1-2-3 Shape Puzzle Craft

My three year old asked Santa for a shape puzzle this past Christmas.  For months, all she could talk about was a shape puzzle.  No Barbies, no dolls, no stuffed animals - nope, just a shape puzzle.  And that's great, it shows how intelligent she is at age three (and I am saying that not only as her Mother....ok maybe I am)  But to add a little variety and hopefully teach her some basic letters, numbers, etc, I came up with the 1-2-3 Shape Puzzle you see below.  It's colorful, fun, educational, and she loves it.  Oh, and basically free.

 We start with the basics - shapes!

 Add some shapes labeled one, two, and three...

 Mix them all up for good measure.

Time to name the shapes & numbers (& color!)

 Add them onto the puzzle in order 1-2-3

 And voila!  Our proud moment of completion.

Simple, but I believe it to be effective.  And there are so many variations you could use with the alphabet, numbers, letters, shapes, sizes, etc.  Watch out for more ideas!

In the Christmas Spirit...

It's Christmas Break.  No school, no gymnastics, no commitments.  Shopping is done (WOW I know).  House is decorated. We are ready.  So what to do with two highly active, talkative, inquisitive kids?  Keep them busy.  So far this week we have made it to two Bounce Houses, the Park, Grandma's House, kept several friends, saw Alvin and the Chipmunks, been to a basketball game-and it's only Wednesday....BUT my most favorite was decorating Christmas cookies.  A tradition I have somewhat overlooked.  As much as I don't want to admit it, back in my working days I don't remember ever doing this.  Have I been missing out or what!!!  We had a great time, it even inspired our Elf, Newton.  My cookies are actually homemade, which is a first, and they were really good!  Most importantly - my kids had a BLAST.  It really is the little things in life that matter.

Layered Tacos

Anybody else wonder what in the heck to do with ground beef?  After so many spaghetti dinners I had to create something not out of the norm, but at least slightly different and not hard at all.  My husband as well as the kids love it, so it's become one of my what-can-I-pull-out-of-the-pantry-that's-easy dinners.

1 lb lean ground beef
1 pack of taco seasoning
1 can black beans (or kidney...or whatever you like)
1 can corn (or frozen corn) and ps I had none tonight...
1 can diced tomatoes
tortillas
Cheese. (I never know the amount because I just pile it on)

**EXTRAS: Sour Cream (you can never have enough sour cream), salsa, red pepper flakes, whatever else you like on a taco.

Preheat the oven to 350.
Brown your beef.
Add taco seasoning and simmer according to directions on packet.
Add beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Simmer for a bit.
In whatever dish your tortillas fit in, layer the tortillas, beef concoction, cheese, and repeat.
Put in oven until cheese is melted.
SERVE UP!

I am no Pioneer Woman, but here are a few pics....

The Elf on the Shelf

The Elf has been mentioned before, but he's been very busy so I thought it would be worth discussing further.  With only one week away until Christmas, Newton is having to really come up with some new fresh ideas every night, which can be tiring.  However, he seems to be keeping us quite entertained as you can see below.  I'm kind of worried what life will be like once he leaves us...



Love

1 Corinthians 13:7-8 () 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

For the Love of Reading

I love to read, I always have.  And tonight was special for me because I was able to read my kids two of my childhood favorites.  It doesn't get much better than that, right??  I still have the hardcovers, thanks to my Mom who saved them all for me.  These two are classics if you ask me, and I hope they are still around when my kids have kids.

Photo Inspiration

I have always had a passion for architecture and design.  As I kid I created hundreds of blueprints for homes I imagined I would live in.  One of my favorite things to do (and still is) was to walk through new construction houses with my Dad, who happens to be an architect himself.   While I won't be drawing up any real plans (I think math has to be involved and some other skills I may lack...), I can certainly enjoy what others have done and learn from them when it comes to my own home.

I have a favorite site that I visit frequently - ericrothphotography.com.  I love this site.  Eric Roth's collection of photos are incredible and inspiring.  While kitchens and living rooms may bore many, I find it fascinating.  From contemporary to traditional, he does it all. Below are a couple of my favorites of today.

Amazing photos.  Eric Roth, if you ever need an assistant, I am available.