Tatertots and jello command station

It just so happens I am in the process of trying to declutter my kitchen desk...I'm sturggling.  Look at this one from tatertots and jello. Love it!

Burlap Thankful Sign

Burlap Thankful Sign from Red Heads Craft More Fun

Remember to Check Your Pockets!

I have to agree with Loved Stiched that it is really annoying to find paper, pens, stickers, etc. in your clean laundry when you are pulling it out of the wash machine. No matter how much I tell my family I will probably continue to find pens and such in their pockets. (I know I should probably be checking it myself...) :) Love this idea for a Laundry Reminder - it's great!

Time of Day Charts

Another great chart from Prepared Not Scared.

This one is a Time of Day Chart - Love it!

Summer Learning for the Kids...

Here is a link to some ideas to help in the preparation for summer learning. These come from the BYU Women's Confrence. Summer Learning Ideas

And one of my other favorite LDS sites that is packed with ideas is SugarDoodle.net. She has a section with Lesson plans and other great stuff - HERE.

Early Start on Summer Ideas...

Of course I believe summer is a time to relax and spend a lot of time at the park, riding bikes, having picnics, and just doing nothing :), but I know that can only last so long and my kids will get bored quickly. So I am trying to brainstorm and be prepared for those moments when they need a little something extra to keep them entertained.

Most of these are things Ive posted before, but I wanted to keep a list of things I would most likely do with the kids this summer in one spot. So, here is my list...

For starters Chocolate on my Cranium has a great list of summer activities. I like her idea to have the kids stamp wrapping paper and birthday cards so you have some ready to use throughout the year. She even went as far as having her girls make Christmas decorations. Talk about getting prepared early! Love the idea! (for some Christmas ornaments ideas go here at Fresh Poppy Design)

Hand Print Art - these are hand prints on painted canvas...

Paper Flowers - something for my daughter

Paper Hut - was planning on doing this for spring break, but didn't have enough newspaper. I think I will be ready by summer. :)

Painting rainbow squares - another something we didn't do over spring break

Build Robots - My son is always trying to build a robot. I think this tutorial has great ideas for creating a fun one.

Piggy Bank - make a piggy bank out of a small water bottle

Body Flip Book - pages colored by the kids and cut so they can interchange the head, body, and legs.

Mini Book - this could be a book about something where the kids cut pictures, color pictures, print pictures and put them in this book. Or they could write their won story and make their own pictures as well. The options are limitless. :)

Scrapbook Paper Hand print - these hand prints are made with paper rather than paint like the ones above. They are even framed. :)

Rock Creations - painted rocks






Other ideas I would like to do with the kids this summer...

Make Cool Aid Play dough. (when I find my recipe I will post it)

Earn Mommy Bucks - I have this idea of having my kids earn "Mommy Bucks" by doing extra chores or helping around the house when needed. I would give them Mommy Bucks that they could use to buy things from the Mommy Store every so often. Which would be stocked with dollar toys or other small items I have on hand.

Dry Erase Book

This comes from Somewhat Simple.
I love this idea!!! This is something I have been needing for church for my kids. I will definitely be making some of these.

Ornament Wreath

This is now on my to-do list. Love it! Found it off of NannyGoat but the picture is from Eddie Ross.

Framed Bows

Another creative and great way to organize your girls hairbows. I love it! Found here off Nannygoat http://littlenannygoat.blogspot.com/2009/06/thats-spot.html

Ironing Board Tutorial

I have a large slice in my ironing board cover. I've been meaning to fix it for some time, but never get around to it. Having these links found off Little Birdie Secrets http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2008/07/when-life-gives-you-lemons.html gives me some motivation to get it done.

Love Sign

I found this at a friend's house where we stayed this weekend and wanted to make something like it for my home. I actually have a frame already that I think would work great. Another project I want to do before moving....probably not gonna happen. :(

Slip Covers

I need some slipcovers for my second-hand chairs...I really like these. I found them while browsing on A Room Somewhere http://www.aroomsomewhere.net/2008/04/slips.html . Now the challenge is just finding the fabric. :)

Centerpiece Gems

I saw this picture and although I'm not actually looking into making a twig centerpiece - it was the rocks/gems in the vase that caught my attention. I was planning on using the same method for a centerpiece, but forgot....I need to remember this as I attempt to create something for our table.- picture from http://meandmyinsanity.blogspot.com/

Triple Chocolate Brownies

http://chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com/2009/02/triple-chocolate-brownies.html

I am all about easy recipes and this one definitely sounds pretty easy - a must try! I will let you know how they turn out. They sure sound Yummy!

My Fun New Finds

So in my last post I mentioned my new favorite blog "Just a girl" http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/ I just finished going through her blog and unlike me she actually does the things she finds. I love her stuff and style. Here are a few of my favorites things from her site.

I love the whole table arrangement, but I am specifically loving the wall hangings she made with scrapbook paper and foam. I also love the embellished candles. I think I love her so much for all the scrapbook paper and embellishments she uses. So great!

The Wall

The Candles

These are magnets - very cute! My son's name starts with a "J" I love what she has done here. I might have to copy :).
She made a few of these...love them.

Tile Coasters

I found these off Just A Girl http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/2009/02/tile-coasters.html I love her style! These would make for a nice gift.

Felt Board Tutorial

I like the idea of making a felt board, but never considered just cutting out shapes to give your kids the chance to create their own pictures and be a little creative. What a great idea! Here is the site with the tutorial: http://jchandmade.typepad.com/photos/felt_board_tutorial/fb_tutorial.html

Family Frame

A friend of mine posted these family frames she bought for her house. I love it - and am going to have to create it for my own. I love them Laura!

More Baby Booties

Remember how I was going to make some booties for my new baby...well now I have come across some more cute pics and ideas while I was browsing Tip Junkie. The ones below are shown on this site along with a tutorial. http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/2006/10/cloth-shoe-pattern.html Love 'em!

Tiddy Tote and Shelves

I love the idea of a Tiddy Tote...anything to keep my kids room cleaner. :) http://jchandmade.typepad.com/jc_handmade/2008/01/for-you.html I love these shelves. Aren't they perfect for a kids room. I want some!