Shopping Support!

I often get asked by people for ideas of what to get their grandkids or friend's kids or even their own kids for Christmas. I'm definitely not an expert but I thought I'd share some of the things my kids have LOVED playing with over the past year as well as some of the things I have found the most useful! So here goes!

First of all, BOOKS! My girls are obsessed! And they get it honest enough! I too am a bookworm and have shared my passion for books with them since the day they were born! I could add oodles of favorites but thought that perhaps their top 2 (for today, anyways!) would be the most helpful!
At the moment, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is Taitum's favorite! She loves pointing to each animal and I think the repetition is very appealing to her, too!

Piper has really gotten into Eloise Wilkins Stories which is so exciting for me since I remember reading 'Baby Dear' as a child and loving it! That story and others are included in this book. It was one of the books recommended in the Sonlight P3/4 curriculum and I am so glad I got it!

Next, stuffed animals. Now normally, as a mother, I would say, "NO! Please! No more stuffed animals!". Sometimes it feels like their rooms are overrun with the things and more often than not they are not played with. But, as always, there are exceptions to the rule such as 'Eggroll'. He is Tait's all time fav. He gets loved and cuddled, pushed around in a doll stroller and at the end of the day, tucked into the crook of my baby's arm, where she rubs his ear until she goes to sleep! Honestly, I can see why she loves him so much! He is soft and squishable as are all the animals made by JellyCat and at the top of the list!

Here's the big one: Toys! And this was actually the hardest one for me because my girls are pretty simplistic with what they like to play with...Tait would rather be in my cupboards then anywhere else and Piper is all girl, spending most of her time playing dolls or with her Fisher Price My First Dollhouse. The dollhouse has been great fun for her but I have been dissappointed with the quality so I'm not sure I'd highly recommend this one. Regardless, a dollhouse is truly a must have for that little girl in your life! I'd even say it would be worth your while to spend a bit more on a really nice one. I've especially had my eye on this one as it is set up at Chapters and she loves playing with it when we're there. I am also especially fond of Calico Critters and the whole idea of collecting the different sets over time and passing it on to the grandkids someday. (My parents did that with the Fisher Price Little People my brother and I played with growing up and now my kids are playing with them and loving them!)  Alas, I can't give you any real review on these items but they are worth checking out if thats something you think the child you have in mind might be interested in!

I'm excited to share this next item with you because not only does Piper enjoy playing with it but so do I! In fact, you may have heard about them as they are gaining popularity...they're Wedgits! We only have the small single set that I found at a second hand store but it has been loads of fun!

The Playskool Ball Popper has recently been a big hit with Taitum. I'd forgotten all about it until I found it while digging around in Piper's closet. I popped some batteries in and Tait was laughing and giggling for a good hour straight as she chased the balls around and watched them pop out of the machine! Downside: 4 D batteries....

I know its not overly exciting for kids to recieve cloths for Christmas but the Children's Place Tutu Leggings are one item my girls are crazy about wearing! And its so darned cute to see the scurrying around in them! If you're into making your own gifts, here is the Plumtickled tutorial I used for making tutus for the girls for their birthday - these aren't really great for everyday wear like the tutu leggings but fun for dress up and adorable in pictures!!

In the picture to the right, also notice Taitum's shoes - they're  Pedoodles! We gave them to Tait as a first birthday gift since we thought she should have some really good footwear as she was on the verge of walking. I did my research and came up with these. Despite being a bit disturbed about paying $30 on a one-year-old's footwear, I have never once regretted my decision!

Finally, a couple of my favorite things when it comes to childcare...To top it off, Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention. What mama doesn't want her baby's bum to be, well, soft as a baby's?? This is the answer! But wait! There's more! Not only is it amazing at clearing up any rash problems and preventing them but its also safe to use with cloth diapers!! (Look out! There is a post to come on my switch to cloth!) As if that wasn't enough, it works wonders on Pipey's eczema too! Check out the link for the list of things Grandma El's can remedy!

And clean teeth! I don't know about you but I want to do all I can to keep the kids pearly whites as shiny as they day they (finally!) pushed through! I came across the Angel Toothbrush one day while shopping around downtown and at the time was using one of those baby brushes that you put on your finger. If you've ever used one before you'll understand when I say that gets painful especially as more teeth arrive and the babes is feeling a need to chew on things! I prefer it not be my finger! The Angel brush was the perfect solution! Tait loves getting her teeth brushed and spends a few minutes every night chewing on the thing!

Last but not least, is one of my all time best purchases - the Combi Stroller! I picked this up in preparation for Piper's and my trip to Europe last year. I chose it because it was compact enough to be allowed to take on the plane but sturdier than the cheap-o umbrella strollers you can get. Considering that as tourists we would be doing a lot of walking I figured that would be necessary! My intention was to sell it after we got back to Canada but I can tell you I will never let it go! It has been the world's best everyday stroller! Its light and compact, has a strap on the back so you can throw it over your shoulder when carrying it and 'strolls' nicely. Yes, there may be some sentimental value attached to it still but its always my first pick when taking the girls out for a walk or to the mall. (Obviously its not a 'plow-through-the snow' kind of rig but who goes for strolls in the snow anyway!)

In Prague with the ever useful Combi!

That is the end of all my recommendations! If  any of these ideas result in you purchasing one of these items, let me know! I'd also be interested to know how you or the person you gave it to liked it! You can take confidence in the fact that I recieve no compensation for recommending these items other then the joy of knowing it has made your shopping a little bit easier this year! So happy shopping! And stay tuned! If I can get my act together, I may have some homemade gift ideas coming up in the days ahead!

Saturday Morning Funny

We made Santas yesterday, and - as always - first graders come up with some of the most creative and inspiring art pieces.  

And then I came across Lacy's.

Apparently, Santa's beard is really really innapropriately misplaced long this year.  At least that's what we're going with so I don't have to break out a a censor bar in order to display him in the hallway...

And that seemed to be only the beginning of his problems.  The head, for one, and the lack of feet were also an issue.  But, hey, it's artwork and completely personal. 

Here are some other students' pieces for comparison purposes. 

Hope you had a little chuckle this morning.  My teacher friends and I thought it was pretty funny!

Gingerbread Unit Activities for First Grade

Hello, teachery friends!  I just thought I'd interject my normal posts with some holiday themed activities we did this past week...

Our focus skill in reading this week was comparing and contrasting, so this unit went great with our reading series.  I made this large graphic organizer that we added to throughout the week as we read different stories.  Unfortunately, my printer wasn't working, so the book covers I printed aren't in color...and my handwriting is super sloppy (major pet peeve of mine!). 

We had a gingerbread taste-test (I just bought Keebler Gingerbread Men from Kroger) and we graphed our results.   I also had the kids complete speech bubbles with their responses to the flavor.   Afterwards, we discussed adjectives and completed a whole-group graphic organizer describing the gingerbread men.

My favorite activity was decorating the crafty gingerbread boys/girls.  I collected a bunch of craft supplies (odds and ends from The Dollar Tree, mostly) and let the kiddos have it!  I love their creativity.  Afterwards, they wrote about their gingerbread person.  They turned out darling :)



Today, we observed what would happen if the gingerbread man had gotten wet.  The kids loved touching the soggy cookie and many asked if they could EAT it!  YUCK!  You can find a printable for this activity here: Gingerbread Science. 

I also made up several gingerbread-themed activities for our literacy centers.  You can get the printables here: Gingerbread Literacy Activities. 

Here's how I used the activities:

You can use the first one for a variety of things, but since we were working on beginning s- blends this week, I wrote an s- blend on the right hand and the word ending on the other.  The kids then had to say, spell, and write (with a vis-a-vis marker) the word on the center of the laminated  "gingerbear."

The second activity is a sticker story.  I gave the kids a variety of stickers to make a story rebus-style about the gingerbread man. 

The third and fourth worksheet go together and are self-explanatory (draw and write about a gingerbread man).

The fifth activity is a spin-off of "write-the-room." I hid 10 numbered gingerbread men throughout the room and the kids had to search for them and then write down their location next to the right number. 

Tomorrow, my cafeteria has generously offered to bake gingerbread men for us to decorate - as if my kiddos need any more sugar reason to be wound up on a Friday! 

I hope these are helpful to some of you out there!  I now how much fun it can be to scramble for activities/units/worksheets!  Feel free to use them and alter them if need be :)

{PS.  I've never used Google Docs before, so if you have trouble with anything just holler!}

Veggie Delight

Have you tried any of the vegetarian recipes from my last post on the subject? I hope so! And I hope you love them as much as I do! Today I have some more veggie filled dishes for you to try! This first one is a new found favorite - Sweet and Sour Tofu! It is SO good and has kid appeal in that it is filled with sweet pineapple. Also, Taitum is in love with the tofu since it is so soft and easy to chew! She usually picks through the dish to find the pieces of tofu and eats them first!

I also have recently gotten into my Deceptively Delicious cookbook that I received as a shower gift when Taitum was born. This is a cookbook of recipes in which you 'sneak' some vegetables into everything imaginable!

I decided to start with Mac and Cheese because my sister-in-law made it recently and it was amazing! I had been trying to find a good alternative to Kraft dinner since I refuse to serve it to my kids despite the fact that they loved the stuff. I had tried a recipe from EatingWell.com which was OK but not quite the hit I was hoping it would be with the kids. After trying my SIL's, I was sure that this recipe would be what I was looking for! It involves adding pureed squash to it which of course blends right in with the cheese but since my kids don't really have any issues with eating veggies, I threw some broccoli in too! You can find the recipe here. Taitum really enjoyed it. Piper had a bit of a harder time but that likely had more to do with the fact that she knew we were going to the theatre to see 'Tangled' after supper was done....

Next, I tried some Applesauce Muffins. These too contain pureed squash. Both of my girls really enjoyed them and I especially like them because of the streusel topping!

Finally, the other day I made Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Chickpeas). Would you believe they are DELICIOUS! I used mint chocolate chips since I had some in the cupboard just calling my name! Matt says he can taste the chickpeas in them but I can't and if the girls can, they don't care! They've been gobbling them up!

Well, I hope at least one of these recipes peaks your interest! Let me know if you try one out and what you think about it!

This, that and thanks.

Hey guys.  Happy December.  I'm so excited about sharing another Christmas with my little man.  Especially since we didn't even think we would get to spend one Christmas with him.  I know this time of the year will only get more and more exciting as Tripp gets older.  Christmas just has a whole new meaning now- not about the presents (though he will be getting enough of those), but about family, friends, and sacrifce.  

Here's a quick little story that I thought was just so amazing.  You know how I said that I've been studying the Bible lately with a close family friend?  Well, the first story that we discussed and read through was the story of Abraham and Issac, and how God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son- and Abraham did exactly what God asked him to do, and Issac's life was spared because God knew Abraham trusted Him.  Remember this story??  Anyway, Patrice (Jonah's Mom) and I finally talked yesterday (we try to have about a 30 minute conversation at least once a month to catch up) and she was telling me about the book she is reading- Satisfy My Thristy Soul, and that this past week in her Bible study, they discussed the story of Abraham and Issac.  Um, neat or what??  Coincidence?  I think not.  God is doing BIG things in us.  I just know it.  For us to be able to even have a conversation on the phone about possibly losing our sons one day... and be able to keep our composure- just shows how much God is in control and is trying to take control of our lives.  I can't speak for Patrice, but this story speaks VOLUMES about my life and the situation that I am in with my only son.  Do I trust in God and place Tripp's life in His hands, knowing that He will carry us through?  That is my only option.  There are no other paths to take.  Will it hurt like hell if I lose my only son who is and always will be my entire LIFE- definitely.  Will I focus on NOW and not the unknown future- yes.  

Today I bought Tripp a mini Christmas tree (2 footer:) and put it right next to the rocking chair, so he could enjoy it.  I picked it up from Wal Mart (which by the way- I remember why I despise Wal Mart, now.  I love you, Target.)  Then came home and fixed it up for him, with rudolph ornaments, lights, and a star on top.  He was sleeping the whole time.  When I finished, I realized I forgot to pick up his prescription from CVS, so I had to go back out.  I begged my mom not to let him wake up before I got back (like she could help it) because I didn't want to miss his expression when he saw it.  I guess my point is- I just can't explain how much I love this kid.  I've spent almost every second with him for the past 18 months of his life... and I just hate to think that I would miss one smile, or miss him doing a new sign, or miss anything new or fun.  I just feel so lucky to be Tripp's Mommy.  You're probably tired of me saying that... but it's just so true.  

This morning he was up at 5:00 am (which NEVER happens).  And he was in rare form- dancing, smiling, and fussing (in a good, rotten kind-of-way).  He was flipping all the way over when I was changing his diaper, which he never does.  Usually, I would put him back in bed and he would go back to sleep... but we stayed up.  And man, I enjoyed that time SO much.  I felt like he was a "normal" kid in that few hours- up early, happy, playing.  Because lately, I've been having to literally drag him out of bed at 2-3 o'clock in the afternoon because all he wants to do is sleep.  I guess he doesn't hurt when he is sleeping.  I feel like he has no quality of life.  And mornings like this morning are few and far between- but boy am I thankful when I do get them.  It makes me take a step back from the step I already took back and be thankful for the GOOD.  Because there is always GOOD no matter what. 

I'm just feeling extra grateful tonight.  There are so many people that have come out of the woodworks- strangers, old friends, close friends- that are contacting me and wanting to help and wanting to spread awareness.  I can't say Thank You enough- and as much as I say it... it will still NEVER be enough.  But I want all of you to know how much I appreciate the support.  I've said it before and I'll say it again and again- We are SO blessed.  I love that Tripp is touching lives and making people think twice before they complain about something petty.  But you all are also changing my life- by showing me that this world is really full of kind, caring, and SINCERE people.  Please- for all those that are saying you want to do something for us--- please know that you are doing more than enough by following our story and by praying for my son.  That's all I can ask for.  Whether you pray for a miracle, or for a specific thing like his eyes, or you pray for him to be pain-free and EB-free... I think prayer is the most important thing.  And I'm pretty sure it's the reason that I'm able to do what I do everyday.  The support is overwhelming (in a good way).  Hope the rest of your week is great!

"Life does not have to be perfect

 to be wonderful." 

 -- Annette Funicello

Love,

Sharing Secrets...

Here are some silly secrets...

- I secretly keep one pacifier in my coat pocket, despite the fact that Becks hasn't taken one in a

month now. I'm holding onto it as a last little sentiment of my no-longer baby.

- I secretly fear that our computer is going to die any day.  And I haven't backed up one picture or file.  There are thousands of pictures saved to our harddrive, and more school-related documents than I'd care to imagine.

-  I secretly miss the drama of The Hills, Jersey Shore, and Teen Mom. 16 and Pregnant just isn't cutting it for me this season.

-  I secretly want another pair of Uggs for Christmas.  Grey, knit ones with buttons.

-  I secretly have the desire to move.  Which totally isn't going to happen.  But I shop real estate frequently.

-  I secretly have an extremely messy desk at school, usually piled a foot high with paperwork.  Somedays, when it gets really bad, I just toss the whole stack and pray that I didn't throw away anything important.

-  I secretly am longing for a snow day. 

-  I secretly hate getting ready.  Showering, putting on makeup, fixing my hair = a wasted hour.

-  I secretly have a gobzillion eyeshadows and use about 5 of them on a regular basis.  I save them for the what-ifs.  What if I buy a lime green ______ and need lime green eyeshadow to match?

-  I secretly am a major grad school slacker.  Other things take precedence. 

-  I secretly ate four left-over empanadas today.  2 for lunch, 2 for dinner.  Yum.

-  I secretly am sick of typing the word secretly.  I've said it so much in my head, it's starting to not sound like a real word anymore!

Any secrets you want to share  today?

Advent Adventures: December 1st

Today has been a pretty busy and fun-filled day in our home! Its December 1st which for us means the start of a month full of Advent activities! Advent basically means 'coming or arrival' and is the time before Christmas to prepare for celebrating the greatest gift to ever arrive, Jesus!

First of all, our family has Advent candles on our table that we light each night for four weeks leading up to Christmas. We start with one candle and add one each week until Christmas. The symbolism is that as the light from the candles grows brighter, the coming of the Light of the World grows closer. We also read Old Testament scripture that prophecied of Jesus coming long before He arrived. You also may notice that the candles are surrounded by a wreath. This too finds meaning as it is in a circle representing God who has no beginning and no end and is made of an evergreen, representing eternal life through His Son. 

Yesterday, Piper and I worked on a paper chain which contains in each chain a verse for the day and a story to read in preparation for Christmas. We found this idea at Hubbard's Cupboard which has been wonderful since ideas for each day are provided. This way there is less planning involved on my part! Considering that December is the busiest month of the year, this is a huge blessing! Even if you don't plan on doing something each day, this site is worth checking out for craft ideas to do with your child!

Piper was so excited to know what all the activities were going to be!

She was the 'taper'!

All done!



So this morning when the girls got up, I had their nativity sets all set up. Piper could barely eat her breakfast she was so excited to go play with them. As soon as she was done, i let her run off to play. Very soon I heard her in the livingroom: "Mama, no baby! Where baby??" I finished cleaning up Taitum and brought her with me into the livingroom. "Is there a problem?" I asked. "Yeah", Piper replied, "NO BABY!" At this point I pulled down the gifts I had wrapped the night before and gave them to the girls to open. Piper tore into her gift..."BABY!" she shouted. Then she proceeded to help Tait open her gift. Very exciting stuff for my little girlies and a perfect opportunity to talk about the best gift of all and what Christmas is truly all about: Jesus!




"Mama, NO BABY!"



Piper tearing into her gift

Taitum, a little confused, but following her sister's lead!

"Baby Jesus!"



Taitum, still confused, but ready to play

 Finally, to end our first day of Advent, Piper hung an ornament on the Advent calendar tree her Auntie Anna made us for Christmas last year! It took her a while to choose which one she wanted to put up first but settled on the angel. Then we settled down to some fresh-from-the-oven chocolate mint cookies and milk!

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

                                    Isaiah 7:14 (written between 732 and 715BC)