Parenting And Family | 3 Boys And A Dog

9 Father’s Day Crafts for Kids!

May 24, 2013 by Kelli Miller 1 Comment

Father’s Day is coming, are you prepared? One good way to keep the kids occupied this summer is to keep them supplied with craft projects and why not start with something useable? These Father’s Day Crafts for Kids are fun, easy, and oh so cute! I have scoured my weekly homeschooling on the cheap linky to find these fun Father’s Day Crafts for you!

1. Bouncy Ball with Streamers by Bowdabra

2. Father’s Day Report Card by DEALS!

3. Coupon Book for Day by DEALS!

4. Dinner For Dad Printable Placemat Craft by DEALS!

5. Father’s Day Mad Lib from What the Teacher Wants!

6. Foldable Father’s Day Box from The Toy Maker

7. Printable Father’s Day Craft Cards for kids to print and color

8. Foldable Father’s Day Card from Lifestyle Crafts

9. Father’s Day Crafts by Crystal and Co

We are going to Orlando this Summer and we are doing it all out. It is going to cost us a fortune, but Summer Vacation to Orlando is the kind of thing you are supposed to go all out on. Anyway, we have to save as much money as possible. So, this Father’s Day, I am going to get the kids busy crafting some fun things for my husband.

What are you planning this Father’s Day?

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Baby Shower Ideas for Boys

May 23, 2013 by Kelli Miller 2 Comments

It’s a Boy! If you are planning a baby shower for someone who is having a boy, there are many different themes that you can use. Always keep in mind the hobbies and passions of the mother when coming up with a theme. For example, maybe if the mother has a passion for reading, you ask all of the guests to bring a new book for the baby in lieu of a card.

It is always nice to tie in the theme of a baby shower to the theme of the nursery. That way some of the decorations used can possibly be taken home and used in the nursery. If an animal theme, stuffed animals placed on the tables can easily be incorporated into the nursery decor. If airplane themed nursery, some over-sized airplane decals will look great on the nursery walls.

Mustaches are HUGE these days. Host a "little man" shower filled with chocolate mustaches and bow tie garland.

The baby blue robin’s egg is a popular theme for a baby shower for a boy. Some of the decorations can be little nests. Other baby animals are popular for baby showers, such as baby ducks, which could be made into a bath-time themed party. Find some cute Rubber Ducky Centerpieces that are easy to make.

Lions and tigers and bears – oh my! If you like the animal theme, how about a jungle theme? Great idea for the boys. Some of the decorations can be little stuffed animals of monkeys, elephants, zebras and more, that the mother to be can take home and add to the nursery.

A nautical themed shower is a popular one for a boy. Decorate with lots of sailing and anchors. You can serve doughnuts as life preservers among your other party food.

One fun way to decide the theme of a baby shower is if you already know the name of the baby. If Jonah, you can have a whale theme. If the boy’s name will be Noah, Noah’s Ark is always such a cute theme. A great idea for a baby shower even when the baby’s name is not Noah.

Sports themed showers are popular for boys. Especially if it is a shower in which the men are invited or are planning a party close to a large sports event like the super bowl. A baseball themed party can include decorations like foam fingers and banners. The cake can be in the shape of a ball diamond and you can serve hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks for fun foods. Also, golf themed baby showers can be lots of fun, especially if the mother or father loves the game. Have white cake balls instead of a cake. Planters will with grass make easy, cute centerpieces.

So if you are in charge of a baby shower in the near future for a boy, take your time and pick out the right theme. And you can use this Baby Shower Planning Guide to help you through the process. And check out these 10 tips to host a baby shower on a budget.

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Filed Under: Crafts and Hobbies, Parenting Tagged With: baby shower ideas for boys, baby shower tips, boy baby shower

23 Fun Things for Kids to Make This Summer #crafts

May 22, 2013 by Kelli Miller 4 Comments

Summer is almost here. That means Summer Vacation! Here are some creative ways to keep the kids busy this summer! This huge list of fun things for kids to make this summer should keep them occupied for many days! Add in pools, parks, and beaches and you will never hear the “I’m bored” mantra!

7 Recycled & Up-cycled Fun Things for Kids to Make This Summer:

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on arts and crafts supplies this summer! Simply go on a scavenger hunt for old “trash” to recycle and up-cycle into fun playtime!

1. Crafting Animals from Toilet Paper Rolls – A great craft using recycled materials to make fun animals.

2. Handmade Recycled Material Wind chimes – A great craft using recycled materials. Make something fun and teach a "green" lesson.

3. Sun Upcycled Crayons by Mama Smiles

4. Egg Carton Craft and other fun recycled crafts for kids by SusieQTpies Café

5. little island studios: Re-purpose Baby Food Jars! by Little Island Studios

6. Egg Carton Flower Crafts by Enchanted Homeschooling Mom

7. DIY repurposed shoes by SusieQTpies Café

13 Fun Craft Projects for Kids to Make this Summer:

1. DIY Kids Summer Passport – Comes with FREE printable stamps! Great way to capture all of those summer memories!

2. Melted Crayon Art – Some creative ways to use up those old crayons!

3. Embellished Flip Flops – Perfect for summer. DIY up your flip flops!

4. DIY Chunky Bracelet – Your kids can make some cute bracelets to wear themselves or use as gifts!

5. Balloon Painting – Here is a great Toddler Craft!

6. DIY Felt Monsters – Here is a cute twist on paper dolls.

7. Birdhouse & Feeders

8. Decorate your own flip flops by Bowdabra

9. Mix & Match Painted Rocks by Teach Besides Me

10. Garden Ladybugs by The Taylor House

11. Pinwheel Craft tutorials by Bowdabra

12. Butterfly Handprints by The Taylor House

13. Season Crafts by DEALS – Love how these preschoolers turned this educational project into art!

3 Red, White, and Blue Crafts for Kids:

The Fourth of July is a super fun occasion and many people are looking for July 4th Crafts for kids. So, I decided to pull these few things out on there own. This should make it a bit easier for you to find.

1. 4th of July Flag Craft by DEALS

2. Red White & Blue

3. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs from Crystal and Comp

There you go 23 fun things for kids to make this summer. I hope you enjoy them! Have a great Summer!

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Filed Under: Just for Kids Tagged With: fun kids activities, fun things for kids

6 Fathers Day Activities for Kids to do with Daddy

May 17, 2013 by Kelli Miller 1 Comment

With Father’s Day looming, the question on a child’s lips may well be, “What the can I do with my dad to celebrate Father’s Day?”.

Dads and kids form special bonds – very much unlike the ones that moms form with their children.

Sure, you can’t always spend enough time with your dad, but you can control the quality of time you spend together. Regardless of how old you are, the following activities will be much appreciated and will turn a weekend – or even a few minutes – into daddy-child quality time.

Make Dad Breakfast in Bed

Dads, more often than not, get up before dawn to get ready for work and watch out for the needs of the family. To get your old man off to a great start, why not rustle him up a yummy breakfast? We’re talking eggs, bacon, buttery toast, the lot.

Cook Together

Don’t mistake this for sexism; cooking together is healthy – and fun! Sure, some dads are so hardcore with their barbecue grills that they may not even want to let anyone else do the grilling. But if your dad’s cool with it, grill him up some juicy burgers, hot dogs, chicken or ribs. If he’s the compulsive grilling type, help him man the grill. And remember to have a natter amidst the barbecue smoke.

Watch a Good Film Together

Most dads grew up in the good old days when The Brady Bunch and Andy Griffith were trendy on television. Why not spend the evening watching some modern-day classics like My Girl, Father of the Bride, Three Men and a Baby or Big Fish on Father’s Day?

Take Daddy Somewhere Special

Find out where Dad’s always wanted to go and find a way to make it happen. Whether it’s Timbuktu, a day racing around the tracks in a Lamborghini or just a day beside the sea, your dad would be super touched if you made the effort to arrange something for him.

Make Dad a Card

It’s a known fact. Dads love to get cards from their kids, no matter how old they are and no matter where they live. Make Dad a card, and chances are it’ll still be sitting on his desk or mantelpiece a year from now. He’ll love it.

Write Dad a Song or Poem

Want to melt the cockles of Dad’s heart this year? Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenchingly sweet things you could do for your dad on June 16th would be to take some time to write him a song (if you’re the musical type, that is!) or a poem about how he’s been there for you, how much he’s done, how much you adore him, and how much he means to you.

This Father’s Day, don’t plump for the same old, same old socks and ties. Instead, tell Daddy dearest he’s the bee’s knees and set your sentiments in stone with a personalized Father’s Day gift from GoneDigging. It’s sure to melt the cockles of his heart on June 16th.

Guest Post By: Gary Dieter

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Filed Under: Just for Kids, Parenting Tagged With: daddy and daughter time, Father's Day, Father's Day Activities

Review: PetFlow.com

May 17, 2013 by JacquiO 21 Comments

If you have a pet I am sure you would agree with me that they are more like another member of the family than a pet. So why shouldn’t they get spoiled just like you would spoil your little one? Although, as a pet owner, I know it’s not always as easy as it sounds. PetFlow to the rescue! The good folks over there take the stress out of spoiling your four legged friend!

About PetFlow Spoiled Rotten:

“At PetFlow.com, they carry almost 150 brands of pet food, treats, and supplies including some of the highest quality brands that are not available locally.”

My Thoughts:

I was very excited to get my box PetFlow box which contained six different items all meant to spoil our Sadie Girl! The first thing I got was Ark Naturals Sea “Mobility” Might Beef Treats. Sadie chowed this biscuits down in matter of seconds. What I liked most is that they contain a healthy dose of glucosamine, which helps increase her flexibility, mobility, and joint comfort. She also got two other treats: Natural balance Limited Ingredient Jerky Bars in Lamb/Brown Rice & Chicken and Sweet Potato flavors. The jerky bars are grain-free and contain no artificial colors or flavors I also got an LED Bone Pet Safety light. I personally like this because I can step outside on my deck and see her. I get nervous if I don’t see her in our yard, so it’s a huge comfort!! We also got the True-Dose Calming for Dogs. This is to help calm your dogs when they are about to encounter a stressor such as a ride or bath. It’s simple to use; all you have to do is add it to their food. Besides all these great treats and safety items Sadie Girl also got a new toy! She got Kyjen Invincible Gecko. I am very impressed with my PetFlow box! They covered all the areas that you would want to spoil your pet: special food, special safety items, and lastly a FUN new toy!!

Connect with PetFlow

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One lucky 3 Boys and a Dog reader will win their very own Pet Flow Box!

REQUIRED: Visit the Pet Flow, look around, then come back and tell me something you liked, learned, or want!

BONUS #1: Follow @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to click the tweet button above. You may tweet once daily

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CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on June 2, 2013

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This is a sponsored post. As with all the products I blog about, I use them personally and opinions are my own, I was not influenced in any way by the compensation I received.