From My Reader--projects for dads and children to enjoy

I have been wanting a set of tree blocks for the children since last fall and today I found this fun blog that tells you how to do it yourself plus more. Check it out.

Tree Blocks

Tree Tea Set


Tree Snake

Charlotte Mason & What To Eat

I have recently started using our blog as a place to archive not just our homeschooling and family activities but also crafts, decorating ideas and now, things I want to go back and read. Charlotte Mason was an English lady living in the late 1800's who changed the face of home education for many families and her writings continue to impact and form our home education. So, when I found a blog summarizing her infamously difficult to read writings I was excited. I hope to return to Dewey's Treehouse throughout the summer for a good read in preparation for next year's lessons.

Another summer read for me will be this wonderful compilation of nutrition posts by Steve Edwards from The Straight Dope. Steve Edwards has done a lot of consulting with Beach Body on their nutrition products and is very informed on good eating and great exercising.

Enjoy!

From My Reader--Mommy craft

It amazes me how creative some people can be, I wish I had the same time, energy & supplies. I hope to experiment with some of these ideas this summer and possibly endeavor to use our unreliable sewing machine. At any rate it is fun to know these cute projects are out there waiting and the next time I need to embellish something or create a gift I have ideas. Enjoy!

A cute headband that I cannot wait to make for the little ladies and am I to old for one?

An oh so cute fabric flower topiary. I think I might try this on a lampshade.

I have seen so many different types of garlands and banners in blogland but this one seemed very unique using the ever popular burlap. I don't know that I will ever accomplish this one but it is a neat idea.

Spring Pennant

From My Reader--Mommy craft

Such a cute wreath made out of paper towels and household embellishments. I shall add it to my handicrafts list.

More detailed directions on how to make this cutie. Just note that food coloring is also a good way to dye the paper towels.

Learning with Easter eggs

Here are some great educational activities using leftover Easter eggs. I think these are great activities to do year-round with a fun way of serving them up, little ones can't resist the brightly colored eggs, so what a wonderful way to make learning hands on and fun.

From My Reader-

A fun idea for making simple mosaics with the children, they could make it a collaborative effort or individual.

What do you do with extra soda bottles? Make soda bottle flowers of course.

My children love bubbles, so I can't wait to try this simple recipe from things around the house.


A paper plate spring bird.

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Have a sun filled weekend!

Lasanga Soup

I found a new money saving grocery blog called $5 dinners and gave one of the recipes a try. The family loved it: Ayden said "this is the best soup I have ever had" and Jay ate 3 helpings, yes, you read that right, 3 helpings. This soup was quick and easy on a night when I did not want to cook.

I used ground turkey and macaroni noodles with a little parmesan and the next time I make it I will add finely chopped carrots to get the veg. in the pot.

Lasagna Soup

1 onion finely diced $.80
1 teaspoon olive oil $.05
2 cloves garlic finely minced $.06
choice of meat (ground beef, Italian sausage, meatballs…) $2.00
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups jarred spaghetti sauce $.37
4 cups chicken (or vegetable or beef) stock $1.00
2 bay leaves $.03
8 oz pasta (Rotini, Fusilli, Campanelle,Corkscrew) $.50
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
shredded Mozzarella cheese $.50

In a large Dutch oven, heat oil to medium heat and saute onion until golden. Add garlic and warm through about 1 minute before adding your choice of meat. Brown the meat, remove any extra fat. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, spaghetti sauce, chicken stock and bay leaves. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Add pasta and increase heat to bring to a boil and cook for recommended time on pasta box for “al dente”. Discard bay leaves and adjust seasonings by adding salt & pepper. Stir in fresh parsley and serve with a sprinkling of shredded Mozzarella cheese.

From My Reader

Here's what interested me this week--a few nature, craft and educational ideas. Happy reading.

Nature observations through collecting and drawing. I can think of a few children who will enjoy this all summer.

Phonics eggs--fun matching for word families and sight words.




Nature Words--I always forget to do this very simple activity when we go outside--so much fun and creativity.

Make a Spring Stick. I can't wait to see the children running around with these creations, they love sticks.




A very cute mantel garland and so easy. I made a Christmas tree garland like this once but never thought of decorating a mantel with it. A rag garland could also decorate a shelf or cabinet top.

Dot Painters meet Ed Emberly--I love this idea. I have an Ed Emberly book that I always forget to use and we always enjoy a good dot painting session--perfect, combine them both for a fun creative project.

Fun high frequency word cards with the beautiful and captivating illustrations of Jan Brett.



A wonderful post about the perils of being speedy and hasty in our use of time and choices, wonderful food for thought.

From My Reader

I saw this, this week and thought it was so easy and so pretty. I am amazed at what an inspiration blogs can be, I will share some of my own inspired creations very soon.

Handmade Dogwood Blossoms

From My Reader

Here are a few fun craft projects for the season, I am excited to try them all--enjoy!

Spring Baskets

Coloring Eggs Naturally

Bottle Cap Bunnies

From My Reader

Here are a few fun posts that I have stumbled upon in blogland this past month, I hope you enjoy.

A do it yourself magazine holder.

A Treasure Basket for the little ones, I am thinking of doing this on a regular rotation for B.

A great, great game idea and I just found some blocks this afternoon that I can use, I know the bigs will really enjoy this activity.

A great nest craft that made me happy when I thought of it hanging on our hutch. Now I just need a trip to the thrift store for some spoons and JoAnn's for a few eggs.

We have had the book Benjamin's Box for several years, so I was so excited to see this post. We will be making our own Benjamin Box this season.