Getting Messy

Here is a fun activity we did last week.

 My husband and I have been very busy recently and a bit distracted.  I thought I'd just jump in with something fun for the boys.  I was going to make pudding for them to play with outside.  I thought I'd be economical and made the pudding mix with water (it doesn't work!!!).  So we added corn starch to the mixture to make it thicker.

After everyone was done with the slimy mess we washed off our things with the hose, played in our kiddy pool then had a bath.  What a great evening!

What have we been up to

I just downloaded some pictures from my phone and camera.  I had forgotten that I had so many pictures of what we've been doing so I thought I'd share some that aren't already in other posts.

Just back from a ride through the forrest

Making a road and the Early Years Centre

Elephant Bath and the African Lion Safari

MJ using the lawn mower to help him walk

TJ and I went on a date to the mall

We went to the cottage this weekend and had a great time.  Both of the boys love water and didn't mind that it was a bit chilly.  They were outside all day and never stopped playing.  MJ is walking father now (he did almost 20 steps).  I'm most excited about the fact that we all slept in today.  I think that is the first time for me in over a year.

How have you been?

Canvas Bag Makeover

For the orange party we had for the boys' birthdays I made some personalized canvas bags for loot bags.  The whole project was very simple and turned out great.  I forgot to take pictures of them all, but I did manage to get a shot of the one for my niece.

Here is what I did.
Supplies:
canvas tote bag (I had a lot of promotional ones that were too small for groceries)
material cut 2 pieces slightly larger than the size of the bag
contrast material (optional)
sewing notions

1. Measure the size of your canvas bag.  You may wish to wash the bag at this point as it will shrink if washed later.
2. Cut two pieces of material slightly larger than the tote bag.
3. Add applique or other decorations as desired.
4. With right sides together sew around the sides and bottom.
5. Turn right side out and slip the tote bag inside.
6. fold over the top edge of your material a bit.  Pin and sew it around the top of the tote bag.  I tried to sew most of the bags right at the top edge but this material was a little short.

Enjoy!!

Happy Birthday MJ Happy Father Day Jon

I can hardly believe it it has been a year since you were born.  You have changed our lives and taught us so much in this short time.

To celebrate we had a joint party with TJ at the beginning of the month.  We had an Orange coloured theme as i is TJ's favourite.

TJ in the new sandbox Daddy built

Mommy and MJ

One of many attempts at a family shot

Today is we are having my family over for breakfast to celebrate MJ and Father's Day.  Later today is a family reunion for my mom's side of the family. 

 We made this picture for Daddy and one for my dad and Jon's dad using different family members.  I can't remember exactly where I got the idea from but many people use a frame with 3 spots and take the same photos every year so you can watch the kids grow.  My computer program won't let me load the original o just imagine the 3 pictures next to each other.

We are looking forward to another exciting year with the boys.

Nature Walk

My boys love to be outside as I believe most kids do.  It is important for me to make sure we get as much time outside as possible throughout the year.  We live right on the Bruce Trail and next to Kern Cliff Park (used to be an old quarry).  We have our little routes that we take often and special stops along the way.  TJ always loves to pick a few daisies for us.  We talk about the changes we see as the seasons change, listen for different sounds and look for animals.  We get lots of exercise and it is very peaceful too.

Cake Pops

We went to a birthday party for one of TJ's friends last week.  It was a polka dot party.  I took this idea from one of the desserts and tried it out myself.  WOW so simple, tasty and easy to do.

Sorry for the bad picture but we ate the rest!

Here is what I did (I'm sure there are other recipes out there).

Supplies:
Candy melts or chocolate chips
Lollipop sticks
Timbits (doughnut holes)

Put the Timbits onto the sticks
Melt the chocolate candy melts (you don't need that much)
Dip or spoon the chocolate onto the Timbit
Place on wax paper or a tray to cool
Add sprinkles before they dry
Eat and enjoy!

Think of all the fun variations you could do with this!!

Puppet Power!!

Oh wow I forgot how awesome puppets are.  When TJ was young he loved puppets.  We played with them all the time, but after a while they just got set aside.  After MJ was born they came out again but not as often.  The other day we discovered that puppets can be so very helpful and fun too.

Puppets can do house work

In the past week our puppets have been very busy helping TJ with his emotions and communication.  He feels more comfortable talking to the puppet rather than a person.  I don' t know why but  get more from him if he talks to the hand.   TJ will come to me with some puppets and ask if we can play wooden blocks. My puppet doesn't always want to share to TJ explains why we have to (oh sneaky mommy).  If TJ is upset my puppet loves to hug him.  TJ is very polite and caring towards out puppet friends and in turn is nicer to MJ while we are all playing.

At a friend's house we made a sock puppet together.  TJ wouldn't take it off for several days.  He took it shopping and more.  He also now takes his puppets out if he is feeling nervous about new situations.

Of course orange is TJ favourite colour so we even gave his puppet an orange tie!

What puppet fun have you had?