Rainbow Birthday Party

My girls' birthdays are exactly 3 years and 361 days apart.  That means that we throw them a joint birthday party every year - or I will do that as long as I can get away with it!  This year the theme was rainbow - rainbows, rainbows everywhere.

My sweets

I made both girls' tutus.  Maddie didn't want the curly tutu, so that saved me a lot of cursing because I normally curse when I sew (a wonderful trait that I picked up from my mother.)  Isn't this curly tutu cute?

I wish I had a better picture of it.  I got the idea from this picture on Pinterest.  I'd been oohing and ahing over the picture on Pinterest for a while and I found this forum that kind of helped me figure out how to go about sewing it.  The tulle will naturally curl when you sew the ribbon on the bottom of it.  It turned out really cute.

We made this pretty balloon arch:

The two people in this picture were responsible for blowing up the balloons - one of them with an air compressor and the other with pure lung power.  I pretty much followed the instructions I found here but instead of using waxed twine, I used yarn because that was what I had.

We had a rainbow candy bar.  I used mason jars and filled them with rainbow-colored candies.  I left the candy in their wrappers and then filled the jars up, so red was Kit-Kats and purple was grape Nerds - you catch my drift.

We also used our dot markers and made rainbows on the party favor bags.  Got that idea here.  I also made rainbow hair bows and clipped them on each bag for the girls to take home.

I almost left that horrible picture out, but I was so dang proud of my paper flowers I had to include it.  I have, like, an infatuation with tissue paper flowers.  I just think they're so pretty!

Everybody at the party got a chance to guess how many Sprees were in the jar, and whoever got closest without going over won the jar and the candy.  Well, our niece won but she didn't get to take it home because my youngest dropped it and glass shattered and Sprees went everywhere - awww, the joys of having a 4-year-old.

I made rainbow cupcakes.  Got that idea from this pin on Pinterest.

And we had a photo booth.

Yes, I used the falling-apart trampoline as the backdrop.  We taped plastic tablecloths over one side of the trampoline, grabbed a bunch of hats, wigs, sunglasses, different things from the girls' dress-up box and stuck them in a bucket.  We also cut mustaches and beards and lips out of foam and hot-glued them on wooden skewers.  The girls all had a fun time with this.

 

 Thank you, Pinterest, for making me pretend I'm creative!

Pick Your Plum - Cute Umbrellas

Have y'all noticed that little square over there to the right?  The Pick Your Plum box?  They have some really neat deals every day, but I thought today's deal was really cute.  It's umbrellas that look like little animals, or princesses, or superheroes, or rock stars for your kiddos - adorable!!  They even have a polka-dotted one for the big kids like us - yay!  They're $8.99 a piece and ship for $4.99. 

Cute iPhone App For Kids - Endless Alphabet

I came across this app yesterday while I was at the doctor's office.  I was trying to keep my 3-year-old entertained, and those old apps on my phone weren't cutting it.  So I searched and came across this app and I just love it - so does the 3-year-old.  It's called Endless Alphabet.

It teaches not only the alphabet, but phonics and definitions as well.  It's very entertaining and animated and my daughter could have played this game all day long.

 Go here for more information and to download.


And I almost forgot the best part...it's FREE!!!

Tip To Keep Your Toddler Close By While In A Parking Lot

Last week I took my youngest daughter, Abby, in for her 3-year checkup.  I asked the doctor if she had any suggestions for controlling this little strong-willed ball of energy - specifically, how to keep her from running around in the parking lot when my hands were full. 

A few weeks ago, we were at the library.  I had two bags of books that I needed to put in the car before I could put Abby in the car.  I was putting the books in the car where Abby sat, so it wasn't like I was clear on the other side of the car.  I opened the car door and asked Abby to "stay right there; don't move."  I put the first bag of books in the car.  I looked down to check on Abby and she was gone.  She had run around to the back of the car.  This scared me to death and I wasn't sure how to get it across to her that this was really dangerous and that she could really, really get hurt.  How do you get that across to a 3-year-old - a very stubborn 3-year-old? 

Well, her doctor suggested we try this:

The pediatrician suggested to either put a magnet on the car or choose a spot on the car that would be Abby's safe spot - a spot on the car that Abby has to keep her hand on until she is told she can move. 

The gas tank lid is close to Abby's car door, so I thought we'd pick that to be her safe spot.  To my surprise, this has really worked well for us.  Abby thinks it's really neat that she has her own little safe spot. 

Now, I'm not suggesting you ask your toddler to stay at their safe spot while you unload a buggy full of groceries on the opposite side of the car.  But if you're just putting a couple of things in the car, then give this a shot.

Celebrate Autumn @ Calloway's Nursery Free Fall Harvest Festival

Don't forget that this Saturday, October 6th, the Fall Harvest Festival takes place at all Calloway’s and Cornelius Nursery garden centers.  It's free! 

Your little ones can decorate pumpkins, draw in the chalk garden, plant pansies, and lots of other things.  There's also a make-it-and-take-it workshop at 2:00.

Y'all be sure and go check it out.  Sounds like fun!

Cute Halloween Kid Books

We've been checking out Halloween books at the library and we've found a couple of really cute ones. 

The first one is Hoodwinked written by Arthur Howard:

The recommended reading age is 4 and up.

Here's a review from Amazon:  "Despite the theme of witches and creepy critters, this is a very uncreepy, sweet, and unthreatening picture book suitable for children just getting into things spooky. Mitzi is a right little witch. She lives in a sort of permanent Halloween, surrounded by cobwebs and dubious-looking aunts in pointy hats. She wants a pet--a really, really creepy pet, please--but, despite repeated broomstick-flights to Cackle & Co. pet store, she just can't get one that satisfies. Finally a kitten named Hoodwink shows up at the door, is almost turned away on account of being horribly cuddly and nice... and turns out to be just perfect."


Another Halloween-themed book we liked is A Very Hairy Scary Story written by Rick Walton and David Clark.

I'd say recommended reading age is 4 and up.

Here's the description from Amazon:  "Sarah's walk home is perfectly safe, but you know how creepy things can look when it's getting dark. Shadows take on lives of their own, any noise can make you jump, and a perfectly normal yard can seem pretty scary indeed. Witty verse propels Sarah from fright to fright while with each page turn, kids can see the harmless everyday objects that inspire her fear. Kids won't ever look at grills or skateboards the same way again!"

Check these and other great books out at your local library.

Display Kid's Artwork

I saw this idea on Pinterest over a year ago.  And since at that time we were redoing our dining room/entry/hallway/whateverthatroomiscalled room, I thought this would look super cute. 

You just take a 1 by something or other and cut it to whatever size you want.  My husband routered the edges and then painted them black.  I took some sandpaper and roughed up the edges a bit to give them some character.  Find you some of those little metal clips.  We could only find some that had magnets in them.  My husband had to drill them out so we could screw them to the board.  Then he just screwed the boards to the wall.

We ordered the word Masterpieces from a vinyl lettering company - I wish I could remember where I ordered it from, but since it's been almost a year, I've forgotten.

I think it turned out great.  My kids are so proud to see their masterpieces hanging on the wall. 

Cute Kid Books

My kids and I go to the library at least once a week.  We bring home two big bags full of books each time we go.  And every now and then we find a book that just stands out above the rest - one that just touches your heart or makes you laugh or really makes you think.  This week we found two books like that.

The first one is a brand new book.  It's called Grammy Lamby and the Secret Handshake.  It was written by Kate Klise and illustrated by her sister M. Sarah Klise.  It was published July 3 of this year.  The suggested reading age is 4 and up.  Here is a description of the book from Amazon:

"Larry is a little lamb with a larger-than-life grandmother. She talks loudly, carries a heavy sewing machine, and has big plans to take Larry to Tanzania and the South Seas when he grows up. She even has a secret handshake. It’s all too much for shy little Larry—until a summer storm blows through the Lambs’ valley, and Larry finds an unlikely hero in his own family."

"This gentle tribute to the bond between child and grandparent reminds us that it often takes time for little ones to fall in love—even with those who love them the most."

It really is a good book.

 

 
The other book is an older book and it's called My Lucky Day.  It's written by Keiko Kasza.  The suggested reading age is 3 and up.  Here's a description from Amazon:

"When a delicious-looking piglet knocks on Mr. Fox's door "accidentally," the fox can hardly believe his good luck. It's not every day that dinner just shows up on your doorstep. It must be his lucky day! Or is it?  Before Mr. Fox can say grace, the piglet has manipulated him into giving him a fabulously tasty meal, the full spa treatment (with bath and massage), and . . . freedom."

Check these books out if you get a chance.

Tin Can Planting @ Calloway's Nursery

Today we went to Calloway's Nursery so my kiddos could participate in something they call Callie's Kids.  I wrote about this free event last month.

 

Today the kids got to decorate a tin can and then plant tomato seeds in it and then take it home with them.
 
Look how proud they are of themselves - Little Stinkers!!

I can't go to Calloway's and not take pictures of the pretty flowers they have there, so indulge me for just a sec.

Ice Plant

Bluebells

There...I feel better now.

Calloway's next event is August 15th.  It will be the last event of the summer and it's all about beautiful butterflies.  Go check it out if you get a chance.

As a side note:  On our way out, we saw this sucker -

It's my favorite kind of Cicada Killer - a dead one.

Max at the Fort Worth Library

Last Tuesday, I took my two girls to the East Regional Fort Worth Library so they could meet Max of Max and Ruby fame.

My two-and-a-half-year-old sat in awe as she watched big ol' Max come walking in the room.

This cute program was presented by Ms. Jacqui Rash.  Man, I wish I had her energy and her enthusiasm.  She had me and everybody else in the room smiling the whole time.  She was absolutely fantastic.  She sang songs and got all the kids involved.  She orchestrated somewhat of a play where some kids in the audience were chosen and they got to act out the story of Max's Dragon Shirt.

 
My oldest daughter got to play the Ruby whose dress was too tight.  (She thought that was awesome.)  Ms. Rash read a couple of more stories and she also got the kids involved with the song Little Bunny Foo Foo.

After the presentation, all of the kids got to go up and meet Max.  They also had a craft for all the kids to do.  Isn't he cute?

If you get a chance, take your little ones to go meet Max. (Tomorrow is the last day to meet Max so you better hurry!)

Thanks, Fort Worth Library, for offering neat programs like this one.

Our Fort Worth Herd Cow Camp Experience

Since I posted something about the Fort Worth Herd's Cow Camp a while back, I thought it would be fun to go check it out for myself.  We went this past Sunday when it was, like 5,728 degrees outside.  Not really.  It was closer to 100.  But I came prepared with cheapy handheld electric fans, sweat-rags, and a bottle of water in my big ol' mom-purse.

Cow Camp is held every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 -2:30 from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Cow Camp is held in the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Driving down North Main, we turned east down Exchange Avenue and parked in the northeast parking lot there which is free.

We walked west down exchange, and Cow Camp is held behind the Livestock Exchange Building which is on the north side of Exchange Avenue.

Luckily this camp is held in the shade.  They have bleachers there for you to sit on.  Let me warn you that you probably shouldn't wear some cute white shorts because your buns will be covered in about 50 shades of dirt after sitting on those bleachers.  Cows and horses and humans kick up a lot of dirt that winds up on those bleachers so be prepared to get a little gritty.

It started off with one of the cowboys explaining a little bit about life in the 1800's.  The cowboys and cowgirls asked if any kids in the audience wanted to volunteer for a demonstration.  The kids that volunteered got to wear hats and vests and wild rags.  The herd cowgirl explained the importance of each of those pieces of clothing.  The little volunteers also got to pass around ropes and show them to the audience.  At the end of the presentation, the volunteers were presented with a really, really cool special gift.  (My oldest didn't want to volunteer because she thought it was going to make her hot with all that clothing on - not true though!)

The herd cowboys and cowgirl told us about spurs and saddles and branding and how each of those are used.  It really was very informative.

They really took their time and explained each and every thing in a very entertaining way.  My favorite part was this:

That whip was LOUD!  I think I might purchase one so I can scare the youknowwhat out of my kids.  How fun would that be?!!??!

It really was a fun experience.  I think my oldest child learned quite a bit.  Heck, I learned quite a bit and I'm 39 years old and have lived in Cowtown all my life!  I'm so glad there's things like this to go see and do in this great city.  Go check it out.  Be sure and leave them a donation on the way out.  They don't ask for much and the experience is worth way more than their suggested donation amount.

Also, while you're in the stockyards, be sure and check out Stockyards Station where your little one might get a pat on the head from a stiff ol' cowpoke who's looking for work.

Be sure and stick around until 4:00 where you can see those cowgirls and cowboys you met during Cow Camp move the Fort Worth Herd.

AWESOME!

Kids Need Help Figuring Out Which Shoe To Put On Which Foot?

This is absolutely genius - which is why I didn't figure it out for myself! 

We are THAT family is the genius. 

(I read about this post here along with tons of other tips and tricks.)

Staycation in Cowtown - Tour Fort Worth Stockyards On The Cheap

I don't know about y'all, but there is no way in the world we're going to be able to take a vacation this year.  With my husband being on strike for two months, we just do not have the funds to go anywhere.  I've done everything in my power to not let that two-month strike affect my children.  I've taken them to free events and cheap events and we've had the best time.

I read somewhere that if you're low on funds but want to do something fun, you should consider having a staycation - you know, vacation in your own hometown - walk around your own town like you're a tourist.  I think we've got the best town to have a staycation in - so much history in this here Cowtown.

What better way to learn about this great city of ours than this GPS-guided tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards?  It normally costs $12 per person.  But you can get this 2 for 1 deal from Dealsaver.

Be sure and click here to watch a preview of the tour.

It really looks like a lot of fun, and 12 bucks ain't gonna break the bank I don't think.

Click here to purchase 2 GPS-guided tours of the Fort Worth Stockyards for $12.  You have until Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at midnight to purchase this deal.

Story Time at Fort Worth Libraries

My, my, my how story time has changed at my local library.  Just a few years ago, I took my oldest child to story time at the East Regional Library where the librarian read a book and then the kids got to color a picture.  I wasn't too impressed, so I never went back...until today.  I'm so glad we went back.

Paper Lanterns

Today my children, along with about 20 more kids, got to sing songs, dance, go on a "bear hunt".  The librarian read three stories to them.  Then the kids got to color, make a firework necklace and make a paper lantern.

Firework Necklace

Firework Necklace

Go here to see what time your local library offers story time and then go check it out.  I think you'll be glad you did.   

And if you want to make the paper lanterns, go here and check out this tutorial.  If you want to make the firework necklace, this post will give you an idea on how to make those.

Initiative Promotes Children's Bicycle Safety in Fort Worth

A partnership between first responders, medical students, and ice cream producers has resulted in an initiative to promote bicycle safety for children.

If police officers see a child 18 years or younger not wearing a helmet while riding their bike, they will give the child a helmet and give them information about the City's helmet ordinance which is:  Children and teens under age 18 are required to wear a helmet at all times while riding a bicycle. The penalty for failure to wear a helmet is $50 for the first incident and $100 for the second.

If police officers, firefighters or MedStar paramedics spot children riding bikes while wearing their helmets, then those children will be rewarded with a coupon for free ice cream donated by Texas Dairy Queen (yum - could go for a Blizzard right about now), Blue Bell Ice Cream, and Braum's.

What a great program.

Fort Worth Herd's Cow Camp

Tomorrow, June 30th, from 1:30 to 2:30 you and the kiddos could have a hands-on, interactive experience with equipment used during the Cattle-Drive Era.  You'll learn about roping, sorting, saddling and you'll hear chuck wagon stories and see a cattle drive demonstration.

Come on out and see The Herd and meet some real-life cattle drovers and learn a little bit about a tradition that's the backbone of this great city we call Fort Worth.


Cow Camp is held directly behind the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue.  This is a free event but donations are greatly appreciated.

Fort Worth - The Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge

Have y'all heard about The Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge?  I heard about it before but never participated.  I never participated because I thought I couldn't because my children didn't know how to read yet.  Well, guess what?  That doesn't matter.  As long as you read to your child, you and your child can participate.

Go to your local library and tell them you'd like to register yourself and your children (no matter what age) for The Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge and they will hand you a red card for yourself and a white card for your child.  Fill out your information.  Each day as you read to your child, fill in the date you read and the amount of time you read.  You can get a new card every 14 days.

After you've filled out your card and read to your child for at least 14 days, you then turn your card back in to the information desk at your local library.  Those completed cards will then be sent to the Central Library downtown where a drawing will be held on August 12th. You could win prizes including iPads, netbooks, Kindle Fires, books, gift cards and more.  You do not have to be present to win.

When you turn in your completed cards for the first time, you will also receive a nice big, bright green bag that you can use to carry around all those books you'll be reading.  You will also receive a voucher good for one premium infield or dugout box ticket for any Sunday-Thursday Cats game in the month of November.  Your children will receive the voucher for the Cats game AND a voucher for one free child exhibit admission to Grossology at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History AND each child who registers for The Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge will also be given the opportunity to join Kinsler's Kids Summer Reading Club and could possibly earn a ticket to enjoy a free Ranger game on July 29th - check with your local library for specifics on how to earn the ticket.

The Summer Reading Challenge isn’t just about reading — the library has fun programs too.  Throughout June and July, all the libraries around Fort Worth will be offering different programs where you and your children can learn about anything from recycled art to courageous cowgirls.

Be sure and attend the Grand Celebration on Sunday, August 12th at the Central Library from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to everyone.  They will have face painting, live music, crafts, storytelling and refreshments.  They will also have the grand prize drawings with special guests Deborah Ferguson from KXAS-TV, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, and Bob Ray Sanders from the Star Telegram.  Parking will be free in the garages and on the streets.  

Go today to your nearest library and register for The Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge.  You'll be glad you did!

Fun For The Kids - Make Your Own Butter

I read about this a while back over at one of my favorite websites, Christy Jordan's Southern Plate.  I thought this activity would be a good idea to keep those little hands busy for at least 20 minutes, and it did.  Plus you get a bonus in the end, good ol' delicious butter!

Here's a link to the recipe on Southern Plate.

I used a pint Mason jar.  Fill it about half full with heavy whipping cream.  Put lid on the jar.  Let the kids start shaking.  After about 15 to 20 minutes or less you'll have something that looks kind of like this:

The liquid in the jar will gradually start to thicken, and then just when you think you can't shake it anymore and you think there's no liquid left, the contents will start pulling away from the sides and you'll be able to see inside the jar and you'll see something that looks like what's pictured above - a ball of butter sitting in white liquid.

Next, pour contents of jar into colander and strain.

I put the butter in a small glass dish and then added just a tiny bit of salt.  You'll want to be very careful about how much salt you add - believe me, I speak from experience.  The first time we made this, we put way, way, way too much salt.  This time we just put a couple of small shakes of salt and it turned out perfect.

Next time you're at the store, pick up some heavy whipping cream and have your kiddos make this.  Spread the finished product on some bread and watch your little one's chest stick out with pride.  It's a win-win for everybody!