travel activity #1

A couple of weeks ago, I had the H pick up a little binder thingy for me at the Exchange Depot, along with a pack of 5x7 cards to fill the pockets. Since then, I have been brainstorming activities for Tonka. As I finish each activity, I'll try to post it. Here's the first.

Directions:
Have 3yo separate the clothespins so each player has one of each color (or just match them up if he's playing on his own).Shake the die and drop it into the container. Find a clothespin that matches the facing color and attach it to the proper square on your game card. Next player's turn.Repeat until all of the clothespins have a home. This can take a half hour if you "do" it right.

When you've finished playing, let the toddler take his time putting the clothespins back into the container. He might want to stir, chew, point, dump, or smack with them instead... but eventually they'll all make it in, especially if you only give him half of the pins to work with in the first place. If he masters this, put the lid on first and open the "pour" side for a smaller opening. (this was formerly a parsley container).

The flip side:
Again with the matching. This particular almost-3-year-old cannot match the ordinals yet, but is surprisingly proficient at the digit matching. The circles are for counting and perhaps cheerios.

flowers for you

on this blessed Sunday.

Korean Barbecue night

1/4 c low soy sauce
1 1/2 T rice wine vinegar
1 T sesame seeds
1 T fresh grated ginger (or 1 t dried ground)
1T dark brown sugar
1 T sesame oil
1 T honey
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 t crushed red pepper

marinate tofu or meat ( I used sliced cube steak) for up to 8 hours. I stir-fried with veggies and served over bean threads. And there was much rejoicing.

Tonka was excited about eating the "worms" with his own set of "pokes;" he gave the meal a thumbs-up with no hesitation.
His brother thought the bean threads were a little slippery, but loved the broccoli!super strange expression and crazy hair aside, I loved it. The H was perhaps more "yay." than rejoicing, but kept his comments to a minimum.

The dog, for those of you who are just itching to ask, couldn't figure out how to eat bean threads D tried to drop into her mouth. It was a little amusing, in a totally disgusting sort of way. Special thanks to Kristan for the bean threads, Sheena for the Sesame oil, Emily for the recipe, and D for buying fresh broccoli!

caught in the act

DSC_0034
Originally uploaded by newlywaaz

yes, he on the table. He also on the chairs, wobbly metal shelving, slightly-less-wobbly plastic shelving, stroller, couch, and kitty litter box. help!

WW: SOOC

(from a few weeks ago)

quotable#2

"wahoo, I love food in my mouth!"

"Mom, would you please put some hair in my armpit please?"

"I scratched my hurt, and I eated it" (scab, I presume?!)

"...and please help Daddy to be in a good day. Amen."

minutiae

birthday inspiration for the boys

(for those of you who haven't found the perfect yard-saled, thrifted, or dumpster dived gift)

www.magiccabin.com
www.hearthsong.com
www.etsy.com

and the list goes on :)