Our Deck

A few years ago my handy husband built a deck that sits in our front yard made from wood he salvaged from a new neighborhood that was being built down the road from us.  An amazing thing happened after the deck was finished.  As bizarre as it sounds, it has made being outdoors more interesting.  Our BBQ pit (doesn’t every Texas home have one) sits right beside the deck.  My homemade (from freecycle remnants) bench sits on the end closest to the BBQ pit (for chillin’ out while your BB-quin’).  And, we’ve placed a few potted fruit trees on the corners along with some roses.

It’s absolutely wonderful for laying on your back and watching shooting stars or jumping off of in pursuit of fireflies.  My in-laws come up on their way to feed the chickens and sit down for a spell on our deck.  It’s the meeting spot for our family.  My son and his grandparents use it as the airplane when they play army and it’s base when we play tag.  And now our above-ground pool resides on it for the summer.  Despite having a porch, which we merely use for relaxing, our deck is the launching pad for our outdoor entertainment.

I hope this summer that your family finds their own “deck’ and happy place outside – the place where you gather to enjoy each other and the nature that surrounds you – whether you’re in the country or in your own backyard in a neighborhood.

A Year of Family Worship: The Bible Story

The Bible Story Books.

You have probably seen those blue hardback Bible Story books in the doctor’s office, dentist office, or hospital. I remember my mother reading stories from them while we sat for what seemed like hours in the waiting room at the doctors office when I was a little girl. We didn’t own a set of our own back then. Well, now I have a set of my own. In fact, in our house, we have several sets and even recently purchased a set for each of our children. We found used sets on ebay.

I highly recommend you purchase a set for your own home, if you have not already! The books authored by Arthur Maxwell, are written in a classic story like fashion. The illustrations are charming. But the most important thing about these books, would have to be that they teach you the Bible! They are perfect for children and parents alike! If you are a mom, like me, who didn’t grow up with a solid knowledge of the Bible and the stories, this 10 volume set is perfect! You will learn so much from just reading the stories.

From The Bible Story Book Website:

Imagine for a moment your family sitting down together for a regular Bible story at bedtime. That’s better than some silly—or disturbing—television program, isn’t it? And it’s a wonderful influence for good…

Each short, five-minute chapter in The Bible Story can help give your children the strength to stand up to the temptations they face. Each story can help build a foundation of values upon which your children can establish happy and successful lives.

• Easy to read and understand
• 411 stories in 10 volumes
• 1,200 color illustrations
• Stories are true to the Bible

You should visit their website, and learn more. And if you can’t afford the price of new books, get some used ones! They are usually in excellent condition! These books will be a welcome addition to your Family Worship time.

* * * * *

Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!

If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.

• You can grab a button for A Year of Family Worship to add to your own blog here.

If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!

Rejoice! For He is Risen!

As Easter or (as I prefer to call it) Resurrection Day approaches, I thought it would be fun to share some great resources with you that you can use this Spring to celebrate all that He has done for us.

Read the Easter Story

¹In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

²And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

³His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

⁴And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

⁵And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

⁶He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

⁷And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

⁸And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

⁹And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

¹⁰Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

¹¹Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

¹²And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

¹³Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

¹⁴And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

¹⁵So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28, King James Version)

A Year of Family Worship

• Memory Verse: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6
• Resurrection Cookies
• Resurrection Eggs

In the Kitchen

• Resurrection Rolls
• Parmesan  Popovers
• Lemon Pie Bars
• Lemon Snowball Cookies
• Lemon Chess Pie
• Easter Recipes
• Passover Recipes
• Bunny Cupcakes
• Jelly Bean Carrots
• Sheep Cake

In the Garden

• Free Milkweed Seeds – Help the Monarch Butterflies
• Free Seed Exchange
• How to Make a Newspaper Pot – video

Everyday Crafts

• Easter Handprint Lilies
• Easter Sheep Eggs
• Lamb Place Card Holder
• Lamb Pin

Home Education

• Easter Lapbook
• Clouds Art Show
• Watercolor Lilypads Lesson
• Easter Math Drills
• Make Your Own Easter Worksheets
• Easter Resources for Teachers

Nature Study

• Birdcall Memory Game
• Spring Nature Walk Worksheet
• Table Top Garden Worksheet
• Journey North

Resurrection Cookies

We will be making this recipe on Saturday night. It has been a few years since we have made them and the children are excited!

Resurrection Cookies

You will need:

1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:

These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.

*** (this is very important — don’t wait until you are half done with the recipe).

Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Rainy Day Fun

This year, it seems as if there has been more rain than ever. Some of you have seen a lot of snow and have been snowed in your homes with the kiddos. If you’ve been snowed in or just stuck inside on a rainy day, here are a couple of fun and edible ways to brighten up your day!

First, on our agenda is a recipe for Play Dough Cookies. I have tried this recipe, and had a ton of fun making them! A friend and I decided to make them during Christmas, although neither of us have children. My nephew thought the cookies “looked cool”, like a large lollipop. I’m sure that children of any age would enjoy this! They are fun, bright and very delicious! We found this recipe on The Secret is in the Sauce blog.

Play Dough Cookies

3/4 cup butter
3 ounces cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 and 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
assorted food coloring (gel or paste works best)
*We used gel food coloring, and it was an absolute success!*

1. In a bowl cream butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

2. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir until soft dough forms. Divide dough into Fourths. Tint each with a different food coloring.

Wrap in plastic and chill for two hours. (I stuck it in the freezer for 15 minutes because I hate to wait!)

3. Preheat oven to 350. Shape colors into 3/4 inch balls.

For each cookie place one pink, one orange, one green, and one blue ball together and roll to make one giant ball. Roll into a 12 inch long snake, and then starting at one end coil roll to make a cookie.Place cookies 2 to 3 inches apart on greased cookie sheet to allow for spreading.

4. Bake for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

We found that by placing the rolled balls back in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes, they were easier to roll out into snakes for some adorable cookies! Here, they are – the finished product!

Next, we are going to make homemade Play-Doh! Since it is homemade, it is also edible. I know that, as a child, my brother and I often considered eating the store bought kind. So mothers, never fear! Your child is safe to eat your “Play Dough”.

Play Dough for Kids

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tbsp. oil
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
Food coloring/flavoring (optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute or until mixture begins to get thick. Pour onto wax paper and knead. Put into a zipper bag to keep fresh and soft.

To color:

Put amount of dough you wish to color in a zipper bag. Drop food coloring into bag with dough and knead while in bag.

I hope you have a fantastic time making the “Play Dough” and Play Dough cookies! The cookies are absolutely delicious, and definitely picture worthy! I have had a great time making each of these recipes. It might be said that I, too am just a big kid.

So, if you ever find yourself (and your children) stuck inside on a cold, nasty day grab up these recipes and prepare to brighten your day!

Creating and Preserving Thanksgiving Memories

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. Families around the country gather to spend the day together, eat a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and yet each famiily has its own traditions and its own unique ways of interacting with one another.

If you are like me, you enjoy setting a pretty table, creating delectable foods to enjoy, and making the day a real treat for your loved ones.

Why not take the time to take good photos of the table, or the food, and of the family gathered together around the table, in the kitchen, or piled on the couch around the football game? Once the photos are developed you can have lots of fun and create a memory book or layout of your Thanksgiving Day.

1. Recipe Memories. Does your grandma always bring the stuffing? Or maybe Aunt Martha has a legendary Chess Pie. Maybe a new recipe you tried has now become a hands down favorite. Make a Thanksgiving Recipes Scrapbook. Take a picture of the dish. Ask your Grandma to handwrite her recipe for the stuffing on a pretty Autumn recipe card. You will forever cherish her handwriting and the recipe can be passed down from generation to generation! You can print free recipe cards from www.alenkasprintables.com.

2. The Thanksgiving Table. After you have set the table ever so carefully, added your final touches, snap a photo at a couple of different angles. You might even want to focus on certain details like place cards or your Thanksgiving salt and pepper shakers. When doing your layout, add a list of your menu, a sample place card, and any other special mementos.

3. My Favorite Things. Create a list of all your favorite things about Thanksgiving. My Favorite Pie, My Favorite Smell, My Favorite Sound, My Favorite Activity, etc. You might even ask your husband and children to add their own lists.

4. I am Thankful For… You can create a layout of different  photos, i.e. photo of the family together, one of the table, one of the food, etc., and make a bullet style list of your blessings.

5. Scarp an Activity. Why no preserve the fun of the Thanksgiving football game, or maybe your family likes to play a particular game after the meal every year. Those are memories that will mean the most long after everyone has forgotten that the green bean casserole burned, or that the pumpkin pie was out of this world yummy.

6. Record the Past. Sometimes we don’t have photos of memorable family gatherings. But you don’t need a photo to create a great scrapbook page! Record a favorite story or stories of your Favorite Thanksgiving or Dad’s Thanksgiving Football Fumble. Whatever it is, you should record the memory for your children and future generations. People don’t tell stories the way they did years ago. Children learn a lot about where they come from when they hear stories of family members that perhaps are no longer around or won’t be when they are old enough to remember.

7. Mama, the Cook. Ask your husband to take candid photos of you whgile you prepare the Thanksgiving meal. Or sneak around the kitchen while your own mother/ family member cooks! Take lots of photos to ensure that you have plenty of usuable ones. Record the memories of your apron and about the bowl you always use to make cornbread stuffing and about where you got the recipes you use today. Photos of you covered in flour may not be your idea of a flattering shot, but just make sure that you dress neatly, do your hair and makeup and smile a lot! Your children will love photos of you in the kitchen the way they remember you.

8. The Day After. Why not scrapbook about the day after? Lots of families go on their mego shopping sprees each year on the day after Thanksgiving. Why not make it even more memorable by taking photos of the vent. You could even plan a party for the evening with Thanksgiving leftovers and some additional easy snack recipes.

9. Thanksgiving Titles and Quotes.

- Give Thanks

- Turkey Day

- Tom Turkey

- Pumpkin Pie and Me

- Count Your Blessings

- Thanksgiving Memories

- Thanksgiving and Football … Oh My!

- American Pie

- Gobble, Gobble

- Little Turkey’s

- My Favorite Thanksgiving

- From My Table

- Let’s Get Stuffed!

- Pass the Pie

- Thanksgiving Traditions

- Happy Harvest

10. Scrapbooking Freebies. You can visit the following sites for more ideas, printables, and freebies:

Creating Keepsakes

Alenkas Printables

Shabby Princess

Tips for Teaching Your Children to be More Thankful

As the mother of five children, I have realized that children are not always as thankful as they should be. In fact, children can be downright greedy at times and you may wonder how it was possible that you gave birth to such a selfish creature.

So, how do we, as moms, teach our children that life is not always easy and they should be thankful for all that they have and that they should appreciate what others have done for them or given them? Here are some easy ways you can incorporate being thankful in your everyday life.

1. Model Thankful Behavior. This may seem like an obvious one, but how often do you remember to say thank you when someone does something for you? How often do you tell your children how thankful you are that have a warm home, or a full fridge, or even a friendly pet? We should be thankful for all things in this life. Tonight as you sit together at the dinner table begin a new conversation with the words, “I am so thankful for …” even if all you can think to be thankful for is the fact that your family is together. And remember to be thankful all year round – not just during the holiday season!

2. Let Your Children Contribute. Kids like to feel they are contributing something worthwhile to others. Whether it be helping you set the table, or baking cookies for a neighbor, or raking leaves for an elderly person, children will be more thankful if they feel they are helpful to others. A good lesson can be learned from volunteering time at a local soup kitchen or other charity. It never hurts for children to realize there are others who are less fortunate than they are.

3. Don’t Bombard Children with Too Much Stuff. Kids are like sponges. They will grab up as much stuff as they can. Has your child ever had a case of the GIMMES? Once they get it, it can be a hard task to change their selfish attitude to one of thankfulness. One word: PURGE! Give excess to the needy.

4. Keep a Family Blessings Journal. Record happy events, fun memories and other notes on Friday evening after supper. From time to time reread the entries.

Fingerpaint Recipes

Jell-O Fingerpaint

Ingredients:
Flavored Jell-o or other brand of gelatin
Boiling Water

Instructions:
With an adult’s help, empty packet of gelatin into a small bowl. Add just enough water to make gelatin the consistency of fingerpaint. Tastes good too!

Kool-Aide Finger Paint

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 packs of unsweetened Kool-Aid
1/2 cup salt
3 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons oil

Instructions:
With and adult’s help, mix all ingredients together.

Sidewalk Paint

Ingredients:
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
6 – 8 drops food coloring (or to desired shade)

Instructions:
Mix ingredients together. Repeat to make different colors. Washes off easily.

Making the Sabbath a Delight

Isaiah 58:13 (NIV): “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord ’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words . . .”

Many people have a hard time discovering how to make the Sabbath a delight. As a guide, consider that the Sabbath was intended to be a time for spiritual and physical refreshment; a time to get to know God better and be physically renewed to face another week (Exodus 20:8-11).

I. Notice the sort of things that Jesus did on Sabbath. There are a total of ten recorded incidences in which Jesus did something on Sabbath.

A. Eating

• Picking grain with the disciples (Matthew 12)
• Eating with one of the chief Pharisees (Luke 14:1)B. Healing
• Man with crippled hand (Mark 3:1)
• Crippled man by the pool (John 5:2)
• Blind man receives sight (John 9)
• A woman relieved of an 18-year infirmity (Luke 13)C. Teaching in the synagogue
• Matthew 12:9
• Mark 1:21
• Mark 6:2D. Resting
• In the tomb (Matthew 27:58-60)Note: In no place do we find Jesus saying, “It’s been a tough week. Let’s sleep the day away!” There is no indication from the actions of Christ that the day was designed for inactivity. The only time we find Him resting on Sabbath was when He was DEAD.

II. What are some things that would be good to do on Sabbath? The following suggestions may help:

1. Visit a Sabbath-keeper you’ve never visited before.

2. Put a nature puzzle together.

3. Have a special family worship: Have each family member bring an object and tell how it reminds them of God.

4. Do a topical Bible study on a subject that interests you.

5. Read a good devotional book.

6. Count how many colors of flowers are in bloom near you.

7. Learn the difference between trees (tree identification).

8. Visit someone who is sick.

9. Visit someone who didn’t come to church today.

10. Visit someone who might be discouraged or hurting.

11. Offer to take the children of a single parent on a nature walk.

12. Learn a new Sabbath song.

13. Write an “I missed you” post card to everyone you missed at church today.

14. Read the words to hymns.

15. Take some home-grown food to someone who might be tight financially, and stay for a brief visit.

16. Make a “family tradition” Sabbath meal – something everyone likes, but easy to fix.

17. Sing songs around the piano (yours or someone else’s).

18. Have a meal with a friend.

19. Share what the Lord means to you with your own family.

20. Read or tell Bible stories to your children.

21. Invite someone to your home that doesn’t usually get asked home with anyone.

22. Have a group over, and show slides or videos of things God has made.

23. Listen to Christian music.

24. Start a Sabbath box for children: Special things for children to only do on Sabbath. Don’t have children? Help someone who does to create one or ask several children of similar age over for Sabbath fun.

25. Play charades with Primary age children – act out Bible characters and stories.

26. Divide kids, Primary – Teens, into teams and go into nature with a pan of sand. Ask each team to illustrate a Bible story in their sand pan, using objects in nature for characters, scenes, etc. Then have each team try to guess the other team’s story.

27. Bible crosswords.

28. Bible games (available at Christian book stores.)

29. Pray alone – OUTSIDE.

30. Teach values to your children.

31. Friday evening: Have sundown worship.

32. Weekend camping trip.

33. Study a certain thing (animal, flower, etc.) that you are not very familiar with.

34. Ask children if they have any questions about your religion. Give them time and REALLY listen.

35. Study the work of angels.

36. Spend a thoughtful hour contemplating the life of Christ, especially the final scenes.

37. Pray for victory over specific sins in your life.

38. Pray for the family you plan to visit NEXT.

39. Watch the sun set in SILENCE one Sabbath.

40. Watch the sun set and talk about it next Sabbath.

41. Call someone who wasn’t at church.

42. Review notes or tapes of an evangelistic meeting you really enjoyed.

43. Tell someone what brought you to the Lord, or to join the church.

44. Share with someone else something you really enjoyed doing on the Sabbath.

45. Spend time alone with God.

46. Tell your spouse something you appreciate about him or her (in the area of religion, if possible).

47. Volunteer to tell a mission story or children’s story at church.

48. Visit a nursing home.

49. Visit prison inmates; get involved in a prison ministry if one exists in your area. If not consider starting one.

50. Men: Spend some time with a boy who doesn’t have a Father figure. Share Jesus with him after you make friends.

51. Visit an orphanage.

52. Read stories in Sabbath School handouts (such as Guide or Little Friend).

53. Think of some special request for your home in heaven, and ASK for it!

54. Try to imagine what your house will look like in heaven.

55. Think of what you would like to ask Jesus when you get to heaven.

56. Who is the next person you would like to see? What would you say?

57. Imagine the person you didn’t get along with in elementary school as your next-door-neighbor in heaven.

58. Study the Sabbath School lesson.

59. Visit a widow or shut-in.

60. Set a goal to visit/pray with everyone listed in the church directory within a year. Start today!

61. Take a tape to someone who missed the sermon.

62. Have worship outdoors.

63. Write a letter to Jesus.

64. Review your baptismal vows.

65. Start a Sabbath afternoon Story Hour for children.

66. Invite guests at church home for lunch.

67. Invite the Junior/Teen class to your home for vespers.

68. Learn a memory verse.

69. Read a portion of Scripture or listen to the Bible on tape.

70. Study a particular Bible character.

71. Invite someone home that you don’t think can return the favor.

72. Give someone a ride to church.

73. Go to vespers (sundown worship service) at church. Get involved.

74. Make a list: What are you thankful for?

75. Start a prayer request list.

76. Make written records of answers to prayer. File them, and review periodically.

77. Take spiritual magazines, books, or papers to people you think might appreciate them.

78. Study Church History.

79. Read good Christian books.

80. Friday evening: Study the stars. Use a telescope or binoculars if possible.

81. Explore a new nature trail.

82. Show your pet you care about him/her.

83. Do something for “The least of these” (Matthew 25:40).

84. Ask the pastor for a name of someone who might appreciate a Bible study or Christian friend.

85. Take a meal to a widower.

86. Show appreciation to someone that has been a blessing in your life.

87. Share an answer to prayer with someone.

88. Join a singing band and visit a local hospital or nursing home.

89. Study a parable that Jesus told.

90. Friday sundown: Turn off the lights, and use candles or fireplace to give a peaceful atmosphere.

91. Give each member of your family a note of appreciation at sundown Friday.

92. Praise the Lord!

93. Read a Psalm.

94. Spend the afternoon in a national forest. Make a list of the things that remind you of God’s love.

95. Read Revelation 21. Study the foundation stones for the Holy City. List their colors; consider their size, etc.

96. Try to imagine living where there is no sickness, death, or pain.

97. Go to church.

98. Invite someone to attend church with you.

99. Talk with the oldest member of your church about what God has done for them.

100. Decide as a family what you plan to do next Sabbath.

Glenn Holland pastors a church in the Columbia Union Conference.

Summer Fun Ideas

Summer is a time for adventure. Children especially enjoy doing new and creative things during the summer. My goal for this page is to provide activities that will bring enjoyment to your family’s summer.

Our family recently went to the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The children had a great time learning about the trees that had turned to stone thousands of years ago. We purchased each child his/her own National Park Passport. Each time we visit a National Park, National Historic Site, or National Monument they will get to have their passports stamped with the date and name of the location. They were very excited to get their’s stamped.

We also bought an Annual National Park Pass which we felt was a great investment. We then went to the Grand Canyon. The children had their passports stamped when we arrived at the Visitor’s Center. We had a picnic and went to look out over the Grand Canyon. They were in awe of the vastness of it. We plan to go back many more times.

Many of the National Parks such as the grand canyon have “Junior Ranger” programs for children. When your family visits a park be sure to ask about it. Your child completes a few activites to help the environment and can then be presented with a certificate and patch.

To learn more about how you can use the National Parks as an educational tool visit the Parks as Classrooms website.

So, I hope that you will have “Fun in the Sun” this summer and create memories to last a lifetime!

Summer Fun Activities

National Parks to Visit:

These are parks that we have either visited or plan to visit this summer. The National Park Service does a tremdous job maintaining these sites for our enjoyment. Remember to help preserve these parks by not trampling and not taking pieces of our history. For instance, much of the petrified wood at the Petrified Forest in Arizona has been stolen over the last century. Leave it the way you found it so the next person can enjoy it too!

• Summer Scrapbook – Help your child create a Travel Journal or Summer Scrapbook. Include trips to state parks, national parks, vacations, trips to visit relatives, etc. Encourage your child to record special moments with words as well as pictures. Your child may even want to draw a picture about something your family did over the summer. If he or she went to summer camp include letters he/she received, names and addresses of friends he/she met, activities they did, pictures, favorite meal, favorite activity, least favorite food, funniest moment, etc.

Our son is going to camp later this summer and he has a small journal to take with him so he can record these things while he is there. Summer camp is a great experience for most kids. He had a blast last summer!
If you would like to take a look at the camp he is going to click here: Pine Springs Ranch

• Build a Volcano – Make a paper mache volcano out of an old bottle, masking tape, and newspaper. Paint green and brown after it dries. To make the volcano explode pour 1 cup of vinegar into the bottle and add red food coloring. When ready for the “explosion” add 4 Tbl. of baking soda. Stand back and watch!

• Play Dough – Mix 1 cup salt, 1 1/4 cup water, and 3 cups of flour. Store in fridge when not using. You can add paste food coloring to make rich colors or create a scupture and paint after alowing to dry. To speed drying, place the dough art in a warm oven. Be sure to not let it scorch!

• Slime – Mix 1 part white glue and 1 part liquid starch. Let stand for a few minutes. Knead mixture until it becomes amazingly goopey.

• Paper Mache Recipe – Mix 1 part flour with 2 parts water until thick like glue. Add a little salt to retard mold.

• Wave Maker – Fill old plastic soda bottle half way with water. Add blue food coloring. Fill til almost full with vegetable oil. Glue cap in place to ensure no leaks. Gently move bottle to make waves. If you shake it, the oil may become cloudy.

• Summer Picnics
  Our family loves to take picnics. In fact, rather than eating out while vacationing, we usually purchase salads and fruits and sandwich stuffs at the grocery store.

• Fun Science – Why doesn’t the acid in your stomach burn through? Find out why at this website: Mucus

More Ideas

Another idea for fun during anytime of the year is visiting Old Ghost Towns. We have many ghost towns in our area and have visited several. We are planning a day trip to Calico, CA. Oatman, AZ is just down the road from us and you can watch bank robbers shoot out in the streets. The history is fascinating!

• Ghost Towns
• Ghost Towns of the West
• Death Valley Ghost Towns
• Ghost Towns of the Rocky Mountains

For some great craft ideas check out:

• MakingFriends.com
• DLTK’s Crafts for Kids
• Geology Crafts for Kids
• Arts & Crafts for Kids – Moms Online
• Kids Domain Craft Exchange

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