Monday, February 24, 2014

Snow Globe Flashback!

Hey everyone!  This a flashback post to last year February.  It may be too late now, but pin it for next year!  I just love this project so much and I love how it turns out!  
I even had this project published in the Scholastic Instructor Magazine!!
Check it out here:
 http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/craft-activity-learning-fun

Thank you also for all your wonderful comments and prayers for Mason.  I have a quick update all the way at the bottom! :)

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This is a SUPER FUN project!!
Snow globes!
Now, I cannot take any kind of credit for this adorable project.  My fab teammate made these when she taught kinders and she shared with us! (however, I'll show you how we spruced it up a bit).
Tell your kiddos that they will using their imaginations to think of what it would be like to live in a snow globe.
Then you have to start by taking pictures of your kids individually as they "act" like they are in a snow globe.  I had kids that were shivering, laying on the ground making a snow angel, throwing a snowball (wad of paper), one kid had fists in air and yelling like he wanted out (Um SO cute!!). OH and have them get in their full winter gear too (hat, gloves, scarf etc!)
Then print those and get a parent helper to cut them out completely around the shape of the child.  Print them large enough so that they will be visible in the globe. (4X6)
Next, have the child write using this paper:
 click to grab if you want a copy- sorry it's a scan so I hope the quality is ok
Then you will need a globe/base template- I am SO sorry that I don't have this to share at the moment- but if you trace the outside of a 7" plate and then include a bottom that you glue the above onto- that is all you need!  (see samples below).  Pre- trace for the kids on different colors (I just did blues and purples). 
They cut out, glue their completed writing paper, and now decorate in the "globe" by adding themselves.  You can have them add snow by ripping the top of a 1/2 circle if you want.  They are C- U - T -E and would make a great display!
Here's how to do the rest:
 You will need "fake snow." 
 Put some "snow" on the center of the globe.
 Using a hot glue gun, cover the outside edge of a 7" clear plate with glue.  Then attach to the globe part.  The plates were bought at Party City.
Here are some finished ones:


 Hehe... she is catching snowflakes! :)
 I wish this wasn't so hard to see because it turned out SO cute... she is "shivering" but I love her boots and everything... it just fits so perfectly!
Yes, he is trying to get out! (in his writing he says...I don't want to get sick and I'm hungry-- ha!!)
When my co-worker taught K she made this project with just a snowman (pre-cut and kids added face etc) and they cut the snow globe out.  There was just a base- no writing.  See sample below.

Instead of the fake snow you can also use tissue paper strips as you see here.  

I hope this is a project that you can use in your classroom!

*****

I am pleased to say that Mason is doing quite well (knocking on wood!!).  He has gained over a pound since birth.  He is now about 3 pounds 12 ounces (was 2 pounds 8 ounces at birth).  AND he has graduated into CLOTHES!  This is a big deal as little guys have to figure out how to regulate their body temperature and that can be tricky with clothes on!

Here are some pics:





Trying to dress a preemie in clothes is quite a challenge- just look at all those wires! :)

Thank you SO much for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.  It means so much to me and my family!  Love you!


Friday, February 21, 2014

Do you remember me?

Hey everyone!
So I know it's been a while.
In fact...it's been so long that I almost forgot how to blog.
Seriously people.

But I'm back... for the moment.
To share a bit of where I have been.
Because frankly, I need your prayers, love, and support.

Do you remember when I shared that I was pregnant?
Yeah, that was such a happy time :)

Do you remember my due date?
It's ok... I will tell you...
April 16th.

So, on January 16th I was admitted to the hospital.  On January 24th Mason Robert was born.

Mason- 2.8 pounds
14" long

I was happy and terrified all at the same time.
You see... this all happened once before.

My first son ALSO came at 28 weeks.

Michael- 2.6 pounds
14.5 inches

I guess you could say it's my "thing."
As my friend said... I don't have a bun in the oven, I have a bun in the microwave-
DING
times up!

So I know you are wondering...
how's the baby!?

Well, we are NOT out of the woods, but at the moment he is doing just fine.

Eating and growing.

I am telling you all of this because I WANT to get back to blogging but my plan is to share some older things while I work on operation get Mason home. :)

I'd like to do some flashback posts, BUT I will also include some Mason updates at the bottom.
Look for the first one soon!

Thanks for your understanding as I get my life back in order. :)


Love to you all!