More Birthday Pouches

It has been DIY birthday pouches for all my grands birthdays in 2012

More pouch ideas here:

http://www.grandmaslittlepearls.com/2012/04/mailable-pouches-for-any-occasion.html

http://www.grandmaslittlepearls.com/2012/05/12-x-12-birthday-pouch-in-pink.html

When I first saw this idea they were made to be put in the mail.

A great idea for long distance grandmas.

I checked it out with the post office and yep they can be

mailed as is! No extra wrapping needed.

What kid wouldn't like getting such a personalized

birthday pouch in their mailbox.

I loved this idea but all of my grands live too close to use the mail.

So, they have each received a hand delivered birthday pouch!

All you need is a piece of card stock for your base.

Birthday scrapbook papers and stickers.

Fairly flat goodies to stitch up in the pouch.

A jumbo freezer bag approx. 13 inch x 15 inch

I found them in the dollar store  (box of 5 for a $1)

A DIY or store bought birthday card.

Cash or gift card to insert in the card if desired.

Create the page like you would a scrapbook page.

Low tack tape helps to keep goodies in place.

If mailing, address the greeting card.

Once everything is in place slide the card stock

into the bag with the zipper at the top.

Use a sewing machine to stitch all edges and in between

each of the goodies.

Trim off the top of the bag so that it is flush with the

card stock top edge. Trim other edges if needed.

I'm getting quite a collection of leftover zipper bag tops.

I'm certain they will be turned into a fun craft one of these days!

Wouldn't these pouches be cute for holidays or back to school?

You Gotta Love It!

My birthday fell on one of the days that my husband and I took three of 

our grandsons to our mountain cabin for a week while their mom 

was away as stake camp director for the week.

On my birthday the boys woke very early, pulled secret stuff from

 their belongings, and whispered quietly between themselves.

They borrowed some yarn, tape, and scissors from my craft supplies

and they all worked together to create a special birthday surprise for me.

Papa was instructed to keep me indoors.

Once they were ready I was invited to go out

to the deck. They were all very excited!

They had hung a birthday banner that they had made themselves,

set out board games to play, and they had hung a sheet to create 

more shade for the "birthday grandma" chair.

So thoughtful.

Don't be fooled. He is a very strategic checker player.

Even if it was my birthday!

They were as good as gold at our Red Robin birthday lunch.

I loved the handmade gift with the sliding lid.

He had told his mom that I would really 

like his gift because it was useful. 

He was right!

The youngest told me that he had forgotten my gift at home

but I was going to love it because I would be able to go

to Dollar Tree with it!

One of his favorite stores.

Hmmmm....

I wonder what it could be?

Once home, I was given the belated birthday gift.

It was a handmade card with a picture of the cabin drawn

on it with money from his own piggy bank

tucked inside.

Being a grandma is the 

BEST!!!

Catch Me Kitty

My youngest grandchild just celebrated his second birthday. Papa and I selected this Catch Me Kitty toy as his birthday gift. As we browsed the aisles of toys this one caught Papa's eye. It was something new to the market which meant we probably wouldn't be duplicating a toy that was already in he and his two brothers toy box.

We had just wrapped this gift up for his birthday party the next day when we left for our family bonfire. While at the bonfire this little guy chased my daughter's kitty everywhere saying "key, key" "key, key".  My husband and I looked at each other and we knew we had selected a perfect gift!

This little interactive Catch Me Kitty toy is so much fun and we were right he loves it! It has sensors in it that activate when someone is approaching it from the front or the back so that it runs away. The toddler can chase the "Key, Key" all over the place.

For other play options the run away sensors can be turned off. If you have a toddler gift to select and your little one loves "key, keys" this is a really cute and fun option!

(This is not a paid review)

Can You See What I See? Blog Give-Away

Three of my grandsons came over the other evening with their daddy. The boys are 10, 8, and 5.  I had a copy of the new picture puzzle book "Can You See What I see? Toyland Express" by Walter Wick sitting out on my coffee table for this book review. The cover of the book was like a little boy magnet that pulled them all to it.

The colorful wood train set on the front is a real eye catcher. All three boys searched every page of the book together in one sitting! When they would get stuck on finding an object Papa would help them search for it. The little boy in Papa had already searched it's pages earlier in the week. I learned a couple of days later that little girls and big girls really like searching the pages of this book too.

The book follows the life of the toy train from the wood shop where it was built to the attic years later. It is fun to see how the train is brought back to life as a used toy in a new home following a yard sale. The train set takes on many transformations. It looks to me from one of the pages that a little girl once loved the train set too.

Walter Wick's award winning talents are amazing in this book. Adults will love the vintage toys found within it's pages and like I will marvel at the subtle hidden story conveyed through the detailed photographs in Toyland Express.  You can learn more about how the I spy, and Can You See What I See? search and find series came about here. You can check out a behind the scenes video here. It is a great little video for all ages! What do you think comes first when creating a new search-and-find book? The photograph or the search-and-find riddle? The answer is in the video.

I have seen first hand how much boys and girls, young and old,  love searching the pages of Toyland Express.  I know that it is going to be a well used book at grandma's house!

For a chance to win a signed copy of Can You See What I See? Toyland Express leave a comment on this post. One winner will be randomly chosen on Monday, November 28, 2011. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you happen to be the very lucky winner! Good luck.

(Prizing Courtesy of Scholastic Books) 

Happy Trails and Beyond, Blog Give-away

I have been given the absolute pleasure to review this 2-DVD Collector's Edition of Dale Evans: Beyond the Happy Trails gift set and to host a holiday give-away for one lucky person to win their very own copy!

If you grew up in the 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s you know that Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were an every Saturday attraction on the movie screen or television. When I popped the first DVD in my mind was flooded with feel good memories of the theme song, just how beautiful Dale was, how very handsome Roy Rogers was, Roy's horse Trigger, their dog Bullet, and the wholesome entertainment that Dale and Roy brought to us.

This Roy Rogers' 100th Birthday Celebration Commemorative 2-DVD Collector's Edition shares the influence that Dale and Roy had on American culture. Their children, grandchildren, co-workers in the business, and friends share their personal memories and knowledge of Dale and Roy's professional career, their personal lives, and all of the charitable things they did to give back.

I was very touched by the love and admiration of Dale's son from a previous marriage. He looks to probably be in his late 70's in this documentary. His love and respect for his mother is undeniable. This documentary on Dale Evans' life, her 51 year marriage to Roy Rogers, their tragic losses, and their work with special-needs children are all very inspiring.  I learned many new and interesting facts about Roy and Dale that I had never heard before.

This 2-DVD  collection also includes two full-length, fully-restored, and uncut feature films, along with two television shows. This is a must see for anyone over 60 and it would make a wonderful introduction to the values and characters of Roy and Dale to all those who are under 60.

As I was watching the dvd's I couldn't help but think just how much my parents who are in their 80's would enjoy this feel-good documentary and the special features that are included. Dale Evans: "Beyond the Happy Trails" would make a lovely gift for your older loved ones!

For more information or to view a free trailer go to www.royanddale.com

If you would like to win a copy of Dale Evans: Beyond the Happy Trails ($24.95 value) for yourself or to give it as a gift please leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. One lucky commenter will be randomly chosen on BLACK FRIDAY!
( Friday, November 25, 2011)        Good luck.

Boys Keepsake Box

This boy's keepsake box was made for my 5th grandchild. He is eight years old and was baptized on his birthday. It is a tradition for me to create a keepsake box for my grandchildren as a baptismal day gift. On the day of the baptism it is a place to put a copy of the baptism invitation, a copy of the baptismal program, cards, notes, pictures, and any small gifts they may receive.

Each baptism keepsake box it unique. The cousins are always anxious to see one another's  keepsake boxes. Since his baptism was on his birthday I tucked his birthday gift inside which is another grandma and papa tradition. We give the kids their own set of scriptures with a carrying case for their eighth birthday. 

We have the children's names printed on the front of the scriptures. That is something else that all of the cousins have to check out.  Tucked inside the tote are cute bookmarks, marking pencils, and we add a unique zipper pull to each tote. His said "I know the scriptures are true."

The baptism was amazing. Our family came out in full support. Both Papa's gave talks and both grandma's were invited to say the prayers. The "cousins" sang a special musical number titled "Teach Me to Walk in the Light". The kids did an amazing job and the message of the song tugged at my tender grandma heart. I am so grateful for the knowledge that my ten grandchildren are being taught to walk in His light.

As the president of the children's organization stood to welcome my grandson as the newest baptized member of the church she spoke of the "cousins" which he is one of and how grateful she is to have them all  in the children's organization. My ten grandchildren are known as "the cousins" in our church family". Their closeness is seen by one and all!

Following the baptism we celebrated his birthday and baptism with an ice cream sundae bar.

Could he look any more handsome?

The day couldn't have been more perfect.

I am so very thankful for the joy

that days just like this one brings!

  

Much Better Late than Never!

We had nearly a two month delay in this little gals birthday outing with Papa and I. Things kept coming up between our schedule and her family's schedule that kept our special time together from happening.

We had celebrated her actual birthday with her but her birthday gift from us was the outing.

Birthday Celebration on the Lake

The outing was to include a movie of her choice, a dinner out of her choice, and a shopping trip. Her special day finally arrived. She is our little chatter box and she talked non-stop all of the way to the movie theater. It was fun hearing all she had to share.

We went to see the new Smurf movie. She plopped herself down right between Papa and I in the movie theater (still chattering). She couldn't have been any more excited about finally getting her special one on one time with us.

It was a really cute movie by the way.

After the movie we went to dinner.

She chose Wendy's.

Cheeseburger, fries, and a Frosty

was her order!

(It was hard for Papa and I to get a word in over dinner!)

When asked where she would like to go shopping.

It was a quick

Dollar Tree!

All in one breath she said:

"All of my friends always talk about going to Dollar Tree!"

"My mom will never take me to Dollar Tree."

"I really want to go to Dollar Tree!"

Dollar Tree it was.

She and her sisters love playing school so I

suggested looking in the teachers supplies for

some more things to add to their school playing box.

(Still chattering.......)

We were in Dollar Tree for no less than 45 minutes.

She carefully make her selections.

She could hardly wait to get home to show her

sisters all of the new school stuff she had chosen.

I had her pick out a big birthday bag 

to tote all of her new supplies home in.

Papa and I loved our special outing with our

seven years and 2 months year old.

She thanked Papa and I for each and every thing along the way.

We heard the words thank you at least

twenty times throughout our

time together.

One on One birthday outings

with our grandchildren are an absolute keeper!

Baptisms and Memory Boxes

I have secured the privilege from all of my grown children to purchase my grands first set of scriptures when they turn eight years old. I had three sets to purchase this year so I took orders a few months ago for their color choices and I ordered all three sets at the same time. The girls get a custom girly scripture case and the boys get a handsome case that matches their scripture color. I have their names imprinted on the scriptures to personalize this gift.

Turning eight also means that they are able to be baptized. This baptism was for my grandson that I clearly take second place to anytime that Papa is around. He adores his papa. In fact, when he was planning his baptism program he wanted his Papa to do everything!

His baptism service was wonderful even with Papa only having three of the assignments that his mom was finally able to coax him down to.

I created my traditional baptism day memory box as a gift for him. He had chosen bright yellow sunflowers for his refreshment table decor. That color theme helped to inspire this creation.

His first and last name starts with the letter "H". 

The bee stickers on the "H" are symbolic to the quote:

"Be grateful, smart, clean, true, humble, prayerful,"

 positive, still and involved.

President Hinkley

Following the baptism he had chosen an 

ice cream sundae bar for the refreshments.

Yep, that's papa scooping ice cream.

I was pretty impressed with this young man. All on his own he helped out at the serving table and he waited until all of his guests had gotten ice cream before he made his own sundae!

He was a very handsome guest of honor!

Fudge, caramel strawberries, Oreos, peanut butter cups, gummies, sprinkles, nuts, cherries, and whipped cream made for some pretty hard choices!

Some opted for the works!

And, who would ever not top it off with

a cherry on top?

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

The extent of my on the water experience has been bumper boats, small fishing boats a very few times, Disneyland's jungle cruise, and sailings on huge cruise ships. I had never had my body in the open water other than ankle deep at the beach and once during a one day trip as a teenager tubing down the Salt River over four decades ago. I have never had any interest to get into what I consider to be wild water.

This summer a new family activity was added when my daughter and her husband bought a new ski boat. The trips to the lake have been ample all summer long. Most of my grandchildren had spent long days at the lake. As I pictured my little grandchildren out in the middle of a lake..... (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE!!!)  all I could do was say a silent prayer asking for their safe return. Unknowing to my daughter and her family who live just down the street I have not gone to sleep before seeing that they had safely returned from each day trip to the lake.

THEN, my now seven hear old granddaughter decided that she wanted our entire family to join her on her family's boat for her 7th birthday.

I was now faced with actually seeing my grand children's little heads bobbing out in the middle of the lake or falling from the knee boards, tubes, and wake boards in 300 feet of water! How on earth was I going to be able to see them out in the middle of the wild water? Was it going to be even worse than what I had been picturing in my mind? As the days neared to sail all I could do was muster enough courage to say I think I can, I think I can do this.

Before I knew it we were all on board and we had jetted to a quiet cove on the lake. The quiet and the stillness of the lake actually calmed me. I began to feel that I can do this. My entire family unit was enjoying a little piece of this beautiful planet all by ourselves. The kids knew the routine and they began plopping into the water to get cooled off. The ten adults could surely keep the ten children who were safely zipped and strapped into life jackets safe. Right?

Six of my ten little bobble heads!

I quickly saw how much the grands loved this new and exciting activity and I became excited for them. The birthday girl had an ear to ear smile on her face! Because this lake is in the middle of the Arizona deserts and it was August I was forced to jump into the wild water myself to cool myself down.

We had hours and hours of fun on the lake.

Wake boarding,

knee boarding,

friendly competitions,

naps,

more naps,

creating new memories between cousins,

nieces and their uncle,

all boys,

sisters, 

my girls,

and me and the grands.

My youngest grandson took it all in.

Over five decades younger than I had!

Before we knew it and long before the kids had ran out of energy and excitement the sun was setting. It was time to return to shore. Can you believe it? I was actually sad to see our day ending too. I had captured the joy that a day on and IN the wild water can bring to a family. No cell phones, no business talk, many helping hands, smiles, giggles, squeals, hugs, and hours and hours of quality bonding time.

Once we were off the lake our day together wasn't over. We had reservations for a birthday dinner and birthday cake on our way home.

Happy birthday sweet girl!

Eight of my ten little pearls after a day at the lake.

After dinner and as we were all headed home to complete our fifteen hour day together I  was filled with gratitude instead of fear for this new outdoor activity for our family. 

All because of a seven year old granddaughter who wanted to spend her birthday with her entire family I was able to turn I think I can into I know I can, I know I can.

No Bow, No Ribbon, No Problem

This is a gift I wrapped for one of my grandsons. 

When I had no bow or ribbon that worked well with

 the gift wrap (20 minutes before party time) 

 I had to come up with something 

using the resources I had on hand.

1. Cut out the letters of the child's name from card stock.

2. Decorate the letters using markers 

to coordinate with the gift wrap.

3. Punch holes in the top right corners of the letters.

4. String the letters using yarn, string, cording, or twine.

5. Tie the string of choice tightly around the gift.

(add a bit of tape to the back to hold in place)

6. Add some festive hand tied bows 

to the personalized gift garland.

7. Watch them smile as they recognize the 

letters in their name!

This idea could be used as a wall art kid craft.

(I would add a piece of heavy tape on the backside

to reinforce the corner before punching the hole.

It could be made to match their bedroom

or

Red, white and blue for the 4th of July

Red, pink, and white for Valentines

Red and green for Christmas

Green and white for St. Patricks

Pastels for Easter

Black and Orange for Halloween

Can you think of any more?

Rock-n-Roll Party Ideas

All of these ideas and resources are from one of my Grandma Camps. The invites, crafts, decorations, games, and activities can be used for any kind of party with a rock-n-roll theme. ROCK ON Party Planners!

Red Carpet Awards Ceremony Here.
I Love Rock-n-Roll Music Video Here.
Rock Star Dress up Here.
Rock Star Wrist Band craft Here.
Tattoo Activity Here.
Rock Star Photo Shoot Here.
Pre-Red Carpet Tailgating Party Here.
Do it Yourself Tailgating Canned Heat Project Here.
Rock Star Craft Here.
Roc-n-Roll Party Game Here.
Rock-n-Roll Guitar Craft Here.
Kicking Off a Rock-n-Roll Party Here.
Rock Star Dance Party Here.
Rock-n-Roll Party Invitations Here.
Rock Star Walk of Fame Activity Here.
Rock Star Group Coloring Project Here.
Rock Star Dance Party Here.
Rock Star Sleep Over Here.