Throw the Paint Brush Away and Get Creative!

When I had my own classroom expressing ourselves through art was a daily component of our learning process.  My son is 14 months and I have been trying to introduce art to him in various modes like footprint painting, edible paints on a canvas, bathtub crayons, etc.  I recently found an art studio nearby that offers art classes for children starting at the age of one.  Now that the subzero temperatures are hopefully out of sight until next winter, I plan on getting him in there a few times a month.

There are numerous benefits of incorporating art into the lives of young children such as:

• Math awareness- colors, shapes, forms and lines.
• Development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Individual expression.
• Social skills; talking about their own artwork as well as their peers. 
• Decision making and problem solving skills.
• Science Awareness- mixing/changing colors, textures, bubbles, solids/liquids, etc.
•  Pre-writing opportunities.

We have started an art box with washable paint, paper, canvases, chalk, etc.  Painting doesn't always have to be with a paintbrush in hand.  There are many everyday household items lying around that can turn into a new method of painting. 

 

 

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Shutterfly's Current Specials

Do you need to preserve special moments in a photo book, with prints or other home décor?  Graduation season is approaching; do you have invitations or announcements to create, but you're not sure where to get started?  Head over to Shutterfly for all your picture needs!  I have used Shutterfly for quite some time and have always been more than happy with the quality of products and their professional, courteous customer service!

Here are their current specials for customers...  

Shop Shutterfly's Special Offers!  Ends June 18, 2014

Use code SHIP30 for free shipping on orders of $30 or more!  Ends June 30, 2014

Coconut Fruit-Filled Oatmeal Bars

Our little guy and I love granola & Nutri-grain bars, so last evening I played around in the kitchen experimenting with my own recipe because homemade is always better, right?  They were still cooling before bed, but if the taste was any indication of the aroma that filled our home, we were in for a treat.

When I woke up this morning, little boy was still fast asleep, but I decided to sneak a taste of the raspberry-filled bars.  OH MY! These are too yummy not to share! 

Coconut Fruit-Filled Oatmeal Bars

Bars:  2¾ cups flour, 2¾ cups quick oats, 1¾ cups brown sugar, ¾ cup flaxseed meal, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1¾-2 cups of solid coconut oil

Fruit filling:  1 cup sugar and  2 cups of cherries, pears, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, cranberries, mixed berries, or any other fruit of your choice 

Directions:  Preheat oven at 350 degrees and grease 13x9 pan.  With a potato masher, mix dry ingredients.  Mash in coconut oil until crumbly.  Set aside.  Mix sugar and desired fruit in a small saucepan.  Bring to a rapid boil until it thickens like syrup. Place ½ of dry ingredients in greased pan, lightly pack.  (I used the potato masher to do this; it worked great!)  Layer the hot fruit on top.  Add the remaining dry ingredients on top and lightly pack again.  Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool and serve.             

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FREE 8x8 Photo Book from Shutterfly EXTENDED

OFFER EXTENDED UNTIL WED. MAR. 26



Enjoy a FREE 8X8 Photo Book

 Offer ends Wed. Mar. 26  Promo code: STORYTIME
 

One thing I love about Shutterfly is all the freebies (just pay shipping) they offer you!  I have made prints, mugs, magnets, mouse pads, books, you name it through them and have been pleased with each order!  I have been putting off making my son's "First Year of Memories" photo book, but it looks like I have a task to complete ASAP.

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Military Discounts at Amusement Parks

We are not huge amusement park goers, but I am confident that once our little guys are older we will be making a few visits.  I know from past experiences how expensive it was just for my husband and me to visit a park or two and I am dreading the cost of a family for four visiting.  We will definitely start a travel savings plan prior to our visit. 

It may drive my husband batty at times, but I would say 99.9% of the time we go anywhere whether it is shopping, out eat, traveling, etc. I ask if they offer a military discount.  Sometimes it just pays the tax, but that is extra money we are saving so I am definitely not complaining! 

I recently came across this list of military discounts offered at several different parks in a Facebook group I am part of for military spouses and I thought I would pass it along to you! 

http://www.military.com/discounts/the-best-amusement-park-military-discounts.html

Information on the "Waves of Honor" program as well:  http://www.wavesofhonor.com/

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FREE Annual Passes for US National Parks

From Operation Homefront, "If you're looking forward to warm weather and are already making plans to visit the great outdoors, check out FREE annual passes to National Parks for active duty military and families." 

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

I don't know about you, but we are ready for warm weather and sunshine!  In fact, I told my husband when we PCS, I wouldn't mind taking orders to the middle of a dessert for a few years.  I love winter and everything that comes with it, but this has been one...long...winter.  We didn't take advantage of this benefit last summer since it was our first time being a family of 3, but this year, despite expecting another little sailor, we will be getting a pass and utilizing it when we can. 

What a fabulous way to discover history and explore nature with your kiddos!  Parks are hidden gems; they have so many learning opportunities within them.  The learning is endless; from Science to Math to Social Studies to Language Arts to Technology. If you're planning a visit to one of the US National Parks in the future make sure you stop by their website and download visitor guides, kids' activities, etc.  Kids can even become a "Web Ranger!" 

Enjoy and happy traveling! 

Stay up-to-date with Operation Homefront and their services at http://www.operationhomefront.net/

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