Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Come Light the Menorah!

Here is a simple hanpdprint menorah that you can make with your child.  You may use giant washable ink pads or paint.  Paint hands blue and press on paper, one at a time.  Have the thumbs touching.  Then paint thumb yellow and press above each finger for the flame.  You may use glitter to make it sparkle. 

*Hanukkah begins at sunset on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, and ends at sunset on Wednesday, December 28, 2011.

*What is a Menorah?
The Menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. It is a candelabrum with seven candle holders displayed in Jewish synagogues. It symbolises the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai. The two most common menorahs have seven and nine candle-holders. The term hanukiah or chanukiah, refers to the nine-candled holder used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. 

Friday, December 2, 2011

Handy Christmas Crafts to be Treasured


Looking for some simple, versatile Holiday crafts to make with your children.    Here are three of my favorites that can be used for cards, ornaments or even framed art for family members this year.  The best part is that you can do these with any age, even newborns!
All the crafts need washable acrylic paint, sponge paint brushes, cardstock, glue and markers for details.  Colors depend on the craft.  Materials can be purchased at Michaels' Craft Store.   http://www.michaels.com/  Don't forget to have handy wipes ready!!

1.  Santa Handprint: Paint red on the tip of your child's thumb and across the top of your child's palm.  Paint the fingers and rest of the palm white.  Press down on cardstock.  Repeat if you are making more that one.  Once dried, add details.  Glue a cotton ball at the end of the thumb for Santa's hat.

2.  Angel:  Paint bottom of your child's foot white, have them stand and press on cardstock.  Then paint both hands white and press on either side of the footprint.  Once dried, add halo and face details.  This is great framed for grandma.

3.  Rudolph:  Cut out a brown triangle and glue on cardstock.  You may use hands or feet for the antlers.  Found it easier to paint infants feet than hands.  Paint hands (or feet) brown and press on the top corners of the triangle.  Once dried, add details.

I hope this inspires you to get creative and have fun this Holiday Season with your kids.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Time for THANKS

Thanksgiving is a week away and we have been spending a lot of time talking about who and what we are thankful for.  I have been modeling various ways to give thanks.  My son and I love to bake so we decided to make a few loaves of zucchini bread and create simple cards to deliver to some people we appreciate.  When the bread cooled, we divided and wrapped up the bread. (Fall paper plate and foil, nothing fancy!)  We handed out our homemade treats throughout the week to the puppet show ladies, our trashman, preschool teachers, and the fire station.  Shay loved handing out his gifts and the recipients were thrilled and surprised to receive this gift of thanks.   
*Remember to keep it simple, fun and a positive experience.  If you see your child getting frustrated or bored when making the cards, put it away and come back to it when they are ready.  No need to complete it at one time. Practice what to say before delivering the packages. 

Here are our favorite recipes and healthy too:
Zucchini bread that uses apple sauce and chocolate chips - YUM!
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/07/low-fat-chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread.html
Pumpkin Muffins: http://www.achildgrows.com/2007/11/30/pumpkin-muffins-recipe-healthy-but-good/

A great article on teaching children how to be grateful: http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/teaching-children-to-be-grateful/

For more Thanksgiving Ideas: turkey time http://mrsodaniels.blogspot.com/2010/11/turkey-time.html
tree of thanks http://mrsodaniels.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-tree.html
nuts about you http://mrsodaniels.blogspot.com/2010/11/nuts-about-you.html