Week 4: Fighting Dragons

This week has been so much fun!  My knights learned to protect and help others, along with fighting monsters and dragons!

On Monday my niece joined us along with our daycare children.  We had a great time during circle time as TJ thought we should all dress up.  As my fairies danced about and sang we learned of a dragon in Super Sam's forrest. We then decided to be knights with capes and go fight the dragon in the playroom.  We put out his fires with play silks, which then turned into a river.  Some animals and toys needed rescuing so the children built bridges to help them cross.  Next we used the blocks to build castles for the dragon and some fairies.  I gave them some prompts to get their imaginations going and we had a lot of fun.  Sorry no photos as many of the daycare children in in the shots.  In the afternoon hockey was the name of the game.  MJ and E (my niece) were so cute playing together.

Hockey with cousin E, Our September nature table

Tuesday we went to Frootogo a local apple orchard.  We went there to meet friends and cousin E again. Playing on all the toys is always fun, along with feeding the animals.  All the kids were a big help with picking the apples.  We've already eaten most of our (no apple sauce this week).  In the afternoon we made swords.  MJ was scared of some monsters while pretending to have a nap, so fearless TJ came to the rescue and we fought imaginary monsters in every room of the house. (So cute and so much fun!)

Frootogo and fighting monsters

On Wednesday we baked gingerbread cookies.  Our dragon helped use his fire for good and baked the cookies for us.  TJ actually got our little plastic dragon and had him blow on each batch of cookies before I put them in the oven.  I wasn't too sure how to keep the little ones busy while we baked today so I got out some red kidney beans that we are never going to get around to eating.  Oh my the mess and fun.  It kept them all busy and happy.  I have come a long way with accepting and handling mess!  We used some healthier decorating toppings as it's all I had on hand.  I love that we made some Super Sam's, dragons, a turtle and fall cookies along with some other fun shapes.

Playing with beans and making gingerbread cookies

Wednesday afternoon the children made shields to go with their swords.  We played knights outside this time and had a great day. The kids were interacting more with each other.

Decorating cookies and making shields

On Thursday we went to run an errand near the park by my mom's house. TJ went off to explore the forrest while I played in the playground with the others.  It was chilly that day.  MJ also rode on his little motorized toy for the first time.  He is usually terrified of these things but when daddy put in a very small slow battery, he finally decided to get on.

Exploring the forrest, riding toys and blow kisses!

Thusday afternoon is our sensory day.  I tried putting different coloured paint in plastic bags for the kids to mush and mix.  I think I put in too much and the bags weren't very good quality.  We also experimented with cookie cutters and our hands.

No-mess paint in bags (make sure the bags don't rip)

Friday was another busy day.  Early in the morning I started taking the papers of old cheep crayons.  Both boys woke early too.  TJ was an amazing help and chopped most of the crayons up.  He is getting good with a knife.

Chopping crayons and visiting farm

Once all our friends joined us we went to visit a farm belonging to one of our daycare children's grand parents.  Of course he had a wonderful time with grandma.  We loved looking at the pumpkins and visiting the animals.  Inside the store we had a treat and Auntie Bonnie and I bought lots of veggies.  We'll be going back there soon.

Visiting animals at the farm

Later Friday afternoon each child got to make their own crayons but filling up a mini muffin try with different colours of crayon bits.  We put them in the oven at 350 for about 15min or until they just melt (I left ours in a bit long each time). When they were cool to touch I put them in the freezer for a while.  The crayons worked okay.  The top half is just wax and the colour is only at the bottom.  The kids had fun trying them out.

Using the new crayon we made

Next week is a new month. Wow 4 weeks of 'school' already! I am trying out an idea of new circle songs this month. We are also going to be getting ready for a harvest party at the end of the month.  Hope you'll join us for more updates.

I'll be linking up during the week:

Happy Family Times 
Waldorf Wednesdays
MOB Society

First Day of School

Yesterday was a very first day of school! Okay so it may have been a 'holiday' but there was not stopping my excitement.

TJ's first day of 'school'

MJ's first day of 'school'

First off the teacher in me wanted to wake up to a fresh, clean, organized house with all our activities falling into place according to my plan... but instead I was met to a pile of cloth diapers to fold, dishes, sick kids, and a tone of veggies to deal with before they went bad.

I quickly got to work on what was facing me as the boys didn't seem to mind.  As I was working away Jon reminded me that since we are homeschooling I don't need to worry about sticking to the plan, just go with the flow of the day.  Besides it is a holiday!

Deep breath and start again...

We had ice cream for breakfast (after our healthy stuff) I had offered pancakes but this was way better.  Then TJ gave every fruit and vegetable in the house a bath while I cut up a mountain of tomatoes and got them boiling for the pasta sauce.  Next we went to go pick up a dresser for the boys. By the time we got home it was already lunch.

 In my original plan we were going to do circle time in the morning but today was a bit backwards.  We had lunch and set out on a walk.

MJ and Sam ready for our walk

I introduced the boys to "Super Sam" our gnome.  TJ was so excited he wanted to show Sam our garden plot.  As we walked I told them the story about Sam and his friends.

Super Sam our gnome

We showed Sam all our veggies and took him to the playground.  On the way home we did all our circle time songs and had a wonderful talk about harvest and why all the fruits and veggies are ready at different times.

 

When we arrived home we all worked together to finish the pasta sauce, (froze some and ate some with dinner).  MJ fell asleep for a while and TJ helped Daddy with fixing the van.  I took some quiet time for myself and was so very thankful for this amazing first day.  We had a wonderful family time and the boys are loving Sam. 

MJ hugging Sam all the way home

I am reminded again as to why we are homeschooling because the boys are so young and it is an amazing time to enjoy the magic of childhood. This precious time and the rhythm we have is also working well with our home daycare.

Resources

I found some amazing knitting patterns on Ravelry website.  

I first did a search for Gnomes and then looked for free ones to find this one that I used for Super Sam.  I have also made a few animals from this pattern

And found some really cute pumpkin, acorn and tree knitting patterns for free on Ravelry too.

We are using the Thinking Feeling Willing program from Waldorf Essentials for myself and the boys/daycare.  I have also taken a lot of our songs and a few activities from Seasons of Joy Autumn.

Natrual Playscapes

Today I am excited to share with you the beginnings our our natural playscapes.  Oh we do have a sandbox, swing set, swing on a tree, and various outdoor toys, but I find that time and time again the children are always choosing more natural areas to play in.  Most of the time it is our flower beds or the planters at the front door.

Earlier in the spring we created a Fairy house.  You can see more details in this post here. The boys often check in on the fairies and still do play a bit with them.  We have had a few toads stop by to visit too.  I also find that the fairy house is a great way to welcome new children to our Home Daycare, as it is interesting for them and opens up dialogue.

In order to create more natural play spaces the boys and I chose an area in the back yard for their own garden.  I am very impressed that with minimal help the boys used my gardening tools to remove all the grass,  brought 2 loads of dirt from the compost, collected rocks and made the border.

 I'm not sure if we will get around to planting any flowers in there.  For now we have been rescuing stuck trucks and making mud soups.

Across our laneway we have used some logs to make a stepping path.  We just mowed a larger area around this area so it does look a little bare.

Next to the stepping logs is the balance beam and ramp.  There is a lot of bouncing and gymnastics that happen over here.  My boys are learning a lot about lining up and taking turns when others come over to play.

We have more plans to turn the last large slice of a tree we had cut down into a table for the kids.  Next to the balance beam is also the future home of next year's vegetable garden plot.  We look forward to sharing our updates with everyone!

We also love collecting nature items we find around the property.  TJ was collecting nuts from a tree to create 'golf ball soup'.  We took the soup for a walk so it could see the world and be introduced to our laneway.  I just love his gentle nature and the way he sees the world!

How are you playing outside?  Any suggestions for us?

learning on our hike

 The boys and I went for a hike the other day.  It was our farthest walk yet (I did bring the stroller for MJ).  We had a great time just walking, singing, and marvelling at nature.

TJ's perfect walking stick

MJ found lots of sticks

Although I totally didn't plan it, we ended up having some interesting science conversations along the way.  I can tell you that TJ just loves to understand how things work and to learn cool facts.  He probably knows and remembers more about nature than the grade 4 student I used to teach (not tooting my own horn here, TJ is just so curious).

Interesting roots TJ found

Area that we check on and compare each season.

TJ asked about where all the water went from the photo above, as there was a pound of snow and ice in the winter.  I answered him simply, but he wanted to know exact details.  We got talking about the water cycle and he how plants use water.  We also looked at some fallen trees and talked about decomposition and tree life cycles.  TJ also loves to explain to anyone willing to listen all about tree roots, how they work and what happens if they aren't there. He will also tell you all about cycles and different cycles he knows.

I am amazed each day at what my kids a learning just by taking time to be with them and answer their questions.  My boys are such a joy to me. Being a parent is so fun and rewarding.

Parenting is also very humbling.  They remind me daily of my weaknesses.  Children imitate everything you do (good and bad).  It is a great responsibility to be a model all day long for your kids.  I got very frustrated at MJ yesterday because he wouldn't nap (that is a whole other issue) but mommy had a bit of a tantrum.  Of course I apologized to the boys afterwards.  TJ said "Mommy I'll always forgive you all the way to the sky and back."

Thank you Lord for my boys and the lessons we are all learning together!

Cleaning with toys with boys!

If your are anything like mine they love to dump things.  After a little of playing in any room everything gets scattered.  They often tell me it is part of their game.

making patterns with spools

Today we made some patterns with little wooden spools.  Then we became log loaders and delivery trucks. At clean up time no one really wanted to help, until... 

Mommy's truck starts the clean up

Mommy's flat bed ruck started down the road to deliver some important packages to the store.  "Oh my look at all the different buckets that we emptied.  Maybe we can sort them all into the right spots."

Some of our mess

Little bears bed of spools

Mj's truck pushes some blocks

Caterpillar gets into the action

The boys had a fun time cleaning with me and using their toys to help.  Some times it works so much better to work with where they are at rather than nag about cleaning.

How do you get your kids to clean up?

More summer activities for kids!

Wow I just realized that my last post with the giveaway was my 200th post!!!

Congratulations to Jessica Lynette Morris I'll be contacting you to choose your sock monster.

For those of you who haven't noticed my blog posts have been few and far between recently.  This is because I have been busy with house renos and living life with my kiddies.  I am making a focused effort to be more present and so I will be on the computer a little less.  But I will continue to share with you often.

Here are some more fun things we have been doing recently.

Rice sensory bin (the loader is helping to clean up spills)

Bubbles with friends

We made more fairies because you can never have enough

We went to the beach (Hamilton harbour)

A neighbour was moving and gave us a big roll of paper!  So much fun to colour on

Homemade playdough and craft bits (these are cake pops they made)

Homemade playdough 'desserts'

Mud bakery (so simple yet so fun)

Making muffins with mud

A fun lobster apple snack we made (I used a pear and apple)

TJ dressing up.  The amazing skirt we won from Beneath the Rowan Tree (amazing items there)

How is your summer going??

Boy Mom Blog Hop - Welcome & Giveaway

All About Me
Welcome to our little corner of the blogging world.  I am so happy you have come for a visit.  I have linked up to the Boy Mom Blog Hop  over at the MOB Society (Mothers of Boys).  My name is Meaghan and along with my wonderful husband we have two boys (ages 2 and 4).  I have a more detailed description about My Family here.

This blog is a place for me to share about our lives, activities for children, crafts I make, and anything else that comes along. Check our the labels on the right side for different categories.

In addition to being at home with the boys, I also work along side with my husband on our family business Integrity Fire and Control Systems Inc.  My husband is the field technician and I am our office manager.  If that doesn't keep me busy enough I am growing Meaghan's Home Daycare, and I sell my sewing projects at Me Again Creations.  Praise the Lord that all of our endeavours and businesses are growing to support our family.  Our plans sometimes change but we are trusting in the Lord's guidance. Our next family adventure will be homeschooling using a Waldorf curriculum!

TJ (4years) and MJ (2 years)

Popular Past Posts
I looked back over all my posts and discovered that these have had the most page views of all times.  Enjoy!
Calm Down Basket
Monster Shirt
Welcome to Our Fairy Garden
Labeled Toy Bins
Meet Our Fairies

Great Games for Boys

My boys love to play.  At the moment they are rather young so we don't play too many games per say. MJ is 2 years old 
He mostly likes puzzles and peek-a-boo.

TJ is 4 years old
He does play a few computer games from TVO kids and other similar websites on occasion.
He also likes those memory games where you flip 2 cards and try to find a match.
I just started to teach him Tic-Tac-Toe this week and he sort of understands it.
He loves this game called Eagle Eyes that we heard on at Sparkle Stories.  It is just like Hide-And-Seek but the person who is it stays in one spot to look around for the other kids.  Everyone else hides but has to be able to see the 'Eagle'.


Great Books for Boys
Last year the topic was books.  I had prepared this post last week and realized this morning that the new topic was games.  So I thought I'd include this anyways. My boys love to read.  There are so many wonderful that they enjoy.  Here are a few of our favourite authors and books. I'm not too sure on the appropriate ages so I'm guessing.

MJ's favs (good for 1-3years)
Heads by Matthew VanFleet
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb - board book
Put me in the Zoo - board book
My World - Good Night Moon companion book

TJ's favs (good for 3-6years)
Bernstein Bears - all of their books are great
Robert Munch - we love all the ones we have read
Elephant and Piggy books by Mo Willems - also great for young readers

Giveaway
I am so excited to offer a giveaway from Me Again Creations.  I hope to start an Etsy store this year (perhaps some encouragement from you all will move me along faster).  Please look at my store page on this blog for more details and come visit my Facebook page.  Please 'like' my page when you come to visit.

I am offering one lucky reader their very own boy Sock Monster!!!  The winner will be able to choose one of the two monsters below.  I will also personalize it with an embroidered name on the back if you would like.

To enter please leave a comment below letting me know what your favourite item is in the shop (new or sold) or what new items you think I should add.

For additional entries
'like' MeAgain Creations - come back and leave a comment
Share about this giveaway on Facebook - leave a separate comment letting me know
Pin something from anywhere on my blog - let me know what you pinned

******Contest ends Sunday July 22 at midnight.  I will randomly choose a winner and announce it on Monday.*******


Thank you again for visiting and happy hopping!

Reshaping my vision

I was reading a post yesterday about casting a vision for my boys. I really have gotten into a bad slump, only focusing on the negative. I'm intentionally going to share a bit about my wonderful boys today. Let us work to reshape our vision for our children. I encourage you all to visit the MOB (Mother of Boys) Society to read some uplifting articles. There is the MOD Squad too for daughters!

Proud TJ and cousin baby James

TJ(4years) is very caring. When we were at our garden plot he sat with our droopy little lettus seedling encouraging it to grow. He also decorated the plot so that the butterfly we saw will come and visit again and be happy. TJ is imaginative and playful. He is always making his stuffed toys talk and includes them in our activities. Last night he dressed in his Lightning McQueen costume to go to the grocery store!

MJ (2years) is determined and independent (in a good way). He isn't quite 2 yet but has taught himself to ride his tricycle by watching his brother. He loves to try new things and doesn't give up right away. He will sit for a long time assembling wooden train tracks and playing happily. MJ makes me laugh. Throughout the day I often find he'll do or say something unexpected that makes me laugh. When I put him to bed he often sings silly songs and makes little faces at me.

I love my boys. I could go on for hours about them, and I do to anyone willing to listen. Thank you for the opportunity to share and remind myself of how wonderful they are!


I'd love to hear about the wonderful little people in your lives!