Preschool Basics: Number Activities on Pinterest

I don't have a ton of ideas yet, but I've added a few simple activities for counting and numbers over on Pinterest!

Pin the Face on the Jack-O-Lantern

This is a quick party game...or just something fun to do whenever!

Supplies:

Orange Paper

Black Paper

Green Paper

Scissors

Tape

Blindfold

1)  Cut out a pumpkin shape from orange paper.  Attach a green stem with tape (or glue).

2)  Cut out three triangles for the nose and eyes.  Cut out a mouth.

3)  Tape the pumpkin to the wall.

4)  Place tape or sticky tac to each piece.  Blindfold each child and give them a chance to "pin the face on the Jack-O-Lantern!"

We rotated so each person was putting up one piece at a time.  I left it on the wall, and they've played several times on their own!

Winner of the Kids Craft Supply Box

Out of 112 entries, the winner of the box of craft supplies is comment #14 from jodilee0123!  I'll be contacting you soon!


Thanks to everyone for entering!
 

Book Review: Welcome Home, Daddy by Lorrie Flem

In the past few months, I have really felt impressed upon to form a life mission statement for myself.   I have read several books (Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, and Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson) that have pounded this thought into my head.

A few weeks ago, I received a book called Welcome Home, Daddy" by Mrs. Lorrie Flem of EternalEncouragement.com that once again reiterated this point to me...and made me see how I need to be much more intentional with my little ones.

A few jewels from the book:

• Watch that your heart doesn't become separated from home.  I didn't really think this chapter would apply to me, but I did find I had a "symptom" or two of this malady.
• “Time is more valuable than money could ever be.  We can always acquire more money, but we can never obtain more time.”
• The idea of preparing our hearts and homes for a homecoming (when our husbands or children come home during the dinner hour).  Instead of rushing around, take time to prepare and make the arrival a special time.  
• Include spiritual nourishment as well as physical nourishment at your meals and evening time.  Do this by asking questions (What do you think heaven is like?  What’s your favorite memory?), singing together, reading the Bible, and praying together.
• Make dinner time a celebration!

How do you make dinner time and the evening hours special for your family?

Disclosure:  I was given this book by The Gabby Moms program.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Saturday Savings: Fisher Price Happy Songs Coupe for $49 Shipped + More Amazon Deals

 

If you're looking to get some holiday shopping done early, the Fisher-Price Happy Songs Coupe Ride-on is available for just $49.00 shipped (regular $89.99). The Fisher-Price Happy Songs Coupe in Blue is available for $49.98 shipped.

I also posted quite a few Amazon toy deals yesterday, so you can see all the Amazon deals here.  Let me know if you see any other fun toy deals!

Halloween Craft Ideas from CraftProjectIdeas.com + Kids Craft Supply Giveaway!!

I recently received a special Rainy Day Survival Kit from CraftProjectIdeas.com!  If you're not familiar with the brand, you can find their Kids Craft products and kits at Walmart.  I also love the website, because you can find lots of craft activities.  

Here are some of the Halloween crafts:

Egg Carton Spider & Glitter Web

Jack-O-Lantern Yard Stake

Paper Bag Pumpkin Favor

Anyway, the box was filled to the brim with awesome craft supplies for me to use to create something!  But I also have the option to give them away, and so I decided to give this box to one reader!  I truly hope it will bless one of you with supplies you would not have had otherwise!

Included in the box:

• Jumbo Craft Sticks
• Wiggly Eye Assortment Pack
• Paint Brushes (30)
• Washable Paint Bottles (6)
• Foam Cube Stamps
• Hemp Cord
• Pony Beads Tub
• Magnetic Buttons
• Magnetic Sheets

To enter the giveaway, you just need to leave a comment below!

You can get up to 5 more entries (make sure to leave another comment for each way you want to enter).

1. Subscribe to The Amazing Mess via RSS or email subscription
2. Like The Amazing Mess on Facebook
3. Follow The Amazing Mess on Twitter
4. Share this Giveaway on Facebook or Twitter
5. Follow CraftProjectIdeas.com on Facebook

This giveaway will end October 26, 2011 at 5 PM CST.  The winning comment will be chosen at Random.org.

If you're viewing this via email subscription, go here to enter.

Disclosure:  These items were given to me free by CraftProjectIdeas.com.  All thoughts and opinions are my very own!

Tasty Tuesday: Cake Mix Pumpkin Cake

This is an easy (and yummy) recipe to make with kids.

1 Box Yellow or Yellow Marble Cake Mix

1/3 Cup Honey

3 Eggs

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (or Vegetable Oil)

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/8 tsp. Nutmeg

1/8 tsp. Cloves

1 Can Pumpkin (16 oz)

Combine all dry ingredients.  Add eggs and oil into the mixture, and beat on low until blended.  Add the pumpkin.  Beat again until the mixture is smooth.  Pour into a greased 9"x13" pan (if you use a marble cake, swirl the chocolate in after putting it in the pan) and bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes. 

Make sure to check the cake after about 35 minutes.  I'm not sure my oven was heating correctly!!  :)

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins: Simple Jack-O-Lantern Crafts (No Pumpkin Goop!!)

I haven't yet been in the pumpkin-carving mood, but I thought I'd share some of our past pumpkin projects with you!

 These Clay Pot Pumpkins were fun and easy to make.

Check out our "textured" pumpkins!

We made Water Bottle Pumpkins.

You can find all of our Halloween activities here.