Are You a Fishful Thinker?

As some of you may know, I have been given the honor of being an ambassador for Fishful Thinking! It's a great initiative, brought to us by Pepperidge Farms, that gives parents the tools they need to teach their children to be more optimistic. The Fishful Thinking site is full of facts and ideas that you can use to empower your children to overcome everyday obstacles. I would love for you to visit the website, by clicking the fish! Let me know what you think. You may also grab the button on my sidebar if you are interested in spreading the Fishful Thinking message:0)

My Life. In Pictures. Something on My Table

Today's My Life. In Pictures. challenge is to photograph something on your table. Our table today, became a place to build sand castles. The girls were playing with their Moon Sand this afternoon. They built castles, volcanoes, and animals. Most importantly, they had fun:0)


To play along with the My Life. In Pictures. challenge, visit Everything Except the Grill!

Jj-JellyBeans

We kept things very simple for the letter J. We made thumbprint jellybeans! I'm not sure why Madelyn is looking so grumpy in this picture. She really did have a great time making jellybeans and naming all the colors as she went along:0)

Muffin Tin Monday

Yay, it's Muffin Tin Monday! If you have not tried having a muffin tin meal, you should! This is the best way to get my kids to eat. They love it! Madelyn is even eating vegetables now! Back before I started to participate in Muffin Tin Monday, it was a real struggle to get her to eat veggies. Now she does! WooHoo!

Here is our tin for the day:

Top row: creamed cucumbers, baked potato, butter bread
Bottom row: steak sauce, steak, corn

To participate in Muffin Tin Monday or to see what others have in their tin, please visit:

My Life In Pictures-Something New

This week, I will be participating in a photo challenge called, My Life. In Pictures. It's hosted by Amber at Everything Except the Grill. There is a new challenge every day. Today the task is to take a photo of something new.

This is something new at our house. Last week, Felicia and Mike planted some tomato seeds. Over the weekend, we started to get some teeny, tiny, new plants. The whole process of growing something from a tiny seed is so fascinating for the girls. They grew pumpkins last year and checked their progress everyday. I sure hope this love of gardening continues with them, because I could use some little helpers;0)

To see what "new" things others are experiencing and to participate in My Life. In Pictures., go visit Everything Except The Grill!

Sorry I've Been Absent!

This past week, we have been trying to do a lot more playing outside and going for walks. We had been cooped up way too long over the winter. I hope to get back to regular posting tomorrow and I promise we will have Friday book projects again on Friday:0)

I Survivied Kindergarten Registration!

I made it through. No tears from either one of us. Felicia was so excited to go to the"big school". I really tried hard to keep my reservations about sending her to myself, because really, who wants to squelch such enthusiasm. When we arrived, her nerves began to show a tiny bit. When asked to write her name on the name tag, she wrote the whole thing backwards. Perfect mirror image. The two eighth grade girls that met us at the door appeared to be more nervous than any of us. I was feeling better at this point.

Felicia was taken into the nurses office for her hearing and vision screening. She failed her vision screening. What? I know she has good vision! They decided to try again after her other screenings. Off she went! She was so brave! I filled out paperwork while I giggled with the school nurse that I have known forever. She could not stop talking about the little boy that had arrived a few minutes earlier. He refused to do any of the screenings and actually ran out the front doors where the buses were lined up. Thank God he was not my kid! The father just sat back as the nurse (who is no Spring Chicken) ran after him. She was so proud of herself and loudly stated that she is ready for grandchildren! Hehe! She could not wait to go home and tell her hubby that she could still run!

After what seemed like hours, my "big girl" came walking down the hallway ever so slowly. You see, we reminded her before we went that there is no running in the hall at school. She was practicing. The teachers and aides all giggled at the sight of her walking at a snails pace. Her vision screening was repeated and as I suspected, she CAN see;0)

We then left the building together, she did not hold my hand, for she is a registered future kindergarten student. She instead, walked proudly, wearing her new backpack filled with goodies to work on over the summer. She is growing up....and I guess I'm okay with that:0)

New Beginnings

Today, I found this flower. It had burst through the earth to stand tall and proud, showing off its magnificent colors. There was no stopping it. It was meant to be. There were no other flowers in this particular area, but that did not stop it from moving forward.

This week, two of my "flowers" are reaching some big milestones. I'm not really sure how I feel about this. You see, Michael, will be 16 years old on Friday. Sixteen is such an important age in our lives. Sometimes I feel like he no longer "needs" me. He's growing up so fast. I can see him changing into a man already. He has a very sweet girlfriend with whom he spends a great deal of time. He has passed through the rebellious teenage years already and now we can sit and have adult conversations. Soon he will be driving! He is still my baby boy.

Felicia, will be 5 on Sunday. Tomorrow she will go to her kindergarten registration. I am not ready for this. It's not like I have never sent a child off to school before. I did it with the boys. We were all excited. They could not wait to go and I was thrilled that they would be able to branch out and learn so much more than I could teach them. For some reason, I just don't have that enthusiasm with sending Felicia out to the "big school". Maybe it's because she's a girl and I feel like I need to be there to thwart off any danger that she may encounter. But, that's not stopping my little girl. She is bursting forth with the same drive that the little flower had. Determined to stand tall even if I am not there to hold her hand......times are changing.


It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear . . . . It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to.

Marilyn Ferguson

Have You Heard of Fishful Thinking?

What is Fishful Thinking? Well, let me tell you:0) Fishful Thinking is a resource for parents, brought to you by Pepperidge Farms, to teach kids a few very important lessons.

Optimism
Emotional Awareness
Goal Setting/Hope
Resilience
Empowerment

All of these ingredients can make a happy child, ready to face the challenges of life! Please take a moment, if you will, and visit the Fishful Thinking site by clicking on the fish below. Let me know what your thoughts are. I would love to hear what you think:0)

Muffin Tin Monday-Rainbows

We have not done a muffin tin meal in a while. The girls have really missed it, so today we got back in the game! The theme for today's Muffin Tin Monday is rainbows! As you can see by the picture, Madelyn was thrilled to have her tin again:0)

We had RED-tomatoes

ORANGE-oranges

YELLOW-bananas

GREEN-bell peppers

BLUE-cup

with

PURPLE- juice

...and an extra special treat...a RAINBOW of fruit snacks:0)

For more Muffin Tin Meals, please visit Her Cup Overfloweth!

Ii-Ice Cream Cones

Today we moved on to our next letter for our alphabet book. We made Ii-ice cream cones! Very simply, we used our shape sponges to create our favorite two scoop ice cream cones:0)

Awarded! Thank You!

This Award was given to me by Keeling from Confessions of a Mommy Blogger!

The rules for this award are to list 7 things that I love and then pass the award on to 7 blogs I love to read!

7 things I love:

1. family-I would not be who I am without them! They are awesome:0)

2. books-I have always had such a great love of reading and I really try to pass that on to my kids.

3. flowers-Spring has sprung and the flowers are magnificent!

4. long walks-Quiet walks with my family are the best!

5. cooking-Anytime I can spend in the kitchen creating great dishes is wonderful. My kids are always eager to help.

6. summer days at the lake-My kids have been asking for a few weeks when we are going to the lake. I think we will wait until it's a bit warmer;0)

7. roller coasters-My boys and I ride any coaster we can together. I can't wait for summer to get here!

I also received this award from Annette at The Whipples!

Thank you both very much for the awards! I really appreciate the positive feedback that I receive here at Just For Fun! I love doing what we do and I am happy to share that with all of you:0) I am going to pass these awards on to all of my followers! There are so many incredible blogs out there and it is too hard to choose just a few.

Mady Quotes

Madelyn was not very happy with me yesterday. I had the nerve to tell her that she could not get a bath in the middle of the day. She stormed out of the room and yelled, "Fine, I'm not your grandson anymore!" I guess I'm supposed to be offended;0)

Friday Book Project-Ducklings Love

Welcome Spring! Today for this first day of Spring, we chose a book that the girls got last Easter. It's called Ducklings Love by Lisa McCue! What says spring like a sweet little duckling? So of coarse, we made some ducklings with the girls teeny, tiny feet!

1. My favorite part, paint your child's foot with yellow paint.


2. Stamp them on a piece of construction paper.


3. We did this two times per paper.


4. Fill in the details, such as, grass, feet, beaks, and even clouds or flowers.


5. There you have it! Some cute little ducklings made with your feet:0)



If you have a book inspired project that you would like to share, add your link to Mr. Linky. Happy reading:0)

Felicia's Future?

I just walked in the room and this is how I found Felicia. Topless, showing butt cleavage, and surrounded by pennies! I sure hope this is not a glimpse at her future career;0)

You Are My Sunshine!

The spring weather is upon us and we could not be happier! So, after a day of playing outside in the warm sunshine, we decided to makes the sun shine inside!

1. Paint a paper plate with yellow paint. We used our fingers to paint because sometimes we just like to get messy;0)

2. Trace and cut out several hands.

3. After your paint is dry, turn the plate over and glue the hands around the outside of the plate.

4. Add a face.

5. now you have a beautiful sun to hang inside! (Don't you just love the cheesy smile!)

Life Goes On

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did you remember to wear your green? Ah, who am I kidding, I forgot of course. But I did remember in time to dress the girls. They were so cute, hoping to catch a Leprechaun today:0)


So far this week has been crazy busy! Aaron has PSSA tests, so we have to travel a bit to get to the testing place. So that means early to rise, which has not been so easy for the girls or for myself for that matter. One more day of that and I will be so glad when it is over.

Yesterday, we went out for breakfast with the girls while Aaron was taking his tests. Big Daddy asked the girls to finish their orange juice so that we could go to Target. Madelyn reached over and grabbed his arm and said "Daddy, that would be Tar-Jaaaay!" Man did I laugh! He just looked at her all confused and said "okay?" Hehe!

On Saturday, Mike and my Dad started a new project at my parents house. They are building a new sidewalk. My boys scooped out piles of dirt and shoveled in mounds of stones. Aaron even helped do the cement work yesterday after his testing. He only stepped in the wet cement once, as did Mady. Oh well, what can I say, they inherited my grace. Given the opportunities for disaster yesterday, I think we did quite well. The menfolk worked to smooth out the cement for many, many hours until we were all exhausted. Late to bed for all. I am very proud of my boys, they are becoming great workers, just like their Dad!

Mike and Felicia planted some tomato plants today from this cute little growing kit that we bought at Toy r Us! It is always so sweet to see those two working on a project. Did I mention that Big Daddy has the week off? Not in our plan, it's a plant shutdown for a week. We will make the best of it. We always do:0)

The weather was so nice today, signs of spring are everywhere. Flowers are unearthing themselves to spread their joyous color. That makes me happy!

Well, Big Daddy went to my parent's house to continue beautifying the yard. I however could not stand to watch my laundry mountain grow any taller. I plan to put the girls to bed a little early, they need their rest. Then I think I will challenge my youngest and most rambunctious son to a game of Rummy. We are currently in a long-running game that of which, I am losing:0(

A Bit of This and That

Today under this gorgeous blue sky...

the "littles" played follow the leader,

and danced.

The "bigs" worked hard building a new sidewalk...

and spoiled babies! (He's looking at her that way because his Mommy told him not to let us spoil him:0) Oops!)

Again we had a great weekend! Except for the "falling off the wagon" part! That's okay! Tomorrow I will get back on:0(

Aaron has more PSSA tests for school this week, so Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we will be away for a bit. The best part about it is, the area where he has to test is a great place to shop. I will try to do my best to stimulate the economy:0)

Oh yeah, I won another prize from the Spring fling! I won a three month membership to Jumpstart.com from Screaming Mimi! The girls are really going to love this:0)

My very best blogging buddy Vickie from Vickie's Scrapbooking and Tidbits gave me another award! She is the kindest and most loyal person a gal could ever meet:0) thank you Vickie! You put a smile on my face again!

As you can probably guess, I have been very busy lately just being a mom. I am sorry that I have not gotten around to all your blogs or responded to some of your comments. I really do appreciate all your kind words. I am hoping to get caught up again this week:0)

Have a great week and just enjoy life!

I Fell Off The Wagon....Hard!

So it started with this...

and then I found myself having a major chocolate attack. I made that most delicious chocolate cake ever! I ate cake for breakfast and have had a pig fest ever since! Yikes! So, if there is no think thin Thursday post this week, it's because I was afraid to step on the scale!

Friday Book Project-Donation Day

Our book project for today is going in a whole different direction. We have been buying and collecting books for quite some time at our house. When I was expecting my first child, I began buying books for him. I love to read and I always wanted to pass that love of reading on to my kids. We bought books every time we were at the grocery store, garage sales and from the book clubs that were distributed at school. Well, needless to say, we now have thousands of books filling many shelves and bins in our house.

Today, we took some time to sort through our book collection and choose some books that we would like to donate. We usually donate books to preschool or take them to good will. There are a lot of places that would be more then happy to receive some of your old books. Many children have no books at all! So, when you have the time, sort through some of your old books. I am sure you could pass some along too:0)

If you have a book inspired project that you would like top share, please add your link below. You may add your link anytime between now and next Friday:0)

We Have a Winner!

The winner of our Spring Fling Giveaway is .......Carebear!

Thanks to everyone who entered our very first giveaway! I had so much fun that I am sure we will have another very soon:0)

Kiss My Grits!

Sometimes when Big Daddy requests this for breakfast....

I feel like this...

"Kiss My Grits!"

Oh Happy Day!!!

You may remember a few posts back I wrote about Fishful Thinking. Tiffany from the R Family Diaries was chosen to be a part of the faculty for the Fishful Thinking Symposium. She was holding a giveaway to raise awareness for this wonderful cause. Guess what...I won! Yea for me! I am happy to announce that I won a (much needed) $100 Target gift card! Woo-Hoo!

So of course, I am super excited and equally grateful to Tiffany. Thank you so much!

Have You Found Your Pot of Gold?

Rainbows and pots of gold are a must when you are decorating for St. Patrick's Day. Here is one that is made from a paper plate.

1. Cut a paper plate in half.


2. Cut the center of the plate out to form a rainbow shape.


3. Paint the half with black paint.


4. On the other piece, paint a rainbow using fingerprints.


5. Cut a cloud from construction paper and paint it white.


6. Cut some circles from yellow paper and glue them to the back of the black piece, sticking out over the edge.


7. Glue the pot of gold to one end of the rainbow.


8.Glue the cloud to the other end.


9. Add a piece of string to the top to hang your rainbow.

My Dirty Little Secret!

Today I received a cute card from my friend Whitney. She is so kind and she knows me so well! While I was reading it, my son was reading over my shoulder, when I heard him gasp.

"Mom, how does she know that we have a mountain of laundry?"
I immediately burst into laughter! I said, "Aaron, it's not like it's a dirty little secret!"
"What? You mean you tell people that stuff?"
"Of course I do. I blog about real life. They know everything about me."
"Are you kidding me?! Do they know that I have wart on my hand?"
They do now;0)

So here is a current picture of me, if you look ever so closely, you can see my very stylish boots sticking out from under said laundry mountain!