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!

Jack-O-Lantern/ Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

A long time ago there was a festival on October 31 to celebrate the harvest season. People tried to scare away evil spirits by dressing in scary costumes. The children would dress up and go door to door telling people that if they gave them a treat the evil spirits would go away.

Years later the church decided to change the festival by making it a celebration of eternal life. Instead of honoring evil spirits they honored all the Christians who had died in the last year. This celebration was held on November 1 - called All Saints Day or All Hallowed Day (holy ones). The evening before was called "All Hallows Eve".

Over the years the name was shortened to "Halloween"

When planning for a pumpkin prayer family devotion time a real pumpkin can be used, or you can use an artificial hollow foam pumpkin (purchased from a craft store).


Steps for Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

Each step below includes actions to take in the process of carving your pumpkin, comments to make about what and why you are doing this step, a scripture reference and a short prayer.

Preparing Your Pumpkin:

If you are using an artificial foam pumpkin, have the parts already cut out before starting the devotion. Clear push pins can be used on the cut out pieces as little handles aiding you in taking the pieces in and out.

To make fake pumpkin "guts:
Materials needed : a mound of tangled orange yarn
real pumpkin seeds
(found in little packages in the snack section of the grocery store)
white Elmer's glue
Directions:
Take a small amount of glue and mix it with the yarn and seeds. Spread it out on wax
paper to dry. When the glue has dried, the seeds will stick to the yarn
resembling real pumpkin "guts".


If you are using a fresh pumpkin, cover your work surface with newspaper first for easy cleanup. Cut each piece as you go along and have a family discussion about each part.


1. Pumpkin Lid.

God helps us to learn about Him. We need to be open to what God wants to do in our lives.

* Scripture: "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

* Prayer: Dear God, open my mind so I can learn about you.


2. Pumpkin "guts".

God takes away our sins and forgives us. We need to ask God to take away our sins every day.
We can feel all clean after God forgives us. Show clean inside of pumpkin

* Scripture: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness" I John 1:9

* Prayer: Take away all my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do.


3. Heart shaped eyes.

How can we see that God loves us? We see how much God loves us when we read the Bible, look
at our families and see everything God has created!

* Scripture: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalms 34:8

* Prayer: Open my eyes so I will see Your love


4. Cross shaped nose.

What does it mean to turn your nose up at something?...don't like ...ex. foods, clothes, etc. We
may think we know what we need better than God does! It is important to remember that Jesus
died on the cross for us and we know that God gave us all we really need.

* Scripture: "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O most High."
Psalm 92:1

* Prayer: I'm sorry for turning up my nose to all You've given me.


5. Bible shaped ears.

Do you ever have to be told more than once to do something? Sometimes we don't
listen well. Parents want you to listen to them and God wants us to listen to Him! The Bible
tells us : How much God loves us, how He wants us to live and how He will help us. We need to
listen to God's Word.

* Scripture: "Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live." Isaiah 55:3

* Prayer: Open my ears so Your work I will hear.


6. Fish shaped mouth.

Jesus told disciples they weren't going to catch fish now but they would be fishers of men by
telling others about God's love. A long time ago Christians greeted each other by drawing a fish
in the dirt when they met. We can use our mouths to tell others about Jesus.

* Scripture: ..." I will proclaim what the Lord has done. " Psalms 118: 17

* Prayer: Open my mouth so I can tell others You're near.


7. Light a candle inside the pumpkin.

Turn off the lights and either light a small votive candle in a real pumpkin or turn the switch
on an electric candle. Battery operated candles, votive or tea lights are a safe, great ideas.

Look how bright the light shines out of the pumpkin! The light stands for the Holy Spirit that lives
in Christians. When we let God open up every part of us, He can shine through us so others will
see Jesus in us.

* Scripture: "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see
your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, open our minds so that we can learn more about you; Please take away our sin and forgive us of the wrong things we have done. Open our eyes so we can see how much you love us. You have given us so much. Please forgive us for turning up our noses at our many blessings. Open our ears so we can hear and understand your word and help us to know how to share the Good News with others. We ask that you help us let your light shine in all that we say and do.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Being a Christian can be easily explained by comparing it to the life of a jack-o-lantern:

"God comes to us and picks us up from a lonely, cold field.

He washes off all the dirt of our sin.

He removes the seeds of doubt, fear, and hate that have grown inside of us.

Then he places within us the light of his love.

This love warms our hearts.

What was once filled with darkness is now flooded with light.

That love puts a smile on our face!

Now the whole world can see God's love shining in us!"

"Go SHINE for the Lord as you

Share

His

Incredible

News

Everywhere!"

This year as you carve your pumpkin, let it be a special reminder

to seek the Lord in all we do and say!

Let our light shine for Jesus!

Source and for additional resources see CTA (Christian Tools for Affirmation) http://www.ctainc.com

 

 

This coming Saturday be sure to check out

pumpkin carving ideas!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.amazon.com

Nature Detective

We are now in the heart  of fall, a beautiful season!

Today's activity is so simple you will wonder why you hadn't thought of it...

or maybe you have!  yea! 

 

Grab a basket, shopping bag or some type of container with handles. 

 Grab a coat and bug spray, if needed, and head outside.

 

Older children may want to decide before going outside what they will look for.  However, spontaneous observation is a great skill to practice that will serve children well in all areas of their lives... at school, in play and later in the work force.

 

You have now taken on the role of a Nature Detective! 

 

Here are some ideas to prime your detective skills. 

 

1.  How many treasures can you find?

2.  If you find leaves as one of your treasures, what shapes, sizes, colors and textures did you collect?

3.  How many colors can you find?  Are they the same colors as during summer, spring or winter?
4.  Today pick up only red leaves.  Next trip out, pick up only yellow leaves.  The following day
     look for only orange leaves.  etc. 

5  What does the air smell like?  Does it smell the same as summer, spring or winter air?

6  What animals/birds do you see?  What are they doing? Why?

7  How does the air feel?  Is it the same or different from summer air? How?

8  What does the sky look like? 

9  Are there clouds in the sky?  If so, can you find shapes hidden in the cloud formations?  If you found a shape, how long does it stay in that same shape?  Does it stay the same or change?  Why?

 

Photo Source:  Hidden Splendor ©

Can you find the heart?

After your nature detective activity, why not extend the play inside.  Draw pictures of what you saw, make up or write stories about your adventure and discoveries.  Bring some treasures inside  and turn them into an art/craft project or use as a decoration for the holidays.  Study your treasures with a magnifying glass, microscope and/or flashlight.

 

This is just the beginning!  There are many more things to observe and investigate outside.

What else can you come up with?

 

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!

 

 

1-2-3 JUMP! The Fun of Raking Leaves.

Have you heard the expression, "Many Hands Make Light Work"? This is such a true statement and the reason our family owned four pitchforks. For you see, even though the kids grumbled going to the barn to clean stalls, we always ended up having lots of fun together and everyone was smiling when we left the barn. And, the sense of pride and accomplishment of a job well done gave everyone a boost. I used to tell my boys that if we all worked together, then we would have more time to play together. However, we always mixed in heavy doses of fun into our work. Many productions were created (although, they never hit Broadway) and lots of songs were sung.

Now here is the beauty of today's activity. Not only are you working together (producing team work, sense of accomplishment and boosts to your self esteem) you can have just as much fun.
Don't dread the job of raking leaves any longer! The simplest form of this activity is to rake the leaves into a big pile, then jump in!

 

Photo property of Hidden Splendor ©

 

 

Scoop leaves up with your hands and throw them into the air making it “rain.”

Older children might like to have a contest. Section the yard into equal areas, give everyone  a rake and a large garbage bag and say "GO!".

Who can rake their section the fastest? Remember, quality work cannot be sacrificed.

Or, maybe all parts of the yard are fair game and the clock will be your guide.

Who can fill the most bags in a given time period?

No matter which version you choose, the results are sure to produce many giggles, laughs

and smiles... and not to mention a beautifully raked yard!

You don't have a yard? Not to worry. Do you know someone who does? Wouldn't they be pleasantly surprised if you and your children offered to rake their leaves? Charity and good will to others would then be added to your list of positives for this activity.

 

Take a walk down the street, introduce yourself to your neighbors and offer

to give them a helping hand.

 

Do you know of an elderly person? They would also be pleased to have help

and would enjoy the company too.

You don't live in a neighborhood with yards and trees? Then, head to the closest local park. Leaves can be swept also... not as efficient as a rake, but it would work to make a pile to jump in.

 

Safety note: If you live in an area that has ticks and chiggers, you may want to spray with insect repellent before doing this activity.

 

Wishing you many fun fall adventures!

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired from 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 Kindle and Paperback versions

            


 

 

            

 

Fall Leaf Pressing Projects

           
The fall season officially started on September 23.  As the trees become flaming sources of color for your delight, it is fun to bring some of that beauty into your home.  Here are a couple of fun projects that can be enjoyed for those ages 2-102.

            

Take a nature hike and collect pretty leaves along the way.  Use a basket or shopping bag to collect your colorful treasures.  Once you are back home, sort the leaves into piles of different shapes, sizes and/or colors.
 

Press your leaf collection in between the pages of an old magazine, or between sheets of newspaper.   Be careful to make sure the leaves are lying completely flat before pressing.  Weigh down your pressed leaves with something heavy (books, door stop, brick, etc.).  Check every few days until the leaves are flat and dry.  When completely dry you can have fun making one, or both, of the projects below.

 Placemats 

 Select a piece of poster board in the color you desire for your background.   Use a placemat you already own as a pattern to determine the size.  Make a design with leaves on your cut poster board.   A piece of double stick tape or a dot of white glue will help hold your leaves in place.  Cover the leaf side of your placemat first with clear contact paper.  Then cover the back of your placemat.  Don’t forget to sign and date the back of your project before sealing with the contact paper.  

 

An alternative idea is to make and send a card to someone special using the same materials.

 

 

 

 Not only are these placemats fun to create, they look pretty on the table for autumn meals and are great keepsakes.  I still have placemats that my children made 30 years ago!  They have retained their color, look festive on the table and bring back a whole lot of fun memories.  So, why not make a set of memories with your children this fall?

 

 

Window Decorations

Wax paper version:  Arrange a few pretty leaves on wax paper.  Cover with another sheet of wax paper the  same size.  Put a brown paper bag, that has been cut apart, under and on top of the waxed paper while ironing with a warm iron to seal.  These look pretty hanging in a window. 

 

Clear contact version:  Seal dried, flattened leaves in-between two sheets of clear contact paper.   Trim around the edges of the leaves using a pair of sharp scissors.   Leave about a quarter of an inch around the leaves when trimming the contact paper.  Hang individually or string together using monofilament lineor colorful yarn.  You can also tie leaves together or hang individually to a wire clothes hanger to make a mobile.

 

Photo source:  http://www.artful-kids.com


 

 

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.amazon.com