What are you thankful for craft

Here is a craft idea from Disney that I have simplified material wise for my MAD Family Fun Friends. It is not only beautiful but meaningful too! You can use it as a center piece as well.

Materials

• Flowerpot
• Sand or stones
• Bare tree branch
• Colored construction paper
• Scissors
• Marker
• Straightened paper clips

Instructions

• Fill a flowerpot with sand or stones and set in a shapely bare tree branch.
• Next, cut a pile of leaf shapes from colored construction paper.
• As your guests arrive or your family members, have them take a leaf and, with a marker, write their name and the date on one side and something they're grateful for on the other.
• To decorate your tree, push a straightened paper clip through the stem of each leaf and hang it in place.

Pilgrim Hat Craft

So I wanted to make Pilgrim hats with my son, so I googled the idea. Do you know how many different ways there are to make a Pilgrim hat!?!??! I finally found one that was simple and didn't require me to go buy anything extra.

Don't worry if you don't have poster board for the band, just use multiple layers of construction paper to give the band some sturdiness. And if you don't have gray paper, just use white or have your child do some coloring!

Have fun with this and I would LOVE to see some photos of you all in your hats!

Make a popsicle stick flag

Celebrate Veteran's Day by making this popsicle stick flag!

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day. But what does that mean?

Well Veteran's Day (originally called Armistice Day) came about in 1919. It was to remember the end of WWII “the war to end all wars,” which happened at a ceases fire at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month. Over time congress has passed bills turning Armistice Day into our modern Veteran's Day.

But what does it all mean????? Well the best way to put it is today is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Now I know a lot of people are anti-war or don't believe in the cause that some of the wars/actions/conflicts were based on. And to that I say everyone has the right to an opinion. But try to remember you have that right because our Veterans fought so you could have it.

So today, take a minute to thank a service person. They are easy to spot when they are in uniform, but check out the hats some of the older generation wear and you will see names of ships or other hints that they are veterans too. Make a point of walking up and shaking their hand and saying thank you. This is something I (and now I am teaching my son) to do, everyday, not just on Veteran's Day. If they are at dinner with family, say excuse me first, but thank them AND their family. Their family had to face time without them while they were defending out freedoms.

Both of my Grandfathers were in WWII and I am sorry for the things they faced, but thankful for their sacrifice so I and my family have the right to be free.

Where's the beef

Do you remember that commercial from your younger days? I do! And now it's back and you have a chance to win a FREE Where's the beef shirt! Wendy's will be giving 3,000 of them away and it is so easy to enter.

Once you visit the link above, each time you click next, there are games you can play (but you can just keep hitting next and pass them.) At the end it will ask you a question (it has been "All of the above" every time I look at it) and then takes your info. You get to chooses which style/color of shirt and size. I went for small so our Fun Tester could have it. He loves free stuff.

So what are you waiting for? get over there and enter for a chance to win a free shirt!

Free fun on Saturday

Looking for something FREE and fun to do? Why not try Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics!

This Saturday (Nov. 12th) the kids will be making this cool science lab.

And On Nov. 19th the project is this adorable Santa Sled.

Sit still with math skills

Don't you love going to restaurants that have activity placemats to keep your kids busy till the food hits the table? Well here are some printable math skill placemats you can use at Thanksgiving while the kiddos wait for all the grub to hit the table!

Shhh, don't tell them they are learning!