Throwback Thursday

First, Happy Thanksgiving Americans! Here are just a few of the things I am thankful for:

You know when you are dog sitting and you call the kids to circle time and turn back around to see this? All three were perfectly behaved and seemed to enjoy singing and learning. The kids are 2 years old in this photo.

Both kids love music and this was from one of their first music classes when they were 3 years old. I am thankful for both kids, music, and all of the teachers who have helped them grow into the wonderful people they are.

Thanksgiving (American)

We usually go to see my family for Thanksgiving. Here are some fun photos from the trip.

Building with blocks and talking to Great Grandma C

This was the first time we were able to meet this sweet girl. Sweet Son spent most of his time playing quietly with her. He showed her how to build and would talk and explain things to her. It was so cute!

My grandmothers! (The kids' great-grandmothers)

While Sweet Son was entertaining the baby, Sweet Daughter was in the middle of everything. This is not a metaphor, she loves to be the center of attention.

Sweet Daughter and Great Grandma C looking at a magazine.

Great Grandma W reading to both kids.

Feeding the ducks with Grandma.

"Cooking"

Edible Cornucopia

This year our contribution to Thanksgiving was an edible cornucopia. The kids loved making it and it ended up turning out great. I think this will become and annual tradition.

First you make a foil cornucopia. Be sure to loosely stuff the inside so it doesn't collapse when you add the bread sticks.  Spray everything with non-stick spray.

Using bread sticks from a can, start from the tip and just wrap around and around and around. While the kids did that, I braided 3 sticks for a decorative touch around the opening.

Coat everything in melted butter and cook according to the package directions. Ours took just slightly longer than the package instructions, but watch closely.

Taking it out of the oven. (Please don't notice the messy kitchen.)

 After letting it cool, take out the foil - at least as much as possible. Then fill with something festive - in this case grapes. This made an awesome centerpiece.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for these two incredible people that I get to parent.

Happy Thanksgiving

We usually decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving, but I just had to share this photo now. My favorite part? His jeans are on backwards. They have been dressing themselves for a long time and the phase of putting pants on backwards just makes me happy.

Educents Deals

There are times I go months without buying (or even being tempted) by things on Educents, however this week there are a few things I have my eyes on and I wanted to share with my readers. (That is an affiliate link.)

Today

Health Pack includes:

1 Handwashing Kit

• Includes germ detection powder and gel, and a UV light key chain to demonstrate how germs are spread and how following the hand washing tips in the Activity & Instruction booklet (also included) can help cut down on the spread of germs and keep you healthy!

• Also includes GIANTmicrobes Character Stickers, a Sniffles Mirror Cling to remind kids to wash their hands often, and a GIANTmicrobes Common Cold Key Chain.

1 Soap Dispenser

• Microbe shaped soap dispenser is a fun reminder to wash away germs.

1 Cold Plush

• Billions of people a year catch the cold. Now you can get one too! Learn all about the Common Cold with this cuddly companion. Each 5 to 7 inch doll is accompanied by an image of the real microbe it represents, as well as information about the microbe.

1 Flu Plush

• This guy may not look too tough, but don't let his cute looks fool you! Once he and his friends show up you're in for a pretty lousy time. Learn about his weaknesses so you can avoid unwanted encounters.

Monday (4th)

I have purchased this deal before and LOVED it. 

1 year subscription includes 12 Young Scientists Kits

Each kit includes:

• Activities and projects exploring the exciting world of science with topics such as magnets, weather, minerals, batteries, planets, stars, senses, acids and bases, forces, tornadoes, human body, volcanoes, and more (36 topics in all). 
• Special instructions given by Celsius the Science Bug to explore each topic. Easy to follow adult instructions are also included. 
• Manuals are between 8 - 16 pages.
• Filled with materials such as chromatography paper, owl pellet, minerals, magnets, mirrors, thermometers, rulers, pH paper, brine shrimp and much more!

Tuesday (5th)

Forever Passport to Grammaropolis includes

• Unlimited access to every part of speech for up to 5 students
• 8 different parts of speech
• 20 animated shorts
• 9 animated music videos
• 28 different quiz categories
• 9 illustrated books
• 5 student accounts

Wednesday (6th)

Each set includes:

• Reusable wall decals
• Printed with Permanent Ink that won’t run, fade, or peel
• Can be stuck and unstuck over and over again with no damage to walls, paint, or wallpaper! (They will even stick on textured walls)
• Each set is 24” by 40”
• Choices include: Thanksgiving, Christmas Tree, Gingerbread House, Holiday Wreath, Nativity Set, Snowmen

There are more deals than just these, but these are the ones I'm looking at this week. If you use my affiliate link I will get credit, which I use to buy more curriculum for my kids. I promise to review all of the curriculum on here. Have you tried any of these? We love the Science kits, but I would love to hear your opinion on the others.

Thankful

Cuddling with my sweet son

I am thankful for so many things. This is a great time to stop and think about the little things that we take for granted. More than 1 out of every 5 people in the world don't have access to clean water (some sources say 1/3). I have running water inside and outside the house and multiple grocery stores that sell clean water. Around 1 out of every 3 people don't have enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs. I have a kitchen full of food, an extra freezer in the garage, multiple grocery stores and more restaurants than I could count all locally. 1/4 of the world population doesn't have sewers or adequate housing. I have a house with plumbing, air conditioning/heating, electricity, and so many things that many others will go their entire lives without.

I love that smile!

This is also the time of year to focus on family. I have the privilege of having two amazing kids. I love them, but the really cool part is that I really like them. They aren't just relatives, they turning into really cool little people. They make me smile and laugh every day. They also exhaust me and ensure I won't ever find my sanity again, but hey, that can be fun also.

He's silly and has the best laugh ever.

I love that they will sit still and listen to books. I love that they enjoy doing art. I love running around chasing them and seeing them gain confidence. I love when they give hugs and the best part is when they say, "I love you." I like watching them play together and eventually I'm sure they will be able to do so without getting injured. I'm constantly amazed with the things they learn and connections they are making in every aspect of their lives.

She keeps us smiling and on our toes with her antics.

The person I am most thankful for would have to be my husband. He is loving, smart, and has also lost his sanity. He is an amazing father who is involved in every part of our kids lives. He works hard to provide everything we need and more. He makes us all smile and is one of the best people I know. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

 An intense game of ping pong