Such a fun project!! If you're looking for something that will last a long time, perhaps paint walls in either fun colors that could support several themes OR try a background of neutrals - tans, browns, etc -- even patterns or textures (stripes, etc) that don't lock you into a certain theme. Once you have a lasting background, you can decorate using wallhangings, throw pillows, picture frames, posters, shelving, bedding and knick-knacks -- whatever! Then you can change it as frequently as you (or your son) desires without having to "re-do" any of your painting, etc. ... View related article.
Not that it's that important, but the epiglottis is actually the membrane that covers your windpipe so that food/liquid don't go "down the wrong pipe" when swallowing. The dangly thing is called the uvula. It does curl up to protect nasal passages or when you say "ahhh". Strep usually has a nasty odor and tonsils and/or back part of the throat appear to have white bloches. Definately get it checked out. Strep isn't anything to screw around with and once you start meds you are no longer contagious w/in 24 hrs. (and usually feeling much better). Go to a med center or doc. -- Better safe than sorry..... ... View related article.
It is soooooo hard to think of throwing away anything created by your child, but do we really need EVERY piece of paper with a crayon mark on it?! I scan their creations onto my computer and then periodically burn them onto a CD-R for safe keeping. When I have time, I organize them into a digital scrapbook and burn a CD for each child and one for us to keep as a memory of each year. (It is also an easy way to share gifts and memories with relatives out-of-state). Also, my mother-in-law gave us very large portfolio folders, personalized with each child's name, for safe keeping of our favorites. The portfolio has a hard cover and dividers with tabs (like an accordian file) so we can keep track of age/year, etc. The portfolio is from Lakeshore (lakeshorelearning dot com), but I'm sure you could make your own version. For larger projects I keep a banker's box (white storage box from any office supply) for each child. I get to keep all of the memories and none of the clutter! ... View related article.
Wow! Lots of great feedback on this one... I too check out dollar stores for little add-on gifts, but be cautious. It's easy to assume everything is a bargain and you can still end up spending $25 on junky knick-knacks. Also, things like gift bags, ribbon, toy cars, color books, etc. are typically less than a dollar at regular stores, so you're actually spending more! Party supply stores or discount outlets are a great place to stock up on ribbon, balloons, cards, etc.. I have a large storage tote that I keep year-round with little gifts to keep on hand for rewards, dinner parties, school gifts, that last minute party invite, stocking stuffers, basket fillers, whatever... Just keep your eyes peeled when you're doing your regular shopping. For example, last year at back to school time I found medium sized boxes of Crayola crayons for $ .20, washable glue sticks for $ .10, etc. (Back to school is a great time to stock up on all kinds of art supplies for kids). At Christmas time, I found Hot Wheels cars for $ .50 and grabbed an armload. Also, January and July are big sale months for large retailers. They need to make room for new seasonal clothing, merchandise, etc., so keep a watchful eye and you can grab really great deals on name brand items (and just about anything else). Books, games, hats, gloves, hair accessories, whatever. Also, don't forget to check out discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Burlington or outlet stores. You can get name brand, high quality and designer finds for VERY little (especially during clearance months). Above all, I say who cares what you actually pay for a gift. It's the thought that counts and the time spent with friends and family. ... View related article.
You could use fabric pens/crayons to trace a picture onto a purchased pillow case. Also, you could find the image you wanted and print or color copy it and then use a transfer medium to transfer the image to a purchased pilllow case. It really is very easy to do and lasts very well. Check your local arts and craft store or look up ideas online. Also, if you have a scanner and/or laser jet printer, you can print an image directly onto fabric to use for a pillow front - just treat the fabric with a purchased setting solution (like Bubble Jet Set), back it with freezer paper and run it right through your printer. When it's dry soak it in finishing solution (usually included in the kit) and your fabric is reay to use for whatever! Good luck to you! It sounds like a very thoughtful gift. ... View related article.
Congrats on your Graduation! I love the idea of hot pink and a party reflecting exactly who YOU are!! You go girl! Find out if your location takes/requires reservations - you don't want 80 people showing up to a spot somebody else is using. Also, if your location doesn't have sufficient coverage in case of rain, maybe think about a "plan B" just in case your weather doesn't cooperate. Look into catering options (lots of restaurants do it for very reasonable amount of $$ - check websites). It saves you a lot of time and effort. If not an option, maybe recruit friends, family, neighbors, whatever and have a little cooking "party". Plan your menu well in advance and plan food items that can easily be made in advance. The less you have to day the day of your party, the better off you'll be. Also, assign specific tasks to anyone helping you and write down all of your ideas and assignments so you know that everything will be done on time. Think about lots of signs, balloons, unique invitations (be sure to include really good directions), etc. Gather photos and create photo collages - a fun way to show off what you've been up to for the last 18 years! Look online for theme/decorating ideas. There are tons to choose from... Most importantly, have fun! It's your day - make sure you get to enjoy it! Good luck! ... View related article.
As hard as it is to watch those gorgeous eyes well up with tears, separation anxiety is very much a part of being two (or many stages of young childhood). I'm sad to share that when your new bundle of joy arrives, you may face a whole new set of hurdles to overcome (for your sake I hope not, but it happens). It's a hard adjustment for kids, but I believe it is a valuable life lesson. It's OK to learn that people leave and come back just like they say they will. I like the suggestions of special reminders of mommy or a special mommy-daughter activities (probably good for both of you...). I don't know what your schedule is like, but if you have fairly regular hours, maybe set an alarm or a watch to go off when it's time for mommy to come home. Also maybe a large calendar (I bought a large, plain desk calendar from an office supply store and printed stickers/labels on my computer) to mark days that mommy & daddy are at work, home, special activities, whatever. We have the kids place the stickers and "x" off days as they are completed. No surprises when Mommy works on Monday. You could also pack a special bag/backpack/purse/whatever the night before so she feels like she is going on an adventure (or off to "work" just like Mommy). Good luck to you (be strong!), this too shall pass! ;) ... View related article.
READ!! READ!!! READ!!!! It sounds like you are on the right track - lots of hands on time. We have four children (ages 1, 2 1/2, 4 1/2 & 8) and have learned that every child is VERY different and what works for one child may not be as effective for another.
Some things I've tried and found to be very well received (hope some may be helpful...): * Every Wednesday is letter day. We choose a letter out of a bag and try to feature it throughout our day. For example, on "B" day we eat blueberry pancakes, wear a blue shirt, ride a bicycle, bake brownies, etc. On "P" day we pack a picnic and go to the park, etc. * We have a set of cookie cutters in the shapes of letters and numbers (from Wilton) and use them for lots of different activities -- play-doh, finger jell-o, cut sandwiches/french toast, etc. * Fridge magnets - you can buy them lots of places or make your own (it's more fun to play with magnets than sit and do flash cards, but you can acomplish the same goal). Check office supply stores or business or REALTOR associations for business card magnets (they already have adhesive on them). Use a word processing program (create business card setting) to make your own magnets featuring shapes, letters, photos of friends/family, colors, whatever you'd like to reinforce with your child. They are inexpensive and you can customize them to your child's specific needs. * Rhythm and rhyming are really important for lots of later development so We Sing Constantly - everything! We sing ABCs to the tune of "Row Your Boat" or "Twinkle, Twinkle". We sing "Old McDonald" including everything from zebras to cheeseburgers and usually sound effects to go with... * Lots of arts and crafts (have him color with small pieces of broken crayons - it's really good for helping to develop finer motor skills), anything fuzzy, tickly, ooey-gooey, etc. is all good for development. Puzzles, too! * Try tub crayons or finger paints - you can draw shapes, names, whatever in the bath and they rinse right off when you're done. * Basically everything is a game. It keeps me young and teaches them that learning is fun and part of every activity every day.
Check your local bookstore, library, museum/children's museum, children's store, zoo, arts & crafts store, etc. for special programs and story/activity hours. Also check with community education or local community college, they often have classes and community activities for little or no money. (It's fun and beneficial for your son, but also puts you in touch with other parents who may be asking the same questions or going through similar frustrations). Good luck to you! ... View related article.
Is he an only child? or the Youngest? Family rank can have a real impact on language & social development. There are zillions of websites and teacher resources that may be helpful to you. Also, there are very inexpensive computer software programs that may help reinforce some of the lessons you want to teach. You may want to contact your local Intermediate School District - they may have some info./resources that could be helpful, and can pass on contacts for playgroups, early pre-school groups, etc. Finally, if you are really concerned, don't be afraid to talk to a professional in child development -- that's what they are there for and will have well tested strategies to help your little guy stay on track! Good luck to you! ... View related article.
I'm an aspiring artist at heart (I freelance in my "spare time") and a mother of four in "real-life" -- fortunately for me, four kids gives me quite a canvas for trying new theme room ideas. Here are just a few ideas off the top of my head. Best of luck to you! I'm sure it will be a really fun project.
* Storybook/Nursery Rhyme Characters (create a one-wall mural featuring a character or element representing each letter -- you don't even need to use letters, just a incorporate all of your characters into a beautiful piece of artwork as representation). * Animals * Sports * Folk Art/Whimsey - could be as rustic or refined as you like (very easy do-it-yourself). Create 3D wall hangings with canvas or scraps of fabric, wire, wood, buttons, whatever your heart desires... * Mod/Artistic - on a prominent wall layer letters in varying fonts, sizes and graduated colors/tones (I can add a sketch it if you need an image). Feature specific letters to spell child's name or inspirational message (Dream, Love, Wish, Hope, etc.). * Antique - shop antique stores, resale shops, arts & crafts stores or specialty shops for 3D letters (wood cut-outs, metal scroll work, parts of old signs, etc.). In place of a border around the room, hang your letter finds. Creates sort of a shabby-chic feel - could tie-in nicely with delicate calicos and garden prints for a girl or very rustic/revived traditional elements for a boy. (Keep lead paint in mind with true antique pieces -- you can very easily recreate the look with a fresh coat of paint and faux finish).
