Some of my favorite animals to see at the zoo are the porcupines. For a couple of years my family was gifted yearly passes to a local zoo. My kids liked to see the Ocelot walking around in its enclosure. They get excited to watch the otters playing in the water. At the wolf enclosure we all try to spot as many wolves possible. They blend in so well with the rocks in the landscape. I like all of that, too. However, my favorite animal to see is the porcupine sitting up in the tree. I would really like to see one alive in the wild.
Many Medias for Porcupines
Two of my boys enjoy playing with playdough and letting their creativity shine. Dough of many kinds peak their interests. Whether it is playdough, air dry model clay, kinetic sand, scented varieties of all of the items listed, or anything similar, they have a fun time with it. I like that kinetic sand vacuums up nicely. There are rules in our house where they can and cannot use dough. (If you email me, I can tell you how I got bright blue playdough out of light brown carpet!)
Put it all together
We had some air-dry model clay left over from a previous project and my preschooler wanted to make something with it. Looking through my craft supplies, I found some decorative bamboo skewers. He started to add the skewers right away to the model clay. The skewers could go anywhere on the shape of clay.
Other Ideas
Our porcupines were very simple and not detailed. We could have shaped them before using the skewers. They would have been more pear-shaped, with the narrow end representing the head. Another idea would be to add a face, either with markers or other materials found in the craft supplies. You could get as detailed as you would like and have time for. My kiddo was content and proud of his work in spite of the lack of detail. I thought his porcupine was great, too! That was what we did. Any option of dough could be used in place of the air dry model clay. Also, toothpicks or other pick-type sticks could be used instead of skewers. Use your own creativity.
“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!”(Psalms 61:1-4, NLT)
I first saw these spiral bead ornaments as a decoration at Longwood Gardens. As I took a closer look at them I thought that I could try to make them, too. I had glass seed beads and some jewelry making tools. I enjoy being creative and wanted to give them a try.
Every year my parents gift my family with a Christmas time visit to Longwood Gardens. We enjoy many aspects of the Gardens at this time of year. Each year there is a different theme or color scheme. This particular year the theme was retro. The colors throughout the Gardens reflected that. Shiny and metallic decorations adorned plants and buildings, such as the spiral bead ornaments.
One stop we make every year is to the Wildlife Tree. There is food and shelter for birds, squirrels, chipmunks and other wildlife. We like to see what birds stop by while we are there. Usually there are Dark-eyed juncos, Northern Cardinals, Tufted titmice, Black-capped chickadee and more. This year we were delighted to see toy brick bird feeders. There were tube feeders and platform feeders.
We have a great time climbing up the treehouses. The plants and displays are always wonderful sights to see. There is a fountain show with music, lights and water. One favorite display every year for my boys is the outdoor train layout. Another favorite for my boys is the children’s garden.
The children’s garden is located inside the conservatory. It is filled with a variety of water play. Jumping water, paint brushes and fountains are at every turn. There is even a water basin with small floating toys inside. Kids can use small nets to scoop up as many ducks, fish and other plastic toys as possible. Of course, we make this one of our first stops in the conservatory. Afterwards, we put dry clothing on our boys, if necessary.
Coming up with a Plan for Spiral Bead Ornaments-Beads
I knew I was going to use glass seed beads (size 11), with at least some on each ornament being translucent. Metallic beads reflect the light and shine all around. Translucent beads let the light shine through them. Choosing colors to put together allowed me to be creative. Of course I wanted to use clear and red, to reflect candy canes. Also, neutral colors caught my eye. Then blues appealed to me, as well.
Coming up with a Plan for Spiral Bead Ornaments-Wire
I had no idea where to start with the wire. So, I went online to see what size wire works with size 11 beads. It was suggested to use 24# wire for this size bead. After discovering that it meant 24 gauge beading wire, I went to the craft store. There, I found just what I was looking for in the jewelry/beading aisle.
Coming up with a Plan for Spiral Bead Ornaments-Putting it all together
Putting these ornaments together seemed simple enough, with minimal supplies needed. First, gather supplies. These include the beads (of course); the wire; tools; something to create the spiral shape and a hook or hanger to dangle it from the tree. To create the spiral shape I used a US size6 knitting needle and a pencil. Whatever you use will determine the tightness of the spiral. Of the tools below, I used the wire cutters (pink-handled tool) and round-nosed pliers (purple-handled tool).
After tools are collected, it is time to begin. First, cut the wire to the desired length. Remember, the finished size of the ornament will be smaller when it is twisted. Using the round-nosed pliers, make a loop at one end of the wire. Then add the beads. After that, wind it into a spiral by twisting it around the knitting needle or pencil. Then, use the round-nosed pliers again to make another loop on the end. Decide which way is up and add the hanger.
Yield: 1 3-4inch long spiral bead ornament
How to Make Spiral Bead Ornaments
Instructions on how to created a lovely spiral beaded ornament to add some sparkle and color to the Christmas tree, put in a window as a sun catcher or anywhere else.
Materials
24 gauge wire jewelry or bead wire
140-160 size 11 glass seed beads
Pencil, US #6 knitting needle or something else to wrap the wire around
Hanger or hook
Tools listed below
Tools
Wire cutters
Round-nosed pliers
Tape measure or ruler
Instructions
Using the ruler and wire cutters, measure and cut 10 inches of 24 gauge wire.
With the round-nosed pliers, make a loop around one end of the wire, turning it as if to wind a watch 3 or 4 times.
Add beads. Be creative with colors, patterns, ombres, translucents, metallics and more.
Trim the wire if necessary. **Be sure to leave enough room to make another loop and for some ‘give’ for the ornament during twisting.
As with instruction #2, use the round-nosed pliers to make a loop at the end of the wire. Leave about 1/8 inch between the loop and where the beads end.
Hold the pencil or knitting needle in your left hand. With your thumb, hold one end (the loop) to the bottom of the pencil.
Wrap the beaded wire around the pencil.
When the entire ornament is a spiral, slide it off the pencil and add the hanger to one of the loops.
Notes
On instruction #7, I found it to be easier and more efficient to hold the top of the beaded wire with my right hand at the top. With my left hand I held the pencil and ornament and twisted those together. (Instead of holding the pencil in place).
Your finished project will vary depending on the materials used. For example, if a pencil is used versus a thinner knitting needle, the twist in the ornament will be wider. Also, more twists can make it shorter than less twists.
Let me know how you did and show me what your ornaments look like.
***For storing (when you take the tree down)*** Slip the hangers off the ornaments. I found it convenient to slide the ornaments onto a pencil. This was especially the case for the ones that are twisted around a pencil. That will prevent the ornaments from being squished and misshapen. For me, two ornaments fit on one pencil in tandem. I used a hard pencil case to store them, along with the hangers.
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16, NLT)
Pomanders are a holiday tradition for many people. Historically, they were used in Europe to keep illnesses at bay. They were also used to combat foul smells. Pomanders are recorded in America in the 1700s to mask bad smells. They eventually became popular decorations during the holidays in homes across America.
Gather materials
An orange or two, a bottle of whole cloves, a container of cinnamon, scissors, ribbon, a thumb tack and toothpicks.
Add ribbon
If the pomander is to be hung, wrap ribbon around the orange.
Wrapped orange
I chose a thinner ribbon, so I was able to wrap it a few times. If using a wider ribbon, wrap only twice or as desired.
Scents and Memories
I recently read about pomanders and the festive tradition. Though they had never been a part of my Christmas memories, I decided to try them out to see how my family would like the scent.
Many people associate smells to memories. For example, the smell of Easter lilies brings to mind going to church wearing a white straw hat, white gloves and a pretty little Easter dress. The whole memory comes to mind with one whiff of the sweet flower. Another example for me is the smell of certain candles. My mom liked to burn Yankee Candle‘s Home Sweet Home candle often when I was growing up. The combined scent of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, cherry and juniper berry brings to mind memories from the home I grew up in.
Yet another smell that stirs up association is that of fresh cut grass. It is a signal in my mind that the growing season is upon us. As in, Spring has come. Fresh cut grass also brings to mind thoughts of traveling around locally in the Summer with my car windows rolled down. (Yes, rolled down, with a hand crank).
Thumb Tack
Using a thumb tack helps to keep the ribbon in place.
Toothpick
It is not absolutely necessary to use a toothpick, but it does help. If desired, use a toothpick to poke holes in the orange peel before adding the cloves. They can be a little spikey and hurt the finger tips.
Add the cloves
Add the whole cloves right into the orange peel, in the premade holes.
Scent Categories
There are many more scents that bring to mind various memories. One example is food smells. That would include pot roast in the crock pot, candy canes, funnel cake, buttered popcorn, fresh apples and, from growing up near the sweetest place on Earth, chocolate. Another example is environmental or nature smells. Some of these include Fall leaves, rain in the woods, lightening bugs, a limestone creek bed running through a wooded area, mud and evergreen trees. Yet one more group of scents is what I think of as man-made. Some of these include the smell of school bus fumes, perfume, various candle scents, various make-up, newspapers and many more.
Design
The cloves can have a pattern or design.
Random
The cloves can be put into the orange peel randomly.
Cinnamon
After all of the cloves are in place, you can roll the whole thing in cinnamon, if desired.
Pomanders’ Scent
Pomanders bring warm memories to many people. The citrus used is oranges, lemons or limes. Although, oranges are most popular. The orange is sweet, fresh and juicy. Often times citrus, especially lemon, is used to energize or enliven someone. On the other hand, whole cloves have a spicy and sweet scent that is warm and woodsy. Piercing the orange peel enhances its scent. When the cloves are added, the mixture is cozy, happy, warm and seasonal.
If desired, roll the finished pomander in ground cinnamon for an added warm fragrance. The cinnamon is also beneficial in preventing mold from forming on the orange. Mold can form depending on the temperature, humidity, lighting and air flow. If that does occur, the mold defeats the purpose of a cozy smell and instead offers a musty, earthy scent (and not in a good way). As the orange dries, the citrus scent gets even stronger.
Yield: 1 pomander
Make Fragrant Pomanders
Fragrant pomanders made with an orange and whole cloves.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Materials
1 orange
1 bottle whole cloves
toothpick
ribbon (o[ptional)
thumb tack (optional)
cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
If desired, add ribbon to the orange.
With the toothpick, poke small holes into the orange peel. Create a pattern, shapes or design; or poke holes randomly.
Push a whole clove into each toothpick hole.
After all of the holes are filled, as few or as many as you desire, roll the whole thing in cinnamon. Tap the excess cinnamon off.
Tie the ribbon into a bow or loop and hang it on the tree or somewhere else. If there is no ribbon, add the finished pomander to a decorative plate, bowl or basket with other seasonal decorations.
Notes
The purpose of the ribbon is to make a loop to hang the pomander. Additionally, the ribbon can be used for decoration. Wrap it around fully at least twice to make it secure. Some instructions I have read suggest drying the whole thing out in the oven. I don't think that is necessary. It takes away from enjoying the scent as the orange naturally dries.
This project is very simple to do. My three-year old made one with very little help from me. I just attached the ribbon around the orange for him. Then he had fun poking holes and pushing the cloves into the holes. When it was finished he was so proud to show his daddy what he made.
I hung them on our tree. If I make them again (which I probably will) I will use smaller oranges to hang on the tree. The larger oranges will be better in a bowl or on a plate or other decorative holder. The larger oranges are a little heavy for some of the branches. Smaller ones would work better.
I have read that cloves can be toxic to dogs, only in large quantities and in oil or powder form. However, cloves in any form can be toxic to cats. Of course, that is also in large quantities. Be careful if you have cats, especially if the pomanders are placed on a surface the cats can reach.
“4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” (Ephesians 2:4,5 NLT)
Pony bead suncatchers are a fairly simple craft to do with most ages of kids. It is not difficult and requires just a few materials. However, adult supervision and assistance is required to ensure safety. This is especially true when using the oven and, if desired, a drill. They can be as colorful as desired, or have a design or pattern. We also tried solid-colored beads to give a different look.
My boys enjoy crafting, one of them a bit more than his brothers. I found a ‘how to’ for suncatchers and thought it would be a good craft to try out. Sometimes when I find craft ideas for my kiddos I like to try them out on my own first. That way I am able to figure out any issues I would have and become more familiar with the project. Then, when it comes to my boys crafting that project, I am more prepared to help them. Otherwise I feel a bit disorganized. This also helps me to tweak the project, if necessary, to make it suit our needs.
The supplies needed to make this suncatcher are minimal. Of course, if they are not on hand, the supplies are easy to find at the store. Once gathered, it is time to put this craft together. I like to use a muffin tin or silicone mold that is just for crafting. In other words, I do not use the materials to cook food in. Putting the beads in the tin can be done quickly. However, if doing a pattern or design, might take a little while longer. Due to cooking plastic, it is a good idea to use a well ventilated area. I have read that some crafters like to take a toaster oven outside when creating these. That way the fumes dissipate in the air. Personally, I use one of the ovens in my kitchen. I make these when the weather is nice enough to have my windows open.
Happy crafting!
Pony Bead Suncatchers
Make fun, colorful suncatchers with plastic pony beads.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour10 minutes
Materials
PONY BEADS Clear or Translucent plastic (a few solid pony beads, if desired)
MUFFIN TIN (regular or mini, or oven-safe cookie cutters and a pie plate
STRING, beading line, fishing line, or anything to hang the suncatcher
OVEN or toaster oven
DRILL with a small bit (to make a hole in the suncatcher for the string to fit through) -or- heat safe grommets -or- hot glue, epoxy or other strong adhesive
SUCTION CUPS small, with hooks, to attach to a window (optional)
SCISSORS
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Fill bottom of muffin tin with beads in a single layer, be sure all of the beads are flat.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check frequently for doneness.
Let cool.
Remove from muffin tin. Sometimes it helps to dip the underside of the tin in cold water to help release the suncatchers.
Drill a small hole and add string. Or, add string with strong adhesive.
Attach to the window with the suction cup.
Notes
Be creative with colors, patterns and designs. Sometimes sharp edges will form. This happens when there are not enough beads or if it does not cook long or hot enough. Watch the suncatchers as they are baking to see if you need to add another bead or two. Also, you can use some sand paper lightly to soften sharp edges. I have used some solid colors to form a heart, around Valentine's Day. It did not make a heart, but a blocky triangle. I have also used an oven-safe silicone mold to create heart-shaped suncatchers. They turned out fine. I have tried both epoxy for the hanger and drilling a hole to thread the line through. Be creative and see what you can create!
“Listen! It;s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Isaiah 40:3, NLT)
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The Christmas card exchanges are one activity to share with others. Some people send photo Christmas cards. Other people write up many cards for those on their address list. Still others write up a letter to share with those far and wide. Even more send a previously prepared email or put a message on their Facebook page to bring Christmas blessings to anyone they have ever met.
Activities
There are many things to celebrate and activities to do and to be caught up into this time of year. On one hand, we want our children to have many enjoyable experiences. On the other hand, we want them to be able to take time to really enjoy the activities we participate in. Certainly, we do not want for them to be overwhelmed with the busyness. That being said, we find it important to pick and choose what activities we do.
I have never been all about Santa. We take our kiddos to see Santa at the same mall every year. Many Christmas movies that we watch are about him or have him in it. I am not against the idea of Santa. Christmas is about so much more. In our family we celebrate Jesus’ birth. We exchange gifts to remember that Jesus is the best gift that we have ever received. Also, to celebrate a time of giving and wonder.
A Christmas Card for family
Sending and giving a Christmas card is a kind gesture during Christmas. I incorporated this idea of a Christmas card into an activity that we do as a family during the month of December. I go to the store and either purchase 5 individual cards or a pack of Christmas cards. Beginning on December 1st and going until December 31st we do a card for each family member. At the beginning of the month, or, really, at the end of November, I have each family member choose which card they like best. Then I put their name on the top of the outside of the Christmas card. Every evening we go around and say something positive about each person.
For example, there is a card for my husband. When we get to his card, we each say something that we love about him. That includes something we like about his character, or it could mean something that we saw him doing that is positive. For example, something he might have done that day. Then there is a card for each of my children and one for me, as well. We do the same for each card and recipient. Then, at the end of December I hand each card to its owner, or addressee.
Kind words from family members is such a great gift. This is especially true for the people in my life who have a love language of words of affirmation. (If you are unfamiliar with ‘love language,’ I encourage you to familiarize yourself with “The 5 Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman).
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NLT)
A thankful pumpkin is something that my family works on during the month of November. November in Pennsylvania is filled with many things “Fall.” One of those things includes “peeping” the changing colors of leaves on trees. That means, if you live or travel near deciduous trees, admiring the beauty of the flora kaleidoscope. Mountain areas and state forests are popular places for that.
Tastes to be Thankful for
Another November Fall thing is the many tastes. Popular ones include apple cider and pumpkin spice. Other favorite flavors are caramel apple and candy apple. Then there is homemade pumpkin pie or homemade apple pie. Fall certainly has some comforting flavors and scents.
Thanksgiving
Near the end of the month we celebrate the holiday, Thanksgiving. Besides football, a big parade, turkey and pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful. Really, we should be thankful always. However, Thanksgiving is when we are reminded of this.
We encourage our boys to be grateful and show appreciation when someone does something for them. They are reminded to “say thank you” when given a gift. What a blessing it is when they don’t need to be reminded to be thankful. That seems to happen more often than not.
Thankful Pumpkin
For our family, the whole month of November is also a time for the ‘Thankful pumpkin.’ Beginning in 2018, we have enjoyed this activity. Every night after dinner we go around the table and say one thing that we are thankful for from that day. We encourage the boys to say something different every night. With a fine sharpie, I write what each person says. It reminds us how truly blessed we are.
This month-long activity is simple to do and gets kids to realize there is so much to appreciate every day. Additionally, the supplies needed for this activity are minimal. I use a fine tip sharpie marker to write on the pumpkin. For the pumpkin, I purchase a 6-8 inch foam craft pumpkin. Near the end of October they can be found in many craft stores. Also, foam craft pumpkins can be found in many stores that have Fall decorations.
I hope you enjoy this activity. Also, I hope we can look back over the years and realize how very blessed we are.
“Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.”(1 Timothy 4:4-5, NLT)
Mickey Mouse was a favorite of one of my sons. For instance, when he was two, he enjoyed watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse, Mickey Mouse Funhouse and Mickey and the Roadster Racers. Anytime it was his turn to pick something for he and his brothers to watch, his choice was sure to be one of those. With that in mind, I gathered ideas for his third birthday party.
Planning
Pinterest was my go-to for finding party ideas. I started there and adapted suggestions to suit my own needs. That made it more personal to my son. Also, it allowed me to include what I thought worked for my capabilities. I wanted it to be fun for everyone, including myself. I have found that when I plan so much for birthday parties I get too stressed out. Less activities are best. Too many and not all of them will get done. Have some activities to keep them active and involved, but give plenty of time for the kids to just play, too.
Mickey Mouse invitation
I found a free printable template invitation at DolanPedia. All of the people that were coming to the party were family or close friends. That made it simple to take a picture of the invite and send texts to people on the guest list.
Mickey Mouse attire
To go along with the theme, I purchased new Mickey Mouse T-shirts for my family to wear. At first I wanted my boys to have matching shirts. However, I was unable to find all of their sizes in the same shirt. So, I decided that all different shirts was more fun, anyway. They went along with each boys’ character and personality.
My husband and I found some Mickey Mouse shirts, too. Another option for attire, of course, is to purchase Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse headband ears. Although I thought about that idea, I decided against them. The headbands would not stay on my kiddos’ heads very long. They would just be a photo prop for us.
Mickey Mouse-inspired Decorations
Mickey Mouse decorations add to the fun. I don’t like to go overboard with decorations, but to have enough to support the theme. Here are just some of the decorations I used. I went with the black, red and yellow color scheme to match Mickey Mouse’s colors. I bought red and black paper fans at Hobby lobby. The paper fans were attached to tables, the siding of our house and railings on our deck. I purchased the yellow and red pom pom garland from Hobby Lobby, too.
FOOD TABLEFOOD TABLE
I bought black and red table covers from Hobby Lobby. The black I used for the gift, food and drink tables. The red covers were used for seating tables.
We surprised the birthday boy with this fun Mickey Mouse balloon. It lasts for a while and can be re-inflated. However, this balloon does not stand up to wrestling with a 3-year old. The 3-year old wins. This balloon was purchased from Amazon, but they don’t have the same one at this time. However, this balloon is very similar.
Mickey Mouse themed party food
For the birthday party we were having family and friends attend. Therefore we needed to have enough food for about 30 people. After brainstorming what foods to feed that many people paired with ideas to go with the Mickey Mouse theme, I came up with a variety of foods. I found this food label template on Pinterest.
I downloaded the template to my computer and downloaded the above font from youreverydayfamily.com. The menu I decided on is as follows:
Mickey’s Hot Diggity Dog Bar
At the end of the show, Mickey and his friends do the hot dog dance
Hot dogs; buns; chili; ketchup; mustard; baked beans; relish; shredded cheddar cheese; anything to put on a hot dog
Pluto’s Tasty Treats
Pluto gets special snacks
Ice cream and cake or cupcakes; anything sweet
Donald’s Not-so Gooey Fish and other snacks
Donald likes to fish for gooey fish
Goldfish; pretzels; chips; anything snacky
Daisy’s Garden Fruit Salad
Minnie and Daisy spend time in the garden
berry salad (strawberries cut up; blueberries; raspberries) or Melons cut up (watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe) or buy pre-cut fresh fruit
Goofy’s Refreshing Drinks
Goofy is fun and fresh
lemonade; water; juice boxes; gatorade
Minnie’s Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Minnie loves her bows
Italian pasta salad with Bow tie pasta instead of rotini
Other ideas for food include vegetables along with the fruit for Daisy’s garden. Any other appropriate drinks are options. And anything else you can come up with.
Mickey Mouse activities
On the show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, each episode is focused on a problem that Mickey and his friends to solve. Toodles (a Mickey-head-shaped tool box) is there to help them solve each problem. Toodles has three tools and the mystery mousekatool, a surprise tool that will help them solve the problem. I wanted to incorporate this into the party. So, I came up with a problem, how they could solve it and what tools they would need to solve it.
The Problem and how it was solved
Toodles’ tools for the party were:
A parachute
A stroller
A pair of scissors
The mystery mousekatool
I found the Toodles template on Pinterest and photos of the tools on clip art or something similar.
First problem and tool
“Mickey and his pals are missing from the party. Daisy and Minnie wanted to go to work in the garden. The rest of the pals wanted to help, too.” (we walked to the garden to see if we could find Mickey and his pals.)
(Prior to the party I had put the 6 Pals into a container with small holes in it. Then I strung yarn through the holes to ‘trap’ the Pals inside)
“Oh no! They are caught in a spider’s web. How can we help to get them out? Is there a tool that we can use?”
“Oh, Toodles” (We got Toodles out and looked at the tools that might help this problem).
“Is there a tool that we can use to get the friends out of the spider’s web?”
(We decided on the scissors to cut the web and release the friends.)
The birthday boy successfully cut Mickey Mouse and his friends free, with a little help from his big brothers, of course.
Second problem and tool
“Very good-now they are free. Minnie notices some dirt on her shoe and on Goofy’s hat. She tries to wipe it off, but sees it is on all of the pals. What can you use to bounce the dirt off them, so they can look their best for the party?”
“Oh, Toodles” (We got Toodles out and looked at the tools that might help this problem).
(We decided that the parachute would help get dirt off the pals.)
They had a lot of fun throwing the stuffies into the air with the parachute. However, instead of cleaning any dirt off of the pals, the might have added some dirt when the pals fell off the parachute.
third problem and tool
“Now, we have 2 tools left and have to find a way to get all of the friends to the party. “
“Oh, Toodles” (We got Toodles out and looked at the tools that might help this problem). “Do we have a tool that can help get all of the friends from the garden to the party? We have a stroller and they mystery mousekatool.”
(We decided to use the stroller. Therefore, we put the pals into the stroller and the birthday boy pushed it from the garden to the deck, where tables were set up.)
fourth problem and tool
“All of the friends are at the party, but there is still the mystery mousekatool. This is a special tool that Mickey is bringing to help at the party. Can the birthday boy see what the mystery mousekatool is?”
“Oh, Toodles!”
The birthday boy opened the mystery mousekatool box to find a number 3 candle. This was a nice segway from the activity to cake time. (Of course, when he found it there was not a bite taken out of the wax, that was after it was in his cupcake). We said “cheers” because we had used all of our mousekatools.
At the end of the party, someone played ‘the hot dog dance’ song on their phone. The kids danced the hot dog dance in their own way.
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5, NLT)
