Animal Mix-up Puzzle

I got this fun and easy idea from one of my new favorite blogs, I Can Teach My Child. She has so many great activity ideas for small children, I decided I needed to try her Animal Mix-Up Legos.

This was designed for the Duplo Lego blocks, but would probably work for any pre-school construction blocks in this size with a little adjustment.  I went on an image search and found the animal pictures, but you can also go here for the photos she used and her sizing directions.

Print photos, cut out, tape to blocks. Easy Peasy.

After assembly, just scatter the blocks on the floor and let the fun commence.

Jellybean is two. It took a little bit for her to figure this out. Once she did, she loved finding the correct pieces and putting them together. I'm thinking I may print a few more photos and cut them in quarters for the smaller square blocks. That should make it just a little trickier for my four year old.

Such a simple idea and so much fun. Jellybean has been carrying her puzzle around with her and even taking it to bed at night. She's kind of attached.

I also have some good news! I'll be guest posting this morning about my Read With Me Book Bags over at The Practically Perfect Princess. Go check it out! 

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Father's Day 5 Minute Craft

We just finished celebrating Father's Day in our home.  It was a nice day.  We got to spend time with my Dad, D's Dad and D's Grandfather. 
To celebrate the dad in this house, the kids helped me put together a little gift.

I had some scrap booking paper on hand, so I traced the kids' hands on some scrap paper and used that as a pattern for cutting out their prints in color.  Then I photoshopped a message and printed it out on some patterned paper.  After I glued on the hands, I slapped the entire thing in a frame and whallah!
If you are interested in the template for the message, here it is:

Best Dad Template for 8.5X10 Print

I got the inspiration for this project from this awesome blog: Roots & Wings Co.

You'll notice, that she did her lovely piece on a painted canvas with the hands actually going down, which may or may not add a little extra cuteness to the phrase, "hands down." Also note that their dad is apparently, "the World's Best" That's a pretty lofty claim. Sorry, D, I couldn't quite go there. heh.
This version seemed a little more, what's the word...work. I'm too lazy for canvases and paint. Especially if the project calls for a canvas and paint on the evening prior to Father's Day and the stores are already closed. I do wish I had placed the hands pointing down though, I totally missed that element.  I didn't even notice until D was unwrapping it.  He claims that it doesn't make a difference. I'll take his word for it.

I hope you all had a fantastic time celebrating the dads in your life.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

5 Minute Craft: Color Your Own Wrapping Paper

We were invited to celebrate my beautiful niece's first birthday last Saturday.  Unfortunately, we didn't have a scrap of child appropriate wrapping paper in the house.  We did, however, have a bolt of plain butcher paper and lots of crayons.  Both very useful items to have around. Am I right?

First thing in the morning (which ought to explain what they are wearing), I taped a large piece of paper to the floor and let Jellybean and Buddy go nuts.  If you don't have any wrapping paper, just make some.

Buddy was certain she'd like the ABCs as well as an "Icy Monster." Apparently, that is a monster that is mean to people.

The "Icy Monster" looks pretty mean.

Buddy writes out the ABCs every chance he gets.

Jellybean, just let's the creativity flow. She's a big fan of orange, but I tried to convinced her to branch out a bit.

No, Mama. I don't want to use another color.

A fun time was had, wrapping paper was created and it turned out kind of cute to boot.  I think I'll have them color all of our wrapping paper from here on out.

 Have a Happy Day!

~MJ


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