Butterfly Creek

We had a blast at Butterfly Creek to end the term together. The kids had the opportunity to pat a goat, pat a Lop-eared Bunny, and see all sorts of other creatures: Llama, Calves, Goats (which Samuel insists are Horses), Pigs, Chickens, Lambs (to whom Lucy was fast losing her shoe to), Dog, and Guinea Pigs.

Some of us rode the wee train around - lots of fun!

More photos in the slideshow...

Kids Craft

This week we did a morning on Craft Ideas for Kids:

Here is the recipe to Playdough (cooked) and Finger Paint. There are both cheap forms of entertainment for your toddler. Messy? Well, now that summers here, we do this craft outdoors. Yay for Sun!

Playdough

1 c salt, 2 c flour, 2 c water, 2 tabs cooking oil, 4 tsp Cream of Tarta, food colouring.

Put all in a pot, heat and stir. Catherine's tip is to put the food colouring right at the start so you don't have to work it through afterwards. Once it starts to stay together in the pot looking like playdough, pull it out and knead it.

Finger Paint

1 c flour, 1 c cold water, 3 c boiling water, food colouring.

Mix the flour and cold water, stirring until smooth. Pour the mixture gradually into the boiling water and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Add colouring and cool.

Thanks Catherine!

What is a Hug?

Hugging is very healthy.
It helps the body's immune system. it keeps you healthier. It cures depression and reduces stress. It induces sleep. it is invigorating. it is rejuvenating. it has no unpleasant side effects. Hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. Hugging is all natural. It is organic and naturally sweet. it contains no pesticides, preservatives, or artificial ingredients and it is 100% wholesome.
Hugging is practically perfect. There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check ups, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements. it offers no energy consumption and returns a high-energy yield while being inflation-proof, nonfattening, theft-proof, nontaxable, nonpolluting, and fully returnable. [Paul Planet, 'Lets Hug']

My husband & I are currently doing "Growing Kids God's Way" and last week the subject was The Father's Mandate. Excellent material. One of the things it discussed was ensuring we routinely hug and be affectionate with our kids. I think Gary Ezzo's quote says it all "If you fail to communicate your love through your touch, you will eave behind a yearning heart that can be taken captive by anyone willing to give it attention. Don't leave your child open to the affections of the wrong person."

Something to ponder.

Stretchmarks...

We all hate stretch marks, and we all hope like heck that Bio-Oil works! Here's an artical you may find interesting. I've scanned it in, so you need to download the two pages.

The Scourge of Stretchmarks:
Page One
Page Two

P.S. I like to think of stretchmarks as my scars of love... The love of my child.

How to keep that Toddler Active

Most kids love copying Mama. I've been saving all the plastic containers that have good lables on them and then they become Sam's toys. He has a small shopping trolley, so he can do the shopping. He loves to spend time unscrewing and screwing lids on things. It's a cheap passtime, and the kids think they're so cool copying Mama with her cooking & shopping.

Winter Soups

What a great day we had today! Lots of people - a big welcome to our new people, great to meet you!

Here's the link to the recipes I cooked today. WonderMums Soups

Have a try yourself - quick & easy. The Pear & Parsnip Soup is an awesome entree when you want to impress. The Broccoli is very nutricious - afterall, it's a "green" vege!

Remember - If you plan to come to Butterfly Creek - you need to register your interest with me asap. Thanks!

Teddybears Picnic

Our teddybears picnic was a blast! Catherine set up a great trail for the kids to follow, complete with all sorts of things bears like - honey, salmon etc. leading evenutally to the kitchen where a Monique-Bear leaped out growling at the kids (feeling rather ridiculous I might add). Here's a couple of pis for you to enjoy of the dressed-up kids.