Harry Potter Craze

When Harry Potter first came out we read books 1-3 all snuggled up in bed.

But my kids were getting older and schedules made things harder.

That is why one summer we decided to start listening on CD.

This way I could make dinner or fold laundry but still be with them.

The kids would get their paperback copies out and read along.

This is one of our favorite memories we have.  We loved listening to Jim Dale read.  He is amazing.  I think hands down the kids loved these moments more than watching the movies.
The narrator just brought these books to life.  Plus, nothing is left out like in the movies.
The best part about it for me was that my kids really got motivated to start reading.
My oldest can't stop.  I literally have to beg him to go out and play.
Thank you JK Rowling and Jim Dale for making my kids love BOOKS!!

I would definately recommend doing this as one of your summer activities.
He also narrated the Peter Pan series.
I think we will go get that for this summer.

Father's Day Tie

A few years back the kids and I made these darling Tie's to hang as a banner. My husband saw it for the first time and thought I bought him all these new ties. I did kind of feel bad but in secret I was really excited because he thought they looked good enough to be real. And he is sooo picky. He even said that he would wear most of them if they had been real.

All you need is 12x12 scrapbook paper of your choice. 

You'll need however many ties you will be making. 

I did 15 for "Happy Daddy's Day"

I did coordinating colors for at least 2 ties so that the top of one tie is the body of the other tie.

I tried to measure them for you. The bottom where it is wider is about a 3 1/2 inch line. Make a dot there on both bases of your paper. Then at the opposite top corner it is about 3/4 inch. Make another dot on both sides. Then take a ruler and draw a straight line connecting the dots. Then take a 3x3 inch square and cut of the top corners on both. 

Step 1:  Draw two dots at the 1 inch mark and the 2 inch mark.  Then from the top corner fold on that line. 
Step 2: Fold on the opposite side.  They will overlap a bit.
Step 3:  Put the coordinating tie with the front facing down.  Tape it all together. 

Tada.  They look so cute all done.  I cut out little squares with a stamp in the middle with the letters

H-A-P-P-Y F-A-T-H-E-R-'-S D-A-Y

Attatch them all to twine with clothes pins like the ties are hanging out to dry.

Such a fun and inexpensive thing to do.  Plus you can store it and use it every year.

Teacher Gift: Chalk Board

I had literally no idea what to make. Everything is so over done that I wanted something original. I was making a chalk board for my family and that is how the idea took hold. They were easy to make and like $2-$3 a piece. 

We will "Chalk" this year up as a success because of YOU! 

Step 1:  I went to Home Depot and had them cut me 6 1x4 of the MDF board.  It is already white and a lot easier to work with.  I had them cut them 7 inches

Step 2:  I then used a table saw and put the blade up about 1/4inch.  I laid the cut MDF board face down and made a track in the middle.

Step 3:  I got some paint and painted them the color I desired.

Step 1:  Again at Home Depot have the guy cut you as many 6X6 boards that you need.

Step 2:  Prime it.  Both sides

Step 3.  Paint the Chalk Paint on it.  I used RUST-OLEUM brand.  It was also at the HD.

Once you have let it sit for 24 hours apply embellishments.  I wanted to tie a piece of chalk to mine so I wrapped it around the chalk and a small part of the string about ten times.  Then I glued the loose end under the flower.  Use a ribbon that will match your paint. 

I love the way that they turned out.  I even heard one of the teachers gasp and say "Oh, Ellie this is darling."  That made my day:)

Ready...set...draw...

I was needing something quick and easy to do with my kids and ran across this great idea.  I love when other people help me do something cute with my kids.  All of the kids loved it from a 3 yr old to the very hard to impress 11 year old.  It was fun to see all the different things that the kids drew.  I think that my oldest and me could have done it all day long.

All you do is get a different color crayon, marker,  or colored pencil for everyone playing.  

That way you know who drew what.

  

Then you set the timer for one minute.  

-Draw- 

Stop drawing and pass the paper when the timer goes off.

Continue this until you get back your original paper.  

You will know because your color is on the paper.

 Then get everyone a new piece and start all over 

I thought my oldest might bet bugged by the littles scribbles on their page but no one ever even complained.  Try it with your kids.  We loved it.  After we finished we hung them up to display for the world to see:)