Our Family Circus

I skip church on Sunday nights, I confess, I do! To make matters worse, I drop the kids off for childcare at the church and then leave-it is typically a no, no but... I skip church and go up the street to my neighbor's home where I get to hang out with some precious young woman! It is without a doubt one of the highlights of my week! We challenge one another! This past week it was to learn a few scripture verses. As the girls recited, I allowed them to reach into my goodie bag and draw out a prize but I wanted to let them know how precious they are to me as well, so this is what God put on my heart..... It is a tiny thing but I hope as they head back to school they will be reminded of how precious they are! Go ahead, STEAL this idea for a student you love! SHOUT OUT....thanks Katie for taking a picture!

Our preschooler loves to make things. In fact her participation in story time at the library, church, and whatever she creates at home has left us with A LOT of artwork. Our artist is also very attached to her stuff. But we found the ticket to contain all this talent! I picked up a scrapbook at a garage sale. She puts her artwork in it instead of the fridge, her desk, floor...all the usually places. This is her Art Portfolio and it contains the best! She helps to decide which pieces go into the portfolio and which go into the recycling bin or are shared with others. This has cut down on the clutter for us and has given her a sense of pride in her creations. It stores easily by sliding onto the bookcase and she can add to it for years. It worked for us, maybe it will for you too!

Do you know that there are no governmental restricitions for how loud a child's toy can be? Even worse, young children put those noisy things right up to their ears. I heard this trick and it is so working for us. We have used it with many toys! Simply, take clear tape and tape over the speaker. It is amazing the difference. Just might save their hearing long enough for them to damage it themselves in the teenage years.