"Trick or Treat, Smell my Feet.."

     I am absolutely thrilled to be apart of this Trick or Freebie blog hop that A Class*y Collaboration is hosting. If this is your very first time visiting Mommy & Me Creations, I would like to welcome you.  I hope you find this little blog of mine cozy, and that you like what you have seen here so far.

 

     Today, I have a little Happy Fall Ya'll Memory Game that I'd like to share with you. This game set would be perfect for those of you who teach Preschool and Kindergarten. The pictures inside this packet include: leaves, pumpkins, apples, scarecrows and even a few Fall themed sight words. I have used memory games several times before. I have used them while I was a nanny, teaching, and now as a mother of two little ones. When I was teaching, I used them in my centers. Sometimes, I would even let my kids play them during their free time. Now that I'm a stay at home mom, I play memory games all the time. My 4 year old loves them! 

If you have never played a memory/match game before, here are the few simple instructions:
1) Lay out your cards face down.
2) Turn one card over, and  then pick up another card to try to make a match.
3) If there is no match, turn the cards back over. (If there are multiple players, it's the next person's turn to play)
4) If a match has been made, the player gets another turn.
5) Repeat the same steps, until all of the matches have been made.   
6) Play again, if the players want to.

 **If you decide that this printable is for you, please be sure to print your pieces on card-stock or any other thick pieces of paper. Regular printing paper will have the ink shown through to the back of the paper.**

     I know I've already posted my Terms of Use inside this packet, but I wanted to kindly remind you before downloading that:
* This printable is for personal and single classroom use only.
*Please do not alter, resell, redistribute, or claim this printable as your own.
Thank You!

Download this Freebie

     Before I leave, I would like to let you know about my giveaway on Teacher's Notebook. Two lucky winners will receive my Teacher Binder Covers. This giveaway ends tomorrow. If you would like to enter, please do so by clicking here.

     Thanks for stopping by Mommy & Me Creations. Please remember to keep visiting A Class*y Collaboration, each day until the 31st, to grab as many treats... oh I mean freebies as you can!  Thanks again!

 

Sore Leg, Can't Move, & have littles ones... What to do?

     Most of us have injured our legs or feet at some point in our lives, and know what it's like to not get around. If you haven't experienced anything like this before, it's horrible! It's much worse, when you have little ones to look after, and no way to get around without help.
     This last weekend, I was laid up in bed with a really sore and swollen knee. I could barely get around, let alone sit on the floor to play with my 4 year old and 2 year old daughters. It literally broke my heart, when my girls kept begging me to play with them and I couldn't. I never really considered walking, as a blessing. I guess, I just kind of took it for granted. Now I realize how lucky I have been, in that I could get up and walk around on my own.

    Now, the question is... What do you do when you're laid up in bed, and have kids? Most of us would automatically think that reading books, watching movies or t.v., coloring in coloring books would be the best way to go. But how long will these things keep the kids' attention and interest, especially a toddler's attention and interest? Not very long! I decided to go on a search to see what experts and other parents had done with their kids, and with very little luck. However, I did find BabyCenter's "40 ways to entertain your kids while laying down" article, and I loved it.  They provide so many creative ideas that would definitely help any parent entertain their children while stuck in bed. If you just so happen to be laid up with a broken leg, or just put on bed-rest, and are going "crazy" like I have been... I would suggest visiting this site. It'll help you, like it has for me.

Playing Outside

     I am so glad that the weather has been so nice, lately. My kids and I have spent a lot of time outside, especially since we live so close to several parks. My daughters love going outside, and getting some much needed fresh air.

    
    Brooklee and Saydee enjoy finding different things around the park to add to their "collection". My girls collect rocks, pine cones, sticks and just about anything else that nature has to offer them. It is always fun to see what they will find.

     I have a few good reasons as to why I encourage my kids to find these things:

1) My kids like finding nature's gifts to us, like I had mentioned above.

2) It gives me a chance to teach my kids about the things that they have found.

3) It helps release some of their built up energy, by "getting their wiggles out".

     I would like to encourage parents and educators to take their kids out on a nature hunt, and talk about the things that have been found. Thanks for stopping, and seeing what my family and I have been up to.

For the Babysitter: In Case of an Emergency Printable

     If you met some of my closest friends and family, they would tell you that I am a worry wart. Which I am, especially when it comes to my kids. I am one of the most overly protective parents, you will ever meet. I like to thank my knowledge in early childhood development for that.
    In addition to being an educator, I was a nanny and child care provider for quite a few years. To be completely honest, there is nothing more handy for a babysitter to have than an emergency contact list. I am a full believer in the old saying, "It's Better Safe than Sorry!"

    
     If you're going out, and leaving your children with a babysitter, it's probably a good idea to have a list of emergency and non-emergency contacts for the babysitter to have. You never know, when something just might happen.
     As you can already see, I have created a simple babysitter emergency contact printable. This printable allows you to fill in important information that your childcare provider may need, in the event that an emergency arises while you're away from home. This printable is free for you to download, print and use.

Before downloading, please understand that:
1) This is for PERSONAL USE ONLY.

2) DO NOT modify, resell, redistribute or claim this printable as your own.

3) DO NOT remove my watermark.

4) If you re-post this printable online, credit must be given to

Mommy and Me Creations with a link back to my website.

** Please remember that these images are property of Mommy and Me Creations. 

I am just sharing some love, and ask that you send some back to me.**

DOWNLOAD MY FREEBIE

Mother's Day Subway Art Freebie

     I know Mother's Day is more than a month away, but I believe moms should be celebrated more than just once a year. There is no job more challenging, nor as rewarding as being a mother. I especially give extra credit to those women, who are stay-at-home-moms and/or single mothers.
No one will truly understand how tiring being a SAHM or being a single mom can be, until they have walked in your shoes!

     Now, I would like to congratulate those ladies who are expecting their first child. I'm going to let you in on something that I wish I knew before starting a family: You will never get to sleep in, ever again. Any parent would be lucky to get 5 or 6 hours of sleep, a night. In the four short years that I have been parenting, I haven't had one single decent night's rest, and every morning I wake up with a backache because one of my kids had crawled into bed with me during the night.

     By day, a mother will be up to her shoulders in laundry. She will have a sink full of dirty dishes, waiting to be washed. Her kids will be begging for her attention, teasing one another, and fighting over their toys. And yes, some of those toys just might end up flooding the toilet. Sadly, there will come a time where this mother will find crayon, paint or markers drawn on the walls. She will want to pull her hair out, and want to scream out loud with anger and frustration.Yes, I have experienced many of these situations myself. Just about every mom that I know of, has experienced some of these as well. You're not alone!

     So what are the rewards to this? The rewards are the many smiles, hugs, kisses, memories, and I love yous that you receive from your children. These are the things that matter the most, and just melt your heart away.

     No one said that parenting was easy, but it sure is a wonderful thing to experience. I am very proud of my kids, and am proud to be able to stay home with them to watch them grow. Yes, we have our moments. None of us are perfect. We grow together, we learn together, and we love together. That's what makes us a family.


Now, I would like to share with you a subway printable. This printable contains words that describe the traits of an excellent mother. All of us, moms, have these traits. And that's what makes us great in the eyes of our children.

Before downloading, please understand that:
1) This is for PERSONAL USE ONLY.

2) DO NOT modify, resell, redistribute, or claim this printable as your own.

3) DO NOT remove my watermark.

4) If you re-post this printable online, credit must be given to

Mommy and Me Creations with a link back to my website.

** Please remember that these images are property of Mommy and Me Creations. 

I am just sharing some love, and ask that you send some back to me.**

Download My Freebie

Play is not just entertaining, it's learning!

     Before I went into the field of Early Child Education, I thought play was only meant to entertain children. I never took a second thought about it. For a child, playing is learning. It's our responsibility, as the adult, to make sure that our kids play every single day.

"Come on, Mom! Let's Play!" that should be one of the best things a child could say to a parent! The bad thing is: some parents always push their child aside because he or she feels that whatever they are doing at that moment, is more important than spending time with their child.

We only have a select few years, before we start begging our children for attention! 

Now, I'm just as guilty. There are times when I am too tired, or have something else going on. My suggestion is, take advantage of playing with your child every chance you get. You never know if it'll be your last! 

Dying Easter Eggs

     Dying Easter Eggs is one of my favorite Easter activities, and I am very proud to pass on this love to my daughters. With just the three of us, I usually use a box kit to dye my Easter Eggs. This year, I decided to use my classic DIY Easter Egg dye that I would use while teaching my preschoolers.

To dye eggs without an Easter Egg Dying Kit, you will need:

-Vinegar
-Water
-Eggs (Hard Boiled)
-Food Coloring
-Spoons and Cups (one for each color)
-Some Paper Towels

Step #1: Boil your eggs, and make sure to save your hot water from boiling.
Step #2: After the eggs have boiled, pull them out and place them nicely on a paper towel to dry.
Step #3: Pour 3/4 cup of boiling water into each cup.
Step #4: Pour 3 tablespoons of vinegar into each cup needed.
Step #5: Add approximately 10 drops of food coloring into each of their cups. (The more drops added to each cup, the more vibrant the color will be on each egg.)
Step #6: Place the eggs in their cups, and leave for a few minutes. (The longer the egg is in its cup, the darker the egg will become) Continually adjust your eggs using a spoon, this will help even the color around the egg.
Step #7: Once the egg has reached its desired color, pull it out and place it on a paper towel to dry.

     The best thing about this dye recipe is, crayon can be added to the egg to help resist the dye just like the typical Easter Egg Dying Kits that are sold in stores. This recipe definitely helps save a few dollars, but I have found it really helpful when dying eggs with multiple children. I have used this method several times, especially while teaching upwards of 25 children.
I wouldn't recommend dying Easter Eggs as a whole group activity, but I would most definitely suggest doing it in small groups for center time. That way, the teacher can monitor each child and clean up any mess before it "gets out of hand". I would also recommend having the children wear smocks, or old clothing sent from home. This will prevent their nice clothes from getting stained.

     Thanks for stopping by. Please let me know if you decide to do this activity with your kiddos, and how it turned out for you. I always enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again! 

Teaching Kids about Feelings and Manners

     While I was a preschool teacher, I would constantly teach young children about emotions and manners. Young children are very egocentric, and need help understanding the feelings of others.
To help them learn to understand, it is best to present scenarios to the child. Ask him or her, how he or she might feel if they had experienced something similar in the story shared.
     It is best to provide a visual, when presenting these scenarios. This will help keep the child's attention. In order to do this, I have used one paper plate and some markers. I have drawn one single face, but have made the facial structures to switch from a happy face to a sad face based on how the plate is turned. I will admit that there have been times, when I cannot get the face to look both happy and sad. In this case, I would provide two plates. Make one plate a happy face, and another a sad face.


I would suggest that after each story has been shared to hold up each plate, and ask the child- "How would this make you feel? Would it make you happy (hold up the happy face), or would it make you sad?" (hold up the sad face). This activity will help the child problem solve, and use their critical thinking skills to decide how they would feel in a similar situation.

Homemade Watercolor

     Painting is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, when you don't have any paint to use then an alternative must be used. My daughter and I ran into this same problem. Luckily, I remembered a quick watercolor recipe that  my mom used when I was younger. This recipe calls for water and food coloring, I have used liquid dish soap, in the past too. (It makes the paint  bubbly, and fun for kids to paint with). Needless to say, I used the dish soap with the water and food coloring. Brooklee loved it!

How I made my watercolor:

I pulled out 2 plastic cups, and poured a small amount of dish soap into each cup. I slowly added some water to the dish soap. I then asked Brooklee which colors she had wanted to paint with. She instantly picked pink and blue. I added a few drops of each color to their own cup, and then slowly stirred the color into each cup.

After the watercolor had been made, I handed Brooklee some paper and a paintbrush. She enjoyed painting, and seeing all of the bubbles in her watercolor.

The results looks just the same as the store bought watercolors that you find in the store. And it's cheaper! I would recommend anyone use this recipe, especially those who care for children.

Read Along-- So Many Books for Kids to Enjoy

     Children can learn to love books, if they are read to frequently.  I know that kids have their favorite books. They will ask you to read, and re-read the same book over and over again. If you find that you're starting to memorize the words to the story, switch it up. Start singing the words, or give each character a special "voice". Kids love this! You will see it in their eyes.

 

     I know Nursery Rhymes are controversial, but I truly believe that they are fun for kids. Children enjoy singing and dancing to the words of "Ring Around the Rosie".  They also enjoy learning finger plays that go along with Nursery Rhymes-- especially Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Books that rhyme are truly enjoyable-- especially those written by Dr. Seuss. Some of his books are real tongue twisters, and have to be read slowly. I have been known to mess up a number of times, and make kids laugh. Again, this is what makes reading fun!

 

     Another favorite of mine are those books that create music. The reason for this is, I can introduce the book by reading the story but then start singing the words. I also enjoy teaching the words to my kids, so that they can sing along with me. I love creating posters with visuals to help teach my kiddos the words to each song. You can do this too, it's really simple and tons of fun!

     Educational books are great too. They can serve as excellent tools in learning. There are so many wonderful concepts for children to learn from these kinds of books. My home library currently has books about the alphabet, shapes, colors and body parts. As my kids grow, I would like to expand my library to include math and science too.

Now, I would like to make a few suggestions when reading to your little ones:

1) Make it fun. Don't read a book to your child, just because you have to. Make sure that you are enjoying your time that you're spending with your child.
2) Talk about the pictures that you see in the book.
3) After the book has been read, make sure to review it with your child. Ask them questions about the book. Make it a point to help your child think about the story that was just shared. This is especially important, because it helps with their cognitive development.
4) Plan a family trip, or even a field trip, to the local library. Let your kids pick out a few books that they might want to check out and take home.

I would like to thank you for stopping by, I hope you have found some amazing tips that you can use in either your home or classroom.

Notes from the Babysitter-- FREEBIE!

As a former childcare provider, I know the importance of documenting everything! 

It is especially important to document:

-What was fed to each child, and when.

-When each diaper was last changed, or when each child visited the bathroom.

-What time each child had a nap, and for how long.

- How each child spent their playtime. What kind of activities did they do?

Parents are interested in how their child's day was spent.The best way that I have done this was by writing everything down. I carried a 3 ringed binder that contained notes for each child, in my care. Throughout the day; I would write down notes to myself, and to the parents.

When parents were ready to pick up their child, I would simply explain what their child did throughout the day. I even invited them to take a look at my notes, 

or take the notes home with them if they couldn't go over them with me right then.

This had meant a lot to my clients, and some even complimented me for taking the time to explain what their child did during his or her day.

Below, I have attached a printable "While You Were Out..." There are four different areas that this printable is separated into:

1) Food & Drinks
2) Potty & Diapers
3) Naptime
4) Playtime

These areas should help in documenting events throughout the day.

 

 

Before downloading, please understand that:
1) This is for PERSONAL USE ONLY.

2) DO NOT modify, resell, redistribute, or claim this printable as your own.

3) DO NOT remove my watermark.

4) If you re-post this printable online, credit must be given to

Mommy and Me Creations with a link back to my website.

** Please remember that these images are property of Mommy and Me Creations. 

I am just sharing some love, and ask that you send some back to me.**

{Download the Freebie}

Grocery Shopping with the Kiddos

We all know that grocery shopping with kids can be difficult, 

especially if you're shopping alone with the little ones. I have an idea that just might help!

Before going to the store, most of us will look through our sales ads. Why not cut out the items that you want to buy, and glue them onto some paper to make a "grocery list collage"? Make sure to make a list for each of your children, and then invite them to find those items listed on their grocery list at the store.

My 3 year old, Brooklee, loves to be "Mommy's helper". She enjoys putting groceries in the cart. Here is the last grocery list that I made especially for her.

My local grocery store has child sized carts. The last time we went shopping, we only needed to buy a couple of things so I let my daughter push one of them. She absolutely loved it! There were shoppers and clerks comment on how sweet it was to see such a cute little grocery shopper. Brooklee was smiling from ear to ear, and was so proud to help.If your grocery store offers these to their customers to use, I would suggest you let your kids push one around.

Guest Speaker: Amber from "Dessert Now, Dinner Later!"

Hi there!  My name is Amber & I blog over at Dessert Now, Dinner Later!  I share all things sweet & savory alongside my knowledge & skills as a culinary graduate.  If you ever have a culinary question, don't be shy to ask!  I love to ease your cooking/baking concerns. 
I remember starting to enjoy cooking with my mother when I was about 11 years old.  My favorite time together in the kitchen was when we would bake pies & other desserts for Thanksgiving & Christmas.  Creating things in the kitchen brings people together.  I love it!  That time in the kitchen with my mom at that ripe young age sparked my interest into making food a huge part of my life.  

I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nutrition & Food Sciences, emphasizing in Culinary Arts at Utah State University in 2008.  I have been in 3 different bakeries & 1 restaurant that also catered.  So I know a bit about food.  Stop by my blog for some delicious recipes.  I also have a recipe link party on Saturdays.  If you are a food blogger, come by & share your recipes!  It starts every Friday night at 9:00pm MST.  


So the reason I am here today is because Jacque asked me to come by & share a recipe that I enjoy making with my children.  I have two cute little kiddos.  A 3 1/2 year old boy & a 1 1/2 year old girl.  Since they are so young, their cooking & baking skills are pretty limited.  I like to keep it to things that they can help roll or shape, like bread or cookie dough.  They also like to shake or stir things, like coating food with crumbs in a zip-top baggie or stirring kool-aid.  And of course licking the bowl & spoon of whatever I am making...they are professionals at that!

With that being said, I brought my favorite recipe to make with my kids.  MUDDY BUDDIES!  Right now I have two variations on my blog:

Cherry Cheesecake Muddy Buddies

Gingerbread Puppy Chow

Muddy Buddies are extremely versatile & perfect for little helpers because they can help push the buttons on the microwave to melt the morsels & they can shake the coated cereal in a zip-top baggie.  Plus they are fun to munch on. 

Here is a general recipe outline to making your own muddy buddy creations:  

Muddy Buddy Recipe Outline

From: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

• 1 (10-12 oz bag) chocolate or other flavored morsels
• 1 Tbsp shortening (to thin out the melted morsels)
• 5 cups Rice Chex Cereal
• Approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups powder (cake mix, powdered sugar, pudding mix, or gelatin mix or combination)

1. In a LARGE bowl melt your bag of morsels (chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, cherry, cinnamon etc) with the shortening in the microwave on 50% power for 60 seconds at a time.  Stirring & re-heating until melted.
2. Add Chex cereal & fold with a spatula gently until the cereal is well-coated.
3. Combine approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups worth of desired powders (cake mix, powdered sugar, pudding mix, gelatin mix, or any combination.) in a zip-top baggie.
4. Add coated cereal to the zip-top baggie, zip shut, & shake until evenly distributed. Enjoy!

BONUS: I have compiled some tips & age appropriate tasks when inviting your child(ren) into the kitchen.  This is an educational blog after all.  These are just guidelines.  Adapt these activities to suit your child's needs & interests within your (the parent's) comfort zone.

Kids in the Kitchen: Ages 3 & Under
Toddlers this age are too young to have "helping" in the kitchen.  Alternative activities can be:

• Buy a kitchen play set to mimic what you are doing in the kitchen.
• Leave pots, pans, tupperware, & other safe items in the lower cupboards or drawers so they can play with them.  This helps them feel like not everything is completely "off-limits" in the kitchen.
• Let them snack in their high chair while they watch you cook.
• Teach them the dangers of HOT things in the kitchen.
• Let them taste everything you make, so they appreciate different foods/flavors & sparks that desire to create in the kitchen.
• Practice hand washing before eating.
• Teach them new words of the foods/equipment you are using.
• Point out senses that they use in the kitchen: smelling the food as it cooks, touching the different textures of ingredients (like flour vs sugar), seeing things cook from the oven window, hearing the water boiling on the stove, & tasting the meal after it's made.
• Allow them to be the official bowl/spoon licker :)

Kids in the Kitchen: Ages 3-6 years old
Children in this age group can be your "Sous/Assistant Chef" by:

• Adding/pouring pre-measured ingredients
• Gathering ingredients
• Helping set the table for dinner & gather dirty plates after the meal
• Washing table with a rag
• Opening packages
• Scrubbing fruits & veggies
• Tearing lettuce
• Using blunt scissors to cut food
• Using a can opener
• Stirring liquids, doughs, or dry ingredients
• Shaping rolls (it's like playing with play dough for them)
• Shaking/coating foods in a zip-top bag
• Spreading condiments, dressings, fillings & frostings using a small spatula/butter knife/sandwich spreader
• Squeezing lemons/oranges/limes
• Mashing potatoes
• Peeling bananas, oranges, or eggs
• Cut-out shapes for sugar cookies

Kids in the Kitchen: Ages 7-11 years old 
These children to pre-teens are now Chefs in Training & should be able to:

• Measure ingredients with cups or spoons accurately
• Peel/shred vegetables
• Fill muffin tins
• Scoop cookies
• Crack eggs into a bowl
• Cut soft foods with a blunt knife
• Knead & roll dough
• Help plan meals
• Make simple recipes with 6 ingredients or less
• Microwave with supervision
• Use a hand mixer with supervision
• Whisk liquids
• Roll meatballs

Kids in the Kitchen: Ages 12-15 years old 
Teenagers are now Junior Chefs in the Kitchen & are ready to learn:

• Knife safety & how to chop vegetables with supervision
• Oven/Stovetop safety & how to use with supervision
• How to plan & shop for meals
• How to use the electric mixer, blender, grater, & other kitchen appliances or sharp utensils with supervision
• How to follow steps in simple recipes

Kids in the Kitchen: Ages 16-18 years old 
These "young adults" are now Senior Chefs in the kitchen & should:

• Use math skills to half & double recipes (can apply to previous age group as well)
• Cook a meal once a week or on a semi-regular basis for the whole family
• Experiment making world cuisines (Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Peruvian, etc) & expand their cooking genre
• Plan balanced menus for dinners, parties, or other special events
• Learn how to shop for ingredients while learning costs of different foods & ways to save (especially important for when they go off to college & have to buy & make their own meals)
• Learn new skills such as canning or drying foods

If you liked what I shared please tell your friends & come visit me:

http://dessertnowdinnerlater.blogspot.com/

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