The kiddos have been enjoying their advent gifts each day–they’ve gotten light up lollipops, hair barrettes, fun post-it notes, little animals that grow in water, those washclothes that come in a little square that transform in the bath, a little sword, nightlights…lots of goodies so far! Funny what a little present will do to motivate them to get up in the morning and get dressed fast!
Grammy came for a visit Monday and was brave enough (or crazy enough) to make a gingerbread house with them. We should have learned from last year that this is an extremely messy and frustrating craft idea. This year, after some chaos (both she and I were breaking a sweat), we got the thing to stay together using a hot glue gun (the most essential tool for any mother of young children). We both breathed a sigh of relief when that was over.
We also made this cool Christmas tree the other day. You add “magic water”–who really knows what that stuff is, probably deadly chemicals…or maybe just plain water but they charge us too much for it by calling it magic–and watch the Christmas tree grow. I admit that I was pretty amazed by it myself.
One more tidbit–a good Ashlyn quote. They recently learned the Batman version of Jingle Bells–why do all mothers hate this version? I mean, it’s really not that bad. It certainly could be worse. Anyway, Ashlyn was convinced that a boy in her class made it up. Right. So, she asked the other day: “Are the words ‘the joker got away’ or ‘the joker plays ballet’?”
And how about this super cute hair clip? Found it with a similar Santa one at Wegman’s for only $4 for the set! So cute!
I taught my children the Batman version. What was I thinking its all they are sining this year! Looks like lots of fun at your house. :)
OH- Sawyer just learned the “batman” version of Jingle Bells too…..except he butchers it. I’m actually finding myself CORRECTING him so he’ll sing it right!!! :)
We’re attempting the gingerbread house here soon….hot glue gun. I’m making a mental note because last year the GBH came crashing down!!!
I sang the Batman version to the kids myself … it’s just so darn catchy. Now Carter has his own version: “…batman smells…Mommy buys the eggs” :)
We have yet to tackle the gingerbread house. Fortunately, Chad LOVES to do this so I get lots of help (I think it has something to do with all the candy …)
The barrettes are so cute! Wish we had a Wegmans! I’m not gonna touch the Batman song…my son would find a way to turn it into potty mouth. But the gingerbread house…I understand. I “let” my mom do it with my kids this year, too. I wasn’t going to play that game again with THREE kids. I let Mom have all the fun! What a mess!
Take Care, Petrie
Glue gun! Why didn’t I think of that?? If you’ve read my post you know that the gingerbread house is one Christmas craft that raises my blood pressure! Those hair clips are adorable!
I love the idea of the hot glue gun. My sister makes her own house, from scratch. Meaning she bakes the pieces from scratch, she assembles them with frosting from scratch. She’s so much homier with that stuff than me. I’d just get a kit and toss it on the table and let the kids have at it.
Have I mentioned how I desise kid crafts?! :)
And that hair clip?! OY. I love it. Wish my Giant had little doo-dads that cute. I’ll look around at Walmart today.
Ugh. Walmart today. There goes my Thursday happies. . . .
Hi Kelly–
I’ve been thinking about you a lot and still keeping you in my prayers. I love the barretts–I need to give that craft a good try since Miss L.L. loves hair bows. After 3 boys, I’m not sure where to start! Enjoy this blessed time with your sweet family…I loved catching up on your blog today! Beth
Super cute barrettes!!! I have to get an advent calendar for next year!!!
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! Such fun makin’ memories for a lifetime!
Where did you find the magic tree? That is so cool! My girls would love that!
Looks like a good time at your house! I taught my kids the batman song too. Does that make me a bad mom?
That little tree is cute. My kids love making things.