Teacher's Gift Idea

I know I am posting this way too late, because most schools are out for the year, 

but keep it in mind for next year cause it got tears and a big hug from my daughter's teacher.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• a white gift bag
• a generic thank you card
• a mug of your choice
• a nice plant
• a sheet of card stock paper
• some pretty ribbon
• hole punch
• crayons
• tissue paper
• washi tape

 

 

 

 

-Have your child color one side of the bag however they choose.
-Have them write something personal in the card and sign it
-Right click and save the image below, then print it out
-Cut around the shape, punch a hole at the top and string the ribbon through it.
-Put the plant into the mug and position it in the middle of the bag
-Take your tissue paper and strategically place it in the bag so the plant and the mug remain safe on their journey to school
-Tie the ribbon to the now "blank" side of the bag with your super cute cutout message.
-Add your card to bag, I sealed mine with some pretty washi tape.
-Voila! Cutest teacher gift ever. Easy peasy. 

When Life Throws You Lemons, Make Chocolate Cake

This sweet girl, my daughter Shelby, reminded me yesterday of how lucky I am to be a Mom. 

More importantly HER Mom. 

We were getting ready to go to a birthday party for one of her classmates last night and I noticed my check engine light was on. I pulled up my car hood and promptly called my dad, cause isn't that what every girl does when she has car troubles? After some deliberation, I noticed my coolant was completely empty. He said don't drive it. Greeeeeaaaaaat.

Alas, the party was a no-go, but to my shock there were only a few tears. Then Shelby came up with the plan that we could have a party at our house. Since she knew they were having pizza and cake, she decided that's what we should have. So we pulled out cookbooks, found a cake recipe and got to work. 

 

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup milk

1/3 cup cooking oil

1 tsp almond extract

1 egg

a handful of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour your cake pan. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add dry ingredients and mix. 
3. Add wet ingredients (except the egg) and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. 
4. Add the egg and beat for 2 more minutes. Pour into your cake pan. 
5. Then sprinkle your chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes - then test with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it's done! 
7. Cool cake thoroughly, remove from pan. 
8. Then add your choice of icing and sprinkles and voila, you're done!

Recipe derived from One Bowl Chocolate Cake  

in the Better Homes and Gardens Celebrating the Promise Limited Edition Cookbook.

Scavenger Walk

This game I thought up (so to speak) for my daughter today was such a hit that I'm sure we will be doing many more like it. It was such a beautiful day that I thought it would be fun to get out and do something. We are very lucky to live right next to our City Park, so I made up a Scavenger Hunt that we could do while walking in the park.

Make up a list of things to find. Check. 

Grab a clipboard, attach the list and a pencil, so you can mark off your items as you go. Check.

 Find a super cute bag to put your "treasures" in. Check.
 

I simply told my daughter I had a surprise for her, got her dressed, grabbed the stuff I put together, and we were on our way. 
I think it was more exciting that way because it was like an adventure for her. My daughter kept saying how fun it was and had no idea we were actually learning about reading and counting...love that!

 

Mom rocks! Check.