'Twas the week after Christmas

'Twas the week after Christmas
and aaaaah through the house.

A little down time is very much welcome after so much hoopla last week.

Salad is welcome, too. I've been craving it after all the rich and sugary indulgences.

Clean laundry has made a come back. The last month has been a free-for-all.

Time to ring in a fresh, new year! 

Ding dong.

Merry Christmas

Humbugging

Poor Kitty Baby. 

There is too much excitement for him this time of year. Instead of enjoying his routine of sleeping, eating, and giving the dogs trouble; he has to get dressed up, take long car rides at unexpected times of day, and miss a lot of naps. 

Kitty Baby becomes such a grouch when he deviates from his schedule yet everyone insists he be extra-extra nice and kiss strange people and eat weird food.

I get it, Kitty Baby. Sometimes the festivities are too much of a good thing. Even grown up humans need to nap, especially when there is so much to do. Let's go cuddle right this minute. 

And just like that, our frazzled day turns peaceful.

Purr.

One, two, three, four, five

Here's a fun little activity:

Do you know the rhyme, "One, Two, Three, Four, Five. Once I Caught a Fish Alive?"

Well, it goes like this:

One, two, three, four, five.
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
Then I let it go again.
Why did I let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right.

I cut some fish shapes out of felt so we could count them while we sing this. Not only does this teach counting but also which is the right side.

In addition, our felt fish have enjoyed elaborate stroller trips throughout the house!

Where did I get my fish pattern? I just thought of a toilet seat and went from there. Do you see it? They look like toilet seats. I'm no artist.

Once I caught a toilet seat alive. Not as catchy.

Have a lovely day!

Oldie but a goodie

Time for the traditional red and green chain!

Just look at all that goo. Since kids love glue, I figured it might be prudent to make our own paste with flour and water. The mixture washes out of clothes and is a thrifty alternative to store-bought.

I offered a large bowl of flour and we each spooned some into individual bowls. Then we added a smidgeon of water.

Stir. Stir. Stir.
More flour.
More water.
Stir. Stir. Stir.

Making paste is its own reward.

We let the chain dry during nap time. Then we discussed a good spot for it and hung it right before it was time to say "good-bye."

It adds a little holiday to the playroom.

Right before lunch, we had a dance party. Why not?

We also acted out a specific movie they love. When we didn't have enough real people actors, we recruited dolls and teddy bears. Fun.

Have a lovely day!

Menu for the week of December 1

Here is our menu for this week:

Monday:
Breakfast: toast with peanut butter and jelly
Snack: cheese crackers
Lunch: macaroni and cheese, ham, peas, pears
Snack: pretzels and banana

Tuesday:
Breakfast: oatmeal with baked apple
Snack: yogurt cup
Lunch: chicken and cheese wrap, Spanish rice, broccoli
Snack: graham crackers and pears

Wednesday:
Breakfast: Cheerios and banana
Snack: cheese and crackers
Lunch: potato soup with carrots and corn, pepperoni buns
Snack: fish crackers and peaches

Thursday:
Care not needed

Friday:
Breakfast: muffin wedgies
Snack: cheese and pretzels
Lunch: pizza, green beans and apple pieces
Snack: graham crackers and Mandarin oranges

Have a lovely day!