'Tis the Season

As we begin to decorate, my heart is heavy for a friend who lost her little boy, Henry, the other day. This Holiday Season, hug your children and keep them close.  Tell those near how much they are loved.  I am thankful for God's grace and the peace he gives to His children.  

To learn more about Henry's journey or to make donations for the family:

Bringing Henry Home

A New Life For Henry

With Jesus

A History of Henry's Adoption

So Sad

Chicago and The Dinosaurs

A Trip To The Field Museum

This weekend we played tourist in our hometown.  I had not visited the The Field Museum since, ( I honestly can't remember) probably 10 years old?  Our visiting cousins wanted to take a ride, so the kids and I joined them.  (Unfortunately, Dearest Husband had to work). Here are some highlights of our visit.

Going Native

Thanksgiving Craft- Native American Headdress

Last week the kids caught part of Pocahontas on T.V. Simon was enamored by Pocahontas' father, the Chief, and specifically his headdress.  I explained that these were the first people who lived in America, and the headdress was a special hat.  I further explained that each feather, on the headdress, was earned  for an act of bravery.  Well, my little guy must be pretty brave, because we went a little overboard with our feathers....

Here's how you can make your own Native American Headdress:

Mean to Serene

My son has crossed the 3.5 year old threshold.  For those of you with kids, you know what I mean.  Let me explain, it is a developmental phase where preschoolers test EVERYTHING.  They do not have the emotional and cognitive maturity to communicate what they need in a calm and rational way.  My preschooler, chooses to whine, yell, hit, and throw tantrums.  I have been at my wits end.  This seemingly happy,  easy child has turned into, for lack of a better word, a devil!
Yesterday, I asked his Montessori teacher if a behavior chart would work.  Coming from a public school, these worked for us, but I wasn't sure if it would work for my son.  Simon's teacher suggested something even better, A Calming Jar.  Simply fill a mason jar with water, food coloring, and glitter.  The theory is, when the child is frustrated, give them the jar.  Have them watch the glitter fall to the bottom.  The visual cue, will help the child calm down.
We just made our Calming Jar this morning, so I'm hoping (with all of my digits crossed) that this will work.

Has anyone made a Calming Jar?  What other calm discipline techniques have you tried?  Let me know!!!

The 30 Day TV Detox- Days 26-30

Chair Run

     Yesterday we spent an unexpected day with daddy.  When he his home, our day is usually colorful, and filled with little squeals of joy (at least from Vivi).  Daddy introduced the "office chair" to our repertoire of things to do without TV.  First, they chased the dog around the house.  I caught poor Bingo hiding on his couch, begging me to protect him. Next, they twirled around until they were dazed and confused.  Last, Dustin ran them up and down the kitchen as fast as he could.  

    I hope you enjoyed following us on this TV detox journey.  I believe this forced me to engage my children with creative thinking and we had a better flow and structure to our day.  Has this series inspired your family to limit TV?  I'd be interested in hearing about your adventures!  

The 30 Day TV Detox- Day 25

Splish Splash, The Little People Take a Bath

We don't have any sensory tables in the house.  The next best thing are big bowls, filled with anything the kids are into.  Today it was water.  We gave the toys an hour long bath with an aspirator and a medicine dropper.  

The 30 Day TV Detox- Day 24

Make A Construction Site

Simon seems bored with most of his toys, and I'm busy making a roast for my husband (sarcasm). 

A construction site seems like a great idea.  Simon found some craft tape, and went to town.