Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tsunami Warnings and evacualtions!!
Please pray with us this morning! We have a Tsunami hitting the Islands in a few hours. We are only a few blocks from the beach so we are evacuating up the valley. Please pray for the safety of our Islands, our family and loved ones!
Your Secret Name
I am ever so intrigued by this upcoming book. It is written by a former college classmate, he has written other books as well. A powerful spiritual leader of our time. Visit his blog for more information on his book coming out March 15th! Great prizes but more importantly spiritual truth waiting to change your life!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Flaunting the Belly {GIVEAWAY}
Let face it, maternity styles come and go, but do you ever get tired of that soft comfy tee shirt? You know the one, the one that fits throughout your pregnancy and beyond? Now you can return your husbands shirt to him, and have your own stylish maternity shirt that is just as soft, way more comfortable and has some cute designs to boot! Now you can Flaunt it with a Flaunt It! Maternity shirt!
All shirts are actually maternity shirts, made to fit the expanding belly! They are Poly/cotton and all decals are put on using a heavy duty thermal heat press.
I was gifted with 2 of these shirts during my last pregnancy and let me tell you they are the first shirts I dig for in my drawer! I wore them after I gave birth because they hid the extra bump that was still there and I couldn't give up the comfy shirts!
Are you ready for some sad news? After much consideration, Jodi has to close up shop. After her current selection is gone, so will her shop be. So don't delay! Visit
But guess what???? You can win THIS SHIRT::
Follow the instructions below for chances to win!
For one entry::
- Leave a comment below and follow my blog (if you aren't already!)
For ten extra entries::
- Visit FlauntIt! Maternity and let me know which shirt you think is the cutest! {1}
- Purchase something from FlauntIt! {4}
- Update your facebook status with a link back to my blog {1}
- Grab my blog button and add it to your blog {2}
- Blog about this giveaway {2}
Cupcake {winner}
is.........
Bec
Okay Bec you've got 48 hours to contact me at keikikuddlerz@earthlink.net! Email me your address so I can pass it on to Christie!
It's not to late for the rest of you to get your sticky paws on these delicious little package! Visit her Etsy site::
and her website::
Please note also that ChristieCreations only ships within the US, all shipping prices listed reflect US shipping only.
Irritable uterus:: Very irritating!
Let me preface this post by saying, I'm not a hypocondriac. In fact I am probably the opposite. I am also a seasoned Mom and birth~er. After going into labor 3 times, and being pregnant for the 4th, you know what feels normal and what doesn't. Yesterday really threw me for a loop!
We ended up spending the day in L&D yesterday.
Okay rewind. Yesterday morning I woke up feeling motivated and determined to get things done! Started the day off with about half a cup of coffee and my Bible Study {2 Corinthians 12:9-10 proved to be a hands on learning experience}. Went downstairs with the girls to make a wonderful breakfast.....and about half way through that I had a contraction.
Okay, no big deal, I thought. I always have a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. They are uncomfortable but nothing close to painful. But this contraction wrapped around my whole abdomen, really tightly and boy was it painful! So I finished making muffins and bacon and bananas, sat down with the kids and read Proverbs 3:3, talking about what it means to always have love and kindness as a part of our character. All through our talk and eating, I kept having contractions! We finished breakfast and I filled up my huge jug of water, sucked that down completely, refilled it and announced it was playtime upstairs. Okay so it's 8:30 am but hey, we are having recess first today!
I layed down on the bed on my left side, continued to drink water, but it didn't help. These contractions were so strong, and so close (about 2-3 minutes apart) I couldn't even walk or talk through them. After about an hour of laying down I really started to worry. Lil' girl in there would be really still during contractions and then when one would let up she would kickbox and punch all around the inside like she was upset at me! What concerned me the most is that they were more painful than my actual labor contractions with Gracia!
After talking to the midwife and the doc they said I needed to have my cervix checked to make sure the contractions were not dilating me. So Dave got someone to cover the last class of his day, grabbed Jon and headed home. My amazing sister let me drop off all 4 kids at the office and Dave and I continued on our way.
During this time the contractions were weakening but not lessening. (They weren't as painful but they were still happening) So after a long wait in the ER and the L&D waiting room we were finally let in, undressed (lovely) and eventually checked. I was ordered to keep drinking water. Baby's heart rate was great the whole time. They tested the likelyhood of me going into labor in the next 2 weeks (negative) they checked my cervix (long and closed) though the contractions were still happening. So they sent me home after a few hours of observation.
The contractions continued last night and then this morning, Dave stayed home so I could take it easier than a normal day. After a talk with my midwife I am pretty sure I have an Irritable uterus. Between all the frequent Braxton Hicks and even the loads of contractions I've had with this baby, it seems like that is a likely diagnosis. It's not dangerous (in most cases) just well....irritating!
So I've been given some orders about what to do and what not to do. Though I admit upfront some will be hard to follow! I mean how does a homeschooling Mom of 3 littles actually relax and rest. Inquiring minds want to know! I suppose we'll be doing schooling upstairs on the bed, Roman style. And listening to my body and getting LOTS of fluids, and maybe a few herbs my midwife is dropping off will help. As long as my water doesn't break, I don't lose my plug and the baby is still jumping and a jiving, I think we'll just have to deal with the discomfort.
I'm thankful we got away with a little warning this time. I am so thankful we weren't ordered to bedrest and that little girl in there is just fine, it's me who is just a little irritable! I've already been told by Dave that cutting back on the cleaning, cooking and housework is a must....but knowing me, we'll see just how much I can give up. I'll just have to be more intuned to my body instead of my self proclaimed superwoman title. One little day at a time!
We ended up spending the day in L&D yesterday.
Okay rewind. Yesterday morning I woke up feeling motivated and determined to get things done! Started the day off with about half a cup of coffee and my Bible Study {2 Corinthians 12:9-10 proved to be a hands on learning experience}. Went downstairs with the girls to make a wonderful breakfast.....and about half way through that I had a contraction.
Okay, no big deal, I thought. I always have a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. They are uncomfortable but nothing close to painful. But this contraction wrapped around my whole abdomen, really tightly and boy was it painful! So I finished making muffins and bacon and bananas, sat down with the kids and read Proverbs 3:3, talking about what it means to always have love and kindness as a part of our character. All through our talk and eating, I kept having contractions! We finished breakfast and I filled up my huge jug of water, sucked that down completely, refilled it and announced it was playtime upstairs. Okay so it's 8:30 am but hey, we are having recess first today!
I layed down on the bed on my left side, continued to drink water, but it didn't help. These contractions were so strong, and so close (about 2-3 minutes apart) I couldn't even walk or talk through them. After about an hour of laying down I really started to worry. Lil' girl in there would be really still during contractions and then when one would let up she would kickbox and punch all around the inside like she was upset at me! What concerned me the most is that they were more painful than my actual labor contractions with Gracia!
After talking to the midwife and the doc they said I needed to have my cervix checked to make sure the contractions were not dilating me. So Dave got someone to cover the last class of his day, grabbed Jon and headed home. My amazing sister let me drop off all 4 kids at the office and Dave and I continued on our way.
During this time the contractions were weakening but not lessening. (They weren't as painful but they were still happening) So after a long wait in the ER and the L&D waiting room we were finally let in, undressed (lovely) and eventually checked. I was ordered to keep drinking water. Baby's heart rate was great the whole time. They tested the likelyhood of me going into labor in the next 2 weeks (negative) they checked my cervix (long and closed) though the contractions were still happening. So they sent me home after a few hours of observation.
The contractions continued last night and then this morning, Dave stayed home so I could take it easier than a normal day. After a talk with my midwife I am pretty sure I have an Irritable uterus. Between all the frequent Braxton Hicks and even the loads of contractions I've had with this baby, it seems like that is a likely diagnosis. It's not dangerous (in most cases) just well....irritating!
So I've been given some orders about what to do and what not to do. Though I admit upfront some will be hard to follow! I mean how does a homeschooling Mom of 3 littles actually relax and rest. Inquiring minds want to know! I suppose we'll be doing schooling upstairs on the bed, Roman style. And listening to my body and getting LOTS of fluids, and maybe a few herbs my midwife is dropping off will help. As long as my water doesn't break, I don't lose my plug and the baby is still jumping and a jiving, I think we'll just have to deal with the discomfort.
I'm thankful we got away with a little warning this time. I am so thankful we weren't ordered to bedrest and that little girl in there is just fine, it's me who is just a little irritable! I've already been told by Dave that cutting back on the cleaning, cooking and housework is a must....but knowing me, we'll see just how much I can give up. I'll just have to be more intuned to my body instead of my self proclaimed superwoman title. One little day at a time!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What did {YOU} do today? ~Link up~
I know there are common misconceptions of what exactly a homemaker does. Though I haven't ever been personally asked or offended by anyone (that I can remember offhand) thinking that homemakers do nothing all day. But there are many days that come to and end, where I feel like I've done nothing! Now logically I know this can't be totally true. Sometimes though I think it's Satan's way of getting to me, trying to make me feel like a failure, like I have no "real" job or purpose other than babysitting. Again, logically I know this isn't truth, but when emotions run wild, this is where they lead me some days.
So yesterday I decided to write everything I did down. I was impressed. I hadn't done anything especially big during the day, in fact, yesterday was a little void of real cleaning which I try and do a little of everyday. But just the regular routine of what needs to be done actually shocked me as it started growing. And I didn't include everything like changing diapers and things like that.
SO here it is...what I do in a day {warning::it's not that interesting!!}
So here is the challenge! If you are feeling deflated about how little you are doing at home, or you just want to see exactly what you do all day every day, make a list everyday for a week. Try to add in every thing you do. Now this list isn't to prove to your spouse how much you do or validate your worth through the task of "doing"....it's just to help get a realistic view on what {YOU} do all day. Maybe you'll discover you do too much.....maybe you'll discover the 4 hours you spend surfing the net or watching Lifetime movies is kinda a waste of your time. I don't know.......But it's given me a little better perspective on what happens around here on a moment by moment basis!
Don't forget today is the LAST DAY to enter to win in my latest giveaway::
The Cure for the Common Baby Gift
Winner will be announced tomorrow!
Add your link below so we can encourage one another and get a feel for the real life of a homemaker or Mom!
So yesterday I decided to write everything I did down. I was impressed. I hadn't done anything especially big during the day, in fact, yesterday was a little void of real cleaning which I try and do a little of everyday. But just the regular routine of what needs to be done actually shocked me as it started growing. And I didn't include everything like changing diapers and things like that.
SO here it is...what I do in a day {warning::it's not that interesting!!}
- make breakfast
- start dinner
- clean kitchen up from breakfast
- morning devotions
- sweep floor
- check computer
- clean up Gracia's art on the floor
- school prep
- clean school area
- collect dirty clothes
- start a load of laundry
- Read books to the kids
- straighten bathroom counters
- straighten bedroom, make beds
- get kids a snack
- clean more dishes in kitchen
- clean Gracia the pudding Monster (mini bath time)
- wipe down the bathroom
- check computer
- fill kids laundry baskets
- switch loads
- start a new load of laundry
- Bible Lesson with kids
- made
- lunch
- clean kitchen after lunch
- fiddle with dinner
- wipe table and wipe down kitchen counters
- school with kids
- planning for school (next day)
- switch loads/ put in a new load of laundry
- get kids snack
- fold laundry
- put school stuff away
- straighten livingroom
- finish dinner
- shower
- spent time with the kids
- spent time with Dave
- got dinner on the table
- cleaned dishes and kitchen after dinner
- family devotions
- worked on sling stuff and sewing
So here is the challenge! If you are feeling deflated about how little you are doing at home, or you just want to see exactly what you do all day every day, make a list everyday for a week. Try to add in every thing you do. Now this list isn't to prove to your spouse how much you do or validate your worth through the task of "doing"....it's just to help get a realistic view on what {YOU} do all day. Maybe you'll discover you do too much.....maybe you'll discover the 4 hours you spend surfing the net or watching Lifetime movies is kinda a waste of your time. I don't know.......But it's given me a little better perspective on what happens around here on a moment by moment basis!
Don't forget today is the LAST DAY to enter to win in my latest giveaway::
The Cure for the Common Baby Gift
Winner will be announced tomorrow!
Add your link below so we can encourage one another and get a feel for the real life of a homemaker or Mom!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Acidic Photos {AKA Cheating in Photoshop}
The Before::Jonah watching the surf
I admit I am a cheat artist. I know a lot about Photography from teaching it for 4 years {and boy do I miss the darkroom!!}. But when it comes to Photoshop, I know so little. It's one of those areas always tempting me to learn more about, but with everything going on I just never have enough time to sit down and devote the energy to. So I cheat. I use free photoshop actions I find in various places around the net. I have taught myself little tricks and tips for editing, but in the vast world of Digital Editing, I truly know practically nothing. That doesn't stop my love for photography from being a hidden passion in my life. And even though I know I can't devote much of my time to it right now, I am thankful for the background knowledge I have in order to capture memories and moments that are so fleeting as my children sprout before my eyes!
One of my favorite actions is "Acidify"...it's makes the photo look kinda grungy and fun....it just changes the mood a little enough to make a difference.......
The After:: a little Acid and some burnt edges
Before:: too dark!!
The After:: popped some of the colors and lightened it a bit
One day I know I will have the time to get more into photography again, but for now I'll settle with the little ones in my life being the main focus of my photo shoots!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
{We have a Winner!!}
And the winner of a copy for Anthony DeStefan's new book:: This Little Prayer of Mine
Heather Gross
The random generator chose number 2! It pays to enter as many times as you can, you improve your chances!
Email me with your addy Heather and I'll get that off to Anthony DeStefano!
Thank you for all who entered, remember you've got nothing to lose! Don't forget to enter our current giveaway:: An adorable baby Bib Cupcake Set by Christiecreations ! Winner is to be announced next Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
{Keeping it Real}
Let me just say, I know why people don't homeschool. I know why they send their kids off to school and relish in that quiet time, their time of choice. And let me say their homes had better be spotless! Dishes always done and laundry caught up!
And even though I wouldn't give up what we are doing now, I'll be real. I am struggling! Struggling to keep up with the house, the schooling, life in general. Last week I was in total meltdown mode. I don't even know how many days I actually schooled the kids! It doesn't help that I am a total self proclaimed perfectionist. Even though the kids and Dave never complain about the house or laundry (that is until they are out of undies!!) I feel the pressure on myself to have everything perfect and in it's proper place.....an impossible task with 3 kids 5 and under! It also doesn't help that I hate laziness with a passion. Hate it. My hands cannot sit idle. You will almost always find me doing at least 2 things at once (sometimes more!!) I get bored easily and when I am bored or idle.....I feel lazy! Which means in essence relaxing is almost impossible. The times Dave takes the kid and leaves me to "relax" in a quiet home, he comes home to a clean house or reorganized watchamacallit.
And what does this mean for me? It means that I am constantly behind, never good enough, never content with the state of things around the house, always pushing myself beyond what is not only expected but healthy! It's not good! I know laziness is bad, but isn't the opposite also bad? Overworking yourself? Overwhelming yourself? It certainly is not pretty when it starts to affect my attitude.
I really sincerely pray that God can show me a middle ground. A time or space where my mind is not constantly thinking about the next thing I can conquer or perfect. That is where I ended up last week. I just couldn't bring myself to do much of anything besides the basics. No cleaning, no laundry. Just cooking and taking care of the kids and doing the basics. I felt like my body was begging me to just be still. I can't explain it in physical terms, it's just how I felt emotionally as well as physically.
So I started off today a little more motivated to at least get to the schooling...until my midwife made an unannounced visit! (that is one of those moments it was nice to have cleaned the downstairs, just don't peek at the pile of kids stuff in the hallway upstairs!) But after Miriam left it was lunch and then clean up and then off to Ballet and a stop at Target (turned very long and near disasterous)....I suppose it's up to tomorrow to get back into the swing of things. There is always tomorrow right?
And even though I wouldn't give up what we are doing now, I'll be real. I am struggling! Struggling to keep up with the house, the schooling, life in general. Last week I was in total meltdown mode. I don't even know how many days I actually schooled the kids! It doesn't help that I am a total self proclaimed perfectionist. Even though the kids and Dave never complain about the house or laundry (that is until they are out of undies!!) I feel the pressure on myself to have everything perfect and in it's proper place.....an impossible task with 3 kids 5 and under! It also doesn't help that I hate laziness with a passion. Hate it. My hands cannot sit idle. You will almost always find me doing at least 2 things at once (sometimes more!!) I get bored easily and when I am bored or idle.....I feel lazy! Which means in essence relaxing is almost impossible. The times Dave takes the kid and leaves me to "relax" in a quiet home, he comes home to a clean house or reorganized watchamacallit.
And what does this mean for me? It means that I am constantly behind, never good enough, never content with the state of things around the house, always pushing myself beyond what is not only expected but healthy! It's not good! I know laziness is bad, but isn't the opposite also bad? Overworking yourself? Overwhelming yourself? It certainly is not pretty when it starts to affect my attitude.
I really sincerely pray that God can show me a middle ground. A time or space where my mind is not constantly thinking about the next thing I can conquer or perfect. That is where I ended up last week. I just couldn't bring myself to do much of anything besides the basics. No cleaning, no laundry. Just cooking and taking care of the kids and doing the basics. I felt like my body was begging me to just be still. I can't explain it in physical terms, it's just how I felt emotionally as well as physically.
So I started off today a little more motivated to at least get to the schooling...until my midwife made an unannounced visit! (that is one of those moments it was nice to have cleaned the downstairs, just don't peek at the pile of kids stuff in the hallway upstairs!) But after Miriam left it was lunch and then clean up and then off to Ballet and a stop at Target (turned very long and near disasterous)....I suppose it's up to tomorrow to get back into the swing of things. There is always tomorrow right?
The cure for the Common Baby gift {Giveaway}
What is the hardest thing about sending a gift to a new Mom or attending the Shower for a new baby about it make their entrance.....of course THE GIFT! Finding a gift that is unique, creative and will be the talk of the party isn't an easy task. Diaper Cake's used to fit the bill and make everyone oooooh and ahhhhhh. Now there is something new!
Take a look at these::
Fabulous aren't they?? I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on them! As Christie calls them, the cure for the common gift! Each cupcake is lovingly made with high quality baby basics like bibs, onesies/bodysuits, and washcloths. Handrolled to look like a whipped cupcake and presented in a bakery box all set for presentation! Prices vary from $24 to $34 depending on the combination of baby basics included in the set.
Baby Bib Cupcakes come in sets for Baby Girls, Baby Boys as well as Neutral Baby sets ::
Not only does Christie create Baby Bib Cupcake sets but amazing Baby Basic Blooming Bouquets! You got to take a look to believe it! You can buy any Christiecreations direct fro her Etsy shop here::
http://www.etsy.com/shop/christiecreations
Also read about new creations and promotions on her blog::
http://notanotherdiapercake.blogspot.com/
To promote these fresh out of the creative oven gift Christie is giving away one set of Cupcakes to a lucky reader! Just follow the instructions below to enter! The contest will close February 23 so enter now!
For one entry::
Take a look at these::
Baby Bib Cupcakes By Christiecreations!!!
Baby Bib Cupcakes come in sets for Baby Girls, Baby Boys as well as Neutral Baby sets ::
http://www.etsy.com/shop/christiecreations
Also read about new creations and promotions on her blog::
http://notanotherdiapercake.blogspot.com/
To promote these fresh out of the creative oven gift Christie is giving away one set of Cupcakes to a lucky reader! Just follow the instructions below to enter! The contest will close February 23 so enter now!
For one entry::
- Subscribe {follow me} to my Fits and Giggles of the Hawaiian Heldts Blog and post a comment about who you would give this awesome gift to! (it can be you if you are expecting! Don't be shy!!)
- Post this contest on Facebook and leave me a link!
- Post this contest on your OWN blog and leave me a link!
- Hop on over to Christie's store and let me know which Baby Bib set or Bloom you think is the cutest!
- Take a peek at Christie's Blog and leave her a comment about her new product!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Book Review and Giveaway!!
I am hosting a book review AND giveaway on my Babywearing blog {didn't know I had another blog now did ya?}
Visit my Babywearing in Paradise Blog for a chance to enter! There are four entries possible per person, contest ends February 16th so don't delay! Get on over and check it out!
Visit my Babywearing in Paradise Blog for a chance to enter! There are four entries possible per person, contest ends February 16th so don't delay! Get on over and check it out!
{This Little Prayer of Mine} Book Review & Give away!
I have a secret passion for Children's books, perhaps my usual 40 borrowed books from the Library or our overflowing bookshelves are proof of that! And we've found a new favorite!
I was recently contacted by Anthony DeStefano to review his new book for children This Little Prayer of Mine
Anthony Stefano has written books for adults, but this is his first time with a book for the littles!
We were thrilled to quickly receive the copy, cuddle up on the bed and dig in to this wonderful rhyming guide to prayer for kids. All three of my children ages 5, 3 and 20 months, sat transfixed by both the rhythmic style of writing as well as the great illustrations (By Mark Elliott). They asked me to read it over and over again, and still after a week it's in the favorite's pile!
What I especially loved about his book is that it gave vivid examples of when to pray, in thanksgiving, for forgiveness and when they need Him. The book illustrates kids of different ages praying when they are scared or lonely, asking for forgiveness for sins and then also asking God to deepen their relationship with Him by helping them be more Christlike! I found many spiritual truths in this book that we are constantly trying to teach our own children, but in words and illustrations that children can easily understand!
This book has been endorsed by the National Day of Prayer and has had many good things said about it which you can read on Anthony Stefano's blog {please see link above).
Although the Book hasn't hit the shelves quite yet {to be released February 16, 2010} you can get a great deal by pre-ordering your copy of this book at the low price of $8.76 ($12.99 regularly) + shipping from Amazon! Click on the link in my side bar to take a hold of this deal!
If you'd like to win a copy of Anthony Stefano's book This Little Prayer of Mine here's how to enter! For one entry in the contest::
Anthony Stefano has written books for adults, but this is his first time with a book for the littles!
We were thrilled to quickly receive the copy, cuddle up on the bed and dig in to this wonderful rhyming guide to prayer for kids. All three of my children ages 5, 3 and 20 months, sat transfixed by both the rhythmic style of writing as well as the great illustrations (By Mark Elliott). They asked me to read it over and over again, and still after a week it's in the favorite's pile!
What I especially loved about his book is that it gave vivid examples of when to pray, in thanksgiving, for forgiveness and when they need Him. The book illustrates kids of different ages praying when they are scared or lonely, asking for forgiveness for sins and then also asking God to deepen their relationship with Him by helping them be more Christlike! I found many spiritual truths in this book that we are constantly trying to teach our own children, but in words and illustrations that children can easily understand!
This book has been endorsed by the National Day of Prayer and has had many good things said about it which you can read on Anthony Stefano's blog {please see link above).
Although the Book hasn't hit the shelves quite yet {to be released February 16, 2010} you can get a great deal by pre-ordering your copy of this book at the low price of $8.76 ($12.99 regularly) + shipping from Amazon! Click on the link in my side bar to take a hold of this deal!
If you'd like to win a copy of Anthony Stefano's book This Little Prayer of Mine here's how to enter! For one entry in the contest::
- Leave a comment below on what your child's favorite book is currently and subscribe to this blog!
- Update your facebook status with a comment about this contest and a link to my blog post a link please!)
- Visit the link to Anthony Stefano's blog and give me the name of another book he's written
- email me at keikikuddlerz@earthlink.net
Blog Hop Photo Edit
These are a handful of photos I took of Gracia when she was around 6 months old. So little! It makes me excited for the next little soft cuddle girl to come along!
I've always loved this photo SOOC, I think it's the baby drool......then on the right I added a little acidity.
I love playing with photos and combining what should be a cute fuzzy photo with the opposite elements of rough texture and grunge. Just for fun.
Another sweet little wide-eyed SOOC gaze
Time flies so quickly when you are having fun....and now she's almost 2!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
{Don't throw away those broken crayons!}
I am a crayon snob. I admit it. I usually throw them away as soon as they are broken. But I came across a cute idea to make new swirly crayons by melting the old ones! Not all parents appreciate candy being given to their kid on Valentine's Day, but more importantly....it's expensive! And as much as I am in to saving money these days I HAD to find an alternative to spending a lot on Jonah and Ellie's Awana classes and still provide a little treat! So I started digging around for the old broken crayons and yes, I even melted some nice ones, but in the future, I won't be throwing the broken ones away anymore!
Now there are tons of methods for doing this including the use of a double boiler and a lot of trouble. BUT, I believe I have found the easiest, quickest, most convenient method for recycling crayons.....and of course I'll share!
The hardest part of the whole process is peeling the paper from the crayons. If you're lucky you're preschooler has already done this for you!!! If not, grab a razor and make a slice down the crayon and easily peel away the wrapper.
Next, the part the kids really enjoyed, break up the crayons into 3-4 pieces.
For the actual melting and molding part I decided to use a Wilton Non-stick Cookie sheet. I found one at Wal-Mart for $10 (the most expensive part of the project, but I figure I can actually use the pan for cookies as well!!!) I wasn't sure exactly if it would work but it DID! And it worked perfectly! The crayons came out perfectly and easily with absolutely no trouble. All I had to do was turn the pan over! You can also use a mini muffin tin if you don't want to buy a special tin just for one project! I would stay with a non-stick one though!
We filled each space on the tin with the colors we wanted. Sometimes the colors were strategically placed, sometimes not. They all came out beautifully! And the colors don't mix so each color stays true to it's original hue! You can take a tooth pick and swirl them as soon as they come out of the oven if you want that effect, or make your own new crayon color! Who knows, maybe crayola will pay you for your creativity!
Bake your crayons at 200 degrees for 8-10 minutes, watch them until all the crayons are fully melted, don't burn them! It stinks up the house!
Pull them out VERY carefully, the wax is very liquidy and the colors will mix more than your desired effect if you aren't careful.
Let them cool for about 15-20 minutes and then just turn the whole pan over onto a towel or paper towel and you have new, recycled swirly crayons! Awesome! Now enjoy your beautiful creations!
We are putting one crayon and a black and white Valentine printed from A Kid's Heart in a little baggy for each child. I will also print out a label letting parents know it's not a chocolate candy!!!!
A little hint, don't try and use Rose Art or other off brand crayons, the generics don't melt as well, especially when mixing them with Crayola! When it comes to quality, go with Crayola!
If you have an inexpensive or creative Valentine's craft to share, link up!
Now there are tons of methods for doing this including the use of a double boiler and a lot of trouble. BUT, I believe I have found the easiest, quickest, most convenient method for recycling crayons.....and of course I'll share!
The hardest part of the whole process is peeling the paper from the crayons. If you're lucky you're preschooler has already done this for you!!! If not, grab a razor and make a slice down the crayon and easily peel away the wrapper.
Next, the part the kids really enjoyed, break up the crayons into 3-4 pieces.
For the actual melting and molding part I decided to use a Wilton Non-stick Cookie sheet. I found one at Wal-Mart for $10 (the most expensive part of the project, but I figure I can actually use the pan for cookies as well!!!) I wasn't sure exactly if it would work but it DID! And it worked perfectly! The crayons came out perfectly and easily with absolutely no trouble. All I had to do was turn the pan over! You can also use a mini muffin tin if you don't want to buy a special tin just for one project! I would stay with a non-stick one though!
Pull them out VERY carefully, the wax is very liquidy and the colors will mix more than your desired effect if you aren't careful.
A little hint, don't try and use Rose Art or other off brand crayons, the generics don't melt as well, especially when mixing them with Crayola! When it comes to quality, go with Crayola!
If you have an inexpensive or creative Valentine's craft to share, link up!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Blog Hop=creative fun!!
My first blog hop....how fun! While the kids are eating lunch I'm doing a little editing with some old photos.....
I completely stole the idea from Pixel Perfect! As well as A Moment Cherished two blogs worth taking a look at!
After playing, softening, cropping and changing the color a little......
Join the blog hop over at Pixel Prefect!
I completely stole the idea from Pixel Perfect! As well as A Moment Cherished two blogs worth taking a look at!
The before photo. Ellie fallen asleep on the couch in full ballerina dress....
After playing, softening, cropping and changing the color a little......
Join the blog hop over at Pixel Prefect!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Multitude Monday~on Tuesday
7. For funny quotes from my 3 year old after spilled milk "Oh sorry Mom, My bad, I'm just not myself today."
8. For kids who love fruits and veggies.
9. For hand-me-downs from friends and neighbors.
10. For God's faithfulness and provision time after time, even when I forget that He promises that and start to worry.
11. For 3 little bodies wrapped together during reading time.
12. For slow Mondays after a long, busy, fun-filled weekend.
13. For an incredible church family that really does feel like family.
14. For the 24 hours in a day given to us to worship a living and loving God.
15. For a little 18 month old dancing, swaying and swinging to music.
16.For a sleeping little baby in my arms rocking back and forth.
8. For kids who love fruits and veggies.
9. For hand-me-downs from friends and neighbors.
10. For God's faithfulness and provision time after time, even when I forget that He promises that and start to worry.
11. For 3 little bodies wrapped together during reading time.
12. For slow Mondays after a long, busy, fun-filled weekend.
13. For an incredible church family that really does feel like family.
14. For the 24 hours in a day given to us to worship a living and loving God.
15. For a little 18 month old dancing, swaying and swinging to music.
16.For a sleeping little baby in my arms rocking back and forth.
Making a Comeback.....
It's been a while since blogging and reviewing here. I've got a lot of catching up to do and a lot to fill you in on! I've got some reviews on the dock and some more on the way....stay tuned for more folks!
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