My sweet friend, Lindsey, makes these darling fabric crayon rolls. And, as you know, I've illustrated three fabulous coloring books for my girls. So we realized our clever little creations make the perfect pair for a giveaway!
The winner of this contest will receive three hand-drawn digital coloring books (Capital ABCs, Lowercase abcs, and #1-20) and a super stylish fabric crayon roll from Lindsey's shop.
To enter, please leave a comment here about an idea (craft, theme, activity, game, recipe, etc.) you'd like to see posted on flipflops and applesauce. Or ask me a question about myself or my life or any philosophical quandaries you've been pondering.
*Please note I will not be able to answer personal questions about the girls.
The winner will be announced in one week, on Wednesday, February 4th.
Posts
192 comments:
First of all I would like to tell you how much I love your family story. I look forward to each chapter when you post them. As for a craft, I have a 5, 3, and 1 year old and I would love any suggestions for a good craft that would be interesting and fun enough for my older kids that would also work for my one year old who sooooo wants to be involved!
Your illustrations are fantastic! My 4 year old nephew would love these! What manipulative/tactile activities do you have to offer?
Deborah @ Comfort Joy Designs
comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com
comfortjoydesigns{AT}gmail{DOT}com
I absolutely love your blog! You are such a wonderful mother and I wish I could be half as crafty as you are! I would probably love to see posts on field trips! And more recipes!!
I'm a recent arrival, but enjoy hearing your story and seeing craft ideas, even though my oldest is only two. I'd love to see crafts or games with recycled things from around the house. :)
I also am loving hearing your story of how you became a family... keep them coming, so wonderful to read!!!
I love all that you do. I would love any ideas geared more towards boys if you have any or ones you do with the girls could be manipulated toward boys.... not that yours aren't universal... my boys just aren't too crafty, but I am...and I want them to be too!!!
A really good craft that we just did for Valentine's Day was this: A Valentine Wreath
-Take a paper plate and cut out the whole middle part leaving only a 1 to 2 inch circle for your wreath.
-Cut out lots of hearts in differnt shades of reds, pinks, and patterned paper of those same colors.
-Glue or tape them all around your paper plate and put a piece of yarn to hang it from.
More valentines ideas please!!
Cheers
What a fantastic story you've got!
How do you come up with your ideas for crafts? I keep stealing projects from other bloggers, but my own ideas seem to come very slowly.
i love you, your blog, your precious family story. i'm sooo thankful to have found you on here!
?-i have 2 boys that appear to be very uninterested in any type of craft. they are 3&1...any suggestions?
?-do you have ideas for beginning letting writing and cutting?
?-do you guys have a set schedule every day? if so can you share it? i just can't imagine doing all the crafts y'all do and still having time to do errands, cleaning, etc.!
?-i also want to know how in the world you come up with all these amazing ideas?!
You are so creative and motivated. I find myself looking around wondering what to do now with my 7 yo whom I homeschool. Since his two older siblings are 13 and 10 years older than him, he's like an only child and very much dependent on me to entertain him. Sadly, the television gets to entertain him a great deal. What keeps you motivated when you don't feel like it? What's your go-to resource?
Thanks.
I really enjoy reading all of your ideas for entertaining children. Your coloring books are fantastic. My question for you is: How do you get a stubborn 4 year old to take liquid medicine when it tastes horrible. My granddaughter has a nasty ear infection and refuses to take her meds. She even will go so far as to throw up! She needs to take her med. Thanks so much.
Cheryl Sims
Hi, what a wonderful giveaway! I was wondering how do you get your girls to try new foods? I have twin girls and one is very picky and I have a hard time getting her to try different food. I love all your crafts that you share - my girls love doing crafts!
I have been following your blog now for a few months and I have to tell you I love it! I was adopted at the age of three and so your family story really warms my heart in a unique way. Thanks so much for sharing about your family.
I also have two young girls. They are both SUPER picky eaters and I have a hard time getting them to eat anything. So recently, with my oldest I started a "Taste Club." Once a week I have a "Taste Club" day. On that day I make sure to have 2-4 new foods to try throughout the day. For every new food she tires she gets a punch in her "Taste Club" card. When she fills up her card we pick something special to do together. It has worked wonderfully and also added a few new foods to her diet!
I love your blog and have used many of your ideas with my 2 girls~ages 3 and 5. We LOVE to play board games as a family. Sequence for Kids and Guess Who are 2 of our top favorites! Do you guys enjoy playing games as a family? If so, which ones are your favorites? Have you ever made up a game that you would like to share?
I love your blog! Your recipes and arts and craft ideas are superb. I have a 3 year old and we are always trying new ideas that we find on your blog. I appreciate your creativity because that is one area I am lacking :-)
I was wondering where you find your inspiration for all your crafts?
I have just recently discovered your blog thanks to your sister Lisa. Both of you are very good! My question is the following: what do you do with all these crafts (store them or trah them after a while)
Thanks!
Cathy
It's been so fun to follow your blog! You have so many great ideas I can't think of many others...well, how about some edible crafts that involve baking? or...nature crafts. I know you do these already but these are the kind of things we do and it would be great to see your take on it all
I Love waking up to my e-mail from flipflops and applesauce!!!
Now for a craft idea...
Let's give equal time to Mr. Groundhog!!
Here is my favorite song for that day..
Start singing it a week or 2 before February 2
Where oh where is Mr. Groundhog?
Where oh where is Mr. Groundhog?
Where oh where is Mr. Groundhog?
Sleeping in his burrow.
Shhhh he's peeking out of his burrow.
Shhhh he's peeking out of his burrow.
Shhhh he's peeking out of his burrow.
Oh what will he see???
Mr.Groundhog saw his shadow ...
Mr.Groundhog saw his shadow ...
Mr.Groundhog saw his shadow ...
6 more weeks of winter!!!
or… after viewing Punxsutawney Phil’s site :
http://www.groundhog.org/
Spring is here today!
I love your blog, I especially enjoy the How You Became a Family Series. My son is only three, so some of the crafts/activities are too old for him. But, I need some advice on how to get past the mess of doing a project with him, and also how to not care if it doesn't turn out.....I'm a little bit of a perfectionist like that. I'm afraid I am ruining his creative bug when I "help" him put the eyes in the right place, etc.
Did you start babysitting the girls with the intentions of becoming their foster parents?
I would love some more ideas about projects that use the coloring books.
Loved the idea about how to learn phone numbers. Do you have hints on how to start writing letters for kids with not a lot of fine motor skills?
My daughter is going to be 2 just after Valentines day. I am going to have a fun birthday party for her and her friends and would love some ideas for all those little 2yr olds to do! We normally love painting, coloring, and creating so I have lots of supplies, I just don't know what to do with a large group that won't be too disasterous ;-)
Thanks so much in advance! I love your blog and LOVE the ideas. You all are so creative!
Thanks,
Kelly P
suncatcher:
put pieces of yarn, sequins, tissue paper and other colorful things on a piece of contact paper, cover it with another piece to seal it and cut it into an interesting shape--a heart, maybe, for valentine's day? punch a hole in the top, add some string and you've got a lovely sun catcher!
Thanks for the giveaway---my girls and I love your blog!
Alana
I have no ideas to share with you - I get a lot of my ideas FROM you!!! Thank you so much for sharing your life with the girls on your blog... I love reading your blog and seeing what you're doing each day!
I just love your blog and would be so excited if I won this prize!
Do you have any ideas for cooking with kids?
I love hearing your story of you, your husband and the girls. I do not have any questions for you right now - I am just loving your blog! Kenna
have been reading your blog for sometime and enjoy it thoroughly!!!
i have baked the pumpkin spice muffins a few times (once for my dgtr's 4th bday party) and everyone loved them!
would like to see more recipes!!!
I love your site and use your ideas all the time! Thank you!!!
With your background in childcare/education and as a hands-on Mama- my question is how to get over your children reaching milestones without feeling sadness that they aren't little babies anymore. My oldest recently started tying his own shoes and I am feeling a little misty. Oh brother!!! Please give me ideas on how to get over it already!!!!
I just recently found your blog and love it! What a cute giveaway... my kids would love it! As for a new craft... maybe something with cars and I say that mostly because I have 3 boys who love cars! I do have one sweet girl who love this giveaway! Your girls are beautiful!
My favorite thing to do with the little kids and the big kids is make play dough! We've been making a ton lately because of the yucky weather. I also have a friend who makes edible play dough with her 2 year old. I haven't tried it yet, but I thought it was a fabulous idea.
If you post about either of these, of course, feel free to use your own recipe. BUT here's the link to the play dough we make:
http://picturethis-cm.blogspot.com/2008/07/we-made-play-dough.html
and here's the link to my friend's edible play dough:
http://ourfoody.blogspot.com/2009/01/edible-playdough.html
Thanks for everything,Chrissie.
These crayon rolls are beautiful and fun and we would just love to have your wonderful coloring book!!
Have a blast giving these away!
We love your blog! My seven year old will say" I wanna do a craft, Mom! Let's check out 'flipflops and applesauce'! We do and always find amazing crafts from everyday things that leave why wondering why I didn't think of it?!? My question is : "Why is your blog named "Flipflops and Applesauce?" Maybe you've already disclosed this, but I'd love to know! My kids are 7,5,3, and 1. We would love a crayon roll and lots of pages to color! Thanks, Lori
What a great contest - thanks for the chance to win!!
My best crafty activity lately was, my daughter (3y) and I took her maze/abc/book that you write in and only get to use them once and put them in a binder with sheet protectors. It's awesome that she can now do them over and over again with dry erase markers!!!
I love coming to your blog and finding so many ideas to use with my children - thanks soooo much!
I have piles and piles of felt and would like to teach my 6 year old Daughter some very basic beginner sewing stitches OR at least find some more uses for all of this felt - I have it in all kinds of wonderful colours! Any suggestions for what we can do with it? I also have a 4 year old boy who would love to join in the craft at his level.
Thank you.
I have a newly turned one year old (her party went fabulous and the artwork was a HUGE hit!). Our favorite thing to do with a friend (I babysit another her age) is to finger paint with baby food. Just this last week, we "graduated" to finger painting with colored cool whip. The girls love it, its okay if they eat it, and it washes off super easily.
I would love to win your collection, as I have yet to purchase them. And I've been wanting one of those crayon rolls forever. Maybe having each crayon in its own space would start my daughter on an organized, ocd path like me :-)
I would love to see more coloring books, especially ones with a learning theme, like opposites, shapes, etc. Thanks for your great blog!
Beth @ Apples and Jammies
applesandjammies.blogspot.com
We love you over at www.ChicaAndJo.com, your ideas are an inspiration for us. We especially like your creative coloring book designs and thought that you could easily alter your designs to make some fantastic ABC flashcards. We would love to see them made available.
I can't wait to here each chapter in your family story. My 6 year old would love a crayon roll. On child #3 I finally got a "colorer"! I used to love to color growing up. I love all of your ideas. I guess - keep them coming. I loke ideas that center around holidays. I have boys a little older than yours. Thanks for the oopurtunity! Kim R.
I love reading your blog! I have an 18 month old at home, and I can't wait until the day we can start doing some of your activites together! I love all the crafting ideas you provide and I have enjoyed reading about your family's story! I would love to see some kid friendly recipes. Can't wait to keep reading about all that you are doing with the girls!
Always enjoy your site and we have done many craft ideas from it. My son loves animals so i would love some more animal craft ideas!!!
I just wanted to tell you that I love reading your blog. Wonderful read! My question for you is, what is your favorite family dinner?? I have such a hard time pleasing all three of my kids at dinner time.
I am loving your story and eagerly await installment nine! :)
Love all of your craft ideas and your coloring books are adorable. Would love to see ideas for spring.
Oh I want to win this one so bad! You're coloring books are simply the cutest ever!
So, knowing that you're a preschool teacher, what advice can you give to help me get my soon-to-be 5yo son interested in school? We homeschool and I'm having a heck of a time getting him to even want to do school.
Thanks!
I too love reading your family story. It's positive and uplifting - thanks for sharing it.
I have grandbabies -- and I need ideas on how to steer them away from treats and more towards fruit. Any thoughts?
I would like to see party game ideas maybe for adults and kids. And more crafts for boys! I'm at a loss for boy goodies! Thanks!
I'm a new arrival..but love that you've devoted a blog to "family togetherness". I'd love to see some of your ideas on family nights. We try to have a theme one night a week. (Magic, bowling, snowman, chef..etc.) We try to incorporate a craft/game; dinner and dessert into the theme. My 2 and 4 year olds LOVE IT.
Wow, what a cute giveaway! I have a question. How do you and Lindsey know each other? You're both so creative! I love reading both of your blogs as well as your sister, Lisa's.
Do you set aside time to do crafts with the girls each day and time to come up with creative ideas yourself?
I was adopted (much earlier than your girls) and I love hearing about how your beautiful family has come together.
Thanks for sharing your story and your creativity!
i absolutely love you web site & all of the fun ideas. i would love to see more ideas for younger kids and some easy, fun recipes to get the kids involved!
What a fabulous contest! I have enjoyed reading the other comments and have gotten some great ideas (L-O-V-E the "Taste Club" --- BRILLIANT!)
I would love to hear your fave pull-it-together-quick meal tips. I have a lengthy commute and get home when my kids (4 and 1.5) are ravenous. What do the girls ask for over and over and over and...
Thanks!
Kristen
I love your blog . . . love your family story . . . hate how you leave us hanging :) . . . I bought your uppecase alphabet and it is beyond adorable! My lil girl loves coloring the letters! I would like to see more recipes and more of your art! Thanks, Kristen
kristofer312 at gmail dot com
My kids are older so I am at a loss to ask a craft question. I usually just let them go at it and do whatever they want. I love your story!
Hi! I love your blog and would love to win the giveaway! Your coloring books look great! I have 4little ones (all under the age of 3!). They love to color on blank paper but my question is...how do I get them interested in coloring books? They don't seem to want to color on top of things...thanks!
Martha
www.theconfettichronicles.blogspot.com
mmgayle@unitedco.net
I would love to hear how your keep all of your arts and craft supplies organized. (and maybe how to keep them organized in a small space.) You seem to have oodles of supplies and I can only imagine how they are stored.
THanks
love hearing your story of becoming a family. being an adoptive mother myself i love hearing these type of stories. you are so crafty. i love seeing recipes to help get a picky eater (ds is disabled and has issues) eat more veggies that he can't see without lots of sugar.
i love reading about your family coming together! we are mom and dad to four kids ... two that are here and two that are in haiti waiting on our adoption to be final. we're also mom and dad to a sweet girl from haiti while she's here getting surgery.
my question is this .... i'm NOT crafty ... not at all. what can a non crafty mom have in her house to help with the non-craftiness? my kids do great stuff at school, and i love that but i'm not very good at initiating stuff here. i have two boys (maybe that is why) but one of them is very artsy and i know would love it but i'm just not that good at it!!!!
love your site! my daughters b-day party is in a couple weeks, what are some fun indoor games you could play?winter b-days are hard! fingers crossed.
The blog world is so crazy! I found your sisters site through someone else's blog and have heard about her all over the place now. I stumbled across your blog through someone else completely different, so I was so surprised when I realized you were sisters!
I love hearing about your story with your girls. My hubby and I are also foster parents with the hopes of adoption perhaps this year. What advice might you have for others who are considering foster care/adoption? Your story might just be a trigger to make your readers aware of this huge need in our country!
I enjoy your ideas...though my two year old is not old enough for most of them yet. I look forward te being able to do more activities as he gets older!
I would love someone's opinion on creating a learning environment during the summer months. From a teacher's standpoint how can parents be more supportive of helping children love to learn? Also I would love to see other websites that help children with musical concepts. Thanks! I love your blog, it's the first one I check on my rounds:)
I love your blog!
My question is this: do you guys play with play-dough or any other kind of clay? If not play-dough, what do you use?
Thanks!
mamaredhead (at) gmail (dot) com
i would love to see more recipes that are easy for the little ones to "help" with - i have a two and a half year old.
i also love your holiday crafts! wouldn't mind seeing more :)
I love your blog and all the ideas. I am looking for Christmas craft and advent ideas because I am working on my 09 Advent for my girls. Do you do an advent?
I loved your family story and I get excited when a new chapter is posted. I have a two year old who loves to do crafts and I was wondering if you had suggestions that work well for that age group..
I loved reading your story about how you met the girls and seeing all of your fun art things!
I am an elementary art teacher and have a art lesson that my little kids & big kids really like (Kinder - 5th grade). They are pretty much paper sculptures. You can use paper you do not want - recycled paper or students can color both sides to make their sculpture really colorful. They cut the paper into strips then start gluing or taping away making sure their paper is not flat. They can go as high and as wide as they can until they run out of paper. You can find pictures here:
http://elizabethbrackin.blogspot.com
I love reading about your adoption journey. It's very different from mine, but the heart is the same. Adoption is such a blessing.
As for an idea - I don't know. Just keep doing what you are doing! Great blog. Thanks.
I'd love to see a color book about colors!
Super Cute!!!
You are so clever. Could you help me out with some fun ideas for crafty Valentines projects?
I'd love to see some fun projects with clay, like magnets and some space-themed crafts since that is the theme of my twin boys' 5th bday party in April!
THANKS!
Project idea: How 'bout some good old-fashioned soup can stilts with painted cans and twine! :)
I would loooove the coloring books and crayon roll! :) We are starting the foster-adopt process. Hopefully a sister or 2 for my boys in the year to come! :) I love reading your story.
My favorite craft came about with the last minute need to come up with something for my daughter's classroom Christmas party. We made little sheep Christmas ornaments - although they could easily just be cute little sheep.
1 - make a fluffy pom-pom (Wrap a thick cream colored wool yarn around a deck of cards 40+ times, pull the yarn off, pinch the center, wrap around center with a rubber band, cut the loops)
2 - trim the pom-pom into a oval shape
3 - cut a black pipe cleaner in half and push through the center of the pom-pom, then bend them in half to make the legs
4 - cut a sheep head shape out of stiff black felt and glue on one end of the pom-pom
We simply added a red ribbon (threaded through the rubberband) to make it an ornament, but you could just leave that off and use it as a craft during Easter (lamb of God, etc.) I think it would also be cute to use black yarn and white felt.
After writing this out, I have a new found respect for explaining crafts! How do you do it? I really should send you a picture to show the end result.
Thank you for sharing your gifts with us all. It makes such a difference in the everyday lives of so many families.
I love this idea! What products do you use in your hair??
I would love to see a project to watch something grow. Planting something in a jar...My daughter would like that...
darcy
http://ittybittyblog.wordpress.com
Would love a not-too-messy Valentine's day craft for a group of 6 & 3 yr olds (we have a very LONG playdate planned for V-day!).
Just found your blog this month and am so enjoying it!
I love your coloring books....
I would love ideas on beginning letter writing and beginning reading.
I too would like to know what you do with all the crafts, paintings etc once they are finished. Rotate displaying them? Keep them in a certain area to keep forever? Keep some, throw some?
I have one son and he alone produces so much artwork from pre-school and at home with me. I'm still trying to fine tune how to organize it all and I have a hard time throwing his precious artwork away! :)
Love your blog!!
Hi,
I would love recipes. I have three boys, who like different things. I am always looking for creative ideas that everyone will love. Great giveaway..thank you.
~Corinne
I love your coloring books, but haven't ordered one yet.
I would like to see more "girly" crafts, since my little one is all about all things girl!
Thanks for the chance,
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
I am new to your blog - but I wonder how you bring all that creativity-time into your daily routine.
Love your drawings in the books.
I love all your craft ideas, simple cheap and soo cute. I would love cute ideas on storing all the cute things are kiddos make.
Chrissie, your coloring books are absolutely adorable! What about doing a 12 Days of Christmas one? When I first started reading your blog it was just before Christmas, and I thought about doing it, the 12 Days, for my kids, but unfortunately didn't get to it. Or even favorite Nursery Rhyme stories or favorite songs. I can only imagine how much fun the girls would have coloring their favorite song or story.
I would like some suggestions about creative ways of talking to your kids about their day and their feelings. We do something similar around the dinner table every night. We go around and ask everyone to say their "happy" and "sad" of the day. It really gets them talking. Also, as I am putting the kids to bed I talk to them about "what kind of feelings did you have today?" "what made you feel that way?" Etc. It is very interesting and I really believe it fosters the openness and communication in our home. I would love to see you post something similar to this. I love all of the activities and crafts (they are the best), but it would be nice to hear about different ideas of talking with kids. Thanks.
More Valentines Day related crafts! We love the ones you've posted so far!
I love all the great ideas on your blog BUT I have a daughter who is 14 months and another one on the way and would love some craft or creative ideas for younger kids. Also I would love if you posted some Crock Pot recipes! Thanks!
My kids love games. Any and all game idea's. Also, I am home with my 5 year old (while her sibs are in school) fun things we can do together that will help prepare her for kindergarten. Thanks! I love you blog.
oh oh...i need a simple DIY craft/activity for a three-year-old bday party (you know...leave it out on a table so they can do it at leisure) maybe with parents help or maybe not.
love you - lets get together soon.
I love your blog! I check it every day to see what you've come up with next! Thank you for staying on top of your posting & for offering giveaways like this!
My little one is almost one...so we're limited while crafting, but I love your ideas. She's just getting into coloring, so this would be perfect!
How about posting some valentine's day crafts?
TY for the sweet givaway!! I would really love to see more recipes :)
what is your favorite game to play as a family: store bought board game or made up yourself? We have a 3 year old and 6 year old and they love to play games now. We would love to add new games to our repertoire and start a family game night. Thanks for the lovely giveaway! So generous and fun!
I don't have a question or a suggestion!!! But, I do want you to know that I love reading your blog, and I LOVE your artwork! But, my favorite part of your blog is the story of how you became a family!! I eagerly await each new installment!!
February the 4th is the birthday of two of my children! They are two years apart but born on the same day - not our plan -God's!!! Maybe that will bring me some luck next Wed.!! :-)
I would like to know if you have ideas for birthday gifts children can easily make (with a little help) for friends.
This is a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance.
what an amazing story you have shared with the world! i'd love to see some ides for "memory" games - my nephew LOVES playing Memory (and is quite good!) keep up the great work! -kellsey
Love all your fun ideas!
How about a fun "Countdown to Kindergarten" activity?? My oldest daughter will be starting in the Fall and I'd love to have a fun way to countdown the time, but to also practice the skills she will need...and get excited!
Great giveaway! I'd love to see a craft using recycled boxes, tp rolls, etc. to maybe build a robot or car or something? :) My son loves to save these kind of things but I'm just not creative enough to come up with an idea that will work for building something. Love, love, love your blog!
I just made "Trinket Boxes" for my girls. I used a cottenelle flushable wipes container and sanded it lightly then painted it. I lined the inside with felt and decorated the outside with barettes from when they were babies. I even used their little headbands to go around the "lip" of the lid. Both girls love their new boxes!!
I'm always a fan of simple kid-friendly recipes that adults would actually WANT to eat.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE recipes where you take a boxed food and add a few other ingredients to make a different item.
We live in HOT HOT Phoenix AZ. I needed something to cool down my daughter's car seat in the summer. I looked on the internet and they were selling car seat coolers for over $100. Not wanting to pay that, I took a pillowcase and stitched in 4 ice packs (like you pack in lunches). I store it in the freezer when not in use and just grab it before we hit the road in the summer. The pillowcase is the perfect size for her car seat and I just tuck it in to keep it in place. She also likes to lay the cool pillowcase over her legs when we get in the car. I made it all for the cost of the 4 freezer ice packs (about $8).
I love all your ideas here and I did have one question do ya'll have plans to expand your family anymore?
Do you think you'll ever go back to teaching?
What a fun giveaway! I have a hard time coming up with easy, healthy side dishes for dinner...so any suggestions would be great! :)
My 4 year old would love these.
My question is what music do you and the girls enjoy listening to?
I enjoy reading your crafty ideas. I love that they are simple and from items that I have laying around the house. I would just like to see more of those! Thanks so much!
I am really enjoying reading your family story. I have worked in organizations that do "attachment" work with biological as well as adoptive and blended families, and I think your story would be an inspiration for that community.
I am wondering about crafts that are appropriate for younger children. (I have 2 year old twin Girls who love to color, but we have not gotten far past that!)
How cute! I would love to hear about what games you guys like to play at your house--homemade or not!
It is really exciting reading your stories about your family I love it! I do have questions regarding that but I am sure if I just wait it will be answered. :)
I would like to see some more ideas for making gifts for people, or for children.
I would love any new ideas about a art or craft to make with a 2 year old boy. It is so hard to come up with things that are easy enough for him to do but not too big of a mess either!
Those are great! I really enjoy visiting your website. Do you have any crafty ideas for 2.5 year old boys??
So cute! More crafts geared towards boys. I can't get my two five year olds to sit and "craft" to save my life!
I have to start by saying that i LOOOVE your blog!! Thank you for sharing your talents with others! And for the record, that cute crayon roll and fab coloring books would be the PERFECT addition to my home :) My question for you is: what do you do for your kids' bedtime routine? Also, more Valentine ideas would be fun!
As with everyone, I really enjoy your blog! I have two questions. First, when do you do the prep work for all you great crafts/projects? Second, my 3 yo son is really wanting to help especially with cleaning and cooking but I sometimes am at a loss with how to incorporate him. I certainly want to encourage him. Any ideas? Thanks!
Any ideas for crafts for little ones? My youngest is only 13 months and it's hard to do crafts with my oldest who is 3 because the little one can't do the same things!
Thanks for the great giveaway! Your coloring books are adorable!
I love your site and am thoroughly enjoying your family story.
I'd have to ask how you find enough time in the day for motherhood, blogging, arts and crafts, etc. Any helpful hints for time management. Also, ideas for crafts with recycled items from around the house.
Thanks!
I have discovered your blog this morning and I fell in love with it! Your profile description is so cool! I think just like you. Time with kids is more important than anything else!
My question: Do you have any idea for crafting with felt? Easy enough for young kids under 5 but cute? Thanks and I'll drop by often!!
I just love your blog. The coloring pages are beautiful and make me wish I were artistic.
This is GREAT! You know how much I love those coloring books! ;)
I want to know...how did you get started drawing, and what tips would you share for a budding little artist? My dd, 6, wants to be a cartoonist and a mommy someday! ;)
p.s. check out my blog... i gave you an award!
I'm a first time visitor to your blog. I was pointed here by Pleated Poppy, whom I love. I'll now be spending a good few hours tonight looking through your archives instead of sleeping. The bags that will appear under my eyes in the morning thank you! LOL!
I have no questions yet and can't offer a craft until I make sure I'm not just repeating. However, I've read through the comments and can't wait to peruse your highly recommended posts!
Thanks for offering this giveaway.
This is so cute!
I would love ideas about cute and relatively inexpensive gifts for teachers.
Thanks!
I have read your blog for a while, but never comment. I guess it is time to "de-lurk." I would love to see holiday inspired crafts as well as homemade gift ideas. BTW - I tried your chicken noodle soup recipe and all four of my kids loved it! Now that is saying something!
I loved the muffin tin snacks you were doing. It would be great to see more of those.
I love your blog, I always look forward to seeing what new thing you have done! My question is where do you get all your crafting ideas? They are always so fun and easy! Thanks for sharing them with us!
I love that you have been so open with your wonderful story of how your family came to be. As far as crafts go, I deal with having to modify activities for a 7 year old daughter and an (almost!) 3 year old son. It makes life interesting! I would love to know where you get your ideas for the coloring books.
I love all the crafts you do and the way you present them. Thank you! My 4-year old daughter thanks you, too.
How do organize your craft materials? And then what do you do with everything the girls make?!
Cute Giveaway!!!! I love your blog and I love seeing all of the cute crafts you do with your girls...Very inspirational!!! Christine at gabanni@verizon.net
My house is currently radiating the smell of your Grandma's chicken noodle soup simmering. Yum! I would love to see more easy and delicious recipes- I love seasonal one's like soup for winter, salad for summer, etc.
Your colouring books are absoultely adorable! I only wish I could draw one as cute as yours. The crayon roll is also to die for! I love the polka dots!
Thanks so much!
I am new to your site but I am glad I found it. I read the entire " Our Story " and I am so touched! You seem like such an amazing woman with a selfless heart. I can see that you are a wonderful mom, too! I look forward to reading more chapters.
The giveaway is great. I have 2 boys 3 and 4 1/2. So this would be perfect for them. Thanks for letting me play.
Oh my question, "What do you do to unwind?"
I love your story of your family; I would like to adopt someday, and stories like yours are an inspiration to me.
Hmm, a craft. If you haven't done rock painting with the girls, then you should definitely try it. I have done ladybugs with a couple of classes now and the kids loved it. To put the black polka dots on, just use a Q-tip. :)
I would like to see some St Patricks Day crafts or recipes. I especially lik kid friendly recipes!!! Love tat crayone roll! it is really cute and handy!
I don't know if this is too personal about the girls but what do they call you and your husband? U am curious about it. I love your family story and am disappointed everytime I come to the end of one . . . I want more! I love all your crafts!
I have had a terrible time finding crafts to do with my 2 year old. He LOVES to draw and color, but I want to do more. Could you give some ideas?
i would like to see some kind of a recipe that is fun to make with kids but creative.
I'm trying to teach my daughter Spanish and think it would be awesome if you'd illustrate numbers and letters in spanish!
such a great idea. we love our coloring books :o) if we win the coloring books we will be gifting them to a friend...
i would like to know how you store your girls' projects and where/how you display them. do you keep all their creations or do some find their way to the trash can?
what is your favorite vacation? relaxing or funfilled. love the blog!
I found my way to your blog via Lisa's blog and I'm so glad I did! I have two little girls as well and they are quite crafty, so we love your ideas! SInce you use a lot of recycled, re-purposed items in your crafts, I'd love to see if you have any good Valentine's card ideas using recycled items! Thank you!! :)
I wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your family story. It's wonderful story and I look forward to each new chapter.
As others mentioned, I would love to see some crafts that could also be geared towards boys and/or crafts made from recycled items around the house. (I keep saving things and can't think of what to do with them!)
I just found your blog from the Pleated Poppy and your coloring book idea is just adorable!!! Perfect for my little nephew who is just learning so much.
I always love learning new recipes I can share with my children.
Thank you for this chance!
Love your blog, and have enjoyed reading your family story, chapter by chapter. You are so creative! Do you have a background in art?
We just made Ice Cream Cones out of Bugles. We dipped them in almond bark, and stuck an M&M inside it. You get the salty and sweat together and it easy for the kids. I had about 7; 3-5 year olds here today and each made a tray full to take home. Fun and yummy.
Hey Chrissie,
You are so AWESOME!!!
Question(s) for you:
How do you find time to do all these projects? Do you plan the week of activities on Sunday so you can gather the supplies?
Are the girls ever not interested in a project? Are they bored if you don't have an activity planned for the day?
Let's do dinner soon. KCK CLUB!!!
Kelly C'de Baca
onceuponacupcake.net
Wow! There are 136 comments at the time of my comment. I didn't know so many people read this blog!
Our family was formed in a wonderfully unique way, too. I would love some help coming up with ways to depict our story in a book (or something else tangible) so I can retell it again and again to our kids.
We have mementos from our journey, but I want a way to put them together into a true story - not just a scrapbook.
I love your illustrations and wish we could work together to pair pictures with our story.
First off, love the blog...I have been "starring" the posts on my reader for future use.
I need some birthday party ideas, my son will be 2 in April. Any craft projects that the parents (moms) could maybe do while the kids are playing?
I love your blog! I posted on link on my crafty blog mommy creations. I loved doing crafts as I grew up and hope my daughter will too. I had a craft idea similar to the crayon roll. I made an apron that had spots to hold crayons and a little pad of paper along the bottom. It turned out really cute and then it can be an apron for kids to wear why doing crafts.
I would like to see some more crafts on re-using items you would normally throw away. For example: yogurt containers, take home food containers, water bottles, etc.
Thanks!
I LOVE your books and the crayon roll is adorable!
What sort of ideas do you have for teacher appreciation? not formal gifts, but something that child can give knowing it came from them and that the teacher will really appreciate and not throw away at the end of the day?
I just started reading your blog and I love all the projects. My questions are, have one of your girls ever not wanted to do an art project you had planned for them? did you have a backup project or did they simply color or paint etc.? what was your girls fav projects as 2 year olds?
Hi, Many congratulations on the great blog. Your posts are absolutely spell-binding ! The creative ideas, and tutorials are awesome !! And a great give-away too !
Maybe I will love to see some more recipes of yours. How do you get your girls to eat variety of vegetables without making a fuss?
Love,
Shrenika(India).
I am really enjoying learning about how you guys became a family. You are all so blessed:-)
I would love to see more sensory activities
WOW! 145 comments! You rock!
Thanks so much for the info on adoption. It was sweet of you to respond so quickly!
My question, what age level do you teach? What is your best teaching resource? I have returned to school to finish my early childhood degree and would love anu input that you would have!
with a 2 and 4 year old in my house, your blog is perfect for me....so many wonderful ideas...thank you! keep the recipes coming too...I have a challenging eater...any new ideas would be great! thanks for the giveaway!
I'm new to your blog, but am so excited for some help being creative with my kids! One thing I'm doing with my 4 year old right now is we bought a journal type notebook and (about) once a week he writes another letter of the alphabet, thinks of an item that starts with that letter and draws it. At the end of the year it will be fun to look back and see the progression of his writing and drawing.
I am a "Virgin" to your blog, this is my first time! I love love love it! The great idea about the white crayon/watercolors, I am so using that in my classroom! I can't wait to read more! My question is: how do you do all of this and stay sane??? I need about 14 more hours in my day!
I love reading your blog, especially your family story. I don't even have kids but plan to use your ideas when babysitting the nephews (or sometimes...as an adult...it is still fun to make crafts...) I also got hooked through Lisa's blog, which I got hooked on from my BFF, who I met at Grace when I was Poly student. Small world.
So my craft idea...is...well, I saw this on another site as a Christmas Card idea, but it would be equally feasible for Valentines card prints. (or any print.)
I published it here for simplicity: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcgpcxxw_9c4bmpjd4
Oh! What a fun giveaway! I would love to see what fun things you do for meal time, if the girls help you much, and what are some of their favorite things to cook with Mama.
I absolutely love reading the stories on your blog-- so magical. I would love to see what you do with the girls when they have too much energy. I have a very active 2.5 yr. old little boy and he is very physically active. Thanks!
www.repurposeful.wordpress.com
I would love a craft to do with 1 1/2 year olds...I have twin girls and they love to color, but I have not done much else with them. Ideas would be great!
I am new to your blog, but I look forward to coming back for more great ideas and learning about your family story.
Melissa
Question - How is that you think your family seems to fit so wonderfully together as if you gave birth to the girls? Idea - Simple Paper folding projects??????
yay!! wonderful give away! i love crafts with toilet paper rolls, but i run out of ideas very quickly!
For valentines day one year I made a heart shaped potato stamp. I gave her some acrylic paint and let her go at it! She had a blast and the valentines were a hit
We have a desire to adopt but go back and forth as to whether or not this is God's will for us to do as it is terribly expensive. How did you know this is what God wanted you to do?
I love hearing how you guys were brought together as a family (I am an adoptive mom myself)! Thanks for sharing your sweet family and your wonderful creativity. I love crafts that require little prep time and use stuff we already have on hand, and would welcome suggestions along those lines.
I cannot think of a question, but I hope you will count this comment. I was completely amazed when I found out through your blog that your beautiful daughters were adopted! OMG...they look just like they belong to you and your husband! God really knew what he was doing bringing you all together! Oh...I just thought of a question: How in the world do you come up with such creative projects? I am amazed!
I so enjoy everything about your blog, the managable crafty ideas as well as your story. I have a 3 and 1/2 year old who had become a bit sassy lately (she has been so easy going until about now). Any thoughts on curbing back talk?
What a great giveaway! Thanks so much for blogging your great ideas and for sharing your family story. It is wonderful and I look forward to each chapter.
I would love to see some more snack ideas. I have three children, (12,8& 7 ~ I homeschool) and a goddaughter (2) who are always hungry & I've run out of ideas!
I love your colouring books! Thanks for the chance to win, with a crayon roll!!
My children love to make Gingerbread Houses every Christmas...but only getting to make them once a year is a bummer. So we have started a tradition of making houses for EVERY holiday. On Halloween we make 'Haunted Houses', for Valentine's we make 'Love Shacks' etc... We just use graham crackers and icing for the base and then buy the seasonal candy for the holiday to decorate. It is so much fun and so DELICIOUS!
You have the greatest ideas and I always enjoying reading your stories. I gave birth to twin daughters extremely premature. Our surviving daughter is 3 and the joy of my life. I guess I feel a little connected to you because you are a twin and you are raising twins. I always wonder how my daughter will feel when she gets older knowing she had a twin. I worry about that. I would like to know how you stay organized amid life's busy days?
Thanks! Lisa
Any ideas on crayon rubbings that doesn't involve going out to a cemetary? I'd like to do rubbings of gravestones, but I think it's against the law in most places now.
Blessings, Rhonda joyfulnspirit@mac.com
This is my first time on your blog and I’m so glad I came upon it because you have some really great ideas! I’m an unschooling mama and love having fresh creative ideas to do with our kids, so I will definitely be checking back. I guess I would say projects with recycled materials would be something I would like to see more ideas for. Have an awesome weekend!
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com
I just recently found your blog and love it!!! What a cute giveway. My little girl would love it. I would love to see more Valentine crafts and kid friendly recipes.
Your blog is fantastic, I'm constantly snagging ideas from it. Although, I have two boys so I adapt the ideas to make them more manly, lol! :)
I'm always up for kid friendly recipes so if you'd share some of those, that would be great!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Another giveaway!!! :) Ok here's a fun idea... make personalized memory card. Go here to see how I did it. Scroll below your bookmark idea and take a look.
http://thehallfamilypage.blogspot.com/2009/01/windymade.html
I'm a teacher too and I was just curious what grade you teach?
What an awesome giveaway! I may even attempt to take my kids to a restaurant if we win!
My question is how do you organize all your completed crafts/coloring pages, etc.? How long do you keep them hanging up or displayed? I love doing crafts with my kids but since we don't have a designated craft room, I can't keep them ALL or my little house would be a explosion of glitter, glue and paint! Any suggestions on what to keep and how to store it?
I just love your blog!
Let's see.....how about any kind of crafty activity that can be used in some form of exercise?
you said it when you said "let the phone ring and the beds go unmade"....I play with my son- but I dont always do these 2 things and I should.....I would love to hear more things like this. It is nice to hear from other mothers! THANKS! from Indiana
2guysagirlandlab.blogspot.com
I really love your blog. I am a mom of 5 yr old twin girls. I would love ideas on celebrating twin-ness! Thanks for all the inspiration.
I love that you share your family AND all of your creative ideas with all of us! How generous you are...I wish I could be such a great Mom to my little girl! I try :)...My question would be, how do I get my daughter to try new crafts and activities? She likes to do certain things and sticks with them, I would love to vary her interests more! Thanks for all you do!
Do you have any suggestions for entertaining a larger age range of children? Would you do the same activities and just help the little guys more?
Katie
I'm in love with mod podge! I would love some ideas for more ways to use it! I'm new to your blog, but I love it already!
I too really enjoy reading your blog. The crafts and activities that you do with the girls are really neat! Just wondering, do you have any that would be geared more towards a boy? My 4 year old just doesn't get into that kind of stuff like his sisters do, but maybe if there is something more "boyis" than he would.
Thanks - Stacey
csfish@roadrunner.com
I would like hair ideas for girls. Also tips on teachin first graders to braid
I have been enjoying your story, and can't wait for the next chapters!
I would love to know what creative ideas you have for entertaining your girls when you are out and about. I'd like some simple things that would fit in a cosmetic sized case in my purse for quick entertainment.
So awesome! I just found your blog like last week and I just think your blog is amazing and I'd love to be in the drawing for this cool prize. I haven't had too much time to back-search through your blog, but I was wondering if you ever made home-made play-doh w/ your girls? That is something I'd like to try w/ my daughter! Thanks for all of the inspiration... you have an amazing family!!!
Love the blog and the cute ideas for the kids to do!
I would love more ideas about recycling everyday household items and turning them into fun crafts.
I was just referred to your site/blog yesterday! It's amazing. I love all the ideas you have. The one thing I would love are some ideas to do with my 19 month old daughter. I'm trying to do more craft projects with her but am having a hard time finding things that are age appropriate. Do you have and ideas? Thanks!
I have a 3 year old daughter with type 1 diabetes and we make frequent trips to children's mercy hospital for check ups. When I saw the coloring books and crayon holder I instantly thought of our trips there...these would be so great to keep her entertained while we wait and keep our crayons from disappearing on us. What a great idea...thanks for sharing.
One recipe I could share is super simple and I love that at my house. Place a bag of frozen chicken breasts into the crockpot with a 1/4 cup of water. Cook on low for 6 hours. Take the chicken out and shred it, place back into the crockpot with 1-2cups of instant rice and a jar of salsa. Cook for one more hour and serve: nachos, tacos... very yummy:)
Your family story is so inspiring and heartfelt. can't wait for the next chapter!
I would love to see some Easter crafts next. I can't believe how creative you are with stuff around the house. Keep up the great work with your family and the blog!
I love your blog, your family story, and all your great ideas. I'd love to read about projects dealing with fine motor skills- buttoning, fastening, and such. This is a fabulous give-away!
Your story has been inspirational. My husband and I have often discussed fostering and would love to go down that path. Do you have a special family tradition that you hope your girls will pass on to their children and their children's children?
I just ran across this giveaway, yay! Your blog is fabulous, full of great ideas-I'll be back often for ideas. Hmm. How about animals themed stuff? My boy is obsessed with all animals!
I'm new to your blog, but will be a "follower"! Your ideas for children, photos opp's, and crafts look fabulous. We love resourceful ones being that resources are fewer and more expensive overseas. Keep the creative learning ideas coming--gives inspiration to planning "school" for a 4 and 5 year old girls in a foreign country.
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