Tots and Me... Growing Up Together: January 2016

Sunday, January 31, 2016

M is for... M Mouse Craft

Cristi from Through the Calm and Through the Storm and Meg from Adventures with Jude are hosting this great weekly party called Blogging Through the Alphabet. All are welcome to join in, just make sure to keep your posts family-friendly. I am determined to stay faithful this time around. I might not always post on the same day of the week, but I have every intention to post something each week.

Here is how I decided my "theme" for this round of Blogging Through the Alphabet. As I was going through old blog posts recently, I noticed I have some neat ideas for activities and crafts that I did with in the past. Unfortunately, I always included them in my weekly wrap up posts or more recently in Poppins Book Nook posts, so they sort of got buried. I can't really share them as individual activities or create pinnable images to promote them and share my ideas, which is why I started this blog in the first place (to share my ideas with others who work with children). So, I am going to make new posts for these ideas.

I have found there is a huge benefit in this strategy. I am remembering ideas that I had forgotten, which means I can now do these activities with the younger children. I will be sharing the old pictures and possibly sharing new pictures of the younger children participating.

When we were going through the alphabet several years ago, I enjoyed coming up with crafts that incorporated the shape of the letter. When we were on the letter M, I came up with this cute little mouse that has lower case m's for ears.

M is for. . . M Mouse Craft

The only materials needed for this craft are construction paper (pink and brown or gray) and glue sticks.

I cut out an oval for the body, another oval with a slightly pointed side for the nose, tails, ears, a nose (not pictured) and the m shaped ears for the pink parts to be glued on to.

The girls glued the pink pieces onto the m ears, then they glued the ears to the head and the head to the body. They finished up by gluing the tails on.

They drew on an eye and whiskers.

Don't you just love simple crafts?

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Throwback Thursday Blog-Style #84: January 28, 2016

Welcome back to...

I know, I know, Throwback Thursday seems to be all about sharing pictures from the past, great memories that mean something to you, that you would like to share with others. At least that is how it appears to me. Throwback Thursday wasn't something I was participating in, and then I came up with an idea.

I thought it would be great fun and a help to my blog to share old content, but not just any old content. Each week I will share an old blog post from a previous year, any year, BUT it has to be from the current week (for example, something I've posted around January 28th, from any previous year) I will go in, edit the post if needed, add a pinnable image if I don't already have one, and share it on Facebook.

I have reviewed some great products in the past (and continue to do so). I thought it would be a neat idea to choose review posts this year and highlight some of these great products again.

Would you like to join in? You do not need to edit your past post in any way, you don't need to create a pinnable image, though it couldn't hurt, in fact it will help your blog traffic to add quality pinnable images to your posts.

Just go into your archives, choose a favorite post from this current week from any previous year, and link it up below. (If you don't have anything from this current week, it is still okay to link up with a post from a previous year around this time.)

I will be pinning posts to my appropriate Pinterest boards and will be randomly selecting a Featured Throwback Thursday post to share next week. Just a note, I will be sharing a picture from your post if you are selected as the featured post, but I will link back to your post. I will ALWAYS give credit and link back. By linking up you are giving me permission to use your picture in the post.

Here is my Throwback Thursday post:

Originally posted February 1st, 2013
For Small Hands Baking Accessories Set Review

Here is this week's randomly selected

Featured Throwback Thursday:

Jen from Chestnut Grove Academy shared:

Spicy Chicken With Dates And Butternut Squash

To participate, link up below. It would be great if you could visit several of the other posts that have linked up. Stop by, comment, and pin images so we can help each other.

If you would like to help spread the news:

Happy Throwback Thursday!

An InLinkz Link-up

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Wordless Wednesday: January 27, 2016 (w/linky) - Sharing a Blast From My Past With My Kids

Do you know what I used to make these lovely designs?

Here's a hint.

I loved my Spirograph when I was a child. But it had been years since I had used it. I have no clue what happened to mine, but I have been wanting to get one for a while. At one point I saw that there is a new one available, but I had heard it wasn't the same as the original. I really don't know, there may be a good one out there. However, I was so excited when a friend at church gave me her Spirograph that had been in her closet she was cleaning out.

Tabitha joined me first, excited to learn how to use it.

Then Amelia joined in.

Did you have a Spirograph when you were growing up?

Looking forward to seeing your Wordless (or not so wordless) Wednesday posts this week.

An InLinkz Link-up

Littles Learning Link Up: Guest Post - 5 Winter Activities To Do With The Kids

Each month you will find:

A seasonal round-up (toward the beginning of the month)
A guest post featuring crafts, activities, tips, snack ideas or other early childhood topics. (toward the end of the month)
Posts where I share what I have been up to with my preschoolers and/or early elementary children.

Each week, I will host a link up, where you can share either what you have been up to recently, or old posts that may go with the theme. Feel free to link up more than one post.

Each week I will continue to feature a couple of posts from those that have been linked up.

I hope you will continue to share your wonderful posts, and I hope you will find something new to try with your child.

It would be great for everyone to stop by and visit the other linked-up posts as well. Check them out, leave some comments, pin those that interest you. Let's make this a real party and socialize with each other.

Today I would like to introduce you to Jeniffer from Thou Shall Not Whine

Today Jeniffer is going to share her family's top 5 winter activities.

During the winter, it can be easy to discount the outdoors and just plan to stay inside all the time. But there is still so much we can do with our littles after the weather turns cold. Over the years we have established more and more family traditions and fun activities to do in the snow. Here are our top 5 Winter Activities.

1 Find animal tracks

After fresh snow, there's nothing more fun than taking the littles out to find animal tracks. We take pictures of the tracks we find, usually deer, birds, dog, raccoon, etc., and then come back in and look through our favorite nature books to find out who was in our yard! They get so tickled when we have a whole family of deer come through.

2 Build snowmen and igloos

Want to test to see if you are a control freak? Try building a lopsided, uneven, one-eyed snowman. Trust me, it will put your inner perfectionist to the test. Once I get over my initial need to have perfectly smooth snow and symmetrical parts... we have so much fun! We build snow doggies, snow kitties, even snow trees! You're only limited by your (or their) imagination.

3 Write our names and letters in the snow

This is a fun one. Both of my littles can spell their names and "write" them with crayons, but it's a whole new ballgame when it comes to writing it in the snow with a stick! The trick is finding a stick that's the right length for each kid. Once they get the hang of it, they are so proud!

4 Collect pine cones and feed the birds

Kids love pine cones. Its just a fact. Collecting, decorating, making into bird feeders... you name it, kids are somehow naturally drawn to pinecones. We like to roll ours in paint and make neat paintings to hang on the school room walls. Or roll them in peanut butter instead and then give them a good coat of bird seed- your feather friends will thank you, especially in these colder months.

5 Spray paint the snow

I know what you're thinking... spray paint the snow?? Yes! The littles love it! Just put a couple drops of food coloring in a spray bottle of water and let them go wild. On a side note though... make it clear NOT to spray each other! That stuff doesn't come out easily! The idea is just to have fun! Have fun with your littles and make memories that last a lifetime. After all, isn't that what this whole mothering thing is all about?

If you would like to guest post on Littles Learning Link Up, please contact me via email. My email address can be found on my About Me page. I am scheduling posts for the next several months and would love to include yours. I ask that the guest posts focus on subjects relevant for young children (toddler through early elementary). This could be crafts, activities, recipes, or various tips and advice. I am always open to suggestions. Details will be emailed to those who are interested.

Now Onto:

Littles Learning Link Up Features

On my last Littles Learning Link Up post, there were 26 wonderful posts linked up. I will be picking one randomly selected post to share, plus the top clicked-on post.

Don't forget to stop by other posts that are linked up. See what catches your eye, stop by, pin the post to a relevant board, and perhaps leave a comment to let the author of the blog know you have been by for a visit. I know I appreciate others commenting and letting me know they have read my posts, so I am sure others do too.

This week's randomly selected post is:

Mihaela from Best Toys 4 Toddlers shared Slippery Lego Duplo Fine Motor Practice.

And here is this week's most clicked on post:

Shelley from Steam Powered Family shared Beeswax Sheet Candle Making.

Join the Party!

I would love to have you join in this week! What sort of activities do you do with your young children? Do you have some favorite activities you would like to share? I invite you to link up below. I will be pinning posts on my Toddler Ideas or other relevant board, and I would love to feature some of the activities each week from what is linked up.

Please know I may share a picture from your post and link back to it, along with sharing how we used your idea in our school time. By linking up you are giving me permission to use a picture from your post. I will ALWAYS give credit and link back. Additionally, if you choose to try out any of the ideas with your child, please make sure you give credit where credit is due.

Linky will be open through Sunday night, to give me time to check out all the posts and get the Features organized. Please take the time to visit some of the other wonderful posts linked up.

An InLinkz Link-up

Monday, January 25, 2016

Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up- January 26, 2015

Welcome to Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with your hosts Karen @ Tots and Me, Emily @ Emily Reviews, Shelly @ The Attic Girl, and Rena @ An Ordinary Housewife.

So glad you could join us as we share our giveaways on Tuesday's Giveaway Link Ups.

This link up will be posted Monday at 7 PM est. and run all week long! Make sure you stop in as often as you can to list your latest giveaways.

Here is how to use the Giveaway Link Up

1. Post your reviews and/or giveaways, as many as you have, be sure to add the end date (family friendly please)

2. Help spread the word about the giveaway link up by grabbing our button, Tweeting or posting on Facebook. (Not mandatory- but it helps get more exposure to your giveaways as well!)

3. Take a moment to enter any giveaway that strikes an interest to you!

If you would like to follow the hostesses, we will gladly follow you back! Simply leave us a message to do so.

Featured Giveaways

Captive DVD US only Ends 1/29

The Plans I Have For You Devotional & Journal Set US only Ends 1/29

Lego Friends Girlz 4 Life Bluray US only Ends 2/2

1 oz bottle of Stevia Select Pure Stevia Powder US only Ends 2/1

Thank you for linking up with Karen @ Tots and Me, Emily @ Emily Reviews, Shelly @ The Attic Girl, and Rena @ An Ordinary Housewife.

An InLinkz Link-up

Sunday, January 24, 2016

L is for...Ladybug Lapbook

Cristi from Through the Calm and Through the Storm and Meg from Adventures with Jude are hosting this great weekly party called Blogging Through the Alphabet. All are welcome to join in, just make sure to keep your posts family-friendly. I am determined to stay faithful this time around. I might not always post on the same day of the week, but I have every intention to post something each week.

Here is how I decided my "theme" for this round of Blogging Through the Alphabet. As I was going through old blog posts recently, I noticed I have some neat ideas for activities and crafts that I did with in the past. Unfortunately, I always included them in my weekly wrap up posts or more recently in Poppins Book Nook posts, so they sort of got buried. I can't really share them as individual activities or create pinnable images to promote them and share my ideas, which is why I started this blog in the first place (to share my ideas with others who work with children). So, I am going to make new posts for these ideas.

I have found there is a huge benefit in this strategy. I am remembering ideas that I had forgotten, which means I can now do these activities with the younger children. I will be sharing the old pictures and possibly sharing new pictures of the younger children participating.

I can't believe it has been 6 years since the older girls and I made these Ladybug Lapbooks while we were going through the alphabet. Tabitha wasn't even 3 years old yet and Amelia was 1 1/2. Hannah wasn't even born.

L is for. . . Ladybug Lapbook

We made thumb print ladybugs on the cover. Our Itsy Bitsy letter L book was found at kidzone.ws. The Parts of a Ladybug matchbook was found at Homeschool Share.

I loved the idea of doing a life-cycle wheel for the ladybug. I decided to look for a life-cycle picture. I found one I liked at everything-ladybug.com. I printed it out and used a bowl to cut out around it. Then I cut the same size circle out of red construction paper and cut out the wedge window. The girls glued on dots and the head and drew a line down the middle. Tabitha loved turning the wheel and learning about the different stages. She was quite intrigued by the pupa stage and she loved to tell us that the ladybug comes out yellow (something new mommy learned). She would spin the ladybug telling us all about the mommy and daddy ladybug coming together and the mommy laying eggs, then the baby comes out.

I also printed out a human life-cycle picture and we glued pictures of our family in the correct stage. As I was pregnant with Hannah, we got to put a picture of the baby near the fetus stage. Then I used the girls' own baby pictures and recent picture. I used big brother and sister for adolescents and mommy and daddy for adults. And of course grandma for old age (she might not find that amusing, but she is the closest we have).

And last but not least after counting ladybugs in the Ten Little Ladybugs book by Melanie Gerth, I decided it would be fun to do something with counting ladybugs in the lapbook. I printed out some ladybugs from Homeschool Share, though I couldn't understand what the instructions said to do with them. I decided to cut out blades of grass and do some one to one counting as we have done in the past. I put the number on the top of the grass blade and then the corresponding quantity of ladybugs was glued on. Unfortunately I couldn't find my white glue and had to use glue sticks. I like the liquid glue for these activities so they can clearly see the amount of glue dots that correspond to the number.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Captive Movie {Review and Giveaway}

We had the awesome opportunity to review the movie Captive, starring David Oyelowo and Kate Mara. I had never heard of this account before receiving the email about reviewing this movie, but it is based on a true event that took place in Atlanta, GA in 2005.

About the movie:

Based on a miraculous story about the power of faith, Captive is an "amazing, inspiring" drama about the spiritual collision of two lost souls, Brian Nichols (Golden Globe Nominee David Oyelowo), on the run from police and desperate to make contact with his newborn son, takes recently widowed mother Ashley Smith (Kata Mara) hostage in her own apartment. Fearing for her life and desperately hoping to see her daughter again, she turns to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life for guidance. Ashley and her captor face a crossroads where they discover hope and light in the midst of despair in the moving film that Dick Rolfe, CEO, Dove Foundation hailed as "powerful."

DVD Release Date: January 5, 2016

Runtime: 96 minutes

Rating: PG-13 (for mature thematic elements involving violence and substance abuse)

There are over 30 minutes of bonus content on this DVD including Journey Through Darkness: Filming Captive and Faith and The Purpose Driven Life. Also included with this DVD is a Digital HD copy that can be instantly streamed and downloaded.

You can check out the trailer here.

I do enjoy watching movies that are based on true stories, especially ones that are inspirational. I was a bit unprepared for the intensity of the violence at times. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, it is a story of an escaped convict who takes someone hostage. Brian Nichols was on the run after pummeling his guard, and shooting both the judge and court reporter in the courtroom. While on the run, he killed two more people and threatened others. He ended up taking Ashley Smith hostage in her own home.

Ashley is a recovering drug addict who recently lost her husband and had her daughter taken from her because she was ruled to be an unfit mother due to drug use. She was trying to get her life back in order, but was struggling. When we first see her she is attending a Celebrate Recovery meeting, after which she is offered a copy of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This was sort of interesting to me because we have studied The Purpose Driven Life in small groups at church, and our church has a Celebrate Recovery group. She ended up throwing the book in the trash, but it finds its way back to her later in the movie.

There are quite a few intense, suspenseful scenes after Brian takes Ashley hostage. However, things take a turn for the better when Ashley starts reading her copy of The Purpose Driven Life to Brian (out loud as he commanded her to do). Remember, this is the book she originally tossed in the trash. However, it appears it was God's will she was to have the book, because as she read from it, it began to speak to both her and Brian.

You will have to watch the movie to see how things turned out. Keep in mind, this is a true story that is based on Ashley Smith's book, Unlikely Angel, though details have been changed as is normal for movies that are based on books.

I thought the movie was very well done. I have seen Christian movies where the acting and cinematography didn't have near the same quality. I was quite impressed with the emotion that came through, and the way I was kept in suspense til the end. Even though we knew Ashley was going to make it out alive, seeing as the movie is based on her book, we don't know how the events are going to unfold and it remains tense and suspenseful. You can see the way God's hand is working in this situation. Though I admit, watching the bonus selection "Journey Through Darkness: Filming Captive" made me aware of some subtle things I hadn't noticed while watching. For instance, there is a scene where Brian has taken some meth that Ashley gave him (which she still had stashed away) and is trying to force her to take some too. According to the bonus feature, during this scene in real life, Ashley actually heard God talking to her. I hadn't caught that while watching the movie the first time, but when I rewatched the scene, I could see what she was trying to convey.

During the movie there aren't that many scenes of Ashley actually reading The Purpose Driven Life to Brian. However, it was filmed in such a way that you could see see was making her way through the book, and God was working through the book to soften Brian's heart and to help bring changes in Ashley's life.

This is a wonderfully done movie, full of suspense and God's power. I highly recommend it, however, it is most definitely not for younger viewers. There are way too many instances of shooting and guns being pointed at people, in addition to scenes of actual drug use. Additionally, during the first part of Brian holding Ashley hostage, he has her tied up a couple of times, plus there is a scene of him in the shower (though he is only shown from the waist up).

Don't forget to check out Captive's website and social media accounts.

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OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

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Now for some great news. I have been given the opportunity to offer a giveaway for 1 lucky person to win a DVD of Captive.

All you need to do is enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

There are only 2 simple mandatory entries, with the remainder of the entries being optional.

Remember, you do not have to do the extra entries, but they will increase your odds of winning.

This giveaway is open to US residents 18 and over.

The giveaway runs January 22nd through January 29th 2016.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

By entering the giveaway, you understand and agree that your contact information will be shared with the sponsor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Plans I Have For You Devotional and Journal {Review and Giveaway}

We had the opportunity to review a new kids' devotional and journal set from Zondervan called The Plans I Have For You written by Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.

I wanted my daughter to start having her own personal devotion time in addition to our family Bible time that we have every day prior to starting school. When I was growing up, this was not a part of my life, but I know how important it is to have time alone with the Lord and I figured, at almost 9 years old, she was old enough to start making it a habit. I admit, it is taking time to figure out the best time of day for her to read her devotional, but we are going to persevere. I thought this would be a great devotional to help her get into that routine.

Here is a little information about each of the 2 books in the set:

About The Plans I Have For You Devotional:

The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.

Hardcover; 160 pages

Age Range: 8-12 years

About The Plans I Have For You Journal:

The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.

Stationery; 208 pages

Age Range: 11-14 years

Let's take a look inside the devotional.

There are 6 sections or "sectors" as they are called in the book.

I've Got Big Plans for YOU!
I've Given YOU a Purpose
I Don't Do Things Small
There's Nothing YOU Can't Do!
Find That ONE Thing
What I Created YOU to Do

The pages are bright and colorful, and along with the various fonts it is quite eye-catching. The reader will spend time reading a short Bible passage, usually 1 or 2 verses long. Then the devotional shares some insight in a way that a child/preteen can understand.

The child can then use the journal to record their thoughts and insights.

The journal's illustrations and fonts are in shades of blue and white throughout the book. There is room for the child to write and occasionally for them to draw pictures. Each day's devotion in the devotional has a corresponding journal entry.

I like the way the devotional talks to the child to encourage them on their walk with the Lord. Though Tabitha was in the right age-range to be able to use the devotional, she was a little young for the recommended age-range for the journal. However, even though there are times she struggles with what she should be writing, she appears to be enjoying it and getting something out of it. Here, let me share what she has to say about the journal and devotional.

Tabitha: I like that it doesn't have to be specific writing and you can write whatever you feel like. And that we can draw pictures in it too, because I like drawing. And the devotional is a lot of fun. I love learning about God and how he is always with me. And a lot of other Bible stories, like one was Moses, one was how God had plans for Moses. There are 6 sectors for you to learn about all the plans, and you're not too small, and God's given you a purpose.

There are a couple of things I wanted to mention. As I stated above, Tabitha was a little young for the journal. The age ranges of the two books do sort of overlap, as the devotional is for children ages 8-12 and the journal is for children 11-14. To me, this seems a bit weird, because the older children can understand the journal better, but they have become a bit old for the actual devotional. And on the flip-side the younger children can read the devotional, but aren't quite ready for the journal. Younger children will most probably need more direction in filling out the journal.

The other thing I wanted to note is that it was difficult at times to tell which pages in the journal were supposed to go with the specific pages in the devotional. In the devotional itself, you can tell where a new day's devotion is supposed to start because the title is in a larger, bolder font. I think it would have been easier to follow the journal if each new entry was labeled as being a new day, or if it had the same title as the corresponding devotion.

Even though we had a couple of concerns, we still recommend The Plans I Have For You devotional and journal. It is a great way for a child to have a time to focus on God and how He is working in their life.

About author Amy Parker:

Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults. She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards. But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.

About illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton:

Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter. Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s. Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody. Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.

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The Plans I Have For You Devotional Official Website

The Plans I Have For You Journal Official Website

ZonderKidz Facebook

ZonderKidz Twitter

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Now for some great news. I have been given the opportunity to offer a giveaway for 1 lucky person to win The Plans I Have For You Devotional and Journal Set.

All you need to do is enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

There are only 2 simple mandatory entries, with the remainder of the entries being optional.

Remember, you do not have to do the extra entries, but they will increase your odds of winning.

This giveaway is open to US residents 18 and over.

The giveaway runs January 22nd through January 29th 2016.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

By entering the giveaway, you understand and agree that your contact information will be shared with the sponsor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Throwback Thursday Blog-Style #83: January 21, 2016

Welcome back to...

I thought it would be great fun and a help to my blog to share old content, but not just any old content. Each week I will share an old blog post from a previous year, any year, BUT it has to be from the current week (for example, something I've posted around January 21st, from any previous year) I will go in, edit the post if needed, add a pinnable image if I don't already have one, and share it on Facebook.

I have reviewed some great products in the past (and continue to do so). I thought it would be a neat idea to choose review posts this year and highlight some of these great products again.

Here is my Throwback Thursday post:

Originally posted January 31st, 2013
Cupcake Clutch Review

Here is this week's randomly selected

Featured Throwback Thursday:

Brooke from Be Fed Again shared:

Closeting a Closet Mess

To participate, link up below. It would be great if you could visit several of the other posts that have linked up. Stop by, comment, and pin images so we can help each other.

If you would like to help spread the news:

Happy Throwback Thursday!

An InLinkz Link-up