40 Days, Revisited

I apologize for not finding a lot of time to post lately.  I will have to make some time soon.  In the meantime, I am again doing a 40 day purge challenge in my house for Lent.  You can click the 40 days link to read more of what I did the last time that I did this.

Our work and school schedules don't allow for a lot of time each day, so we are using the weekends to catch up on everything.  This time my children are old enough to get to help me.  (Lucky them!)

Today, we started on all of the kitchen cabinets.  We have pretty minimal cupboard space, so I have to be very choosy about what I keep.

The tupperware/storage containers seem to be the part that really gets out of hand, so I put my kids to work sorting.  I filled a kitchen garbage bag (no picture of my trash can, sorry) with mismatched lids and containers, then cut back to almost nothing for our keep pile.

In the toss pile, I made a bag with clean food containers and lids--this will go to our church.  They serve a community meal, and they use the food containers to package up leftovers to send home with people.

The rest of the containers will go to our food pantry or the clothing closet in town.  They are good containers with matching lids, and someone will get use from them.

That is our first three bags, and the kids are out in the yard picking up all sorts of garbage that has collected in our yard over the winter.  It never ceases to amaze me how much shows up when the snow melts away.

Just like last time, I will keep a tally.

Trash: 2
Donate: 2

4

========

1 bag of clothes from each of us, divided:

Consignment store for the best ones, 1 bag.
Clothing closet donation for still nice clothes, 2 bags.
One bag of clothing that isn't good enough for donation: USagain bin.  Read the link for more information, but this is a for profit organization that takes anything you donate.

Trash: 2
Donate: 5
Sell: 1

8

========

2 bags of wire hangers from the dry cleaners/uniforms, sent back to where they came.

Trash: 2
Donate: 5
Sell: 1
Other: 2

10
========

Kids' room cleanout: one bag of less important artwork to the trash, one bag of toys for donation and one for consignment.

Trash: 3
Donate: 6
Sell: 2
Other: 2

13

=========

Surprise snow day cleaning: sorted a huge tub of outgrown clothes in the laundry room, stored by size for future wearing, one garbage bag for the clothing closet, one tub for the consignment store, one bag for the USagain bin.

In kids' room, toys and books for donation.  One bag of books to donate to the library, one bag of toys to donate to the clothing closet, one bag of toys for consignment.

Cleanout of fridge, freezer, and pantry: one bag of outdated food.

Trash: 4
Donate: 10
Sell: 4
Other: 2

 20 --we're halfway there, on February 27.  It's the 15th day of Lent!

=========

One bag filled with grocery bags, recycled at the store.

21

Making the Most of Summer Sanity Savers

If you're looking for more great FREE things to do with your children this summer, you can also check out my previous blog posts labeled SSSS (summer sanity savers series.)  Be sure to click read older posts to see all of them.

Extending the Fun

Very often, a trip to the park or a walk around the neighborhood or a stroll through the woods can be enough to keep kids entertained and active for a few hours.  We scatter these kinds of activities in with our "field trips."  Some of the trips listed in the previous post can be turned easily into activities that get kids thinking, using art, science, math, and reading skills without even realizing it.

Here are some things that we do to make our trips more meaningful.

Before the trip:

• Predicting.  This is a great critical thinking skill for children to practice.  Maybe you're going to the same park you've been to a million times, maybe you're trying out a new place for the first time.  Either way, you can teach or practice predicting skills on the way.  Walking/driving/riding bikes--it doesn't mater.  This can be as simple as asking the kids "What do you think you'll see?"  It can be as complex as having the kids pre-write in a journal predicting what will happen on their trip.
• Pre-planning.  Why should you have all the fun?  Ask your helpers to pre-plan the trip.  What do you need to take (sunscreen, hats, bat and ball)?  What do you hope will happen along the way?  Shall we pack a picnic?  What do we need to wear, based on the weather?  What mode of transportation should we take?  Again, this can be a short discussion before you leave or a writing or drawing project days before.

During the trip:

• Don't forget that the getting there can often be as fun as the final destination.  What can you do along the way to make it more fun?  
• Scavenger hunts are great fun.  You can make a list of things that you think you might find along the way.  This can be done as another pre-activity by the kids, or you can make up a list of your own or find one on the internet.
• Don't want anything that structured?  Give the children bags and tell them to try to collect 10 items along the way.  
• I Spy--we play this a lot.  It's more of a visual scavenger hunt, where we try to point out things that we see.  We also sometimes do themes--birds, animals, flowers, specific colors.  Ask everyone to find the letter C on something, then move to something else once it's been found.
• Notebooks can be fun tools for extending the fun.  My older one writes a little "journal" of her activities, the little one just draws or scribbles.  I buy up tons of notebooks in the clearance section after school starts, and Target has cute little notebooks in their dollar spot.
• Another way to track your activities is with a digital or disposable camera.  Allow the kids to borrow yours if you're brave, or buy a tougher kids' version of a digital camera.  The photo quality doesn't have to be great, but it sure is fun for them.

Post Trip/Summary:

• These activities are great for a winding down activity or even to be saved for a rainy day or sometime when you don't have anything else planned.
• On the way home, ask "what was your favorite part?"  Ask some leading questions, have them summarize the trip for a parent who couldn't come along, or call or write a letter about it to a grandparent.
• Make a photo book.  These can be done with a few pieces of scrap paper or notebook paper stapled together.  Kids can draw or write about the activity and what they learned, what was new to them, what was their favorite part.  You can also use some of the great photo deals that are posted in order to make hardbound photo books printed out for use later, small photo albums or "brag books", and there are even blank book forms you can draw or paste pictures into.  These can be independent projects for older kids, cooperative projects for groups, or something you do for them if they are too young to do it themselves.
• This is one we really like.  We use photosensitve paper and place the found items on the paper, then place it outside for a few minutes (longer if it's cloudy). The resulting "art" takes up a lot less room than keeping all the rocks, leaves, and pine cones. This kit is under $10 and has enough for several collages.

I hope this post can help with ideas to keep your children active, having fun, and learning all summer long.  Do you have a favorite activity?  I'd love to get more ideas from readers here. 

Give and Get FREE Books

What's better than a good freebie? How about if in the process of receiving YOUR freebie, you're giving something to someone in need?  The kids and I love We Give Books.  In partnership with the Pearson Foundation, they donate books to children in need to help expand early literacy skills.  How can you help?  I'm sure a donation of cash would always be helpful, but if you're low on that, try this:

Just let your kids have some fun computer time, reading some really great books!  There are so many books to choose from, and most are award winners and favorite classics.  Check the book list out HERE.

Do you know of any other resources like this?  Let me know so I can feature them on my blog.

Lenten Challenge AKA the Big Dump

I was shown the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge by a friend, and decided it would go well with my decision to quit computer gaming for 40 days.  Since I'll have all that extra time on my hands, I will start this challenge in conjunction with it.  You don't have to be religious to participate in the challenge.

If you too are starting spring cleaning (it's that time of the year, isn't it?) I'd love to work together to get the job done.  I am one to make lists but then forget to look at them or lose them.  Because of that, I'm just going to list a few areas that need attention here.  Add your own, and we can all work together.  Leave comments telling what you have done.

• In the bathroom: medicine cabinets, under the sink, countertops and shower area.  What do you do with your expired medications?  Our town has a day where they collect them all for disposal.  I know flushing is not correct, nor is it a good idea to just throw them in the trash.  You should be able to contact your local hospital or pharmacy to find something in your area.
• In the kitchen: dishes, tupperware cupboard (I get rid of anything that doesn't have lids), pots and pans, under the sink, pantry, spice racks.  There are so many areas in our kitchen where extra items collect.  I have the added bonus of a tiny kitchen, so this area needs to be cleared out often.   

I did a blog post in October that listed some places to donate your extra items, so you can check that out HERE if you don't want to just throw it all out.  

Locally, our Food at First in Ames is looking for plastic containers, tupperware, etc., with lids so that they can send leftovers home with some of the diners.  If you have any to donate, please contact them.

I thought it would be fun to keep a running tally of the actual number of bags removed so that I wouldn't feel that I haven't done much.

Donated:

1. One bag of sample-sized, some full bottles of shampoos and lotions, and bars of soap to the food pantry.
2. One bag filled with outgrown winter coats and jackets, to the clothing closet.
3. One bag filled with my clothes, to the clothing closet.
4. One bag filled with puzzles, to the nursing home.
5. Four bags of childrens clothes, to the clothing closet.
6. Two bags of childrens clothes, for hand-me-downs.
7. One bag of towels, to the animal shelter.
8. One bag of linens, to the clothing closet.

Tossed:

1. One bag from the bathroom of mostly used or expired soaps and cosmetics.
2. Two bags of random junk from storage shelves.
3. One bag of clothes too worn for donating.
4. Two bags of paper clutter/mail, etc.

Sold:

1. 29 DVDs, on eBay and through Amazon's trade-in program, after fees and shipping supplies, $22.
2. 1 bag of childrens clothing to the consigment store, will update later.

Special Circumstances:

1. One bag of expired meds, sent to hospital for disposal.
2. One bag of old cleaning supplies, saved in garage for household waste disposal day.
3. One bag of sticks and leaves, to the fire pit for s'mores (gotta have some fun).
4. One bag of dog poop, still pending.
5. One bag of shredded mail to the compost pile. 
6. One bag of plastic grocery sacks, recycled.
7. One bag of reusable grocery bags, in the trunk.

Totals so far:
Total bags: 27
Total income: $22

KinderNature -- Free Teaching Resources

We have used the fun programs of Story County Conservation many times. They have a lot of great classes for children of all ages, and most are free or a nominal fee.  I usually make sure to put their events in my calendar on the right, and I just got their latest flyer with information on upcoming activities.

Yesterday, I attended a presentation given by SCC, and learned about a great new (to me) resource that would be great even for people who aren't able to get to one of their camps.  KinderNature is listed as a resource for early educators.  They have many ideas for group and one on one activities, both indoor and outdoor, that teach about nature, incorporating math and science learning at an age appropriate level.  Check out their site for more information.

The site is fun and free for you to use, but they also offer some webinars that educators can attend online and receive credit for training and licensing.

Clean and Dirty Fun -- Bubble Paint

If you live in the Ames area and haven't visited People Place, you really should. I did an earlier post about them in conjunction with my community resources posts, so you can read more about them here.

On Friday, I was charged with leading a fun craft for the under 3 set, so I went with a favorite at my house.

Bubble paint is such a great craft for little ones and older children alike.  For the little ones, it is a way to introduce colors, and mixing colors to get different colors.  It offers them a chance to blow bubbles (always fun!), practice some fine motor skills, and the texture is so fun.

How do you make it?  It's an easy recipe, just three ingredients:

1. 1/4 C. dry tempera paint powder 
2. 3 Tablespoons of tap water
3. 2 teaspoons of dish soap

I have done it with the liquid tempera paint, but it works much better with powdered because it's thicker and makes brighter colors.  We mixed it all together in a bigger cup, then poured it into smaller cups that were easier for small children to handle (and less to spill).  Insert straw...

Then blow...

And blow...

Pat the paper onto the bubble piles.  You can do one color or all colors, or any combination. 

The bubbles are fun to pop!

Depending on the type of paper you use, the completed paper can be used as stationery, wrapping paper, or cut up for a collage.

The mess looks intimidating, but a wet rag will activate the bubbles from the dish soap, and it cleans right up.

The kids?  Well...

Help Reiman Gardens!

Reiman Gardens is a place that our household truly enjoys.  We purchase a family membership every year that gives us back so much more than we pay.  There are story times, special events, and even just a visit to the butterflies on a cold winter's day makes it worth every penny.

If you feel the same way, take a minute or so and vote for Reiman Gardens!  If they win this vote, they'll get $5000 toward creating a new rain garden.  It doesn't cost you anything to vote.  They're ranked #2 right now, so let's get them up to the top where they belong. 

Please pass this along to everyone you know!  Vote early and often.

LSI Donation Day December 5

This is for the locals only, but it looks like a great opportunity for families in need.   If you have something to donate, you may be able to call LSI and ask if they are accepting items.

   On Sunday December 5^th from 1pm to 3:30 pm LSI will be hosting a Donation Day. Families can choose clothing, books, winter items, quilts, and some toys for holiday gift giving. This will take place at the Lutheran Services of Iowa administration building conference room located at 1323 Northwestern Ave. Ames, Iowa.

Be sure to pass this information along to anyone you know who may be in need.

Community Resources -- Where to Donate Your Items

This is another in a series of posts about community resources. Again, I am focusing on my own area, but this should give you a good jumping off point on where you can donate your items.  Maybe you have leftovers from a garage sale, or maybe you don't have time to do a garage sale, but there are a lot of places where you can take unwanted (but still good) items to be redistributed throughout your community.

These lists can also be a resource for where to find items if you are in need.

Furniture items and Household Goods

• In Ames: Story County Furniture Bank.  You will need to call ahead and make an appointment either to pick up or drop off items.
• In Des Moines: Plymouth Church.  They will come and pick up items, but again you will need to call and schedule for pick up.  They also have distribution information on the same page.
• In Des Moines: The Free Store
• In West Des Moines (Valley Junction area) Found Treasures. Located at 132 5th St, West Des Moines, in Valley Junction, Found Treasure is now accepting donations. For more information please contact 515-490-5198. 
• Nationally: Check with Goodwill, Salvation Army, and there is a National Furniture Bank page with information on distribution centers all over. 
• Bed linens or old towels can be donated at your local animal shelter.

Clothing Items

• In Nevada: The Harmony Clothing Closet, located on 6th Street in downtown Nevada.  They are open on Saturday mornings and Monday afternoons for donations and also to distribute clothing.  Anyone may come in and shop free of charge.
• In Ames: Bethesda Lutheran Church will take in-season clothing only.
• In Des Moines: Found Treasures (listed above)
• In Des Moines: The Clothes Closet located in the basement of Capitol Hill Lutheran Church which is a free distribution site for needy families from all over the metro area or those in almost new condition are taken to the Lutheran Hospital Not New Shop.
• Also in Des Moines: Hope Ministries will take clothing items.
• Nationally: again, Goodwill and Salvation Army.

 Unopened food items

• In Ames: Bethesda Lutheran Church will accept unopened non-perishable food items.
• In Nevada: St. Patrick's Catholic Church
• In Des Moines: Food Bank of Iowa.  Also Hope Ministries.
• Nationally: Here is a list of local food drives.

Toys, Books, and Games

• It is my understanding that Goodwill and Salvation Army will only take unopened board games and puzzles and gently used toys, but NO stuffed animals.
• In Nevada, the Harmony Clothing Closet will accept toys and books, but again NO stuffed animals.
• Stuffed animals can usually be donated to local animal shelters, and often police and fire stations will also accept stuffed animals in like new condition.
• Books can also be donated to local libraries.
• In Des Moines: If you have new toys, books, and games, they can be donated to Blank Children's Hospital.
• In Des Moines: Children Families Urban Ministry accepts donations of toys, games, and art supplies.
• This just in!  There is a place for your stuffed animals.  This site tells you where to send them.

 Other Places and Their Needs

• The Ronald McDonald House has a wish list.
• Beacon of Life has a wish list.
• Donate your old eye glasses to your local Lions Club.
• Your old cell phones can go to help soldiers.
• Donate old bikes to be refurbished.  In Ames and Nevada, contact Richard Atwell (515) 382-5059.
• Donate blood, sign up to be a bone marrow donor, sign up for organ and tissue donation.
  

Where do you take your used items?  Do you have another organization that I should add to this list?

Don't forget that many of these organizations could also use monetary donations or donations of your time as a volunteer.

Community Resources -- Food

In continuing with my series on available community resources, I will be focusing again on the resources available in my own area. I hope that people from outside our area will still find the post useful for finding ideas on where to get help.  This post will focus on where to get free or low-priced food for your family.  Many people are faced with unexpected emergencies, or maybe the budget gets really tight some months.  Either way, it's good to know what resources are available near you. 

Even if this isn't information your family may need, please pass it along to others you meet.  If you are able, please consider donating time, food, or money to help keep these great organizations going.

Angel Food Ministries

This is a program that goes on nationwide, and it is available to people of all income levels.  Local charity organizations (usually a church) use group buying power to get groceries at a much lower price.  They put together a box of food that is supposed to be enough to feed a family of four for a week, and sell these boxes for around $30. 

They also have "special" boxes available that differ each month.  Over the years, this has developed from one regular box and one special to encompass those with special dietary needs, including gluten-free boxes and pre-made meals for seniors.

You can go to their website to find distributors in your area and the menu.  Many sites allow for online ordering, and most accept checks, cash, debit and credit cards, and food stamps.  There is only one distribution day per month, and you have to order and pay ahead of time, but it's a great way to get some quality meals for your family. 

In Ames, Food At First

The First United Methodist Church in Ames makes a meal every night of the week to serve to people in the community.  This meal is provided free of charge for all.  Here's a local newspaper article detailing a little more about the meal and how they make it all using donations from local businesses.  A HUGE thank you should go to all of the volunteers who work to prepare and serve the meals and to Panera Bread, which donates bread and rolls.

In Nevada, Food At First

The First United Methodist Church in Nevada serves meals two days a week, Monday and Thursday from 5:30-6:00 pm. 

Food Pantries

Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) in Ames provides many services for people with low or limited resources.  There are many distribution places throughout Ames and Story County.  You can find a list of the local food pantries HERE.  Again, please consider donating food items if you are able.

Community Resources

I have posted before about using all the activities in your local library for ways to entertain children, but these also save a lot of money.  I was just telling a friend about some resources available in our community, and thought it would make a good series of posts.  Once again, I will focus on my own area, but most communities have similar resources--often it is just a matter of finding them.  In our area, the library help desk is a great location to learn more about community events and activities.

Let's start with parent education, early learning opportunities for babies and toddlers, and general family support.  LSI (Lutheran Services of Iowa) is extremely active in our area, with many great resources.  While many are put off by the religious-sounding name, their services are non-denominational.  Look for more information at the link above, but here is just a short list of the services available:

• Crisis childcare in family emergencies.
• PAT (parents as teachers)
• People Place
• MELD new parent groups

I want to focus on the People Place today, because it encompasses so many different types of help and learning.  The building itself has an extensive library of parenting books, magazines, and pamphlets, not to mention that the staff is friendly, helpful, and full of knowledge.  Even if they don't have the help you need, they can point you in the right direction to get it.

They also have several programs in the building throughout the week.

• Monday mornings 9:30-11:30 are drop-in days, where parents are able to leave their children with quality caregivers for two hours while they read, chat with other parents, or use the library in the building.  The childcare is structured to provide some learning for pre-school aged children, with art projects, structured and free play, and a snack offered.
• Wednesday mornings 9:30-11:30 are ABC (after baby comes) support groups, with the same childcare but also class offerings for parents.  These include topics that are pertinent to the pre-school stage of child development, including classes on family nutrition, positive discipline, early literacy, stress relief techniques, and many others.
• Two Fridays a month are available for MELD new parent support group.  These are generally geared toward parents who are expecting a baby all the way up to parents of two year olds.  They offer a light breakfast and childcare as well.
• Separate MELD classes are also offered for parents of children with special needs, and MELD is offered in Nevada on two Monday evenings a month.
• Along with all of those programs, People Place offers special workshops at different times with a specific focus.  Class offerings change often, but this fall's schedule includes Make Parenting a Pleasure, Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development, and Care for Kids.  These classes start at the beginning of October, so call 515-233-1677 to register now.
• They are funded through Early Childhood Iowa and generous donations from the community, but also request that parents give what they can to help defray costs.  

If you have any questions about the People Place, you can call (515) 233-1677 between 9-3 on weekdays or email peopleplace @ lsi.org.  (remove the spaces)