Happy New Year 2010!

Wow! Christmas time seems like it takes forever to arrive and then "Bam" it's gone! It happens so fast and ends so quickly, to me anyway! Now we are on the threshold of a New Year! Another Wow! 2010, can you believe it!?

So much has gone on this last year in Our lives and the Nations lives. Good and Bad, but mostly I'd like to think Good. I like the little diddy or song that says "You can't have a Rainbow, without a little rain!" I personally would like "less" rain this year, but "more" rainbows! ;) God is funny that way, because you can't have those wonderful moments of beautiful rainbows unless you have a little rain first. I guess we really do appreciate them far more that way. He always does know what's best! ;)

May God bless each of Us in this New Year with Rainbow Blessings, Excellent Health, Butterflies in Your Tummy Love, Safety for Our Families and Country, and Extreme Abundance!

                       

                                    

            Thank You For Blessing My Life With Your Friendship!

                                                

                                            Ms. Laura

                            Make Everyday A Child's Play Day!

I SPY Christmas Ornaments

I LOVE "I Spy" books! They are written by Jean Marzollo and we have had almost all of them! But sadly as my kids grew, I passed the books on to their younger family members. I still Love them, though! I guess I'll  never grow up...is that bad? I don't think so!

                                                            

I like just looking at all the wonderful goodies that Jean uses in her books. I always wondered how the "I Spy" books where made, did you too? Where in the world does she find all of those neat things? Where does she keep them when she isn't using them for her books? Questions I pondered!


Well, in all actuality the wonderful photographs are created by Walter Wick and then Jean writes the riddles that go with them! What a wonderful collaboration!

On Jean's site her fans came up with a great Christmas gift idea! Ms.Pamela Squires and Ms.Ranee Lyman Valentine made "I Spy Ornaments!" They are truly fabulous! She has even made up a little poem to go with the gift! (see below)


Using empty craft ornament balls she filled one half way with sparkling Polypellets, which she found at Walmart in the craft section. I would think you could also use artificial snow if you couldn't find the pellets. Then she put in her "I Spy" items, glued the halves together, added a beautiful Christmas ribbon and the poem.
  

© Ranee Lyman Valentine and Pamela Squires 2009

Here is the poem :
"I spy 2 snowflakes, a star from the night, A golden ring, and a Christmas light; A holly leaf, a snowman, a little white dove, 2 bells, a present, and a heart full of love."


For more information on this neat-o Christmas craft click here !

UPDATED LINKS 12/10:

This Little Project

I Spy Ornament Activity Book

Craft Goodies I Spy

I Spy Flash Game

I Spy / Scholastic Printables and Activities

Scholastic I Spy Games

Printable From 19th Century Children's Book

First School / I Spy Shapes and Game

Highlights Kids / Hidden Pictures

                                                  

                         Merry Christmas Blessings to You and Your Family!

                                                                      

               Ms. Laura

                                                                 

                      

                                                              

My Candy Wreaths Are Ready!

  

I love making these because they are so pretty, but also because they are so quick! A fellow teacher taught me how to do this years ago, during nap-time! Since then, I've made them almost every year. They are great for every occasion, but I just Love them at Christmas time!

You can use wire coat hangers as the base, but I can never get my circle to look like a circle! So I buy my rings from the craft store. They come in all sizes, from ever so tiny to super big. I get the 6 in ones for my smaller wreaths and the 10 or 9 inch ones for my larger ones. Do not get anything bigger, unless you just want a "Super" big wreath and you have lots of candy!;)

I am not very good at giving written directions, yet...so I've found a link that tells you everything you'll need to know here . I hope you have as much fun as I do making these! Everyone loves getting them too, so you will be a big hit..as always I'm sure! :)

Let me know if you like this idea, by leaving a comment! 

                                                            

 Have Very Merry Christmas!

    Ms. Laura

                                       

On the 9th Day...

On the 9th Day of Christmas....
OK, I know it's not the 9th day of Christmas, but it is 9 days until Christmas! ;) This lovely blogger from s*e*i Lifestyle : Paper Beyond Scrapbooking had the most interesting idea....something I could actually do in no time at all! It's a "Paper" Stocking! Read all the details here : On the 9th Day...

Merry Christmas!

Ms. Laura

Evan-Moor Educational Publishers at eNotes: Documents tagged with early childhood

If you don't know it yet, I am a "Freebie" lover! I know that everyone enjoys something that is Free, am I right? Yes indeed! Well, while I was searching for something great to share with you guys, I came upon this neat little site....eNotes. They have lots of Free goodies, mostly samples, but really good ones! ;) So, let me know if you find something that you love too!

Evan-Moor Educational Publishers at eNotes: Documents tagged with early childhood


Ms. Laura

Surprise Ball Christmas Ornaments

A wonderful blogger , "Alpha Mom" has posted the neatest ornament and I just had to share it! I myself have always wanted to make these cuties for my kiddo's but never did! :( My guess is, mine would never have turned out as fabulous as hers though!

This would have been perfect for my Sisters kids when they were little. She has 6 boys and it was hard trying to come of with ideas every year that wouldn't break me!

                   http://www.alphamom.com/holiday/2009/12/surprise_ball_christmas_orname.php

So, pop over there and check this out along with all the other wonderful ideas she has to share! When you do, leave a comment and tell her that "We" sent you! 

                                                                      Merry Christmas!
                                                                        Ms. Laura

A FREE Printable Storybook Link

I was visiting a site that Teach Preschool told me about when...What did my wandering eyes see...A FREE Storybook that you can print out! Oh yeah! I'm ALL about the FREE, don't ya know! You can even include a child's name, Boy or Girl! Super Cool!

http://www.25daysofholidayfun.com/

Merry Christmas!

Ms. Laura

Making a Garland from Cranberries and Popcorn

My parents didn't have a lot of money when I was little, but my Mom always made the holidays fun for us kids! One of my favorite Christmas memories was making cranberry and popcorn garlands for the tree.

First, Mom would buy fresh cranberries from our local grocery store and then we would cook lots of popcorn, right from the stove and in a big pot! Not from a bag tossed in the microwave! Come on now, how many times do kids make popcorn the old fashion way these days! This in itself will be a memorable event!



To string the Cranberries and Popcorn you will also need a large needle and some dental floss or fishing line. Watch out with those needles with the kiddo's though...I do remember pricking my fingers ...a lot! We used plain old sewing thread when were where kids too, but I think the latter will work better. It won't break as easily and won't twist up as much either.

And then, away you go, stringing the berries and the popcorn! My sister and I would sit for hours (could have been shorter...you know...being a kid and all, lol) just making this garland. What a great memory!

 

 

Remember to Make Everyday, A Child's Play Kinda Day!

Merry Christmas!!

Ms. Laura

The Princess and The Frog

Need a good movie to watch with you kids this holiday? December 11, 2009 , "The Princess and The Frog" rated G, will come out in theaters. It "looks" like it will be some good clean fun! Something movie markers NEED to make more of! Don't you agree?

The movie is set in New Orleans! Yeah! This is my neck of the woods. Being from Louisiana is starting to be a rather positive "thang" lately! Lots of producers are beginning to see what a great and diverse area we truly are!

The story is based on "The Frog Prince" but with a twist! Ya know anything that is set in Louisiana has to have that! Am I right? The film, "The Princess and the Frog," is about an African-American young lady named Tiana who meets a frog prince trying to become human again. Their chance encounter and a kiss lead them into the lively Louisiana bayous. Here is a little clip...too funny! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUJka2jkSA&feature=player_embedded

                                                          Have a "Hoppy" Holiday!!
                                                                  Ms. Laura

It's Christmas Time!!

Ho-Ho-Ho! It's that time of year again, Christmas! I love this season, don't you? I found a little happy to get us started on this whirlwind holiday! Turn up your speakers! :)

Oh What a Merry Christmas Day(Mickey's Christmas Carol)




                                                                           Merry Christmas!
                                                                                 Laura