Courage to Change GIVEAWAY

Super excited to kick the year off with a giveaway on LB,BO.  When I saw that Shell, from Things I Can’t Say, was looking for bloggers to test out and giveaway board games from Courage to Change, games designed for kids with special needs, I knew that it was an opportunity I should jump on.  All the games that I was able to chose from were tempting….but I focused on one that I thought would help and be fun for my special little man.
One of the things that we (Aiden’s Preschool teachers and I) are working on with him is routine and rules. We are planning on putting him in all day kindergarten next year, knowing that it could be tough, to get him use to those routines and rules that go along with being in school ALL day.  So that when he gets to first grade, he has them down pat and can focus on the learning.  So….when I saw “The Classroom Behavior Game”, I knew that would be a great one to work on these skills with him to prepare him for next year.  I also thought that it would be a fun game to take into the school so that his classmates could enjoy it and learn some of the rules as well.

After watching the video about the game and who it caters to, I knew that it would be a fantastic game for Aiden.  And for Jakob!  It will be a fun way for Jakob to teach Aiden how to behave in school, and maybe remind Jakob too!! :)
I am REALLY looking forward to getting the game – my stalking the tracking number says it will be here in three days.  You could have a chance to win one too! a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Be sure to check back here next week for a review of the game itself, after the boys and I get to play it a few times and take it into Aiden’s class for his friends to give it a whirl.

Monkey Monday…..FINALLY!

The day finally came…Aiden has been waiting for this day all summer.  Actually, he has probably been waiting for it since the last day of school.  Today was the day.  Aiden’s first day of school finally came.  Today was the first day of Preschool for Aiden.  Thank goodness.  Taking Jakob to school last week and having to tell Aiden that he would have to wait a week was just torture.  Absolute torture.  He didn’t understand.

This morning when we all woke up to start the day, I whispered to him “it’s the first day of school for you, do you want to see Teacher Shelley?” , he practically JUMPED out of bed.  He was so excited and so proud. 

Just look at this smile and see….

Could his grin get any bigger?  He had a great first day, full of old friends and new, and happy that he got to go to school, finally, just like his big brother.

Wordless Wednesday

Last day of KINDERGARTEN!  I am officially the Mama of a 1st Grader….gulp!

I am so proud.

Monkey and Military Monday

A couple of weeks ago, Jason’s Platoon was helping put on a field day at a local elementary school, including bringing a few of their vehicles for the kids to climb on and explore.  Jason invited me to bring the boys so they could see the new vehicles that Daddy was working with (Jason is no long on the M1A tank)…..of course I said YES!  They would love it.  It was the perfect day, warm – not hot, sun was shining – not a cloud in the sky, though of course we forgot the sunscreen.  The boys ended up with red cheeks, and Mama ended up with one heck of a sunburn.  Oh well, was almost worth it.

Here are some pictures of our afternoon. 

Please make note of the name of the MGS….CUPCAKE!!!  Perfect right?

It was a great afternoon and the boys and I really enjoyed seeing who and what Daddy’s working with.  Now to see if I can get them to come to Jakob and Aiden’s school next year….

Monkey Monday

 

I got my “craft on” yesterday.  I use to be a big crafter.  I would obsess over scrapbooks, card making, knitting (failed miserably), attempted to crochet, quilting, stamping….you name it – I have the supplies for it.  Seriously, I have enough crafting supplies to open a small store.  When we lived in CT I would visit the JoAnn Fabrics so often they knew Jakob by name!   But baking and cooking have temporarily taken over my creative brain.  I really should sort through all the crafting supplies and sell some of it…to pay for new baking pans and sprinkles. 

I saw a picture of this on Pinterest (if you love to be inspired by all things beautiful you must check out pinterest) and thought it would be a fun thing to make for the students in Jakob’s class.  A cute little incentive to do some reading.  And it involves gummy candy…come on, we all love gummy worms.

So easy.  I took little cellophane bags (the same ones I use for my cookies), put in three gummy worms, and staple on the cute little tag.  I downloaded some free tag templates, glued onto red card stock and folded it over the top of the bag. 

Jakob was SO excited to take them to school and hand out to his friends.  And they were all pretty happy to receive them.

Are you allowed to take in treats like this to your child’s class??  If so, what do you like to take in for a special treat?  Ideas and links always appreciated!

Monkey Monday!!

We went to meet Jakob's First Ever teacher today! She is quite nice, seems to know what she is doing (LOL), and her accent wasn't as thick as I had remembered on the phone! Jakob was a little nervous at first, but he settles right in, started talking to the other children, and then didn't want to leave! He has his first real day on Friday and then goes full time next week! I cannot believe that my little boy is in school! Where did the time go?

Good luck to all those starting school this year...it is a huge accomplishment...and wonderful experience.

Take Care,
Tania
Love Big, Bake Often