Sponge balls

As our craft on the 24th we made sponge balls. All you do is cut a 3 regular sponge into 5 long strips. Then stack them together so that they are all the same length, and tie them together with twine, yarn, or any other reasonably strong string.

When they are done, dip in water and use them just like you would a water ballon.

BUBBLES!!!!!!!!!

I found this project in my Family Fun magazine. I decided to play it when my husband was home, and he really got into it. He made bubble mountains, hats for the kids, then finally he got out the air compressor. It was a blast for the whole family. Even L got into it, and played with some of the bubbles, just before she tried to eat them.

To make them, you an old towel (the thicker the towel the harder it is to blow), a water bottle, a rubber band, and soap.
1. Cut the bottom off the water bottle.
2. Cut the towel a few inches larger than the bottom of the water bottle.
3. Secure the towel to the cut end with the elastic.
4. Dip in very soapy water and blow through the top to make foam snakes.

It is really fun for everyone, and best of all it is really cheap since you probably have all of the supplies lying around your house.



P.S.
We had so much fun yesterday, the kids wanted to do it again with their friends today. I am pretty sure these will get a lot of use this summer.

Sometimes crazy days are the best days!

Then shortly after she got home I got a wild hair, and wanted to see if I could paint their faces.



I had so much fun painting their faces, that I decided to do it at the extended family "camping" trip. So of course I had to go get better brushes, and face make-up crayons. I also got glitter. I hope the kids all like it. I also found some fun ideas of what to paint online, and printed them out. This was the best site I found.

Currant Jam!

Day 1


When I told my sister that I would make her currants into jam, I had no idea that it was going to be a 3 day process.
First I took all of the miniscule berries off the stems. Thank goodness I let Abby and Ellie help with this task. Abby helped sort and destem, and Ellie picked up the ones I dropped, and dumped the garbage bowl. It is surprising how much help a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old can be.

Day 2


Make juice from some of the currants, then boil 1 cup currant juice with 8 cups currants and 4 cups sugar for 5 minutes. Allow to sit in a cool place for 12-18 hours.

Day 3
Add 3 cups sugar, and stir to dissolve. Boil rapidly for 30 minutes (or 2 hours) until it gets to gelling point. Then pour hot jam into hot jars and process for 15 minutes.

Yeah its done! It is yummy, but we shall see if I make it again.