Archive for ‘Children’

August 23rd, 2010

National Tooth Fairy Day

 

Did you know yesterday was National Tooth Fairy Day?  I loved the Tooth Fairy when I was younger. 

 

Tooth Fairy

 

Here are some fun facts about where it may have all started….

  1. The Vikings used to pay their children a tooth fee, simply as it sounds, a fee for the use of the children’s teeth which were then strung onto necklaces and other jewellery. The Vikings believed that the power of the children’s teeth would aid them in battle.
  2. One of the more common stories is that the teeth were buried so as to hide them from witches and evil spirits who would be able to use the power of the lost tooth and place a curse of the child much in the way that voodoo works with hair.
  3. By planting the tooth in the garden near their house they were also trying to assist the growth of the new adult tooth in its place.
    As some towns became more crowded with buildings and less land, the teeth were then buried in flowerpots and eventually moved indoors to be ‘buried’ under a pillow.

So, what does the Tooth Fairy do with all of these teeth?

  • Gives them to newborn babies who don’t have any teeth as yet.
  • Gives the teeth to Santa to give to dolls in his workshop or turn into jewellery.
  • Turns them into seashells for fish to live in
  • Turns the teeth into the stars of the night sky.
  • Plants them in her garden and grows children
  • Grinds them into fairy dust that she uses to enable her to fly.
  • Makes tooth castles in the sky.

 

Do you have any fun stories about the Tooth Fairy at your house?

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Holiday | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 20th, 2010

Jamie’s Is Having A….

 

Today was all about this girl (and the pea in her pod). 

 

 

Earlier today, random family members met Jamie down at her…… ultrasound!

 

 

 

We all waited anxiously to see the little bean.  My only complaint, “popcorn would have been nice”.

 

 

Grady thinks the gender announcement in a “thumbs up”!

 

So, what do you think it is?  Boy or Girl?

 

~~Camberley~~ 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie, Real Life | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
August 16th, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

“Study the past if you would divine the future”

Confucius

 

 

 

 

Via: Femaleways | House Maintain | Anh-minh

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Decor Pictures, Quote of the Day | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 5th, 2010

Modern Kids’ Furniture {The Little Kidz Closet}

 

After this morning’s modern nursery post, my friend {Liz T} sent me a link to the most amazing site {at least it’s amazing to me… it’s right up my “decor” alley}.  Please note: this is not an announcement that I’m prego.  I know my Mom would love it if I was; however, I can hardly handle “life” right now. I feel like I should walk around with an IV drip of Valerian Root… I’m that crazy inside my head.

Here it is…{insert drum roll}…. The Little Kidz Closet.

 

Please take  a moment to ogle these magnificent pieces of furniture…

 

The Fold-away Cariboo Basinet (Genius! You can easily pack this baby away between babies.) 

 

 

ooMoo Kids Indy High Chair {it’s easy to wipe down AND it converts into a barstool}

 

Ubabub Junior Bed (My only thought = does this come in my size?)

 

 

Ubabub Nifty Timber (I swear, my future offspring will have a unique crib)

 

 

Giimo Sparky Schnauzer (Keighley’s offspring will have this…)

 

The cutest “night-light award” goes to — Zzzoolight Giraffe

 

 

Thanks Lizzard!

Camberley

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryCamberley, Children, Decor Pictures, Shopping | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 5th, 2010

Quote of the Day

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. 

~John Dewey

 

 

 

 

 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryBedroom, Children, Decor Pictures, Quote of the Day | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
August 4th, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

You send your child to the schoolmaster, but ’tis the schoolboys who educate him. 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

 

 

 

AnotherWorkInProgress | Mmim | amecreations | LoveMary 

 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Etsy, Quote of the Day | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 2nd, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. 

~Edgar W. Howe

 

 

 

 

Images via:

The Little Suitcase | Ethanollie on Etsy | Unknown | LackLusterCo on Etsy

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Decor Pictures, Quote of the Day | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
May 12th, 2010

Kids’ Craft- Garden

So, April was Garden month, who knew? Anyways, my husband started a garden a couple months ago. I was looking for some fun “garden crafts” to maybe spruce up the decor around our garden. Here are some things I found. Happy Gardening.

Garden stepping stones. I love these!


Click HERE for the details on how to make these stepping stones using simple concrete mix, gardening plates and craft store beads.  So easy!

 

Then I found this. My family use to do this all the time and I loved watching the birdies come eat what I made them. Trey and Grady will L.O.V.E making this and having a “pet” come over and eat.

 


 

 

Materials Needed:

String

1/2 of a Stale Bagel

1 Teaspoon Peanut Butter

1 Teaspoon Shortening

Bird Seed

Scissors

 

Instructions:
Cut a piece of string about 24″ long. You can adjust this length depending on where you want to hang it. Put one end of the string through the hole in the bagel and tie both ends together to make a large loop to hang up your bird feeder with.

Mix together the peanut butter and the shortening. Spread this mixture onto the flat side of the bagel. Pour the bird seed onto a plate. Press the peanut butter/shortening side of the bagel into the bird seed.
Hang this bagel bird feeder in a tree or anywhere outside and watch the birds make it disappear!

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
April 19th, 2010

Happy Earth Day- Kids Craft!

Isn’t this fab?  I love that the finished product looks like the earth.  You could do a lesson on the earth so easily with this craft.
Instructions:
*Peel paper off crayons and cut crayons into small pieces.
*Mix green and blue crayon pieces in paper cups, putting the equivalent of one green and two blue crayons in each cup.
*Put cups on baking sheet in the oven at 200 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes or until the crayons have melted but the wax is not completely mixed.
*Let the wax cool for an hour.
*Peel away the paper cups.
Enjoy your recycled crayons that look like the planet Earth.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie | Comment1 Comment »

Tags:
April 13th, 2010

For Mom’s Only! (Ask your dad to help)

Kids- If you and your dad want to make me something for Mother’s Day this year (ps. Mother’s Day is May 9th) this is what I want you to make me!

Instead of this paper plate flower vase. I mean, it’s cute and crafty and all but it will end up in the trash…

 

 

These spicy tea soaps will be enjoyed much more…

 


Spicy Tea Soaps

What You Will Need:

  • Glycerin soap base
  • Large kitchen knife
  • Cutting block
  • Large glass measuring cup
  • Medium-sized pan and water
  • Stovetop
  • Stirring spoon
  • Dried chamomile flowers
  • Dried lavender flowers
  • Herbal tea bags
  • Essential oil
  • Colorant (optional)
  • Soap molds
  • Rubbing alcohol in spray bottle
  • Decorative paper scraps
  • Ribbon scraps
  • Tape
  • Tissue paper or cellophane
  • Glue stick
  • Rubber stamps or stickers

 

Instructions:

Use a kitchen knife to cut the block of glycerin soap into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes into the glass measuring cup. Set the measuring cup into the pan, and fill the pan with water to reach halfway up the outside of the measuring cup, creating a double boiler. Set the stovetop burner on medium heat under the pan.

Keep a watchful eye as the glycerin cubes melt—about 10 minutes. Stir as needed. Remove from heat and skim off any skin that forms on the surface of the glycerin.

Add the lavender, chamomile, and contents of the tea bags to the melted soap. Stir to combine. Add a few drops of essential oil, and colorant if desired, and mix well.

Pour the melted soap into the soap molds. If bubbles appear on the surface, use a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to spritz the surface of the soap. Allow the soap to harden and cool. Then, pop the soaps out of the molds.

To decorate rectangular soaps, recycle gift wrap by cutting strips to wrap around the bar. Secure the back with a small piece of tape, and tie off with a ribbon for extra pop. For round soaps, wrap tissue paper or cellophane around the soap, bringing the ends of the paper to the top of the bar. Seal it with a round piece of paper secured with glue. Decorate the paper with rubber stamps or stickers.

Love, your mom!

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryBathroom, Children, Do It Yourself, Jamie, beauty, relaxation | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
April 6th, 2010

10 Things you should never let your kids eat!

This is not for those who have weak stomachs (aka Keighely). Some of these actually made my stomach turn. Good thing my kids won’t eat most of these already. Thanks to momlogic.com for this insightful study. Here’s to feeding our kids healthy foods and to putting a stop to childhood obesity. Enjoy.

Hot Beef Sundae

Wracking your brains trying to figure out a way to get your kid to contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic? It’s easy! Buy ’em a Hot Beef Sundae: A bowl filled with buttery mashed potatoes, roast beef, beef gravy, and cheddar cheese, topped off with a ripe red cherry tomato.

 

Liquid Cereal

Kids bugging you for breakfast in the morning? Tell ’em to pop open a can of Liquid Cereal and get off your back. This bizarre food/drink item claims to be “a combination of real cereal and fat-free milk blended into a satisfying beverage.” Mmm, breakfast never tasted so darn refreshing, right? Wrong.

 

Chicken Nuggets

This is chicken. Sad but true. It’s the result of mechanically separating chicken. It ends up as one of the main ingredients in the kid fave, chicken nuggets. You have been warned!

 

Combos

A yummy combination of diglycerides, maltodextrin, and beef fat.
Combos Nacho Cheese Pretzel and Pepperoni Pizza Crackers incorporate all the most lethal junk food kids love into one handy snack. An easy way to make sure you’re dropping the ball on your kid’s nutrition … one bag at a time

 

“Mess with Your Mouth Lunchables”

This is what happens when you let wieners take over your company. Oscar Myer’s Lunchables “Mess with Your Mouth” edition comes with a packet of Sour Tongue Teasing Fizz — essentially a Pop Rocks kind of additive that kids sprinkle in their mouths along with their cheese and crackers. No word on whether Sour Tongue Teasing Fizz is a gateway drug.

 

Caffeinated Chips

Kids are hyperactive balls of misguided energy. Why on earth would you serve them anything that would hop them up more than usual? Engobi describes their “Energy Go Bites” as HIGHLY caffeinated chips. Really? Will Engobi stay up with the kids when they’re bouncing off the walls from “Cinnamon Surge” and “Lemon Lift”?

 

Chicken in a Can

Kid: What’s for dinner tonight, Mom?
Mom: How about chicken in a can?
Kid: Yeah!! I’ll get the can opener!!
An entire 50 oz. chicken shoved in a can. ’Nuff said.

 

Miley Cyrus Candy

Forget about the fact that this candy looks suspiciously like something else. Rather, focus on the fact that Hannah Montana has her own candy. Two things that should never go together.

 

Sunny Delight

Sunny D apparently gets a “D” for nutritional value — according to Children’s Health Magazine, 16 ounces of the drink has all the nutritional value of a dozen Chips Ahoy cookies.

 

iHop Whoville Pancakes

Would you serve your kid cake for breakfast? Probably not. So why, why on earth would you order the iHop Whoville Pancakes? This pile of sugar and carbs was served at iHop to commemorate the movie release of “Horton Hears a Who!” More like “Horton Hears an Artery Bursting”.

 

Stay tuned for the 10 things you should let your kids eat.

Information from momlogic.com

-Jamie

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie | Comment5 Comments »

Tags:
March 30th, 2010

Need a good Birthday party “theme”?

This time of year I start stressing about Birthday parties. First is Trey, his birthday is April 28. He’ll be 4. Then 5 days later on May 3rd Grady turns 2! This year Johnny (my husband) turns the big 3-0 in June and my birthday is in July (my age will go untold).

I’m kinda a “THEME” person, where party planning is concerned. For Trey’s First birthday we had a John Deer theme party which was cute but way expensive and tiring, #2 was a Carnival/water party and last year we all had the flu bug so plans were cancelled.

Here are some party themes I may be choosing from this year. If you click on the links it will take you to the familyfun.com website and give you full details on how to throw this exact party. Good stuff.

I think my boys would love this mideivel theme.


 

Or this construction theme. 


 

A good carnival theme is sure to be a hit!

 

A few months ago a friend of mine did a carnival theme. She had popcorn, snow cones, spray art, jumping toys, etc. She also had a photo booth she set up and took pictures of all the families that came. I thought it was a great addition to a great party.

 

 

So those are some of the ideas I love and who knows, maybe we’ll end up doing one. We will see. Good luck in planning all your parties!

***Last but not least, tomorrow will start off this birthday season with our very own Bella Girl, Camberley, Happy Birthday CamBam!!!

 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryCamberley, Children, Entertaining, Jamie, Uncategorized | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
March 16th, 2010

Puffy Shamrocks

Crafted by Amanda Formaro

You will need

green construction paper, card stock or poster board
school glue or white craft glue
green tissue paper or party streamers
scissors

SET UP

1.)Draw a shamrock shape onto a sheet of green construction paper. If drawing freehand, draw three hearts with a stem.

2.)Older children can cut this out themselves. For the younger set, you can cut it out for them.

3.)Rip or cut up the green tissue paper into small bits, about 1 inch square.

Instructions

For younger children, have them crumple up the bits of tissue paper. Put a little glue into a glue pot or margarine lid for each child. Have each child dip one of the crumpled bits of tissue paper into the glue, and place on the cut out shamrock shape. Alternatively, you can put a layer of glue directly on the shamrock shape, one shamrock leaf at a time. This method creates less mess than dipping individual pieces into the glue.

For older kids, using a pencil with a new eraser, place the eraser in the center of the tissue paper square. Twist the tissue paper around the eraser and then press the eraser onto the construction paper. Lift the pencil out of the tissue paper, leaving it on the shamrock.

Continue until the shamrock shape is full of tissue. Glue a piece of yarn, string or ribbon to the back to hang your shamrock.

xoxo Keighley xoxo

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Color, Do It Yourself, Keighley | CommentNo Comments »

March 15th, 2010

St. Patty’s Day Craft for Kids

My kids are young so it won’t turn out this pretty but you get the idea. Happy St. Patty’s Day!
 

Kissed Blarney Stone

 

What you’ll need:
Rock
White and green acrylic paint
Sponge applicator
Pencil
Gold paint pen
White glitter glue
Paintbrush
Pattern

 

Tye Dye coffee filters

What you’ll need:
Coffee filters
Water
Bowl
Blue and yellow food coloring
Eyedroppers
How to make it:
Precut shamrock shapes out of coffee filters.

Directions: Mix water and yellow food coloring and place this into a container. Do the same with blue. Keep the colors rich and dark.  Use eyedroppers to drip colors onto the filter shape. The colors will run together and make beautiful decorations.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Holiday, Jamie | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
March 9th, 2010

Trash or Art?

Trey, my preschooler, caught me. He opened up the trash can to throw something away and saw his precious piece of artwork. Slimy, sticky, crinkled and in the trash. He took it out, dripping with goo and handed it to me. Saying, “Why did you throw my art away”? I was crushed (so was Trey). I took that gooey piece of “art” and told him I didn’t mean to throw it away and that it was so great. It is still sitting on my kitchen table, starring at me. So… I decided I needed to start displaying his art some way. Some of his art is really great so I “file” it away. This one may not be “file” worthy but to Trey it is not worthy of the trash. I need to come up with some fun way of displaying his “art”.

 

Here is the beloved art from today. I don’t even know what it is but I’m sure Trey knows.

 

 

These are some ideas I came across.

 
The “art of the week” display.

 

 

Simple clothes pins would be cute.

 

This could look great in our playroom.

 

This may be cute in Trey’s room. He’d love it.

 

Or you can take pictures of all the art and hang that up too. I love this idea.

 

Have fun and good luck!

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie | Comment1 Comment »

Tags:
March 8th, 2010

Colored Bubbles?

So, as I was starting to write this post I thought I would do an experiment. I started making bubbles from the ingredients (see below) and thought it would be fun to add some food coloring and give the bubbles some COLOR. Uh-oh! Has anyone ever tried this before? Messy, yucky and duh, food coloring stains. So I thought I’d look up a recipe for colored bubbles. Chemistry.com was the only website I found with ingredients for colored bubbles. Ya, no thanks! Then… I hit the mother load! The first ever non-staining disappearing bubbles. Coming soon! Can’t wait. http://www.zubbles.com/
The green bubble.

The blue bubble.

The red bubble.

Until then. Need bubbles? Here’s a recipe to make your own. Enjoy this time of year, go outside, blow some bubbles. Did you know bubbles even help clean the air? It’s true.

Tear Free Bubbles ( This is great for small children! )

Need:
1/4 cup no-tears baby shampoo, 3/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and let bubbles settle. Have fun.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
March 2nd, 2010

Stay “Positive” Bella Moms

This little guy has been naughty.

(I know hard to believe with such an adorable sweet face, right?)
Terrible “2″‘s come early in my family. Grady will be two May 3rd.
The wonderful people over at babycenter.com must have known I needed some advice. They sent me an email with “positive” ways I can teach my kids “right from wrong”. Here are the tips they give. Good luck, Bella Moms!

What you can do
Among the “positive” approaches that often work with toddlers:

• Do as I do. Children imitate adults, so if you show good behavior, your child will take your lead. If you want him to say “please” and “thank you,” be sure to use those terms with him and others.

• Speak respectfully. Your child is more likely to listen if you talk, rather than yell, and if you make eye contact with him. (I love this. How simple, get down on their level eye to eye and talk to them. Hmmm, I wonder why this works? Makes sense doesn’t it?)

• Tell him what you want rather than what you don’t. For instance, say “Touch the kitty gently,” instead of “Don’t hit the kitty!” Or, “Please sit down,” instead of “Don’t stand up in your chair.” (Or “Let’s not throw dirt in each others faces” instead of yelling “STOP throwing dirt in your brothers eyes. Unfortunately, this is what I have to deal with on a daily basis.)

• Make some simple rules. Establish a few household rules, communicate them to your child, and enforce them consistently. Don’t expect your toddler to know better. Simple rules that protect health and safety, such as no running in the street and no hitting, are reasonable for toddlers to follow. Don’t give him a long list of “don’t touches.” You’re better off keeping things like the VCR and your fine crystal out of his reach.

• Reward the positive. Positive behavior will continue and even increase if your child gets attention for it. “Thanks for sharing that toy with your sister,” is one example, or “Wow, you put your cup on the table.”

Anyone have tips on how to teach a 2 year old (or 4 year old) right from wrong while using “positive” approaches? It’s harder than it sounds isn’t it?

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie | Comment3 Comments »

Tags:
February 22nd, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

“One thing a mother must always save for a rainy day is patience”

 

 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Quote of the Day | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
February 22nd, 2010

Rainy day kid craft!

It’s a rainy day today, therefore, rainy day schedule is ON! Since my little G-man is still sick I don’t want to take him to the mall or Chick Fi-la (which is what I would normally do on a rainy day).
I found this craft idea and I think it is perfect for boys. Girls would love it too but let’s be honest, you have to be a little more creative with boys. Teaching them to paint hearts and coloring princess stuff is not super fun for them. I think my boys will love this. Hope you try it out! Happy rainy day.

Sensory Bottles (using old water bottles or gatorade bottles work great too)

Directions for Sensory Bottles-

a. Lava bottles: fill 1/2 water and food coloring, and 1/2 baby oil. It produces a lava lamp effect when tilted.

b. Snow globes: fill half with water and half with corn syrup. Add glitter, beads, paper clips etc. The corn syrup makes the glitter fall slowly for dazzling effects.

c. Discovery bottles (not pictured): fill with rice and small objects like dice, small toys, paper clips etc. As you roll the bottle, different objects will come to the surface to be discovered.

Once filled, simply fill the bottle caps with hot glue and turn them on. Let set until dry.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Do It Yourself, Jamie | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
February 8th, 2010

Peanut Butter for Breakfast? Why not!

As stated previously, I am the mother of the pickiest eater alive. Not only is he picky but he’s temperamental ( google dictionary def. = relating to or caused by temperament;
moody: subject to sharply varying moods
erratic: likely to perform unpredictably; “a temperamental motor; sometimes it would start and sometimes it wouldn’t”.
As I was saying. Picky and temperamental not a good combo for a mommy at 7:30 in the morning trying to get some food down her child’s throat before he heads off to school.
Lately, I have given Trey some choices ( giving him choices seem to get a result faster… sometimes).
Example: Strawberries, cheerios, fruit loops, (sometimes I’ll even allow “whole grain” Gold Fish) waffles, pancakes, cereal, you know, the usual good hearty breakfast.
I also tell him he can have peanut butter and pretzels. I like Peanut butter. It stays with you awhile and it’s good for you. So… Trey has been enjoying a little dipping snack. Peanut butter and waffles. Maybe on V-Day I’ll make them pink and heart shaped. We’ll see what kind of “temperamental” mood I’m in that morning. Good luck with your picky eaters and enjoy this yummy breakfast or snack.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Jamie, Recipes, Treats and Sweets, valentines day | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
« Older Entries