Free Things to Do in Sac-Town 6/29 - 7/4

Here is a list of some FREE things to do in Sac-Town:

Tuesday, June 29^th

   

1.    Regal Family Film Festival – “Doogal” Rated G, Market Square 6 (Arden Way) @ 10am (Tickets and Seating are first come, first serve). Doors open at 9:30am. Please check out their website for other theater locations and movies

 

2.    Farmers’ Market (FREE to walk around):
    Downtown Sacramento: 10am-2pm @ Roosevelt Park or @ Fremont Park
    Roseville: 8:30am-1pm @ Fountains in Roseville

3.    Border’s Storytime – Fair Oaks Blvd @ 10:30am.

4.    Barnes and Noble Storytime w/ Mr. Steve at Arden Fair @ 11am.

5.    Read to Rover at the Carmichael Library (3:30pm-4:30pm for ages 5-10 yrs)

Wednesday, June 30^th 

1.    Button Making at the Carmichael Library @ 2pm (School Age Program where you will make custom badges using origami paper and magazine cutouts. Materials will be provided).

2.    Farmers’ Market: Downtown Sacramento @ Chavez Plaza (10am-2pm)

3.    Family Program at the Arden/Arcade Library from 2pm-5pm. Want the fun of summer camp without having to sleep in a cabin or swim in a lake? Come check out “Summer Camp” at the library. During this 3 hour drop-in, you will be able to make traditional camp crafts like lanyards, sing camp songs and even make s’mores. Come get your camp on without leaving your neighborhood.

Thursday, July 1^st

1.    Regal Family Film Festival – “Monsters VS. Aliens” Rated PG - Market Square 6 (Arden Way) @ 10am (Tickets and Seating are first come, first serve). Doors open at 9:30am. Please check out their website for other theater locations and movies. 

2.    Preschool Storytime and Crafts at Carmichael Library @ 10:15am (ages 3-5)

3.    Toddler Storytime and Crafts at Carmichael Library @11:15am (ages 18months–3)

4.    Farmers’ Markets:
            Downtown Sacramento – Downtown Plaza (4^th and K) 10am-2pm
            Folsom – Old Town from 6-9pm

Friday, July 2^nd

1.    Friday Night Concerts in the Park – Free All Age Shows, 5-9pm @ Cesar Chavez Plaza (10^th and J Streets). Headliner for this week is “The New Humans” (click here to check them out). Also playing “Sister Crayon,” “Chelsea Wolfe,” “Sea of Bees” (click on their name to check them out).

Saturday, July 3^rd

1.    Farmers’ Market: There are many on Saturdays around the area. Here is one:
            Sacramento – 8am-12pm @ Country Club Plaza (Watt Ave and El Camino)

2.    Check with your local Home Depot store for the Free Kid’s Workshop. This usually takes place the 1^st Saturday of every month.

Sunday, July 4^th

1.    52nd Annual Carmichael Elk’s Club Parade – Start Time 11:00am at Carmichael Park. Walk over to the front of the park on Fair Oaks Boulevard and grab a front row seat to enjoy the Parade. The parade features many wonderful community floats, marching bands, equestrian entries, military units, antique automobiles and much more! The parade route begins at Marconi/Fair Oaks and continues down Fair Oaks Boulevard to Cypress/Manzanita. The Grand Stand is located across the street from Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue.

2.    The Annual Fireworks Show at La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road. The fun begins at 6pm when the Kids Zone opens for children of all ages. They will have unlimited access to the inflatables, arts/crafts, puppet theatre and more. Musical entertainment kicks off at 6:30pm with a variety of bands and ends with a spectacular Fireworks Show at dark (approximately 9:30 pm).

***Don’t forget about all the fun parks we have in the area. Especially the Splash Parks at Swanston Park, 2350 Northrop Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825 and Seely Park at 3000 Pope Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821 (10am – 7pm).***

***If you know of any other free things happening around town this week, please post a comment and share!***

Please note that you can find activities near you if you just check websites for places such as: your public library, regal family film festival website, Sacramento Area Farmers Markets, your local parks and rec’s department, local craft supply stores, and other stores for free make and takes!!!

Happy Freebies to You,

Invitations

Popcorn Popping

Birthday Invitation

A fun take on a bday invite to a movie!

Supplies:

1.   Popcorn Bags (ordered online – can’t recall where since we have had them for several years)

2.  Popcorn Scrapbook paper (purchased at Joann’s)

3.  Yellow cardstock

4.  Computer to design your invite and printed on white cardstock

5.  Adhesive

   Happy Bday Planning,

It's Great to be Eight

Eight is Great

This last week was a pretty busy week with Twilight Camp, our oldest turning 8 and then to culminate the adventures, he entered the waters of baptism and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints– we were so thrilled with his decision!

He is enjoying Cub Scouts and had a great week with over 200 other cub scouts at Twilight Camp. The highlight to him was shooting a bb gun! 

His birthday was celebrated by taken a few of his friends to see Toy Story 3 in 3-D, and then having lunch and cupcakes together.

The day after he turned 8 he was baptized. He planned the entire program (picked out who would speak, say prayers, and what songs he wanted to sing). It was a wonderful milestone in his life.

 Here are 8 things I love about our oldest:

1.   He is compassionate – I love that he is sensitive to others needs. Although he can be a bit emotional I wouldn’t want him any other way. I have a feeling this quality of being compassionate and sensitive will suit him well in his life!

2. He is athletic – I love watching him try new sports and enjoy seeing how easy it seems to be for him, most of the time. There are a few things he tries that he has to practice at, and this frustrates him, but he still tries!

3. He is smart – he has a great sense of others and the world around him. He may not be the most book smart kid in the world, but I appreciate that he has a good head on his shoulders and is well rounded!

4. He has an infectious smile and laugh – when you catch a glimpse of a true smile, his dimple shows and my heart melts. He has a great laugh and though he tends to be on the more serious side, it is so fun when you get the treat of his laughter!

5. He wants to be the best he can – sometimes this means he adds stress to himself, but for the most part he will keep doing something until he figures it out. He is not a stranger to frustration and tears because of this trait, but I admire his stick-to-it-ness!

6. He has a great sense of right and wrong – This is a good quality but does led to him telling people what they ought to do, making sure everyone follows the rules, etc… (Unfortunately and fortunately, he gets this from his mother).

7.  He is a GREAT big brother – even when his younger brother is being annoying, he tries really hard to play well with Little C! I know that his younger brothers (Little C and the one that will be here in a few months) can look to him and they will have a great example to follow!

8. He is helpful – if we ask him to do something, there is usually no complaint from him. He may need to be reminded a few times, but he will do it!

I love him and am so grateful that I get to be his mom!!!

Happy Memory Making to You,

CSI Challenge - Wall Art

Window Picture Frame

I found this wood window frame on the side of the road with the glass still intact! I simply smashed out the glass; sanded; spray painted the wood frame; and added saw tooth hangers on the back. We then had the idea of using it as a picture frame and love to update it with our annual family pictures! So, for the price of half a can of spray paint ($1.47) we now have a cute picture frame for our front room. (The vinyl on the wall can be purchased from my good friends at http://ellemenopea.com).

Happy Decorating To You,

Linking this up to the CSI Challenge of the Week:

Firecracker Craft Project – Kid Friendly

I love the 4^th of July! I love our country and we have a good time celebrating all that we are blessed with!!! To help get us in the spirit, we made firecrackers out of toilet paper tubes!!!!

Here’s What You Need:

1 – Toliet Paper Tube
1 – Paper Towel Tube
Scissors
Red, White, and Blue Paint
Paint Brushes
1 - Chenille Stick (whatever color strikes your fancy)
Tape
Ribbon

How To’s:

1.    1. Cut the paper towel tube so that you have 3 tubes at different heights. I cut the paper towel tube to about 4.5” and 5.5”. You won’t need to cut the toilet paper tube.

2.    2.Paint each tube one of the 3 colors. Be sure to paint about an inch down on the inside of the tube (on the side that will be the “top” of the firecracker). Let dry!

3.    

     3.Cut your chenille stick in half and then take one of the halves and cut that one in half. So you should have 2 smaller pieces and one longer.

4.    
     4.Attach the longer chenille stick in your tallest tube with tape. You could use a glue gun for this but tape worked for me. It kindof bugged me that I couldn’t put the chenille stick in the center, but I really didn’t want to have to worry about jimmy-rigging the top so that I can center it – so I let it go, that need for perfection!!!!

5.    
     5.Gather your 3 firecrackers and tie them with your cute ribbon.

6.    6.Ta-Da – you are finished!
     


     Happy Crafting to You and Yours,

Linking up to:

Free Things to Do in Sac-Town This Week

Here is a list of some FREE things to do in Sac-Town:

June 22^nd   

- Regal Family Film Festival – “Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” Rated G, Market Square 6 (Arden Way) @ 10am (Tickets and Seating are first come, first serve). Doors open at 9:30am. Please check out their website for other theater locations and movies  

- Farmers’ Market (FREE to walk around):
    Downtown Sacramento: 10am-2pm @ Roosevelt Park or @ Fremont Park
    Roseville: 8:30am-1pm @ Fountains in Roseville

- Border’s Storytime – Fair Oaks Blvd @ 10:30am.

- Barnes and Noble Storytime w/ Mr. Steve at Arden Faire @ 11am.

– Read to Rover at the Carmichael Library (3:30pm-4:30pm for ages 5-10 yrs)

June 23^rd

– Ocean Origami at the Carmichael Library @ 2pm (School Age Program where you will make origami boats, fish and other ocean creatures. Materials will be provided).

- Regal Family Film Festival – “Astroboy” Rated PG - Market Square 6 (Arden Way) @ 10am (Tickets and Seating are first come, first serve). Doors open at 9:30am. Please check out their website for other theater locations and movies.  

- Farmers’ Market: Downtown Sacramento @ Chavez Plaza (10am-2pm)

June 24^th

– Preschool Storytime and Crafts at Carmichael Library @ 10:15am (ages 3-5)

- Toddler Storytime and Crafts at Carmichael Library @11:15am (ages 18months–3)

- Farmers’ Markets:
      Downtown Sacramento – Downtown Plaza (4^th and K) 10am-2pm
      Folsom – Old Town from 6-9pm

June 25^th

– Friday Night Concerts in the Park – Free All Age Shows, 5-9pm @ Cesar Chavez Plaza (10^th and J Streets). Headliner for this week is “Mumbo Gumbo” (click here to check them out). Also playing “Not An Airplane” (click here to check them out).

June 26^th

– Michael’s Craft Store on El Camino Avenue, 10:00am - 2:00pm. FREE Make-It Take-It. Share your star-spangled style. Come celebrate the 4th of July with your family and make a fun patriotic project. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome.

- Farmers’ Market: There are many on Saturdays around the area. Here is one:
      Sacramento – 8am-12pm @ Country Club Plaza (Watt Ave and El Camino)

-  Fire Station Open House from 2pm-5pm @ Station #10, 5642 66^th Street.

***Don’t forget about all the fun parks we have in the area. Especially the Splash Parks at Swanston Park, 2350 Northrop Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825 and Seely Park at 3000 Pope Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821 (10am – 7pm).***

***If you know of any other free things happening around town this week, please post a comment and share!***

Happy Freebies to You,

AWESOME GIVEAWAY

Tatertots and Jello is having and AMAZING giveaway over at her blog! Jen is giving away a new Silhouette Craft Cutting Machine. I have had my eye on this baby, but after just getting my own Cricut I have to admit, I can’t even fathom the idea of splurging for one of these, but if I could win one – I would be on CLOUD 9!!!! I think it is a pretty cool tool, but don’t take my word for it – check out her blog here!

Happy Crafting to You,

Jar Full Of Beans

We have had a few weeks of less than desirable behavior here in our neck of the woods, about a month or so ago. I was so tired of having to always be correcting the negative behavior that I needed something to help focus more on the positive (while still disciplining for the not so stellar behavior).

So as I was looking through the different blogs I came across another’s idea of a Treasure Chest. Now I can’t take credit for this idea but I am totally blaming my inability to find or remember where I saw it at to my pregnancy/mother brain. I really wish I could give credit where it is due, but please forgive me. I have been scrolling through the blogs I subscribe to and I can’t find it. If you know who originally posted it, please let me know!!!

Anywhooooo, we had a family meeting where we discussed the behavior and attitudes of each of us and how it contributes to our family. We made a list of “rules” of how we ought to act and we all agreed on them.

I then shared with my boys their Treasure Chest Chart and their bean jars (the bean jar part is something I added to help reinforce the good and bad behavior). I explained that every time their father or I caught them doing good things and following the family rules we would add a scoop of beans to their jars. If they pointed out the good things they were doing, they would not get beans added. If they added beans on their own the result would be that I would empty their entire jar and they would have to start over. If they were observed doing negative things then their father or I would remove a scoop of beans from their jar.

Before bed each night we look at where the beans are and if they reach to the top of their name tag, they get to add a sticker to their chart. If the beans reach to the top of the jar, they will get to add 2 stickers to their chart. Once they have 5 stickers on the chart (with the 5^th one covering the treasure chest), they get to pick something out of the treasure chest basket (which is filled with all sorts of toys and trinkets).

Note: When the beans reach the top of their name, I leave them like that for the next day. They get to start off with the jar so close to the top. When the beans reach the top of the jar, I empty the jars and they start over from the beginning the next morning.

I can’t express to you the change in behavior we have had. It does sound a little silly saying “I don’t want to take any beans out of your jar” but, after a week of doing this program, we rarely have to even remind them. They get very excited when they see us adding beans and it seems to hit home when they see us taking beans out!

There has been less raising of voices, more kindness and thoughtfulness, and an overall better feeling in our home!!!

What are some things that you are doing to encourage the good?

Happy Family to you,

I came online today to find that one of my new readers, Megan from Little Blue Prints, awarded me with a blog award! Besides loving her name, she has a rockin’ decorating style and a seriously clever crafting side. Thanks for the award Megan!!!

Now I must follow the rules that go along with this award by revealing 7 things about me that most people don't already know about me...

1. My husband and I met on a blind date 13 years ago, we’ve been married for almost 12 years.

2. I am left handed – maybe that explains a lot?

3. One of my nicknames growing up, besides Orange Peanut, was “little middle” because I am the littlest of my siblings and the middle child.

4. I have a BA in Child Development/Elementary Education, but if I had to do it over again I would have studied Interior Design.

5. I dislike being pregnant! I love the end result but truly could skip the 9 months of constant nausea – it’s lame! I am so glad that I only have 2 ½ months to go!

6. I get really nutty when my house is not picked up! I have improved upon this disease/condition over the years and will admit that on most days my house looks very lived in, but I do have a few days a month where I have to have it completely picked up or I will go insane!!!!!

7. I enjoy eating sweet things. I would eat sweet things for every meal – from candy, to yummy fruit, I have a major sweet tooth.

Now I must pass this award along to 10 other bloggers (I know I was suppose to 15 but I am impatient and wanted to get this posted):

Bringing Lady Back
Brown Paper Packages
Crafting Chicks
Kara’s Party Ideas
Not So Idle Hands

Sawdust and Paper Scraps

Sew Dang Cute
Someday Crafts
Tatortots and Jello
The 5 Little Monkeys


Thanks for inspiring me,

Let's Get Stomping

My youngest came home from preschool with these fun dinosaur feet. I thought I would share the cleverness of his teacher and give you the how-to’s for a simple summer craft.

What you need:

-     - 2 large tissue boxes (leave the plastic in the opening hole - see the picture above)

-     - Different colored foam sheets - to make the toenails

-     - Paint and Glitter to decorate the boxes. You could also use paper to cover them

-     - Scissors

How To’s:

1.   1. Have your child paint the tissue box. If you would rather, have them pick out different colored paper, cut to size, and then glue that to the boxes.

2. 2. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle glitter all over the boxes. If you went the paper route, be sure to put glue on your boxes and then sprinkle the glitter.

3.  3.Have your child cut out 6 triangles from the foam sheet

4.  4.Attach 3 “toenails”, with glue, to each tissue box – on one of the skinny sides, near the front.

5.  5.Once the “feet” are dry, they are ready for your little dinosaur to stomp around in.

 Happy Stomping to you,