Happy New Year!

Thank you for visiting my blog. I look forward to sharing some great stuff with you in the coming year. I am creating a new and improved blog. Keep checking back for more details. In the mean time, remember every day is worth celebrating!

May 27th - National Grape Popsicle Day

When I was a kid, I loved Popsicles. Purple is my favorite color, so naturally I always went for the purple Popsicle. Oh how I remember those hot summer days sitting outside after a full day of swimming or playing in the sprinkler eating a purple Popsicle. When I got a little older, I decided Popsicles were for kids and I moved on to savor other ice cold delectable treats. I never realized how much I liked Popsicles until I had a baby. She loves Popsicles and we often share them together. The nostalgia is awe-inspiring. Nothing brings you back to your days of summer past quite like a Popsicle. I urge you to have a Popsicle today. It could be grape or any other flavor, just go for it, you will thank me and your kids will thank me too.

The Popsicle originated in 1905, when an 11 year old, Frank Epperson, left a stir stick in a mixture of powdered soda and water out in the porch. That night, temperatures reached a record low. When the boy woke up the next morning, he discovered the drink had frozen to the stir stick, creating a fruit flavored 'icicle,' a treat he had named the Epsicle. When Frank turned 18 he released his invention to the public at the Neptune beach amusement park. When he realized how popular his invetion was he patent it and later, by request of his children he renamed his treat Popsicle. Thank you Frank – Popsicles rock!

First eat all the grape Popsicles out of the box and then use the Popsicle sticks to make these cool crafts. (if you did not eat enough Popsicles for your craft, you can purchase craft sticks at your local craft store)


God’s Eyes

What you need:
String or yarn in several colors
2 Popsicle or craft sticks
Glue
Scissors

What to do:
1. Glue the two craft sticks together in a cross.
2. Take one color of yarn and wrap it over and around one stick, then over and around the next, over and around the next, and so on. Keep doing that until the color is used up.
3. Tie a different color string onto the old one with a tight knot.
4. Repeat steps 2 + 3 until complete.
5. Take a piece of string for a hanger, cut it, and tie or glue it to your God's Eye. Hang it up in your room to enjoy.


Popsicle Stick Lantern

What you need:
Popsicle sticks or craft sticks
Wax Paper
Tacky Glue
Small Candle in Votive Cup
Small wooden shapes (optional)

What to do:
Lay a 24" piece of wax paper on your work surface. Start at the left bottom and glue four craft sticks on the wax paper to make a box. Right next to it, make another box of four craft sticks. Repeat two more times so you have four boxes. Decorate each box with wooden shapes or other decorations. Glue in place. Let dry.

Trim the wax paper along the top. Trim down the side but leave a half inch to glue. Fold wax paper to make a box. Glue flap to secure. Set a candle in a votive inside and see how pretty it looks when the light shines through.

If you suffer from purple mouth after eating all those grape Popsicles, make use of it and sing the Purple People song with your kids.

"The Purple People Eater"
Written by: Sheb Wooley

Well I saw the thing comin' out of the sky

It had the one long horn, one big eye.

I commenced to shakin' and I said 'ooh-eee'

It looks like a purple people eater to me.

It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater.

one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater

A one-eyed one-horned, flyin' puple people eater

Sure looks stange to me.

Well he came down to earth and lit in a tree

I said Mr. Purple People Eater don't eat me

I heard him say in a voice so gruff

I wouldn't eat you cuz you're so tough

It was a one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

Sure looks strange to me.

I said Mr. Purple People Eater, what's your line

He said it's eatin' purple people and it sure is fine

But that's not the reason that I came to land

I wanna get a job in a rock and roll band

Well bless my soul, rock and roll, flying purple people eater.

Pidgeon-toed, undergrowed, flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater

what a sight to see.

And then he swung from the tree and he lit on the ground.

He started to rock, really rockin' around

It was a crazy ditty with a swingin' tune

sing aboop boop aboopa lopa lum bam boom

It was a one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

What a sight to see

And then he went on his way, and then what do you know.

I saw him last night on a TV show.

He was blowing it out, a'really knockin' em dead

Playin' rock and roll music through the horn in his head

It was a one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

one-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater

Sure looks strange to me.

May 26th - Sally Ride Day

Sally Kristen Ride was born on May 26th 1951 in Los Angeles, California where she continues to live today. Sally is an American physicist and a former NASA astronaut who, in 1983, became the first American woman and youngest American (at the time) to enter space. Ride among eight thousand others applied to be an astronaut in 1977. Six women, including Sally Ride, were selected for a group of 35 new astronauts in 1978.

Space was not Sally’s first love. As a child she had always dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player, but when she went to college, she discovered physics and was intrigued. She earned a PhD in physics and shortly before joining NASA she earned a degree in astrophysics.

Sally flew into space again in 1984. She has cumulatively spent more than 343 hours in space. When asked about space travel, Sally said, "The thing that I'll remember most about the flight is that it was fun. In fact, I'm sure it was the most fun I'll ever have in my life."

In 2001, Ride founded Sally Ride Science, a company dedicated to supporting girls’ and boys’ interests in science, math and technology. Ride currently serves as the organization's President & CEO.

Sally Ride has also written or co-written five books on space, aimed at children with the goal of encouraging children to study science.


To celebrate this day with your family make your very own little rocket ship.


Paper Rocket

What you need:
Large plastic drinking straws
Cellophane tape
Paper
Scissors

What to do:
Cut 4 strips from a 8 1/2 X 11 inch sheet of paper.
Fold in half.
Tape, leaving 1 inch untaped at the bottom.
Fold and tape to a point at the top.
Tear paper on untaped end to make fins.
Put the straw in the end that is not taped.
Now have the children blow on the straw, and their rockets will fly.

How far can your rocket fly? Compare flight distances.
Place boxes at various distances and have the children aim and try to land their rockets in a designated box.


Another fun craft to make


Star Gazer

What you need:
Two-liter plastic bottle
Black construction paper
Tape
Thumb tack
White copy paper

What to do:

Draw four different constellations on the 4 outer edges of a piece of white copy paper. Cut off the bottom of a 2-ltr bottle. Wrap a black piece of construction paper around the bottle and secure with tape. Grab a piece of black construction paper and a thumb tack (with a grip on the end). Lay the white copy on top of the black paper. Use the thumb tack to poke a hole through each star (dot) to make a constellation. Look through the pour spout on the plastic bottle. While holding it with one hand, use the other hand to hold the black paper up to the cut end of bottle. Position one of the punched-out "constellations" in the middle of the cut hole and look upward to a light source.


To honor the great Sally Ride encourage your children to think about outer space and read them this cute little poem before tucking them in bed tonight.

Last Night I Slept in Outer Space

by

Lynn M Duriga

Last night I slept in outer space

With my head upon the moon

In a galaxy of strange design Though I never left my room

My rocket ship was right near by

Ready -- just like I’d planned it

In case I decided to visit the sun

Or perhaps that red-ringed planet

Solar systems swirled all around me

And stars glowed bright in the dark

There was even one galaxy down near my feet that was shaped like a big question mark

A flying saucer was part of the mix

It was parked close beside the Big Dipper A purplish moon and asteroids too

Completed the heavenly star-studded view.
Tonight though, I won’t be falling asleep In that wonderful outer space place

I have to exchange that adventurous scheme

For another more worldly theme.

A safari perhaps – an African dream

Of zebras, giraffes and the jungle Or maybe instead, a blue coral reef

Where the waves of the ocean will lull me to sleep.
Maybe you’ve guessed why tonight will be different

And why I won’t sleep among stars

Why a jungle safari or coral reef fishes

Will replace solar systems and Mars

When I pull up the covers, and my day starts to dim

Then the place that I’m likely to find myself in

Is inspired by soft, cool, cottony covers

Where images dance and ideas hover

Fanciful thoughts then fill up my head

And all because Mom changed the sheets on my bed!

May 25th - Memorial Day

When I'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile,

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;

Remember some good I have done.

Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,

I would not have you sad for a day,

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay,

And come in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best. - Mrs. Lyman Hancock

In 1866 Henry Welles, a drugstore owner in Waterloo, New York, suggested that all the shops in town close for one day to honor the soldiers who were killed in the Civil War and were buried in the Waterloo cemetery. On the morning of May 5, the townspeople placed flowers, wreaths and crosses on the graves of the Northern soldiers in the cemetery. At about the same time, Retired Major General Jonathan A. Logan planned another ceremony, this time for the soldiers who survived the war. He led the veterans through town to the cemetery to decorate their comrades' graves with flags. It was not a happy celebration, but a memorial. The townspeople called it Decoration Day. In 1971 Memorial Day it was declared a federal holiday by President Richard Nixon.

Cities all around the United States hold their own ceremonies on the last Monday in May to pay respect to the men and women who have died in wars or in the service of their country.

Memorial Day is not limited to honor only those Americans from the armed forces. It is also a day for personal remembrance. Families and individuals honor the memories of their loved ones who have died. Church services, visits to the cemetery, flowers on graves or even silent tribute mark the day with dignity and solemnity. It is a day of reflection.

The National Moment of Remembrance

Asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans. - White House Commission on Remembrance

America Acrostic Poem

Write a poem about America. Start each line with a letter from the word "America."
You can also start each line with a letter from words such as honor, freedom, sacrifice, and courage.

Patriotic Hand Wreath

What you need:
Glue
Scissors
Red, white and blue paint or construction paper.

What to do:
There are two ways to do this craft. One is to trace the child's hand onto paper and cut out the prints. The second is to make paint hand prints on the paper and cut those out Make nine hand prints (3 of each color Cut out the prints and glue to form a wreath.

Red, White and Blue Tissue Paper Flowers

What you need (for one flower):
tissue paper (Red, white and blue for flowers and a bit of yellow or white for the center)
straw
cotton ball
scissors
scotch tape (or floral tape)

What to do:
cut a square of tissue paper (white or yellow) about 2" by 2"put a small piece of cotton (about 1/4 of a cotton ball in the center.

Scrunch the cotton filled tissue paper around the end of the straw and wrap a piece of scotch tape around it.

Put 4 or 5 petals around the cotton filled tissue paper. Tape them on.

Continue adding rows of petals until you have a nice full flower. You'll need at least 4 rows of them.

Fluff the petals out a bit to shape your flower.

May 24th - National Escargot Day

One of the most famous dishes in French cuisine is escargot, a preparation of snails which can be served with a variety of sauces. The most common preparation for escargot is boiling or steaming, and the snails are often served in the shell on a special escargot plate, which has small depressions for each shell. In addition to being served plain, escargot can be tossed with pasta or used to stuff vegetables for appetizers.

Archeologist found roasted snail shells in Florida, indicating that snails have been eaten since prehistoric times. If you like escargot you will be happy to know that escargot is high in protein and low in fat. If on the other hand, you are like me and can’t imagine eating slimy snails, here is another reason to steer clear of these delicacies. A typical snail diet includes decayed matter, carrion, and a wide variety of leaves. The contents of their stomachs can sometimes be toxic to humans. Therefore, before they are cooked, the snails are first prepared by purging them of the questionable contents of their digestive system. If the snails are not properly purged, it can make the dish taste bitter. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy! If you love escargot, today is the day to enjoy it. If you have never had escargot, but always wanted to try it, I would say, go for it, take the plunge today.


ESCARGOT IN GARLIC

Ingredients:
1 dozen snails

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp. white wine or chicken broth

1 stick real butter, softened

2 tbsp. chopped parsley

1/4 c. dry bread crumbs

French bread

Directions:
Using purchased snails (the common garden variety won't do). Mix garlic, parsley, wine or broth and butter. Cover, refrigerate to firm. Stuff snails into shells followed by about 1 tablespoon of prepared butter. Place in shallow pan. Sprinkle bread crumbs at mouth of snail. Broil until very hot, about 15 minutes. Serve with toasted slices of French bread and garnish with lemon.

Share with your family these silly snail jokes, while crafting or cooking your snails.

What is the definition of a slug?

A snail with a housing problem!

Why is the snail the strongest animal?

Because he carries a house on his back!

What do you do when two snails have a fight?

Leave them to slug it out!

Cute Snail Craft

What you need:
4” Styrofoam ball
½” teardrop and craft spoon
Approximately 39 yellow pony beads
Black chenille stem
Two 7mm wiggly eyes
Acrylic paint – light green, orange, purple
Fine tip black marker
Glue
Paint brushes
Plastic knife

What to do:
1. Slice off ½” from ball with a plastic knife.

2. Paint ball with orange paint. Let dry. Using purple paint, Paint a large swirl on ball beginning at bottom edge of ball.

3. Put a dab of glue on the bottom of each pony bead and press into Styrofoam® around swirl, beginning at the bottom of the swirl.

4. Paint the craft stick and teardrop green. Let dry. Using purple paint, make cheeks for the snails face and the tip of the tail (teardrop). Draw mouth with a black marker. Glue wiggly eyes in place. Let dry.

5. Press small end of craft spoon head into bottom ride side of snail body. Press rounded end of teardrop tail in bottom of left side of body. Cut chenille stem in half. Using only half, bend stem to form antennae and glue in place.

May 23rd - World Turtle Day

“World Turtle Day calls attention to these remarkable animals and the urgent need to protect them in their natural habitats,” says Beth Preiss, director of the exotic pets campaign for The HSUS.

Why did the turtle cross the road?
To get to the Shell station!

If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, is it naked or homeless?

What did the turtle wear to keep warm?

A turtle neck.

Many Turtles have recently emerged from winter hibernation and are beginning their search for mates and nesting areas. Funny, just yesterday I was outside watering my flowers when I saw a baby turtle slowly moving through the bushes. I love seeing little turtles, it remind me of my baby sister because she always had a pet turtle growing up. Now that the turtles are emerging, I can’t think of a better time of the year to celebrate them. If you are going out to the lake this weekend, keep your eyes open for these adorable little creatures, but just remember for their safety and yours, look but don’t touch.

Celebrate this day by learning a few facts about turtles:

Turtles are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Turtles have been on earth for more than two-hundred million years.

The box turtle among other species can live for one hundred years or more.

The turtle's shell contains nerve endings so the turtle can feel it when you touch its shell.

A turtle's shell is made up of sixty bones connected together.

Loggerhead turtles can weigh two-hundred to four-hundred pounds and grow to more than three feet.

Ancient turtles were very similar to modern day turtles except they had teeth and could not retract their heads as modern day turtles can do.

Although we tend to clump them all together there are differences between a turtle and tortoise. A turtle spends most of its time in water. Turtles have webbed feet for swimming. A tortoise is a land dweller. Its feet are not webbed. Turtles have flatter backs than tortoises.

Please keep this in mind, when you are thinking about getting a turtle for a pet!

Baby turtles can be natural sources of Salmonella, a group of bacteria that can cause severe illness and death. Salmonella can be found on the outer skin and shell surfaces of the turtles. In addition to the Salmonella risk, getting turtles as pets poses risks to the welfare of the animals and harmful the environment. Countless turtles in the pet trade die from poor shipping methods and inadequate care. If they survive, they can live for decades. People may release them outdoors where they can harm native species.

All seriousness aside, lets have fun and celebrate turtles

Turtle Hopscotch

What you need:
Sidewalk Chalk

What you do:
Draw a Turtle on the cement making the turtle body about 36" wide. Then draw the Head and a tail to extend out 4 feet. Feet and tail are safe areas.

Draw a circle in the middle, which will be referred to as HOME. Now, make 10 spaces in the outside shell, with #1 starting next to the head.

To Start, the first player stands on the Turtle Head. The player must hop, on one foot, landing in each space (from 1 to 10) and then can land on Home space with two feet. The player now hops back from 10 to 1 and onto the Turtle head to exit the game.

If the player hops all the way without stepping on a line, then that player get to claim a space and write their name in that space. No other player can land on that space for the rest of the game.

Successive players can also use the Turtle legs and tail as safe spaces and stepping on those lines does not count.

Players continue taking turns, skipping over the claimed spaces. Play continues until no one is able to reach Home.
Whoever earns the most spaces is the Winner.


A Couple Cute Turtle Songs (with actions)

I got a little turtle, his name is Tiny Tim,
I put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim (make a swimming noise and movement)
He drank up all the water (move your hands towards your mouth and make a "gulp" sound)
He ate up all the soap (make a munching noise with the eating of the soap)
Then my little turtle got a bubble in his throat (tap under your chin gently when you say that line)


1 little 2 little 3 little turtles
4 little 5 little 6 little turtles
7 little 8 little 9 little turtles (show the fingers as you go along)
10 little turtles in the pond (then clap 3 times)


There was a little turtle (make a small circle with your hands)
He lived in a box, (make a box with both hands)
He swam in a puddle, (wiggle hands)
He climbed on the rocks. (climb fingers of one hand up over the other)
He snapped at a mosquito, (clap hands)
He snapped at a flea, (clap hands)
He snapped at a minnow, (clap hands)
He snapped at me. (point to yourself)
He caught the mosquito, (mimic catching a bug)
He caught the flea (same action)
He caught the minnow, (same action)
But he didn't catch me! (point to yourself)


Sweet and Simple Turtle Craft

What you need:
Small White Paper Bowls
Cereal Box Cardboard
Glue
Scissors
Markers or Paint (preferably green and black)

What to do:
Use scissors to cut the turtle's legs, head and tail from a cereal box!). Turn the bowl upside down and glue them to the underside of the rim. Use the markers or paints to decorate the turtle

My Apologies! May 20th-22nd

I would like to apologize to my regulars for not posting the last couple of days. My Internet has not been working and therefore I was unable to post. I am back now and look forward to keeping you updated everyday. In the future I hope to post a list of daily celebrations so you can have time to plan ahead, if you see a celebration or activity you like. Remember just because things are celebrated on certain days, doesn't mean you can't celebrate them at another times. Kinda like celebrating Christmas in July.

May 19th - National Devil's Food Cake Day

Today is National Devil’s Food Cake Day. It is hard not to feel guilty about eating something sinfully bad with the devil’s name in it, but when it comes to chocolate all sane judgment should be disregarded. It’s just cake and a small piece won’t hurt. Go ahead enjoy one piece and as long as you do not devour the entire cake (if this happens, remember no judgment, its chocolate, no need to feel guilty about you’re your lack of control over chocolate. It has powers no one can explain) your pants will still fit tomorrow.

Oh how I wish the name of this cake originated from a classic fable of a cake that turned people devilish or maybe even a cake the devil made to hook millions of people on chocolate. Stories aside, the name of this sinfully wonderful cake comes from the reddish tint left by the natural cocoa color. In recent times the Devil's food cake has lost its reddish tint and is known for its rich chocolate color. The change of the color occurred when people started using Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa. The Dutch-processed cocoa improves the chocolate taste and changes the color to a deeper dark almost black color.


A couple interesting tidbits about Devil’s Food Cake

Devil's food cake was introduced in the United States in 1902. It quickly became the favorite dessert of the early 1900s.

In the 1940s, a rumor was spread that a customer asked for a copy of the recipe and was given a bill in the amount of $100. According to the rumor, the angry customer, apparently with revenge in mind, then began circulating the recipe along with her story.

In the 1970s, the cakes’ popularity faded when red dye was linked to cancer.


In honor of this day make a devil’s food cake with your family. While you are eating it, make up your own story about how the name for this cake originated. You can write down the imaginative tales your children come up. Take pictures of them making the cake and then take pictures of them with big chocolate smiles, eating the cake. Put it all together in a scrap book with pictures and include your favorite Devil’s food cake recipe.


Just for fun you could make devil horns or halos for your children to wear while making the cake.

Horns & Halos

What you need:
Thin black plastic headbands
Red and silver pipe cleaners
Red construction paper
Glue gun

What to do:
To make the horns, cut out 2 triangles from red construction paper. Form two triangles out of the pipe cleaners and attach the paper to the back of the triangle shaped pipe cleaner. Then attach the triangles to the headband with a hot glue gun.

To make the halo, use two pipe cleaners to form a hoop. Adjust the size accordingly. To make the halo stand off the headband, cut a pipe cleaner in half and attach one end to the hoop and the other end to the headband.


Devil’s Food Cake recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
6 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
1/2 tsp of instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour one 9x13 inch pan or two 9 inch round pans.

In a small pan melt the butter or margarine with the unsweetened chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.

Cream together the sugar and the eggs until light in color. Add the chocolate mixture to the eggs and temper mixture by beating well Add 1 cup boiled water (still warm) and blend well. Mixture will be very liquid.

Mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the chocolate mixture and blend well.

Mix together the vinegar and the milk and stir into the chocolate batter. Pour into prepared pan(s).

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

May 18th - Rooster Day

Today is Rooster Day. This funny looking bird deserves a day of celebration for his many years of daybreak alarm. Serving as a trusty alarm clock for farmers, the rooster is a polygamous, male chicken. His main duty is to guard the nests of eggs. He guards the general area where his hens are nesting, and will attack other roosters who enter his territory. During the daytime, he often sits on a high perch, usually 4–5 feet off the ground, to serve as a lookout for his flock. He will sound a call if predators are nearby. A rooster might crow at any time of day, if he looks into the sun - even sometimes on a bright moonlit night.


Do you ever wonder why so many people decorate their kitchens with roosters? I have often been puzzled by the rooster attraction, but come to find out this tradition started because the rooster is said to be a symbol of luck, health, and prosperity. Some believe the rooster will magically turn a bad cook good. So for all you bad cooks out there, today is the day to buy yourself a ugly little rooster to bring you luck in the kitchen.


People born in 1921,1933,1945,1957,1969,1981,1993 & 2005 are born in the year of the Rooster

The sign of the Rooster indicates a person who is hard-working and definite about their decisions. Roosters are not afraid to speak their minds and can therefore sometimes come across as boastful. They make good restaurant owners and world travelers.


Special Mention: If you live in Oklahoma I highly recommend going all out for Rooster day and take a trip to Broken Arrow for the Rooster Day's festival. 76 years of celebration has made this festival one of the best in the area. Unfortunately the festival has passed. It was held on May 10 -13, but be sure to check out Broken Arrow next year for the action packed Rooster Day’s weekend.

For a little rooster fun with the kids, try out this paper craft.


Make a rooster out of construction paper

What you need:
construction paper
scissors
white glue
pipe cleaners
bead eyes (optional)
feathers (optional)
embroidery thread

What to do:
Cut out two equal sized circles in one colour of construction paper and two larger equal sized circles in another colour. Using other colours of construction paper, cut out the beak, tail feathers, wings, comb and wattle.

Start with the head: this will be made using the smaller circles. Carefully cut a line to the centre of each circle. (solid line in the image) Make two little cones by gluing the small area from the cut side to the dotted line on each circle.

Put a thin line of glue on the concave edge of the cone. Place the beak, comb and wattle on the appropriate parts of the circle. Attach the other side of the head. Glue eyes to the outside.

Next, the body: carefully cut a line to the centre of each of the large circles. (solid line in the image) Make two little cones by gluing the small area from the cut side to the dotted line on each circle.

Put a thin line of glue on the concave edge of the cone. Place the head, tail feathers, a piece of looped embroidery thread and feet onto the appropriate parts of the circle. Attach the other side of the body. Glue the wings to each side.

Leave to dry for 24 hours before hanging.



For true roster celebration try this fun game for adults and children alike.


Rooster Fight Game

Put two people in a large circle. Have each person hop on one leg, holding their other foot by the ankle up at their rear. To win, the player must force his opponent to lose balance and let go of his ankle, fall down, or step out of the circle. The only contact allowed is bumping shoulders. No grabbing is allowed.

May 17th - Pack Rat Day

When you think of a pack rat the first thing that comes to mind is a person who never lets go of anything, but did you know a pack rat is the name for a little rodent. The Pack Rat is a little smaller than the average rat and has a long, sometimes bushy tail. Pack rats are known for their characteristic searching of materials to bring back to their nests creating an ever expanding collection of materials known as a "midden" for its messiness.

There are certainly two ways you can celebrate this day. You can be proud to be a pack rat and pack away even more things that you can’t live without or you can use this day to change your pack rat ways. You can clear out all those little or large areas you’ve turned into a "midden." As so many of us, I too hold on to things for many reasons. When I clean out an area I get everything organized, but only discard a small number of items. If I don’t get rid of the items immediately, I will go back through and take things out; just knowing it was a mistake to toss it. If you are anything like me, you can rest assured knowing there is help for us.

Here is a few helpful tips to rid your life of all those “middens.”

Determine what clutter is. As a rule, if you don't use it or enjoy it, then it's nothing more than clutter. If you don't know what it is, it's clutter. Toss it or give it to someone who will use it and appreciate it.

Use your children as inspiration to de-clutter. Think about the added time and stress your clutter has caused you. Don’t let your children pick up on your pack rat ways. Instead show them how to de-clutter and give away items they no longer have use for.

Make de-cluttering fun and rewarding for your family. Create three piles or set out three boxes. One box for things to toss, one box for things to give away, and one box of items to sell (make a rule these items must be sold within a week or the items will be given away.) Turn on some tunes and encourage your family to toss, toss, toss. The 1st person to de-clutter their designated area gets a reward or prize.

Set aside a box for things you feel you may use someday. After three months discard or give away anything that remains in the box. Careful pack rats, don’t put anything new into your box until the three months is up because you will fall into the “I know I should probably get rid of this, but it has only been in the box for one month,” trap.

Take a photo of the meaningful possessions you don't want to forget, but don't have the space for. This can be very helpful for children because you can encourage them to give their unused items to other children that may not have anything, yet keep the memory, rather than allowing the memory to take up space. Praise your children for their efforts and let them know how proud you are of them. Place photos of the items in a scrapbook and share it with them (long after the mournful period is over.)

Have a Happy (packing or cleaning) Pack Rat day!

May 16th - Armed Forces Day

No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.

-General Douglas MacArthur

Today is Armed Forces Day. A Day to celebrate all those who sacrifice their lives for the freedom of our country. Celebrate this special day by making the decision to never take another day of freedom for granted. Just imagine what America would be like without our esteemed Armed Forces. Thank those in the Armed Forces and all the men and women who serve their country all over the world. Make a personal commitment to honor and respect their efforts from this day forward.

Armed Forces Day
by Del "Abe" Jones

At the urging of Harry Truman

The third Saturday in May

The new Department of Defense

Proclaimed it, "Armed Forces Day".
A day to Thank all the Services

Who defend our air, land, and sea

Who serve our Country Proudly

Defending, this Land of the Free.
All those young Men and Women

And too, all of those "oldsters"Who march, fly, and set sail

As Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers.
Some of them serve as "Regulars"And some just do, the weekend

But all step forward, Strong and Proud

When we need someone to send.
The times have been a'changing

And missions they are asked to

Grow much more complicated

Than what, they used to do.
They must be Warrior and Diplomat

With clenched fist or gentle touch

Pass the ammunition, feed the hungry

Build roads, hospitals, and such.
"A Tradition of Heroes"Is what some people say

And, we all owe them a, "Thank you!"On this, "Armed Forces Day"

How to Celebrate Armed Forces Day
By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Attend an Armed Forces Day open house at a military base near you. Talk to the men and women on duty. Ask questions. Learn what it's like to serve these days.

Go to an Armed Forces Day Scout Blast. If you don't have a scout in the family, find a friend who does and tag along. You'll see things like pinewood derbies, Civil and Revolutionary War reenactments, sports competitions, fireworks displays, kite flying, rock climbing, hang-glider and dog-team demonstrations.

Contribute to the preservation of an historic fort near you. Pitch in at a cleanup, volunteer to help out at the next holiday celebration, or simply pop a check in the mail.

Honor the spirit of today's all-volunteer military by lending a hand yourself. Join a literacy group and teach people to read. Sign on to help in a disaster-relief project. Help dish up food at your local soup kitchen. Give blood.

Tip: To find out what's going on in your area this Armed Forces Day, check your local paper, or call the Public Information Office at your closest military installation.

May 15th - National Chocolate Chip Day

It can't get any better than this. National Chocolate Chip day on a Friday, sounds like a good start to a great weekend. Today is the day you have permission to raid your cabinet for that stash of left over Chocolate chips. Come on, you know you have looked at them several times thinking “oh, just a couple won’t hurt,” but you chose to leave them alone. If you actually chose to leave them alone, be very proud of yourself because let’s be honest, who really does that? Either way, today you can grab a handful of chocolate chips and enjoy them guilt free because today is chocolate chip day!

Did you know Chocolate chips were created in 1937 by a dietitian named Ruth Graves Wakefield. She added cut-up chunks of a semi-sweet Nestlé chocolate bar to a cookie recipe. The cookies were a huge success, and Wakefield reached an agreement with Nestlé to add her recipe to the chocolate bar's packaging in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate. - Wikepedia

Think about all the yummy ways you can celebrate chocolate chip day.

You can make chocolate chip cookies or visit the Nestle website and find a new chocolate chip recipe to try.

Have a chocolate chip party and invite family and friends over asking each one to bring over their favorite chocolate chip recipe. Make sure and have them bring a copy of the recipe over so you can swap recipes.

Enjoy a handful of chocolate chips and a glass of red wine.(adults only) They are both full of healthy antioxidants so you will be taking care of your body while celebrating National Chocolate Chip Day. You can give children a glass of milk instead of wine or grape juice which is full of antioxidants as well. If they are old enough, serve the milk or juice in a wine glass to make it extra special.

It is Friday night, so you might want to enjoy a movie at home. It would be a perfect night to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

While making your favorite chocolate chip treat you can talk to your family about how The ancient Maya used cacao beans as money. Show them on a map where cacao is grown (most are located in Africa) and think about what it would be like today to use chocolate coins as real money.



One of my favorite chocolate chip recipe is Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.


EAGLE BRAND® Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups finely crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour

Directions:
Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press firmly on bottom of ungreased 9-inch spring form pan or 13x9-inch baking pan. In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. In small bowl, toss 1/2 cup chocolate chips with flour to coat; stir into cream cheese mixture. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup chips evenly over top. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until set. Cool. Chill. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Dance like a Chicken day & National Buttermilk Biscuit day

Dance like a chicken. You know you want too. Just get up and dance. I bet if I said dancing like a chicken would cause you to lose weight, you would hop to your feet immediately. Dancing like a chicken or any kind of dancing for that matter is good for your heart, so put on those dancin’ shoes and boogie. When I think of dancing like a chicken, I fondly remember doing the chicken dance with my grandpa. He loved to dance and often danced with us and grandma in their living room to all kinds of great big band tunes. The chicken dance was one of my favorites and I still get excited to bust out the chicken moves when I hear the chicken dance song.

Accordion player Werner Thomas of Davos, Switzerland, created the chicken dance song. The original name for the song was "Der Ententanz" (The Duck Dance.) The dance was introduced in the United States in 1941 during the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oktoberfest by the Heilbronn Band from Germany. They wanted to demonstrate the dance in costume, but there were no duck costumes available anywhere near Tulsa. At a local television station, however, a chicken costume was available which was donated for use at the festival, giving the "Chicken Dance" its name. Over the years, this witty song has become very popular at weddings and other dance venues.

If you have never heard or seen the chicken dance, I highly recommend you check it out. You will be showing off your chicken moves in no time. The dance goes something like this:

Chicken Dance

At the start of the music, shape a chicken beak with your hands. Open and close it four times, during the first four beats of the music.

Make chicken wings with your arms. Flap your wings four times, during the next four beats of the music.

Make a chicken's tail feathers with your arms and hands. Wiggle downwards during the next four beats of the music.

Clap four times during the next four beats of the music.

Repeat this process four times.

At the bridge, hold your arms straight, in imitation of an aeroplane. All dancers spun around the room in "flight" until the bridge ends.

(Alternately: At the bridge, link arms with the nearest person, turn right eight steps, switch arms and turn left eight steps, then repeat until the bridge ends)

The dance repeats, progressively getting faster and faster, until the music stops.



Today is also National buttermilk biscuit day. Biscuits can be a little intimidating to make, but try it a few times and I promise you will never go back to the store bought variety.


Basic Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 stick butter or margarine

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in shortening and ½ stick butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to 3/4-in. thickness; cut with a floured large biscuit cutter or the rim of a juice glass. Place 1 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Use remaining butter to brush the tops of the biscuits when they come out of the oven. Serve warm.

The great thing about this recipe is you can add cheddar for cheddar biscuits, herbs, cinnamon & sugar, or whatever your crave to make the perfect biscuit



If you refuse to dance like a chicken, the next best thing to do today is to eat chicken. Try this yummy chicken & biscuits recipe by Rachel Ray.



Chicken & Biscuits

Ingredients:
2 quarts chicken stock
2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
5 tablespoons butter , divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), 2 turns of the pan
2 large carrots , peeled and sliced into half inch thick discs
1 large onion peeled and chopped
4 ribs celery from the heart chopped
2 large russet potatoes , peeled and chopped
Coarse salt and black pepper
1 bay leaf , fresh or dried
1 cup frozen green peas
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped, a generous handful
3 tablespoons (a generous handful) chopped fresh dill
2 tubes bake off biscuits , store bought, (or use above biscuit recipe)
A few pinches cayenne pepper

Directions:
Heat chicken stock to a boil in a deep skillet or pot. Add chicken breasts and poach at a gentle simmer until cooked through about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove chicken, cut into bite size pieces and reserve. Heat a large deep pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter plus 2 tablespoons EVOO, 2 turns of the pan. When butter melts into oil add all chopped vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, add bay leaf, cook vegetables 10 minutes until they begin to become tender. Do not brown vegetables; you just want to sweat them out a bit. While vegetables are working, over small skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter, whisk in flour, and cook a few minutes to form a roux. Remove and reserve. To the vegetables add the chicken and stock that you cooked the chicken in, pouring stock through a strainer to remove any by-products from poaching the chicken. Whisk roux into your completed chicken and vegetable mixture. Simmer until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.While chicken works, bake off biscuits to package directions, sprinkle the tops of each biscuit with a little bit of cayenne pepper just before they go in the oven.When ready to serve, stir peas, dill and parsley into chicken. Split biscuits and place in bottom of shallow bowls and ladle chicken on top.

For more information about Rachael Ray, visit www.rachaelrayshow.com.

May 13th - Frog Jumping Day

To celebrate Frog jumping day a few jokes should get you hopping.

What kind of shoes do frogs wear?

Open toad!

What happened to the frog's car when his parking meter expired?

It got toad!!

What do stylish frogs wear?

Jumpsuits!

Why are frogs so happy?

They eat whatever bugs them!

What is a frogs favorite time?

Leap Year!

To get yourself in the frog jumping spirit make these cute froggy crafts.

Potholder Frog Puppet

This cute idea comes from Linda of Alabama.

What you need:
Green Pot Holder
Two Large White Pompoms
Tacky Glue
Scraps of Fun Foam
Scissors
Elastic (optional)

What to do:
Fold pot holder in half. Glue on pompoms for eyes. Add scraps of foam for pupils and nostrils. You can stitch a piece of elastic at the fold to hold the child's hand more securely. Open and close fingers to make the mouth move.

Jumping Frog

What you need:
A square of paper about 15 cm x 15 cm
markers to decorate your frog (optional).

What to do:
Fold the opposite edges of the paper together, and press down along the folded edge to make a crease. Unfold the paper and repeat using the other two edges.
Fold each corner inwards so that they meet in the middle.
Fold the two upper edges to the middle, forming an upside-down kite shape.
Fold the small triangle at the bottom upwards, forming an isosceles triangle.
Fold each of the bottom two corners inwards, forming two small triangles that meet in the middle of the bottom edge.
Fold the bottom upwards so that the bottom edge meets the top of the two small triangles from step 5, forming a rectangle.
Fold the top half of this rectangle down back towards the bottom - this will be your frog's legs.
Fold down a small section of the triangle point to make a head for your frog.

If you like, you can draw some eyes and other markings. Make your frog jump by pushing down on it near the back and then sliding your finger off.

You can’t celebrate frog jumping day without playing leapfrog. Happy Jumping!

Leapfrog

You need at least two players for this game.

Select an open area to play in.

Choose one person to start. All other players form a line, kneeling on the ground and resting their heads on the ground, covered by their hands.

Have the chosen starting player place his or her hands on the back of the person at the back of the line. He or she must press on the person's back and leap over the person, spreading his or her legs apart and hopping like a frog.

The player continues hopping until reaching the front of the line, kneeling and covering his or her head.

There are no winners or losers in this game. The point is to have fun and be silly.

May 12th - Kite Day & Limerick Day

Today is Kite Day and to celebrate this day I thought I would share with you a few interesting kite facts.

Kite flying was banned in Japan in 1760 because too many people preferred to fly kites than work.

For centuries kites have been used in wars and battles, for signaling, lifting observers, target practice, as barrage kites, dropping propaganda leaflets etc.

Large kites were banned in East Germany because of the possibility of man lifting over the Berlin Wall.

In the Orient, kites are given to someone to bring them happiness, good luck, prosperity and cure illness.

Ancient stories of fire breathing Dragons were probably a windsock type of kite flown by soldiers in the middle ages which had burning tar in the mouth opening to frighten the enemy in battle.

If the weather in your area is perfect for kite flying today, I would highly recommend making the effort to do so, you will be so glad you did. If weather is not on your side, go ahead and get your kite ready and remember to fly it as soon as the weather permits.

Make your own kite; it is easy.


A simple paper-fold kite

What you need:
1 Sheet of copier paper
Sewing thread
Stapler
Hole punch

What to do:
Fold the sheet of paper in half. Mark two points, A and B on the folded edge of the paper. Point "A" should be 2 1/2 inches from the end, and point "B", 2 1/2 inches.Fold the top corners of the page to point A and staple them in place. Do not crease the paper. Just bend it back. Punch a hole at point B and attach you flying thread.

While you are busy making or flying kites sing these fun kite songs

I Like Kites Original Author Unknown

Sung to: "3 Blind Mice"

I like kites,

I like kites.

They fly high,

they fly high.

They keep on spinning round and round,

Sometimes they even touch the ground,

They fly through the air without a sound.Oh, I like kites!

My Kite Original Author Unknown

Sung to: "The Farmer in the Dell"

My kite is up so high,My kite is up so high,

Oh my - - just watch it fly

My kite is up so high.

My kite is falling down, My kite is falling down,

Oh no - - it's down so low

My kite is falling down.

The wind has caught my kite,the wind has caught my kite,

What fun - - I'm on the run

The wind has caught my kite.

My kite is up so high, My kite is up so high,

Oh my - - just watch it fly

My kite is up so high.

Let's go fly a kite Written by Robert B. Sherman

...

Let's go fly a kite

Up to the highest height

Let's go fly a kite

And send it soaring

Up through the atmosphere

Up where the air is clear

Oh, let's go fly a kite!

...

Toying With Kites a Limerick By Madeleine Begun Kane

The sight of a kite in the sky

Is delightful and lovely, so why

Is it quite impolite

To say, “Go fly a kite!”

This idiom just doesn’t fly.

Today is Limerick Day it is a day to celebrate the birthday of Writer Edward Lear who made limerick poems popular. A Limerick is a humorous verse or poem. It's name came from the city of Limerick, Ireland. Celebrate Limerick Day by writing a Limerick.

To write a Limerick start with the line "There once was a..." or "There was a..." The first, second and fifth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically 8 or 9). The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically 5 or 6).

If you do not feel like writing your own Limerick enjoy reading these funny Limericks written by Edward Lear.

There was an Old Man in a boat,

Who said, "I'm afloat! I'm afloat!"

When they said, "No! you ain't!"

He was ready to faint,

That unhappy Old Man in a boat.

There was an Old Person whose habits,

Induced him to feed upon Rabbits;

When he'd eaten eighteen,

He turned perfectly green,

Upon which he relinquished those habits.

There was a Young Lady whose nose,

Was so long that it reached to her toes;

So she hired an Old Lady,

Whose conduct was steady,

To carry that wonderful nose.

May 11th - Twilight Zone Day & Eat what you want day

The twilight zone is an iconic American television classic. In total there were 156 episodes in the original series. The show aired between 1956 to 1964 and entertained the masses through science fiction, fantasy, suspense and horror. Each episode was guaranteed to offer an unexpected twist and some episodes were thought to be used as a medium for important social issues typical censored by the media.

When I think of the twilight zone, it usual sparks a memory in my mind about something scary or out of this world, but did you know the twilight zone happens to be "a term used by the US Air Force to describe the terminator, the imaginary border between "night" and "day." The terminator passes through any point on the Earth's surface twice a day at sunrise and sunset."- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aside from the twilight zone today is also “eat what you want day.” Often times we restrict ourselves from foods we love due to dieatery needs, but today, (permiting it does not harm you) indulge a little. Take some time to really think about a food you have not alloud youself to eat and enjoy it. I give you fair warning, if you celebrate this on any other day than today, with the exception of holidays, of course, your pants might get a little snug. So limit the celebration to just this one day and enjoy a guilt free day of eating whatever it is that your little heart desires, but remember do not risk your health in the name of celebration.

Happy Eating!

(Due to other obligations I am unable to spend quality time on writing my blog today, but I promise I will return with some great stuff in a few days. In the meantime don’t forget to celebrate everyday, because every day is special in its own way.)

May 10th - Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the fantastic, hard working, loving, caring, patient, the list goes on.......mothers of the world. You deserve special treatment and celebration everyday.

To my mom,

You brought me into this world and as I remember you saying you can take me out. Just kidding. I love you. You are the very best. Thank you for putting up with all of my shenanigans and always loving me unconditionally. You are the mother I aspire to be. Here is a little poem I found that made me think of you. Happy Mother's Day mom!

A Mother's Love

There are times when only a Mother's love

Can understand our tears,

Can soothe our disappoints

And calm all of our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's love

Can share the joy we feel

When something we've dreamed about

Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's faith

Can help us on life's way

And inspire in us the confidence

We need from day to day.

For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith

And a Mother's steadfast love

Were fashioned by the Angels

And sent from God above.

Author Unknown

And I could never forget celebrating my mother-in-law on this day because you are the amazing women who made my husband what he is today. I love you and thank you for taking me in as one of your own.

(Due to other obligations I am unable to spend quality time on writing my blog today, but I promise I will return with some great stuff in a few days. In the meantime don’t forget to celebrate everyday because every day is special in its own way.)

May 9th - National Butterscotch Brownie Day

NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chewy Butterscotch Brownies

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 3/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Flavored Morsels, divided
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F.Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in 1 cup morsels and nuts. Spread into ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining morsels.BAKE for 30 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

(Due to other obligations I am unable to spend quality time on writing my blog today, but I promise I will return with some great stuff in a few days. In the meantime don’t forget to celebrate everyday because every day is special in its own way.)

May 8th - National Teachers Day

National Teacher Day is a fabulous day to celebrate all those who have dedicated their lives to teaching. I for one fondly remember several great teachers who impacted my life in a positive way. If you remember a teacher who influenced your life in some way, today is the day to let them know about it. I would like to thank all of the teacher who have shaped my life in a positive way.

(Due to other obligations I am unable to spend quality time on writing my blog today, but I promise I will return with some great stuff in a few days. In the meantime don’t forget to celebrate everyday because every day is special in its own way.)

May 7th - National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer makes me think of my parents who have always stressed the importance of prayer. Prayer or a form of meditation, if you are not religious, can get you through all the tough times as well as commemorate the good. Pray or meditate everyday for true happiness. My father is an excellent writer who has devoted time to writing prayers and I thank him for the prayers he has shared with me and I hope everyone will remember to pray or meditate on the well being of our nation and the people representing it.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer. -National Day of Prayer Task Force

(Due to other obligations I am unable to spend quality time on writing my blog today, but I promise I will return with some great stuff in a few days. In the meantime don’t forget to celebrate everyday because every day is special in its own way.)