Ah, the power of the great box of crayons and the ordinary act of coloring! Is there anything better than watching your children doodle and create. Coloring is not just a way to occupy the kiddos but also a great way to teach valuable lessons and so much more. Here’s what I have come up with as my top benefits to coloring: Unleash Creativity Whether it is a blank piece of paper or a coloring page, it’s a chance to get the creative juices flowing! An opportunity to see what you can make with your kids or to challenge them to create on their own. There're no rules. No limits. Only a piece of paper as a starting point and then you choose your direction. Your kids will eventually even learn that they can map out a plan as they decide colors and the order. Teach Valuable … [Read more...]
How To Take Your Own Family Portraits
Ever go to one of those big box stores to get "professional" photos done for Christmas? And, after waiting for what seems like an eternity with your squirmy toddler and grouchy grandpa, everything seems to go downhill from there? Mom blinked. Junior won't smile. And, if you have a family member like my daughter, there are howls of, "Oww! My eyes! The light is too bright!" You're lucky if you leave there with a Christmas card-worthy shot but think, "Oh well. It'll do. It was cheap." So what are your options? Professional photographers get great shots but sometimes cost is a factor. So why not try it yourself at home? I know a lot of people who like the idea of trying for professional photos in their own homes but don't try it because they don't have the professional gear, like … [Read more...]
5 DIY Chore Charts for Kids
Every year I feel the need to re-assess the current chore assignments, or the chore charts, in our home. With five kids, if done correctly, our family could have a tidy home on a daily basis. Of course, I keep all of our chores age appropriate. My twelve-year-old does things like cleaning the bathrooms and starting laundry, where as my seven-year-old works on his bedroom or sweeping off the back porch. I also don't want to overwhelm them. Each child has 1-2 chores per day. In the last couple of weeks, I've been on the lookout for a chore chart that would be both easy to follow AND fun for the kids. I've come across a few that I think are both practical and fun. I think you'll agree. /1/ Family Photo Magnetic Chore Chart - Create magnet tags with chores and place them on or near the … [Read more...]
10 Ideas to Organize Your Kitchen in a Snap!
A new year brings with it a fresh sense of wanting to have everything organized. The kitchen, the bathroom, the closets...they all need a bit of organizing. Sometimes we just get overwhelmed with all that we have and it can ruin a good day. What if the case is, you don't have too much stuff, it just needs to be properly organized? Today, I bring you a bunch of ideas to organize your KITCHEN. Put these great ideas to use and you'll never again wonder where the slotted spoon is! /1/ The Pantry - Have you ever come home from the grocery store, put everything away, and later that day go to look for the can of soup you just bought? Not anymore, my friend. When you organize your pantry like the one above, you'll never search for the lost can of soup again! /2/ Drink Station - A great … [Read more...]
DIY Mother’s Day Crafts for Kids
With Mother's Day just around the corner it's time to think about what the kids will make for her. Will it be a book that they draw pictures in, a bath soak for Mom to relax with, or a nest pendant for her to wear? We've gathered a bunch of great ideas just in time for her big day! /1/ Mommy Survival Kit - As a mom, I've gone searching for headache medicine or chapstick more than once. Almost always I come up empty-handed. Maybe for Mother's Day this year I'll get a Mommy Survival Kit - it has everything Mom needs before she knows she needs it. /2/ Mother's Day Book {Free Printable} - The kids can draw her pictures and write in kind words about her after the prompts. This printable book is perfect for Mother's Day, or anytime you want to make her feel special! /3/ Footprint Stool … [Read more...]
10 Fun Easter Crafts for Kids
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail, hippity hoppity Easter's on its way. Easter is indeed on its way. The holiday that features all things bunnies and chicks will be here soon. If you're looking for a craft to do with the kids this week, you've come to the right place. Today I've found 10 Fun Easter Crafts for Kids to keep you and your little ones busy! /1/ Sock Bunnies - There's something about these cute long eared bunnies that jumped out at me. {Pun intended. hehe!} /2/ Chick and Lamb Paper Plate Craft - My favorite crafts when I was a kid were the ones made with paper plates. I'm glad I found this one for all of you. /3/ Craft Stick Sheep - You can build a whole flock of sheep with this simple, but cute tutorial. [sc:adsense … [Read more...]
