Spring Activities For Toddlers

1. Duck Duck Goose with Puddles!

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This is a springtime spin off the typical child's game of Duck Duck Goose. Best with several toddlers or your whole family. Cut out water-droplet shaped cardboard pieces, or simple round shapes that look like puddles on the ground, to avoid having a sharp point. Wrap the cardboard in tin foil, and you have a shimmery puddle that won't get anyone wet or muddy! Once everyone has their own puddle, you can have better placing for the Duck Duck Goose circle, and a specific spot for the two runners to reach for!

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2. Spring Inside Planting!

Cut off some carrot tops and put each one in a dish with some pebbles. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the carrot. Hide the dishes in a place where there is not too much sun. In just a few days, the carrot tops will begin sprouting and turn into plants.

3. Clouds!

Cut two cloud shapes out of white finger-paint paper. Glue (or staple) around edges except for a small opening. Your children can stuff it with toilet paper. Dry and hang the draft with yarn and paper clips. Now you have puffy white clouds!

4. Hand Flowers!

Trace outlines of your toddler's hand on paper. Cut out the hand shapes. Using a pencil, roll the fingers up so that they curl. Curl the hand shape vertically into a sort of trumpet/lily shaped cylinder with the finger curls curling outwards. Staple the flower onto a drinking straw, along with cutout leaves. With four of five of these, you will have a nice bouquet!

5. Furry Bird!

Cut out the shape of a bird and let your children glue feathers to the bird.

6. Pudding paint!

The materials you will need are: Instant pudding, food coloring, small containers for pudding, long sheet of bulletin board paper or heavy craft paper, soap and water.

Prepare pudding and tape paper to a table. You can pre mix the food coloring with the pudding or let your children do it. Give each child their own container of pudding, then let them use their fingers to do the rest. Ask your them to draw a bird, nest, flower or any other springtime shape you can think of!

I hope this article provides you with some fun activities to do with your child.

Spring Activities For Toddlers

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Stork Craft Aspen 5 Drawer Chest, Espresso

Christmas Sales Stork Craft Aspen 5 Drawer Chest, Espresso 201

Dec 12, 2011 18:22:10

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Aspen 5 Drawer Chest, Espresso Feature

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Aspen 5 Drawer Chest, Espresso Overview

Your baby deserves the best. Your child's safety is our greatest concern. Stork Craft strives to exceed your expectations in the areas of safety, performance, usability and style. All Stork Craft products meet or exceed domestic and international regulatory standards for juvenile furniture safety and performance, and are carefully designed to mitigate the risks of potential hazards to your child. Features: Made of solid wood and wood products Easy assembly using cam-lock construction Steel drawer glides with safety stop Round wooden pulls Durable non-toxic finish Tipping restraint included Finish: Espresso JPMA Certified Assembly Instructions

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Reborn Baby Dolls - Perfect in Every Way

I wouldn't call this a fad, but there is definitely something strong going on with collecting reborn baby dolls, and classic dolls like these in general. This is interesting, considering how these realistic dolls earned their name. Or perhaps it's the fact that they can be so incredibly realistic that you find yourself tippy-toeing across the floor when they are in the crib!

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Reborn baby dolls are called this because they are, in fact "reborn" as part of the manufacturing process. It all starts with a high-quality baby doll, and crafts persons add all of the incredible and highly unique details, turning an ordinary toy into a genuine work of art. Skin coloring and toning, the application of wisps of light and fluffy baby hair and other minute details go into the making of a reborn doll. The best examples can take many hours of disassembly, modification and reassembly to make them look just-so. The realism comes from the talent and dedication of the crafts people working their magic on a plain, vinyl doll.

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That's why these reborn baby dolls from certain artists are becoming very much in demand. Similar to most other artistic endeavors, these lifelike works of art truly "come to life" in the hands of talented and experienced artists.

The first time I saw one of these awesome creations, I watched closely to see if the child was breathing. Every minute detail was so perfect that I thought I was looking at the real thing! I was fooled, but then so are a lot of people - that's the goal! Naturally, there are many different price ranges, and I doubt that you would want to give a ,000 masterpiece to a small child to play house with. But, rest assured, there is a reborn doll for every purpose and pocketbook- there's one for you too.

The more expensive reborn baby dolls go through quite a process to become works of art. First, the doll is completely disassembled, cleaned and stripped of any paint, glues hair and other items not needed. Now, it's time for the craft person to take over. Expensive Angora Kid mohair is stitched expertly into place to resemble real fine baby hair. Then, as the vinyl body material is somewhat translucent, paint is applied in the inside to help give the skin its natural appearance.

Then, acrylic or oil-based paints are used on the eyebrows, lips and facial creases to give all realistic facial details that, at first glance, completely fool most folks into thinking this is a real baby. Similar mohair is then used for eyelashes,and after all painted details are complete and dry, a sealer is applied to protect the delicate and intricate details the crafts person has so labored to produce.

The reborn baby doll is then "reborn," as all of the modified components are reassembled back into a baby. To add further realism, high quality sand, glass beads and a nylon poly fill is inserted into empty cavities to give the doll lifelike mass and "heft." This makes the newborn baby doll feel completely realistic - just like a real child - by approximating a baby's actual weight.

If done well, then this masterpiece may just become a highly sought after collectible. In fact, many big names make a great living by giving birth to a creation that will inspire, awe and give comfort as only a reborn baby doll can.

Reborn Baby Dolls - Perfect in Every Way

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Aspen Combo Dresser Chest, Cherry 201

Dec 11, 2011 21:57:30

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Fun and Educational Beach Activities

Learning doesn't have to be put on hold just because school's out! Your beach family vacation can be full of fun and exciting learning experiences for your children. When the kids get tired of building sand castles and playing with sand molds, try a few of these popular ideas for a fun and memorable summer vacation that educates!

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Fun Beach Games

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Besides the traditional beach toys and games your children already love, try a few of these new twists on old summer favorites.

Beach Geology

Use a magnifying glass to investigate the sand and shells you find at the beach. Compare dry sand grains with wet and explore the various lines and small creatures that may be on your shells. Collect a variety of shells and have fun sorting, matching, and comparing the shells.

Beach Darts

Draw a large dart board in the sand, assigning points to each section of the board. Use the seashells you have gathered to play darts on the beach. Keep track of everyone's points and set a certain number of points that must be reached to win the game.

Squirtball

Divide your family into two equal teams and give everyone a big water gun completely filled. Draw goal lines in the sand behind each team and place the beach ball in the center of the lines. Each team should try to squirt the beach ball across the other team's goal line, keeping the ball away from their own goal line and without using any hands or feet.

Making Fresh Water at Sea

Collect a small amount of water from the ocean in a large bowl. Place a small, plastic cup in the center of the bowl. Make sure the cup is not taller than the bowl, but is taller than the water line. Cover the bowl and cup tightly with plastic wrap and place a heavy rock or shell on top of the glass. After a few hours in the sun, the water will begin to evaporate, creating condensation on the plastic wrap and then filling the cup with fresh water while the salt is left behind.

Creative Beach Crafts

Footprints in the Sand

This is a simple and fun way to capture a lasting memory of your summer vacation and all you need is a beach and plaster of Paris. Make a deep set of footprints in the soft sand near the edge of the water, at least an inch deep. This works well just after the tide. Fill the footprint with the mixed plaster and wait about half an hour. Gently dig out the cast and lay it upside down in the sun until completely dry.

Beach Treasure Display

Another fun plaster of Paris craft that is a wonderful way to save all those shells and beach treasures in a decorative, long-lasting display. Pour a small amount of beach sand into the bottom of a pie tin and arrange your favorite beach treasures into the sand. Fill the container with plaster of Paris and let it dry at least 24 hours before removing your seaside showcase.

Shell Paintings

This is a fun activity to do on your vacation or is a great way to remember your trip when you return. Collect a variety of seashells that have room for a picture inside. Light colored, clamshell types work best. Clean the shells and let them dry. Paint your favorite seascapes inside the shell with acrylic paints.

Fun and Educational Beach Activities

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Stork Craft Beatrice 5 Drawer Chest, Cherry

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Dec 10, 2011 05:08:09

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Beatrice 5 Drawer Chest, Cherry Feature

Made of solid wood and wood products
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Steel drawer glides with safety stop
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Durable non-toxic finish, tipping restraint included

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Building a Baby's Bassinet for the Nursery

When you are preparing for a new baby, the process of gathering all of the equipment and furniture that you need can be overwhelming. While everyone expects a crib, rocker and changing table, one of the overlooked pieces that can be a lifesaver is the bassinet. A bassinet is the temporary sleeping basket or bed for your newborn. While you can buy a bassinet from most large baby stores, you can also make your own at home.

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Why Make Your Own?
You may be wondering why, if stores sell them, would you want to fuss with making your own bassinet. The answer is simple. If you want to save money and create a one-of-a-kind bassinet that matches the nursery decor, making your own is the only way to go. Not only does it give you the opportunity to accentuate the nursery's decor, it is also fun to create something special for the baby.

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The Basic Supplies
When you are ready to begin you will need to gather some basic supplies. The most important piece is the actual basket that will serve as the bassinet frame. It can be a large, wide-mouthed, open oval basket from a craft store or if can even be a strong and sturdy laundry basket. The key is to make sure that the bottom of whatever basket you select is extremely sturdy and well-supported. Once you have the basket, you will need craft foam that fits snugly in the bottom, a bassinet sheet, and fabric to drape over the sides of the basket. A needle, thread and some pretty ribbons will help complete the project.

Making Your Bassinet
Cut the foam to fit snugly and securely in the bottom of the bassinet. There should be no gaps between the foam and the sides of the basket. Remove the foam and put the bassinet sheet around it. Depending on the size of the basket and the size of the sheet, you may need to sew the sheet together underneath to ensure that it is tightly on the foam. You do not want baby pulling the sheet loose.

While the foam is out, align the fabric that you will use for the sides in the center of the bottom of the basket. If possible, hot glue the fabric to the basket. Smooth the material out and replace the sheet covered foam in the bottom. Pull the material taut against the sides of the bassinet and sew it or hot glue it to the outside of the basket. Wrap a large length of ribbon around the outside of the basket, about three-inches from the top and tie it tightly to hold the material in place. You can also sew the ribbon onto the basket and the material for added security. Again, the purpose is to keep the material from coming loose and covering the baby.

With the material in place and the foam center inside, your basket is ready for baby. Take the time to make sure that the fabric is very securely fastened to the basket to prevent accidents. Keep the bassinet and your sleeping baby with you as you travel around the house in style.

Building a Baby's Bassinet for the Nursery

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Beatrice Combo Tower Chest, Espresso 201

Dec 09, 2011 08:42:55

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Durable non-toxic finish, tipping restraint included

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Confessions of a Homeschooling Mom

When I first heard about homeschooling, we had 2 children as opposed to the almost 7 we have now. I think our oldest was not quite in Kindergarten. Life was definitely different. I never did think it was crazy or weird, as some do, because I always had a longing to get out of the workforce and be at home with my babies. When that longing finally became a reality 5 years ago, I had just given birth to our 4th child.

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At this point, my husband and I decided if we could ever make it work on one income we would pull our kids out of school and bring them home. That is exactly what we did. I wasn't completely ignorant to what homeschooling required because I had been exposed to it through several friends that had already been homeschooling for years. But, like any good thing, I had my idea of what it would be like, and then there is the reality of it.

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I naively envisioned:

Children gathered around my side reading together for hours. Craft and art projects that would make Martha Stewart green with envy. Brilliant children that would far surpass all of their public school peers. A clean house with the smell of homemade goodies for snacks. My children would be best friends, and nary the unkind work would be uttered between them. My husband singing my good graces to everyone he met, and my children adoring and honoring me at every turn. The center of all of this domestic bliss, of course, would be me.

What I have found over the past five years, is that far from being the center of all of this domestic bliss, I am often the cause for household strife. It is true. I am at the center. I set the tone, as my husband is fond of reminding me. What I didn't realize when I set out on this path called homeschooling, is that I was the one who would get schooled and needed it the most.

When I worked full-time at the corporate level conducting management training and investigations in a human resource capacity, I thought homeschooling would be a breeze comparatively. But in the corporate world, there are places to hide - like behind polices and procedures. There are places to escape - like the break room or home, for goodness' sake. If you mess up, you may receive a warning or some form of corrective action. If your employees mess up, there is a policy and procedure manual that tells us step by step how to deal with every possible situation. I should know: I helped write it. But with parenting - and particularly homeschooling - there is no manual. There are no warnings or corrective action where your boss tells you how to fix the problem. Nope - it is all you.

I began to discover that all of the things that I struggled with: patience, kindness, selfishness, self-control, anger, etc. - were the things that I was dealing with most. I thought this was supposed to be about the "Three R's," or even about developing my kids' character. The truth is that those things are part of it. But the schooling doesn't stop at the children. How can I expect my children to have exemplary character, if I show them daily my own lack? How will my children learn how to be diligent in completing their schoolwork in a timely manner, if I can't stop wasting all my time on Facebook? How will my children learn to make peace with each other if I am constantly arguing with them?

For us, homeschooling isn't taken on a day-to-day basis or year-to-year basis. It is part of life. It may be one of the hardest parts of life, because I am faced to see myself and all my weaknesses reflected back to me in the eyes of my children every single day. It would be much easier to shuffle them off every morning to an expert who will fill their heads but not their hearts, and never have to deal with the parts of me that need to be dealt with. Yes, after five years of homeschooling (and at this point, about 17 more to go) I can honestly say that I was right and so was my husband: I am the center and I do set the tone. That just doesn't look the same way that it did in my imagination. The lessons I have learned from homeschooling start with an examination of my own heart. Only then am I capable of teaching my children the lessons they need to learn.

Confessions of a Homeschooling Mom

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Beatrice 4 Drawer Chest, Cherry 201

Dec 08, 2011 12:17:13

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Christmas Sales Stork Craft Beatrice 4 Drawer Chest, Cherry Feature

Made of solid wood and wood products
Easy assembly using cam-lock construction
Steel drawer glides with safety stop
Round wooden pulls
Durable non-toxic finish, tipping restraint included

Christmas Sales Stork Craft Beatrice 4 Drawer Chest, Cherry Overview

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