Thursday's Thing to Do: Bird Feeder

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
Toilet Paper Roll (just the inside cardboard part)
Peanut Butter
Bird Seed

Yarn

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1.  Spread some peanut butter on all sides of the cardboard roll

2.  Have an area where there's a pile of loose birdseed and roll the peanut buttered roll in the birdseed

3.  Cut a piece of yarn about 18 inches long

4.  String the yarn through the center of the roll and tie the ends together in a knot

5.  Hang it on a tree, or other outside object

P.S.  Any of  you who know me and live close to me, I have A LOT of birdseed that you're welcome to come get from me instead of buying your own. 

Just drop by!

Wednesday's Word

"In your pursuit of happiness,

just stop and take a moment to be happy."  

~Anonymous

....Thanks M for sharing this quote with me! 

Tuesday's Tip & Tidbit: Vocabulary

Here's the "Tidbit" part:
The average 1 year old has a vocabulary of around 100-200 words.  (Though it may be in their own language that only Mom and Dad understand....you still know that "bebe" means bread.)  Also, they understand about five times as many words as they can express themselves.

Here's the "Tip" part:
When you're speaking with your child, integrate new words.  This will help their vocabulary grow.  The more they hear, the quicker their vocabulary (their ability to both understand and say new words) will grow. 
For example: 
If you're at the zoo and your child sees a tiger and says, "Look, kitty."
Your response could be: 'That's a big cat, it's a tiger.  It is orange and has black stripes."

This works with any age group of kids...gradually expanding their vocabulary by using words in a way they can relate to, but that they aren't always familiar with.  If your child seems confused with the words you used, you can always restate the phrase in simpler words.  You'd be surprised how much they truly understand though! 

Monday's MOMents

As we were driving the other day, Katey said to us, "I want to be a vegetarian and a cow girl when I grow up." I said "do you mean a veterinarian?" She said "Yes, I want to be a vegetarian and a cowgirl." We were cracking up.

~ Becky, mother of three

Corbyn:  "Mommy, I am sorry you married a monkey instead of a daddy."
~Heather, mother of three

I have a three month old son, almost 4 months that made my day today by just smiling at me and cooing while I was feeding him a bottle.  Lately he has been trying to hold the bottle and often times gets me frustrated as he bats it away resists putting it in his mouth.  But today I just took the moment in stride and smiled back at him.  I love my little boy and these are definitely moments to just sit back and smile. 

 ~Meccenzie, mother of one

Help Wanted....

I've loved reading the answers to the survey that have been submitted. 
However, I'd still like more! 
The survey link isn't fancy and cute, but it's at the top of the right side bar.
There are only 10 questions, and it'll only take about 3 minutes to do.   
Remember, your answers are anonymous. 
I have no way of knowing who's taken the survey, so don't be shy! 
& Have a GREAT weekend!!!!

remember...this survey is to help me know better what you want and need....so this blog is useful & not just fluffy stuff.

Friday's Favorite: A Children's Book

Rumble in the Jungle
By Giles Andreae, Illustrated by David Wojtowycz

If you haven't read this children's book, I highly recommend it.  Really young children (I even mean 6 month old babies) will love the natural rhythm as you're reading.   Older children can clap or tap to the rhythm, or do animal sounds and actions after you read each page.  It's also a great book for teaching kids about new animals and colors.  When my son was a year old, we read this book multiple times EVERY day.  We still read it often, but he's okay with variety now.  :)

*We actually got this book as a baby gift from a friend of mine.  BOOKS, what a great idea for a baby gift! 
*I'm doing this post a few days before you'll see it, but today, I noticed you could buy a used copy of this book for only $2.00 at Barnes and Noble Marketplace.  The shipping would be more, but if you're already buying something, it may fit into your budget.  If not, the library is always a favorite stop for kids.

Reading lasts a lifetime!

Thursday's Thing to Do: Electricity

We all love discovering new things.  Here's a simple one you and your kids will love.
All you need is a bandaid wrapper.  (You should have plenty of those will all the skinned knees around your home.)

1. Put the bandaid wrapper back together after you've taken out the bandaid.  (most bandaid wrappers are two pieces that pull apart and have a sticky film on the sides that face each other.  you need this kind of bandaid wrapper.)
2. Go into a completely dark closet or room. 
3. Pull the wrapper apart really fast. 
4. You'll see a small bright line of blue light.

Kids will do this for a very long time. 

Yet another reason for kids to LOVE bandaids!

Wednesday's Word:

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the sound of lullabies?  The great armistices made my military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and neighborhoods?  Will what happened in the cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congress?
"When the surf of centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution."

~Neal A. Maxwell

as found in Glimpses Into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, pg. 242

Tuesday's Tip: Infant Fingernails

Infant's fingernails are so fine and sharp we want to make sure to keep them 'clipped' so they don't scratch themselves too badly.  But it can be scary for some moms.  Here are a few tips to help:

• It can be hard to see where the end of the fingernail is past the skin.  Instead of using fingernail clippers for the first while, use a very fine fingernail file and gently file it down.  It's less scary. 
• After you can see where to clip, use baby nail clippers and not the same ones you use.  Yours are dull and worn down and won't clip their delicate nails as easily. 
• Another helpful thing, is if you can find a way to do it while your baby is sleeping.
• Baby fingernail clippers can also be found with lights (WOW!), and bigger handles that make it easier to have a firm steady hold while 'manicuring' those tiny nails.

Monday's Mail: A Survey

I want to fit this blog to your needs and wants.  So, I created a survey to better understand YOU.  I won't be able to know who answered what questions with what answer, so please be honest and don't worry about who will find out what you said.  No one will.  However, I will include the information in another post incase you're interested to find out others (anonymous) answers. 

Here's the link:
Life As Mom Survey

Yikes!  I hope this works....I've never created a survey before.

Thanks to a few of you...I found out this link didn't work.   I don't know why.  But, I've added the link to my sidebar at the very top, and it seems to be working from there.    :) 

Friday's Favorite:

These CD's by the A Capella Group Inside Out are absolutely my favorite: 

Sharing Time:&Primary Colors

If you don't already have them, try to borrow them from a library, friend, or listen to them online. 

You can listen to clips of selected songs from both albums at  their official website.   

Thursday's Thing to Do: Nature Scavenger Hunt

It's always good to get outside, breath fresh air, and do something different.  If you haven't tried an activity like this before, I'd highly recommend it.  (If you have, why not do it again?)  It's so simple, FREE, and kids absolutely love it!  Plus, it's a great way for them to learn about the world around them.

What you'll need:
   * Something to hold everything in.  (A bag, box, plastic jar, basket....doesn't really matter, but most kids will want their own so it should be something they can handle.)
   *  Some place outside (your yard, a park, the mountains, anywhere really)

What you do:
   *Let the kids find things they can fit in their container.  Leaves, rocks, sticks, a penny on a sidewalk, basically anything that's not a dead bug .....or worse.  (you know what I mean.)
   *  After they've collected their items you can do several things with them to expand this activity,
Such as:
     - Sit down and talk about what they found.  Answer questions they have about their items
     - Take the items home and glue them to paper....you could even make designs, or monsters, or new animals out of what you've collected.
     - Trace the shapes on the sidewalk with chalk, or on paper with crayons
     - Place a piece of paper over leaves and have them rub the side of crayons over it to see the design from the leaf appear.
     -  Have them identify colors in what they've found
     -  Have them touch and feel the different way each item feels.  Some are cold, rough, or smooth, ...

Whatever you do, plan for some good time to just enjoy the SIMPLE things with your children. 

Wednesday's Word:

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

~Doctrine & Covenants 64:33

(What is a greater work than helping a child reach his or her eternal potential?)

Tuesday's Tidbit: Height

Did you know that for about 95% of kids,

their adult height will be double what their height was when they turned 2 years old. 

...If this is true my own son will only be 5'4 when he's an adult.  So, I'm hoping that he'll be the 5%  that doesn't follow this guide.  However, with the genes from me and my husband, it's completely possible. 

Monday's MOMent

My son Grant was 5 weeks old at the time. We decided we would venture out to a restaurant with Grandpa. This was the first attempt at eating out since Grant was born. And when we pulled into the parking lot Grant needed his diaper changed so I figured I would change it really quickly in the car and meet my husband and father-in-law inside as soon as I was finished. This was my first attempt at changing a diaper in the car and we were headed to a wedding reception as soon as dinner was finished. So here I am with Grant on my lap trying to get the wipes and clean diaper ready for a quick change. I was close to successful until I realized I was trying to put the diaper on backward... silly me. So I took the diaper off and right at that moment a stream starts shooting up. So I think to myself... "Quick get the diaper on". With Grant looking at me in surprise with a new wetness on his face he didn't expect and my skirt all wet I suddenly realize I tried to put the diaper on backward... AGAIN. So quickly I turned the diaper around and FINALLY got it right the third time. Now I was just trying to convince myself that no one would notice the very unique dark pattern on my skirt. So instead of worrying what anyone else would think I just decided to rock it the best I could. So funny and definitely a story I will never forget.

~Kristy, Mother of one

I love the MOMents you've sent so far, and would love more.  Remember to email me at mommymailbox@gmail.com or post a comment and I'll save it for a MOMent post in the near future.

Thursday's Thing to Do: Search a Shape bottle

Kids will love helping you make this craft!!!

What you'll need:
* 1 clear plastic bottle with a screw on lid (a water bottle or similar size)
* Glitter (I used green, that's why it looks so murky)
* Corn Syrup
* Water
* Stuff to put in the bottle.  (Ex: beads, buttons, penny, basically any item that won't fall apart when it's in the water.  Some good places to look are your own craft supplies, old game pieces, and dollar stores.)
* Super Glue or similar permanent glue

How to make it:
1. Clean the bottle out
2. Fill the bottle with several items you've collected (don't fill it too much though, or the items will be too crowded.)
3.  Add some glitter, about 2-3 Tbl., depending on the size of the bottle
4.  Fill remaining space with Water and Corn Syrup (1/3 Corn Syrup-2/3 Water).  Be careful to not have it overflow, don't fill it to the rim.
5.  Glue the lid on and let it dry
6.  Shake it up and ENJOY!   

-A baby will enjoy watching the sparkle and color. 
-With a young child you could begin having them search for colors and shapes as you point them out. 
-For an older child, they can search and find on their own.

*Thanks for this idea Becky!

Wednesday's Wonder:

There's nothing in this world as sweet

As tiny little wrinkled feet

Tuesday's Tips: Remembering

Our kids do a lot of things that we don't want to forget.  How often during the day do you think, "I need to write that down!" or, "I can't wait to tell my husband, or mom, or sister about that one!"?  Then the end of the day comes and in our exhaustion we forget completely.  Sometimes we'll remember just enough to think that there was something we wanted to remember...but we still can't figure out what it was. 

Here are a couple ideas to help with REMEMBERING.....

• A couple of years ago a friend of mine gave me a suggestion:  Tape a blank piece of paper inside one of your kitchen cupboards.  Find a pen, tie a string around it, tape the other end of the string next to the paper inside the cupboard.  When your kid says or does something, you can write it down right there.  It may not be pretty, but it's hidden from visitors.  And honestly, a lot of time is spent in the kitchen...so you won't have to go far.  Plus, you don't have to find a pen...which sometimes takes a detective to locate when you're needing one.
• A calendar.   There are a billion ways to do this.  Anything from a Baby's 1st Year calendar with matching cute stickers for different firsts, to a homemade black&white print out from your computer.  It doesn't matter the kind of calendar....just remember to have it OUT in a regular place, like on the wall in your child's bedroom, in a playroom, or on your nightstand  and NOT HIDING...you don't have time to find it when those important and silly things happen.  Also, have a pen attached to where ever you have the calendar and keep the pen in this regular place.

Do any of you have other ideas of things you do?  I'd love to share them in another post!

Monday's MOMents: The 1st Batch

To get started, I'll add one from myself so you know I'm really a mother too....

         I told my son he was handsome. He said, "No...... I'm cute. I'm handsome on Sunday." I always attempt to comb his hair on Sunday....I can't say much about the other six days of the week. I guess cute means  his hair isn't combed, handsome is when it is combed.  How funny!

~Amy, mother of one

********************
I took the kids to Costco the other day because the kids were driving me nuts. I had a coupon for diapers so that was my excuse for going. As we were leaving I told them we needed to go get diapers and because they were driving me nuts. Once at the store my 4 year old said, "Now mommy we need diapers and what else?" I said, "That is all." She then said, "But you said there was another reason for coming." I said, "Because you kids were driving me nuts?" 4 Year old, "Oh, that's right." ...Ah, MoMents!!!

~Karen, mother of three

********************
From my 5 year old:
                       "I can't talk nicely, my voice won't let me."
                                                   ~Janelle, mother of three

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Thank you for sharing a few MOMents over the past few days.  I'd love to hear more about your funny and wonderful times as a mother.  If you'd like to share, please comment here or email me at mommymailbox@gmail.com.  Please include your first name, if you are a mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. and # of children.

I hope these brightened your day!

Friday's Favorite: This Book

A few years ago I borrowed this book from a friend.  In the last decade of my life I've only read a handful of books all the way through.  This isn't because I don't enjoy reading.  I love to read.  However, I literally can't put a book down once I've started to read it.  It's like stopping a movie in the middle and not finding out the ending for another week.  Unspeakable.  However, this book is quite small and practical for a busy mother to read.  I felt wonderful as I read it (and re-read many parts of it to my husband so he could laugh and enjoy with me...I think he even liked it.)  It's not a novel, so it is easier to put down for a few hours during the day, and it's uplifting and inspiring. 

Without giving too much away, the premise is this: The author, Dean Hughes, tells us about his real life experience as a mother...for a summer.  He was home for the summer while his wife went back to school.  He planned to read and relax the whole summer while his three young children happily played....mother's know this isn't quite how it goes, and he tells us about what he learned, experienced, and how wonderful mothers are. 

Thursday's Thing to Do: Children's Play Dough

Play Dough of any kind is a wonderful thing. 

Not only is it fun, it's great for development.  Play Dough is also a great activity to involve children of different ages.  Children from toddler's up to about age 10, and sometimes older, love to manipulate the dough and create anything from snakes to intricate castles.  By playing with play dough, they learn about textile manipulation and creativity.  Young children can also learn about shapes as they use shape cookie cutters or you help them mold the dough into various shapes.  With older children they can take turns being the artist and have guessing games to see what others are making. 

You can use Playdoh, real dough (but be careful your kids don't eat it, they'll have tummy aches), or if you'd like to make your own fun play dough, there are many recipes out there that are great. Here's one to try:

Peanut Butter Play Dough
4 lbs. Peanut Butter
3 lbs. Powdered Sugar
3 1/2 C. Karo Syrup
2 Tbl. Vanilla Extract


Combine all ingredients in no particular order in a large bowl.  Stir until completely mixed.  (This will take some muscle work--hang in there!)  This play dough should be stored in the refrigerator, and should not be used after about three days. 
*(and, yes, it's edible)

Wednesday's Words

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

~ George Washington (1732-1799)