Fun With Crepe Paper and the Like

While most homes use crepe paper to hang as birthday streamers,

Gasperini-Ville has found many alternative uses for it thanks to our little man, M.

Frankly, it's been a saving grace around here the past week, particularly on sniffly afternoons when we couldn't be out breathing on others, but had to have some fun!

Crepe Paper Use #1: Bike decorating!

Crepe Paper Use #2: Making a pond in the living room (of course)!

(Yes, that's a stuffed frog and butterfly in the pond. You also miss seeing the rows of Scotch tape used to secure the one end to my wood floors. We love tape around here too.)

M imagined both of these uses--one after watching an episode of Caillou and the other, just from play. He's a clever guy, that one! Have I mentioned what a treat it is to watch him grow these days? He is such a blessing. Some recent changes we've been making to our discipline system have been so rewarding. I have truly been a calmer, more confident mother. Ultimately, I've been really able to enjoy my kiddos. What an absolute treat they are, time-outs and all! ;) The fruit of a peaceful home is JOY, for sure!

Next up for Gasperini-Ville fun-- Bug Pencils

How does a mama encourage her boys to hold pencils well and practice their letters? Head to the dollar store and pick up some buggy #2's!

M decided while practicing his name-writing that he'd like to make a grocery list for me (thanks PBS Kids). Too cute. We started out by writing "eggs" with me verbally direct the making of his letters. I *love* that "E" has an extra horizontal line--isn't that most precious? We next worked on "bread" and "jam". I was in mommy-teacher heaven! :)

For our final at-home creative showcase, we have "earth" by M. We took a picture to show Daddy later after he arrived from work. Mommy wasn't about to let earth's play-doh-y brilliance bake on our table all afternoon! :)

There you have it--the latest and greatest from our little corner of the world! God bless!