A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Jan 2 2009

Not falling far from the tree

Category: Family Fun

Nathan's an early riser but goes to bed early -- just like mom (assuming she's not up finishing an assignment or doing household chores). Lucie's a late riser and goes to bed late -- just like dad (on the weekends when he can sleep in).

Nathan likes to have a hardy breakfast before going to school -- just like mom (if she has the time to eat and get dressed on the same morning). Lucie isn't much of a breakfast person, just a vitamin and a drink -- just like daddy (who usually has just a mug of coffee and his vitamins).

Nathan doesn't like being by himself and always has to be in the midst of all the action -- just like daddy (who's always on the go whether it's work, hunting, traveling, or going to a sporting event). Lucie's fine playing by herself (or with a few imaginary friends) -- just like mommy (whose imaginary friends are in books and on "Star Trek").

Nathan wakes up talking -- just like daddy (blah, blah, blah, hun, you should have stayed up and watched the game. It went into triple overtime!) Lucie wakes up GRUMPY -- just like mommy (please don't talk to me until I've had my breakfast).

Obviously there's no question whose kids they are.

 

Dec 18 2008

Hand print memories

Category: Family Fun

I got this idea from the dance studio where Lucie attends ballet and I take yoga. After her class, there's a story and a craft project to keep the kids occupied until the moms are done. This week the kids made hand prints in plaster and decorated them with shells, rocks and glitter.

Both Nathan and Lucie enjoyed this project. Nathan was able to do this on his own with very little guidance. Lucie needed some help but got the idea of sprinkling the rocks and glitter and placing the shells around the plaster. They didn't get too messy either. The plaster is easily washed off at the sink.  They were proud of their artwork and couldn't wait to show their dad, too.

Why not expand on this idea? If you're like us, you have lots of mementos from hikes along the beach or to the forest -- shells, rocks, features, dried plants, and maybe even pieces of bone. Instead of letting the pieces gather dust or lay forgotten in a dresser, why not include them in a plaster hand print project? It's a great way to record and memorialize family fun.

Supplies needed:

• Plaster of Paris
• Large plastic bowl
• Stirrer to mix the plaster -- a wooden spoon, tongue depressor, or a paint brush handle
• Paper plate
• Trip mementos -- small rocks, feathers, sticks, dried flower, shells, bones, etc.
• Large paper clip or straw
• Permanent marker

Directions:

1. Mix a small amount of Plaster of Paris with water in a disposable plastic container according to the directions. The plaster should be creamy and not set up too quickly.

2. Pour the plaster into the plate and tap the bottom of the plate to smooth out the plaster and remove any bumps or air bubbles.

3. Have your child make a handprint (or a footprint) in the plaster.

4. Before the plaster hardens, have your child decorate the plaster with the mementos.

5. Push a partly unfolded paper clip into the plaster, so you can hang it on the wall. Or you can use a straw to make a hole in the plaster, and use a ribbon to hang it. The plaster will be completely dry in about a day, but you can take it out of the molding container after about 30 minutes.

6. Put the child's name, the place where you found the mementos and the date of the trip on the back of the plaster with the permanent marker.