Super Easy Summer Craft For Kids~Paper Plate Fans

Summer Easy and Fun

Paper Plate Fans

I am dying in this heat!

Here in Ohio, the last three days have been above 90F.

I was not made for Winter...but this heat, no rain, no breeze is about to kill me.

I have this very persuasive four year old that is determined we are going to do a craft every day..Every. Single. Day. this week. OUTSIDE!

Yes, she is also very specific. 

So...an outdoor craft that is quick, easy, and...cheap!(saving up for my iced coffee!)

I jump over to my wonderful Pinterest board filled with tons of great ideas. Seriously, my biggest addiction next to my babies and coffee!

I found this craft...

over @ The Pinterested Parent

By the way...She is awesome! Check out her stuff! I have been following her for awhile and she always has something new.

These are so cute and easy to make.

The supplies are things you probably already have on hand. Bonus!

Supply List:

paper plates

popsicle sticks or "crafting sticks"

Elmer's glue or glue gun and sticks

crayons, paint or markers

scissors(my brain is melting. I just had to google...how to spell scissors!)

optional:

stickers, googly eyes, stencils, foam stamps...

Directions:

Cut plates in half(2 fans)

Decorate, design and embellish your half plate

If using paint or anything glued, wait until dried.

Glue 2 popsicle sticks into a "V"(wider is better) for gripping your fan/handle

Then glue the other 2 ends to the back of your "fan"

(press firmly)

Allow to dry

Fan away!!

So, I survived the heat and we got them all finished. I think we made about 8 in total. I even got the middle daughter to join in!

They turned out super cute and...very useful!

Now...fan mommy!

I hope you give these a try and always check back for more fun, cheap, easy crafts!

We have great ideas!

CoffeeWastedMomma kid craft ideas!

Happy July!

Share your fun ideas!

What's That Quote? #12

I believe EVERY mother needs to hear this!

As a Christian mother, it is hard. We have so much to learn, do, teach, and remember. How do we do it all?

Day in and day out we continue to do our "job".

We have to be completely responsible for another human being. It is not a part time gig! It literally is probably the only job that is 24/7

We are constantly doing things for them, with them, around them. Yes, around them. Even when we aren't doing it directly. You know the saying "Monkey see, monkey do"?

That's it. They will repeat it. Usually, the bad stuff we wish they wouldn't. Why? I have no clue. Million dollar question.

And, even when they aren't with us...we have to constantly be watching out for ourselves. Our health and safety, so that we can go home to them.

A mother's mind is never at rest.

I know I am a constant worrier(working on that).

I am continuously thinking, praying, worrying about my babies. I even do this with children that aren't biologically mine! Siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends' babies. By the way, anyone under the age of 25 years old is a baby to me.

I don't know how mother's can do any of this job without God!

I know I still struggle with giving control to God. I pray and try to let go but it is a tough one. 

How do I know what is MY responsibility and what I should just let go of?

Well, I pray...A Lot!

We all what to do our best. Be the best at this mommin' job.

I strive everyday to remember to give praise to God for these most precious gifts. My babies are my whole world. They are my reason and my soul.

No, I'm not perfect. Yes, I mess up. And my children know that.

They also know...I hope, that I love than more than any other human on this Earth and that I try my hardest everyday to make sure they have all they need. I give them the possible. I trust my Lord to give them what is impossible for me.

I have a prayer.

My own personal prayer that I pray every night. Not word for word, but it is my own way of asking God to handle the impossible.

Lord, I come to you and ask that you be with my children always. 

I pray for their health. Physical, mental, and spiritual. That you heal whatever ails them and restore them as only you can.

I pray for their happiness. That you show them the blessings only you can. That their souls cling to you for true happiness.

I pray for their safety. That you be with them and guide them in their days. Keep them from harm and hatred. Show them the true path and keep them from harm.

Lastly, I pray that they always know that they are loved. Not only by us here on Earth but by You. That their soul is loved and wanted by you more than even I could ever love them.

In Jesus' name I pray this. Amen.

I am a true believer in the power of prayer. As a mother some days that is my greatest comfort. Knowing that I have done the possible. I prayed!

"As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible."

Ruth Bell Graham

You can learn more about Ruth and her life here:

Ruth Bell Graham 

or read some of her books

Books by Ruth Bell Graham

None of us mothers are perfect. If you'd like to read a little about my imperfect mothering, you can find it here:

Lessons from an Imperfect Momma

Blessing to all.

20 Summer Writing Prompts for Kids

Hey, mommas!

Are you on Summer vacation? or stay-cation, as I am!

Are you like me?  Your kids are driving you crazy with all the long days of,..."We're soooo bored!!"?

I know we've all been there!

Whether you are a working momma or a stay at home momma...we know. 

Are the kids relentless with the days of doing nothing?

"I fed you!" 

"I gave you the TV!"

"Go outside, go play!"

"Have you cleaned....anything today?"

I also get to thinking, what have they been doing all summer?

So, when I really got into creative mom mode, I came up with this great idea of getting them to write!

I know rocket science, right?

Well, it may take some coaxing but if they are bored enough and you can get creative enough...it may work!

It never hurts for them to practice! Especially since there isn't much actual writing going on in public schools these days. Everything is done on Chrome books or computers.

So, I make them write. With an actual pencil and paper.

Creative writing, handwriting practice, and a enough "me" time to put on a fresh pot of coffee!

Sometimes our kids need a little creative jump start. So, I made up this great list of ideas for them.

I think most of these cover a pretty wide age group. My own daughters are quite spread out in age, so what may pique one's interest may not for another.

20

Summer writing prompts for kids

1. Your best/worst day                  11. Best gift

2. Favorite movie                          12. Favorite hobby

3.Favorite meal                             13. Best/worst school subject

4. Best accomplishment                14. Favorite time of day

5. Your wish list                            15. Favorite game/sport/activity

6. Top 3 movies or books              16. A time you were scared

7. Your role model                         17. If you had a super power

8. Best vacation                             18. A goal for the year

9. Best friend                                 19. Make up your own character

10. Favorite holiday                       20. Write your own recipe

I hope these give you some creative ideas.

Do you "make" your kids write during summer?

Do you have some more great prompts?

If you are looking for some more great summer activities for your kids check out The Crafting Chicks, 100 Summer Activities and chart

You can also check out my fun and crafty board over here: Fun Craft Ideas

Happy Summer y'all!

Update:

I have added 20 more great ideas to this list! Be sure to also check out:  20 MORE WRITING PROMPTS