Two funny stories

#1 - Mis-heard Words

I was reading a story to G1 the other day and read the line "he lost an arm fighting Napoleon."

She startled and said "What?"  When I started to explain about old wars and amputation, she said "Ohhh, I thought you said 'he lost an arm for writing a poem.'"

I know people that think poetry is a form of torture, but that would probably be a bit drastic.

#2 - Letter to Santa

We "sort of" do Santa at our house.  My kids all know he is pretend, and we never tell them it's real.  However, we do go see him at the mall, because my kids like candy canes and coloring books.  When they ask for things, we say "you'll have to ask Santa."  Then they say "You are Santa.  We're asking you."

B1 decided he was going to write a letter to Santa, because he heard that if you write to him, he'll write back.  Here's his letter

To: Santa, North Pole, Canada, H0H 0H0 

Dear Santa,

I hope you have a great Christmas.

From _____

I thought that was the cutest letter I'd seen.  Too bad I didn't mail it (oops)

That is his real address, in case you were wondering.

Keeping Kids Busy

Yesterday afternoon I had eight kids in my house.  Since I usually only have four, that was a lot for me.  Luckily, play dough came to the rescue.  We haven't had any in a while, so I whipped up a new batch, and it kept the kids constructively occupied for hours.  Of course, nothing feels better than warm play dough.

Play Dough

2 tbsp oil

1/2 c salt

2 c hot water

2 c flour

1 tsp alum

Heat oil, salt and water in a medium saucepan with food coloring.  Stir over medium-high heat until all the salt is dissolved.  It should almost come to a boil, but not quite.

Remove from heat and stir in flour and alum.  When it is cool enough to handle, knead to the desired consistency.

I've seen other recipes for play dough that had kool-aid in them.  These look and smell great, but personally, I don't want my play dough to smell good enough to eat.

How a car guy learns the alphabet

Getting info to the brain

The 5-year-old way to do it.

knit hat

I have been very busy making things lately.  Here is a hat that I knit for my daughter from Bernat Baby Jacquard yarn.  I just loved how the design turned out.  It was great yarn to work with.  Isn't she cute?

How can that be wrong?

I am teaching my 3-year-old about days and calendars.  This morning we had this conversation:

Mommy:  If yesterday was Tuesday, what is today called?

B2:  Threesday

(It didn't help that there was a number 3 on today on the calendar.)

First Foods

G2 has started eating baby cereal now.  It is fun to try to get it in her mouth and not anywhere else.

What's this?

I think I like it.

More please!

I thought only boys liked frogs!

My nine-year old daughter is not a tomboy, but probably a normal girl.  She doesn't mind getting dirty, and she likes playing soccer.  She also likes getting dressed up and painting her nails.  She is a huge help to me and I don't know what I'd do without her.

Apparently she also likes toads.  (I hope she didn't kiss it.)

Strawberry Picking!

Strawberry picking is one of our favorite family traditions.  This year the weather was great - not too hot for picking, although that made the berries a bit smaller.

B1 picking

G1 with a berry

Look at the cool tractor!

Everyone posing for a picture (B2, B1, G2, G1)

Strawberry Cream Roll-ups

Last Sunday, my 5 year old son (B1) came home from Sunday School with his usual Sunday School paper.  He was very excited because this week it had a recipe in it.  Yesterday he finally got to make it for the family.  He was proud to serve us his own cooking.  This is a great recipe for kids.  Thanks, Regular Baptist Press.

Strawberry Cream Roll-ups

soft tortilla shells

spreadable cream cheese

strawberry jam (if your child made the jam, it's even better!)

Spread cream cheese on a tortilla shell, all the way to

 the edges.

Spread jam over the cheese.

Roll up the tortilla.

Cut into slices.

Enjoy!

My Little Cutie Pie

Here is my little cutie pie in a new outfit I made her.  She is five months old, and is really getting active.

I guess she has to be able to get away from her big brothers!