French Braid

I'm learning how to french braid thanks to You Tube!  Corinne's sitter, Molly, has been braiding her hair all summer- so I had to join in and learn.  Now Corinne requests a french braid at least every other day.  We're still working on the finer details of making the braid actually look good- but if you're into the messy look this could be for you.  Corinne is very content while I do her braid if she gets to watch the video too.  I actually heard her talking in her room as if she was one of the girls fixing hair.  So cute.  Last week she asked for a braid like a crown.  Not sure where she saw that idea, but we'll keep working!
 

This is About Personality

I've been learning all kids of interesting facts about personalities recently.  Mostly from a book called Personality Plus for Parents by Florence Littauer.  She highlights the four personalities and how to parent towards your child's personality.  That's why I had to take this picture.  My three your old and her 18 month old brother spent time this morning organizing their cars and trucks in a line.  I think they got it from me; also a melancholy- orderly and calm. As a matter of fact, take a look at my new favorite part of the house.  (There are labels just in case you can not see them.)

Chore Chart

This summer we started implementing a Chore Chart for Corinne (3 years old).  I really believe in chores that are going to help the family as a whole not just chores that are about personal hygiene. Our list includes; putting clothes in the hamper, putting away toys, helping mommy sweep, putting dishes in the sink, putting shoes away.  Well, Corinne filled up her chore chart and, of course, there was a reward at the end!  Her pick: to ride the carousel at our mall.  She rode with her Daddy. They had a great time! We cleared off the stickers and are on round two of chores.

A New Ride

Well we have been blessed with a very large gift! My mom decided it was time for us to have a minivan.  We've had hand-me-down cars for years.  Never buying our own car- ever.  Well, since my mom told us this great news, it seems like we've spent every waking minute researching and trying to to find the best deal.  And credit to my husband- we found everything we wanted and a whole lot more under the amount of money my mom so generously gave us.  This is a 2011 Honda Odyssey with all the bells and whistles and more.  It's been really fun to drive and I think even more fun for the kids to ride in.  Actually, my husband went on an unnecessary errand tonight just to go out and drive the new van!

Step Stool

Ok, I love making gifts for people.  Especially little people.  This one is for our friends' two year old son, Ethan.  It's super easy to do; just some sealer for the raw wood stool, four colors of your choice and sealant.  I looked high and low for the right stool before  realizing my local JoAnn's would have a great selection.  This one- with your flyer coupon- is only about $9 and very sturdy!  Ethan and his parents loved it so much, they asked me to paint one for his older sister, Abby.  And I am very happy to!

Dollar Store Finds

The kids and I love to do pretend play- pretending to be a doctor or dentist or having a tea party.  Well, the last time we were on a casual visit to the Dollar Store, I uncovered a ton of great finds.  They are out right now for Halloween and we took full advantage of all we could find; fairy shoes, pirate gear, firemen hats, shield.  We have already loved playing with the toys.  Corinne's favorite  right now is the crown.  But she was also a fireman the other day and she likes turning Caleb into a pirate.  And it was all for a dollar each! Yeah! Oh, if you go for the boa- just know the feathers get everywhere!

Tea Party

The kids and I had a tea party this week.  They were both so happy.  They drank decaf, unsweet tea and had their morning waffles and fruit.  Of course the baby dolls and a couple stuffed animals were included. It's going to be a new thing we do every week- it was such a hit.  It was also a great chance to review manners and respect.  Next time we'll have some crumpets!