Snow Bucket

This is our new favorite thing to do in the winter time! I originally saw a photo of the idea here and I ran with it!

This cost me $8.00 and has already proven it's worth over and over again! 

 We haven't had much snow yet this season but scooping it into this long, shallow tote bucket has been a novelty around my house! my little guy LOVES it! He gets to play in the snow without all the layers and the cold nose and toes! (throw a couple of towels over the table, fill the bucket and let them play)

 My older kids love it too! We've built tunnels, forts, snowballs, hideouts, etc for their small toys and action figures. I pulled out some of the shovels and other digging toys from the sandbox, throw in a few kitchen spoons and cups and they will create their own fun!!

We even had a "hot tub" in the snow for some of the toys! You know, PO needs a good soak after his Kung Fu fighting :) 

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I'll be sharing my idea at these linky parties!

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Mom it Monday #2 - paper plate Halloween

Here we go! Making Monday's a bit better for Mom's everywhere! 

It's the FIRST LINK UP party for Mom it Monday! Your chance to share your crafting, activity, cooking, party and everyday FUN for families and/or moms and their kids to do together!

Here's my idea with the link up to follow down below!

Paper Plate Halloween

Supplies:
Paper plates
Paint
Brushes
Stapler

Step1: Paint the paper plates. I had in mind the idea of jack o lanterns but my kids took it to the next level and wanted to create NOT ONLY pumpkins, but ghosts, witches, frankensteins, goblins, vampires, etc. Love their imagination!

Remember to always "prep" your space. We have an old tablecloth that is used for painting. I don't have to worry about paint getting on it or the table. Helps the kids not stress either and enjoy the project!

Let them create however they'd like it to look and not how you think it should :)

 When they are dry take 3 plates and using the stapler from a shape like this:

Simply place to plates with their back together and staple 1 edge.

Now it's a fun 3D form that can sit on a table or hang from the ceiling in their bedroom and it's got 3 different images THEY painted on the sides!

Now it's YOUR turn to LINK UP! 

<a href="http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/mycreations/Blog/mITmbutton.jpg" /><br /> </a>

1. direct link only - no shops, no selling! 

2. Please grab a button and/or link back to the party! (text link, sidebar or directly in your post!)

3. Enjoy!!!

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Rockin' activites for your kids!

 I recently shared on TV a few fun activities to do with a simple rock and a few simple supplies! 

And here's the breakdown of the projects! Have a rockin' time! 

Angry Birds
See my original post here!

Tic Tac Rock
supplies:
press board
Plaid Paint
Mod Podge
Fabric or scrapbook paper
brush
rocks

1. Paint the press board. Let dry.

Step 2: Cut 9 squares/rectangles from fabric or scrapbook paper to create the grid or squares for the game. Leave a border in between the rectangles. The paint from the background will show in the spaces between making the grid. 

Step 3: Use Mod Podge to apply the rectangles and put a layer over the top. 

Step 4: Paint 10 rocks. Let dry. Paint 5 X's and 5 O's on the rocks. Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the rocks to seal the paint and then play!

Letter Rocks

supplies - rocks, rub on letters, scissors, popsicle sticks 

Step 1:Cut out the letters and place onto the rock

Step 2: use the popsicle stick or another edge to run the letter on.

Step 3: Create words and phrases on the rocks or by putting the letters together!

Story Telling Rocks
supplies: rocks, scrapbook paper/fabric/stickers
scissors
glue
Mod Podge
Plaid paint
brush 

Step 1: Cut out shapes from the paper or fabric or use those supplies to create your own characters, animals, etc.

Step 2: Find a rock to fit the size and shape and pick a paint to coordinate. Paint the rocks and let dry.

Step 3: Apply the "Character/shape" with glue or Mod Podge as necessary. Put a layer of Mod Podge over the top and let dry. 

Step 5: Now your kids can create a story or retell a favorite! 

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Throw a summer dance party!

This was the funnest way to kick off summer with the neighborhood! 

(WARNING! LOTS OF PHOTOS BELOW)

We had the idea and 6 days later we were dancing it up in the backyard! It's easy to put together and "run the event" because the kids make their own fun! And it's ALL kids - no parents (well except for me and my hubby) so the kids really enjoyed their freedom - aka - raiding the treat table without restrictions! ha ha ha!!

Invitations can set the tone for the party or event and give a peek into the theme. We just wanted it to be colorful and fun! I whipped up these invites and sent them to the 1 hour photo. Yup! We handed out "photos" for our invites. Easy, quick and not expensive at all!

 (did you catch that I inserted my kids faces into Gabriella's and Troy's? fun! fun!)

Keeping it colorful and fun my daughter thought tissue paper pom poms in a rainbow of colors would be really fun hanging over the patio. We added crepe paper and some balloon in all colors too! Easy, inexpensive and quick! 

We even hung a "disco ball" over the dance floor. 

We welcomed the dance party guests through the side gate!

I covered an outdoor meter and a pipe by draping 2 metallic door covers side by side as a "backdrop" for the treats table!

In keeping with the rainbow theme we bought treats that were colorful!

This was a very popular spot all evening!!!

Let's get to the dancing!!!! The DJ table had a small stereo with all the CD's laid out. That way the kids could make requests of what they wanted to hear next. Among just the regular dance songs we did a JUST BOYS dance, JUST GIRLS dance and A BOY/GIRL dance.

Of course we had some of the oldies but goodies in there too like YMCA, Ghostbusters, the Chicken Dance and yes the Macarena - ha ha ha!

We had some air microphones, air guitars and even a little break dancing too!

This was a great way to have fun with little expense and it made a big impact! It's definitely a new Summer Tradition at our house!

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