Summer Starts on Tuesday!!!

My summer officially starts on Tuesday!  The last day of school in these parts is Monday.  Then the kids hop off the bus, we squirt them with silly string, they head over to the End of the Year Sundae shop and the first summer fun event begins.  I hope to post more details about the ice cream party later.  I am deep into creating a fun event for my neighborhood and hopefully I will get some good pictures of the fun things we do at our Ice Cream party!

I have so many grand plans for the summer.  I don't want to spend too much time at home.  There are old and new parks to visit.  Old friends to play with and so many fun things to do.  I can hardly sit still thinking about all we need to fit in between bible camp, princess dance camp, library classes, and soccer camp.  Will there be enough time?   Luckily, nap time is not part of the days agenda anymore... so we have to fit it in!!  I will be tired and ready for school when August rolls around...  My kids will be begging to go back just to get a rest from their crazy mom who just can't imagine waisting the summer at home. 

I have a few more days to get a few things in place before the summer race of fun begins...  Library books are selected, End of Year Neighborhood party is pretty much planned, and my garage is stacked with summer fun toys.  Still, I have to work on a chore/responsibility summer fun money type of chart for my son.  That is the one thing I have procrastinated on...  but I did a search and liked these a bunch!! 

DIY Magnetic Chore Chart!

Chore Charts and Pocket Money

Chore Chart

This is probably most what I am looking for...
Chore Chart and Kids Bucks

Aren't they grand... now  to tweak and twist and make these into what I am looking for....  I will share my magical creation later...  stay tuned!!!  My son told me today:  "I can't wait till you show me the plan and chart for how I am raising money this summer.  You have it done, right?"  Me:  "Of course, I will show you on Tuesday..."  UGH!!!!!!! 

Check out these links to get your summer off rolling right!

Is your Summer Junk Organized?

Outside Toys - Some ideas!
 
Play and Learn at the Park!

Look at what you can do with Sidewalk Chalk!!!

Beach Balls are more than just Balls!

I hope you have a wonderful start to your summer!

7 Habits of Happy Kids...

I enjoy reading my kids books that promote good character traits. Last year I shared Have You Filled a Bucket Today? with my son's teacher and it became a hit in his school. This year his school is focusing on, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. After hearing about these books from my sons principal, I could hardly wait to get my hands on these books.


I was pleasantly surprised after reading this book, Just the Way I AM. It focuses on one of the seven habits, Being Proactive, "You're in Charge."

In this story, The character Pokey the Porcupine is sad because Biff Beaver is making fun of him. At first Pokey feels sad from the teasing and decides not to go to school to avoid the problem. Soon his friends try to convince him that he is fine the way he his. In his own time, Pokey decides that he likes himself the way he is. This new found confidence makes Biff the Beaver back off the teasing.

This is a great book to have on hand for the time your child runs to you and says something like, "Mom, Sally said that my teeth are funny looking!" Pull it out and read it to your child and then discuss the situation and how Pokey handled it. Your child can learn through Pokey's actions. A bonus about the book is the discussion questions in the back of the book that will get you talking with your child. Plus there is a section for the parent to read that offers helpful advice how to deal with the situation of helping your child deal with teasing. It is perfect for parents! I loved the thoughtful questions and suggestions.

Both of my kiddos (age 3 and 7) loved the book and enjoyed the cute illustrations. My oldest could read the book on his own, which is an added bonus. This book is defiantly worth buying and having on hand for the given problem, should it arise.

Need Free Bucket Filling Ideas and Printables? Go to:
http://www.teachingheart.net/bucket.html