Packing Peanut Play - Indoor Snow?

The doorbell rang.  I ran through the house and threw open the door. A smile pulled up both corners of my mouth as I could not contain my excitement.  As the roar of the delivery truck faded in the distance I reached down to pick up today's box with wonder.  Daily arrivals brought gift orders for loved ones or

surprises from those who love us!  Who knew what was inside today's box!

It was so much fun to see what would be delivered each day.  'Tis the season for surprises and delights in all shapes and sizes.   Hence, the focus of today's post.  With mail deliveries, come packing peanuts.  Many a parent groan over the appearance of these static filled "hopping" Styrofoam creatures.  It seems almost impossible to contain them.  They hitch-hike and creep to far corners of the room.  You find them in the most unlikely places days after you have disposed of the box and packing.  How do they do this?

But, today we will look at these little squiggly packing peanuts in a new light and explore the many ways they can bring additional joy to the moment.  They will be the gift that keeps on giving!

photo source:  thinkoutsidethebox.com

 

 

 

 

Here we go!

Ideas to re-purpose the lives of packing peanuts!

1.  Create an indoor snow storm!  Yes, I'm for real.  Everyone -adults too- take a bag (plastic shopping bags work well) full of peanuts and on the count of three have a "snow storm"!   Seriously, this will be fun and your kids will never believe you let them do it!  The sane part of this activity for the adults involved is the last part of the game.  Set a timer for a few minutes and see who can collect the most "snow" in that amount of time.  This is a fun way to clean up after the "snow storm".  

Do you have some small plastic children's snow shovels or sand shovels?  Use them to "shovel" snow off of the floor.  

Tip:  save the shipping boxes.  They make play even more fun and you have a box to put the "shoveled snow" back into, when play is finished.

Don't rush this activity.  Let the kids play as long as they want.  Don't worry... this snow will not melt, stain or destroy.  And, it will provide entertainment above and beyond most store-bought toys you could ever give your children.  So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your kid's contentment, excitement and creativity with this activity.

2.  Buried treasure:   Fill a cardboard box up with packing peanuts and hide (bury) small toys throughout the box.  Then have children search for buried treasure!

3.  Fill the sink, tub or large box with packing peanuts. Add small toys - cars, trucks, wagons, small,empty (clean) food containers, kitchen items:  measuring cups, small plastic cups, empty plastic or cardboard food containers, small sauce pans, etc.  Let the play begin!

4.  Buried child:  Kids love to cover themselves up inside a box with packing peanuts!  They also like to curl up in the boxes.  You can pretend to "mail" them to grandma!  :-) Ha!  Cardboard boxes become sleds, four wheel drive vehicles, etc.  Imagination determines your boundaries.    Give this a try and enjoy the giggles and laughs!

5.  Watch packing peanuts dissolve or float:  IF they are the cornstarch packing peanuts, fill the sink or tub with water and add a few peanuts.  Watch them dissolve.  Count how long it takes to dissolve into nothing.  Does it matter what temperature the water is?  Does warm or cold water dissolve them faster?

Check to see if they are dissoluble and watch them float!  Add plastic boats or small  plastic containers (clean, empty food containers are a lot of fun!  i.e.  yogurt, fruit cups, etc.)  Styrofoam peanuts make great toys for water play. 

6.  To make a magnet:  With a marker draw eyes, nose and mouth on the end of a peanut.  Add chenille wire antennas to one end.  Then, add a small magnet on the back. 

7.  Scoop and Dump:   an empty milk carton with the bottom cut out makes a great scoop!

SAFETY NOTE

As always, make sure activities are age appropriate.  

If a child still puts everything in their mouth, these are not suitable activities.

Always supervise activities with your children and watch for areas of safety concern.

Spend time playing with your kids every day, even if it is for just a few minutes.

It will be well worth your efforts!

Enjoy!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You? Fun Christmas Gift Idea

Are you looking for a special gift  for that someone special?  

Do you want your gift to have meaning and have an uplifting effect on the recipient ?

If so, check out Becky Baxa's latest book.  It is sure to entertain and inspire you!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?  

The parallels of chocolate and Christianity

by Becky Baxa

 

 

Available in paperback and electronic version from

Amazon.com

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Add a little real chocolate and this gift will be a hit!

 

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Christmas Gift Idea: Inspirational Book

Are you looking for a special gift  for that someone special?  

Do you want your gift to have meaning and have an uplifting effect on the recipient ?

If so, check out Becky Baxa's latest book.  It is sure to entertain and inspire you!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?  

The parallels of chocolate and Christianity

by Becky Baxa

 

 

Available in paperback and electronic version from

Amazon.com

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Add a little real chocolate and this gift will be a hit!

 

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Christmas Gift Idea! Family Activity Book

Family Activity Book

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share 

by Becky Baxa

Available from

Amazon.com

see details below.

 

This book is available from

http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Holiday Special:  Copies will be signed by the author!

Play-Dough Snow!

As I opened the cabinet door a small tube of glitter hopped out and bounced across the counter.  

What a marvelous idea!  Today is a perfect day to make "snow" play-dough.  

 This is a perfect activity, both in the making of the play-dough 

and also in continued play, for the holidays.  

Making and playing with play-dough is a great way to keep the children --and some adults too! :-)  entertained during family events.

No matter what age you are, a play session with play-dough is rewarding, comforting and just plain fun!

So grab the rolling pin, cookie cutters, a plastic knife, plastic/child scissors;
 power up your creativity and let the fun begin.

Here is the basic recipe.  Jazz it up however you want!  Have fun!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

                                    We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

Snowman Building "Kit"

We had our second snow of the season yesterday.  It included a slippery layer of ice that shone in the sun like glass.  Our outdoor view was transformed into a sea of diamonds in the sun's reflection.  Yes, winter had arrived with a mighty announcement that the season was here to stay.

Then it struck me!  It was time to bring out the snowman building "kit"!  When the next big wet snow blew in, we would be ready for some outdoor fun.  I added whole carrots to my grocery list and made sure nothing had fallen out of my kit during storage.

You can prepare a snowman building kit too!  Here is what you will need:

Snowman building "kit"

1.  An old hat - any color, shape or material
2.  A scarf or one long, skinny piece of fabric (strips from on old towel, blanket or sheet will work)
3.  Buttons or round rocks for the eyes and mouth.
     Lightweight wire (floral wire works well, or even wire twist ties from bread sacks are effective) can be  
     added to the buttons so you can stick them into the snow.

4.  A long carrot for the nose
5.  Sticks, that are straight for the arms
6.  A bubble pipe left over from summer fun can also be added to your snowman's mouth

Add these accessories to giant snowballs and POOF you have created a snowman!  

 Why not try your hand at a snow family?  Make snow pets too!

The Finished Product...with a happy boy!

What kind of snowmen can you build?   

Please send us pictures of your creations.  We would love to see what your creativity discovers!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

There is still time to order this book for arrival before Christmas!

Order today so your book will arrive before Christmas!

  Family Activity Book

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share 

by Becky Baxa

Available from

Amazon.com

see details below.

 

This book is available from

http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Holiday Special:  Copies will be signed by the author!

Traditional Handprint Turkeys

The traditional hand print turkey never gets old.  

Today we re-visit a post from November 27, 2013.    

This activity is fun for both young and old and is a classic treasure.

Each year when my kids were little we would make a hand print turkey. The boys would write their name under their creation and we would add the date. These fine feathered fowl would be transformed into a holiday greeting card and away it would travel over the miles to brighten the face of their Granny. Granny saved these cards for years creating a flock of turkeys of varying sizes on her refrigerator door. We didn't plan it, but it turned out to be a wonderful way to watch and remember the growth of our children.

It's that time of year again to pull out the paper, markers and maybe even paint or ink pads

to continue the tradition onto the next generation of children in our family.

I foresee a flock of turkeys being created to decorate my refrigerator!

Traditions are a wonderful component of building strong families. Spending time together, interacting, laughing and communicating helps cement the bonds of family relationships.

Why not add turkey hand prints to your family traditions?

Below seven people comprising four generations enjoy making handprint turkeys
 as an after dinner family activity.
Each person traces their hand, colors in the feathers then adds what they are thankful for somewhere on the paper. 
They sign and date their creation and it is added to the photo album.

Supplies Needed:

Paper - size and color are your choice

Markers if you want to trace your hand print

Finger paint or ink pads if you want to stamp your hand print

Crayons or markers to add a turkey beak, feet, wattle etc.

Directions:

Trace or imprint your hand print onto a piece of paper with your fingers spread out wide. The fingers become the turkey's feathers. Your thumb is the turkey neck and head. Use a thumb print for the turkey wattle. Or, use markers/crayons to add the feet, eye, wattle, feather colors, etc

Hand/Foot Print Turkey

http://www.squidoo.com/Thanksgiving-Kids-Crafts

Note:

Turkeys should be allowed to be any color, depending on your child's preference.

In reality, they DO show a rainbow of colors in the wild when sunlight hits their feathers!

When my oldest son was in kindergarten, the teacher refused to hang up his turkey because he colored it "wrong". He had made a beautiful purple turkey with green legs. His self esteem took a big hit that day, when he was not included with the rest of his class. So, no matter what color your child interprets their turkey to be, hang it up with pride and joy. Let their creativity be expressed in any form they wish to take. Let them think "out of the box" and enjoy the fruits of their efforts!

This Blog Post is inspired from the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky B. Baxa

If you would like more fun ideas to share with your children

(that do not require batteries or electronics )

you can purchase this 180 page book,

full of color photos,

for $21.95

from Amazon.com

Developing Successful Adults!

What life skills can you teach your child today?  

 There are many chores that children can do around the home. Not only do chores prepare children for independent living, it teaches responsibility and assists in developing a positive self esteem.  Create the motto, "a family that works together has more time to play together".  Do not make chores a punishment or dreaded task, but simply a part of everyday family routines in which everyone pitches in.   

Make sure chores are age appropriate.  For example, it would be inappropriate to say, "go in and clean your room" to a 4 year old.  They would not know where to begin.  But, breaking it down into manageable tasks and slowly teaching where toys are stored.   Make sure to pitch in and help too, especially at the beginning.  This will help teach responsibility.  Instead say, "pick up all the blocks"  then check that job before assigning the task of picking up all the cars, etc.  Having containers that are labeled with photos that match a shelf with the same photo makes picking up toys a fun and achievable matching game.  Toys boxes just "ask" children to dump everything out to see what is in the bottom of the box!

Here is a list to help you think of ideas that are age appropriate.  Remember, trust, but validate.  They are after all still children.  Children need to be coached, taught, encouraged, praised and checked .  

Do not expect perfection.  DO expect to check and  follow-up.  

Source:  http://www.flandersfamily.info

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

Family Activity Book Makes GREAT Christmas Gift!

Order today so your book will arrive before Christmas!

  Family Activity Book

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share 

by Becky Baxa

Available from

Amazon.com

see details below.

 

 




























  
 This book is available from


http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Holiday Special:  Copies will be signed by the author!

Pine Cone Turkey

Here is a fun idea to do with pretty leaves from your yard.  You can use fresh leaves or ones that you have pressed, dried and preserved between clear contact paper.   Lay a pine cone down on its side.  Stick in leaf "feathers" at the widest end of the pine cone.  Use white craft glue to attach "googly" eyes. Small leaves can be used for the beak and wattle of your turkey.

These make cute centerpieces and are tons of fun to create for ages preschool to senior citizen.

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions.

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

This book would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Order your copy today from 

http://www.Amazon.com

Leaf Creatures

Now is the perfect time of the year to explore the great outdoors.  So, grab a bag (plastic, paper or canvas) and head outdoors to discover fall treasures.  After your expedition, come inside and have a show and tell of what each person found.  This is a great time to share feelings and thoughts about why each person chose their items. You will discover the inner thoughts and some of your child's values, too.

There are many things you can do with the natural items that you found.

But, one idea is to make pictures of leaf people, animals, and/or creatures.

Directions

-Sort through your bag of treasures. 

-Lay out the items in piles of different sizes, shapes, textures and colors.  

-Plan a design.

-Arrange leaves and natural items onto a piece of paper of your choice into desired shapes.

-You can also use your natural materials to make objects around your person or creature: sun, trees, grass, etc.  Crayons, colored pencils, markers and /or chalk are great to enhance your picture.  Cookie cutters can be used to add different shapes to your design.  Construction paper. foam pieces, stickers, yarn, googly eyes, etc can be added for eyes, nose and mouth as well.

-Glue each of your natural items to the paper using white craft glue.  Set in a safe place to dry.

Alternative Idea:  Have your child make a picture of the whole family using leaves and outdoor treasures. Don't forget the family pets in your creation.--

Be sure to have your child sign and date this creation and don't forget to take a picture of your child with their fall treasure artwork!

Here are some kids in action to help you generate ideas. 

This child chose to use a cookie cutter to add design next to a leaf rubbing.

                  Can you think of more ideas?  Children are masters when it comes to creativity.                                                Follow their lead and see where it goes!
                           It should be a grand adventure filled with lots of fun and laughter.
                                                                             Enjoy!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

Jar of Gumballs Costume

I thought it was a grand idea!  It was quick, easy, inexpensive and most of all fun!   I had seen the idea in a magazine and was eager to try it out.  Although it wasn't the best traveling costume,  I felt it was worth the inconvenience.  This was twenty five years ago, but my son still remembers the costume.  I would like to say he remembered it with fondness... he was only five years old, who would have guessed?  But, he hated it then and still complains about what I "did to him" all these years later.  I tell him to "let it go".  He smiles and shakes his head.  We'll see what transpires when HIS children start dressing up for Halloween.

I still think it is a marvelous idea for younger school-age children, so I will share it with you.

A little jar of gumballs!  Only 35¢ please!

Here is what you will need to transform your little one into a jar of gumballs:

- One large clear plastic trash bag with a drawstring closing
- Small round balloons in multiple bright colors, blown up
- 1 piece of card stock cut to look like a price tag.
         I made my price tag on the computer, but you could also hand write the tag
- Solid color pants and long sleeve shirt


Directions:

1.  Blow up several dozen balloons and tie them shut.  Set them aside until you are ready to fill your gumball 
     jar.

2. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut two leg holes in the bottom of the trash bag, then cut two arm holes
    toward the top of the bag- one on each side.

    Your child's size will determine where these holes go and how large they should be.

3. Dress your child in solid color pants and shirt.

4.  Have your child step into the garbage bag, placing a foot through each of the leg holes at the bottom of
     the bag.

5. Carefully slip the child's arms through the arm holes in the top of the bag.

6.  For this step a second pair of hands may be helpful.  Begin to add balloons inside of the garbage bag
     surrounding your child until you achieve the desired shape.

7.   Attach the SALE sign onto the drawstring of the bag.

8.  Tie shut - in a bow--- NOT A KNOT-  "the jar of gumballs"  by tying the bag closed around the child's
     neck.   Tie it in a bow for ease of removal and MAKE SURE IT IS COMFORTABLE - the same
    comfort amount used in the size of buttoning a shirt's top button .   Obviously this costume is not for a very
    small child due to this step.

For safety there is the assumption that you are with your child during putting the costume on and taking it off as well as during the wearing of this costume.  Common sense must prevail.

When Halloween trick-or-treating is over make sure to have fun with the balloons!

Ideas for the balloons from the costume:

-play volleyball
-see who can keep their balloon in the air without  touching the floor the longest
-sit on balloons until they pop  :-)
-draw faces on balloons with permanent marker or pen and use them as puppets
-play "tennis" or "bad-mitten" with the balloons
-rub balloons on your hair and create static cling
-decorate your room or the center of the table

What other ideas can you think of?

Use the empty trash bag to collect the balloons when finished playing for easy clean-up.

Have a Fun, Safe and  Happy Halloween!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

Jack-o-Lantern Fun!

I just recently returned from a trip "up north".  The colors were amazing and the air was crisp and cool!  It seemed that about every mile, we passed a produce stand.  It was glorious.  One stand had an old fashioned scale with weights and balances, like the kind you could find in doctor's offices.  It was upon this scale that you set your selected pumpkin before purchase.  The pumpkins were priced by the pound.   A variety of choices were available from tiny to huge!  We made our selection and bought a pumpkin.  As we carried it back to our vehicle I allowed a little skip in my step as I was
filled with delight!  It had been years since we had carved a pumpkin. 

I remember as a child sitting at the kitchen table every year with my grandpa.  We would decide on our design and he set about carving the pumpkin.  Each year's events ended with a photo session of
our creation.  It was a tradition that I looked forward to and remember with joy. 

We continued this tradition with our children.  I pray they have many warm memories as well.  There is nothing like the excitement of lighting the candle in your freshly carved pumpkin and setting his top on.  Watching the rays of light stream from the Jack-o-Lantern's smiling face produces great joy and  happiness!  (Our pumpkins were always happy!)

Some years we saved the seeds to plant next year and other years we washed, seasoned and roasted the seeds for a special treat.

 

Here are a few tips/ideas for your annual pumpkin carving festivities:

Adding newspapers under your work surface makes clean-up much easier.  Just roll up the
mess and toss.  Adults/much older children (teens) should be in charge of the cutting, as pumpkins are very tough to cut.  Always use a sharp knife.  Dull knives result in more injuries.

An ice cream scoop or large metal spoon works nicely to scoop out the inside of the pumpkin.
Hands work well too, if you don't mind getting slimy...which by the way, is half the fun!

 

Instead of a free hand design, we chose to cut a pattern out of a piece of scratch paper until we got the look we wanted.  Then using double sided tape we taped the design onto the clean, dry pumpkin.

 

You can either use a pencil or the tip of your knife to outline your design, then remove the paper pattern; or cut around the paper pattern while it is taped onto the pumpkin.

Carefully remove the pieces after cutting through the pumpkin shell.

 

 

 Add a votive or tea light candle inside.  It is wonderful to have battery operated tea lights and votive candles to use as they are a safer option.  Set your pumpkin on a plate to protect the table surface.  A large plastic lid from a container you were going to throw away will work great as well.

 

No matter if you are 2 or 102 years old

carving a pumpkin in the fall is always a thrill! 

 Look at that smile!

 

 

 

Alternative options:

 

Foam pumpkins from a craft store can also be carved. 

This will eliminate the slimy part of the activity and

your creation can be saved, to use for many years.

 

An alternative to carving is to drill your design. 

These pumpkins were drilled with two different size drill bits. 

 

You can do design drilling on real pumpkins too!

 

 



 A very non-traditional pumpkin can be made out of a tin can.  Any size tin can, can be used. 
Wash and dry a tin can and make sure there are no sharp edges around the top.  Investing in a can-opener that leaves smooth edges is well worth the investment!  Paint your can orange.  Punch a hole in each side of the can to insert a wire handle.  Use black paint or permanent marker to produce your face design.  Add a bow, if desired, and your Tin Jack-O-Lantern is ready to go!

Are you really feeling artistic?  Use a hammer and nail to punch small holes in your tin can to make a design.  Add a battery operated votive or tea light candle inside.  The light will shine through your holes.

Whether you are a family, a couple or doing this with a group of kids

(Sunday school, scouts, 4-H, or other club)

Have fun!

 

 

 

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book.

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!