Barefoot Soccer – One Big Mistake!

It seemed like a good idea at the time. My youngest grandchild’s engaging smile and pleading eyes, imploring me to play soccer with him, were hard to resist. I’d observed him and his sister kick a small ball back and forth across the thick, shag rug in the living room, using the front door and…

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I Found a Quilted Heart

In 2014, a group of friends founded an organization to spread a little kindness. They made fabric hearts and attached small tags that said, “I need a home.” These hand-crafted gifts were left in public places for folks to find. I hope you’ll consider joining this movement and make a few hearts. Whether simple or…

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Treasure Hunt

My grandchildren love a treasure hunt! If one participant hasn’t learned to read yet, the other child reads the clues and the kids take turns finding the clues. For Young Children *We play this game so often that I save the clues to use again, mixing up the order. *My grandchildren enjoy a birthday treasure…

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Tie Dye Butterflies

Make cute, colorful butterflies with a few simple steps. Materials 2 coffee filters1 clothespin for body1 chenille pipe cleaner for antennaeWashable markersWashable paint for clothespinSmall paint brushQuilting thread or thin string for hangingTacky glueSpray bottle or eye dropperWax paperHeavy plastic shower curtain liner to cover table *Make a sample for children to follow. Print

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Fruit Popsicles

Fruit popsicles are a nutritious treat that kids will enjoy making. You will Need: Popsicle mold Assorted fruit – strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi, peaches, cherries, etc. Fruit juice – any flavor such as apple, cherry, orange, or mango Wash fruit and cut into small pieces. Place fruit in molds. Fill mold with juice, leaving ½”…

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Pillowcase Game

Are you searching for a fun activity to play with your grandchildren? Here’s one that my grandkids have enjoyed beginning at age three. For Young Children – Gather a variety of toys and household items that are familiar to the child, such as: a toy car, ball, spoon, hair brush, toothbrush, small box, baby rattle,…

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Punky Muffins

Instead of a muffin tin, I use an 8” X 8” baking pan or casserole dish. When “muffins” are cool, cut into squares, place them in a plastic storage bag, and freeze.  They’re great for a snack or breakfast. Ingredients 1 cup pumpkin1 cup applesauce2 large eggs1 tsp. vanilla extract1 ½ cups quick or old-fashioned…

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Paper Plate Art

Paper plates are a sturdy surface on which to work and paint does not bleed through. Many types of paper plates are available. I used “coated” paper plates, dinner size. Materials Coated disposable paper plates, 9”Washable paintSmall paint brushHeavy plastic shower curtain liner to cover table Optional Items Glitter glueGlitterSequinsCrayonsWashable dot markersTacky glue for sequins,…

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Button Magnets

*Make personalized magnets to mount children’s artwork on a stainless steel refrigerator.  Materials Assorted old or new buttons  .75 inch  (19.05 mm)  or larger Ceramic disc magnets, (also called button magnets)  .75 inch  (19.05 mm)  Tacky glue Thread or embroidery floss for buttons with holes Wire cutters for buttons with a shank Heavy plastic shower…

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Pipe Cleaner Projects

My grandchildren enjoy crafting with colorful, flexible chenille pipe cleaners. Materials Large or small packages of chenille pipe cleaners I give the kids a package of pipe cleaners without offering any instructions. They simply use their imagination and creativity to make whatever comes to mind. I like to join in the fun and make something…

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