Wrapping up the Christmas crafts

I thought it would be a good idea to wrap up the Christmas crafts before Christmas!  

Where does the time go?  

The kids had a good time doing a science experiment for a craft.  I used this tutorial for inspiration.  Let it be noted that Jman was totally skeptical and never thought it would work.  I'm just glad that it did!  The ornaments are so sparkly but my photo skills are not.  

Then on Friday after all of the parties and school fun we headed to the movie store.  I was amazed that, in a matter of 10 seconds, they both picked out movies.  Since it was right next door, we popped into Hallmark for a few more gifts.  I remember yelling telling the kids "Quit acting like I never take you anywhere-Oh, wait, I don't...."Then J-man really needed a hair cut and we only had to wait 5 minutes!  Upon leaving Sports Clips, I remembered that Roo had earned a free pizza coupon.   Since it took a while for the pizzas to be ready, we hopped on over to Pier One for some more shopping.  I got so much done and I had my kids!  They enjoyed looking at all of the Christmas decorations everywhere and helping me pick out gifts.  I realized that they really don't get out much and I'm going to try and do it more often.  

That same night we finally got to do gingerbread houses.

I hot glue the houses together so they don't fall apart.  

There was a whole lotta tasting going on.  I love looking at all of the detail.  

 My baby looks so tired!

Roo kept telling me that it was the best day ever!  I agree.

Christmas Craft #2-Styrofoam snowman

This one was all Roo's idea.  She knew she wanted to make a snowman and it HAD to be out of styrofoam balls.   I googled and then watched this video because I really wanted them to work and I was sure someone out there had it all figured out already.

I think they turned out pretty cute and she was thrilled to give it to her teacher.

Even J-man had a good time making these.  

I wonder how much longer I can do craft week with him?  

They are looking for twigs to make the arms for the snowman.  Notice the shorts and flip flops in December?  Love it!

I hope your Christmas preparation is going smoother than mine!  

Christmas craft week

We started Christmas craft week this week!    

For the first semester of last year, I was watching two extra kids after school.  By the time Christmas came around everyone was antsy in the afternoon and they also didn't have homework.  Thank goodness for Meg and her ideas.  Christmas crafts saved the day!  I'm doing different ones this year with just my kids and first up was the felt Christmas tree inspired by here.  

I've made it a point to not run all over town so when Walmart was out of the things we needed I had to improvise.  No styrofoam cones?  Make them out of cardboard.  (I had to refer to my friend Cyndy on how to make one!)  No felt (whatsoever)?  Use a $5.99 green XL sweatshirt.  I bought the little presents at the dollar store and had all of the other trimmings on hand.

I would love to say that as much as I love the one on the right, it wasn't going to happen with moody kids that day.  I should have had the strips already made.  Lesson learned.  So we opted for little squares hot glued on in a criss cross fashion.  All Roo wanted to do was the decorating anyway.  Mommy could do the hard part.

Not much went on yesterday since I had a small surgery on my gums.  It was more intense than expected.  I'm better now and hopefully will find some styrofoam balls for a craft that Roo has made up herself.  Wish me luck because I have no idea how to substitute for those!