Pattye Duffner's Blog

Back To School Count Down...

My back to school check list continues with lunch box love notes.  Here are a couple of ideas to get you going… I have found some great ones at Target and Hallmark.  They are very different but fun none the less.  One you can write on the back and are more child like and the other has a re-positional back like a post it note!  Another idea is to take some of those flash cards that are missing the complete set and hand write a note to your little one.  Even some left over party napkins have filled in a pinch for me as well.  The kids get a little surprise and hopefully bring a smile to their face.

 

Month of Menus

    I have not blogged about some fun finds lately.  When I was in labor to pass the time Jerry bought me some magazines.  While reading through Women’s Day I came across an article they had about meal planning that I have to share.  They have planned out an entire month of menus for us complete with a grocery list broken down week by week.  For a busy mom that tends to put more creative juice into paper crafting (or anything else really) then dinner this was perfect!   Some adjustments can be made easily; a new eye to our family meal plans is welcomed!    

From a to z

Making these letter blocks was a project I wanted to make for my daughter that is addicted to learning!  What a fun addiction for me to watch because I enjoy so much seeing her grow.  Reading and spelling is actually fun for her!  I cannot wait to see her in kindergarten soaking it all up!  I took Creative Imaginations blocks and painted them all with one coat with one color.  Then another color on top of that when it was all dried.  Sanding the edges to expose the under side color.  Next apply letter stickers making sure there is several of the same letters on every block so the little one can make any word they can come up with.  The final step is to modge podge the entire block in order to get the shinny finish.  Sit back and enjoy your little loved one playing and learning all at the same time.

One Month Already????

Just to put a smile on your face...  Loving life here!!!

Back To School...

Putting the kids names on their backpacks is something I try to do every year in a different way.  This year I did an easy back stitch over a piece of paper.... when I was done I tore off the paper to see the name!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother’s birthday… I have not mentioned about the importance of journaling / scrapbooking lately and I am thinking today is the perfect day to reflect on that again. Adding your love notes, true feelings and heart filled journaling to your projects is something your children will cherish forever. Use a pen and your very own handwriting for a personal touch. Take it from me… if I had anything like this from my mother I would not only think she loved me, I would know it. Every child knows their parent loves them but having a written document telling them all of your feelings (good or bad) is something to cherish. Almost like the nightly prayers you say in your head for your children… write it down so they will know forever.

Summer drink

 

The grapes are also ready… Here is a fun-entertaining recipe to share with you for an easy drink.  At your next gathering try this.

 

 

Lemon-Grape Coolers

 

Ice
3 cups unsweetened white grape juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 cups lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 small bunch grapes, washed and halved
1 lemon, sliced into rounds

In each glass filled with ice, or a large pitcher filled with ice, pour in the grape juice, lemon juice and lemon-lime soda. Stir gently. Garnish with sliced grapes and lemons.

 

 

 

August is the perfect time to plant your pumpkins in time for Halloween.  I have started my patch… wish me luck!