Now that my birthday, Tottie's birthday, and Halloween are over, it's time to start thinking about the next round of celebrations with free Thanksgiving printables! Yes, Thanksgiving is less than one month away, which means that Christmas is right around the corner! One holiday at a time though, right? In the past we've brought you 4 Thanksgiving activities to do with adults and kids, 4 more Thanksgiving activities, and 5 unique Thanksgiving crafts, we understand, however, that sometimes you just need to keep the kids quiet. That's why, this year, we're giving you free Thanksgiving printables to keep your kids quiet, yet entertained. Click on the photos above to download and print. Though the two printables look very similar, the first is meant for younger kids who can't spell, while the second is meant for those who can spell. We made them similar so that the kids don't fight over who's printable is better. (I know my girls would fight over it!) Enjoy these … [Read more...]
My Birthday with Verizon’s Softcard App
A gift card was provided to me by Verizon Wireless to assist me in using their product. All thoughts an opinions, however, are my own. Last Wednesday was my birthday. It was one of the best birthday's I have had in a long time. It actually started on Tuesday night when my family and I went to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Mall of America. Then, Wednesday, while Hubby was at work and the girls were at school, I spent the day with a few fellow bloggers at the Mall of America having fun and going on a shopping spree with Verizon Wireless and Softcard. In the evening, my family carved pumpkins together. Food, shopping, family, and fun...what more could a girl ask for for her birthday? My day with Verizon started with a tour of Verizon's first destination store. Opened about a year ago in the Mall of America, this store is 9,715 sq ft of hands-on fun. With approximately 30,000 products, Verizon's destination store shows customers how Verizon's technology fits into every day … [Read more...]
Beethoven’s Treasure Tail Movie #Giveaway
Just in time for Christmas shopping, win a copy of the newest movie in the Beethoven line, Beethoven's Treasure Tail! My girls are huge fans of the Beethoven movies. The original Beethoven movie and Beethoven's Christmas Adventure are two of their favorites. However, Beethoven's 5th has been watched in our house so many times, I think I have the movie memorized! Now for the holidays, Universal Home Entertainment announces the October 28th Blu-Ray and DVD release of the newest saga, Beethoven's Treasure Tail! If it's anything like the previous movies, it will be a new favorite in my household. Here's the synopsis: Get ready to howl with laughter in this all-new family comedy starring America’s favorite St. Bernard, the one and only Beethoven! After a doggone disaster of a movie shoot, the big-hearted pooch and his trainer, Eddie (Jonathan Silverman, Beethoven’s Big Break), are heading home when they get stranded in a small coastal village. When Beethoven befriends a local boy … [Read more...]
How To Make Acorn Squirrels
We're well into October and all the acorns have long ago fallen off the trees. However, if your kids are anything like mine, they've stashed a few acorns around the house just for fun (or for later, I'm not sure which). A few days ago I came across a stash in our china cabinet. Rather than throw them away, I decided we'd make acorn squirrels out of them because my girls hid the acorns just like squirrels do. These cute little critters would make a great addition to your fall decorating or even your Thanksgiving table! My girls, however, are having fun just playing with them. To make them yourselves you'll need: Those acorns your kids have stashed away Brown pipe cleaners Scissors A hot glue gun* A black marker *It goes without saying that you will need to help your younger kids with the hot glue gun! 1) Start by gluing two acorns together, one on top of the other. 2) Next cut a piece of pipe cleaner so that it is long enough for feet and a tail when … [Read more...]
How To Make Woven Paper Ball Pumpkins
I have to admit, this was almost a fail post for me. As I was searching the internet for Christmas inspiration a few weeks ago, I came across these woven paper ball ornaments. One look at them and I thought, "hey, I can do this but turn them into pumpkins for Halloween or Thanksgiving!" Thus I came up with woven paper ball pumpkins. I had every intent of letting the girls try to make these. I followed the instructions and videos in the original post and got very frustrated! I could NOT seem to get the finishing right! I had the braiding of 4 strands down, I just couldn't figure out how to tuck over and under to finish the ball since I was using only one color paper. If I couldn't figure it out, how were the girls going to do it?? I gave up and threw everything away. Then I thought, "hey, we do failure posts around here and this would make a great failure!" Since everything ended up in the garbage, I needed to start again for some photos of these tragic woven paper ball … [Read more...]
Tin Foil Leaves
A few years ago we did leaf drawings on the blog. This year we'll so something similar but with different supplies...tin foil leaves! Tottie and her friend had a blast making these and watching the different leaf patterns come through. To make these, you'll need: tin/aluminum foil card stock paper glue leaves of different shapes/sizes paint and a brush (optional) 1) Start by gluing at least one leaf on your paper. Make sure the veins/bumpy side of the leaf is facing UP. 2) Next cover the leaf with the tin foil by wrapping the foil around the paper and folding it on the opposite side of the paper as the leaf. 3) Flip the paper over and rub your finger over the tin foil so that the leaf pattern comes through. This is where your kid's faces will light up! 4) This last step is optional. You can use paint to make the pattern stand out a little more. Make sure to use just a LITTLE bit of paint (a thin layer) or you'll lose the pattern … [Read more...]
