Cali's Cardboard House

Right before our move from Houston to Texas, Cali begged us for a house. We started looking at the plastic houses for outside but I was shocked by there prices $90.00 and up! Once we arrived in Florida, it hit me to make her a cardboard house. The house above is made out of 3 full boxes and 1/2 of another. The cost was less than $5!! All the rest you see from the tape, flowers, and fabric are things I already had in my craft closet. Both Cali and Dallas love the house, Cali has taken several naps inside her house :)

Glowstick Fun

Go to your local Dollar Tree store and grab a few packs of glow sticks and get ready for some fun!

There are tons of activities that will be posted using glow sticks!

Cali's first glow stick (or light stick as she calls it) experience was right before bed, she jumped in the tub, I turned the lights off and the magic began. We make shapes, wrote our names really fast, and waved them around in front of our faces. I highly suggest stocking up on glow sticks, they are cheap, fun, and quick way to keep those tots entertained.

Feelings

Feelings are the guide-posts that will mark our way in life. They need to be felt, expressed, taken into consideration, and valued. When your child is upset, do not tell them to stop crying, they need to go through there emotions and have every right to since we have most likely set a boundary that they can not hurdled over. For example, Cali finds a toy that she wants, and I tell her we can't bring it home today, she gets upset and cries for the toy. I get eye level with her and say "Its ok to be sad that we can't bring this toy home," and I give her a hug. Her usual reply is "Its fine momma, I just really like it." Feelings exist in all forms; from the blissful feeling of love, to the difficult feeling of anger. Families who support the experience of feelings enjoy of the the deepest gifts of life, there is an ultimate bond no one can break.

"Our feelings are our most genuine path to knowledge."

--Audre Lorde

One of Cali's 1 yr photos.

Tot Mail

Cali loves helping me get the mail, so now I ask if you have a tot and would like to receive and exchange "Tot Mail," on a weekly or bi-weekly bases please comment here or message me on facebook so we can exchange addresses. Cali already has 2 little friends she will be sending "tot mail" to and I couldn't be more excited for her, thanks Ellieliz we can't wait for your mail!

Cali's most famous face she is known for drawing!

Sneak Peek On Where We Have Been...

Here is a quick little update for those who have emailed me about when the posting will resume. I promise I'm unpacking and situating the new house as quickly as I can, as well as taking care of  2 littles and a husband, who is now working from home!

Before we left Texas we decided to go on a journey! We wanted to go to Vegas, The Hoover Dam, and The Grand Canyon. Here are a few pictures, enjoy, and the posting will most likely resume sometime late next week! Happy Teaching!!

Our flight to Las Vegas!

It was quite a beautiful flight, Cali was shocked and very excited to see all the huge rocks and boulders!!! (Rocks are her favorite)

Welcome to Vegas!



We had a fabulous time in Vegas, we stayed at Circus Circus, a hotel/casino based for children. There was a roller-coaster inside the hotel, along with circus acts, carnival rides and games. It was its very own town inside the hotel.

Apparently we also went to New York :) while on on trip to Vegas!

 The next stop...

Hoover Dam.

And finally...

The Grand Canyon, I had chills upon seeing it for the first time, it is absolutely breath-taking!

Cali in the Canyon!!!

More pictures to follow next week!

Speaking Eyeball to Eyeball

So often we talk to each other from across the room. We yell for the kids to pick up their toys, we expect them to hear us, and get frustrated when they don't. Starting today, try to speak every word while looking at each other "eye to eye." Get on your knee's if you talking to your tot, or stand on a stool if someone is taller. Make a game out of it. Expect awesome results; everyone you speak too just might hear and respond!

Cali (15months) and I "eye to eye" level.

Are you using your Bumbo seat correctly?

Cali 6 months seated correctly in her Bumbo.

Hazard: If the seat is placed on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, young children can arch their backs, flip out of the Bumbo seat, and fall onto the floor, posing a risk of serious head injuries.

Please note you should NEVER place the Bumbo seat  on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, this seat is for the floor only!

Recall of Bumbo Baby Seats

Seperate Time

Only when we are alone and silent do we hear our own voice. Children who value their own thoughts learn to understand their feelings. In a world where everything seems fast and furious, the child who is comfortable within him/herself will find peace, and enjoy his/her own mind.

"Being solitary is being alone well."

--Alice Koller

Teaching Everyday Skills

Everyday household skills include doing laundry, shopping, paying bills, and cleaning are important for a child to learn. They teach a child to be independent. When a child leaves your home with these skills, he/she will feel more self-confidence and you will worry less.

-- Next time you go to the grocery store, take your child with you. (If its easier to only take one child make sure you make it known everyone will get a turn to the grocery store.) Walk around the store together showing them how to find the price, how to pick a good fruit, where to find the ingredients listed on an item, etc. If you use coupons, like we do, tell your child why they are so important when checking out.

--Get the kids involved in sorting laundry into light, dark, and white piles. Show them how to work the washer and dryer and encourage them to always help you start their laundry.

--Have your child be a kitchen helper when making a dinner that needs ingredients to me mixed. As a rule in my house when the cooking starts since I have 2 little ones, everyone needs to scoot out of the kitchen. Our kitchen is gated off 24/7, but I do tell Cali in to help me prepare dinner :)

Resourcefulness

Life for a child is all about learning how to weather the little storms each day brings. Being resourceful means taking on challenges, taking the time to think through those challenges, and then using available resources to solve them. Developing resourcefulness gives a child life skills for weathering their storms. It provides confidence to create options, and it shows them how to be proactive participants in the world around them.

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am

learning how to sail my ship."

--Louisa May Alcott

Imagination

When the young mind is allowed to fly free and wild with imaginative thoughts, the inner views of the outside world become a huge playground. Let your tot dream, placing no limits on their thoughts, inventions they create, or masterpieces they paint. When a child's imagination is encouraged, it continues to grow and produce creatively. What you see, you can be!

"Imagination is the highest kite one can fly"

-- Lauren Bacall



Mapping out Plans

Now that it's summer its time to plan out those activities for your tot! Mapping out your plans will help you keep organized and help your tot learn whats to come in the week ahead. Kids don't usually become totally self-directed until sometime in late adolescences. Until then they need help and guidance from you or the adults around them.

Monthly Idea's:
+ A trip to the park
+ Children's Museum
+ Local Zoo
+ Beach/Pool Days
+ Local library activities
+ No TV days
+ Outside play
+ Craft time
+ Summer Camp/Bible Camp they maybe attending

Start a Business

Now that it's summer why not start a small business with your tot. Help your tot get started by showing him/her the skill they will need for that business. The easiest one that comes to mind is a lemonade stand, have your tot help you make the lemonade, make a small sign, setup your stand, and get pouring! This is a simple way to introduce and talk about money.

Other Ideas:
+Bake Sell
+Walking the neighborhood pets
+Washing Cars
+Help an elderly neighrbor with yardwork
+Washing dogs

Broken Camera

Our posts for awhile we will picture free, I apologize my camera is broken and Im in search of one, if you have any sugguestions please feel free to share :) I need to purchase one by June 16th for our trip to Indiana.

Carseat Safety..Keep those tots rear-facing!!

I have very passionate about carseat safety, I was one of those who turned my 1 year old FFing (foward facing) because I thought thats just what you did. Since the AAP has now revised their statement and saying tots need to be RFing (rear facing) for as long as possible or ATLEAST 2 years. When my husband and I heard this, we turned our tot back to RFing. She is now back to FFing because her seat was to only 35 pounds (she is 35 or 36 depending on the day) and she was complaining of being uncomfortable. So we went out and got her the Graco Nautilus, which will last her till 100lbs.

I wish people would realize that if your baby/tot is crying RFing it is most likely they arent comfortable in that carseat you purchased & it is most likely need a new seat so please stop thinking its because "they cant see"  and you need to turn them FFing. Dallas had a convertible seat that he wasnt confortable in, so we went to the store and got the Graco MyRide 65, because of all the awesome reviews it had, it RF's till 40 pounds, and FF's till 65 pounds. We installed it right away, and Im proud to say he is completely comfortable in his new carseat. Also safety shouldn't have a budget, so when your out looking at carseats just because you see a "cheaper" seat it doesnt mean it is actually the safest or best bang for your buck!

"The AAP recommends that all infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer."

Please click and read through the links I provided below to keep your baby/tot safe while in their carseats.

Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2011

Keep your 1 to 3 year old children in a REAR-FACING car seat for as long as possible.

The RIGHTS & WRONGS of carseat safety!!!



Picture from "Daily Momtra," Keep your tots ERF (Extended Rear-Facing) its for their safety!!!



Self-Motivation

Self-motivation is the key to soar. It is a little piece of hope inside each one of us that allows us to set goals, and eventually moves us to keep reaching higher and higher. It is the reason a person goes on, even when they want to quit. When a person is motivated, nobody can take away their personal power to move foward, remember it comes from the fire inside our hearts to carry on and become unbeatable.

"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."
-- Hellen Keller

Giving Specific Compliments

When our tot does something good we most likely use general terms such as: you did a good job, thanks for cleaning up, your such a good kid, etc. Let start getting specific when our tots and tell them what they are really doing that we like so much.

"Thank you so much for cleaning up your toys, I love your helping hands."

"You are the BEST at making your bed, look at how nice it looks."

"Look at how clean your teeth look, you are awesome at brushing your teeth."

Kids especially need to hear exactly what you liked about what they did and why, so they can keep up the positive behavior and repeat it.

Lets Get Painting!!

Cali asks almost on a daily basis to paint. I found 9 paint rollers (as seen above) at a thrift shop for $1.91, AWESOME DEAL to say the least! In that same goodie bag came books of stickers and a Disney scrapbooking kit!

We are painting on paper bags for an upcoming activity! Paint a couple of your paper bags and put them to the side until next week. Cali really enjoyed the roller, I think she REALLY REALLY enjoyed it actually. Keep scrolling to see what I mean :o)

I can't even say how I just love her facial expression after seeing her painted hand she made. Have your tot paint their own hand, show them with gesture. Then go on to show them how to use both hands to push the paint onto the paper, and finally pull up to reveal the artwork made!

Cali is always drawing this face, we are definetly framing this artwork!!!

Cali's finished artwork!

And the winner is...

Congrats to our follower Shawna Ades, Cali chose you as the winner of our first free learning set!!

Drawing the winner old style!

Cali mixing up all the names.

Trying to read what it says :o) with her pizza face.

Congrats Shawna Ades!!! (please excuse the pizza face)

Green Link Caterpillar

The supplies that you will need, also a stapler can replace the glue.

Cut out about 10 strips of paper that are about an inch wide, and 6 inches long. Use the scrap piece left to make the face.

Form one of the links and use glue or a stapler to secure it.
Form the next link into a circle connected to the first loop.
Continue until you are satisfied with the link.

Cut a circle from the paper that was left over and made the head for the caterpillar. Use markers and crayons to add eyes and a mouth.

You could also attach some yarn to the caterpillars head and another on his end to make it a puppet!

Lanterns

All the supplies you might want to use.

Cut off one strip off of the short end of the construction paper.

Fold a rectangular piece of construction paper in half, making it long and thin.

Make several cuts along the folded side. let your tot add some artwork. Also dont cut all the way to the edge of the opposite side.

Unfold the paper and bring the short side together. You can use staples, glue, or tape to make it secure.

Staple, glue, or tape the strap on, this will be the lanterns handle.

*Make 3+ and run yarn through the handles and hang up, since we will be moving in August we did not hang ours, but we will make new ones and hang them after we get settled*

Sign Love

Show your tot the international hand sign of "I love you."

Let them "sign" love as you drop them off at their grandparents house, with the babysitter, going to school, etc. Also just simply signing it thoughout the day will help them catch on quickly and you can introduce other "signs" aswell!

To learn more signs, click here!

Best-Ever Books For Tots

Here is a small list of books to find and read with your tot!