Room Mom 101

I have really enjoyed being the Room Mother for Ava's kindergarten class.  It requires more than I imagined but I get paid back in hugs!  Every time I go to her class, I can't make it inside the room before I have kids coming at me in all directions giving out hugs, telling me I'm his/her best friend and lots of "Mrs. Lena's here!!!"  It doesn't get better than that.  I love witnessing kids be kids.

I haven't been able to take pictures of everything that we have done over the course of the first two quarters but here are just a few crafts that were big hits.

TURKEY
1/2 paper plate
Paint
Jumbo Marshmallows (use as stamps)
Construction Paper
Google Eyes

TURKEY PLACEMAT

Large construction paper

White Cardstock

Acrylic Paint

Laminate

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Little hands

Acrylic paint

Soft black art pencil (for writing names)

Clear matte fixative spray (to set paint so it won't chip)

While Ava is at school....

We paint...

We go to the playground (which always ends with a stop at Pollman's bakery)...

and we play together in Eli's room each day after his morning nap.

She knows how to use my phone better than I do.

There are many times during the day when Nora asks, "Go to skool.  Get WaWa (her nickname for Ava)?"  Ava has to be reminded that we did many fun things together when she was at home too.  She isn't always so happy to find out we have done things during the day without her.  Sometimes it is good to keep it a secret.  Although I miss Ava terribly, I am also really enjoying getting to know Nora more and more now that she has a lot more of my attention.  She is a complex child but equally as wonderful and loving as the others.  I am taking advantage of this time.  I will not take it for granted.

I thank the Lord every day (and Kevin too) for the blessing of staying home with my children.  There is not a single job that is more difficult, more rewarding or more exhausting.

Eli - 5 months

Our sweet boy at 5 months.  He is still as calm as ever (takes after his Daddy) and I'm proud to say, is a Mommy's boy.  I'm not complaining.  He will sometimes play with his feet when he lays on his back, which isn't for long.  He doesn't like to be on his back.  He would much rather be in his exersaucer.  Thank goodness because he is too heavy to hold for a long time.  He is really enjoying solid food and is just like Ava about a schedule.  He likes to eat, take a bath and have his naps at particular times during the day and he will gladly let us know when it is time for one of them.  He can lay on his tummy and play, with his head up for longer periods of time.  He has always loved being near his big sisters but during month 5, his eyes would light up when Ava would talk to him.  He loves being around and playing with Nora as well but there is just a certain way he looks at Ava as if she hung the moon.  I hope it never changes.  I hope he always adores his sisters and I hope his sisters always treasure him.  

Nora is precious with Eli during the day.  She is a different child when Ava is at school and she has most of the attention.  She is gentle with Eli and takes time each day to play with him.

I absolutely adore my Nora bug.  She is one of a kind!

Twick or Tweet

Ava stayed home from school recuperating from a nasty stomach bug.  She slept most of the day but when she was awake, she was asking over and over if she was going to get to trick or treat.  Even if we had to pull her in the wagon, we weren't going to make her miss out!  Thankfully, she was feeling better.  My Ariel, Peacock and Puppy had a great time walking around the neighborhood and we were excited that Nana and Papa came with us!  Nora made sure she said "Twick or Tweet" each time and Ava Lena made sure to tell those that opened their doors, "I'm not allowed to have hard candy."  That's my girl.  We love that we don't have to tell her rules like that often.  She just gets it.  If anyone is reading this with children, pretty please do not allow your children to have hard candy!  It is so dangerous.  When I was around 8 or 9 years old, a Gobstopper candy got stuck in my throat.  All I could do was let out a whisper and could not breath.  By the grace of God, my Mom, who was at the other end of the house, heard my whisper.  She tried different ways to get it out but ended up having to stick her fingers down my throat.  It was very scary and something I remember vividly...enough to make me terrified of it happening to my children...or yours.

"sad face"

"happy face"

The next 4 photos are just to show Nora's expressions.  How I adore her!

Eli - 4 months

Of course I am behind on posting 4 month pictures.  I better hurry up and take 5 month pictures!  At 4 months, Eli started holding his back up more but still can't sit up.  He really likes pulling on toys and making lots of different sounds.  He started getting baby food.  We haven't found anything he doesn't like yet.  :)  He was a whopping 21 pounds at his appointment and every inch of him is snuggly and sweet.   We all can't get enough of him!

Ava decorated Nora with stickers.  It was only fair that Nora decorate Eli.

He is saying "oh." 

We Heart Firemen!

Our Soccer team visited the fire station for our community support project.  We all took treats, snacks, fruit, etc...to help stock their kitchen.  Every fireman was so kind to the kids and really spent a lot of time with each child.  They toured the new facility, learned about the trucks and the best part...playing with their dog.  When it was all over, sneaky little Nora disappeared on us.  We found her in their kitchen, sitting with her arms crossed on the table and surrounded by firemen.  She thought she was going to eat with them.  It was such an adorable moment and if I had had my camera, I may have sent in the picture to the newspaper.  It was that priceless.  I was kicking myself all day for not having my camera at that moment because it was the type of moment you can't recreate.

Here ya go...enjoy!

Waiting for her turn.  The firemen got a kick out of this girl!

The best part!

DIY Halloween Wreath

I really enjoy the chance to be crafty.  Some people read to relax, some people clean (definitely not me) and some people exercise.  If I can have a little bit of "me" time every once in a while to be able to create something, I'm a happy girl.  Problem is, those times are VERY few and far between.  I have to say, I'm pretty proud of this project because it took me one hour to complete it (start to finish) and really turned out festive and cute.  So, run to Hobby Lobby, Michael's or your local craft store and get your glue gun on.  

Here is what you will need....

1.  One wreath, any size.  I used a straw one from Hobby Lobby that was the largest they had and was $4.99.
2.  A variety of ribbons in different sizes.  I mixed Halloween ribbons with ric rac, cord and lace.  The Halloween ribbons were 40% off.  Can't beat that!
3.  One ribbon that is 1 to 2 inches to use to hang the wreath with.  I used solid black 1 1/2 inch.  They were sold out of black and white polka dot (my first choice).
4.  Orange broadcloth ($2.99 per yard).  I would rather be safe than sorry so I purchased 2 yards.  I do have some left over.  You could probably use 1 1/2 yards but again, better to be sure.
5.  Glue gun
6.  Halloween sign.  You could also hang a spider or other Halloween item.

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Make small cuts in the fabric and then pull to tear.  I tore them in 3 inch strips.  Trim off the loose strings and iron.

2.  Begin wrapping the fabric around the wreath, tightly, using the hot glue to secure each strip of fabric. Try to end up on the back side of the wreath each time.

3.  Wrap strips of ribbon around the wreath in a random pattern and use hot glue to keep them in place on the back.

4.  Wrap the large ribbon around the wreath, overlapping and hang the sign using the ribbon.  Then tie into a bow.

Wa-La!  A Halloween wreath in approximately 1 hour.  Love.