This Just Pinned...and Completed!

Confession:  I spend a lot of time in front of the computer.  Like, a lot.  Probably enough that I just might require an intervention.  Or therapy.  Or I just need to go to bed at a decent hour. :)

I have shared with you my undying affection for Pinterest.  It is an oasis of fun and inspiration and humor and all things pretty.  I currently have 1,394 pins.  {I told you I have a problem.}  Perhaps the bigger problem here is that the time I spend pinning far outweighs the time I spend doing.  The purpose of my pinboards is to actually do what I've found to be inspiring and fun.  I'm not so good at that part.

I know that I need to make a much better effort on the doing end of things because I really want to.  I'm in a bit of funk around here, with a serious case of spring fever, but it's high time I got motivated and started making and doing some things that are fun and happy.  So last week, I combed through some of my pins and for the last few days I've actually began checking some off as "Done!"

The easiest of my pinboards to pull quick and easy and do-able activities (right now) from are my  "Kids Crafts"   "Things to Make for My Kids"  and  "Things to Do with My Kids" boards.

First up, name trains.  A craft for the boys that I had all the supplies for on hand and didn't require a whole lot of hands on help from me.  Not because I'm not willing to help, but because I have a tendency to pick projects that are too difficult for the boys to do on their own.  Reed ended up being asleep when Drew found himself bored and in need of something to do.  And Drew ended up doing his whole name because D-R-E-W just isn't long enough. 

Next, these angry bird masks.  It took me an afternoon to pull these together (and once again, I had my mom had all the needed supplies on hand).  Drew loves his, and very sweetly thanked me for it  ...but very gently asked if next time I would make him a yellow one cuz it's his favorite. :)

Trying to make angry faces...

...but I can see right through to those smiles!

Hmmm....maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

Hugging or strangling???  

Next on the list - a glow stick bath!  I told the boys I had a surprise for them once they got into the tub, and when I flicked off the light, I think they were both a little weirded out.  But then I whipped the glow sticks out from behind my back and threw them in the tub, and they morphed from "what is this?" to "this is the coolest thing ever!" A word of precaution:  You must be a really mellow mom (or pretend to be) to pull this one off.  Much splashing and mayhem will ensue and you must just go with it or risk ruining the fun.  I'm afraid I fall into this category and called off the bath sooner than probably necessary - they were having a really great time splashing and screaming.  A lot.  I fear we may never be able to take a "normal" bath again.

And finally, a memory verse booklet.  Free downloads are available here to make a very fun and do-able ABC scripture book for kids, and adults alike.  I spent about an hour one night printing and laminating, putting this book together.  I had originally thought we'd spend a week on each verse, working with the boys on memorizing it and learning about it.  Drew's preference, however, is to read a new one everyday.  So maybe once we make our way through all 26 scriptures we'll go back and begin the memorization part.

Oh, and something that we're working on.... I printed off two separate books-your-child-should-read-before-kindergarten lists {HERE and HERE} and we'll start searching for some of these on our trips to the library.  I love that there are several listed that I remember reading and enjoying as a kid, as well as some more recent titles.  We've already read a handful of them, and we're I'm looking forward to reading some of the others listed.

Woo hoo!  Watch out...I'm on a roll now!