My Little Pinkalicious

Shiloh recently received this book for her 3rd birthday from her great grandparents. I think we have read it everyday for the past couple of weeks!

It truly is a lovely tale about a cute little girl who obviously loves all things pink! But she soon discovers that being herself is even better than being pink.

A few days ago Shiloh asked me if we could make pink cupcakes, and I thought it was a grand idea. We had some wonderful momma/daughter time together.


Here are a few photos of our recreation of Pinkalicious cupcakes.

Shiloh is just beaming and so excited about starting our pink project!

What a big helper stirring the pink batter. Maybe a few licks, too!

Momma takes a turn to beat the batter till it's nice and fluffy!

She tried her little heart out at frosting the pink cupcakes. I think she just resorted to what was easier--licking the knife.

Mmmm, yummy! They're pinkerific!

I wish I would have had a cupcake tower to display these candylicious looking treats. Oh well.

I actually had some pink frosting left over from her birthday cake, so I was able to make the swirly design. I had such a fun time making these with my Sweet Sue!

The Treasure Tree

I just finished reading this beautifully illustrated book, by John and Cindy Trent and Gary and Norma Smalley, to my 3 kids. Actually I have read it to my boys quite a few times, but Shiloh hadn't had the privilege of hearing it yet. She loved it!!! Thank you Honey for giving this gift to us almost 6 years ago!!

It's about 4 best friends who happen to be animals. A lion, an otter, a golden retriever, and a beaver set out on a delightful adventure in search of 4 golden keys that will lead them to the ultimate prize, the Treasure Tree!

Each animal represents a certain personality, and by the end of their journey they realize that the very best treasure of all was knowing how much they needed and loved each other.

Also, this book creates a fun way for parents and kids to discover their own personalities. It is especially kid-friendly because it focuses on the strengths of each personality type. :)

It was neat hearing the boys talk about which animals best described them. Lincoln has determined without a doubt that he is mostly otter with a hint of Lion. Mullin on the other hand is radically different, and he thinks he is part golden retriever and part beaver. I would agree with them, but they are still so young and things can change over time. ( I do think there's a bit more lion in Lincoln than he realizes, though.) When I was this age, I am sure no one would have ever guessed that there was a lion in the making! A shy little lamb maybe, but not a lion! Actually I would truly label myself at present as a beaver/lion. Sometimes I act more beaverish, and sometimes my lionistic nature takes over. Also, being Holy Spirit-controlled, I am definitely a tame lion, most of the time. In my opinion my hubby is without a doubt a golden retriever with a hint of beaver. He and Mullin are very similar in nature.

I highly recommend this book! Even though it has a very practical message, it is very entertaining. You will want to take your kids on all of these wild adventures. My favorite was the tastiest of the bunch, Blueberry Basin!!

Here is the personality checklist from the back of the book. Let me know what kind of animal/animals best describes you!!! Technically you are supposed to mark each trait that describes you or your child, and then total the marked answers for each specific animal. Of course the larger number represents the basic personality type.

Lion:

1. Is daring and unafraid in new situations. (This is the one thing about lion that is NOT me)
2. Likes to be a leader. Often tells others how to do things.
3. Ready to take on any kind of challenge.
4. Is firm and serious about what is expected.
5. Makes decisions quickly.


Otter:

1. Talks a lot and tells wild stories.
2. Likes to do all kinds of fun things.
3. Enjoys being in groups. Likes to perform.
4. Full of energy and always eager to play.
5. Always happy and sees the good part of everything.


Golden Retriever:

1. Always loyal and faithful to friends.
2. Listens carefully to others.
3. Likes to help others. Feels sad when others are hurt.
4. Is a peacemaker. Doesn't like it when others argue.
5. Patient and willing to wait for something.


Beaver:

1. Is neat and tidy and notices little details.
2. Sticks with something until it's done.
3. Asks a lot of questions.
4. Likes things done the same way.
5. Tells things just the way they are.


My final note: I know we are all created as very unique individuals, and none of us can fit into a tiny, little personality box. For example, as I stated before I am a beaver/lion, but that doesn't mean I am not kind or loyal. Also, someone else could be a beaver/lion and still be very different from me. So with that said have a little bit of fun and discover the animal in you!

**Don't forget to let me know what you are!

Reading is Fun!

A lot of reading goes on in this house! It is too bad we live in a day when kids can't just roam the neighborhoods getting all their energy out while playing with all the other neighborhood kids. I am sure some would say I am too overprotective, but I don't care. My kids are just too precious, and frankly they're defenseless against all those Big, Bad Wolves out there. I don't really want my kids around other kids I don't know, either. It has been too hot all summer to play in the backyard, so we have been inside a lot. Can't wait for spring sports to start back up. Anyway this brings me back to the reading thing. We spend inside time going on adventures through books!

Mullin is reading, "Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears", and Shiloh is in giggles over it! All of my kids just love this series by, Cynthia Rylant. She also writes the Henry and Mudge series, which my kids also love.
I think Shiloh' s favorite at the moment is the Poppleton series, and I believe Rylant is also the author of those as well. I love doing all of the voices for the Poppleton characters! In fact, I try to do different voices for all characters when we read. It just isn't any fun listening to a story any other way. I knew being a part of the Speech and Debate Team in highschool would pay off some day. I actually got a few trophies for reciting poetry. I can't believe I actually did that! I am embarrassed just thinking about it.
Mullin still likes to listen in when I am reading to Lincoln and Shiloh, but he also loves to read on his own, too. No forcing him to curl up with a good book! He is almost through with the Lemony Snicket series--I think just 2 more to go. Over the summer we both read the Spiderwick Chronicles and can't wait for the movie to come out next year.

What are you reading to your kids?

Wishful Thinking

Today, during Lincoln's Literature lesson, we read and discussed Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. This brought up the subject of wishes, so I asked the boys, "If you could make just one wish today, what would it be?"

To my question Lincoln replied without even thinking, "All the light sabers in the world!".

As a mom, I am thinking, "That is so silly.", but I guess it sounds really fun to a boy. Where in the world would I put all of them???

Mullin quickly answered, without even knowing what his brother had said, "A Super Battle Droid Star Wars character". Now I am thinking to myself, "That's it?" He definitely takes after his dad, not me!!! I guess my kids are in a Star Wars mode or something.

Wishing is always fun so I just can't resist answering the question, too!!
If I could wish for anything today, it would be to have a backyard extreme makeover. I so badly want a custom pool, a welcoming covered porch complete with designer outdoor furnishings, a place to have family cookouts, and some cool custom built kid toys as well.
I can dream.....

Curious George

Just when I thought that I had read every single Curious George book in print, I found some more at the Queen Creek Library. Wow! This little monkey has been all over the place. I am waiting to see if they ever come out with the titles, Curious George Gets a Leash or Curious George Goes to the Woodshed.

No, really I do love those books; They are classics!