CHOCOLATE DIPPED PRETZELS

Supplies:
One (11 1/2 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
One 1/4 c. Crisco
Fifty (3 inch) twisted pretzels or 1 lb. mini pretzels
Sprinkles

Directions:
Combine over hot (not boiling) water, chips and Crisco; stir until chips melt and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat but keep chocolate over hot water. Dip pretzels into chocolate and coat evenly; shake off any excess coating. Place pretzels on waxed paper-lined cookie sheets. Chill in refrigerator until coating sets (15 minutes). Gently loosen from wax paper. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator.

These are great for giving to friends and neighbors!

The Hand Prints Poem Framed

Supplies:

Paint
Card Stalk Paper
Frame

Directions:

It is so much fun to dip our little one's hands in paint and plop it on everything. It never gets old. I suggest for this home made gift, you buy the frame first. That way you can compliment or match the colors of the paint that you choose for their hand print to the frame. If your child is especially wiggly, and you are afraid to mess up the creation by him or her moving, use this tip. Simply try doing his hand print on regular paper the color of your project. Then, when you get it right, you can cut the hand print out and paste it to the actual project. I have done this several times and it looks just as good. You could even use a different color paper if you want it extra colorful or are going with a series of colors for the right look.

For a fancier look, try using a really nice black or brass frame and use a bold color like black to do their hand prints. You can also experiment with different kinds of paper. You can print the poem on several sheets to start in case you have a hard time getting the hand print just write. You could also do it only once and use the extra paper tip. Here is the poem.

Sometimes you get discouraged
Because I am so small
And always leave my fingerprints
On furniture and walls
But every day I grow a bit
And I'll be big someday
Then all those tiny finger prints
Will all be washed away.
So here's a print of my two hands
To help you recall
Just how my hands looked
When they were very small.

Garden Plaque

Supplies:
Plaster of Paris
Aluminum pie case
Shells, pebbles, acrylic gems, marbles or other water-resistant treasures to decorate. You could even use small plastic toys such as figures or toy cars.

Directions:
Make sure that you have a covered surface to work on and your children have overalls to protect their clothes. Gather all your materials in advance, as Plaster of Paris dries quickly.
Mix up the Plaster of Paris in an old jug according to the instructions on the packet. Pour into the pie case.
Carefully lay your decoration on top (note: they will sink a little no matter how carefully you do this; if you are too rough they will sink a lot!)
Leave to dry for a couple of hours and then remove the plaque from the pie tray.
Dig a hole in the garden and pop in the plaque. Back-fill with soil so that the top of the plaque sits level with the flower bed.

Box of Love

To make this gift you'll need:

Small plain boxes- Jewelry boxes work very well
Glitter, sequins or any ornamentation
Ribbon
Printed poem, on good
Stock paper if possible


This is a very special gift
That you can never see.
The reason it's so special is,
It's just for you from me.
Whenever you are happy,
or even feeling blue.
You only have to hold
this gift and know
I think of you.

You never can unwrap it
Please leave the ribbon tied.
Just hold the box close
to your heart,
It's filled with love inside.
Have your child decorate the boxes in anyway
she/he pleases. Add ribbon and the poem
with the signature.

Tips:
Try your local Jewelry Store for boxes.
I was able to purchase them for
25 cents each.

Week 48: Time to Craft

*Suggested Reading*
(Fun books!)
The Snowy Day By Ezra Jack Keats
Harold and the Purple Crayon By Crockett Johnson
Jamberry By Bruce Degen
Cars and Trucks and Things That Go By Richard Scarry
Charlie and Lola Series By Lauren Child

Items needed this week:

One (11 1/2 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
One 1/4 c. Crisco
Fifty (3 inch) twisted pretzels or 1 lb. mini pretzels
Sprinkles
Paint
Card Stalk Paper
Frame
Plaster of Paris
Aluminum pie case
Shells, pebbles, acrylic gems, marbles or other water-resistant treasures to decorate You could even use small plastic toys such as figures or toy cars
Small plain boxes- Jewelry boxes work very well
Glitter, sequins or any ornamentation
Ribbon
Printed poem, on good
Stock paper if possible


Preparations to be made:
This is a good week to start working on your advent calendar for Christmas!


Advent Countdown:

LIST OF GIFTS: (LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE USED)
1. Quarter
2. Grape flavored gum
3. Picture of a smile
4. Goldfish Crackers
5. Birthday candle
6. Bell
7. Fish crackers
8. Cotton balls
9. Piece of a map
10. Soap
11. Heart sticker
12. Cross
13. Packet of salt
14. Sand
15. Flowers(silk)
16. Raisins
17. Seeds
18. Christmas carol
19. Small rock
20. Crumpled foil
21. Mustard seed
22. Dove
23. Small scrap of woolly material
24. Blue marble
25. Picture of a baby.

December 1 - A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44

December 2 - Grape Gum! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10

December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.

December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7

December 5 - A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read: Matthew 5:14-16

December 6 - You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37

December 7 - These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21

December 8 - These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27

December 9 - People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6

December 10 - It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7

December 11 - Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41

December 12 - We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Philippines 2:1-11

December 13 - Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).

December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.

December 15 - Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.

December 16 - Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.

December 17 - Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

December 18 -Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.

December 19 - A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.

December 20 - Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.

December 21 - The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.

December 22 - We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.

December 23 - The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.

December 24 - A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read: John 3:16.

December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever!
Comments about This Craft:

We used the Advent Countdown idea using cardboard egg cartons in our recent Advent Rotation. First, I painted all of the egg cartons. This took some time, so plan ahead. Then I took circle-shaped labels from the dollar store and numbered them 1 - 24, and placed one in each holder. Finally, we set up an assembly line and had the children put each item in a holder. As we went along, we briefly talked about what story the item could be representing. I typed out the list of what the items represented and the scripture reference to take home. The kids all enjoyed the activity, especially trying to guess which Bible story was represented by the items.

Mayflower Craft

Supplies:
• 1/2-gallon milk or juice carton
• X-acto knife
• Paper bag
• White glue
• 2 bamboo skewers
• 2 apples
• White paper
• Construction paper


Directions:
1. Close and tape shut the opening of a clean carton, then lay it on its side. Using an X-acto knife (a parent's job), cut out the side of the carton that's facing up.

2. Cut 1-inch strips from the paper bag, dip them into a glue mixture (made from 1 part white glue mixed with 4 parts water), and wrap the strips around the carton. Repeat until the carton is covered with paper bag panels.

3. Stick one skewer in each apple and attach white paper sails (made by cutting out large white triangles and then cutting the tops off them). Attach a flag over each sail. Set the skewered apples in the boat.

4. Invite your family and guests to write down on paper slips something they're thankful for, such as "I am thankful for Grandpa's homemade cranberry sauce." Fold and place the slips in the "Mayflower" for reading before your Thanksgiving feast.

Pine Cone Turkey Craft

Supplies:
• Nice plump pine cone
• Feathers (assorted colors)
• Brown, red, orange and yellow felt
• Goggley eyes
• Turkey pattern
• Scissors
• Glue

Directions:
1. Wash and dry pine cone if you picked it outside.
2. Cut out the turkey body pieces.
3. Glue head, eyes, nose, gobbler and feet on the pine cone.
4. Glue 4-7 Feathers on the top of the pine cone.

Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies

INGREDIENTS
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
1 container (16 oz) chocolate creamy frosting
Candy corn
Orange decorating icing
Black decorating gel
Miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits


DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies as directed on roll. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.
2. Spoon chocolate frosting into resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut small hole in bottom corner of bag. On each cookie, pipe frosting on outer edge of half of cookie. Arrange candy corn over frosting for feathers.
3. Pipe orange icing onto each cookie to resemble turkey face and feet. Use orange icing to attach baking bits to turkey face for eyes. Pipe black gel on baking bits for centers of eyes.

Tree of Thanks

Supplies:
• Several colors of foam squares
• Tree pattern
• Leaf pattern
• Glue
• Permanent Marker

Directions:
Create this autumn tree of gratitude. Write something that you're thankful for on each leaf. Display your tree of thanks on your holiday table! Cut out the tree and the leaves. Ask you child what things they are thankful for and write them on each leaf. Then have your child glue the leaves to the tree.

Week 47: Thanksgiving!

*Suggested Reading*
The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet by Carol Crane
Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving by Ann Mcgovern
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson


Items needed this week:
• 1/2-gallon milk or juice carton
• X-acto knife
• Paper bag
• 2 bamboo skewers
• 2 apples
• White paper
• Construction paper
• Nice plump pine cone
• Feathers (assorted colors)
• Brown, red, orange and yellow felt
• Goggley eyes
• Turkey pattern
• Scissors
• Glue
• One Roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated Sugar cookies
• One Container (16 oz) chocolate creamy frosting
• Candy Corn
• Orange Decorating Frosting
• Black Decorating Frosting
• Mini candy coated chocolate baking bits
• Several colors of foam squares
• Tree pattern
• Leaf pattern
• Glue
• Permanent Marker

Gifts for Grannies!

Make simple card or crafts or treats for the elderly in your community. Bring them to the assisted living center in your neighborhood or to an elderly friend.

Letters to the Troops

Is there someone you know who is serving in the military? Send them a letter and even a sweet treat and let them know that you are thinking about them and that you are so grateful for their efforts at keeping our country safe.

Toys for Tots (and clothes!)

It’s that time of year again! -Time to go through the closest, boxes, baskets, and shelves and find any unused toys. Donate them to families in need or take them to your local homeless shelter.

Soup for the Sick

I’m sure you can think of at least one person right now who is sick. It is, in fact, flu season. Spend the afternoon baking rolls and brewing up some stew and then bring it to a sick friend. While you’re at it, make some brownies and keep half for your family!

Week 46: Service

*Suggested Reading*
The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving by Ellen Sabin
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
Sesame Street I'm a Helper by Reader's Digest
Judy Moody Gets Famous! by Megan McDonald

Build a Fort!

I know you know how! Pull out those sheets and pillows, maybe even bust out the ladder. You kids will love creating a special, secret place to play in! Turn on some music and make a fun treat and gather up all their favorite toys and books for hours of fort fun!

Living Room Luau

Supplies:
Hula dancers and fire dancers: You and your kids
Garbage bags: To make "grass" skirts
Construction paper: In tropical floral colors like pink, red and orange
A bunch of plastic straws: For the lei. But save some for the cocktails!
Dental floss or yarn: To string the lei on
Hawaiian music: We like Elvis's classic "Blue Hawaii". Hail to the King!
Plastic zipper bag: The big freezer kind
Traditional centerpiece items: Like ferns, leaves and flowers
Scissors
Red, orange and yellow tissue paper: To make some fire
Colorful table cloth
Hawaiian cocktails: Pina coladas and mai tais.
Hawaiian Food: You can make your spread as simple as a few plates of cut up pineapple and papaya or go all out with some authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Waikiki meatballs anyone?

Directions:
The first thing that happens when you get to Hawaii is you get leid! So gather up the construction paper, straws and floss or yarn and have the kids create paper leis.

First, help your kids draw several 3-inch diameter flowers on the construction paper.

Then help them cut the flowers out and poke a hole in the center of each flower.

Cut two straws up into 2-inch pieces.

Cut 2-foot pieces of yarn or dental floss (one per luau guest) and have your kids string the lei together, alternating flowers and straws.

When they're finished, help them tie it together.

Next, have them make the requisite grass skirts.

Pick up some large green or tan colored garbage bags. (If black or white is all you have on hand, that's fine too.)

To make each skirt, lay one garbage bag flat on the floor.

Help your kids cut the sealed bottom off.

Then help them cut the bag into 2-inch strips, starting at the bottom of the bag and ending about a foot from the end with the drawstring (or closer for shorter kids).

When the bags are cut, have each person try them on and trim them to the desired length. Most grass skirts are knee length. (You can tell that to your preteen, who insists on hiking the skirt up to her hipbones!)

Tighten the waistband by pulling the drawstring taught, tying it and rolling over the top to hide the drawstring.

When the skirts are finished, crank up the heat and bust out the girl's bikini tops (we draw the line at coconut shells). Boys can put on cool, colorful tee-shirts and Bermuda shorts if the idea of wearing a skirt freaks them out.

If you have any aspiring fire dancers in the family, break out the colored tissue paper. Shred it into long thin strips and tape it together at one end to make a "flame." Your kids can wave it around during their fire dance.

Traditional luau meals were eaten on mats on the floor. So clear out the coffee table and lay down a colorful table cloth.

Your kids can then create a centerpiece out of ferns, leaves and flowers.

Help the kids prepare food for the luau either by slicing up a pineapple or slicing, dicing, frying and baking up a whole feast, like kahlua pork sandwiches and Waikiki meatballs.

When the food is ready, lay it out on platters on the floor.

Finally, the moment you've been waiting for! Mix up some Hawaiian cocktails like Orange-Pineapple Hawaiian Punch, Pina Coladas and Mai Tais. Don't forget the little drink umbrellas, and settle down for the feast.

Pop in some Hawaiian music and encourage your kids to perform a hula dance! Have the boys grab their "flames" and join in with some

Pom-Pom Teddy Bears

Supplies:
One large pom-pom for the body
One medium pom-pom for the head
Fives mall pom-poms for legs and ears
Two tiny pom-poms for the nose and tail
Plastic eyes to glue on (or marker to draw eyes)
Glue (tacky glue works best)
Black bead (for top of teddy's nose)

Directions:
Glue the head pom pom to the body pom pom. Give it time to dry before going on to the next step.

Put glue on 2 of the smaller pom poms. Then press the pom poms onto the body pom pom.

Now glue the 2 arms onto the body.

Glue on the small nose pom-pom. Glue on a black bead to your teddy's nose. Then glue on the 2 googly eyes (or draw with marker).

Now glue on the 2 ears using small pom poms. Set them right up on the top of your teddy bear's head.

Tie Die Shirts

Supplies:
Plain white t-shirts, hats, shoes, sheets, towels, etc.
Fabric dye in a variety of colors
Rubber bands
Spray bottles
Newspaper to protect your table or ground outside

Directions:
Tie knots in your plain white shirt or gather sections of the fabric and secure rubber bands for fun designs.
Mix dye and pour into various spray bottles.
Have the kids spray the dye onto the shirts.
Let dry for 6-8 hours or overnight before wearing. Enjoy!

Week 45: Warm and Cozy at Home

*Suggested Reading*
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Jr, Bill Martin
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle


Items needed this week:
Garbage bags
Construction paper: In tropical floral colors like pink, red and orange
A bunch of plastic straws
Dental floss or yarn
Hawaiian music
Pineapple, Coconut…
Plastic zipper bag: The big freezer kind
Ferns, leaves and flowers
Scissors
Red, orange and yellow tissue paper
Colorful table cloth
One large pom-pom
One medium pom-pom
Fives mall pom-poms
Two tiny pom-poms
Plastic eyes to glue on Glue
Black bead Plain white t-shirts, hats, shoes, sheets, towels, etc.
Fabric dye in a variety of colors
Rubber bands
Spray bottles
Newspaper to protect your table or ground outside