Schwartz Summer Camp: Super Spy Week

As I do for any themed weeks, I go through the kids' stuff and pull out anything that relates.  You would be amazed at all the stuff I was able to find!  The only thing I bought was the Spy Master Book.  Everything else was sourced from toy boxes, office supplies I had, and the library.  (I also ordered a copy of the movie Spy Kids, which we received at the end of the week.) 

 The kids woke up to this, and they played for a good chunk of time.  I later found codes like these all over the house.

 On Tate's birthday, I gave the kids this:

I created a treasure hunt/spy mission with each clue paired with a puzzle activity.  (I had one for each kid that was age appropriate.)  Some of the activities were Tangoes, Hidden Pictures that I found online, Memory game (only a few cards to solve), message written in code from one of Tate's code books, fingerprinting, simple matching game with foam shapes.  The kids loved it, though Tate just wanted the clues, and was willing to do the activity afterwards.  At the end, I had his birthday presents hidden as the treasure.
(My parents did this for me once, and there was bubble gum ice cream at the end, hidden in the grill.  I still remember it fondly!)

Schwartz Summer Camp: Paint Relay

Last year, I had every week of summer planned out.  This year, I am moving, (which means that I don't have summer planned).   And I hate moving.  I am a Cancer Crab who likes to nest and be at home, and when that is disrupted, I freak out.  Like my parents' chihuahua mix Wendy.  Here is Wendy:

With no plan, I still had a few activities that I came up with for the day when I don't want the kids to be in front of the tv, and they are starting to get bored.  

So today....PAINTING RELAY!!! 

Set up four stations, Set the timer for 5 minutes, and rotate through.  (I also recommend starting 2 kids on #1 and #3, instead of #1 and #2 because if the 3 year old wants to linger, no one argues.)

Project 23: Weaved Yarn Basket

My mom gave me these "Yarn Basket Templates" from Clover.  I wasn't really sure about it, but after my first basket, I was hooked.  Ok.  The pink one is really ugly (so ugly, that I left it at my parents' house!) but it is so soothing and meditative to weave the yarn to make these.  

I tried a second basket on the way home from Michigan with prettier, chunkier yarn.  (GREAT cartrip craft project!) After changing yarn, I loved them for the look, as well as the process.  Soleil is using this basket for her stuffed kitty, but there are tons of things you could use it for.

Basket Tutorial

1. Glue fabric or felt on both sides of the bottom of the basket. (in blue)
2. Weave the yarn in and out of 6 holes, then return the other way all the way around the basket.
3. Continue weaving all the way to the holes.
4. Sew the in and out of the holes to secure. Knot and cut yarn.
5. Wrap, with the assistance of clothespins, more yarn around the basket until nice and thick.
6. Sew around the wrapped yarn (from the top to the next hole, as opposed to sewing side to side) and gather the wrapped yarn until it hugs the circumference of the basket.

Once I made one, I realized that you could trace the template on a cereal box and make as many as you want. I have the square basket, and the oval, and the link I attached is for a 3rd style, which looks great as well!

Catie's Candyland Open House

What I have been working on over the past few weeks....  Catie, my niece, has wanted a Candyland theme for her graduation party for 4 years!! We have been planning it ever since she saw another party that was candy themed.  I didn't get a final photo when it was all set up, but I am hoping that someone did!  I will post it, if I get one:)

Five Family Trip- Wisconsin Dells

Last year, Paul planned a trip to the Wisconsin Dells with 4 childhood friends and their families.  He based the trip off of the movie Grownups, and we had such a good time, we did it again this year.

It was surprisingly easy, and since we stayed a giant house it gave every one their own space, while being able to come together for meals, and games, and general merriment.

A few tips:

Plan ahead.  We didn't do this as well this year, but have times and places lined up.  You can sometimes get a discount and otherwise, you spend a bunch of time trying to figure it all out during the vacation.

Each family was responsible for one meal and the clean up.  This makes it so that everyone gets a break, and when it is your time to cook, it is really fun! (I had a hard time staying out of the kitchen, though.)   Oh, and use a crock pot if you can.

Bring board games, art materials, bubbles, outdoor toys and put them in a community bin for kids to use as they please.  (I always think no one will want to play with all the stuff I haul, but in the end, the kids loved it!)  This game was a hit.

Have one evening for parents only game time.  (This was the best part of the trip!)  Paul made a 3 part game this year, with "How well do you know your spouse" questions, Girls vs Boys questions, and then the tie breaker of the Flour Game, which we totally did incorrectly.

Project 22: Cake!

I used to think that I preferred boxed cake mix to homemade cakes.  I realize now, that I just had the wrong recipes!!  I have made 2 cakes in the last week that have been positively yummy!

The first is a Chocolate Guiness Cake, which I used to eat at the Jika Jika cafe in Bath.  I have been meaning to make it forever, and finally had occasion.  I am glad I shared it with others, because I really, really could eat the entire thing.  I recommend making vanilla buttercream (softened butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, tiny bit of milk) instead of the cream cheese frosting, as we thought it was too tart.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chocolate_guinness_cake/

The second cake is my neighbor, Janice's recipe.  She told me that it is so easy, she makes it whilst on vacation because you don't need anything special.  The only addition to the recipe, is that I sprinkled cinnamon on the top before baking.  You basically mix all of the ingredients together and sprinkle with topping.  Bake 350F for 25-30 minutes.

Project 21: Reusable Gift Bag

I love a pretty, wrapped package, but I do hate how much waste it creates.  My son, Tate, had a birthday party to attend, and I had a few spare hours, so I made a reusable gift bag.  I love it!!

I used StayzOn ink and stamped the cupcake on the twill ribbon, and hemmed the edges.  I know there is a company who makes these and you can track where in the world they travel to!!  Here is where you can find them.  Or, if you ask me, I might make one for you:) 

Stay At Home Mom

Lately, I have thinking about my occupation.  I call myself a "Professional Stay at Home Mom".  I chose this job, and I take it very seriously.  I have done many other things (USAF pilot, Sales Account Exec, and High School Teacher) and this has been the hardest for me, but I embrace it.

I was recently sewing for an upcoming craft show, and my baby (age 2) who is always quite delightful was being...mmmm, not so delightful.  After some reflection, I realized that my priority had shifted.  I was now short with her in order to "get things done".  Our days consisted of a grumpy mommy trying to get the house in show order for potential buyers (we are moving), while doing "work" and she was not feeling it.  I am not an advocate of over doting and spoiling my child, don't get me wrong, but more so, she could sense my flusteredness.  (Is that a word??)  I was not "in the moment" and I was not at peace.  I can picture my wrinkle in the middle of my forehead getting deeper and deeper.

Firstly, I realized how hard it is for a parent who works from home.  I am sure they feel constantly torn between their job and the child.  I have to give it to them! (Also, I totally misjudged the whole take-care-of-kids thing when in my 20s...)  For me, since I don't have to work, I decided that I don't want my child to feel like I don't want to be here.  I don't want her feeling my frustration, with being pulled in two directions. I want to embrace my experience and the NOW.

I am a big fan of working side by side, but in a peaceful manner.  She will happily create with her crafts next to me for an hour, while I sew and we listen to music.  I love looking online for fun activities that we can do together (and avoid the TV). And my favorite? I love to bake with her.  And, yes, she can play on her own for a bit, but the balance of it all was off.  I was doing way more of the stuff that I thought needed to be done, and putting such pressure on myself, and forgot to slow down and enjoy the journey.

This isn't a parenting post, really.  This is more a post about me and about embracing the now and living more peacefully with what you are given.  In that regard, a friend of mine really changed my mind about another part of my job.  She said to "Beautify corners" instead of cleaning.  For some reason, just the change in how I see it has made cleaning wayyy more enjoyable and, crazy enough, has made me do more of it!

Take a deep breath, folks.  What isn't working for you?  (I sound like Dr. Phil.)  Nothing is stopping you from changing that, if even just a little :)

Inspired by... SPRING 2013

Some days, I walk around and am inspired by lots that I see.  Thank goodness for the iPhone....I take a ton of pictures to remember later.  When I need some ideas and feel the need for creative vibes, I go window shopping, go to Barnes and Noble and leaf through new magazines, or seek out a cute bakery that I have never been to before.  Luckily, I have a very cute sidekick who loves these types of trips. 

Since we have been showing the house, and we need to be out and about, we have had been out A LOT.  So much, in fact, that I just want to settle into my craft room and not leave for a few days.  I shouldn't complain... I want to sell our house, but I am realizing that I am more of a homebody than I realized.  

 Angel Food Bakery. AMAZING.  The staff was ridiculously attentive and very nice, and there is a long glass counter where you can watch them make all of the day's treats.  I had to pull Soleil out of there!

 Coffee was really good.  (It is Peace Coffee, my favorite.)

 My pretty writing materials for "Ease into Spring" by Bella Cirovic.  She sends daily emails with activities, inspiration, thoughts to think about, etc. She has another ecourse scheduled for June and you can find it here.  I am loving her current course!

Oh and I made this.  Another Apron... I am not claiming it as Project 21, as you guys have seen 2 other aprons already!  (I love making them....)