PUZZLE MANIA

In an effort to more consistently limit the kids TV/video watching we've been searching for other activities to occupy their minds and time. We recently discovered that they really like putting together puzzles, so I went looking for new puzzles to add to our collection. I found puzzles with 24 to 100 pieces for between $3 and $5 at Wal-Mart and Meijer, so I bought a Handy Manny 24 piece puzzle for Carson, a 100 piece Care Bear puzzle for Jordan, and a 25 piece Sesame Street puzzle "for Corinne" (but really for Jordan and Carson to put together for her). I gave the kids the puzzles on Saturday morning and between Saturday and Sunday I think they took apart and put together their puzzles at least ten times (if not more). Below are some pictures of them proudly displaying their completed puzzles (the Care Bear stuffed animals are in the pictures because Jordan's puzzle inspired a resurgence of love for their Care Bears, and Corinne made it clear that she now wants a Care Bear of her own.)

Jordan's Care Bear puzzle

Carson's Handy Manny puzzle

A TODDLER'S GUIDE TO LAUNDRY

As I was folding clean laundry last week Corinne arrived to lend a hand in her usual fashion, and this time I captured it on camera. This is a chronicle of her "helping" me fold laundry. (This laundry post is dedicated to A in honor of her arduous and long battle with the laundry.)

STEP ONE:

Swipe clean pair of underwear from

laundry basket (at least they are clean).

STEP TWO:

Place underwear on head.

STEP THREE:

Notice that mom is capturing event on camera;

demand to "see baby" (what she says when she wants us to turn
the camera view screen around so she can see herself);

admire self on camera screen; laugh.

STEP FOUR:

Mission Accomplished. Move on to further business -

like reorganizing one of mom's cupboards.

PLAY DOUGH

I just made two double batches of play dough for the kids. I have made the same recipe (from one of Jordan's preschool teachers) many times and it always turns out great; it's the best play dough recipe I've found. (Note: each play dough ball pictured above is the following recipe doubled.)

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tarter
1 package Kool-Aid
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

In medium saucepan mix dry ingredients. Add water and oil and blend with a large whisk to remove lumps. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly with wood spoon (plastic spoons can bend and/or break) for 5-8 minutes (mixture will thicken gradually). Remove from heat when ball is formed and place dough ball on wax paper to cool. When cool to the touch knead ball to prevent drying out. Once completely cool knead ball a final time and store in airtight container.

Remain in Me

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:4-5

LET'S READ

Last week I took Corinne upstairs with me to the girls' room so I could put clothes away and clean out some of their drawers. I didn't have high hopes of getting much accomplished because Corinne tends to get into anything and everything she can find, which usually involves things she's not supposed to get into. This day, however, was different. As I started in on my tasks she went over to the bookshelf, picked out a book, and began to "read" it out loud. She proceeded to do this with one book at a time for at least 15 minutes. It was so cute that I grabbed the camera, snapped a still shot, and then took a video clip hoping to capture her "reading".

TOOTHLESS GRIN

Jordan recently lost her two top middle teeth and now officially has the toothless grin. She surprised us all back in December of 2007 by losing her first tooth just after turning 5. She has now lost a total of six teeth, and is anxiously awaiting another visit from the tooth fairy.

KIDNEY BEAN UPDATE

Much to everyone's delight, Carson's kidney bean plant is healthy and growing like crazy.

PICTURE PAGES

A blog buddy tagged me for a photo meme. Like her, and most moms, I have a zillion photos. But here's the one and the rules:

1. Go to the the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.

2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.

3. Explain the photo.

4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun! (or as many bloggers as you know if less than 4)

This is Jordan's ballet class last year. This pic was taken the day they all tried on their recital costumes. Jordan is third from the left.

Tagged bloggers: Beth H, Sara L, Analisa (who tagged me and already posted), and since I only know of 3 fellow bloggers if you read this and you have a blog you're tagged.