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Happy Halloween...

10/29/2014

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It's that time again and this year my boys, once again,
chose two great costume ideas...


William Clark
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This boy loves his history lessons at school. The stories of William & Clark match the outdoorsy adventures of his dreams. As chief map-maker, he has his journal ready to record the magical discoveries of the Pacific Northwest. He's always on the lookout for fun.
Tourist
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This loves to travel and has chosen this holiday to embody everything that makes his mother cringe. Socks with sandals - check. Clashing prints, colors, and styles - check. You can't see it here - but the swipe of white sunscreen across his nose makes the whole outfit. It really does.
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Reverse Charades...

8/9/2013

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Although charades is a classic group game, I must admit I've never been a fan. One person frantically racks their brain (and body) to act out a given term, while the crowd passively sits and watches.

Then I heard about Reverse Charades. Pure genius! This version turns the classic game upside down and has just one person guessing, while everyone else is involved in the 'acting'.
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I made my own list of items/titles, cut them into slips and brought them out for our neighborhood Solstice party. It was hilarious fun! Favorite moments of the night: One neighbor stepping into a barrel to throw themselves over Niagara Falls; The neighborhood kids channeling the Beatles; and perching on a chair in an attempt to reenact the 'I'm the King of the World' moment from Titanic.

Here's my list (Feel free to use it at your next party!):
reverse_charades.pdf
File Size: 60 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Happy Halloween!

10/31/2012

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Here are my spooky goblins...

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Pizza Delivery Boy
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Stockbroker (with business card)
My oldest dressed as the stockbroker last year, but with the economy as it is.. he had to find more reliable work. Ha! (Are we the only family who creates back stories for our Halloween costumes?)

Happy Halloween - May your imaginative ones be safe!
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Not a Teddy Bear Picnic...

9/3/2012

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I recently walked in to my son's room and found this:
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I've heard of a Teddy Bear Picnic.

Should I be concerned that my boys have
a Teddy Bear Poker Game?

I'm going to say no -- and chalk this up to creativity.

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"Jump Back" Animation...

3/31/2011

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       During Spring Break this year, my boys and I tried our hand at stop animation. Inspired by my friend Jessica – I broke down the mechanics and created a plan that would allow one Mommy and two busy boys to finish a short video in less than two hours.

         Keep in mind – I’m all about process rather than product. This fun afternoon project neither outlasted my six year old nor wrecked havoc on my living room. We learned a ton and have a renewed sense of appreciation for the art of animation. My motto remains: Grab hold of every opportunity you can to help your children experience and explore life around them.

Here’s how it all went down:
1.  I found an old recording of my youngest son singing a song. Now six, this recording captures his sweet voice at four years old when he came home from preschool with a new tune to share.

2. The boys and I colored a background setting on a large piece of butcher paper.

3. Each of us worked to create the needed props. I was in charge of the main character. My six year-old created the flags. My eight year-old took charge of the pirate ship, leaves, door, etc…

4. My eldest son then set the items in place while I stood above and snapped a photo. After each shutter, he’d move everything to the next position and I’d capture another image.

5. My youngest generally danced around the room, singing at full volume and occasionally offering his excellent directing advice (“Put it there.” “No there.” “ Higher.” “Ok, now make it go upside down!”)

6. Once all the photos were captured – I dropped music and photos into Windows MovieMaker.

Here are the results:

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Oregon Trail Travelers....

3/28/2011

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     This week my family battled cholera, ate 28 lbs. of salt pork, and lost a keg of gunpowder when our wagon overturned in the river. Not to worry – all this occurred in the virtual world. My boys and I have been playing Oregon Trail.

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Those who are older may remember this classic game from the bulky Apple computers that sat in their elementary school classroom. The computer software (now updated and Windows compatible) follows the original idea and continues to give elementary school aged children a glimpse into the hardships endured by settlers. Game controls allow players to choose supplies, routes, and even travel companions. A trail guide provides information about forts, landmarks, and wildlife along the trail. Carry too few supplies and risk hunger and low morale. Carry too many supplies and the oxen might not be able to haul you and your gear over the mountains. Unknown dangers lie ahead and winter snow is the enemy.

            My sons have tried a variety of strategies in their adventures so far. One boy likes to keep his supplies low, and use the extra cash to pay for ferry crossings at each river. My other young adventurer likes to take a large wagon and carry extra supplies to trade along the trail. As the momma, I’m just thankful that failure means having to restart the game, rather than facing actual life and death situations. My hat goes off to the real moms who blazed the trail to this gorgeous state.

Added extension: Check out these Oregon Trail books that entertain and educate young readers.


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Post-Halloween...

11/4/2010

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The day of ghosts and goblins has passed, but it sure was
fun while it lasted. My favorite part of the holiday was seeing the kids in their costumes-- so proud and eager to see their friends and neighbors. Our trick or treating route is short -
just neighbors we know and (of course) Grandpa's house!

My kids went as a NASA astronaut and Abraham Lincoln.
My oldest actually memorized the first sentence of the Gettysburg address for the occasion (I'm sneaking in those history lessons anytime I can). After days of saying it aloud
- his younger brother even picked most of it up!

Listen here:
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The boys were so excited to return home and
see their candy, but only four days later and they seem to have forgotten we even have it.


Our house has a tradition of putting aside the bulk of the candy to use later for decorations on gingerbread houses for the holidays. Nothing looks better atop that glazed roof that a neat row of Skittles. The kids enjoy this activity and I like the fact the candy is used for other purposes than empty calories.

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Another tradition: raiding the post- Halloween sales at
local thrift stores. This is a great way to pick up inexpensive costumes - not just for Halloween but for "dress-up" play all year long!



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Superkid…

2/10/2010

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My youngest son celebrated his 5th birthday this month. Ek! How did 5 years go by so fast?

For the special occasion, we planned a small party with school friends and chose a Superhero theme. (I thank all the fabulous Mommies who have come before me for their inspiration and great ideas!) Here was our recipe for fun:


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Step #1-
Superhero ABC makes for a great read aloud, as it includes some pretty heavy alliteration that encourages kiddos to think of words that fit the pattern. (Mom alert: The V Superhero Vomits on Villains which is Very Vile – be warned.)



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Step#2-
Superhero capes made from inexpensive costume fabric can be cut, surged, and finished with double fold bias tape with ease. Use super-savvy sticky-backed felt to create letters and symbols to decorate the back. Have even more stickers and jewels on hand for Superkids to personalize their cape and decorate their superhero mask.


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Step#3-
Drop a pinch of paper confetti into brown balloons before blowing-up and allow your super heroes to demonstrate their superhuman strength by lifting and then crushing these “rocks.” The resulting confetti all-over-the-floor is dramatic, but vacuums up easily. We also hid stars throughout the house and children used their amazing eagle-eyes and x-ray vision to find those stars inscribed with their name. It’s all the fun of hide-and-seek, with no one crouched beneath your coats in the front closet.


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Step #4-
Be prepared for running, as it’s almost impossible to put on a superhero cape, flex your muscles, and NOT run around in order to see the cape flap-in-the-wind behind you.



Step#5-
Lastly, be sure to have your camera ready as you’re guaranteed to see super-big smiles on super-great kids at this super-fun party!

Do you have any superhero or party ideas?
Please do share!
Another birthday will be here before we know it!

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