Making your own pinata

Crystal over at Biblical Womanhood hosts Frugal Fridays and I always enjoy reading them, but this is my first time to post one.

I'd always wanted to try making our own pinatas. I figured that it can't be that hard. I remember making them in Spanish class in high school and having so much fun. I thought it'd be fun for the kids to help with and we'd save a bunch (about $15) rather than buying a store bought one. I found this site and we got busy.

http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/birthday/pinatas.htm

It was fun, but a little messy. Hey, we even did ours inside. I just laid newspaper all over the table and hung up the pinata on the ceiling fan. It did spin around some, so I'm sure there's a better way. :) Maybe next time we'll try it outside.

We used crepe paper and fringed the ends about halfway and then glued it around, alternating colors. It might not win any contests for pretties pinata, but it works and the kids love it!

Flu

Well, the flu has hit our home this year. We all had the flu shot back in the fall, but it didn't protect us this year. I got it first, then 3 of our children. Hopefully it is gone after being with us for 11 days. Kayla's birthday party was supposed to be last weekend, but we had to cancel it due to the flu. Hopefully, we will be able to celebrate her 7th year tomorrow. We are so thankful for good health again. We still have lingering cough and congestion, but at least the worst part seems to be over.

Thankful

I've seen several blogs post on Thursdays about what they are thankful for. I'd like to share today some things that I'm thankful for. Family- I have a wonderful husband and four precious children. What a blessing! Also, my parents and Michael's parents, plus all of our brothers and my sister in law and niece. They all live fairly close to us, too. Faith- I am saved by HIS grace. Without Jesus Christ I am NOTHING! He has given me a new life and changed my heart. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 Friends- God has blessed me with many friends throughout the different stages of my life. I will always be thankful for those people who I have called friend. Health- My health means more to me each day. When our family was sick with the stomach bug a few weeks ago I didn't think we'd ever be well again (at least that's what it felt like). We should be thankful for the health we've been given. Freedom- Many people around the world will never experience this. After living overseas in two 3rd world countries, I am able to appreciate more that we are blessed to live in a free country. Even though things may change for the worse it is something we should never take for granted. I could go on and on. There are so many blessings in my life. Thank you, Father, for all these blessings and more.

More hours in my day

It seems like I need a few more hours in my day this week. I can't seem to get it all done! It's not like I usually do anyway. It's just that this week seems extra busy. I know God will give me the strength I need to get done what He wants done. I think sometimes (many times, probably) I try to do too much. Lord, help me rest in you and not grow weary. He tells us in His word to "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".

My Guys

Silas is really enjoying sports. He enjoys playing football in the yard with Michael. He, also, enjoys shooting basketball in the driveway. Michael plays with him a lot. He's pretty good for a 5 year old. I guess it could be that I'm a little partial :) He usually plays with a little child's play ball. Michael came home today with a junior basketball for him to play with. He was so excited! Since the weather was sooooo nice today they got to spend time playing.

Sewing

Our homeschool group has a Girl's Club for 1st grade and up. Yesterday they learned how to sew. They made a little pin cushion. Kayla was so excited! I'd been wanting to show her some basic stitches and teach her a little handstitching, but I just hadn't taken the time. So many times I have lots of good intentions and never follow through with them.

I remembered that today in our homeschool lessons we were supposed to make a patchwork quilt. We've been studying the pioneers and the curriculum suggested making either a paper quilt or a simple doll quilt. I'd planned to go the easy route and make a paper quilt with them. :) I'm kind of spontaneous sometimes. So this morning I decided that we can do this little doll quilt. I went digging around in my fabric scraps and we got to work. First, we put Bethany for a nap and the others watched a little tv. Then we got busy and started cutting and sewing. Kayla does really well pinning fabric and sewing on the machine, especially considering she's only done it twice. She did some of the sewing and I did some. It was a joint project, but I hope she realizes there's a lot she can do now. She is a very excited 6 (almost 7) year old!

Before we even started, she said she wanted to make it a doll quilt for her little sister, Holly. It was well worth it to see her make something to share with her sister. You can tell Holly was proud of it! Kayla is very giving and I hope she continues to want to give to others.

It is the little things that matter to children. I realized today that things like this mean so much to them and I'm teaching her something that she can use for a lifetime. I pray that I take the time to do "small" things with my children more often.

On a side note: I can get very frustrated sewing. I tend to be very picky with my work and so I just never start or get finished with a project. I tried not to be that way with her and just let it be what it was. It didn't matter to her at all. It doesn't need to be perfect to please children. Showing them and working with them is what matters. I need to be reminded of that lesson more often. :)