderful boys; a special thank you to my dear loving husband for making me a mommy of two adorable, loving, happy, amazing... boys that are my everything!

I had a completely different Mother’s Day project in mind for my 2 ½ year old, however I failed to read the instructions beforehand (hey-it’s Mother’s Day, I’m allowed to mess up) and didn’t realize I needed 24 hours to do the project…onto plan B.

Materials
Silver card stock
Scissors
Seed packet
Tape

Instructions
Print this watering can template on a piece of card stock. Cut out, let your child finger paint, glitter, markers, crayon…whatever his/her preference of the day is, then cut a horizontal slit across the front. Slip in a seed packet (add a piece of tape at the back to keep it in place), then write a message on the can.

Cards

Cards

I’m a fan of anything that will keep my children busy and happy while I work, I came up with the idea of homemade cards…and who doesn’t love a homemade card from a 2 ½ year old ;). I’m a graphic designer, using Adobe Indesign I quickly set up a document that is either 8”x6” (card will fold to 4”x6” fitting into an A6 Envelope [4-3/4” x 6-1/2"]), or an 8 1/8”x9 1/8 (card folds to 4.0625”x9.125” fitting into #10 envelope [4 1/8" x 9 1/2"]). Using google.com I’ll search for quotes/sayings for the card(s) (example: birthday card quotes), place the text into my document and hit print. Cut the card down to size, give the paper to my toddler and let him design the front cover using finger paint, glitter, markers, crayon…whatever his preference of the day is.

This card idea came from a catalog, unfortunately I can't remember which one.

Play Dough

Play Dough

Materials:
2 cups flour
2 cups water
3 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup salt
2 Tbsp. oil
food coloring (optional)

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled; will last for a long time.

Masking Tape Road

Masking Tape Road
The Toddler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games and Activities to Keep Your One and a Half to Three Year-old Busy

Materials:
Masking Tape

Instructions:
Place masking tape onto carpet to make a pathway, always test with a small strip of tape first to be sure it won’t damage the carpet. My son LOVES to use the pathway for his cars, but you could also use the lines for games (example: follow the leader, hop scotch, etc).