The Office Depot REAL Change Project #TeachersChangeLives

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Until adulthood, I took my teachers for granted.  I appreciated them, but I had no idea how many hours they spent working from home, how much time they spent thinking about their students, and how much of their own money some teachers use for classroom supplies. Now that I have kids of my own, I see teachers in a whole new light.

My son has flourished in his first year of elementary school. He has adored his teacher from day one. I love her too. Why? Because her positive energy is inspiring and the kids feel it. Her confidence and cheerful spirit makes the kids feel at home in her classroom. She understands the children's need to engage with their peers and encourages them to share their thoughts. She respects them and they respect her. Subsequently, my son has learned a tremendous amount throughout the year and, as a mom, I couldn't ask for anything more!

My sister was a kindergarten teacher, and that's when I first realized what a huge undertaking it is to educate our children. I remember my mom shipping her boxes of classroom supplies to help her out.  Did you know...

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T.G.I.F. Kid's Co-op

This week is flying by so fast that I almost forgot to post the Kid's Co-op.  There are tons of fun & frugal kid's activities listed below.  These moms never cease to amaze me with their creative play ideas and passion for parenting! I hope these posts provide inspiration for the week ahead.

Relax & Enjoy!

Totally Terrific Tree Houses!

Yesterday, I was flipping through my new Family Fun magazine, and I had to smile when I got to this page.

This is a human-scale birdhouse that my kids and I know very well! It's part of an exhibit called "Totally Terrific Tree Houses" at one of our favorite local places, Tyler Arboretum. The kids love running up the steps and peeking their heads out the window. Moms have to be fast with their camera because it's a great photo spot, but you have to be quick!

If you've ever been to an arboretum, you know that these are great places for kids to run around, explore nature and play! Continue here to read my post: 5 Reasons Why We Love Our Local Arboretum and learn how to find arboretums across the United States.

Terrain: A Local Treasure & Feast for the Senses

It was a breezy spring morning, and I decided to check out Terrain with my little guy.  I have driven by this place more times than I can count, but after seeing a few photos of the store on Pinterest, I knew I had see see it for myself.  The only way I can describe it: a true feast for the senses.

What is Terrain? It's a little bit of everything... store, garden center, cafe, boutique, private event venue.  It's a little hard to explain, so I thought you might like to watch their video from Vimeo. 

Something about this place makes me feel happy. And, apparently, my son agrees. 

Upon arrival at Terrain, my son walked along an old log in the parking lot. Once inside, he made funny faces in an oversized mirror. His little hands felt the different types of cacti. He was completely captivated by the water fountains that were scattered throughout the store. He frolicked around the outdoor garden center and smelled the flowers.

There were so many cool things to buy at Terrain and many of their products were made in the USA, which is fantastic! If you don't live near their stores in PA or CT they have an online shop with such unique home, outdoor living, jewelry, accessories, and garden products. Plus, they currently have a promo code FORMOM so you can get free shipping on all orders over $100.

I hope you liked hearing about our first visit to Terrain. I know this won't be our last visit, and I'm looking forward to attending one of their many in-store events.

Have you discovered any local treasures lately?

 This is not a sponsored post.  

Video Credit: Terrain at Glen Mills, PA from Terrain on Vimeo. 

Mother's Day Contest from Omni Hotel & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts is running a Mother’s Day Pinterest Sweepstakes
called “Happy Momni Day“! Pin your tribute to your Mom (or yourself!)
for your chance to win!

Top 10 Cinco de Mayo Crafts and Activities for Kids

 Do you ever find yourself looking for something on the internet and not find what you're looking for? That was how I felt while looking for easy kid's crafts and activities for Cinco de Mayo. I kept finding the same crafts over and over, but most of them were too difficult for kids or required too many materials. So, I did some research and searched for Cinco de Mayo crafts and activities for kids that were: fairly easy, good for a group, and didn't require too many materials.

Here are the Top 10 Cinco de Mayo Crafts and Activities for Kids:

1. Footprint Chili Pepper Cinco de Mayo Craft.

2. Easter Egg Maracas  made with plastic easter eggs and spoons.

3. Pinanta Garland made with recycled toilet paper rolls. I love these!!!

4. Mexican Flag Drinking Straw - You need red, green and write staws and a print out of the Mexican flag for this craft.

5. Printable Cinco de Mayo Activities for Kids - Lots of great Mexican themed printables here.

6. Saguaro Cacti Kid's Art  All you need is construction paper, rice, and some tissue paper.

7. Cinco de Mayo Mariachi Guitar Craft - These bright and colorful guitars would be ideal for 1st grade and up.

8. Chili Pepper Craft Just grab some red beads and a green pipe cleaner for this one!

9. Mexican Flag Cinco de Mayo Project - This simple craft will help teach kids about the Mexican Flag and would go great with a social studies lesson.

10. DIY Crepe Paper Flowers. You could modify this to make it easier for the age group you're working with.  For instance, let the kids color coffee filters and make your own DIY fiesta flowers. 

Do you have any Cinco de Mayo family traditions?