tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73796022417711213802024-02-19T07:56:29.134-07:00red-rokoPlay with the kids.redrokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306633113362111318noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-337258614186064032011-04-25T09:32:00.002-06:002011-04-25T09:36:49.494-06:0015 Minutes : Play It : Spring Bingo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GLBUmAjNabJ_8l0RkxE8edg400TtQZFk7JmOfQ1fdMBqHxLU2WhXafbkSlS2hyGGHOx-sVMgNp_FC9sAZIrw5cuXFn-Dt23_HP0WRk1YRCZD51Q-oR3ocwrFpYFL7JqP6MqHfQNH8UDu/s1600/easter_bingo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GLBUmAjNabJ_8l0RkxE8edg400TtQZFk7JmOfQ1fdMBqHxLU2WhXafbkSlS2hyGGHOx-sVMgNp_FC9sAZIrw5cuXFn-Dt23_HP0WRk1YRCZD51Q-oR3ocwrFpYFL7JqP6MqHfQNH8UDu/s400/easter_bingo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599544805154785282" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.makingfriends.com/spring/spring_bingo.htm"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">makingfriends.co</span>m</i></a></span></div></i><div><br /></div><div>I printed out <a href="http://www.makingfriends.com/spring/spring_bingo.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>this Spring Bingo game</b></span></a> for one of the centers in my son's kindergarten class. Since it was an Easter party, we used jellybeans for markers; at home, we use pennies, buttons, or Legos. </div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-39994786930657901842011-04-19T16:48:00.003-06:002011-04-19T16:53:21.592-06:001 Hour : Make It : Chick Beanbags<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwbZyKFnxFoxRxSd2IR9QmJ5GoNZjGiL9W50PJHYYMEDeezVxI4qb6uEpGDoRV3u5_vvS-M1dD0CsTROAQecbY8ogRMV1CtrqKZvI7vuj6hGOX0FytfC4tn6XQy1V67SLqR-DgRJhQuzI/s1600/chickies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwbZyKFnxFoxRxSd2IR9QmJ5GoNZjGiL9W50PJHYYMEDeezVxI4qb6uEpGDoRV3u5_vvS-M1dD0CsTROAQecbY8ogRMV1CtrqKZvI7vuj6hGOX0FytfC4tn6XQy1V67SLqR-DgRJhQuzI/s400/chickies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597430515826379698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/chick-beanbags-how-to?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/easter-clip-art#slide_6"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Martha Stewar</span></i>t</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I would like to give my little seamstress daughter more practice by helping her sew this simple project. She would probably love to give them to her cousins on Easter.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Find </span></b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/chick-beanbags-how-to?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/easter-clip-art#slide_6"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">the instructions at Martha Stewart</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">.</span></b></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-56820342976984913682011-04-18T13:43:00.000-06:002011-04-19T16:47:29.281-06:001 Hour : Make It : Easter Chain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9xAtgfB2dpht_PENXsJXfJmckR6CFP16klmg6wU3BU08XGYAJMMV07sjPEMvtNqv2SPlrE9IhkVg8r-WNsyU6PWyf_Yp11u1WKgvLvNsl8WYn5I_aZv7-Rnb7iQMMhCPegn2xo9ompyu/s1600/easterchain.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9xAtgfB2dpht_PENXsJXfJmckR6CFP16klmg6wU3BU08XGYAJMMV07sjPEMvtNqv2SPlrE9IhkVg8r-WNsyU6PWyf_Yp11u1WKgvLvNsl8WYn5I_aZv7-Rnb7iQMMhCPegn2xo9ompyu/s400/easterchain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455257216995940834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/easter/spring-decorating-ideas/?page=2"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">familycircle.co</span></i>m</a></div><br /><div>I love Christmas chains, so I don't know why I never thought of making chains for other holidays. This one is actually made of ribbon, which makes for an extra-special feel; since Easter is so close and my ambition is so low, we'll probably make our chain out of pretty spring papers. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Find the </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><a href="http://www.familycircle.com/holiday/easter/decorations/spring-decorating-ideas/?page=2">full instructions for the Ribbon Chain</a></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> at FamilyCircle.com.</span></b><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-31768832436297137202010-12-13T22:54:00.002-07:002010-12-13T22:56:46.261-07:00Link Love : NieNie Dialouges<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG4g0fXYIHVtjCrjy93HNY-QfPsRORbgpAqTEMjJz1ogouVsY6CX3SMbhkqh6A4zLKRoKjzq0QO2q1A58nNAIfsK9G-hM2C4IU_-fIYhkDOL34J2vNJPek9Mt7ZQr4xvnCNu4dOCvNs_H/s1600/3120+copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG4g0fXYIHVtjCrjy93HNY-QfPsRORbgpAqTEMjJz1ogouVsY6CX3SMbhkqh6A4zLKRoKjzq0QO2q1A58nNAIfsK9G-hM2C4IU_-fIYhkDOL34J2vNJPek9Mt7ZQr4xvnCNu4dOCvNs_H/s400/3120+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550299019512289570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we are so excited (and flattered!!) that NieNie featured our <a href="http://www.redroko.etsy.com">PlayCrates</a> on her <a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/">blog</a>; part of her "Nie's Homemade Christmas".<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2010/12/nies-homemade-christmas-day-onenie-asks.html">check it out here</a></span><br /><br />If you are looking to add some "homemade" charm to your gift giving this year<br />or simply want to add to your child's <a href="http://redrokokids.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-philosophy-on-play-crates-and.html">creativity and development</a><br />Don't pass up our Play Crates<br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554206562055124146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-4158515563119894372010-12-13T06:00:00.000-07:002010-12-13T13:29:50.058-07:001 Hour : Make It : Button Cards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWwpSEZzcrJoZYWvMHAgVlDRs5HHLM5Ck2qn3Tl0FHoqJwwVE33kzPzl67VrntJRGd_pr6Jml0tzlfCbEpTmtwCPhbtqd-EYMClZRVD7oLve0eYuIVOAVQjxZtCQQTGRpM9VsZZCSvnRu/s1600-h/buttoncards_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWwpSEZzcrJoZYWvMHAgVlDRs5HHLM5Ck2qn3Tl0FHoqJwwVE33kzPzl67VrntJRGd_pr6Jml0tzlfCbEpTmtwCPhbtqd-EYMClZRVD7oLve0eYuIVOAVQjxZtCQQTGRpM9VsZZCSvnRu/s320/buttoncards_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411602406636584226" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/button-cards?">marthastewart.com</a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I'm using this craft at my son's kindergarten Christmas party this week. I'm sure we'll make some "practice" cards at home as well. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">The great thing about this project is that I can just show my kids the above photo, give them some buttons, ribbon, and cardstock, and say, "Go".</span></div></i><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Full instructions at </span></b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/button-cards?"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Martha Stewart.</span></b></a><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-40854363102806776302010-11-09T20:25:00.003-07:002010-11-09T20:35:57.440-07:00Quick Share : Thanksgiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJkicqnRb3as2S1U8cUQuscbQsrxId8zIoKa4J3MOqjanvxwQs7k57YhFLZe5jeJTDu-9U_3YoB1moK4mmdgeIrFUuhHpQonjSXE3YnEHqW54NKF-3Ux0KV2kieijOUnd3DZ3S7slzP66/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJkicqnRb3as2S1U8cUQuscbQsrxId8zIoKa4J3MOqjanvxwQs7k57YhFLZe5jeJTDu-9U_3YoB1moK4mmdgeIrFUuhHpQonjSXE3YnEHqW54NKF-3Ux0KV2kieijOUnd3DZ3S7slzP66/s400/IMG_0226.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537759578832419954" /></a><br />In postpartum mode here. So, until I find a minute to post something about Thanksgiving...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.redroko.com/search/label/Thanksgiving"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Enjoy some of our ideas from last year!</span></b></span></a>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-84353916449850061892010-10-22T08:00:00.000-06:002010-10-22T08:00:06.990-06:0015 Minutes : Play It : Pin the Face on the Pumpkin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH9hq7-pgpMGKxzyJ4pscXR1mvosYzRP3VNv7ebxCzyn1IW4BKpwpqbT593C5WMlHeztjtQisstmrbeqrOtQzybboKkZUOq8YQOT-I5wtS78_POTxVYYInJ_JZ6Zs1OGPd8dYspZ2gx82/s1600/pinpumpkin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH9hq7-pgpMGKxzyJ4pscXR1mvosYzRP3VNv7ebxCzyn1IW4BKpwpqbT593C5WMlHeztjtQisstmrbeqrOtQzybboKkZUOq8YQOT-I5wtS78_POTxVYYInJ_JZ6Zs1OGPd8dYspZ2gx82/s400/pinpumpkin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530326734650070434" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2008/10/halloween-par-3.html">image via here</a></span></i></span></div></i><div>Another one of the center activities for my son's class party: Pin the Face on the Pumpkin. So simple and classic that I wonder why I needed the internet to think of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>But to be fair, <a href="http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2008/10/halloween-par-3.html">this site</a> reminded me how to play.</div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-3847752130179944472010-10-20T20:42:00.005-06:002010-10-20T20:58:03.346-06:0015 Minutes : Make It : Pasta Skeleton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAOYVF4sa_Xbj94oRvDZgNfiUUX49Vfsrz6C9ddJr0o23jBUJnpmB9F9GLOcpjkPEKlmIJ5h0JwDBHXprd-hUeNqRIbC6xZmjgfhrJpLYAhzZIthX7p7yryuzt_w2il7jai00gX4IJ85G/s1600/skeleton2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAOYVF4sa_Xbj94oRvDZgNfiUUX49Vfsrz6C9ddJr0o23jBUJnpmB9F9GLOcpjkPEKlmIJ5h0JwDBHXprd-hUeNqRIbC6xZmjgfhrJpLYAhzZIthX7p7yryuzt_w2il7jai00gX4IJ85G/s400/skeleton2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530325057965483442" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2008/09/pasta-skeleton.html">image via here</a></span></i></span></div></i><div>So, despite the fact that I'm going to have a baby any day now, I am supposed to organize--not attend, just organize--the centers for my kindergartener's Halloween party. (Believe me, this year I am definitely the reluctant room mother. But when they lay on the guilt...)</div><div><br /><div>This is one of the activities I have planned for the party: just your basic skeleton made out of assorted pasta. Very easy and self-explanatory, but <a href="http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2008/09/pasta-skeleton.html">if you want more details, I found them here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-71535416676266294542010-10-12T22:41:00.007-06:002010-10-13T09:17:55.430-06:0015 Minutes : Read It : Stone SoupThe classic folktale, <i>Stone Soup</i>, is a beloved of mine. I love the lessons of working together, of selflessness, of community--it just never gets old. Here are two versions I particularly like:<br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Stone-Soup/Marcia-Brown/e/9780684922966/?itm=1&USRI=stone+soup+marcia+brown"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Stone Soup</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">, by Marcia Brown</span>. You just can't go wrong with a Caldecott winner. This version is the perfect, traditional intro to this story if you're not already familiar with it. Marcia Brown's simple illustrations and text are masterful no matter what the book. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7yUvz67dTzjISrzMNZQsu1kfSP912nzBZCmHhS7F1gR8rwvdk9RPtvYfJ0-QJiuJS1ItKmnGiuh_knLxJaL8YAMHubilZdiYDhbi0oFLHZV9gQx_t8QD0POF3tPE1UqMtgGyUP6246xu/s1600/stone+soup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7yUvz67dTzjISrzMNZQsu1kfSP912nzBZCmHhS7F1gR8rwvdk9RPtvYfJ0-QJiuJS1ItKmnGiuh_knLxJaL8YAMHubilZdiYDhbi0oFLHZV9gQx_t8QD0POF3tPE1UqMtgGyUP6246xu/s400/stone+soup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527389566478438130" /></a><br /><div><b><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Stone-Soup/Jon-J-Muth/e/9780439339094/?itm=1&USRI=stone+soup+muth"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Stone Soup</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Stone-Soup/Jon-J-Muth/e/9780439339094/?itm=1&USRI=stone+soup+muth">,</a> by Jon Muth</span>. Same story with a fantastic Asian flair. The villagers add their Chinese ingredients to the pot in this beautiful watercolor version.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXhGRC2obk35eAng8tOdnqkBRRw6YgipiuVyRAJIimnIAnOgKIbWDhqGiwpX8kVlJDA8RcLuQSMy2QDByiLPDr7QEw51LQnN4yRsDvzHY_8SJuQA8yACWsKRs89Y3u_hT8a7Gs6GO27fr/s1600/soup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXhGRC2obk35eAng8tOdnqkBRRw6YgipiuVyRAJIimnIAnOgKIbWDhqGiwpX8kVlJDA8RcLuQSMy2QDByiLPDr7QEw51LQnN4yRsDvzHY_8SJuQA8yACWsKRs89Y3u_hT8a7Gs6GO27fr/s400/soup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527389799826067730" /></a><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">images via </span></i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bn.com"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">bn.com</span></i></a></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-128446419744181482010-10-07T08:00:00.000-06:002010-10-06T20:46:11.901-06:0015 Minutes : Read It : Autumn Books<div>My very favorite picture book to start off the fall season is<a href="http://www.redroko.com/2008/10/15-minutes-read-it-ox-cart-man.html"> </a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><a href="http://www.redroko.com/2008/10/15-minutes-read-it-ox-cart-man.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Ox-Cart Man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, by Donald Hall</span></span></a></span></b>. Another excellent one is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><a href="http://www.redroko.com/2008/11/15-minutes-read-it-in-november.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">In November</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">, by Cynthia Rylant</span></span></a></span></b>. But since I've already reviewed both of those, I thought I'd share a couple others that are regulars at our house this time of year...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Pumpkin-Moonshine/Tasha-Tudor/e/9780689828461/?itm=1&USRI=pumpkin+moonshine"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Pumpkin Moonshine</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Pumpkin-Moonshine/Tasha-Tudor/e/9780689828461/?itm=1&USRI=pumpkin+moonshine">,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> by Tasha Tudor</span></a></span></span>. It's another name for jack o' lantern, for those (like me) who had never heard this old-fashioned, New England name. And really, does anything bring autumn vividly to mind like old-fashioned, New England illustrations?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXuWsS9tBG9xpbE27N8brVGH5AqCwcv5ZqlGrTM1Owgn-3MGnnxEX0q-KINVymLVlZDR97f5Dh1Y1eyqKzyj9giDskzWdw8z-pRVnaxnTGndU_ct_J8Y8BgsP3pA03FcYK0OmA6xqsPr2/s1600/pumpkinmoon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXuWsS9tBG9xpbE27N8brVGH5AqCwcv5ZqlGrTM1Owgn-3MGnnxEX0q-KINVymLVlZDR97f5Dh1Y1eyqKzyj9giDskzWdw8z-pRVnaxnTGndU_ct_J8Y8BgsP3pA03FcYK0OmA6xqsPr2/s400/pumpkinmoon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525125764876021346" /></a><br /><div><b><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Autumn/Steven-Schnur/e/9780395770436/?itm=1&USRI=autumn+acrostic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic</span></a></b><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Autumn/Steven-Schnur/e/9780395770436/?itm=1&USRI=autumn+acrostic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">, by Steven Schnur</span></a>. Beautiful, detailed poetry combined with intricate woodcut pictures; and an ABC book as well. Someday I'll help my kids come up with their own acrostics.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQKlv4IDZ0xKfJE-F9qdKvHAcd9pETvzww-PJ6wu-QdIyY8loZAVosu1diW96kfAp_0rQbmAN2nQOk9f0FWseeholHzHY3G5_OpD_HLq9UhXR9_KZr3UUv2ZHawMlK67MHttk9w_QQvut/s1600/autumn.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQKlv4IDZ0xKfJE-F9qdKvHAcd9pETvzww-PJ6wu-QdIyY8loZAVosu1diW96kfAp_0rQbmAN2nQOk9f0FWseeholHzHY3G5_OpD_HLq9UhXR9_KZr3UUv2ZHawMlK67MHttk9w_QQvut/s400/autumn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525125753435124194" /></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">images via </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bn.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">bn.com</span></a></i>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-12400605280758140882010-10-06T11:50:00.003-06:002010-10-06T12:04:21.782-06:0015 Minutes : Make It : Lunches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYWzNJexFAVARVWmI01iOeI2xs_E_vqmAtLrvjOYVbJgooOaqG3NORB7GhOb67q2cPCCe6_7czqncwY_P328h-Pc89qRS1JX8vomhGNevDR_d1xyDHfi2XxI7hDdOzuJtf3xUeR1YPvQW/s1600/lunch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYWzNJexFAVARVWmI01iOeI2xs_E_vqmAtLrvjOYVbJgooOaqG3NORB7GhOb67q2cPCCe6_7czqncwY_P328h-Pc89qRS1JX8vomhGNevDR_d1xyDHfi2XxI7hDdOzuJtf3xUeR1YPvQW/s400/lunch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524992199335657826" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.anotherlunch.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">anotherlunch</span></i></a></span></div></i><div><br /></div><div>Have you heard of Bento lunches? I like the ideas at the deliciously beautiful site, <a href="http://www.anotherlunch.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">AnotherLunch</span></b></a>, though I wonder if some of them would be too light a meal for my sprouting sixth-grader. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like sending my kids with home lunches for so many reasons, but I have made the compromise of allowing them to buy lunch once a week (pizza day, of course). Amazingly, after years of this pattern they are finally tired of pizza day, and are more interested than ever in trying new combinations. My second-grade daughter is especially happy to help out right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't fully embraced the Bento ideas just because <a href="http://www.anotherlunch.com/2010/07/tools-of-trade-part-3-lunchboxes.html">our lunch boxes aren't the right shape</a>. However, I have added a cold pack plastic box full of vegetables or fruits; I don't know if it's the box or the fact that the food is chilled, but the kiddos are loving it. </div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-37240764051010115082010-09-22T21:39:00.007-06:002010-09-22T22:00:55.419-06:001 Hour : Play It : Activity Centers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1piO2AYwRq826bMd75fA-SFyi2Ncs3EHH_fm7hxnWGmGD2X6B81oPafzb76ZjCw6cAz4gB8fWkPvQY71jcWdS5uma7IaaB0kcwOcJGmuI4GYiPsFtiITCAWWC3rE539bO2dZqmlXRhPL/s1600/circles.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1piO2AYwRq826bMd75fA-SFyi2Ncs3EHH_fm7hxnWGmGD2X6B81oPafzb76ZjCw6cAz4gB8fWkPvQY71jcWdS5uma7IaaB0kcwOcJGmuI4GYiPsFtiITCAWWC3rE539bO2dZqmlXRhPL/s320/circles.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519953670083261778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via <a href="http://dragonartz.wordpress.com/2009/03/03/">here</a></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Today I borrowed from the quintessential preschool/kindergarten set-up: activity centers. The truth is, I really needed to work on organizing the laundry room--which is next-door to our playroom--and I wanted my two boys to 1.)stay, 2.)play, and 3.)play happily with minimal supervision on my part.</div><div><br /></div><div>So during lunch, I asked for center ideas and together we came up with the following:</div><div><ul><li>Coloring center--not just crayons, but markers with big paper</li><li>Lego center</li><li>Puzzle center</li><li>ABC center--I added two metal baking sheets to make magnet play more of a novelty.</li></ul><div>We put each center in a different area of the playroom, and even made "blanket islands" for some of them in order to keep the activities a little more contained. I didn't use timers like they might at school, but I did go in every so often to play, chat, or encourage a change if I sensed the need.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got a good 1 1/2 hours out of the whole deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is truly amazing how a new set-up of the old toys can change everything. Since the laundry room isn't quite done (it's also sewing/craft/general dumping area), I think we'll try more centers tomorrow. </div></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-89586767971403738662010-09-20T14:44:00.010-06:002010-09-20T22:37:30.786-06:0015 Minutes : Play It : Memory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxxVv3NFRjW6NxbepRtP3bwV35zRumlSXxGKZga2N2xTGstrAqY_3zGWMt4vJIdO53s4DoqnJVxkza981UgacSHQ9tVdCU-O6E7B-zcFI-IVKQmWhyphenhyphenmDw16sw_AdpOCwGQSmLdkOTfPi3/s1600/minimemo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxxVv3NFRjW6NxbepRtP3bwV35zRumlSXxGKZga2N2xTGstrAqY_3zGWMt4vJIdO53s4DoqnJVxkza981UgacSHQ9tVdCU-O6E7B-zcFI-IVKQmWhyphenhyphenmDw16sw_AdpOCwGQSmLdkOTfPi3/s400/minimemo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519108739427712194" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via <a href="http://www.growsmarttoys.com/hbm-mini-memo.html?___store=base">here</a></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>After spending five whole minutes tracking down the whereabouts of my very mischievous three-year-old, I decided we needed to have a little sit-down-and-focus time this morning. We played Memory--twice. We have the sweet, teeny<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.growsmarttoys.com/hbm-mini-memo.html?___store=base"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Mini-Memo by Haba</b></span></a>, but I also have visions of creating my own set like <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2009/09/colors-are-nice.html">this one I saw at homemade by jill</a> (though, technically the tutorial is on <a href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2009/09/vintage-book-memory-game-she-jill.html">Or So She Says</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Little boy was out in the garage, hiding with various keys to various locks that were specifically placed to keep him out of trouble. Yes, we have child locks on our doors; no, that doesn't stop him; no, he doesn't respond when I call him; yes, I was doing something very quick and responsible--making my bed--when he sneaked away.</div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-33210982973615100392010-09-13T08:00:00.001-06:002010-09-13T09:06:55.299-06:0015 Minutes : Play It : Listening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEkGE7Ighq1QrR7NfSKLpSn28xKMDIGsBoo0j5n2ivsFoKyu7HmdbsMN8ypk58O46YpdtuqiaVeULyz_2QlmETDxGh2LHtxcjARo76coWHpv1wkTaYS1MESK2_CByeJPPZCJyuwqN7iWW/s1600/listener.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEkGE7Ighq1QrR7NfSKLpSn28xKMDIGsBoo0j5n2ivsFoKyu7HmdbsMN8ypk58O46YpdtuqiaVeULyz_2QlmETDxGh2LHtxcjARo76coWHpv1wkTaYS1MESK2_CByeJPPZCJyuwqN7iWW/s400/listener.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516413544265744994" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-Dont-Kids-Listen--What-To-Do-About-it">here</a></span></i></span></div></i>Still working on <a href="http://www.redroko.com/2010/08/15-minutes-play-it-listening-lotto.html">listening skills</a>...<div><br /></div><div>One day as we sat on the back porch, I asked my two youngest to close their eyes very tightly and just listen. My kindergartener knew instinctively what to do and described what he could hear: helicopter, birds, kids playing, a bumblebee flying past his face. The three-year-old had more trouble focusing (and keeping his eyes closed), so I told him to listen for specific sounds. "Can you hear the car going by? Where do you think that bird is chirping?" </div><div><br /></div><div>We also tried to be completely silent for one minute. Ha--way harder than it sounds. Did you ever play "The Quiet Game" when you were little? I think it's easier to be still when no one is telling you to be still. Once there's a goal or a requirement, the temptation to talk is just too much. Our silent minute looked more like giggles about to erupt. </div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-85338526643726661122010-09-08T08:00:00.000-06:002010-09-08T08:00:04.921-06:0015 Minutes : Read It : Nonsense BooksSometimes we just need some of those books that are so ridiculous and silly that my kids actually hoot out loud when we're reading them. I know any mention of underwear sends even my three-year-old into giggles, but I try to steer clear of those. (There's plenty of <i>that</i> without bringing it home from the library too--*sigh*) Here are a few of our favorite (non-potty-humor) nonsensical picture books...<div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Runaway-Dinner/Allan-Ahlberg/e/9780763631420/?itm=1&USRI=runaway+dinner"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>The Runaway Dinner</b></span></a>, by Allan Ahlberg. I love the rambling, conversational style of this one. It's told just the way a kid would tell a story.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqTWYM7LQom19v3Ij5zdcWe_YS9c4QiMq9FE2HvxltbfNfKGH99eOeaAJx7cNTCGMoRDzrBsgy3jpcQ37QX7s7dDYUS3iJ4114kA9pmAD4xjfQXKcp8d0rYYJkLXMmCOeOcoJ7AcytXF3/s1600/dinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqTWYM7LQom19v3Ij5zdcWe_YS9c4QiMq9FE2HvxltbfNfKGH99eOeaAJx7cNTCGMoRDzrBsgy3jpcQ37QX7s7dDYUS3iJ4114kA9pmAD4xjfQXKcp8d0rYYJkLXMmCOeOcoJ7AcytXF3/s400/dinner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510185687963675442" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Monster-at-the-End-of-This-Book/Jon-Stone/e/9780307010858/?itm=1&USRI=the+monster+at+the+end+of+this+book"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">The Monster at the End of this Book</span></b></a>, by Jon Stone. This oldie from my childhood continues to pack a good, silly punch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMd64ATMOdm3GkWXk6F_iRDrBPDj9puFhnoHbnBuynu1r9r9busKLxZi-XCk9y8KCf_Ah-3i8L-zeSPJywUVb032HaWPqdipG0ci9K2CQiayu15IQC4LLkAHYJGWbA0g7ZK4xytCFJr7N/s1600/monster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMd64ATMOdm3GkWXk6F_iRDrBPDj9puFhnoHbnBuynu1r9r9busKLxZi-XCk9y8KCf_Ah-3i8L-zeSPJywUVb032HaWPqdipG0ci9K2CQiayu15IQC4LLkAHYJGWbA0g7ZK4xytCFJr7N/s400/monster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510185695984214418" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Cow-Loves-Cookies/Karma-Wilson/e/9781416942061/?itm=2&USRI=cow+cookies"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">The Cow Loves Cookies</span></b></a>, by Karma Wilson. The expressions on the characters' faces make me smile too.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0yhRc1EijADXDyskJjQtISgML3y-_6WtyJ4HfsJLTRj2BujzNN-Oz61MQ5-C36PbHX2-BZuVSoiFaQSAuUHReuWlIoLpHUP9SwCk-a0hNMOmbd1K6mIfBnS9deLNUYagabIE-U0DEkzh/s1600/cow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0yhRc1EijADXDyskJjQtISgML3y-_6WtyJ4HfsJLTRj2BujzNN-Oz61MQ5-C36PbHX2-BZuVSoiFaQSAuUHReuWlIoLpHUP9SwCk-a0hNMOmbd1K6mIfBnS9deLNUYagabIE-U0DEkzh/s400/cow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510185683279258802" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Silly-Sally/Audrey-Wood/e/9780152019907/?itm=1&USRI=silly+sally">Silly Sally</a>, by Audrey Wood. Sing-song, predictable words make this one stick in their heads for days.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gh9idOTAQomssacCyMGejUqtqG6oH947X2ZPhFRY_tT8f6I9OWZzIg5Vj4j-7azgzqpAtiUPHRajwiizA5V70lM1hrAZcS2b-TuIWL8pBm4Do6cjftblUOCfKoDGl0QDQukHd8RbhsVU/s1600/silly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gh9idOTAQomssacCyMGejUqtqG6oH947X2ZPhFRY_tT8f6I9OWZzIg5Vj4j-7azgzqpAtiUPHRajwiizA5V70lM1hrAZcS2b-TuIWL8pBm4Do6cjftblUOCfKoDGl0QDQukHd8RbhsVU/s400/silly.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510185700612381170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">images via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bn.com">bn.com</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>What books guarantee a laugh from your kids? </i></div></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-20139313873943820652010-09-06T08:00:00.001-06:002010-09-13T09:08:19.146-06:00Quick Share : PERCIf you live in my area, I hope you know about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>the PERC,</b></span> located at the Orem Public Library. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">P</span>arent <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">E</span>ducation <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">R</span>esource<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> C</span>enter loans out educational games, activities, puzzles, developmental toys, non-fiction DVDs, parenting books, etc., at no charge. It's a smallish room in the basement of the library, has tricky hours, and is only semi-organized, but don't let those details deter you. Many of the items are in new or very good condition, and some are more worn, but we always find several great things to take home. We go nearly every week to borrow items--there's really nothing like a new game to fill a couple hours.<div><br /></div><div>If you can't go to our very useful PERC, check your own library or school to see what educational supplies they are willing to loan. </div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-50400640320150621442010-09-01T08:00:00.004-06:002010-09-20T22:31:14.468-06:0015 Minutes : Read It : School BooksWe like to give the teachers a new book on the first day of school. These are the ones we picked this year:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/One-Smart-Cookie/Amy-Krouse-Rosenthal/e/9780061429705/?itm=1&USRI=one+smart+cookie+bite+size+lessons+for+the+school"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">One Smart Cookie</span></b></a>, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Each page uses a part of the cookie-making process to demonstrate qualities such as prompt, curious, prepared. Love the illustrations, love the concept. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcc8g6y_Vyem68Cb1kEW0TqdgvXLvvgNglF-Q4XboVyhhLaJEyn54f6Ro9OwdxEbKOQ-V74CIKyJkMkWWfroUAgi_QQBBYc3IbuYsuL3qQjsHGfgETpx2kpbCiA1jNniPV96qnt4ic5AS/s1600/cookie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcc8g6y_Vyem68Cb1kEW0TqdgvXLvvgNglF-Q4XboVyhhLaJEyn54f6Ro9OwdxEbKOQ-V74CIKyJkMkWWfroUAgi_QQBBYc3IbuYsuL3qQjsHGfgETpx2kpbCiA1jNniPV96qnt4ic5AS/s400/cookie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512053188908907154" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/This-School-Year-Will-Be-the-BEST/Renee-Andriani/e/9780525422754/?itm=1&USRI=this+school+year+will+be+the+best"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">This School Year Will Be the Best!</span></b></a> by Kay Winters. A classroom full of hopes and wishes for the new year. My son likes the page that wishes for great field trips...and is illustrated with children floating around inside a space shuttle.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRv6sRquq76P0XbUPld5syLVjfFEyMY7FTnpLIBZHfuLdz4QIoFPO9M8Gu_Ds4eSas72leDQ_uETqnbaQkf2irPtqudp0pA7e3o_Re8qtvlWLk1oEak6-MbdREuMVLRX08LT_OEo9mxTe/s1600/schoolyear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRv6sRquq76P0XbUPld5syLVjfFEyMY7FTnpLIBZHfuLdz4QIoFPO9M8Gu_Ds4eSas72leDQ_uETqnbaQkf2irPtqudp0pA7e3o_Re8qtvlWLk1oEak6-MbdREuMVLRX08LT_OEo9mxTe/s400/schoolyear.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512053182190719794" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Ruins-of-Gorlan/John-Flanagan/e/9780142406632/?itm=2&USRI=ranger%27s+apprentice+1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Ranger's Apprentice</b></span></a>, by John Flanagan. When my sixth-grader saw that his teacher didn't have this, the first in his favorite series, he knew he wanted to give her a copy. We've enjoyed the series together this past year. He loves the action/adventure; I'm glad to see a book with good, loyal, smart, hardworking characters. Plus, the mentor-apprentice relationship is so beautifully played out. I highly recommend this one for the 10-15 year-old male crowd. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr7VNg0aP_rvOGA9vl-zJgb1D_tFIbJ60EJw0X-N84vU6N-ywxNBuoVw83df3XUglty4_1zGjwmF-bs-7jt4pWrKZrYndDefUjUgyCEntLdmzfL-6ve7azMLzjcZFhxFN0QWQbwYCp7s9/s1600/ranger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr7VNg0aP_rvOGA9vl-zJgb1D_tFIbJ60EJw0X-N84vU6N-ywxNBuoVw83df3XUglty4_1zGjwmF-bs-7jt4pWrKZrYndDefUjUgyCEntLdmzfL-6ve7azMLzjcZFhxFN0QWQbwYCp7s9/s400/ranger.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512053173827508754" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>images via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bn.com">bn.com</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"></span></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-89747964625826941142010-08-30T08:00:00.000-06:002010-09-01T15:30:15.599-06:0015 Minutes : Play It : Listening LottoAm I the only mom who repeats myself dozens of times a day? I'm especially working with my two youngest children on their listening skills. We've been playing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carson-Dellosa-Outside-Sounds-Listening/dp/B000NNM4I0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1283375901&sr=1-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Outside Listening Skills Lotto</span></b></a> together almost every day in the past week. I don't know if they're paying better attention to my voice yet, but I feel good knowing we're working on it.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhYY-zrEGiec4sBVhJVFdO1VmJz1CNXaT5FFEbNFcCuef0BmwBMPI3NVNMpgQYI47EO3nGMZ7f6DnpD5jugxdogpyCVLB5WsZoWiEotdO10w-3-rnTGXtJUKourGZM-7u713Z5ECnT0yv/s1600/bingo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhYY-zrEGiec4sBVhJVFdO1VmJz1CNXaT5FFEbNFcCuef0BmwBMPI3NVNMpgQYI47EO3nGMZ7f6DnpD5jugxdogpyCVLB5WsZoWiEotdO10w-3-rnTGXtJUKourGZM-7u713Z5ECnT0yv/s400/bingo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512059429967236370" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carson-Dellosa-Outside-Sounds-Listening/dp/B000NNM4I0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1283375901&sr=1-1">image via amazon.com</a></span></i></div><div>We picked up this game from our library, but it's also available at Amazon. You might even check to see if your school loans out games like this. </div><div><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-61241497597377775132010-06-18T20:00:00.003-06:002010-06-18T20:08:51.160-06:00Explanation...It turns out that the RedRoko women are not at all ambitious when they are 1. pregnant, or 2. caring for new babies. Thus the long pause between posts. <div><br /></div><div>We hope you'll continue to browse the activities we have posted, and we hope you'll check back in for the occasional update! Because despite the life changes going on around here, we do still play with our kids sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-11282968358193296602010-04-12T22:18:00.002-06:002010-06-18T20:07:57.790-06:00Quick Share : Traveling with Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaix1SIwra5bkY30aWCakpjP34qXMTC_NbUBYUeVwx5zqv9Y0Bscf-bY4aagvjC1HksrMjDY_6_hHbXwa-uWCRko20LwkQv3ED-42oWhHr2r8BtzOPAOlv58LmvWgRC1Fhgfqfl4GKjMNr/s1600/travelkids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaix1SIwra5bkY30aWCakpjP34qXMTC_NbUBYUeVwx5zqv9Y0Bscf-bY4aagvjC1HksrMjDY_6_hHbXwa-uWCRko20LwkQv3ED-42oWhHr2r8BtzOPAOlv58LmvWgRC1Fhgfqfl4GKjMNr/s400/travelkids.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459471888869166514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.itraveldays.com/2009/01/15/how-to-travel-with-young-kids/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">her</span></i>e</a></div><br /><div>We're now officially planning a summer vacation. While I do consider our family to be seasoned travelers--two cross-country roadtrips, several 8-10 hour trips, and a couple flights with teeny ones--it is always good to review some info and tips for traveling with children. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really like the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>ideas from </b></span><a href="http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2010/03/children-traveling-tips/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Simply Modern Mom. </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b> </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i>I want to hear your favorite travel tips--for car or airplane or any other vehicle. I could always use a new website for printing off travel games.</i><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-19925771740379310732010-04-09T21:35:00.000-06:002010-04-12T22:25:28.418-06:0015 Minutes : Play It : Handwriting Activities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcBUKhYW-G-XRghX92nAjXAS-ZwBGq59u5qV9yVd5pbr892O5YCL7KwSrdEQxcJXVU_Tk26bcfWMruz5Zf1-Mip3ZR6YqvxnNDzNVqPBgSALsu94_jj_JMsq5VevH6KDjbydvshMe8vHw/s1600/handwriting.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcBUKhYW-G-XRghX92nAjXAS-ZwBGq59u5qV9yVd5pbr892O5YCL7KwSrdEQxcJXVU_Tk26bcfWMruz5Zf1-Mip3ZR6YqvxnNDzNVqPBgSALsu94_jj_JMsq5VevH6KDjbydvshMe8vHw/s400/handwriting.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459465253363611362" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.handwritingforkids.com/handwrite/manuscript/alphabets/tguideu.htm"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></i></a></span></div></i>My son and I have been focusing on improving his handwriting. For the sake of review, I print out a basic tracing worksheet of a certain letter. Somedays we choose a worksheet that has a picture; others he wants a word search. When he's finished with that, we turn the paper over and he lists and draws other pictures that begin with the same letter. Since he's often a reluctant writer, I've been trying to discover ways to encourage him. Today this worked: He loves filling papers with "roads"--continuous lines that swerve, curve, and veer. So, I tried describing the letter he was writing as a road for his car. "First the road is straight, then, oh no, the road suddenly turns the other way! And then it's going back this way again." He loved it. <div><br /></div><div>I find our <a href="http://www.first-school.ws/theme/alphaletter_p/a.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>basic tracer page (with picture) at First-School.ws.</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b> </b></span> The site is kind of painful to navigate, so <a href="http://www.first-school.ws/theme/alphaletter_p/a.htm">here is letter A</a> for you; you can then find the rest of the alphabet from that page.</div><div>(On the chart, I choose from the Handwriting column, SB--meaning standard block style, and then ask my son which picture he likes.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is our <a href="http://www.first-school.ws/theme/printables/word-searches/alphabet/index.htm"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">tracer page that comes with a word search</span></b></a>. Same site, same messy story.<br /><br /><i>What handwriting sites do you like? How do you make this kind of practice more interesting?</i></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-44109729599928691862010-04-01T14:00:00.004-06:002010-04-02T16:48:03.834-06:0015 Minutes : Make It : Easter Printables<div>A few free printables I found for Easter: </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://freshlypicked.blogspot.com/2010/04/easter-dinner-awesome-printable.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">A paper basket from Freshly Picked.</span></b></a> I know I've said it before, but my daughter loves paper crafts and teeny things of all sorts. This will be tomorrow's afterschool activity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VKZpXUOHTbE6FUGZsDZoFdeqbonkXm79yO7kLePuzX1canpLdoy0tFJ1bA3J78eHOpKkDHJtCmnABaO9vzWPHAH2roEKZc1yHFOhNXafYkAU-HGtFiBiwBGqA-h8eUkpz_7_JPDM9uBF/s1600/easterbasket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VKZpXUOHTbE6FUGZsDZoFdeqbonkXm79yO7kLePuzX1canpLdoy0tFJ1bA3J78eHOpKkDHJtCmnABaO9vzWPHAH2roEKZc1yHFOhNXafYkAU-HGtFiBiwBGqA-h8eUkpz_7_JPDM9uBF/s400/easterbasket.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455264267599094690" /></a> <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/2010/what-we-love/free-downloads/free-download-an-easter-greeting/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">A simple card from the talented Olliegraphic</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> </span></b> (remember her beautiful <a href="http://www.redroko.com/2010/01/1-hour-make-it-valentines.html">Valentines</a>?). I really like that her designs have cutting guides on them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpZf0Qug2wJgMC5wHDnC1pNf6hHDXlFxVY6Ghfo8_xsKvUDpaED3IjVz-JMy0QXxCONGtogb6Rz7DsdmpwTrV8B__6WDCSp40qwSRt9DmQ_y8_Z7-C_MQoBxtWb7OiUkOJReEwYHN_Zry/s1600/easterollie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpZf0Qug2wJgMC5wHDnC1pNf6hHDXlFxVY6Ghfo8_xsKvUDpaED3IjVz-JMy0QXxCONGtogb6Rz7DsdmpwTrV8B__6WDCSp40qwSRt9DmQ_y8_Z7-C_MQoBxtWb7OiUkOJReEwYHN_Zry/s400/easterollie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455264263421904162" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://babalisme.blogspot.com/2009/03/easter-gift-tags-printables-is-here.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Tags or small notecards from babalisme</span></b>.</a> Don't you think these are boyish enough for my sons to give to teachers and grandparents?</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8wJ8a7LBcK_JZQe1OkhUO4MPGJ9Aiv8LIcfdhoAu652VDucpyD55JzjN-SJ7Un9aiJQtZB3QVUuImCST4Jq3Y7EVC4tr8PiaLNPYlFE1MmMq9mVosCVlD_Ki3J8UQKgqpGLNvkaW6l2K/s1600/easterbaba.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8wJ8a7LBcK_JZQe1OkhUO4MPGJ9Aiv8LIcfdhoAu652VDucpyD55JzjN-SJ7Un9aiJQtZB3QVUuImCST4Jq3Y7EVC4tr8PiaLNPYlFE1MmMq9mVosCVlD_Ki3J8UQKgqpGLNvkaW6l2K/s400/easterbaba.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455264256631947906" /></a><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">images via </span></i><a href="http://freshlypicked.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Freshly Picked</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Oh My! Handmade Goodness</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, and </span></i><a href="http://babalisme.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Babalisme.</span></i></a><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-38926929690562786252010-03-23T06:00:00.000-06:002010-03-23T14:11:31.058-06:0015 Minutes : Make It : Bunny Envelopes<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FGqpuvKydkaV5rFe958HE4462Wq126tAaC51dhuat-Va29mRUdl2glzJywGNVu6xuxtWpMZYLvY1OB0cZpbIbww2sqFhh5PvvpaeSSPqe1xyptaVYK9U8iz0yrSC331OiG4pdwW9JzDe/s1600-h/0206_kids_gtenvbunny_l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322518258060589138" style="WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FGqpuvKydkaV5rFe958HE4462Wq126tAaC51dhuat-Va29mRUdl2glzJywGNVu6xuxtWpMZYLvY1OB0cZpbIbww2sqFhh5PvvpaeSSPqe1xyptaVYK9U8iz0yrSC331OiG4pdwW9JzDe/s320/0206_kids_gtenvbunny_l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/envelope-bunnies?lnc=b6862798cf2ee010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=top7pop_kids_activities-and-projects-for-kids">Here's</a> a fun Easter craft project to make with your kids. Fill the envelope bunnies with small toys, candy or hand-written notes and deliver to friends and family! </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894417956456359119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-34778837292622085642010-03-16T18:00:00.000-06:002010-03-16T18:00:00.606-06:001 Hour : Make It : Natural Easter Eggs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdByGDtIn2LKzvFySKupNAmvZbhRktoNhWMejYCTghG_OUFIQvcc3gUEZjy9lodp8Z-1Lu3oN0qP-r2D7tLpYFPGqtu8FZpuowPeexoLIFwOXWLoYp5L4fRKJClcZnsQI9JgEgjcIKzeg/s1600-h/eastereggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdByGDtIn2LKzvFySKupNAmvZbhRktoNhWMejYCTghG_OUFIQvcc3gUEZjy9lodp8Z-1Lu3oN0qP-r2D7tLpYFPGqtu8FZpuowPeexoLIFwOXWLoYp5L4fRKJClcZnsQI9JgEgjcIKzeg/s400/eastereggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448961577164568146" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/article/natural-egg-dye"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">marthastewart.co</span>m</i></a></span></div></i>I've wanted to try out these naturally dyed Easter eggs ever since I saw the Martha Stewart article a couple years ago. The fact of the matter is, I never prepare early enough, so we end up using the traditional dye tablets. Has anyone done this project? Do you have tips for me?<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Find</b></span><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/article/natural-egg-dye"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b> complete instructions at Martha Stewart</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>.</b></span><br /></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379602241771121380.post-68655466536160178452010-03-15T06:00:00.003-06:002010-03-15T14:19:44.187-06:0015 Minutes : Read It : Alphabet Books<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw4nCLslhg3PHlkEeCAGRFzR4APTQQRwLOASinXqwRNNNHLKo3w8KSJEnAGBsne9PKHFs6Ys3k8Wb5i-Sa13zbOuShmsFn4DkOg2JBkX0KJDvzK26i9Mnr1YIP0wPMWALYwDkRGDYlfI4/s1600-h/abc-t11874.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw4nCLslhg3PHlkEeCAGRFzR4APTQQRwLOASinXqwRNNNHLKo3w8KSJEnAGBsne9PKHFs6Ys3k8Wb5i-Sa13zbOuShmsFn4DkOg2JBkX0KJDvzK26i9Mnr1YIP0wPMWALYwDkRGDYlfI4/s400/abc-t11874.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447858932250449506" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via </span></i><a href="http://www.edupics.com/en-coloring-pictures-pages-photo-abc-i11874.html"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></i></a></span></div></i>I love alphabet books, and there are so many amazing ones out there. <a href="http://www.smallmagazine.net/index.asp?issue=14&page=66">Small Magazine did a beautiful layout</a> highlighting a few of their favorites--which include some of my favorites as well as unfamiliar ones. (Be sure to look at both pages of their feature.)<br /><div><br /></div><div>A few more alphabet books I like:</div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Found-Alphabet/Ramon-Shindler/e/9780618442324/?itm=1&USRI=found+alphabet">Found Alphabet, by Ramon Shindler</a></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Alphabet-Atlas/Arthur-Yorinks/e/9781890817145/?itm=4&USRI=atlas+alphabet">The Alphabet Atlas, by Arthur Yorinks</a></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/On-Market-Street/Arnold-Lobel/e/9780688087456/?itm=1&USRI=on+market+street">On Market Street, by Arnold & Anita Lobel</a></div><div><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Eating-the-Alphabet/Lois-Ehlert/e/9780152009021/?itm=4&USRI=eating+the+alphabet">Eating the Alphabet, by Lois Ehlert</a></div>Cissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.com0