tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19212173337400089012024-03-05T06:11:45.067-06:00Busy Bag CentralA site about 'all things for busy bags' and ideas to keep little hands busy!Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-33397104953311320872015-06-01T11:19:00.001-05:002015-06-01T12:38:10.985-05:00Teaching boys how to be men<div style="text-align: center;">
"Teaching boys how to be men" is one of my boards on Pinterest (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/teaching-boys-how-to-be-men/" target="_blank">found here if you want a lot of great reading!</a>). It's a collection of all kinds of articles to help my husband and I teach good character as we hope to train up Godly men in our home.<br />
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Most days I feel that I need all the help I can get. Growing up with all sisters and 4 girl cousins has created a shock for this momma when I had all boys. I mean, "What am I supposed to do when my 3 year old boy wants to play tractors....for TWO HOURS?!?" = It means I learn how to play tractors and how to make better vehicle sounds; and learn to love it!</div>
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With 4 boys, life is a whirlwind of 'resetting' -- feeding, cleaning, playing...and then redoing it over and over and over. But the hard part isn't the busyness of it all...the hard part is also fitting all the time it takes to teach!! Remembering to teach nutrition when eating, </div>
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remembering to ask about their thoughts of the day when getting into bed, </div>
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remembering to point out how God is working as we make choices, and so on. </div>
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And the even harder part comes when there's a problem. ....with a friend at school, with a sibling, with a personal challenge. So I stop to listen and encourage good character traits. </div>
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I try think of my sons as the future men they are becoming...and how my words greatly impact their internal vision of themselves.</div>
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One of my favorite reads for the day is here: <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2015/06/01/simple-hard/">http://momastery.com/blog/2015/06/01/simple-hard/</a></div>
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This mom put it so perfectly when she said - </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>"Kind and brave has been our family’s battle cry</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">... </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>And I’ve always told my kids that your job isn’t who you are. </b></span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Your character is who you are. </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>So when folks ask my kids what they 'want to be,' they think character, not career."</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Being kind. Being brave. Putting aside ourselves so as to encourage others. Loving unconditionally. May the weariness of parenting fade as your bravely and kindly lead your children today. </span></div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-82396142427876765252015-05-18T20:50:00.002-05:002015-05-18T20:50:44.246-05:00Button Snake Busy Bag -- ideas for sorting sizes "big vs little"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OePpmk_vvIjNqHvQQCAHDud9MmOKRZB3XhOWBa1VgQJFhPxgrt6qJfv4bzrbCHhzdHxwFK5XQgvl-wcn16YJQwFY-lJDKXzcOWt8vBXLLhEK6K4MXBXCl3Ny3tVdPgyQWcDXdB20L_k/s1600/button+snake+with+watermark+and+title+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OePpmk_vvIjNqHvQQCAHDud9MmOKRZB3XhOWBa1VgQJFhPxgrt6qJfv4bzrbCHhzdHxwFK5XQgvl-wcn16YJQwFY-lJDKXzcOWt8vBXLLhEK6K4MXBXCl3Ny3tVdPgyQWcDXdB20L_k/s320/button+snake+with+watermark+and+title+block.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Button Snake for big vs. little sorting</u></div>
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Now that our youngest is almost two, he's ready to start working on life skills that Busy Bags can teach. The first time I heard of a Button Snake, I thought it was such a simple concept. After making one, I handed it to my son to play with it but he just stared at me....like "And what do I do now?" Here's the <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/button-snake-busy-bag.html" target="_blank">original post from 2012</a> where I realized that learning to thread a button can be hard and require practice; jsut as learning how to use a spoon, how to put on a shirt, and how to brush your teeth!</div>
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The basic instructions are: Provide the child with the materials and let them practice threading
the felt shapes on and off of the ribbon “snake”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For really young users or beginners, it may be helpful for them to see
what the finished goal looks like. Plus you may have to work with them to teach how to
actually push in and pull through with each felt piece.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are lots of different button snakes you can create. For our toddler to work on learning "big" versus "little", I came up with a series of larger shapes and smaller shapes to be threaded on two different lengths of ribbon. Plus I also like our version since there are buttons on each end. When I made the first snake with just one button and left a 'tail' (= just the end of the ribbon), my toddler kept pushing on the felt shape and then pulling right off the other end so we never got them put on altogether. With a button on each end, specifically a larger button, it helps the toddler know to put on and leave until ready to practice un-buttoning!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjX5cH9Ndflt5mKoi3TiTxKr-immXNazEJzyvaL7meVRt1W1z76yCIyqQ43bQEnHbqRWDogC_FKjR5ftLcHPDcVPtcq2iPFeomSndXLTKkGeB6rDAwq8ZM-dQ2jE4d7_xSVxEiKtcf1_k/s1600/button+snake+finished+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjX5cH9Ndflt5mKoi3TiTxKr-immXNazEJzyvaL7meVRt1W1z76yCIyqQ43bQEnHbqRWDogC_FKjR5ftLcHPDcVPtcq2iPFeomSndXLTKkGeB6rDAwq8ZM-dQ2jE4d7_xSVxEiKtcf1_k/s320/button+snake+finished+watermark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Button Snake Busy Bags are available for order as well all other busy bags on the <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/p/master-list-of-busy-bags.html" target="_blank">Master List</a>...just <a href="mailto:busybagcentral@gmail.com" target="_blank">email </a>with interest!<br />
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For different versions, ideas can be found on my Pinterest page "<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/busybagcentral-blogspot-com/" target="_blank">BusyBagCentra</a>l" or by clicking directly on the following links:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcxUrcfJS4_FgIh7vESAHWRj7Au0MF3yoxj_ZnVjPKnSTMkaQG0u3qFyU42DYu7WU6hQ38JanfDfyqFqRc3Z5yBKh6fuVH7xbrJXxznEZpeoMzrWJMsQYmyfHmh1FK1bhtzttHSsALHI/s1600/all+colors+and+all+shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcxUrcfJS4_FgIh7vESAHWRj7Au0MF3yoxj_ZnVjPKnSTMkaQG0u3qFyU42DYu7WU6hQ38JanfDfyqFqRc3Z5yBKh6fuVH7xbrJXxznEZpeoMzrWJMsQYmyfHmh1FK1bhtzttHSsALHI/s200/all+colors+and+all+shapes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Sorting shapes by colors or by pattern! Found at - <a href="http://www.memorizingthemoments.com/2012/01/button-snake.html" target="_blank">www.memorizingthemoments.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqii6HF1Ug7bCN0EywXJBS9eZ_SkWKK_4EtrHknDq5u-Cfd2At36CUAGPWSAnjbQQjEKl7_9SQgkclnwpGOpTlxsmYqwUqNI4NO5DnQtfjb0zH9gjmklOn8c33GXv38SILSaT-DyJ7YQ/s1600/food+threading+and+layering!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqii6HF1Ug7bCN0EywXJBS9eZ_SkWKK_4EtrHknDq5u-Cfd2At36CUAGPWSAnjbQQjEKl7_9SQgkclnwpGOpTlxsmYqwUqNI4NO5DnQtfjb0zH9gjmklOn8c33GXv38SILSaT-DyJ7YQ/s200/food+threading+and+layering!.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Layering food! Found at - <a href="http://therapyfunzone.net/blog/practice-buttoning-with-felt-sandwich/" target="_blank">therapyfunzone.net</a><br />
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Neat version without the ribbon and just using crazy straws! Found at - <a href="http://www.powerfulmothering.com/fine-motor-skills-with-crazy-straws/" target="_blank">www.powerfulmothering.com</a></div>
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Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-36948839394063425012015-05-04T14:33:00.002-05:002015-05-04T14:35:48.246-05:00Busy Bags ready to order - ready and tested for awesomeness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cFSzQk0QN4L_nEcITyriAvU7B1fQ71LeUVGdGxWJxbiYIHs5C1xIxKjdKwD69VvY8ygrHFq6EODybieMPTRWYjq7KBfCsYpQMIk8ICRXoq5ycRMEI2H-XVUkMvNdk79ngqOvf__IPCg/s1600/set+of+3+with+wording.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cFSzQk0QN4L_nEcITyriAvU7B1fQ71LeUVGdGxWJxbiYIHs5C1xIxKjdKwD69VvY8ygrHFq6EODybieMPTRWYjq7KBfCsYpQMIk8ICRXoq5ycRMEI2H-XVUkMvNdk79ngqOvf__IPCg/s320/set+of+3+with+wording.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Orders being filled this week are for busy bags in quantities of 3 and 6....you pick!<br />
Quick link to all bags featured on this blog: <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/p/busy-bags-for-purchase.html">Master list of busy bags and sensory kits</a></div>
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Also working on several special requests for toddler bags. Excited to post the new activities soon.</div>
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All bags are tried and tested for awesomeness by our boys. </div>
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My boys' ages are 1, 3, 5, and 7 so there is always someone ready to try out a new activity!</div>
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Are there any specific activity bags or sensory kits you want to try at home but don't have time to make?? Comment below or email me so we can make it happen!</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-82531312031487291002015-04-28T00:12:00.002-05:002015-04-28T00:12:52.828-05:00Sensory Kits are rice plus toys and kids love them ...say what the what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thomas the Train Sensory Kit</div>
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After Pinterest first came out, I found several ideas for my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/preschooler-playtime/" target="_blank">Preschooler Playtime</a> Board all related to using a bucket filled with rice plus random items.</div>
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...something called 'Sensory Kits'.....</div>
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My thoughts went something like this -- "So rice which is an every day item and easy to vacuum up without much regret plus a spoon or magnifying glass and just bonus stuff to sort though. </div>
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What???? No way. And kids like this? Say What?? Shut the front door."</div>
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Yes, my thoughts exactly....until I made my own and gave it to my littles...who played for an hour. </div>
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(Again, SayWhat???) Here they are at ages 2 and 4. We practiced stringing, lacing, sorting, color recognition, and more. Then we dumped it all back into the box and did it again!!</div>
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We did have a mess of rice on the floor but for a momma who hates playdough and little boys who hate writing, we needed a non-electronic activity to encourage fine motor growth and finger strength. </div>
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I searched all over and found lots of 'themed' kits and then made up my own!! </div>
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My boys enjoy the movie CARS as well as Thomas the Train so these kits are their favs. </div>
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And since I have several nieces plus lots of friends with little girls, I came up with sets for Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty and Tinkerbell. </div>
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Priced at just $20 and it comes with an instruction sheet to guide you through several activity ideas!</div>
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(plus shipping) <a href="mailto:busybagcentral@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email </a>to order!</div>
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Feel free to search my pages on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. </div>
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For more awesome sensory kit ideas, here are 3 of my original favorite pins about sensory kits!</div>
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1. This sensory kit would work well with the <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/alphabet-match-up-busy-bag.html">ABC Busy Bag</a> and rice from a sensory kit!</div>
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from <a href="http://www.pre-kpages.com/alphabet-sensory-play/">www.pre-kpages.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJDhjge899jqqI0GEgCMifAD3OJxS6JTZLngBh2j1HnDZ3-Axq0MmyNYS5CNA2F0f7Iz_4aw-Jt98Z_BCeqCQKRAK9jTsNd9RAXyiz2v-ARRCIKc7sx9lwy9kCQxgBRrHFCZFmCbaT7I/s1600/alphabet-sensory-play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJDhjge899jqqI0GEgCMifAD3OJxS6JTZLngBh2j1HnDZ3-Axq0MmyNYS5CNA2F0f7Iz_4aw-Jt98Z_BCeqCQKRAK9jTsNd9RAXyiz2v-ARRCIKc7sx9lwy9kCQxgBRrHFCZFmCbaT7I/s1600/alphabet-sensory-play.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
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2. This kit would be fun with the tweezers <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-bead-threading-busy-bag.html">Bead Threading Busy Bag</a>!</div>
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from <a href="http://teaching2and3yearolds.com/a-collection-of-sensory-table-ideas/">teaching2and3yearolds.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFD57bRBM0Vt4RvNt9nRGOGKOmWGzoWv7IlZx8yPvqCXgf7_OQXLb2BCR8NezT3X6DYYFvUcaXYIkRb4V6oOYXLUZl0vG9UtkG8-tJmXllBlwRkDUANx4Oa_98dEZ6ZP8rVoHG8nltqI/s1600/blog+pom+squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFD57bRBM0Vt4RvNt9nRGOGKOmWGzoWv7IlZx8yPvqCXgf7_OQXLb2BCR8NezT3X6DYYFvUcaXYIkRb4V6oOYXLUZl0vG9UtkG8-tJmXllBlwRkDUANx4Oa_98dEZ6ZP8rVoHG8nltqI/s1600/blog+pom+squares.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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And 3. We now use a <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2014/10/when-momma-needs-quiet-its-time-to.html">cookie sheet </a>under our sensory box to catch the rice...and how cool would it be to have rainbow rice!</div>
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Here is how to dye rice from <a href="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-mom/blog/make-it-diy-rainbow-sensory-box/">www.ehow.com/ehow-mom</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmIP3dTv_ZnH7OEMfl4EYVPTVt1h6oXRtrRXQ5X866yWsi5ePLEruek8pTYxbxlAOp4R9Nn9oHGCUoSpNt9YiNb31kCVbMvpJRoVuYEewgqup9oQA0XBXAjeCdtJoAZgsH75WIxEOCRo/s1600/rainbowrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmIP3dTv_ZnH7OEMfl4EYVPTVt1h6oXRtrRXQ5X866yWsi5ePLEruek8pTYxbxlAOp4R9Nn9oHGCUoSpNt9YiNb31kCVbMvpJRoVuYEewgqup9oQA0XBXAjeCdtJoAZgsH75WIxEOCRo/s1600/rainbowrice.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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Please comment below with any pins you love and want to share with us!!!</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-3199497566841327152015-04-18T20:10:00.001-05:002015-04-18T20:10:28.764-05:00Order of Busy Bags = Lots of Preschooler Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRmi_FWRuyZVqp9tvUQFwvw02H7zDQFPrum5N8MPLC-HqwzxgnnJtOzMg6f5Qe-Ix-7Bdwij6dt_14c4hnnI6APGvnWS1C3woJRwjZjMHPPrcoFOIKbHr1A2DOCd1qBMFAqjfSoZJWtU/s1600/busy+bags+order+with+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRmi_FWRuyZVqp9tvUQFwvw02H7zDQFPrum5N8MPLC-HqwzxgnnJtOzMg6f5Qe-Ix-7Bdwij6dt_14c4hnnI6APGvnWS1C3woJRwjZjMHPPrcoFOIKbHr1A2DOCd1qBMFAqjfSoZJWtU/s1600/busy+bags+order+with+watermark.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shipped out an order of all ready-made busy bags which means a little preschooler is in store for hours of fun!!</div>
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As I was collecting the items for this order, my 3 year old kept asking, "Ooh, what's that?" and "Oooh, cool." and "Mommy, that looks fun!" </div>
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Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-35206201427483467102015-04-18T19:55:00.002-05:002015-04-18T19:55:29.626-05:00Block Buildings -- houses from the imagination of a 5 year old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs34yNLi6ROUsUIS__w23ONGEhdpABaqo9vks__WLNPcq5pHFhpi2Ur7zGJT2G_rOzsY0P5XyWbhAOhGUMqCpXmDG3zs-aqbiDU_RHFU-_3LFtFfUqN0EQsH3MkR83EssFFcMmnQ-vURc/s1600/tower+with+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs34yNLi6ROUsUIS__w23ONGEhdpABaqo9vks__WLNPcq5pHFhpi2Ur7zGJT2G_rOzsY0P5XyWbhAOhGUMqCpXmDG3zs-aqbiDU_RHFU-_3LFtFfUqN0EQsH3MkR83EssFFcMmnQ-vURc/s1600/tower+with+watermark.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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My 5 year old impresses me with his lego creations. On a regular basis he will pull out the basket of duplo blocks or regular legos and start creating. </div>
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My ideas include making...um, a house, and a road, and um...another house. Then I sit back and watch my boys build much "grander" creations than I could have thought of. On this particular day, my kiddos decided they needed a home for their Zhu Zhu pets. We spent time creating their home and then the boys spent a long time pretend playing and sharing stories about their pets. </div>
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When we first bought legos, I searched all over Pinterest and found a few good ideas (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/preschooler-playtime/" target="_blank">preschooler playtime pin board here</a>)...but then I spent more time looking than we did playing. Honestly, the boys have more fun when we just sit together and they create!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sWqmg7wI2ERvBsYShPWKDWqT3ky_HPcjeqbmITc6ScLEQ0b39VKpT7i0HWDBZw2pgkbv6_POU8XgD_hvR6aL16Yd3ncoxb1NJ7K3FTQGN59n5GbtW7L3CT1h7BVCs6iz1Eh_-TX_euY/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sWqmg7wI2ERvBsYShPWKDWqT3ky_HPcjeqbmITc6ScLEQ0b39VKpT7i0HWDBZw2pgkbv6_POU8XgD_hvR6aL16Yd3ncoxb1NJ7K3FTQGN59n5GbtW7L3CT1h7BVCs6iz1Eh_-TX_euY/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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One thing about parenting that I've been surprised by is that I've forgotten how to play - and have been glad that my kids teach me just as much as I teach them!</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-88462683959274244852015-04-12T23:41:00.002-05:002015-04-12T23:44:13.454-05:00Excited to send out orders of busy bags and sensory kits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsAD7ie8i_lm0HxVYFLGE3FlUy5XXBb8fs3DxztJZuuJrcyesLMbUT28DRrXq-DC9dDjCBXLQ_fJ0wjgoJi4JtBrSUh8Rv92omUmTK3J14jCWYalEXnQIIKwO14sqVdLeEuHNcrDAKTg/s1600/ordered+early+April+2015+-+with+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsAD7ie8i_lm0HxVYFLGE3FlUy5XXBb8fs3DxztJZuuJrcyesLMbUT28DRrXq-DC9dDjCBXLQ_fJ0wjgoJi4JtBrSUh8Rv92omUmTK3J14jCWYalEXnQIIKwO14sqVdLeEuHNcrDAKTg/s1600/ordered+early+April+2015+-+with+watermark.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh I wish I could see the faces of the momma and kiddos who will be opening their order this week! I felt excited seeing all the activities when packaging them up! </div>
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Was happy to give a discount for ordering several <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/p/master-list-of-busy-bags.html" target="_blank">busy bags</a> AND a <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2015/04/sensory-kits-20-each.html" target="_blank">sensory kit</a>. </div>
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...and even more excited to treat them with a bonus *mystery* bag!</div>
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Here's to a *cheers* wish and prayers over all the parents playing with kids this week ~ may your time be enjoyable, quality time filled with lots of giggles, and with kids who listen because they feel loved with your attention during playtime. :)</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-68082607318321576342015-04-08T23:14:00.003-05:002015-04-12T22:40:43.202-05:00Quick links to busy bag round up list<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Reminder ~ The fastest way to find quick links in this blog is by clicking the link on the top right titled: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;"><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/p/master-list-of-busy-bags.html" style="background-color: #eeeeee;" target="_blank">Master List of Busy Bags and Sensory Kits</a></span><br />
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And with all the new viewers lately, I'll go ahead and repost highlights here with links. Thanks for visiting and reading and playing with your kids!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">~Rachel</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><u style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;">NEW! <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2015/04/sensory-kits-20-each.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sensory Kits</a></u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;"><br /></span><u style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;">Basic Toddler Busy Bags:</u><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>(2 year olds to 4 year olds – as well as some mature 18 month olds)</em></span><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/alphabet-match-up-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Alphabet Match-up</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/02/match-me-cards-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Match Me Cards</a><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;" /><u style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;">Beginner Busy Bags:</u><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>(3 year olds to 5 year olds – and for mature 2.5 year olds)</em></span><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/snip-chip-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Snip-A-Chip</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/rainbow-bright-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rainbow Bright</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/02/classy-colors-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Classy Colors</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/pop-popsicle-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pop the Popsicle</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/3-ps-busy-bag-pinchers-pom-poms-paper.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The 3 P’s</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/03/mr-push-it-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mr. Push It</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-bead-threading-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bead Threading</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;"><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /></span><u style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;">Advanced Busy Bags:</u><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>(4 year olds up to 6 year olds)</em></span><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/03/twist-ties-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twist-Ties</a><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/pop-popsicle-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pop the Popsicle</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;"> (using the harder words on the sticks)</span><br /><a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/03/toothpick-trace-busy-bag.html" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Toothpick Trace</a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;">…more to come!</span></span><br />
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<em style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">Please be aware that these contain small parts that can be a risk for unsupervised small children. Take time to educate your child on appropriate use to reduce the risk of choking, suffocation or other injury.</em></span>Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-63634983654832080422015-04-06T17:23:00.003-05:002015-04-06T17:23:53.879-05:00Buttons for toddlers means: sorting, sizes, drawing and picking up!<div style="text-align: center;">
While momma made art with buttons to celebrate the beginning of our local ball season....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme2rk8aaWVw-oUOdIw5bX82QhWZpHdOOMu1Jo3GhLJNRmR8bRkbCN6Rx3HJzXoyJ4CB_TykRidHdKAGXPhktACjDn1UMxigMz_QwddwnfGAQDWTgFh7kv2uA5DkXuMeqWeD02WOV8Fx8/s1600/royals+button+art+with+copyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme2rk8aaWVw-oUOdIw5bX82QhWZpHdOOMu1Jo3GhLJNRmR8bRkbCN6Rx3HJzXoyJ4CB_TykRidHdKAGXPhktACjDn1UMxigMz_QwddwnfGAQDWTgFh7kv2uA5DkXuMeqWeD02WOV8Fx8/s1600/royals+button+art+with+copyright.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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....my two littles spent their time sorting buttons.</div>
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And while we were being crafty, I spent time with them asking questions about size and color and textures. </div>
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My 3year old asked if he could draw so we practiced making lines then putting buttons on his drawing. Teaching him to write has been harder for me since he's a lefty--so if he asks to write, I give him whatever is available and tell him to go for it!</div>
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Then my 20-month-old kept me on my toes and decided to dump buttons from the glass jars then tried to roll the jars along the floor. These jars held jam my grandparents used to make and are probably 30+yrs old so we quickly changed pace by sorting buttons into egg cartons. </div>
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Never a quiet moment in this house of 4 boys!</div>
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As always, keep a close eye when using buttons around little ones. I'm obviously on the floor playing right along with them. :) </div>
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Any other ideas of what you have done with buttons for your kiddos? Please comment to share!</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-34887589270673494762015-04-03T01:30:00.003-05:002015-04-03T01:30:37.626-05:00The Bead Threading Busy Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As my kids continue to play with their sensory kits and busy bag boxes, I get to trust them more n' more with fun activities like this ones that include beads and several tools to practice threading!<br />
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My 5 year old enjoys threading his own "designs" while my 3 year old loves to pattern match -- and we all enjoy taking a turn using the tongs!! Infact, these tongs get used in several other busy bags since they are so fun to use to pinch. And since it's their job to clean up what they get out, the tongs often get returned to their sensory kit box and buried in the rice for use next time.<br />
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(pattern matching)</div>
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(pinching is a hard skill for little kids to learn!)</div>
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Examples of other skills and ways to play with this Busy Bag -- color sorting and matching, finger dexterity through pinching and pushing, using beads to form letters or numbers.<br />
Any other ways you can think your little one would enjoy this set?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Please be aware that these contain small parts that can be a risk for unsupervised small children. Take time to educate your child on appropriate use to reduce the risk of choking, suffocation or other injury.</em></span>Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-41212583758805549252015-04-03T00:47:00.003-05:002015-04-17T17:46:12.916-05:00Sensory Kits - $20 each<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNxB5Xh1mnWGa1u4mQgVenGcUcf8VYVlI_XpMZ-Fc-ispZbcnlTfnAT7HdGDvmiidFI32_SiH9cAVirMthaeh-kW50i4HhPL1lrfQWJ9jSpH5hFIC1MqQbH8XadYErF-WdHOGjv5iU_o/s1600/kit+example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNxB5Xh1mnWGa1u4mQgVenGcUcf8VYVlI_XpMZ-Fc-ispZbcnlTfnAT7HdGDvmiidFI32_SiH9cAVirMthaeh-kW50i4HhPL1lrfQWJ9jSpH5hFIC1MqQbH8XadYErF-WdHOGjv5iU_o/s320/kit+example.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Busy Bag Sensory Kits are available for purchase and are priced at $20 per kit + shipping.<br />
Orders can be paid via check or handled faster with Paypal (100% online-security guarantee).<br />
Email when ready to order! <a href="mailto:busybagcentral@gmail.com">busybagcentral@gmail.com</a><br />
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All kits include NINE (!) activities with a focus on: Sorting, Matching, Lacing (a hard skill to learn for toddlers), Counting & Math, Color & Number recognition, Sensory development with finger strength growth, Writing, along with visual learning & exploration through free play.<br />
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<u>Ready to go Character Kits</u> –<br />
Last update 4.3.15<br />
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CARS with Lightening McQueen</div>
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Hello Kitty</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjuluXRb_25KRSJ7O82XyNhiQiGZsvoXp0NeHWgKpKcFlLEdyD0G4GAabi1TQ9kfl_Dw3dmb6H72xMZ4Fe3QmaXnejCC88FlUwqBcwGxBYyePFvI8mHvGZlB-xwn_Tr22l6YfiM2otjA/s1600/Hello+Kitty+sensory+kit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjuluXRb_25KRSJ7O82XyNhiQiGZsvoXp0NeHWgKpKcFlLEdyD0G4GAabi1TQ9kfl_Dw3dmb6H72xMZ4Fe3QmaXnejCC88FlUwqBcwGxBYyePFvI8mHvGZlB-xwn_Tr22l6YfiM2otjA/s1600/Hello+Kitty+sensory+kit.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Princess – Disney Characters</div>
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Thomas the Train</div>
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Tinkerbell</div>
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All include instructions with examples for parent-led interactions.</div>
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<a href="mailto:busybagcentral@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email </a>to order or ask questions or even comment below!!</div>
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What kind of kit would your little one(s) be most interested in?<br />
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Coming soon....<u>Themed Kits</u> – Alphabet, Birthday Celebrations, Camo/Military, Dinosaurs, Farm, Garden ‘n’ Flowers n’ Butterflies, Numbers, Pirate, Pond ‘n’ Frogs ‘n’ Bugs, Sports, Trains, Vehicle, Zoo Animals<br />
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May be adding if requested and in demand....Barbie, Diego, Dora, Sesame Street, Spiderman, <span style="text-align: center;">Mickey Mouse, </span><span style="text-align: center;">Toy Story, </span>Transformers<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Please be aware that these contain small parts that can be a risk for unsupervised small children. Take time to educate your child on appropriate use to reduce the risk of choking, suffocation or other injury.</em></span>Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-56480741871851121972015-03-05T22:57:00.002-06:002015-03-05T22:57:58.623-06:00Crafting with canvasTook some time to craft today while little ones napped. Loved the wall art I created with items I had around the house...several layers of papers on a canvas plus red metal grommets, and two neat wooden 3D vehicles. A fun way to "recycle and reuse" to create canvases to sell!<div>
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((set of two 9x12 canvases with vehicle art -- available for purchase </div>
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Cost $20 for the set + shipping))</div>
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Thinking of also adding some cute labels made of chalkboard material so that the customer can add the name of the little boy who's room these will be hanging in one day....</div>
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Love the idea of chalkboard paint but don't like the cost or time to wait on drying of paint so I grabbed a couple of these labels on sale at the craft store this week. If ordering individuals don't want them, then I'll probably use on some of my grandma's old Ball jars (per Pinterest idea I saw <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/179651472611736933/" target="_blank">here</a>).</div>
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Side note: Anyone who has tips on taking good photos of wall art, please comment below or <a href="mailto:busybagcentral@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a>! Our house is a ranch so it's long and narrow plus our trees outside make for a very low-lit rooms. This is on a table by a North-facing window but the reds/yellows in the wood seem to stand out too much. ...or if you know of better free photo editing software, please share! I'm almost tempted to buy a photography floor dropmat so photos show better (than on my carpet). Life is such a series of continuous learning, isn't it??</div>
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As always, thanks for reading! </div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-89251400559629694112014-10-24T00:00:00.000-05:002014-10-24T00:00:25.030-05:00When Momma needs quiet, it's time to bring out the box of Busy Bags!My focus on how I spend my time while at home with my kids has been tested these last 2 years as I've gone through health challenges. Now that we are to a point where God has returned us to a good state of health, I'm glad to return to blogging again to write about our preschooler playtime adventures!!<br />
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With the nice weather we have had this month in Missouri, I've been doing a lot of gardening lately which results in a super messy house inside! Having health issues the past 2 summers means that my flower beds were very over-grown so we've enjoyed lots of time outside lately.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEX-yqs6QUThvnUv-Q47-AdoThEhmdPXkqBDFUFN5twpP-NFp8qPWYeHHzbpYjtFQD-Obbh1g5ea5r-lxF9sq3zED_aLs8vyjcXG8focfx3lGYti9wtQbkHrIJIOPSa5QUiL5wjRo5aAs/s1600/garden+helpers+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEX-yqs6QUThvnUv-Q47-AdoThEhmdPXkqBDFUFN5twpP-NFp8qPWYeHHzbpYjtFQD-Obbh1g5ea5r-lxF9sq3zED_aLs8vyjcXG8focfx3lGYti9wtQbkHrIJIOPSa5QUiL5wjRo5aAs/s1600/garden+helpers+set.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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So this week when I needed quiet from my little preschoolers so I could do a few indoor cleaning projects, I pulled out the tub of Busy Bags and gave them cookie sheets to contain small parts then said...<br />
"Have fun! Play with any bag you want for as long as you want as long as you clean up whatever you get out."<br />
And they ended up playing quietly for almost 2 hours! I was one happy momma!<br />
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Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-62840253888768503982012-10-07T06:00:00.000-05:002012-10-07T06:00:11.546-05:00Welcome fellow shoppers of Kids Closet consignment sale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vzzbAqli8MHnY-hZKohj7rsjEfCV_nNhho8M55tOQkgYJ78r2093YCDLR1XNnMsqiW518Cn9VE_sX6GFHcbnEPssnlzPgoFs7tThF6PKh8iwengXS43CYi1cT-LDKLTz7-rwfsJedn4/s1600/kid-closet-logo+--+advertised+Fall+sales+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vzzbAqli8MHnY-hZKohj7rsjEfCV_nNhho8M55tOQkgYJ78r2093YCDLR1XNnMsqiW518Cn9VE_sX6GFHcbnEPssnlzPgoFs7tThF6PKh8iwengXS43CYi1cT-LDKLTz7-rwfsJedn4/s1600/kid-closet-logo+--+advertised+Fall+sales+2012.jpg" /></a></div>
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Shout Out -- Welcome to all those visiting from the Kids Closet sale this past week! Glad to have you here!</div>
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Search the blog for activity inspiration with your preschoolers by... </div>
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a."Home" image at the top will bring you the latest and greatest posts.</div>
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b."Pages" along the top left will help with fast links to current and past posts with master lists of ideas.</div>
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c.Following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Busy-Bag-Central/175250869241969" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and/or <a href="http://pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>to see our hot topics!</div>
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The Lees Summit sale was a good one ~ I love getting stuff for my boys at reasonable prices. For those that don't know about Kids Closet, it's a seasonal consignment sale in Missouri and Kansas. Excellent staff and excellent prices on kids clothes, shoes, stuff, you name it! Check them out <a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Again, thanks for visiting and we hope to see you again!</div>
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~Rachel~</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-31338137420474032712012-09-07T11:01:00.000-05:002012-09-07T11:01:28.763-05:00Phone Use Tips for Preschoolers: 9-1-1 EmergencyOnce your child reaches about 3 years of age and older, it's important to work on telephone skills. Spend a little time with the child practicing the phrases they should say when using a real telephone such as:<br />
--"Hello, may I ask who's calling?"<br />
--"This is <name>, may I talk to Grandma?" (or whomever they are looking for)<br />
--"May I give the phone to my mom?"<br />
--"Thank you for calling!"<br />
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When they turn 2 years, you can practice using pretend phones but conversations will be limited. Once they get closer to 3 and 4 years, you'll see their memory increase and they will suddenly be able to memorize phrases like this better.<br />
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An additional important step in teaching telephone use that is appropriate for kids as they reach school age is the ability to call 9-1-1. Reinforce the importance of not calling this number unless it's "an emergency"; then talk about what defines "an emergency".<br />
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I read an article in our local paper recently that gave a variety of tips. Here is a summary of what they talked about:<br />
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<b><u>Tips That Preschoolers Need to Know About 9-1-1</u></b><br />
1. Teach your child HOW to hold and use your phone.<br />
Have them hold the phone without touching their cheek to the speaker since that can muffle their voice.<br />
For cell phones, walk them through how to turn on, dial, and send the call.<br />
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2. Role play the narrative that will probably be given by a 9-1-1 dispatcher.<br />
Adult: Ask the child to pretend to dial 9-1-1. Then pretend to be the dispatcher, "Hello, this is 9-1-1, what is your emergency?"<br />
Child: "Hello. My mommy cut her leg off. We need help." (or whatever you and your child deem as the pretend emergency)<br />
Adult: "Okay, and what is your name and address." ...then work with the child to memorize these key items.<br />
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3. Then practice and practice your home phone number!<br />
We move every couple of years but my husband's cell phone has been the same for 15 years so we've worked with our oldest to memorize that number. Techincally, my husband is not with my children most of the week due to his work schedule, but in the case of an emergency, we wanted to choose a number that is always going to reach someone and not an answering machine!<br />
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FYI -- A lot of phone companies include cell phone trackers that can be used by police when 9-1-1 is called. (I know ours applies but only when we are within our metro area; not in the rural cities.) They may be able to track your location in the case that the child cannot report your physical location. But, even when traveling, work with your child to recall where they are and important locations such as city and state of wherever they may go (home, grandma's house, where you go on errands, etc).Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-19772058928256411572012-08-28T06:40:00.000-05:002012-08-28T06:40:00.339-05:00Paper cups = a hop and a skitter, and away we go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV1T7RG9fuzJPS30se9GzJtU1Qm9n1rsrEVzsXoZ-hUVTesSxtGTroj9KUHKIgTZJ3rBSxpYXx7jQlguRrRY05MLQE4wfMqHkKvU66gPVeGt8DyVgnz1rNu5AgcLJOyYPnsSvmo2jDBI/s1600/Paper+products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV1T7RG9fuzJPS30se9GzJtU1Qm9n1rsrEVzsXoZ-hUVTesSxtGTroj9KUHKIgTZJ3rBSxpYXx7jQlguRrRY05MLQE4wfMqHkKvU66gPVeGt8DyVgnz1rNu5AgcLJOyYPnsSvmo2jDBI/s320/Paper+products.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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August 2012 series <o:p></o:p></div>
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Paper products become a Preschooler's
creative activity<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paper cups can become any sort of animal or creature you want...with a little imagination! My 4 year old created these in his preschool class last fall and was extremely proud of his art work! For the spider, he talked about how 'strong' he was to push the pipe cleaners through the cup.</div>
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And for the kangaroo, he was pleased to report that it could stand up on it's own and hold any candy we decided to put in it. I asked if he'd rather put in something like grapes...but no, he thought it needed candy. Funny boy.<br />
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For each craft, start with a cup and let the child decorate it with paint or crayons or anything medium of choice. Note that the wax coating on most paper cups will not allow the crayon to mark well so paint is probably the best choice for full color covering.<br />
The spider is created by turning the cup upside down, pushing a few pipe cleaners through, and adding googly eyes....making for a nice fall or Halloween craft!<br />
The kangaroo is created by having the child color on paper and then cutting out an oval head as well as shapes for arms and then the lower torso/legs. Then glue the paper onto a large craft stick and then adhere the cup ontop.<br />
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Thanks for reading this 3rd and final post in this August series! Join us next month for several new series for more ideas for Preschooler Activities.</div>
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Related articles to be posted during August:<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Paper bowls =
turtle and a jellyfish<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Paper plates =
octopus and a lamb</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-26881398125912457772012-08-27T06:00:00.000-05:002012-08-27T12:35:10.420-05:00Welcome guests from Kids Closet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vzzbAqli8MHnY-hZKohj7rsjEfCV_nNhho8M55tOQkgYJ78r2093YCDLR1XNnMsqiW518Cn9VE_sX6GFHcbnEPssnlzPgoFs7tThF6PKh8iwengXS43CYi1cT-LDKLTz7-rwfsJedn4/s1600/kid-closet-logo+--+advertised+Fall+sales+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vzzbAqli8MHnY-hZKohj7rsjEfCV_nNhho8M55tOQkgYJ78r2093YCDLR1XNnMsqiW518Cn9VE_sX6GFHcbnEPssnlzPgoFs7tThF6PKh8iwengXS43CYi1cT-LDKLTz7-rwfsJedn4/s1600/kid-closet-logo+--+advertised+Fall+sales+2012.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shout Out -- Welcome to all those visiting from the Kids Closet sale this past week! Glad to have you here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Search the blog for activity inspiration with your preschoolers by... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
a."<a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Home</a>" image at the top will bring you the latest and greatest posts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
b."Pages" along the top left will help with fast links to current and past posts with master lists of ideas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
c.Following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Busy-Bag-Central/175250869241969" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and/or <a href="http://pinterest.com/rachelmaybailey/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>to see our hot topics!</div>
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The Northland sale was a good one and I'm looking forward to consigning again in a few weeks at the Lees Summit sale. For those that don't know about Kids Closet, it's a seasonal consignment sale in Missouri and Kansas. Excellent staff and excellent prices on kids clothes, shoes, stuff, you name it! Check them out <a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Again, thanks for visiting and we hope to see you again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
~Rachel~</div>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-25535409993338026562012-08-26T12:11:00.000-05:002012-08-26T15:10:57.928-05:00Teaching Thankfulness -- Plus a free card offer today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH-ZPMW4qGDaggNNR9rfdA3Hvtys_k_tgXd1k0Svp7VM2FOKnHVjqLOBbIEIAhPKHdN3RGszdnBfaRSZ6iXRnSFgefoC1m0c2F5U-8tAOVFVNiWh9mFru4CxgaT8E0Jr-iqJ4gp_l0I0/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH-ZPMW4qGDaggNNR9rfdA3Hvtys_k_tgXd1k0Svp7VM2FOKnHVjqLOBbIEIAhPKHdN3RGszdnBfaRSZ6iXRnSFgefoC1m0c2F5U-8tAOVFVNiWh9mFru4CxgaT8E0Jr-iqJ4gp_l0I0/s320/photo+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Image of two FREE personalized cards I've made through CardStore.com earlier this year!)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The old saying is "Gratitude is a gift!" And what better gift can you help your child receive than to learn the value of thankfulness?!? One of the easiest ways to teach our little ones about being thankful is by writing Thank You cards. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My youngsters love adding their own 'writing' on cards that we send out. Recipients cannot read their 'writing' but they often comment on how they appreciate it. Plus we take a moment to be crafty by adding stickers or coloring with crayons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having your child watch you write is very important. They see that it's a life long skill to always work on and develop. They see my address the cards which gives us the chance to practice our own address memorization (important Safety SKILL!!). And we get time to talk about the person/people we are writing to and share good memories about them. I encourage you to take a few moments to work with your kids in finding a way as a family to build a spirit of thankfulness!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is something SO SPECIAL about handwritten notes so I make it a goal to send at least two thank you cards each month. And one of my favorite sites has a deal to make this 'thankfulness' lesson FREE!!! (Really, truly free. I've made about 5 cards this year since they offer this type of code every other month or so!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">Right now on </span><a href="http://cardstore.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">Cardstore.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">, you can personalize and send a card straight from your heart for FREE! Use coupon code </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">CCK2248</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;"> a free card -- but the offer ends at midnight tonight, Sunday 8/26/12!</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's how:</span></strong></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.983333587646484px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.571em 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Login or Register with <a href="http://www.cardstore.com/" target="_blank">Cardstore</a>.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Select a card to personalize.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use promo code <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">CCK2248</strong> during checkout.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hurry, this offer expires 8/26/12 at 11:59pm ET!!!!!!!</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(If you miss out on Sunday the 26th, we'll be featuring more offers in this Thankfulness Series so stay tuned!)</span></li>
</ul>
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-20535685129377220672012-08-24T06:37:00.000-05:002012-08-24T06:37:00.287-05:00Paper Bowls = shells, hats, lids....you name it, bowls can make creativity come to life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV1T7RG9fuzJPS30se9GzJtU1Qm9n1rsrEVzsXoZ-hUVTesSxtGTroj9KUHKIgTZJ3rBSxpYXx7jQlguRrRY05MLQE4wfMqHkKvU66gPVeGt8DyVgnz1rNu5AgcLJOyYPnsSvmo2jDBI/s1600/Paper+products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV1T7RG9fuzJPS30se9GzJtU1Qm9n1rsrEVzsXoZ-hUVTesSxtGTroj9KUHKIgTZJ3rBSxpYXx7jQlguRrRY05MLQE4wfMqHkKvU66gPVeGt8DyVgnz1rNu5AgcLJOyYPnsSvmo2jDBI/s320/Paper+products.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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August 2012 series </div>
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Paper products become a Preschooler's creative activity<br />
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Bring out the bowls! My 4 year old completed many really neat projects in preschool last year; often using multiple mediums in making his creations! This turtle is a prime example: Start with a paper bowl turned upside down. Have the preschooler paint the bottom. While the paint dries, they can cut basic shapes to form the legs and head which can be taped down to the bottom of the rim. Then have the child put glue over the top of the bowl and apply something 'hard' for the shell, such as pieces of wood chips!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAYM0xJ0MIccd4zvP7ZLYmneExFxPCPVq2WLwfr0dwpxojkviRPQrhQ9v-DIBO3CwOCY1BX7evmcuKj_wqoB2GmPLiFTneWC4MRLtXdby7UiA8PAJT1S0jOLQU95lfH8pm1ZcVYH7ghg/s1600/paper+bowl+=+turtle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAYM0xJ0MIccd4zvP7ZLYmneExFxPCPVq2WLwfr0dwpxojkviRPQrhQ9v-DIBO3CwOCY1BX7evmcuKj_wqoB2GmPLiFTneWC4MRLtXdby7UiA8PAJT1S0jOLQU95lfH8pm1ZcVYH7ghg/s320/paper+bowl+=+turtle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next is a super easy jellyfish. Have the child paint or color the bottom of the bowl, complete with a face. Then have them select pieces of streamers and tape them to the underside of the rim. Ta-dah!!</div>
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TIPS: Operating a tape dispenser can be hard for little fingers. Once the child is around 2 years old or older, it's good to talk about safety when using tape, i.e. don't touch the cutting blade, don't put tape on wood tables or floors, etc. Then let them practice taping things down. Once they realize how fun it can be to tape things down, you can even let them help you with 'sticky' things like stamps or mailing labels.</div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Related articles to be posted during August:<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Paper plates = octopus and a lamb (on 8/21/12)<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Paper cups =
kangaroo and a spider<o:p></o:p></div>
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p.s. Check out the tips on how to educate and teach safety when using scissors and glue found in the previous post in this series about paper plates. </div>
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Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-84433219134152305062012-08-23T06:30:00.000-05:002012-08-23T09:15:48.796-05:00Tissue paper crafts with preschoolers -- a fish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXMP6N9wpC9cBZDNw7kWEnOcj3dLVcv_vl-GqMrURrhQA1quV-Qlpdto9hUKlQtM1KdxojUtqeybZL2oa-gU_N-8S6KI60jhLwJWJInX2iOYa39FFYQeDkXnpygPR93dUFMk9KFf2iYI/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXMP6N9wpC9cBZDNw7kWEnOcj3dLVcv_vl-GqMrURrhQA1quV-Qlpdto9hUKlQtM1KdxojUtqeybZL2oa-gU_N-8S6KI60jhLwJWJInX2iOYa39FFYQeDkXnpygPR93dUFMk9KFf2iYI/s320/title.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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August 2012 series </div>
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Tissue paper crafts for preschoolers<br />
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What happens when you put water color paints on tissue paper? Something magical! (At least that's the story according to my 4 year old!) In his summer school class, they did an undersea project and made fish. From start to finish, my son was in charge of his project; hence why this looks more like 'interpretative art' since his limited cutting skills cut off snip the fins! Despite the unique shape of his fish, he was incredibly proud of his very own creation!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UPc3VZoeANPBmhAhPZISI0lzoPH0KljcddEVOR90ksK3K7aWkMxROgT5DyqKaYWzrbaz7BxkUQNaz16CYxghbfkdWadFrPwnFnvDfREQ-HvowHRVRph2l9BJZ0LNKWbm60sBKGubvRs/s1600/tissue+paper+=+and+water+color+paint+plus+glitter+makes+for+neat+end+product.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UPc3VZoeANPBmhAhPZISI0lzoPH0KljcddEVOR90ksK3K7aWkMxROgT5DyqKaYWzrbaz7BxkUQNaz16CYxghbfkdWadFrPwnFnvDfREQ-HvowHRVRph2l9BJZ0LNKWbm60sBKGubvRs/s320/tissue+paper+=+and+water+color+paint+plus+glitter+makes+for+neat+end+product.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Directions:<br />
Option 1 -- Start with a sheet of white tissue paper. Let the child paint with watercolors and watch the tissue change texture and shape as it absorbs and then dries the water! For the finial touches, feel free to let them add any embellishments such as googly eyes, glitter, etc.</div>
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Option 2 -- Another idea is to let the child drizzle school glue onto a piece of paper, spread evenly with a paint brush and then have the child lay down pre-cut strips of tissue paper. Then cut the paper into the desired shape to create the object. To seal and add texture, brush the top with a light coat of water, then embellish.</div>
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Upcoming posts in this series during August 2012:</div>
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-Tissue paper 'fur' on a panda</div>
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-Tissue paper and other mediums to create texture on a bear</div>
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Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-77577504101602443092012-08-22T06:07:00.000-05:002012-08-22T06:07:00.588-05:00Journaling cuteness....absolutely worth the time (& a Free book offer!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost three years ago I started noting down the cute things my boys said or what they did or how they were growing. Most of it was little comments I jotted in the "Notes" feature of my phone...typically right before bed and I was nursing my little guy. I've always loved journaling but wasn't diligent when writing about my life. But after I had kids and I was so sleep deprived and so busy, I didn't want to forget about all the funny things they said as time passed. And my commitment to write down something, anything, about our time together has been so rewarding! Even if you just write down one thing a month, you won't regret it!<br />
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But once I had all these notes, I thought, "What in the world am I going to do with these memories?" I've had a few photo books printed before and it hit me: Create your own journal-photo book! Most photo book websites have the option for 'text-only' pages. So earlier this year, I compiled all the 2011 notes and had a book printed....and fell in love!<br />
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The awesome "News Of The Day" is that one of my favorite book-printing companies, <a href="http://papercoterie.com/">Paper Coterie</a>, is offering a chance to make your own book of quotes FOR FREE! You do have to pay for shipping but it's a great value. Just go to their blog (<a href="http://www.papercoterie.com/blog/inappropriate-or-absolutely-adorable-quotable/" target="_blank">here</a>) and post a comment and they'll send you a link for the free product. Here's the image on their site related to the giveaway:<br />
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Here are a few of my favorites from my printed book of quotes in 2011:<br />
From my 18 month old -- We were playing outside and suddenly the little guy started walking circles around our dog while saying, "duck duck doooo!" = he was playing Duck Duck Goose with her!<br />
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From my 3 year old -- After I got up in the morning, he said, "Uh, Mom. Your hair is crazy!" or the time when he met my white-haired aunt and said, "Hi. You are old." And lastly, as I was putting him to bed, he said, "Mom, are you going to do boring stuff now?" I said, "Yes, I'll be doing laundry." Then he said, "Great, I love boring stuff like that! Can I come help?" (anything to get out of bedtime, huh?!?)<br />
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Life is precious, so take a moment to make it memorable! If you do make a book, please share in the comments below!!!
Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-10209340359179470742012-08-21T06:17:00.000-05:002012-08-21T06:17:00.181-05:00Paper plates = Creative potential under sea and on land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV1T7RG9fuzJPS30se9GzJtU1Qm9n1rsrEVzsXoZ-hUVTesSxtGTroj9KUHKIgTZJ3rBSxpYXx7jQlguRrRY05MLQE4wfMqHkKvU66gPVeGt8DyVgnz1rNu5AgcLJOyYPnsSvmo2jDBI/s1600/Paper+products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV1T7RG9fuzJPS30se9GzJtU1Qm9n1rsrEVzsXoZ-hUVTesSxtGTroj9KUHKIgTZJ3rBSxpYXx7jQlguRrRY05MLQE4wfMqHkKvU66gPVeGt8DyVgnz1rNu5AgcLJOyYPnsSvmo2jDBI/s320/Paper+products.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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August 2012 series </div>
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Paper products become a Preschooler's creative activity</div>
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If you happen to have paper plates sitting around your house, then your preschooler is craft-ready!! Paper plates can become a variety of shapes, objects, and much more with just a bit of help from crayons, streamers, and googly eyes!! Here are two examples of creativity my 4 year old worked on last spring while in his preschool class.<br />
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As shown in the title photo at the top, here is an octopus. It can be created by cutting a plate in-half, taping streamers to the 'inside' and then gluing the two halves together. Then, of course, encourage the child's creativity with decorating the outside!<br />
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Tip on Scissors:<br />
My oldest child was just under 2 years old when my Parent Educator from the Parents As Teachers Program suggested that we let him use scissors...and that SCARED me! But she followed up her suggestion with a step-by-step plan:<br />
Start with using 'practice' scissors found in play dough kits as the first step. Then introduce blunt-tip kid scissors and let the child snip the edge of a piece of paper. Once the child has gained the muscle skills needed to operate the opening and closing action of the actual scissors, then they can practice cutting lines drawn down the paper.<br />
When teaching my preschoolers, I found it helpful to point out safety skills such as 'how to hold the paper' and we talked about 'what we do and don't cut'. This came in handy later because they knew why they got in trouble when I turned to help their younger sibling and I found a snip in my new table cloth. *wink*<br />
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And earlier this year, my middle child had the joy of learning to use scissors by cutting straws (see the <a href="http://busybagcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/straw-beads-busy-bag.html" target="_blank">Straw Beads Busy Bag post here</a>). At the time, he was about 2.5 years old and found it very rewarding to watch the straw piece go flying through the air versus just making a simple snip in paper.<br />
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And this is a sheep. Using the back of a paper plate, glue on pre-cut black ovals for the face and ears as well as cotton balls for the wool. A few eyes on the front and a masterpiece is made in a few short steps!<br />
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Tip: Regular school glue can be tough for a toddler to work with -- the bottle can be hard to squeeze and it takes practice to make the glue come out evenly. Encourage your little one to practice with your help! Even glue sticks take skills to operate so be patient and let them practice with lots of scrap paper under the project to protect your table!<br />
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Thanks for reading this first post in a series of 3 this month related to Preschooler Activities using everyday paper products. Come back for more soon!<br />
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Related articles to be posted during August:<br />
-Paper bowls = turtle and a jellyfish<br />
-Paper cups = kangaroo and a spiderRachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-61421901719218648592012-08-20T06:16:00.000-05:002012-08-20T09:08:49.085-05:00Back to life...literally...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My lack of posts are due to a minor technicality: I.almost.died. <br />
...okay, so maybe it's a big technicality. *wink*<br />
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Prior to this summer, I was living life just like all the other busy moms of preschoolers: getting my kids ready for school by playing with Busy Bags, taking the oldest to gymnastics, teaching my kiddos about God and His goodness, making food, changing diapers, dealing with a not-good-sleeper baby, playdates with other mommies, more food and more diapers, being there for my hubby, and so forth.<br />
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Then *BAM*, one day I was sick....REALLY sick. My doc thought it was a virus because my symptoms were unusual: I had basically every illness in the book with only one constant pain which was that my intestines felt like they were on fire. After a few days of suffering, we ignored my doc's review and my hubby took me into the ER.<br />
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<b><u>The result after seeing several doctors and a surgery = my appendix had ruptured!!</u></b><br />
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Here I was, a VERY healthy person with no prior surgeries, no illness, no daily aches or pains, and I even birthed 3 babies with just mild meds....and I had a near-death experience! Who knew that could happen?!?<br />
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Before the operation, docs weren't sure if it was my appendix because it didn't even show up on the CT scan and my symptoms were a-typical. After the operation, we found out that my appendix had spewed all it's infection all over my insides and it was now flat as a pancake (usually the size of your thumb)! And if I had waited another day or so, it would have infected my liver and ovaries. And if I had waited much longer...well, that's the scary part.<br />
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I am happy to say that I am back to life and back to a similar version of myself. I doubt I will ever be the same person I was before because I've learned a few things this summer...<br />
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<u><b>What I've learned from this experience:</b></u><br />
~~My husband is an amazing care-taker (which I already knew about but had 1st hand experience receiving his care) and I've also realized he is so forgiving of me.<br />
Even when the house is a wreck, encourages me to rest; and even when the laundry piles up, he encourages me to just hang out with him.<br />
I consider it the highest honor to have a husband that loves me this much. We celebrated 10 years of marriage a few weeks after this happened and we have a lot to celebrate after realizing how fragile life can be!<br />
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~~I've gained a new appreciation for motivation...when you have it, don't waste it!<br />
When life hits you in the face and you think about all those projects you procrastinated on finishing...you suddenly realize it's time to find what inspires you to be motivated and keep that inspiration nearby.<br />
It has been many weeks of waiting and praying for healing from all the intestinal damage, of dealing with a constant brain fog, and several other side affects. I can feel great in the morning while taking a shower, then 3 hours later, I am suddenly wiped out!<br />
So I am learning to take advantage of motivation because I realize that my body doesn't let me work at the same pace as I did previously. Sometimes it's just a matter of knowing you will have one hour of work-time during my baby's nap or in the early AM....you can get SO much done if you just start that time by being motivated!<br />
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~~I am thankful, so thankful, for a healthy body.<br />
Right after surgery, I couldn't lift anything; not even my baby - not out of his crib or the high chair, not even in his carseat in/out of the car! We had to get very creative with naps on the floor and having my 5 year old pick up the baby to put him on my lap and using a travel high chair on the floor.<br />
These days, I can now carry the baby but there are still challenges in very simple, daily things, Activities like going to the grocery store take longer because the baby + groceries in the cart exceeds my ability to push for very long. And that means I also am working on teaching grabby-handed 2-year-old how walk next to his older brother by the cart versus riding in the cart itself! <br />
So I am daily reminded that I have a healthy body that I am working to regain! And I'm reminded that we have only one body in this earthly life...so it's so critical that we work our hardest to make it work well for us!<br />
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~~I've watched my children give me so much patience and grace and forgiveness; and realized that God does that for us every moment of every day. <br />
On the days when I struggled with muscle cramps, my boys gave me extra gentle hugs and knew that I couldn't wrestle (one of their favorite things). On the days when my head is in a fog, my boys found new ways to play with each other and gave me a little space. On the days when I was grumpy from dealing with my pain, I would see their sad faces from my harsh reactions yet they would still be happy campers 10 minutes later and readily forgive me for my outbursts.<br />
And the Lord is like that too. He knows all that we are dealing with and working through and how we sin against Him, yet he shows His unconditional love for us through the gift of His Son.<br />
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~~It's incredibly important to say "thank you" to people who support you; whether that's parents who help with your kids, or neighbors who bring you food, or friends who simply pray with you.<br />Take time to thank them so that those resources are there in the future. If you don't have these resources, take time now to find good connections with people in your community so they can be there for you if/when you need it.<br />
For those that have been reading this blog over the past couple of months, I have been blown away by your continued interest and support! I look forward to bringing you more ideas and connecting with you.<br />
For those still reading this post, thank you! *wink*<br />
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~~And it's also incredibly important, as noted from above, to BE that person who can be 'thanked'....meaning, take the time to make a meal for a neighbor (even if they aren't so neighborly), and help a sister/cousin/friend with their kids (even just watching for 2 hours so that mom has a moment of free time), and, most importantly, pray for those around you!<br />
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~~Lastly, if you haven't already picked up this theme: TODAY IS A GIFT! Choose life... and choose to live it!<br />
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Again, thank you to those that continue to support this blog and to those investing your life to the betterment of your child. Check back regularly for new posts planned to bring you lots of tips for inspired playtime with your preschooler!<br />
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~Rachel~<br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.96666717529297px; text-align: justify;">Deuteronomy 30:19 - </i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.981481552124023px; text-align: justify;"><i>"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."</i></span>Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-82511604278529791122012-05-14T22:07:00.000-05:002012-07-28T16:52:51.432-05:00Movin’ Mondays – Stamps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8-r5Ow8rdvD2_Y8i5jMUgJ_i1E8hEWPQLDFH9SQtl2aQ3yQvW0AZyx6HnN0_IJ1DEgaw14qaXVGAxgzB7_k1sOUo5kpJiMSsUajOc33ROL8T4uF_ArXIoKfpsIWCJfEUvu4ztcOfy3U/s1600-h/photo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWuprLZQN6QsG_zgU6EeXUNVB8wd_F9Mk9g7eDpPBmJnUjTsGqsvPmWKPvxnytJ3NHyC_ciWLZkFCpLiJgup5V1PQvwK3ifEdB03CPno-ogF30n6v6tYgdQFqwJRRHBhfOu4u8z-OI8w/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo" width="164" /></a><br />
For a lesson in patience, we decided to try our skills at using stamps. *wink* Stamps are so messy and with two very willing preschoolers, it can take a lot of verbal communication to keep the process of stamping a clean and fun project. (If you can’t tell, I don’t like messy kids. Haha!) Needless to say, stamping can be really fun and a good activity to get kiddos into the crafty mood.<br />
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<em>What’s your "Moving” activity to start the week?</em>Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1921217333740008901.post-50362039267487451172012-05-07T06:24:00.000-05:002012-07-28T16:53:13.573-05:00Movin’ Mondays — crazy hats!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_y3cH5H2Xc7FJWTjtVlIefTUDzDeNnfzXgioIsWbwK525pnYdQCMlso3eGylsUS0DAIleNDYsND9MYw-agozTdePe2QIfLwr40OjsPQxUS0mMoaV8ZQYp4EQYrnr6rq7S_gD9YrCJ4s/s1600-h/photo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94QNmIqgoz7QzzERCr6XHrwnpOCIGsAzjoqrIhIOzqUGTqPwZPyHAZdt3AG96MWvaxkfkBn386PUwHkf3X8GMZ_eBy0e7eRreuBZ0vQbcb_8p68Mr5v1_4laJqXfj56C70dBC0Ib3f9w/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo" width="183" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is something about hats that seems to draw in children. It’s as if wearing hats allows the preschooler the chance to be something different or to be somewhere else. None of my boys actually like to wear a hat for it’s real intent but they enjoy playing with them from time to time. Plus, when you have silly ones like this, that makes play even more fun!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3j2C0ew_lwsTRZ1vLJeZj-5I7TTKbnGddhlYau9TlwkYMi0nshzLYzw4ouf_-DXblnuG4_nrPAfhYX77m5ABaruuokJwPLKIzh1d7002xKHYTDnT5jIODqr1BgRIPngD4KohgxyqWqA/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525281%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="photo (1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgQGnUun3d5CV_lMpHrL5bgGG2w9EokhPlBJw2pVQyExQcJpA6WVYvZN8w-2yMcoSh13pFIlQUTYbYcjFNE10F3bg6L2J1ZTMxWgb10jC8E4zS96yZdiMBDgRmSkSDF-ZRUVIo5hSpD4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (1)" width="150" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have a basketful of ball caps and fishing hats in our hall closet (which is funny because none of us wear hats more than once a month or so!). Instead of just letting them collect dust, every so often we pull out the basket and let the boys have at it! They get so tickled seeing each other try out the different sizes and styles. Some get stacked on-top of each other while others inspire them to suddenly act like they are out hunting or wherever their imagination may lead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>What’s your "Moving” activity to start the week?</em> </span>Rachel May Bailey ~ Investor in real estate. Investor in people.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16032922926537515596noreply@blogger.com0