Preschool Memory Games

Two weeks ago, Big Boy turned 4 years old. He's so cute. Growing and learning every day. I'm amazed at all the things that he's learning.

Thinking about his birthday this year, I was absolutely stumbled for ideas. He has toys, things he likes to play with. he loves books and we already have lots of movies. I wanted something that didn't require batteries and something that he couldn't outgrow too quickly. Have you looked in the stores for creative toys? They are few and far between.

Then I remembered that he had mentioned he wanted a Memory Game. What a great idea! Apparently he had played it at a friend's house and loved it. Not only is it creative, something that will grow with him, but they're also so affordable. I went into Target looking for the traditional Memory Game, and this is what I came out with...



What a great gift! He's so into Toy Story right now and we play this game almost every day. The other day he asked who bought him the Memory Game and when I told him it was Mommy and Daddy, he came running at me with his arms open and gave me a huge hug. Guess it was a hit.

Want to make this gift idea even more special? How about making a a homemade Memory Game as a great Christmas gift?

These are some great links to get you started:
Homemade Memory Game (@ Make and Takes)-- basic game to get you started and show you what materials you will need
Juice Can Lid Memory Game (@ About.com)--fun twist on the traditional came that includes recycling juice lids
Printable Memory Games (@FamilyFun)--here's a huge variety of printable games.
Vintage Memory Game (@OneSheTwoShe)--this is so cute and would make great gift for a game loving friend. I may want one of my own.
Pattern Memory Game (@The Crafty Crow)--looking for a super challenge? This one looks like it would be pretty rough, but loads of fun.

So if you're looking for a great birthday gift or a great Christmas gift, this is a fun game sure to please a variety of people on your list. And being frugal will help your budget and allow you to support Advent Conspiracy this year.

For more Works for Me ideas, check out We Are THAT Family.

Tackle it Tuesday

Well, I'm sorry. I meant to take pictures this weekend. We discovered that the video feature on our camcorder isn't working, but the digital camera part is. So I plan on using it just to take pictures for the blog. But alas, as soon as I discovered that and planned on taking pictures for this post, it simply got too dark to get anything decent. Hopefully, I'll be better prepared in the future and be able to get some more pictures in this blog again.

Anyways... this weekend was a weekend of working hard. We had a growing list of home improvement/ maintenance projects to work on and it just seemed like our calendar kept filling up. So we committed to making this last weekend a working weekend. As much as I was hoping to get done, I was still surprised at what was done. This is just a glimpse of all that was done around the house this weekend:

* pruning rosebushes
* planting garlic
* cleaning off outdoor patio
* raking leaves
* washing, line drying, folding, and putting away 3 laundry loads
* refinishing our front door
* fixing the phone lines
* grocery shopping
* volunteering in Big boy's class on Friday morning
* attending a bridal shower
* sweeping and mopping the hardwood
* baking for a chili cook-off
* cleaning the gutters
* picking up the kids' pictures
* putting up four new clotheslines
* carving pumpkins
* and various other little projects done around the house.

It was a great weekend for getting things done and I'm so excited to feel a little bit of the pressure off. Just need to limb that back tree and I'll feel complete.... For now.

For more Tackle it Tuesday posts, check out 5 Minutes for Mom.

Menu Monday 10/26-11/1

Breakfasts:
Oatmeal
Cereal
Yogurt and Fruit
Cottage Cheese
Toast and eggs

Lunches:
Peanut Butter and Jelly sammies
Grilled cheese sammies
Veggie Soup
Veggie Quesadillas

Dinners:
Monday: Lentil Soup
Tuesday: Potato Bar
Wednesday: Mexican Corn Chowder
Thursday: Taco Salad
Friday:???
Saturday: Veggie Pizza
Sunday: Aztec Chicken

Extras:
Pumpkin Bread

Link Love

These Creative Toddler Play ideas are a great reminder to incorporate the little things into your day (@ Steady Mom).

I'd love to copy this Garden Sign (@SK Studios). Wouldn't it look great on my patio?

Autumn is a favorite time of year and perfect for Everything Pumpkin (@Autumnfawn Lane).

It's fall and these Pumpkin Pie Bites will be transformed into Jack 'o Lanterns in my house very soon (@Bakerella).

Stand by Me

If you haven't seen these yet, check out the others on Youtube. Fantastic!!!