We have the most amazing oak tree in our back yard. (Seriously, it is amazing!) It is the "central meeting point" for the kids in our neighborhood (well OK, if I am being honest the kids only love the tree because we have a mean tree swing hanging from it). Anyway, the other evening my oldest son and I were sitting on the hill under our tree and we started talking about fun things I did as a kid. I began to tell him the story of how my grandma and I used to go for walks in the neighborhood and collect bags and bags and bags of acorns. So I grabbed my sons hand and said "Hey! Let's do it too!" So off we went collecting acorns (ones with the top, ones without, ones half chewed by the squirrel, etc) and we had quite the fun conversation along the way as well. After about a half a bag full he stopped and looked at me and said "what do we do now mama?" I thought "oh yay! I get to teach him how to have acorn races just like my grandma and I did!" Here's what you will need: a little free … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2011
Car Seat Safety
I know for me taking my kids in the car is always a little nerve wracking. My husband says I am crazy worried about their car seats being correct. I always tell him "better safe than sorry." I thought I'd use this opportunity to educate myself a little more about car seat safety as well. I got in touch with the Injury Prevention Manager at our local children's hospital and she shared some very helpful and useful information. What You Should Know Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death to children. According to Safe Kids USA, an estimated 2,446 children ages 14 years and under die in motor vehicle crashes each year. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of injury in a car crash -- one of them is as easy as being a good example. Always use your seat belt. Photo by Supafly Rear-facing Car Seat tips Rear-facing child seats should be used for infants as long as possible up to the height or weight limit specified … [Read more...]
Boiled Cookies
Boiled cookies are something my mom, sister, and I used to make all the time when I was little. Eating them brings me back to my childhood. I hope one day my girls will share these with their children and bring back memories too! Here's what you'll need: 2 cups sugar 3 T baking coca 1/2 cup milk 1 stick margarine 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup peanut butter 3 cups oatmeal wax paper 1) Combine the sugar, baking coca, milk, and margarine. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for one minute. 2) Remove from heat and add the vanilla and peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter melts. 3) Add the oatmeal and stir until all oatmeal is coated. 4) Drop on waxed paper by teaspoonful (or more, like we did). Refrigerate until cool. 5) Enjoy! Mmmm.... Do you have a special treat that brings you back to your childhood? … [Read more...]
Pine Cone Bird Treat Fun
Are you ready to get messy and have fun all at the same time? This is the perfect craft for you and your kids then! Fall is here and the birds are on the hunt for a tasty treat of their own. Here is what you need: string, yarn, dental floss, or ribbon pine cone(s) lard or crisco birdseed butter knife After making this with my kids I will make one suggestion....you will want to do this outside OR you will want to be prepared for a bit of a mess. Simply tie your string or other around the pine cone (and while you are at it make it a fun adventure finding pine cones). Have your kiddo spread the lard or crisco all over the pine cone. (A note-peanut butter can also be used but I found that the lard sticks better and doesn't melt as easily). Once your pine cone is covered have your child roll it in the birdseed. Make sure you get it fully covered, those birds are hungry. Hang it in the tree closest to you and sit back and watch the birds. … [Read more...]
Funny kid photos
We all have them...funny moments captured on film...your kid caught in a weird pose, a photo shoot gone wrong, something your child wrote that you just had to share online...Check out some of our funny kid photos: Fighting already? Look who's got the upper hand, we mean leg! Yep, we fell asleep like that! Hi! Look at me! It would have been funnier if the door had been closed... You'll probably have to click on this photo to make it bigger. No explanation needed. I guess she was a little too tired to eat... ...She didn't even make it to the dinner table! Do you have any funny kid photos? Share them in the Toys In The Dryer Community! … [Read more...]
Minnesota Blogger Conference Recap
It all started (for us) with #FlipFlopNight hosted by Jen from Life With Levi. A dozen or so twitter/blogger gals from the area got together for a pre Minnesota Blogger Conference shin dig on Friday night. We were filled with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and laughter. It was great to meet some new people in a smaller setting prior to the conference. Front (L to R): Lindsi, Kristin, Mimi, Jamie, Marta. Back (L to R): Kristin, Jen, Stephanie, Amy, Erin, Lindsey Not pictured but still in attendance: Jo and Harper Saturday began way too early for those of us who were awake past our usual bedtimes (despite the conference starting at 9 am). Right away we were greeted warmly by people we knew and didn't know. The site of our blog header up on a big screen in front of us (insert "happy dance" here) made us feel important and part of the group. The day contained numerous educational sessions and tons of networking. We were so busy learning and having fun that we did not take out our … [Read more...]
