family Archives – Page 2 of 15 – The Pinterested Parent

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Tue
17 ^th

Pasta Shell Easter Bunny Craft

Posted by Pinparent — 24 Comments

The best thing about doing arts & crafts with my daughter is the time that we get to spend together. My daughter says to me all the time. “Mama, I have fun with you. I like making projects with you.” This melts my heart. I love doing crafts with her as well. She is becoming so creative & is learning so much from our craft time together. When I told her today that we were going to make bunnies out of pasta shells, she cheered loudly & pulled her safety stool right up to our work space. So began this evening’s craft.

Pasta Shell Easter Bunny Craft

What you will need:

Jumbo pasta shells (3 for each bunny made)

Spaghetti (just one strand)

Paint

Hot glue

Directions:

Paint the inside of the shells in pink. These shells will be the ears.

Paint the outside of the shell in the color that you choose for your bunny’s ears. I chose gray, Mai wanted purple ears.

Paint a shell for the head.

Paint a strand of spaghetti in black. Let it all dry.

Paint a nose in the middle of the face.

Add in the eyes & mouth.

Break the spaghetti into small pieces for the whiskers & glue on to the face.

Glue the ears into place from the back using a hot glue gun. Use a generous amount of glue to secure. (Sorry kids, hot glue is only for us grown-ups)

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Wed
11 ^th

Teaching Patterns

Posted by Pinparent — 2 Comments

I hate going to work during the week & leaving our daughter. It breaks my heart not to be with her all day. Twice a week Mai goes to daycare. Daddy is home with her at least one day during the week because of his rotating schedule & on all other days my mother-in-law watches my favorite girl. It is wonderful that she is able to be in the hands of such capable and attentive people while I am at work. She learns a little from each of them. At times, she will come out with things that surprise me & I wonder “Where did she learn that?” Then I remember that she is surrounded by such wonderful teachers & influencers.

The other day I had on a pair of colorful striped socks. My daughter came over to me & pointed out all of the colors & told me that my socks had a pattern. I was so surprised & excited by her observation. Someone has been teaching her well. Wanting to see how well her understanding of patterns was, we did a couple of activities.

I printed out an assortment of different shapes & clip art from the computer. I cut them out into squares & laid them out on the floor in different patterns. I placed more cut outs in a pile, being sure that there was a shape that would be next in each sequence thrown into the pile.

I handed my daughter the pile & reviewed each line of patterns with her. I asked her to place the next square in each sequence. She did not let me down as she went down the line & successfully placed the next shape on each.

She made a few rows of patterns that she made on her own & then flipped them all over & said “Now let’s play the match game.” That is the thing about toddlers. Their attention spans are short. On to the next lesson…

There are many other things that you can use to teach patterns to your children.

1. Practice using verbal patterns. “owl, horse, dog, owl, horse dog… What’s next?”

2. You can use assorted shapes & textures in your craft bins such as pom poms, beads & craft sticks.

3. Use magnets & alphabet blocks to show number or letter patterns.

4. Use paints, crayons or markers to show color patterns.

5. Legos or building blocks are a fun way to build 3 dimensional patterns.

6. Show them patterns on clothing or quilts.

7. Make snack time a great opportunity to teach patterns with fruit snacks, cereal or different shaped crackers.

She is learning so much & is becoming quite the little smarty. I know that we cannot take the credit for all of this. Mai is very lucky to be surrounded by so many people willing to feed her growing and curious mind.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Mon
09 ^th

50 Family Date Ideas

Posted by Pinparent — 23 Comments

I have a little bit of a confession to make. I am sort of a home body. I am perfectly content to loaf on the couch after a day of work or once the weekend rolls around. Life is exhausting. When you have children, it is even more so. The thing is that you miss out too much being a sofa lounger. You miss out on life. You miss out on time with your family. Our daughter is growing at an alarming rate. She is no longer a baby. You cannot get these days back. Missed moments with your family remain missed. It is important to do things together. Here are some fun family date ideas for every season.

1. Dine out for dinner

2. Go to the park

3. Have a family game night

4. Visit a museum

5. Go to the movies

6. Have a picnic

7. Go for a hike

8. Go bowling

9. Got to the zoo

10. Go to the beach

11. Cook together

12. Go to an arcade

13. Enjoy a local fair

14. Go to a sporting event

15. Take a craft workshop together

16. Take a scenic ride together

17. Visit a library – Many local libraries have fun activities for children

18. Go apple picking

19. Do a puzzle together

20. Go mini-golfing

21. Color together

22. Go camping

23. Do a family fun run

24. Take them roller skating or ice skating

25. Visit a local historic landmark

26. Go to an aquarium

27. Take them to a kid’s gym or play center

28. Go sledding

29. Go on a whale watch

30. Build a snowman

31. Have an at home movie night

32. Ride go-carts

33. Keep your eyes open for local events

34. Feed ducks at a pond

35. Look through old family photos together

36. Go to a spray park

37. Ride the trolleys – there are trolley museums scattered around the states. This was always a favorite of mine.

38. Go on a hayride

39. Read books to each other

40. Visit a botanical garden

41. Go to a kid friendly concert

42. Play a sport together – Kick around a soccer ball or shoot some baskets

43. Keep your eyes open for local events

44. Go to a planetarium

45. Go for a bike ride

46. Have a dance party

47. Go out for ice cream

48. Take a boat ride

49. Visit an amusement park

50. Have a fun family photo shoot

Please feel free to add your favorite family date night ideas.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Fri
06 ^th

Pasta Wind Chimes

Posted by Pinparent — 9 Comments

This has been a rough week. I have not been feeling well & our daughter has been testing her limits with us. She was so irritable & melty this week that the majority of the week was spent trying to keep her tantrums under control. Tonight was another challenging evening, but we somehow managed to turn it around towards the end of the night & my sweet, fun-loving girl made an appearance. When Mai asked to do a project, I was so excited, I jumped all over it.

Since we love our pasta crafts so much, I thought we could make something special with our pasta. We were not quite sure what we were going to make, so we just started painting different shapes. Mai loves painting pasta pieces. She painted a bunch in different colors & did some special creations of her own. Here she made a pasta car by painting the body of the car in blue & then adding the wheels using wagon wheel pasta. I love that imagination.

We painted side by side until we painted a pile of different shapes & colors.

After looking at our pile of shapes & colors, I decided that these pieces would make a great wind chime.

We cut out several strings of yarn of the same length.

I started by gluing one shape of pasta shell to each string with a glue gun. With each new piece of yarn I glued the pasta slightly higher.

I did the next row in a similar fashion. Continue to the top leaving yourself about 2 inches at the top of each.

We had a paper bowl that Mai had painted last week that we used as the base for our chimes. I poked a hole in the direct center of the bowl.

Cut another few strips of yarn. Group together & poke the yarn pieces through the hole & tie off into a loop on the top & tie off into a knot on the bottom to secure.

Glue the bare area at the top of the yarn to the inside of your bowl. Spacing them out evenly. Cut just below the last pasta shell on each string. This should give you different lengths all the way around.

When you are finished, let the glue dry & find a place for you & your little painter to display your new craft.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Thu
05 ^th

What Feels Like A Vacation When You’re A Mom

Posted by Pinparent — 31 Comments

If you were tuned into us a couple of days ago, you would have seen my thoughts on why God made our children so cute. Their sheer adorableness is their best defense. A few fluttered eyelashes & a couple of sweet smiles & you have almost forgotten why you were frustrated with them in the first place. There are days when even their cuteness can’t save you from cracking though. This week has been a good example of some of those days. Our daughter has been a bit more ornery than usual. When you have days & weeks like this, it makes you just want to run & hide.

When people are often stressed they say to themselves or aloud “I need a vacation.” For us mothers we know that going on a vacation is equally stressful, if not more so when you have children in tow. For us it really is the little things that feel like a vacation for us. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my daughter, but sometimes this mommy just needs a little break.

You might ask “What are these little things you speak of?” I am glad you asked.

Going to the grocery store alone – There are two different kinds of trips to the supermarket. There is the one where you enter the store with screaming toddler who is angry because the last car shaped carriage is already taken. It continues as you pass the deli section, triggering yet another meltdown because they need a piece of cheese, but not before they ask to go potty…again.
or
There is the one when you go shopping by yourself & for once are able to get everything on your shopping list without having to leave abruptly with a carriage full of groceries left in the middle of aisle. Aah! It is just like paradise.

Doing chores – Many couples argue about who is going to do the dishes, but when you have children, you are fighting to be the one who gets to do them. “Don’t worry honey. I will clean up. You can get the kids ready for bed.” Who knew a dirty kitchen could be so relaxing?

Taking a shower – I cannot even begin to tell you the detour my hygiene took after I had our daughter. There are times that I have gone days without showering. What once was just a quick and efficient method of getting clean has turned into a luxury. I used to hold the record for the quickest showers ever, now every drop of water, every bubble in my soap is savored & enjoyed. If I am lucky enough to be able to sink into a hot & bubbly bath, that is like a day at the spa.

Driving – On my drive into work every day I call my best friend. I do this because in the car is the only time that I can give her or anyone else my attention. If I have to call the cable company, it is in my car. If I need to schedule doctor’s appointments, it is in my car. If I am not on the phone, I kick on the radio & listen to music that is not sung by a Disney princess. Sorry Elsa, there is no room for you in the car today.

Nap time – Nap time is fewer & far between these days, but when do we manage to get a nap out of our daughter, cue the angels. “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” I have to take advantage of every last nap that we can get. What should I do? Should I pay some bills, mop the floors or clean out the junk drawer? Come to think of it mommy could need a nap too. Wake me in 1 to 2 hours.

Sitting on the toilet – Yes, I do spend a lot of time hiding in the bathroom. It is quiet & gives me a few moments to recharge my batteries. This is keeping in consideration that my daughter doesn’t bust down the door while I am on the can. Now I understand why men spend so much time on the toilet.

Going on a date – Daddy needs a break sometimes too. Grab your hubby and have a night out together just the two of you. You both deserve it & it will be a welcome change from squabbling over whose turn it is to put the kids to bed.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Mon
02 ^nd

It’s A Play Dough World

Posted by Pinparent — 6 Comments

I am currently living in a Play-Doh world. My living room is filled with containers & baggies filled with dough. Most containers are filled with multi-colored globs of dough that have been blended and smashed together. There are cutting tools, stamps & dough presses covering our tables & floors. It is easy to say that my daughter is obsessed with Play-Doh. Her birthday this year was even Play-Doh themed.

There is a kid’s television show that we will watch together called ‘Art & Music’. It is a lovely show that shows different mediums of art put to music. On every episode there is a segment called Clay World. They create amazing scenes & people right before your eyes. This is my daughter’s favorite part of the show. She oohs & aahs over their creations & tries to recreate them. I speak about inspiration often & it seems that even the youngest of artists get inspired.

Last night she asked me if we could make a Play-Doh village together. How could I say no to that?

We started with a pond laid out on a piece of poster board.

Mai helped me form rocks to place around the pond.

We rolled out a strip of mismatched green & sliced out grass blades.

I worked the grass around the pond and rocks.

I formed a walkway.

Mai wanted to make ducks for the pond. She formed one with a cookie cutter. She got upset once she realized that it could not stand up in the pond.

I showed her how to make a little duck that could float in the pond. She was a quick learn & made several little ducks to put in the pond.

We added a walkway to our pond & then pressed green dough around to form more grass.

Mai helped me press & work some brown dough around the side to form dirt.

We added an additional path to the side & a stream.

Mai made us a banana boat to put in our stream. That’s me in the orange. Mai is driving the boat of course & daddy & her cousin Sebby are in tow. I love that little girl’s imagination. Before she went to bed last night, she asked to add a zoo to our park. “Tomorrow baby girl.” I really am living in a Play-doh world.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Wed
25 ^th

The Art Of Raising A Child

Posted by Pinparent — 32 Comments

Raising a child is a lot like creating a great piece of art.

It all begins with the birth of your child.

Your baby is like a blank canvas, pure & untouched.

You have a vision of what your creation should be.

You formulate a plan in your mind of how you will achieve this vision.

You start with a solid base. Your love & nurturing will be the backdrop.

Color & textures are introduced as you try to shape something extraordinary.

At times it can get messy & often there is splatter.

You worry as it begins to take form. Is it going to come out alright or will you mess it up along the way?

You take great care not to make mistakes, but you do.

You cannot fully erase these mistakes, but you can work around them and incorporate these flaws.

As time goes on you may get frustrated and try different methods.

Contrast and light touch your canvas, as often do strokes of blues.

As the paint dries, you sit back and admire your masterpiece.

You realize despite the mistakes that you made and the various imperfections that you have created something truly beautiful.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

Fri
20 ^th

The Difference Between Dating and Married

Posted by Pinparent — 30 Comments

I frequently write about my relationship with my husband. I like to joke at his expense often. (Sorry honey) The truth is I know that I am no picnic. I am moody, cranky and many times I do not give him enough credit for all that he does around the house and with our daughter. I say to myself “Well, he knew what he was getting into when he married me.” Did he really though? You think that you are the same person that you were before you got married, but how true is that really?

Let’s compare…

Appearance

Dating: Bought a new outfit, shaved my legs, did my nails, makeup and curled my hair before every date. I continued to primp until he rang the doorbell.

Married: Get home from work and throw my bra on the floor. Wash all the makeup off my face, throw my hair in a bun and change into something more comfortable. “Hey, how many days have I worn these sweats on the floor?” They smell clean. I think these have one more day left in them.

Thoughtfulness

Dating: “Honey, can I get you a beer? Uh oh! I don’t have the beer that you like. I better go to the store. Let me chill this beer mug before I leave.”

Married: “You are closer to the kitchen than I am. Get your own beer.”

Bathroom habits

Dating: Excused myself to use the bathroom because I had to fart. Ran the water, flushed the toilet and sprayed air fresher to cover up the sound or any lingering smell.

Married: “The dog did it”

Conversation

Dating: “Oh my god, you are so funny” (Giggling and flipping my hair.)

Married: “I’m sorry hon, did you say something?”

Interests

Dating: “Oh Yeah, I love football. The Pats are my favorite.”

Married: “The games on? Uuugggh! I will be in the bedroom watching “Once Upon A Time”

Seduction

Dating: Gave him an erotic massage while wearing sexy lingerie.

Married: Unbutton the top button of my flannel pajamas and whisper “The baby’s asleep.”

Thu
19 ^th

Patchwork Craft

Posted by Pinparent — 17 Comments

My mother-in-law has a wonderful talent. She makes the most beautiful quilts. Our daughter has been lucky enough to have been the recipient of a few of her nana’s creations. For her birthday last month nana made her this eye spy quilt. I love it so much that I even made it the backdrop to my blog.

Nana’s quilt was the inspiration for our crafts tonight.

Patchwork Craft

Things you need:

Construction paper

Paint

Glitter

Glue

Optional: crayons,markers,stampers, sticker, tissue paper

Cut different colored construction paper into six 3 1/2X 3 1/2 squares. Let your child paint, stamp, glue glitter or tissue papers to the squares to make different designs. Let them decorate them however they like.

Set the squares aside & let dry.

Glue the squares down on another piece of construction paper, making sure to space them out evenly.

Draw different patterns in the spacing.

Mai did such a beautiful job with this craft. While I watched her paint, she told me “I like doing projects with my mama.” I love doing them with you too, baby girl.

Mon
16 ^th

7 Reasons Why Exercise Sucks

Posted by Pinparent — 41 Comments

Here is something that many of you might not know about me. I hate exercise. I don’t just dislike it. I have a genuine hatred for it, which is funny considering that I was a regional manager for a fitness chain for 10 years. I know that we need exercise. I know that it is good for us & all that other mumbo jumbo & I respect those of you that do it. My husband is a marathon runner. I think it is fantastic, but when he asks me to run with him I just chuckle & offer him a very dragged out “Noooooooooooooooo.”

My husband just purchased a new workout video, the T25 workout. He asked me if I would do it with him. He presented it as something we could all do together and somehow talked me into it. He must have offered me chocolates or something, either way I agreed as it is only 25 minutes long. This weekend we started it. Even our 3 year old daughter joined in.

It was 25 minutes of sheer hell. Suddenly, I remembered why exercise & I have always had such a bad relationship. It is because it sucks

7 Reasons Why Exercise Sucks

1. It requires moving. I am perfectly content sitting on my ass. I am good at it. I am more of an artsy fartsy sort of girl. Give me some paints & construction paper and I am more than happy. Sitting burns calories too, you know.

2. I want to punch everyone in these workout videos in the throat. I know all these rock hard bodies & six packs are supposed be inspiring, but they make me want to start chucking donuts at the TV screen. Have you ever eaten a donut? Try one they are delicious. On top of it, why are they so happy? As they all have ear to ear grins on their faces, I have to keep wiping the moisture from my face, and by moisture I mean tears. Incidentally, the happiest person on the screen is usually the one doing the modified version for people like me.

3. Sweating is gross. Do you know what I hate almost as much as the act of exercise? I cannot stand being in wet, sweaty & smelly clothes. I sweat like a pig. If I could go to the gym naked, it would be done. Try getting out of those nasty clothes as they stick to your moist flesh. It is not easy. I have gotten stuck inside of a sweat soaked sports bra before. It was not fun.

4. There is just not enough time. I see people around me that have full time jobs, keep a clean house, raise their kids & go to the gym for 2 hours a day & I think “Huh?”. Can you run my life for me, please?

5. I hate sore muscles. If it is not bad enough that I just went through the torture of cardio or weight training on Monday, when Tuesday comes I have to endure the pain of the next day’s sore muscles. Forget about 6 pack abs, get me a 6 pack of Icy Hot and a glass of wine.

6. It’s embarrassing. Even when I did work out all the time, I felt inadequate. I always felt as if I was being looked at. In my head I thought “I look stupid doing this, don’t I?” “Am I doing this right?” “Do I have a wedgie in these yoga pants?”

7. It is just not fun. Working out is boring. I know some of you out there are like “I disagree.” That is because you are slightly crazy. All those exercise endorphins messed with your head. Music makes it somewhat bearable, but if my IPod goes dead, I pack my gym bag up & go home. Guess what! My Ipod has been dead for 3 years now.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Please follow us on Facebook as well.

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