What does Easter mean to your child? (Resurrection Egg Activity)

Photo credit: Getty Images

Yes it's that time of year when companies, once again, have managed to commercialize the beauty and symbolism of a special event. Ask preschoolers what Easter is about and you will have a majority reply excitedly it's all about the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs.....ooooooh Candy!! One little boy in my Preschooler's Bible Education Class last evening even said it's all about cracking eggs!

Here is a lesson turning12 plastic colored eggs into 12 tiny teaching aids! The lesson is similar to the Jesse Tree that our group used to create a few years back...where each item is tied to the religious story behind the holiday.

For your reference, I've copied Easy Fun School's article verbatim, to avoid missing out on any important elements........

First, purchase 12 plastic Easter eggs, the kind that you can open and fill. I recommend the size that can fit in a Styrofoam or cardboard egg carton. You can reuse one that you bring home eggs in from the grocery. This makes for easy storage so that you can use these many times without losing any of the bits and pieces.

If possible, try and have each of the 12 eggs a different color. This makes it easier as well. If having 12 different colors isn’t an option, use a permanent marker to write the number 1 through 12 on each egg and then put them in the egg carton.

Into each egg place the item and scripture reference written on a small piece of paper.

Egg #1:

Message -- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people waved palm branches.
Passage -- Matthew 21:1-11
Item -- Piece of palm branch. Another option for those of you with extra leggo parts or plastic novelty beads would be to place a small plastic leaf in the egg

Egg #2:

Message -- Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
Passage -- John 12:2-8
Item -- Small perfume sample or cloth with perfume or a piece of cotton with cologne on it

Egg #3:

Message -- Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.
Passage -- Matthew 26:17-19
Item – a piece of Chex cereal; piece of fresh bread, or take clay and make a small bread-like shape

Egg #4:

Message -- Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Passage -- Matthew 27:3
Item -- 3 dimes or plastic “silver” money

Egg #5:

Message -- Jesus carried His own cross.
Passage -- John 19:17
Item – toothpicks or Popsicle stick cut and glued in a cross form; or, a small plastic cross from a Christmas ornament or necklace.

Egg #6:

Message -- Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head.
Passage -- John 19:2
Item -- Small thorny branch, or a large thorn all by itself.

Egg #7:

Message -- Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat.
Passage -- John 19:23
Item -- Swatch of burlap and a nail. I’ve also seen miniature dice used for this one.

Egg #8:

Message -- Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side.
Passage -- John 19:18,37 & John 20:25-29
Item -- A nail

Egg #9:

Message -- They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink.
Passage -- Matthew 27:34
Item -- A small sponge

Egg #10:

Message -- Spices to prepare Jesus for burial.
Passage -- John 19:40
Item -- 7 or 8 whole cloves, or other whole spices

Egg #11:

Message -- The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away.
Passage -- John 20:1
Item -- A small rock

Egg #12:

Message -- The napkin around Jesus' head was lying separately from His linen clothes. He was not there. He has risen!
Passage -- John 20:6-7
Item -- A scrap of linen-type fabric

One alternative for the 12th egg was to leave it empty to symbolize the empty tomb

Comments from another blog:
"The excitement to see what was in each egg was fun and only mounted as I'd make the children chant "Open the Egg" each time I'd finish telling them that specific story segment."

"I also encouraged the little ones to hold, touch, smell and feel each of the little aids in the egg."

"My favorite moment of the evening was definitely seeing the priceless expressions of surprise, awe and wonder cushioned in an atmosphere of silence when I opened the last egg and it was empty. Gave me goosebumps!"

I encourage you to do this little activity with your children.
Not only is it easy, inexpensive and very 'preschooler-understandable' but I sincerely believe it will always remind our children of the actual joy Easter beholds.....

Be blessed!

* Credit for the Resurrection Eggs Article goes to Easy Fun School. All details have been taken off their site*

 

Post taken from Marina@EBMR 

A Concert in Your Backyard! - FREE EVENT THIS SATURDAY!!

During the summer, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance brings FREE concerts to Marana on a monthly basis!! I've gone to a couple in the past and have really enjoyed the fun, relaxing atmosphere.  Each month spotlights different genres of musical, which is an excellent way of exposing your children to different cultures around the world!  It's also a fantastic way to establish community!

The concerts start at 7pm, but you can come and go as you please.  Whenever we go to the concerts, we typically stop at Subway for sandwiches or pack a picnic dinner around 6pm and then head out to the park.  This gives the kids time to run in the grass or throw a frisbee around.  We have a nice picnic dinner and the kids shake and dance until they have nothing left in them! (Sometimes I've even had them go to the concert in their pajamas!) When they get tired, my kids just lay down on our blankets and count the stars.  And then, it's home to bed!

The flier says that it is located at Crossroads Park...but it's not in a location you can see from Silverbell.  There is a big grassy area located behind Wheeler Taft Abbet  Library....that is where the stage is set up.  So, parking by the library is best!  I have seen people sit on blankets spread out on the grass, couples comfortable in chairs, and have even seen people dining on their card table, with glasses of wine! So, come as you please and be entertained!


Details for THIS Concert:

October 8th - 7pm @ Crossroads Park - Free Admission
7548 N Silverbell Rd

Heather O'Day
Heather O'Day hails from Tucson, Arizona.  With decades of experience onstage the ensemble members all have impressive careers in their own right.  The group takes its cue from classic jazz stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, The Rat Pack, Dave Brubeck, Vince Guarladi, Thelonious Monk, and more. They feature a set list of the most beloved standards for vocals, piano, drums and bass, with a few unique surprises.  Heather's 4-octave vocal range adds flair and flavor to the warm sound that is sure to make Heather O'Day and Friends a fixture.

For more information, visit www.SAACA.org

Butterfly Bounty....Creative Snack and Craft!

 

 

4 stars based on 32 reviews

• 
• Click star to rate
• Rated by 32 members

Total Time Needed:

30 Minutes or less

Whether you're packing a snack for a trip to the park or making a treat for your preschooler's playgroup, these fluttery friends are sure to charm. The bags can be filled with any snack, though a mix that offers a blend of colors and shapes makes for a more interesting butterfly.

Materials

• Clothespins
• Glitter glue
• Glue
• Googly eyes

• Small crackers, dried fruit, trail mix, or your choice of snack items
• Snack-size ziplock bags
• Pipe cleaners

Instructions

1. For each bag, decorate one side of a clothespin (we used glitter glue). Glue two small googly eyes near the gripping end of the clothespin and let the glue dry.
   
2. Put small crackers, dried fruit, trail mix, or whatever else you'd like into a snack-size ziplock bag until it's about half full. Seal the bag, cinch the middle with your fingers, and clip it with the clothespin.
   
3. Fold down the tips of a 4-1/2-inch length of pipe cleaner, then bend the entire piece in half. Clip the pipe cleaner in the clothespin.
   

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

Grandparents' Day is a relatively new national holiday (President Jimmy Carter declared it so in 1978), but is an important tool for fostering the grandparent-grandchild relationship. And don't feel limited to honoring your own relatives—you can show appreciation for other grandparents whose family lives far away!

1. Have a sleepover. Grandparents' Day eve is a great time to let grandparents and grandchildren enjoy an over-night together – either at their house or yours! Pop some popcorn and rent a movie, or break out the board games. A large age difference can be bridged over a game of checkers.
2. Let the kids create some original art for the grandparents in their lives. It will no doubt find a place of honor on the wall, and will be a treat for the kids when they get to visit. You can also make your own Grandparents Day cards.
3. Start a regular Grandparents' Day tradition. Make a trip to the ice cream shop, or out to the pond with a couple of fishing poles. No matter how simple, if you make it your regular, special activity together, it will grow in meaning to grandparents and grandchildren alike.
4. Let the kids do a little time travel by interviewing their grandparents using this tool. They'll likely be amazed by how different life was when the "greatest generation" was children!
5. Create Brag books! These days, pictures are usually saved on your hard drive.  This can make sharing photos with grandparents difficult, especially if they don't know, or don't care to learn how to use the latest technology. Make it easy for them to enjoy all of these great, captured memories by printing the images you have saved.  Then take it a step further, and organize the pictures into Brag book or photo album.

...from iMom

A Concert in Your Backyard! - FREE EVENT THIS SATURDAY!!

During the summer, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance brings FREE concerts to Marana on a monthly basis!! I've gone to a couple in the past and have really enjoyed the fun, relaxing atmosphere.  Each month spotlights different genres of musical, which is an excellent way of exposing your children to different cultures around the world!  It's also a fantastic way to establish community!

The concerts start at 7pm, but you can come and go as you please.  Whenever we go to the concerts, we typically stop at Subway for sandwiches or pack a picnic dinner around 6pm and then head out to the park.  This gives the kids time to run in the grass or throw a frisbee around.  We have a nice picnic dinner and the kids shake and dance until they have nothing left in them! (Sometimes I've even had them go to the concert in their pajamas!) When they get tired, my kids just lay down on our blankets and count the stars.  And then, it's home to bed!

The flier says that it is located at Crossroads Park...but it's not in a location you can see from Silverbell.  There is a big grassy area located behind Wheeler Taft Abbet  Library....that is where the stage is set up.  So, parking by the library is best!  I have seen people sit on blankets spread out on the grass, couples comfortable in chairs, and have even seen people dining on their card table, with glasses of wine! So, come as you please and be entertained!


Details for THIS Concert:

September 10th - 7pm @ Crossroads Park - Free Admission
7548 N Silverbell Rd

The Grind
GRIND is a Tucson Arizona based variety band that also plays amazing orignal material.  Grind plays in many clubs, as well as weddings, corporate and private parties throughout the southwestern U.S.  GRIND's play list includes a wide range of songs encompassing hits from Journey, Bryan Adams, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Pink, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn, Gretchen Wilson, The Commodores, Shania Twain, Pat Benatar, Michael Jackson, AC/DC, Paramore, and many more

For more information, visit www.SAACA.org

12 Pre-Schooler Activities...from iMom

Tape Shapes: Using Masking tape or colorful painters' tape to make outlines of shapes on your floor. Have your child name the shapes they see displayed. Next, call out shape commands like, "Jump to the rectangle," "Skip to the square," "Dance to the circle."  You could have them walk the outline like a tightrope to practice their balance.  If the weather is nice, take this game outside and use chalk to draw the shapes on the sidewalk or porch.

Shades of Color: Teach your child that there are varying shades of their favorite colors using a glass of water and food coloring. Add a drop of food coloring to the water and stir. Ask them what color it is. Then add another drop.  Ask, "Is it still green? Yes, but it's a little darker."  Continue to add one drop at a time, stir and reinforce that the color is getting darker.  Repeat this activity with another color. Throughout the day point to different colors around the house, outside, or while running errands.  Ask if the colors they see are dark or light.  

Contact Paper: Child plus glue equals big mess!  Instead, use contact paper and pre-cut collage materials (i.e. magazine and newspaper clippings, feathers, felt, leaves, and colored paper).  Have them create their own masterpiece by placing items on the sticky side of clear contact paper. Place another piece of contact paper over the collage, cut into rectangles and send hand-made bookmarks to grandmas  

Sock puppets:  You can stop hoping your dryer will cough up the matching sock and put that lonely white tube sock to good use! Pull out the washable markers and googly eyes for this childhood staple.  All you need is some fabric glue (just because it sticks a little better) and some felt or other leftover fabric. Cut out eyes, nose, ears, mouth, mustache, and any other facial features you fancy. Use pipe cleaners for an elephant trunk or deer antlers. Try pompom balls for a bunny's tail or mouse ears.  Or help your child learn emotion by creating "happy," "sad," and "mad" faces on their puppets.  Have them retell their favorite story using their puppets.  

Spin the Bottle: Place puzzles, board books, or favorite toys, in a circle.  Put an empty water bottle in the center. Have your child spin the bottle!  Then read or play with whichever toy or book the bottle points to.  The true fun of this activity is in the spinning, so don't be surprised if your little one doesn't let you read for too long before he wants to spin again.  

Seek and Find Soda Bottle: Cut a slit in a 2-liter soda bottle and insert several small items. Be sure to keep a list of all of the items for your own record. Then fill with birdseed and tape the hole closed.  Enjoy watching your child move and shake the bottle to find all of the items you hid. To make it a little harder for your older ones, set a timer and see if they can find them all before the buzzer goes off! Recycle this project by dumping contents into a bowl; fishing out the items amidst the bird seed, adding new items to the soda bottle and pouring the birdseed back in.

Bag of Tickles: Sit with your little one and scour your old magazines for images of body parts. Cut them out and glue them to a sturdier material, like cardstock paper. Place the body parts in a bag or bowl. Take turns pulling a card and tickling each other! Your child will enjoy the opportunity to make you laugh while learning their body parts.   

Child Twister:  Cut two sets of shapes—one large set (8" or so) and one small set (2" or so)—out of poster board. Tape the larger set of shapes just a couple inches apart on the floor. Put the smaller set of shapes in a bowl or bag.  Next, have your child look through magazines for images of body parts—think chin, lips, hair, toes, etc. Cut them out and put them in a separate bowl (or use the ones from the "Bag of Tickles" activity).  Randomly pull a body part card and a shape from the bowls and have your child make his move.  See how many additional poses he can manage before he falls over.

Fishing Game:  Tie a piece of yarn to the end of a small, wooden dowel.  Attach a small magnet to the other end of the yarn. Cut fish out of construction paper and attach a small paper clip to each. For the added affect of water, tape blue construction paper to the floor.  Have your child stand on the shoreline and catch the fish that are "floating" in the water.

Dinosaur Excavation: Stash dinosaurs in couch cushions, in the bottom of a dryer or hamper that's full of clothes, in a canister of dry noodles, in a sock drawer, or peeking out of a mound of dirt in the backyard. The idea is to get them digging and hunting.  Young children may need some help.  Draw them a map, or leave a trail from one stop to the next to keep them on task. Dinosaurs can be replaced with any other treasure your child will be eager to find—think jewelry, cars, sea shells, rocks or wrapped candy. Just make sure to keep any choking hazards out of reach of little hands.

Obstacle Course: Make this as long as you can to expend excess energy on rainy or too-hot days this summer. Some ideas:  Create a tunnel by placing couch cushions between two rows of chairs, then crab-crawl through the maze. Have your child either crawl, ride a tricycle or indoor push car as they weave in and out of table legs.  Roll over the top of your exercise ball (with your help) or have them roll it down the hall and back. Do ten jumping jacks. Make a line on the floor with tape, or a jump rope and have them jump over the line in zig-zag formation from one end to the other.  Jump thru hula hoops.  Hold one pillow in each hand and have them run "thru" the pillows.  Somersault from one doorway to the next. Throw a soft ball or beanbag into a basket.  Run in place or twirl while singing the ABC song.  Stack telephone books end to end and create a balance beam for them to walk across (Note: wrap the phonebooks with butcher paper to keep little feet from slipping). Make sure they have a finish line to cross at the end!

Pudding Paint: This is a great porch activity, especially if there is a hose nearby. Prepare instant vanilla pudding according to package directions.  Separate into 3 or 4 dishes.  Add food coloring to each and stir. Put old clothes or just underpants on your child and let him paint himself.  For a more dignified approach, tape paper to a table or the floor and let him create his very own edible masterpiece!

© 2011 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

Family Board Games

This year our MOPS theme revolves around board games, so let's start things off right!  Here is a list of games that will get the whole family laughing, learning, and playing together!


Candyland (ages 3-6):  Your kids will want to play this color recognition and matching game over and over again.

Chutes and Ladders (ages 3 and up):  A game of chance that teaches number recognition and helps kids learn to count to 100.

Cootie (ages 3-6):  Great for teaching your youngsters colors and patience.

What's Gnu? (ages 5-8):  Kids will learn lots of new three-letter words, and have a great time doing it.

Monopoly Junior (ages 5-8): An easier edition of the age-old classic.

Tip It! (ages 5 and up):  A balancing challenge that will keep your kids on the edge of their seats.

Trouble (ages 5 and up):  Makes for troublesome but exciting family adventures!

Monopoly (ages 8 and up):  Familiar fun that your kids will love as much as you did.

Life (9 and up):  Show your kids that you can all get through life together!

Imaginiff… (ages 10 and up):  Your kids' imaginations will get a work-out and your family will bond by discovering new things about each other.

Scrabble (ages 10 and up):  A classic that's great for improving vocabulary and spelling.

Apples to Apples (ages 12 and up):  An exciting game that reveals each of the players' personalities.

Pictionary (ages 12 and up):  A blast to play for everyone, especially the artists in your family.

Taboo (ages 12 and up):  Enhances critical thinking skills – you really have to use your head for this one!

Scattergories (ages 12 and up):  Teenagers will love this fun mental challenge.

Cranium (ages 13 and up):  A thrilling test of math, vocabulary, and general knowledge – and even artistic ability.

Guesstures (ages 12 and up): Can you act out four words in just a few short seconds?

Mad Gab (ages 10 and up): One of the most entertaining and fun talk-out-loud games you'll ever play

One Day's Worth of Wacky Meals! (...from iMom)

1. Breakfast: Holey pancakes! Use a "just add water" pancake mix, and add slightly less water than the recipe calls for—that way the pancakes won't run. Pile the batter high on the skillet--you'll want them to be thicker than normal.  Once they're cooked through, remove them from heat and cut out a hole in the center, using a biscuit cutter. Reserve the "holes" for tomorrow's breakfast! Dust the freshly made donut-looking pancakes with powdered sugar. Pour some heated syrup into a small dish, and place next to their plate. Enjoy watching them dunk their donuts!

2. Lunch: Food on a stick— Make their normal PB&J but instead of cutting it in half, cube it and skewer it. Use bamboo skewers (or toothpicks for younger ones) to serve their cheese cubes,  salad,  grapes, watermelon, or apples, even a soft baked cookie! Once they've gotten used to eating their normal food on a stick, trick them by cutting up a popsicle and having them eat it with a fork before it melts! 

3. Snack: Drive Thru—Get a table and sit on the side of the house, have them drive up (via tricycle, bike, scooter, or motorized or push car) and order from a pre-set snack menu. Bag their order and send them on their way. Give them the freedom to eat on the go, or park themselves nearby and eat it—just like we do!

4. Dinner: Inside out spaghetti-Make regular spaghetti noodles, then dye them red using a good amount of food coloring. Instead of red sauce, try this: In sauté pan heat a pound of ground chicken, once cooked through, turn heat to low and add jar of Alfredo sauce.  Cook just until sauce is simmering.  Then pour a scoop of your white sauce on to a pile of red noodles.  

For a little added flair, present bread and salad in the same inverted theme as the spaghetti. It should look similar to a bruschetta. Toast a baguette with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.  In a small bowl mix together equal amounts of each:  fresh diced tomatoes, diced onion, shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, and chopped romaine. Scoop the salad mix onto toasted baguette.  Finish with a drizzle of their favorite dressing. 

 5. Dessert: Five Banana Splits--Go ahead, ask your kids if they'd like five banana splits for dessert! Next, ask if they'd like to eat them with their fingers!  No problem with our mini banana splits! Here's how you do it: You'll need to slice a banana into ½" rounds, grind graham crackers, or chocolate cookies and coat the top of the banana rounds with the ground cookies—this will act as an adhesive so the ice cream won't slip off.  Lay them out on a cookie sheet, cookie side up, and freeze for 10 minutes. Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop a ball of ice cream onto each coated banana. You may need to pop them back in the freezer for another 10 minutes before letting your kids add their favorite toppings.  The best part is they can make each one different!  

© 2010 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

10 Simple Ways to Have a Happier Family

Wish you could slow down and take the time to really connect with your kids? Here’s how to slip small moments of love and closeness into the busiest days. By Ron Taffel, Ph.D.

1. Snuggle time Take advantage of Saturday mornings to have all the kids come in bed with you for a fifteen-minute cuddle. One day a week, try not to schedule anything early so you can just hang out and feel close to each other.
2. Mood music Here’s a tip from the folks who make TV shows and commercials: Use background music to set the mood. When cabin fever strikes and the atmosphere around the house gets tense, pop some lively music in the CD player and watch the emotional barometer rise.
3. Indirect compliments When you want to praise your child, occasionally let her overhear you say something good about her to someone else. Sometimes kids discount direct praise as empty or embarrassing. An overheard compliment can be a powerful boost to self-esteem because your child knows that it’s from the heart.
4. The never-ending game Set aside ten minutes at the same time each day to play a game with your child, one you can return to daily. Some families play a round of backgammon. Others work on a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle. Reading a couple of pages of a story is popular with younger kids. The ritual aspect of the activity and brief time-out from stressful demands help kids and parents calm down and connect with each other.
5. One at a time Once a week, allow each of your children to have you all to himself for an hour, doing anything that the child wants to do (dress-up, computer time, art, etc). When your kids know they’ll each have a long turn to get your undivided attention, they learn to respect each other’s special times as well.
6. Counting blessings Take some moments in the evening, at dinner or bedtime to acknowledge the good things in your life. Don’t be heavy-handed about it. Just say, “You know, the nicest thing happened today…” and ask your child and other family members to share any good things that happened to them. Counting blessings is a way to end the day on a positive note.
7. A very merry half-birthday Mark this mid-year milestone in a lighthearted, inexpensive way. For instance, it’s fun to bake half a cake, give half a pair of socks as a present, and put up half a birthday sign. Any reason to celebrate, no matter how small, lifts the spirits and breaks up the ordinary routine.
8. Sunday-night soiree I’m sure that, like most families, you have experienced the letdown that occurs as the weekend draws to a close. You also probably have a refrigerator full of leftovers. On Sunday evening, invite a few neighbors with kids over for dinner and have them bring along their leftovers. The food may be an eclectic mix of cold turkey, ham, Chinese food, and parts of pies served on paper plates. This low-key but festive gathering takes the edge off the end-of-weekend blues.
9. Media blackouts For one night each week, declare that no one in the house will turn on televisions, computers, or stereos. The uninterrupted downtime means there’s more of an opportunity to play truly interactive games, the old-fashioned kind in which two people actually communicate. Think of a variety of ways to have low-tech fun, such as playing musical instruments and singing, reading aloud, telling jokes, or just talking.
10. Think small Remember the bumper sticker that read HUG A TREE? Why not make some time to help your child appreciate the natural world around him? Let him try to wrap his arms around a tree, stop and smell the roses, or go outside and gaze at the stars in the evening sky. Think of these activities not as educational but as ways to let your child feel part of something greater than himself. So much in our society and child-raising practices tends to encourage kids to feel too big, powerful, exceptional and alone. The truth is, children are less worried and more secure when they know they’re not the center of the universe but a small part of the whole.

Ron Taffel, Ph.D., is the author of Nurturing Good Children Now and a well-known author and speaker on raising children with values in today’s world. He is a contributing editor of Parents magazine, from which this article was excerpted.

A Concert in Your Backyard! - FREE EVENT THIS SATURDAY!!

During the summer, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance brings FREE concerts to Marana on a monthly basis!! I've gone to a couple in the past and have really enjoyed the fun, relaxing atmosphere.  Each month spotlights different genres of musical, which is an excellent way of exposing your children to different cultures around the world!  It's also a fantastic way to establish community!

The concerts start at 7pm, but you can come and go as you please.  Whenever we go to the concerts, we typically stop at Subway for sandwiches or pack a picnic dinner around 6pm and then head out to the park.  This gives the kids time to run in the grass or throw a frisbee around.  We have a nice picnic dinner and the kids shake and dance until they have nothing left in them! (Sometimes I've even had them go to the concert in their pajamas!) When they get tired, my kids just lay down on our blankets and count the stars.  And then, it's home to bed!

The flier says that it is located at Crossroads Park...but it's not in a location you can see from Silverbell.  There is a big grassy area located behind Wheeler Taft Abbet  Library....that is where the stage is set up.  So, parking by the library is best!  I have seen people sit on blankets spread out on the grass, couples comfortable in chairs, and have even seen people dining on their card table, with glasses of wine! So, come as you please and be entertained!


Details for THIS Concert:

August 13th - 7pm @ Crossroads Park - Free Admission
7548 N Silverbell Rd

Last Call Girls
The Last Call Girls are a high energy, honky-tonkin' country dance band, playing a mix of rock-a-billy, traditional country, and bluegrass.  They take their music back to the roots of country with some great old time favorites by Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, interspersed with original songs by nationally acclaimed songwriter, Nancy McCallion

For more information, visit www.SAACA.org

Seven Secrets to Taking Better Kid Photos

Would you like to get some terrific pictures of your children?  Ever struggle with the settings on your camera when you are trying to capture that "Kodak" moment?  Check out this article for taking better pictures of your kids! 

Here are some of the highlights...click here to read the article!

1. Mind the light
2. Use your flash...the right way
3. Read your manual
4. Get in close
5. Don't put your subject in the middle
6. Don't ask for a smile/try to catch them when they aren't looking
7. Dress them in bright colors

Gift Ideas for Kids

Looking for simple birthday gift ideas for children?  Here are a few ideas that offer a handmade touch.  They  are useful and can be open-ended.

Cozy Reading: a new book, a homemade bookmark, and a pack of hot cocoa mix

Collage Kit:  a mixture of collage materials (pom poms, paper cut-outs, buttons,
sequins, etc.), plain + glitter glue, and a canvas or shadow box

Memory Maker:  disposable camera, mini scrapbook, and a few scrapbooking supplies

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub:  toothbrush, washcloth, fun soap (store bought or homemade), band aids, comb, new headband, etc.

Doughy Delight:  homemade playdough in a couple colors, cookie cutters, and mini rolling pin (include the playdough recipe, too!)

Little Chef:  apron, measuring cups, mixing spoon, and a few simple recipes printed on cards & laminated

Play Date Coupon:  make a coupon for a fun activity to do with the birthday child – miniature golfing, going to a movie, picnic and park, zoo, etc.

Green Thumb:  terra cotta pot, paints and paintbrush for decorating, a little bag of organic potting mix, and some seeds

Also, have fun gathering a few treasures based on a child’s favorite color or animal.  Also, art supplies are always a winner!

What are your go-to birthday gifts for kids?

Android & iPhone Apps for Kids

You may view your phone as a communications device, but your kids know that it’s actually an awesome mobile gaming center. When you’re caught in traffic or facing an unexpectedly long wait at the pediatrician’s office, you are going to hand over that phone. The kids will be happy, you’ll be relieved, and, if you choose your apps carefully, they might even learn something while they play. — Sonya Mukherjee (babble.com)


The Top 25 Android Apps for Kids

1. Angry Birds
2. Fruit Ninja
3. Spaghetti Marshmallows
4. Dropwords
5. Shape Builder Preschool Puzzle
6. Doodle Jump
7. PopMath
8. Celeste SE
9. Kids Socks
10. Airport Mania
11. Kids Piano 
12. Pocket Soccer
13. The Cat In The Hat
14. All By Myself
15. Math Attack
16. Space Physics
17. 50 States
18. Kids Doodle
19. Bubble Blast 2
20. Rush Hour
21. Labyrinth
22. Alphabet Bingo
23. Benjamin Bunny
24. LOL Libs
25. Three Little Pigs

Top 5 Preschool Android Apps

It's true: You're never too young to play with Mom's Droid. Preschool kids are naturally drawn to touch screens, where they can tap and swipe with the best of them. These apps are electronic versions of preschool classics, like matching games, letter puzzles, and toy pianos.

1. Shape Builder Preschool Puzzle
2. Kids Socks
3. Kids Piano
4. Kids Doodle
5. Alphabet Bingo

The 25 Top iPhone Apps for Kids   - by Heather Leister, www.babble.com

1. Weet Woo!
2. 123 Color
3. Elmo's Monster Maker
4. Kid Calc 7-in-1 Math Fun
5. Duck Duck Moose Apps
6. Math Bingo
7. Pocket Zoo
8. Dr. Seuss Books
9. Count with Sesame Series
10. Preschool Connect the Dots
11. Highlights Hidden Pictures
12. Jelly Doodle
13. Harry Potter Spells
14. Fish School
15. ABC Pocket Phonics
16. Jack and the Beanstalk
17. The Oregon Trail
18. Wacky Chatter
19. Peekaboo Barn
20. Olivia
21. Faces iMake
22. Letter Writer Oceans
23. Doodle Find
24. iBooks & Kindle
25. Triazzle

Fruit 'n' Cheese Snack Mix

A cute and simple way to motivate our young ones to eat healthy!!

Prep Time: 10 min. | Makes: 1 serving.

What You Need

1 oz. KRAFT Cheddar Cheese, cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup whole strawberries, stemmed, quartered
1/4 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved

Make It

PLACE cheese in 1 side of resealable sandwich-size plastic bag; loosely tie pie cleaner or twist tie around middle of bag. Place fruit in other end of bag; seal bag, then twist pipe cleaner tightly to separate cheese from fruit.

CURL ends of pipe cleaner to resemble antennae of a butterfly.

REFRIGERATE until ready to serve. Untwist pipe cleaner, leaving bag sealed. Gently shake bag to mix fruit and cheese. Open bag and enjoy!

Size-Wise: 
This eye-catching snack is easy to make and a fun way to get your kids to eat a 1/2 cup of fruit.



Best of Season: 
Add fresh blueberries when they are in season.


*taken from Yahoo, Shine

A Concert in Your Backyard! - FREE EVENT THIS SATURDAY!!

During the summer, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance brings FREE concerts to Marana on a monthly basis!! I've gone to a couple in the past and have really enjoyed the fun, relaxing atmosphere.  Each month spotlights different genres of musical, which is an excellent way of exposing your children to different cultures around the world!  It's also a fantastic way to establish community!

The concerts start at 7pm, but you can come and go as you please.  Whenever we go to the concerts, we typically stop at Subway for sandwiches or pack a picnic dinner around 6pm and then head out to the park.  This gives the kids time to run in the grass or throw a frisbee around.  We have a nice picnic dinner and the kids shake and dance until they have nothing left in them! (Sometimes I've even had them go to the concert in their pajamas!) When they get tired, my kids just lay down on our blankets and count the stars.  And then, it's home to bed!

The flier says that it is located at Crossroads Park...but it's not in a location you can see from Silverbell.  There is a big grassy area located behind Wheeler Taft Abbet  Library....that is where the stage is set up.  So, parking by the library is best!  I have seen people sit on blankets spread out on the grass, couples comfortable in chairs, and have even seen people dining on their card table, with glasses of wine! So, come as you please and be entertained!


Details for THIS Concert:

July 9th - 7pm @ Crossroads Park - Free Admission
7548 N Silverbell Rd

The Soul Proprietors
The talented Eleanor Winston and the Soul Proprietors will cast rhythms of r&b, soul, and funk on your dancing feet.  Eleanor Winston - vocals, Ed De Lucia - guitar, Larry Redhouse - keys, Mark Usolvk - bass, Ralph Gilmore - drums

For more information, visit www.SAACA.org

String of Stars

Just in time for this 4th of July, here is a great activity for your little ones!!  Children can make a string of red, white, and blue stars to decorate your house, the backyard, or picnic table for this patriotic holiday. Your stars can be simple and plain, or can be decorated with glitter, feathers, and more!  It's all up to you and your child! Have fun!

The directions for this craft was found on Enchanted Learning...click here to visit the actual site.

Supplies Needed:

• Construction Paper (red, white, and blue)
• Printer (optional)
• Scissors
• String or yarn (red, white, or blue)
• Stapler, tape, OR glue

Instructions:

1. Print out the star template or just draw a large star on a piece of paper
2. Cut out the star and decorate it if you like
3. Fold over one tip of the star
4. Staple, glue, or tape the star to the string
5. Make many stars and attach them to the string.  Leave some extra string at the edges for hanging.

Now you can decorate any area with patriotic flair!

4th of July - Tasty Treats

Revolutionary Berries   

by Sharon Cindrich and Judith Fertig, Photographs by David Roth, Family Fun Magazine

Rally the kiddie corps to help with these fun-to-prep bites!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• Strawberries

• Blue sugar or edible glitter

Instructions

1.  Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave according to the package directions (make sure the container and the berries are dry; even a little moisture will alter the texture of the candy).
2.  One at a time, dip strawberries into the chocolate and then into blue sugar or edible glitter.
3.  Set them to harden on waxed paper.

Makes 35 to 45 decorated berries.

Frosty Fireworks (Flavored Ice) from Family Fun Magazine

4 stars based on 24 reviews

• 
• Click star to rate
• Rated by 24 members

One way to make a splash this Fourth of July is by treating your kids to tall glasses of Patriot's Punch. Simply fill an ice cube tray with a red or blue fruit-flavored beverage (such as Powerade, Gatorade, or Kool-Aid) and let the cubes freeze solid. Then drop three or four colored cubes into each glass, pour in flavored seltzer water or clear soda, and watch the special effects. As the cubes melt, colored bubbles will swirl through the seltzer.

Ingredients

• Red or blue fruit-flavored beverage

Father's Day Crafts

Kids can make plaques, oversize cards, or posters with cute pasta shapes, paint, and glue.

Father's Day, a special day to honor the men in our lives, is quickly approaching!  I found some really cute ideas on the Family Fun site. Most of them are fun, creative, and definitely do-able for our little ones.  Here are just a few ways that you and your toddlers can celebrate dads on Sunday!

 Wallet Photo Collage

Dad can keep this card in his wallet and take it with him wherever he goes -- a reminder of who loves him best of all.

 

Materials

• Markers, photographs and stickers
• Glue

• Con-Tact paper

 Instructions

1. Cut a credit-card-sized rectangle out of poster board.
   
2. Decorate both sides with messages, stickers, drawings and glued-on photographs.
   
3. To make the card sturdier, cover it on both sides with clear Con-Tact paper, or run it through the laminator at your local copy shop (around two dollars).
   

Father's Day Throne

Transform a lawn chair into a throne that literally puts within his reach everything he needs to be king for a day.

Materials

• Lawn chair
• Clamps, tape, or string
• Wire

• Scissors
• Various chair accessories

  Instructions

1. Use tape, clamps, or string to attach appropriate accessories, from a shade umbrella to a back scratcher to a cold drink holder.
   
2. Fashion a halo made of wire to hold Dad's favorite hat or crown and attach it to the back of the chair.
   
3. Include a bell for Dad to ring for service.
   

Variations:

Add items like: clip-on fan, back scratcher, plastic snap-on cup holders, newpaper, foot soaking tub, travel pillow, beaded driver's seat cover, mini pool table or basketball hoop, red carpet (towel), or slippers.

How Dad Measures Up

Our faux tape measure extends the perfect Father's Day message to a dad who's skillful at building and repairing. Have him pull out the ruler tape to read, "You rule, Dad!," "I love you thiiiiiiis much!" or "Dad, you really go the distance!"

Materials

• Rectangular box (we used a macaroni-and-cheese box)
• Scissors
• Tape
• Yellow card stock

• Aluminum foil
• Marker
• Black paper

Instructions

 

1. Cut the box in half across the middle. Cut off half of the bottom section at a diagonal, as shown. Tape one end of a 1- by 12-inch strip of yellow card stock to the edge of the top half of the box, using tape on both sides of the strip.


2. Slide the bottom of the box into the top of the box.







3. Fold a 2-1/2- by 6-inch piece of aluminum foil into thirds lengthwise, then fold it into a flat tab about 1/2 inch long. Tape it to the strip. Write a message on the strip and add ruler markings, then push it inside the box. Wrap the box with black paper, leaving a space for the tape opening. Cut off two corners of a 2-1/2-inch yellow card stock square, write "tape measure" on it, and adhere it to the box.

Family Friendly Pranks

Here are some easy, and creative ideas for fooling our silly toddlers on April Fools!  What other pranks have you done????

1. Caramel Onion – Go to the grocery store and buy an onion, some apples and a caramel apple kit.  Then make your caramel apples, but make a caramel onion too.

2. Sink Spray – Wrap a rubber band around the kitchen sink sprayer to hold the lever down. When the water is turned on, it will come out of the sprayer instead of the faucet, giving whoever is in charge of kitchen duty a nice and refreshing surprise.

3. Dollar on a String – Attach a clear string to a dollar, wait for someone to spot it on the ground, and just before they have it in their hand, give it a small tug, and watch the person chase it across the room.

4. Alarm Clock - Grab a bunch of alarm clocks, set them to go off at very early times in the morning and hide them in several different places in your victim's bedroom!

5. Toy Mania – Take a toy that your child has a lot of, like the little green toy soldiers or Matchbox cars, and hide them all over your child's room: in their socks, shoes, drawers, pants pockets, etc. Tell your child a specific number of toys to find. Make it a fairly easy target as they will get frustrated if they have to find all the toys. Take your child out for ice cream or some other fun activity when they have reached the target number.

6. Salt Toothbrush – pour a teaspoon of salt onto one of your family member's toothbrushes.

7. Whoopie Cushion – Place a whoopie cushion on the seat at the dinner table

8. Hamburger Surprise – place fake bug in your victim's hamburger

9. Kool-Aid Shower – pour a packet of red Kool-Aid into a shower head that is completely dry. When someone gets in to take a shower they will get a sticky surprise.

10. Toilet paper a relative or close family friend's house.

It is important to not offend family, so use discretion when deciding which prank to play on each family member. Get dad in on the fun and have the kids prank him as he is a neutral target. 

...taken from iMOM