Books and Products to try for E-Week

Books To Read:




1. Elmo's Valentine by David Prebenna--Who doesn't love Elmo? And, it's perfect, since Valentine's day is just around the corner.



2. Elephants: A Book for Children by Steve Bloom and David Henry Wilson

Products To Try:

1. Elmo (my daughter also has a huge plush Elmo that she loves to cuddle with--it's like the one in the link only much bigger!)

2. Egg shakers (my daughter LOVES these for music time!)






3. Eeyore

Places to Go This E Week

• Elevator - Go to a building and ride up and down the elevator
• Errands - Run errands together. Let the children pick some stores to go to
• Earrings - Earring Store. Buy some new earrings. Go get your daughters ears pierced or if you only have boys. Let them choose some new earrings for mommy to buy.
• Eat - Go out to eat at your favorite restaurant

Activities for E Week

• Easter Baskets - Easter will be here before you know it. Explain to your children what Easter represents, more than just the Easter bunny. Make an Easter Basket with your child. Cut out construction paper and make it into a rectangle box. You can staple the sides together. Have your child color the Easter Basket. Then use a long line of construction paper for the handle. Make Easter Eggs out of construction paper and your children can color those as well. Hide the eggs and have an Easter Egg hunt in the house.
• Envelope - Write a letter or draw an art picture and mail it to a friend. Put it in the envelope and sent it in the mailbox. Show your child the proper way to address an envelope. What goes on an envelope and Why?
• Eye - Draw a picture of an eye and explain why our eyes are so important. They allow us to see. Put a blind fold on your child so he or she can see what it's like not being able to see.
• Ear - Draw a picture of an ear and explain why our ears are important. They allow us to hear. Have your child plug his or her ears for a few moments to see what it's like not to be able to hear.
• Eight - Trace the number eight. Let your child practice writing the number eight. Cut out small shapes from construction paper and have your child glue eight shapes on the paper, Count to the number eight.
• Election - Talk about the election and what it means to vote for a president.

E is for Encouragement

Work on encouraging each other this week! Dictionary.com says that to encourage means to:

1.	to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

2.	to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

So, find special ways to encourage your children throughout the week, but try not to focus only on physical accomplishments, such as doing well academically or in sports. Encourage your children to emulate Jesus, by praising them when they share with a sibling, when they're obedient the first time, or when they have a good attitude. Maybe you could write an older child a letter telling him some qualities you admire in him and encouraging him to continue using these qualities to glorify God. You can also have your children help you write an encouraging letter to a sick relative or to their teachers. This would be a great way to get them involved in encouraging others!

Remember that children are mimics, so if you notice your children using a lot of negative language, evaluate your own language. As mothers, we often have the job of correcting, but it it also important to encourage. If children only hear "no" all day long, they are always focusing on the negative. Instead of using "no" for every action you want your children to stop or avoid, try using a distraction (for example, rather than telling your child "no" every time he touches the TV, say, "How about we play with puzzles instead?"). Sure, there are times when you have to use the word "no" or "stop", but save it for dangerous or very offensive behaviors. Also, look for ways to praise your children for good behavior throughout the day and this will encourage them to continue the good behavior (if they are receiving lots of attention for negative behavior, they may want to continue the negative behavior instead!). Teach your children to encourage each other through your example!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus," (Romans 15:5).

Other Things to Do This D Week

1. Disney -- Plan a trip to Disney World. Your kids will have a blast at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Magic Kingdom is the best. If you can't afford the trip, watch some Disney movies.

2. Dress-up--Give your children a variety of old clothes and let them dress-up as different characters. Make up a skit with your dress-up clothes on and act it out together.

3. Dig--Dig in the sandbox for buried "treasures" (make sure you hide some toys ahead of time!)

4. Desserts--We always explore new dessert recipes. We just look for something yummy and try it!

5. Dance--Make up a dance to any music, and put on a recital (Jazz, Modern, Ballet, or Disco). Be creative

6. David-- Read the story of David and Goliath from the Children's Bible. What did David do with a stone? Why was his stone poweful?

7. Daniel--Read the story of Daniel in the lions den from the Children's Bible. Who protected Daniel from the lion's mouth?

What to Drink? Make your own drink. Since drink starts with a D. You can make coke floats or shirly temples. Have fun with this.

What to Eat? Doughnuts, Dough, Desserts, Danimalls, Deviled eggs,

Deviled Eggs

6 eggs hard boiled
1/8 tsp, salt and pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup pickles
1 1/2 tbs mayonnaise
1/2 tbs mustard
1/8 tsp garlic poweder
1/4 cup bacon bits

Cut hard boiled eggs in half, long ways after they have been peeled. Scoop out the yolks. Mix together yolks and ingredients listed above. Spoon mixture into empty egg whites. Chill and serve.

Books to Read and Products to Try this D Week

Books to Read:





The Happy Man and His Dump Truck (Little Golden Book) (Hardcover)by Golden Books (Author), Tibor Gergely (Illustrator)

Little Ballerina Dancing Book (Board book)by Fiona Watt (Author), Maria Cristina Lo Cascio (Illustrator), Shelagh McNicholas (Illustrator)









Beat the Drum! (Davis, Billy, Rockin' Rhythm Band Board Books.) by Billy Davis (Board book - Oct 2000)





Big Dog . . . Little Dog (Bright & Early Board Books(TM)) (Board book)by P.D. Eastman (Author)










Big Book of Dinosaurs (Hardcover)by DK Publishing (Author)









Products to Try:






Melissa & Doug Dinosaurs 48-Piece Floor PuzzleOther products by Melissa & Doug









LeapFrog Learn&Groove Alphabet Drum
Other products by LeapFrog












Caterpillar R/C Hauler: Dump Truck with Trailer and Bull DozerOther products by Toy State












Bella Dancerella Disney Princess Dance StudioOther products by SpinMaster

Places to Go this D Week

• Duck Pond - Go to a duck pond and feed the ducks

• Doctor - Go visit a favorite doctor. Have a tour of the office

• Dance - Go to a dance performance, ballet, modern, jazz or disco

• Downtown - Visit your downtown if you live in a city. Have lunch and go shopping.

Activities for D Week

• Dough - Make your own play dough

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Mix above ingredients. Knead until desired texture. Add a few drops of food clothing until desired color. Mold and play. Have fun with the dough.

• Drum - Make your own drum. Take an empty oatmeal barrel. Cover with construction paper. (You can color construction paper with the picture of your choice before covering the barrel) You now have a drum. Form a band. March and play

• Door Chart - Take two large pieces of construction paper, bottom page white. On the bottom page write ideas of things to do. Make as many doors as you want on the top page. Tape the top page over the bottom page. Examples of things to do:

1. Say Numbers
2. Say ABC's
3. Do a somersault
4. Tell a Joke
5. Stand on your Head
6. Walk Backwards

D is for Doer

Begin this week with a focus on being a Doer. Make a DO BE Chart to encourage good behavior that will please God. Chart desired performances of the child. Give your child a star as each daily duty is done. You can also make a chart of areas you would like to work on this week.


Here's an example:

OBEY -Honor Mother and Father
LOVE - Love your brother and sister
KIND - Be kind to your friends
PRAY - Daily prayers
SPEAK - Say nice encouraging words and guard your tongue
SHARE - Share toys with others
GOOD - Have good behavior in church
MANNERS - Use your manners, please and thank yous
BED - Go to bed on time without a fuss
CLEAN - Take car of your body, brush teeth, comb your hair, take a bath
CHORES - Clean up your toys, make your bed.. from Barney sing: Clean up, clean up everybody everywhere, clean up, clean up everybody do your share.


Give your child a star each time they do this. Use the key words and explain to your children why they get the star and what each key word means. At the end of the week give them a prize for stars they have on the chart.




James 1:23 KJV
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Other Things to Do and Learn for C-Week

1. Chairs--Play musical chairs. Keep going around the chairs until the music stops and then sit down, or take turns singing to provide the music. Whoever doesn't get a chair is "out". Keep taking away one chair. Play until one child is left. He or she is the winner.

2. Crawling--Have crawling races. Children love this. It takes them back to babyhood.

3. Camera--Learn how to use a camera and take pictures. Then, make a collage of your favorite ones.

4. Crystals--Take an empty jar and add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup salt (add food coloring for colored crystals). Wait a week until it forms crystals. It may take longer than a week, but crystals will form.

5. Candy Land - Play the game with your children.

6. Creation - (Genesis 1) Read the story of creation from the Children's Bible. What do you like best that God created? Why?

7. Children - Children are a blessing (Palms) Jesus loves the Little Children. Sing the Song. In Mark 10: 14- 16 and Math 18: 1-4. Jesus talks about children. Think of reasons why Jesus wants us to be like little children.

Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world

What to Drink? Coffee, Coke, Cranberry Juice, Cider, Capri Sun, Hot Chocolate

What to Eat? Cheese, Crackers, Corn, Carrots, Carmel, Cake, Cup Cakes, Chicken, Chinese food, Cookies, Candy, Chocolate, Cranberries

Cake - Carrot Cake Recipe

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tbs. baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cooking oil
4 eggs
2 cups of grated carrott
1 cup drained crushed pinapple
1 cup chopped nuts

Icing:

1 pound of confectionary sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter
8 oz. of cream cheese
1 tbs. vanilla

Sift dry ingredients. Mix sugar and oil and eggs. Add dry ingredients. Stir in carrots, pineapple and nuts. Bake in oblong pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Books to Read and Products to Try this - B Week

Read some books and try some products that start with a C. Here's some we recommend. Please email us if you have any other suggestions.

Books to Read:





The Very Hungry Caterpillar board book by Eric Carle


(Board book - Mar 23, 1994)







The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (Hardcover - Mar 12, 1957)

Color of His Own (Hardcover)by Leo Lionni (Author)

Cowboys (All Aboard Books) (Paperback)by Lucille Recht Penner (Author)

Disney/Pixar: Cars Out for a Spin (Disney Presents a Pixar Film: Cars) (Hardcover)by tk (Author), Disney Storybook Artists (Author)

Products to Try:

Crayola Color Explosion Glow Board - My son just got this for Christmas. He loves it. It's really cool to see what you color in 3 d as well as glow in the dark.

Crayola Color Wonder Deluxe Set - These are the best! My son loves to color and has actually colored his rug but when he uses the color wonder, he can only color on the paper.

Disney Pixar Cars Supercharged 1:55 Die Cast Cars Assortment of 15 with Young MaterOther products by Disney = My son loves the movie Cars. He has so much fun playing with all the cars. Any of these toys will be great for your children and they will especially love it once they see the movie.

Fisher-Price T.M.X. Tickle Me Extreme Cookie Monster - Much like the Elmo. This is a great toy for your younger children. The kids love to laugh at the cookie monster.

Little Tikes Cozy Push&Ride Coupe - My child loves this and when I was young I had one too. This one the parents can poosh or you can buy the one that the child controls with his or her feet.

Places to Go This - C Week

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus picture

• Circus - Visit one in your area. Dress up like clowns and have your own circus today if there is not a circus around you. Here's the Ringling Brother's circus info in case they are visiting your area and you want tickets http://www.ringling.com/




• Church - Visit different churches. Explain to your children that there are different religions and that's why there are so many churches and why each church looks different.




• Craft - Attend a craft show or go to a craft store and let your child pick out some new craft to make.




• College - If you have an older child in college, take your children to visit him or her. Also, if you have a college in your area, take your children around the campus and explain the importance of higher education.




• Candy store- Go to a candy store and let your child pick out a special treat.

Some Activities for C-Week

1. Cat--Make a cat out of construction paper. Cut out parts for your children, and let them paste their cat on another large sheet of construction paper any way they want it to look. You'd be surprised at the variety they come up with! Here are the shapes you will need:
-large circle for the head
-small circles for the eyes
-large oval body
-small squares for the feet
-small triangle ears
-big triangle tail
-small triangle for the nose

2. Colors--Do a lot of creative coloring this week. Also, make a color chart: Cut out one 4"x6" piece of construction paper for each of these colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, brown, and purple. Write the name of the color on each rectangle. Now, cut out three shapes--a small circle, a small square, and a small triangle--for each color listed. Have the children match each shape to the correct color. Paste the shapes to the correct color 4"x6" rectangle.

3. Cross--Cut a cross shape out of construction paper. Have children color it, and discuss how Jesus died on the cross for us.

4. Clock--Make a pretend clock: Take a paper plate and number it like a clock. Cut a large hand and a small hand out of construction paper. Attach the hands with a clasp. Then, talk about time and how to tell what time it is on the clock.

C is for Compassion

Start this C- week off explaining the letter C. Write it down and see if your older children can write the letter. Ask them if they can think of any words that start with C.

This week focus on Compassion with your children. Explain to your children that others may not have it as well as they do. Some children don't have food to eat or clothes to wear. Explain that they can help others. Help your children feel compassion. Look for someone who is hurting, a sick neighbor or a lonely grandma living far away. Bake cookies for someone or send a letter to someone who is hurting or lonely. If you can, take a trip to visit a sick relative. They will appreciate more than you will ever know.

Save some of their allowance money for the church poor box. Gives toys or clothes away to the poor. Moms, these character traits that you take the time to teach while your children are young will serve them well in the years to come as they grow into mature, well formed Christian adults.

Tell your child that God is watching everything you do, to bless you not, to hurt you. You can't out give God, so as you bless others God in return blesses you. God is good!

1 Peter 3 8-9

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing."

Other Things to Do and Learn for B-Week

1. Balls--Learn and play a variety of ball games. Some ideas are baseball, basketball, football, kick ball, tennis or ping-pong. Make it simple and gear the game toward your child's age group.

2. Beach--Have an indoor beach party. Use your imagination. Everyone get in bathing suits, and use hand lotion for sunscreen. Wear sunglasses; play beach ball. This is a great activity in the wintertime or as a rainy day alternative.

3. Body--Learn about the parts of your body. Can you name them? Brain and Back are b-words--where are they?

4. Babies--Learn about babies. Jesus came as a baby; read the story of the nativity. If you have a baby of your own, have children learn to feed, clothes, change, and bathe baby (use a doll if no baby is available).

5. Bunny--Do the Bunny Hop! Get a cd with the song or just make up your own tune. "Put your right foot forward. Put your left foot back. Do the bunny hop. Hop, hop, hop..."

Water Balloon Toss

6. Balloons--Blow up balloons. Make up some balloon games, such as playing catch or baseball with balloons. If you can go outside, fill balloons with water and play a game of balloon toss.

What to Drink? Banana smoothie, Buttermilk (just a taste)

What to Eat? Have your child taste foods that start with B. Biscuits, Balone, Banana, Bread, Baked Beans, Black Beans, Breakfast, Blueberries, Blueberry yogurt.

Make Banana Bread together:

Banana Bread Recipe

1/4 c butter

1/2 c brown sugar

1 egg beaten

1 cup of bran cereal or uncooked oatmeal

4-5 ripe bananas

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 c chopped pecans or 1/2 c crunchy peanut butter

Cream together butter and sugar until light. Add egg and mix. Then add cereal, bananas and vanilla. Stir then combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and add to first mixture, stirring only long enough to moisten the flour. Bake in greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for one hour or until cooked.

Books to Read and Products to try this - B Week

Books start with the letter B. It's a great thing to read to your children and teach them the joy of reading. This B week, you can make a book. Cut out pictures from a magazine and pate them on construction paper. Punch a hole at the corner of each page. Attach a string. Then talk about a book. Make up your own story. Moms can write what the child says under each page.

Also, you can make a bookmark for your books this week. Cut a 2" by 6" piece of construction paper. Let your children decorate it with crayons, paint or cutouts. Use in children's Bible to mark their place.

You can buy some new books or go to the Library and check out some. Here are a couple of our favorite ones.

Books:

Good Night, Sweet Butterflies (Mini Edition): A Color Dreamland (Hardcover)by Dawn Bentley (Author), Melanie Gerth (Creator), Heather Cahoon (Illustrator)

Butterfly Kisses (Little Golden Book) (Hardcover)by Bob Carlisle (Author), Brooke Carlisle (Author) "Forever and for always- That's how a Daddy loves his girl..." (more)







Row, Row, Row Your Boat (Board Books for Babies) (Board book)by Annie Kubler (Illustrator)





Little Bear's Little Boat (Hardcover)by Eve Bunting (Author), Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator) "Little Bear loved his little boat..." (more) Key Phrases: Huckleberry Lake





How Many Blue Birds Flew Away?: A Counting Book with a Difference (Hardcover)by Paul Giganti (Author), Donald Crews (Illustrator)






Products:

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper - My 10 month old loves this toy. It is so fun for him to see the balls blow up and down.

Motorized Bubble Blower - Go out and buy some bubbles or blow bubbles if you already have them. This bubble blower may make your job a lot easier. My kids love bubbles and can play with them for hours. They have so much fun popping the bubbles.

Little Tykes Jump and Slide Bouncer: This product has been a lifesaver. It allows my boys to get their energy out and safely bounce.

Moose Mountain 100 Balls with Duffel Bag - Create a ball pit. If you don't have one, buy the balls and put them in your inflatable pool. Since it's cold out, your probably not using the pool so why not bring it inside and fill it with Balls and you have your own ball pit.

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier - Any of these will work. Just pick the color you like. This is by far the easiest carrier to put on and take off. I still use it since my children like to be held so much. I took it with me to Disney and my son even slept in it.

Places to Go This - B Week

BOATING
Go to the Lake and watch boats. Count how many boats there are and how many blue or black boats you see. If you live in a warmer climate, you can take a boat ride or go somewhere there are bumper boats. If you do go for a boat ride remember safety first and use a life jacket.

Ball Park

Go to a Baseball or Basketball game. Talk about the two different sports. Go to the park and play a baseball or basketball game with friends. Teach your children the song, "Take Me out to the Ball Game." Learn the history of this song:

According to the Wikipedia. The words were written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who while riding a subway train, was inspired by a sign that said "Baseball Today — Polo Grounds". The words were set to music by Albert Von Tilzer, although neither had ever seen a baseball game. (Norworth and Von Tilzer finally saw their first Major League Baseball games 32 and 20 years later, respectively.) The song was first sung by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes and popularized by various vaudeville acts. Norworth wrote an alternative version of the song in 1927. Norworth, with his wife, also wrote "Shine On, Harvest Moon."

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

1908 Version
Author: Jack Norworth

Composer: Albert Von Tilzer

Published on: 1908, 1927

Published by: York Music Company

Katie Casey was base ball mad.Had the fever and had it bad;Just to root for the home town crew,Ev'ry sou Katie blew.On a Saturday, he young beauCalled to see if she'd like to go,To see a show but Miss Kate said,"No, I'll tell you what you can do."

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."

Katie Casey saw all the games,Knew the players by their first names;Told the umpire he was wrong,All along good and strong.When the score was just two to two,Katie Casey knew what to do,Just to cheer up the boys she knew,She made the gang sing this song:

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, your out,At the old ball game."

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

1927 Version
Author: Jack Norworth ©

Composer: Albert Von Tilzer

Published on: 1908, 1927

Published by: York Music Company

Nelly Kelly love baseball games,Knew the players, knew all their names,You could see her there ev'ry day,Shout "Hurray," when they'd play.Her boy friend by the name of JoeSaid, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go,"Then Nelly started to fret and pout,And to him I heard her shout.

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."

Nelly Kelly was sure some fan,She would root just like any man,Told the umpire he was wrong,All along, good and strong.When the score was just two to two,Nelly Kelly knew what to do,Just to cheer up the boys she knew,She made the gang sing this song.

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."
Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Reference

Ballet

Go to a Ballet or take your child to watch ballet class and if he or she is interested. Have them start taking classes. You can rent a video on ballet and watch a video on the ballet in case you don't have one in your town. Have your child dress up as a ballerina

Bus

Take a ride on a bus. It's bouncy and fun. You can sing the song, "The Wheels on The Bus." DLTK's Educational Activites Lyrics to

"The Wheels on the Bus"
The wheels on the bus go round and round,round and round,round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round,all through the town. (Roll hands around each other)

The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish;Swish, swish, swish;Swish, swish, swish.The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish,all through the town. ("Swish" hands in front of you like windshield wipers)

The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep;Beep, beep, beep;Beep, beep, beep.The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep,all through the town. (Slap palm in front of you like honking a horn)

The doors on the bus go open and shut;Open and shut;Open and shut.The doors on the bus go open and shut;all through the town. (Push hands back and forth in front of you)

The Driver on the bus says "Move on back,move on back, move on back;"The Driver on the bus says "Move on back",all through the town. (Point thumb over your shoulder)

The babies on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah;Wah, wah, wah;Wah, wah, wah".The babies on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah",all through the town. (Rub fists in front of eyes)

The mommies on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush;Shush, shush, shush;Shush, shush, shush."The mommies on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush"all through the town. (Hold index finger in front of mouth as if saying shhh)

You can also go buy the DVD The Wheels on the Bus

Bakery

Visit the local bakery. Learn about baking, and how to make breads and other bake goods. Let your child pick out some goodies to buy. You can even see if the baker will let your child watch while they bake something. Go home and pretend to be a baker. Bake cookies and let your child help decorate them.

Activity for this - B Week

• Discuss with your children the letter B and ask them if they can think of anything that starts with a B
• Draw or paint pictures of a Bear and Bird.
• Talk about Birds and make a bird feeder. Take a Pine Cone and cover it with Peanut Butter and roll the Pine Cone in bird seed. Attach a string to the Cone then hang the cone from a tree. Wait for the birds to come and watch them eat the food you placed on the bird feeder. Count the birds. See how many Blue, brown and black birds you see.
• Discuss colors that start with a B. Blue, Brown, Black and Burgundy.
• Cut out large construction paper shaped like butterfly wings. Have your child color the butterfly wings or paste designs to it. Then put on the wings and you all can be butterflies

B is for Beattitudes

Start B-week by teaching your children about the letter B. Have them work on writing the letter or draw a large B on a sheet of paper and help your child trace it (if you have a very young child, you can guide your child's finger to trace the letter). Then, work on the sound the letter B makes and see if you can come up with some words that start with B.

Remind them that the Bible actually starts with a B. Talk about the Bible as God's love letter to us. In it, we find the way to live, we find the way to comfort, and we find the way to love and begin to know God better. What is your favorite Bible story? Tell it to each other. Then, introduce the scripture for the week (The Beattitudes):

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Matthew 5:3-12

Read the Scripture aloud with your children and discuss what it means. This Scripture has a lot of good qualities to work on, and it reminds us that God is there even in our suffering. What does it mean to be meek or merciful? Can you think of a time when you were insulted or when you insulted someone else? Then, discuss ways you can live as Jesus described. What are some ways to work on being a peacemaker this week?

Other Things to Do This - A Week

• Alphabet: Since we all know the importance of the letters of the alphabet are, teach your children the Alphabet song this week: "A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z. Now I know my ABC's next time won't you sing with me?"
• Arm and Ankle: Explain to your children the different body parts of the body that start with an A - Your arm and ankle. Let them understand what your arm does and how it moves as well as the importance of your ankle. Ask your children to show you where their arm and ankle are?
• Address: Teach your children their address - just in case your child is lost, they can tell another adult where they live. Explain to your child not to give his or her address to strangers unless they are lost.
• Age: How old are you? Ask your child his or her age? Show them how old they are and how old you and daddy are as well as their brother or sister. Write the Numbers down so they can see the difference in ages.
• Alike: Talk to your children about things that are alike. Apes & Monkeys are alike. How are they alike. Have a conversation with your preschooler about things that they think are alike. Draw a diagram with rows and columns like this: In each block created, draw letters, shapes and happy/sad faces. Draw two pictures per block and ask your child to pick out the block which contains the same item. Have them circle each pair of objects that are Alike.
• Adam: Read the story about Adam and Eve from the children's Bible. Talk about God's love and how God created Adam.
• Ark: Read the story of Noah's Ark. Talk about Noah and his family and how God protected them the great flood. Noah, his family and all the animals were safe on the Ark that God told Noah to build. Ask your child what animals were on the Ark?
• Angel: Since Christmas was such a short time ago, discuss angels. Talk about the Angel Gabriel. Tell how angels are messengers from God and are sent to protect us. Can you think of a time an angel protected you? One of my favorite prayers is about angels. We say it every time we get in the car and every night before we go to sleep. "Angel of God my guardian dear to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen." Also, you can cut out wings from construction paper and have your children be angels with wings. You can decorate them with glitter or markers. Your children can fly around the room. If it's snowing in your town, go out side and make snow angels in the yard.
• Amen: Means so it be. We say it at the end of prayers. Ask your child to think of a prayer where we say Amen?

What to Drink: Give your child Apple Juice today and explain how it is made from Apples.

What to Eat:

Have a taste test of foods that start with an A. Apples, Applesauce, Apricots, Almonds, American Cheese, Avocado

Apple Carrot Raisin Bread:

Recipe from a friend:

1/4 cup Crisco

2/3 cup Sugar

1/2 tsp. grated Lemon peel

2 Eggs - beaten

1 cup of Raisins

1 1/2 cup grated apple

1/2 cup grated carrot

2 cups sifted flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

Cream together Crisco, sugar and lemon peel. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Pour into greased pan. Bake 325 for 1 hour. Turn out on wire rack and cool before slicing.

Or you can make an apple pie together.

Books to Read and Products to Try for A-Week

Reading is one of the best ways to explore a new topic, and research shows that reading to your children at an early age, strengthens their vocabulary. So, try to make reading a part of your everyday routine, and since we are going through the alphabet one letter at a time, it is fun to focus on books associated with the week's letter. There are so many books out there that explore things starting with the letter A. Here are a few of our favorites to try with your children this week:





Books:

Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitten
"For preschool passengers . . . uses rhyming couplets to wax poetic about air travel . . . A final page labels and describes plane and airport parts."










My Big Animal Book by Roger Priddy
This is a great picture book to teach your child the names of various animals along with the sounds they make.

















James Balog's Animals A to Z by James Balog
Another great picture book but it also introduces the entire alphabet.














Curious George's First Word at the Aquarium by H.A. and Margaret Rey




















The Ocean Book: Aquarium and Seaside Activities and Ideas for All Ages
This one's for kids who are a little older and it includes all kinds of fun activities.






If you don't have the money to purchase new books, you can always make a weekly trip to the library and search for books on the topics for the week. Some of our favorite toys also start with the letter A, so take at look at these great products to try:





Products:






The Little People Airplane and Airport

Melissa and Doug is one of our very favorite brands, and this puzzle includes lots of farm animals.

The LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set is great for keeping the children entertained while you're busy in the kitchen.

Places To Go This A Week

Airport

There is something magical about going to the airport even if your not flying out that day. It's fun to see the planes take off and land and if your a people watcher it's fun to watch people from all over the world. If it's a rainy day or you are unable to get to the airport. You can bring the airport to your home. Take your kitchen chairs and set them up next to each other for a pilot and co pilot then put two chairs behind them in an isle so that you have passengers. Grab your pretend steering wheel and have your child pilot the plane to far away land. Your flight attendent can even serve small drinks and snacks. If you live in a small town and don't have large airport nearby, you can go to the small airport and watch the little planes take off and land. Bring a picnic lunch and watch the planes and discuss the concept of airplanes and how they carry people from one place to another a lot faster than traveling in the car.

And as a last resort, you can stretch your arms out like an airplane and you be the airplane. Take a pretend trip to Disney, the beach or the mountains. Let your children decide where. Also, you can make paper airplanes and have them fly off the couch mountain or see whose plane can go the furthest.


Art Museum

To get in touch with your children's creative side take them to the Art Museum. Have them look at different pictures and ask them what they see in each picture. When they get home, let them be an artist and have them paint pictures of what they saw at the museum.


Aquarium

If you live near an aquarium, take your children there this week. Talk about creation and how God created all different types of fish. Every fish looks different just like all children look different but in God's eyes, all fish and all children are beautiful and He loves them all the same. If you don't have an aquarium near you, you can buy an aquarium and have the children pick out the fish and other items to put in it. If you don't want a new pet, you can go to the pet store and look at all the aquariums and discuss the different animals there.

Be The Best Mom You Can Be From A to Z in 2008

Happy New Year! Here it is 2008, we have decided to use our experience and our wisdom to help Moms be the best they can be this year. This site is started by Ellen Mongan a mother of seven children and a Christian writer and speaker, as well as her daughters, Tarolyn and Amanda. As mothers, we all need someone to turn to for ideas and information on raising children the best way we can. Our goal is to make this happen. Check our site daily for ideas to entertain your kids and keep your sanity as a mom, while at the same time raising your children in a Christian environment. We plan to offer different types of tips each day. Each week will be centered on a letter to help teach your children the alphabet.

Monday: Scripture and Attribute for the Week
Tuesday: Creative Play/ At-Home Activities
Wednesday: Places To Go
Thursday: Books to Read/Products to Try
Friday: Other Things to Do and Learn
On the weekends, we may offer new photos or something funny that day.

Since the New Year starts on a Tuesday, we still wanted to add an Attribute for the week. This week we can focus on our Attitude. As moms, sometimes it's hard to keep a positive attitude. But, the Bible teaches: "Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble." (1 Peter 3:8). Our children are always watching us. We should make it our goal to always be positive in our relationships with them and with others. Often, when I am angry at someone, I will work on being extra positive and nice to that person, and it's amazing how doing something so simple can take away the anger and replace it with an even more positive attitude. So, let's focus, this year and this week, on how we can be the best moms in 2008.


Here's today's activity tip:

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"... Vow today to have a healthy New year. Focus on making healthy, kid-friendly snacks and meals. You can start in small ways. Did you know McDonald's now sells apples? Buy them instead of fries.

Here's a fun activity to share with your children as you encourage them to eat a healthy snack: Draw a picture of an apple and have your child paint it red, using markers, crayons, or paint. If you're not that creative, you can print a picture of an apple off the computer and let your child color it. If you're feeling really creative, you can use the flat-side of a halved apple as a stamp (dip the apple half in red paint and press onto white paper). After finishing your craft, cut an apple and have apples and peanut butter as your healthy snack to start the New Year off right. Apples are a great alternative to chips and can also be used to teach your child about fractions or parts to a whole. You can even use the painted apples as a place mat. If you have a laminating machine, this would work out great; if not, just hang your child's art on the refrigerator to remind the whole family to eat healthy in 2008.