12 Volt dirt racer - monster trax

For my son's second birthday, I wanted something special. Some of my friends bought their little ones a power wheels scooter. We decide to purchase a monster trax since we have dirt trails nearby. While we love the item, my son is still too small to reach the pedal. Trying to figure out what to do to fix this proble since there is an 88lb limit. Although, I would easily fit, I weigh more than that! We currently hold the pedal down and he moves forward a little bit. He loves it and asks for more. Too cute! 

Should I buy water shoes for my toddler?

I never thought one of the main wardrobe components of my son's would be water shoes. We live in a hot desert climate and we find water recreationto be the funnest on a warm day. The cost of my son's water shoes was $30 at Stride Rite. Ouch, they were so cute I couldn't resist. To my surprise, I can't imagine my son's life without them. First, we used them for swimmng lessons, the hot pool concrete made it essential to have. Then, the water parks and splash parks, it's safer for him to be wearing them rather than stepping on dangerous park grounds. Overall, the investment in these shoes was worth it for us. Even playtime outside just watering the lawn requires these types of shoes. I am glad I purchased them and I think anyone with a toddler should consider adding them as an essential toddler accessory. 

Perfect Toddler Morning

Good morning, I woke up bright and early this morning thanks to the extra loud garbage trucks going down my street:) Since I always wake up when my toddler starts yelling 'mama' from his room. I decided I would use the time wisely. So, I got up, washed my face, put on make-up (yes! first time this month) and got dressed. By the time I was done, my toddler was calling me and making all sorts of noise from his room. To say I was ready to leave the house before my toddler is an accomplishment around here. Usually, I make him priority from the moment I wake up. Making me be that crazy haired lady with stained clothing running after a perfectly groomed toddler. One of my main life question is what do other mommies do on a regular day? I sometime feel my life so boring and predictable, how do other parent manage life with a toddler? So, to give some insight into my mommy day:

Woke up at 7:00
Dressed and Ready by 7:30
Downstairs with my toddler by 7:45
Toddler eating breakfast 8:00-8:30
By 9:00 I had washed dishes, swept the floor, cleaned puppy area, sanitized laundry floor, took dry clothing from dryer, did a new load of laundry, fed the cat and prepared my breakfast and snack to go.
At 9:30 I took my toddler upstairs, ran the vacuum in my room and hallway, gave him a morning bath and got him ready to leave the house.
In the car by 9:35 and on our way to morning story time for some playtime.
In the car by 11:00 and on our way to the duck pond to feed the ducks and eat a lunch snack.
Home by 12:30, my son arrived fast asleep and has been sleeping since then.

During nap time, I took care of finances, cooked lunch, did more laundry and started writing this blog. For me, it seems like a perfect morning, my toddler has so much fun at story time and feeding the ducks is always fun for both of us. So, this is my morning and this is a good day, when we get out of the house before nap time. Now, I'm just waiting for him to wake up so we can eat, play and be ready for when daddy gets home to go bike ridding, walk the dogs (we have 5 dogs) and enjoy the rest of the afternoon together.

Most days aren't like this but thanks to the morning garbage trucks this was how we spent the day.

Summer Toddler Activity - Water Balloons & Hula Hoop

Toddler activity- 20 months

I never thought of this but at a company picnic my son discovered water balloons. 

They put a bucket of water balloons and he loved it ! Ended up soaking wet but on a hot summer day like today; it was the best entertainment. So, I'm on my way to the dollar store to buy a bag of water balloons.

One thing, balloons are a choking hazard!  Alhought I wasn't able to throw the torn balloons away here, when I do this activity I'm going to make sure I have a trash bag ready to pick up the pieces. 

Also, hula hoops, who knew ? He loved pushing it through the grass.

HOMEMADE PAINTS USING CORNSTARCH.....TODDLER ACTIVITY

I find that my toddler loves to get into mischief whenever possible. To avoid major chaos in the house, I decided to make homemade paints. I recently found this website, which had several different recipes to try.

http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/finger-paint-recipes.html#paintrecipe

Making homemade paints was easier that I thought. Although they don't have the paint quality of store bought paints. When the paints touch the paper it looked like a water mess with tint rather than real paint. My son loved it, he loved sitting on the giant piece of paper and pouring paint everywhere! 

It was messy but an activity he enjoyed and I loved how easy it was to clean up. I just rinsed him off with the hose and put the paper in the recycle bin. One thing that did occur is that my son decided to taste the paint. After one taste he decided it wasn't that yummy and I was glad all the ingredients came from my kitchen.

This is the recipe I tried from the website, you should allow almost half and hour too cool completely.

Finger Paint Recipes

Basic Finger Paint 
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 Cup cornstarch
2 Cup water (cold)
Food coloring
Dish detergent (aids in clean up)
Mix sugar and cornstarch together in a saucepan. Add cold water and stir completely. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly about 5 minutes. Cool, then divide into 4 cups or bowls. Add food coloring and a drop of detergent to each bowl.

Read more: http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/finger-paint-recipes.html#ixzz2Z5nc87Mb