The Tag Reader from #LeapFrog

Hello friends!

We're over here in the middle of moving chaos. Boxes. are. everywhere!

I wanted to pop in here really quick because the good people at LeapFrog have sent me goodies to share with you! YAY!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. We love LeapFrog in this house!

We're lifetime LeapFroggers, and I was thrilled to be able to add to our collection.

The puppy that started it all!

This time we got the chance to play with the Tag Reader, and a new book. To say that Abbey is crazy about the Tag Reader is an understatement for sure.

The Tag Reader is amazing. We read books together all the time, but I also want Abbey to learn to love books on her own. She is going through a phase where she doesn't want to look at books by herself because she "doesn't know what the words are". She is thiiis close to reading, so I love that the Tag is getting her into books independently.

LeapFrog also sent us their new book, Leap and the Lost Dinosaur.

This is such a fun book! It is geared for 5-8 year olds, and comes with a great set of dinosaur trading cards. My favorite part? It has a pocket in the cover to hold the cards! There is nothing worse than getting something that comes with small parts and not having a home for them.

The thing that I love about the Tag is that, just like the Leapster, it will grow with Abbey. Can she do all the things that these books ask her to do? Not yet. But is she getting into books, being exposed to new concepts and skills, and picking things up as she goes. Absolutely!

LeapFrog has books for every level, from learning TO read all the way up to learning THROUGH reading. There are not just books, but fun things like flash cards and maps. I can see a lot of these things finding their way into our home library, especially as we start to explore homeschooling more.

You know what else I love about LeapFrog? They are so incredibly generous! They have given me the OK to give a new Tag Reader and a copy of Leap and the Lost Dinosaur to YOU! 

Well, it could be you, if you enter the giveaway! So...what are you waiting for??

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be blessed!

Heather

I Struggle

The other day a saw a picture of a friend of mine on Instagram.

It was tagged #Jesuscomesoutofherpores, and it's true. It does.

I saw that tag and my heart did a funny thing. It sort of squished up into a little ball and dropped into my stomach.

#Jesuscomesoutofherpores

I want that. So badly.

Here's the thing...I struggle. And don't get me wrong, I know for a fact that this Jesus-exuding friend of mine has worked to have the relationship with God that she does. She. has. WORKED. So I know this is not easy, but I struggle.

I say I'm going to read my bible every day....but I struggle.
I say I'm going to do a devotional...but I struggle.
I say I'm going to keep a prayer journal and pray every day...but I struggle.

But you know what? The struggle is progress.

I used to not read at all
I used to not own too many devotionals
I used to not pray unless I needed something

The struggling means I want it. The struggling means I'm not content with where I am. The struggling means I want to work.

So, rather than letting the struggle frustrate me, I'm going to allow it to motivate me.
When it feels hard, I'm going to remind myself what I'm working for.
When I'm tired, I am going to allow Jesus to meet me with the grace that he always has for me.

Thank you, Lord, for grace.

And I'm going to keep working. Not because I can earn anything on my own, but because the more time I spend with Him, the more He shines through me.

and I want Jesus pores.

Be blessed!

Heather

Stupid Things Make Me Laugh...

....for real.

It's pretty sad really, the level of stupid that will amuse me.

Maybe it will amuse you, too.



Be blessed!

Heather

Our Week in Pictures

Hey friends!

Did you enjoy the ABC series this week? I had a lot of fun putting it together, so I hope you did!

Here's what happened around these parts this week...

Downton Abbey started. Our antenna (yep, antenna) chose Sunday night to not be able to find PBS. It was horrible. #firstworldproblems  #getsomeperspective  #forreal

I got caught up on my DA and some sewing, so..win win!

I've been trying so hard to get quiet time in every day. It doesn't always happen, but my Instagram girls are keeping me accountable!

We're seriously considering homeschooling Abbey starting in Kinder, and we've been doing some "trial runs" here at home on her days off from preschool. More on that later...

My super trendy, oh-so-stylish sister is turning 22 this week. Her birthday dinner of choice?

Yep.

Someone was a little excited. I'll let you decide if it was my tiny child or my husband. ; )

Oh, and speaking of exciting....

WE FOUND A RENTAL HOME!!!

There will be LOTS more coming about that. For those of you who may not know, we have been living with my parents for the past year and a half (big blessing, like BIG BIG blessing!). This is an exciting and mildly terrifying transition for us, and I'm excited to share it with you! I'll probably be pretty quiet over the next couple weeks as we prepare to move, but then you better believe I will have all sorts of fun things to show you!



Be blessed!

Heather

The ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 5

Hello friends!

We're here! The end of the alphabet! Let's get to it.

U is for: Under the Sea
Bust out the art supplies and make an under the sea collage like Just For Daisy. Pair it with your favorite books, and even a trip to the aquarium (or the pet section at the grocery store, am I right?) and you have a pretty fun day!

V is for: Vegetables
Who says you can't play with your food? Creative With Kids used them as paintbrushes! It looks like lots of fun, and may even make veggies more approachable for those picky eaters!

W is for: Water
I wanted to choose just one water table post for you, and then I found Caution! Twins at Play's pinboard. You need to go check this out. For real. They are all her ideas, and they are all amazing!

X is for: X-Ray
Abbey has been asking about her bones lately. Actually, it started with her asking about her ears, then moved to cartilage, and then to bones, but you get the point! Marnie from Carrots Are Orange has a great post about learning what's inside.

Y is for: Yoga
While I may not subscribe to the more spiritual aspects of yoga, I have absolutely seen its physical benefits. Kid World Citizen has a great list of ways yoga can benefit kids.

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Z is for: Zoo

We're big fans of the zoo in this household. We're blessed to have several nearby, and we take full advantage of them. However, a trip doesn't need to be a day away from home. Check out the ideas for a backyard zoo from The Educator's Spin On It.

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E

Day 2: Day 2: F - J
Day 3: K - O

Day 4: P - T

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

The ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 4

Hi Friends!

Can I just tell you how much fun I have been having putting this series together? I have found new-to-me blogs, and pinned so many new things for Abbey. I hope you have too!

Here we go with Day 4!

P is for: Pretend Play

There is nothing better than pretending. As much as I love technology, there is nothing like just letting your imagination run wild. I love this library play from The Pleasantest Thing.

Q is for: Quest
Take this idea from Domestic Goddesque and make a shield. Grab your paper towel roll sword and head off on an epic quest!

R is for: Rainbow Rice
Cerys does it again! (I'm a fan of hers...could you tell?)

 S is for: Superheroes
What little one doesn't want to be a superhero? More fantastic imaginary play ideas from The Pleasantest Thing, including a cape your kiddo can make their own!

T is for: Tissue Dance
I didn't even have to read the instructions to know that this game from True Aim Education looks like way too much fun!

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E

Day 2: Day 2: F - J
Day 3: K - O

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 3

Hi my friends!

Are you having fun with this series? I hope it has given you some great new ideas!

Without further adieu...let's get to K-O!

K is for: Kick
That's it. Get outside and kick a ball. Another great reminder from Cerys that things don't need to be complicated!

L is for: Light Box

Don't get me wrong, I love my light box, but this one from True Aim Parenting takes playing with color and light to a whole new level! SO much fun! 

M is for: Movement

It's no secret that kids love (and need) to move. Marnie from Carrots Are Orange has a great post on the science behind why that movement is so important for little brains!

N is for: Noodles

Abbey hates getting her hands dirty. Everyone has their own little sensory "issues", that is hers. However, I think this  "messy" play activity from The Imagination Tree is one we could get away with!

O is for: Oobleck

More messy fun from Science Sparks! (it even glows in the dark!)

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E

Day 2: F - J

Day 4: P - T

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 2

Hi friends!

I've got a whole new batch of letters for you today! Let's get to it.

F is for: Fish

JDaniel4's Mom has some great fish ideas! Pair these up with a trip to the aquarium or a family movie night with Nemo and you will be all set! How cute is this Fish Wash??

G is for: Glow
Little ones love anything that glows in the dark. It's just so cool! These glow in the dark water beads from Caution! Twins at Play look like way too much fun.

H is for: Human Board Game
What kiddo wouldn't love to be a piece in their very own board game? True Aim Education made theirs outside, but you could easily do something similar with masking tape for some good rainy day or winter fun!

I is for: Ice 

Ice cubes, cups, bowls & spoons. It doesn't get much easier than that! Thanks, Teach Preschool!

J is for: Jigsaw Puzzles
Cerys at Rainy Day Mum reminds us that classic toys are still some of the best out there!

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E
Day 3: K - O
Day 4: P - T

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 1

Hi friends!

I've got a fun series for you this week! Several of us from the Kids Blogger Network have been working on our ABC's.

No, not like that, silly, we've been putting together round-up posts featuring activities and crafts for every letter of the alphabet! There are all sorts of topics, but I will be sharing my ABC's of Preschool Play!

Ready? Let's get going!

A is for: Animals
I love these Animal Movement Dice from Wildlife Fun 4 Kids. Find some fun music and get to movin'!

B is for: Build
There is nothing like a cardboard box. Go grab all the boxes you can find, just like Debs from Learn With Play at Home and see what you and your kiddo can build!

C is for: Cave Drawings
I am in love with this idea from The Pleasantest Thing. A little butcher paper, some tape, and some chalk. Done! You could even use a cardboard box if you've just bought new appliances!

D is for: Dance
More fun stuff from Debs! She has a wonderful list of games and activities that will get your little ones moving and grooving!

E is for: Experiment
We love science experiments around here. We (I) especially love them when they are simple and don't require a trip to the store! Mama Miss has some great ones!

That's all for today! Come back tomorrow for more fun!

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 2: F - J
Day 3: K - O
Day 4: P - T
Day 5: U - Z

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its Our Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

Our Week in Pictures

Hi friends!

I'm squeaking this one in! I've been working on an exciting project for this week, but I don't want the truly important things to get lost. These are the blessings that I forget to thank God for every day. Thank you, Lord.
Thank You.


Abbey had her first "slumber party". We spent New Year's Eve at a friend's house and thought that setting the girls up with a movie and sleeping bags would knock them out. Well, Abbey was one of the two of them that fell asleep...at 11:45.

Cheers! Matt and I were long-distance almost right up until we got married. Somehow, we always managed to spend New Years Eve together though. It's kind of our thing.

A sushi restaurant by us has a Kid's Menu. Family night out just got so much better!

Little Girl chowed. down. on some edamame! Note to self: Stock up on edamame.

I've started a new devotional plan, and I'm loving it! (the ReThink Life reading plan in the YouVersion app. If you don't have it, go get it!) I have a whole group of new friends on Instagram who are keeping me accountable!

#truth. #harderthanitsounds

I'm working hard on getting back on track. I only gained 1 pound over the holidays, which I consider a win! This is such a work in progress for me. Bear with me! Keep me going!

I've heard incredible things about this book. I'm ready for it to rock my world!

We caught Monster's Inc in 3D. I worked as an in-home aide for a little boy with Autism while I was in college. We probably watched this movie 47203826480832 times. I still love it! I miss him...

There's a Melissa & Doug section at Target!!!! I pretty much did a happy dance in the store.

We're loving these paint pages!

Is it possible to take to many sleeping baby pictures? I think not.

My church has a dodge ball tournament every year. It started out as (and still is) a fundraiser for our high schoolers to go to their work camp trip. It is now a big. deal. Teams from all over town come and play. This is my little brother rocking it. Matt played the next day, and still can't move very well! Yeah...he's old. ; )

 Want to know what a growth spurt looks like?
Naps that look like this:

and dinners that involve 6 pieces of pizza. Yep. 6.

Happy Birthday, Pa!

Be blessed!

Heather