$1.00 Tuesday Hot Dog on a Stick

it's about time we get out and have some fun.

Who doesn't enjoy corndogs from the Mall?

We stopped today and noticed that on Tuesdays they are $1.00 - anyone in next week?

Also SoCupcake on Highland Drive and aprox. 40th South is Delicious

Cousin Day this past week was a huge success

gingerbread houses

Have you ever made gingerbread cookies / or a house?

Please comment about it.

A few photos from the ones for sale At the Grand America. All funds go towards kids with Diabetes.

Time to head downtown and see the lights!

Happy Christmas Season Everyone!

What do you plan to do this month? Cookies, Heber Creeper Train, Watch Elf, Make a snowman, paint a craft?

Share with everyone else.

Trunk or Treat anyone?

Hey, this week we're gonna shake things up a bit. We'll be having our weekly activity on Tuesday at 7pm.

We'll be having a minnie Trunk or Treat for all the young kids. Please let me know if you plan on attending by leaving a comment (or responding to the e-vite I sent out, if you didn't get it, then let me know)

Anyhow bring your little ghouls with candy to pass out to everyone else, and be ready for some fun!

Note: This activity is for the Sunbeam and Nursery aged kids. Older kids are welcome to come and help pass out candy (and show off their costumes too)!

Wed Oct 21 Play Date

So I've been a little bit slacking on the posting for play groups. I'm gonna try and get them posted on Sundays for that weeks activity. I would really like to get a schedule going so we can know well in advanced. But one thing at a time for now.

Anyhow our play date this week will be Wed Oct 21st at 10am (note time change)
We'll be meeting at Donalee Bird's house (1341 Murphy's Lane).

Hope that we will see lots of you there.

Thanks,
Rachel Turk

Boutique Sat. 26th 11-5 PM

my good pal Angie has some of her homemade creations in this boutique that sounds really fun. If you need a fun little diversion or outing, perhaps take a trip out.

Also the Witches are out at Gardener Village if you want to make a little outing there. Olivia nearly 3 found them scary this year. Although last year she was fine.
Guess it's a sign of her growing up...

This week the Circus Elephants parade through the Gateway on Thursday @ noon too.

any more cool happenings - comment about or send us a shout out

Toy Cleaning Tomorrow!

Tomorrow
Sept. 2nd
@ NOON

TIME CHANGE...

We are each bringing toys home to clean (run in your dishwasher and let them air dry...I can explain!) Bring a container to haul a few toys in.

ThankS ...

THANKS to all who particapated. The room has a big pick me up feel and I know the children all benefited by our efforts!

Clean the Toys!

OPPS with no comments Kim and I weren't sure who was going to show up and we thought about postponing... Sorry-

let us know who can make it next week!!

Let's meet Wednesday

Sept. 2nd

@ 11 A.M.

and we can let the kids play for a bit and then take the toys all home and bring them back on Sunday all clean so the children can play with them. This is way easy work if we all show up with a big laundry basket to haul toys home in.

Musuem of Ancient Life! (Thanksgiving Point)

TUESDAY AUGUST 11th
Tuesdays in August Thanksgiving Point is $2.00
So let's go to the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving point.


Plan about 35 minutes for driving time.
Let's meet at the Museum Lobby at 10:15 a.m.




http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/museum/hours.html

PlayGroup once a week!

There has been interest in starting a playgroup that meets at someone's house once a week.

So far WEd. or Fridays seem to be the best days.

Let's meet _________ @ ____ time for an hour

WHo would like to Host??

we will determine who will host the following week - just a chill time for the kids to play!

PS if you wanted to be added to our email following to be updated

once we post new posts let us know!

Thanks Moms

Kid's Fest CarNival

A WEEK From Today

SATURDAY AUGUST 8th

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wheeler Farm

a fun day for the whole family, giant slides & rides, rock wall climb, games, sports, and activity booths, military displays, variety of food and musical entertainment, Jazz Bear and more...

all proceeds benefit The Christmas Box House

Friday Family Fun Day - FREE EVENT!

the annual free event at this is the place state monument is back - this Friday... taken from the website:

Everything you expect from the Park, but more, on this FREE Family Fun Day. Huge inflatables on the lawn, games, train rides, a petting corral, pony rides, educational crafts, an art garden, a magic show, carnival games, pioneer demonstrations and maybe a square dance or two. Don’t forget to visit the Native American Exhibit -- new to Park for 2009. Entertainment in the Bowery.

http://www.thisistheplace.org/events/parkevents.html

This Saturday June 20th Millcreek Festival

Lots of fun events going on this weekend. Check out the link below:
http://millcreekoutdoors.org/vendor-info.php

Also the Chalk Art Festival at the Gateway is going on, along with the FREE UMFA craft day 2 PM on Saturday.

Thanks for those who came to make Father's Day Cards... After us mom's figured out what we were doing it went well.

I was hoping to meet up at least once a week this summer perhaps on Friday mornings if it works for you guys? Let me know what you think / and your ideas for the following weeks!!!

thanks hot mammas

Father's Day Cards!

Even if the dad in your house isn't a shirt-and-tie kind of guy, he's sure to love this stylish Father's Day card.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Decorative scrapbook paper
Glue
Scissors
Time needed: 30 Minutes or Less

1. To make one, first cut a 4- by 12-inch rectangle from a piece of decorative scrapbook paper and fold it in half to create a double-layer 4- by 6-inch rectangle.

2. Form the collar by cutting 2 matching 1-inch-long horizontal slits about 1 inch below the fold. 3. Fold over the 2 flaps as shown, then glue them down with a 5-inch-long tie shape cut from another piece of decorative paper glued between them. Glue a pair of small buttons to the collar. 4. Once the glue has dried, lift the bottom front of the card and write a Father's Day greeting inside.

Come next week to Olivia's house

Monday June 15th

9:30 a.m.

bring any scrapbook paper/scraps you have to create your card(s)

Mother's Day Cards!

fun fingerprint cards

I want to make them! anyone else in?

Rainy Day Rain Catchers!

Make a rain catcher. If you just want to stay inside, have your child decorate a two-liter soda bottle, and measure and mark half-inches with a Sharpie. Then you cut off the top and put it outside a window where you can see it from inside. Set some fun goals: "When it gets to half an inch, we'll play a board game. When it gets to an inch, we'll make cookies..." etc.!

I've decided I want to make one...Join us
Thursday April 23rd
9:30 a.m.
my house, bring your own 2 liter bottle to decorate, and any decorating supplies you think would be fun.
Leave a comment if you are planning to atteNd- we could even hit the stake park afterwards?!


other fun ideas I found on the parenting website:

Toddlers on up
Create a love map. Draw a big heart on paper, and ask your child what's in her heart. Jot down what she says for a great Father's Day gift.

A quick hide-and-seek game: Stick rows of Post-it notes on a piece of paper, put a sticker under one, and let your child guess where the sticker is. Then hide another!



Declare your floors "hot lava." Your child can move around the house only by hopping on "islands" (paper taped to the floor).



Liven up a springtime walk. Give your child a colorful lightweight scarf to hold out of the stroller and fly like a streamer in the wind.

Have a race: Use chalk to draw a curvy course on your sidewalk for an instant trike path.
Play laundry basketball. While you sort, hand your kids rolled-up socks and an empty trash can, and promise a kiss for every "point" they make.

Events coming UP

If you've got spring fevor - try to make it to one of these fantastic events that Kim found online through http://www.gocitykids.com/

Engh Gardens' Kid's Club: Spring Tea Party
Engh Gardens hosts a Flower Fairies of the Spring Tea Party, featuring a storytime, activities, and light refreshments. Advance registration not required.

Parents are asked to attend with young children.
801.748.0102
8214 South 700 East Sandy
http://www.enghgardens.com/

3/21/09

Ages: 2-12
Time: 12n-1pm
Cost: Free

Lakeshore Learning's Crafts for Kids: Kites
Kids of all ages are invited to bring their imaginations for free weekly entertaining and creative activities at Lakeshore Learning Materials every Saturday. This week, kids can use yarn, flowers, and buttons to decorate a toy kite. Lakeshore provides all materials and instructions.

801.268.2224
5480 South 900 East Salt Lake City
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/

3/21/09

Ages: 3-14
Time: 11am-3pm
Cost: Free

THE UMFA
Saturday 3/21/09
Ages: all
Time: 2-3 PM
Re-Act! The education gallery is filled with local student's reactions to a selection of artwork from the UMFA’s Permanent Collection, including Ken Little’s found object sculpture, Wrinkle. On this Third Saturday we will provide you with a papier mache deer sculpture, but you have to re-act and make it your own!


Home Depot Kids' Workshop
Children and their accompanying parent or adult learn about tool safety while building fun and educational projects from pre-fab kits. Each child also receives a kid-sized Home Depot orange apron and project pin. Sign up in advance at the store - space is limited.
This activity is offered at all Home Depot locations
the first Saturday of each month.
http://www.homedepot.com/

4/4/09

Ages: 5-12
Time: 9am-11am
Cost: FreeLowe's also does these on the second Saturday of every month.



Easter Egg Hunt
Children are divided into age groups for hunts that start at 10am sharp. A hunt for developmentally challenged children is held as well. The Easter Bunny makes an appearance with prizes and eggs for the kids; photo opportunities with the Bunny are available.

801.412.3217
Granite Park Middle School
3031 South 200 East Salt Lake City
http://www.southsaltlakecity.com/

4/11/09

Ages: 2-12
Time: 10am
Cost: Free

Easter Egg Hunt
South Jordan offers its annual egg hunt at the south end the park. Age specific egg hunts start at 9am sharp; arrive early to allow children to get to appropriate hunt area. BYOB (bring your own basket). Adults are not allowed to enter the hunt areas.http://www.sjc.utah.gov/ South Jordan City Park
11000 South Redwood Road South Jordan

4/11/09

Ages: 0-10
Time: 9am
Cost: Free

Easter Carnival
Wheeler Farm hosts its first ever Easter Carnival. Venues such as Laser Quest, Hollywood Connection, Fat Cats, Young Chefs Academy, Clark Planetarium, and My Gym are on hand with games and activities, and families can also enjoy a reptile show from Scales and Tails, magic shows, crafts with The Origami Lady, train rides, pony rides, clowns, and visits with the Easter Bunny. Small fees are charged for wagon rides and duck food.
801.264.7323 Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 S 900 E Salt Lake City
http://www.wheelerfarm.com/

4/11/09

Ages: All Ages
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $2; additional fees for wagon rides

Easter Egg Hunt & Egg Decorating in the Park
Murray City holds its annual Easter egg hunt. The hunt starts at 8:30am sharp at the softball field. An egg decorating activity at pavilion #5 follows the hunt. Those who wish to participate in the egg decorating must bring their own hard boiled eggs.
801.264.2614 Murray City Park
296 East Murray Park Lane Salt Lake City
http://www.murray.utah.gov/

4/11/09

Ages: 0-10
Time: 8:30am sharp
Cost: Free

Easter Egg Splash at the Park Center
The Park Center in Murray City Park hosts an underwater egg hunt. Tickets can be purchased starting April 10 at the front desk of the Park Center; members must have tickets even though admission for them is free. Age specific hunts in the leisure pool are held at 12n (3 & under), 12:15pm (7-10 yr olds), and 12:30pm (4-6 yr olds).801.264.2614 Murray City Park296 East Murray Park Lane Salt Lake Cityhttp://www.murray.utah.gov/

4/11/09

Ages: 0-10
Time: 12n-12:30pm
Cost: Members Free; Nonmembers $1

Zoomania II
Zoomania brings live animals - including a green-winged macaw, a Taiwan beauty snake, and a savanna monitor - to the library to teach families about animals from around the world.
801.944.7642 Ruth Vine Tyler Library8041 South Wood Street (55 West) Midvalehttp://www.slco.lib.ut.us/

4/11/09

Ages: All Ages
Time: 2pm-3pm
Cost: Free

Sun Party
The Salt Lake Astronomical Society hosts a Sun Party in Winchester Park, weather permitting. The public can view the sun through telescopes equipped with special solar filters.http://slas.us/ Winchester Park1250 West Winchester Street Salt Lake City

4/11/09

Ages: All Ages
Time: 9am-12n
Cost: Free

Saturday Puppetry Festival

8TH ANNUAL NO STRINGS ATTACHED PUPPETRY FESTIVAL

March 7–8, 2009 - Main Library

http://www.slcpl.lib.ut.us/details.jsp?parent_id=407&page_id=407

check out the link to the full day of workshops and exciting events going on. Some things you need to register for, but I thought Master Puppeteer Freddie Spencer's The String Man show at 10:30 a.m. sounds like a delightful Saturday morning activity.

Make a comment if you would like to carpool with Olivia and I at 10 a.m. Saturday morning or we'll look for you down there.

[You can park undernealth the library free the first 1/2 hour. Afterthat it is $1.25 / half hour.]

Morning Request

There is a request to meet before noon - hence let's meet at 9 AM somewhere / someplace

please add your ideas!!!





(thanks for those who came to make Valentines - the ward had a funeral going on, but we seemed to have a great time in the primary room. . . After washing marker off the chalk board, and me replacing a Duty to God poster that Olivia scribbled on it was a great time!)

Time to Make Valentines! Feb. 3rd

With it almost February it's time to let the kids create Valentines! Bring any glitter / glue / beads / doilies / paper / craft supplies you have so we can create to our hearts desire. I loved this heart succor idea found on Martha Stewart's website that we may have to re-create.

Tuesday February 3

11:00 a.m.

Ward gym

please RSVP in the comments section,

and does anyone want to bring treats?

Theme Days!

I've decided that with kids and people in general it's fun to celebrate to a THEME.

A week ago we got the cousins together for SNOWMAN theme day where we made grilled cheese sandwiches we tryed to stamp into the shape of a snowman, made snowman out of marsh mellows, pretzels, frosting, and m&m minys, and a reese p.b. cup head all pure inspiration from my Aunt Martha,

Made snowman art crafts with construction paper, and a bottle of shaving cream (whip cream would be fantastic and a more edible option as well!)

played in the snow inside our house with a plastic table cloth on the ground, a bucket of snow, and made miny snowmen

salt dough - let the kids make their own snowman w/o getting their hands cold

So why not - Let's all add a little THeME to our life

when can we get together for another fun filled theme day?

great little movie - notice the great fun!

this little one's snowman didn't say tall for long - I think her's had a few heads and several sets of eyes and buttons as we noticed they were a tasty treat!

TRADITiONS

The topic of TRADITIONS has been on my mind lately due to a new upcoming year, and a fantastic book I'm reading titled The Joy of Family Traditions.... The book has been great to explain all holidays beyond the ones that I am familiar with along with certain food customs of different countries and cultures that has really opened up my mind to the possibilities of more family fun! Here are a few of my recent favorites for you to enjoy thinking about adapting to your own life - please share your favorites too!

New Years:

-one family video tapes each other every New Years Eve - the adults talk about goals, jobs, hopes, predictions, the state of the world, or whatever is meaningful to them . On alternate years, the family watches last year's video.

The Nativity Scene:

-display your nativity but don't include Jesus until December 25th...let your children place a blade of straw in the manger every time they do a good deed.

-if your child is adopted, a creche from the land of her/his birth can be one way to incorporate her cultural heritage into your holidays.

Christmas:

-make Christmas a season not just a day - especially for children on step families don't push all your traditions on them, or feel like the day needs to be a rush..create new traditions that aren't date specific like picking a tree/ making a wreath / baking etc...

My friend hosts a Valentine’s Tea Party for her daughters and their friends. She serves pink rosehip tea, pink sandwiches, and pink cookies.

March 8th: International Womens Day- Choose a memoir or biography of someone you admire to read with your children.

4th Thursday in April – take our sons or daughters to work day

May 1st May Day leave baskets for neighbors with cakes or freshly baked goods…This tradition stems from an ancient belief that the baskets could ward off evil spirits. A great tradition to revive in one’s neighborhood.

Cinco De Mayo May 5
-learn how to make authentic enchiladas, tamales, menudo, and carnitas

Last Day of School
-with your children invite their teacher(s) over for brunch, lunch, or dinner at the end of the year. Let the kids help plan and prepare the meal

-make a sign for your front door “ Congratulations Mary! You’re going to be a 5th Grader!”

-Thank the school that has done so much for your children. Offer to buy library books, art supplies, musical instruments, or sports equipment for the coming year.

Father’s Day
-Ask your child to write a poem and illustrate it

-give your dad a fruit tree – watch it grow and bear fruit and enjoy eating it together

-hang a map of the US / World in your child’s room, and after each trip find the place you’ve visited and mark it with a sticker.

-write your baby a letter within a week of his birth, while you still have the emotional intensity that you won’t remember six months later. Or start a collection of letters you write on each birthday.

BIRTHDAYS
-Some people celebrate ½ birthdays. Serve half a cake, half the birthday candles, drinks half full, sing half the birthday song, and give a gift that’s half of something.

-in one house little wrapped gifts appear throughout the day – a present on the child’s chair or near his/her toothbrush, perhaps a scavenger hunt

-Gertrud Mueller Olson gives her children two envelopes on each birthday, one marked New Privilege, and the other New Responsibility. She found that her kids enjoyed the new responsibilities every bit as much as the privileges, because the responsibilities marked their growth and maturity. [privileges include: larger allowance, later bedtime…./ Responsibilities include: feeding the dog, setting the table, emptying the dishwasher….]

-take a parent / child trip

-take a grandparent / grandchild trip

-start tucking notes into your child’s lunch box.

-create an anniversary quilt by asking friends to decorate a single square in any way they like, with their names embroidered or appliquéd someplace on the square. I put together a quilt for my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary; friends and family members embellished their squares with memorable sayings and delightful embroidered scenes.

-when the moon is full go out on a walk and dance in the moonlight…obviously this works better with 8 year olds vs. 3 year olds who can stay up a bit later and want to get into lengthier topics such as tides/nature/astronomy/space/history/mythology/etc…

Santa Visits!!

Time to visit Santa?

A good family pal told me there is a Tree lot on 90th S. and State Street [northeast corner] where Santa is and even REINdEER. You can even take your own photos - and leave a $5.00 donation with Santa.

If you have other Santa sightings around town, please share in the comments section or how it went when you took your children!

Saturday museum time

2 PM

UMFA: Utah Museum of Fine Arts/on U of U campus

FREE!

emma and olivia at Toddler Story Time
making Alphabet Soup with the parachute... Theme this week was "Soup" previous themes have been Pizza, and Brush your Teeth

playing in the Attic room - who knew they wanted to nap?

Christmas Sing Along

Monday Night
Delta Center
Dec. 15th