How we're dealing with being indoors with all three boys most of the time.
Before the weather completely cooled down, my middle and I set up a heat lamp for the chickens. I don't keep it on all of the time, but I do make sure to turn it on for the nights that are especially cold. I know that it esn't necessary, but they seem to enjoy it. Plus, it makes me feel better knowing they have a little extra warmth. In my second video (below) I also add a top to their nesting box. I thought that it may make them more comfortable to lay eggs in there, but I later found out that it didn't actually help. So, on to more ideas!
My middle just loves "helping" me out in the chicken coop. It's the sweetest (even when it's frustrating at times). I always try to encorage other parents to do more activities with the kids. I know it isn't always what you want to do. I know it makes things more difficult almost all of the time. No, I'm not saying they have to be a part of every single thing, but by including them in some of the important parts of your day (like prepping a meal for the family or watering the flowers) can make some really special memories for them (and you). I try to live by example, and that isn't always easy. We went to the lighting of the town in Covington, Ga, and it was a bit of a cluster for me. I allowed my inner "OCD planner" come out and couldn't just be in the moment, unfortunately. Long story short, I had the timing wrong for the actual lighting, rushed our dinner in the process and couldn't relax. However, my kids were having all of the fun. They always love seeing the lights come on seeing Santa on the square. So, no, it isn't always perfect when you do all the things with and for the kids, but it is always worth it.
With the weather getting colder, I've been trying out new ideas for the kids to stay entertained while indoors. This is under the same umbrella as above, and yes, it can be a lot to take on with all the kids there with you. Hang in there though. It's all worth it!
Our first indoor activity was making paper airplanes and seeing whose went the furthest from the top of the stairs. This was hilarious because my youngest was trying his best to copy us and obviously could not. My middle thought he had it figured out immediately (he did not), and my oldest was so frustrated about not making the perfect one. I showed them a basic plane, and we all threw them down the stairs. None of them did great at all. We just kept laughing at how horrible they were. Their PawPaw, however, made the most perfect one and flew 10x further than any of ours. So, the boys had fun throwing his at least.
The next indoor activity was homemade play dough. Now, this is truly for the parents to do because it requires working with the stove. You can definitely have the kids there to watch though. It's exciting when it starts to form the dough. Once it cools off enough, the kids can take the dough and add food coloring as they play!
Homemade Play Dough
Ingredients
1/2 cup cornstartch
1 cup baking soda
3/4 cup water
optional: 4-5 drops of food coloring
Directions
Step 1
Add the cornstarch, baking soda and water to a saucepan (with no heat) and stir to combine
Step 2
Turn medium heat and continue stirring the mixture while bubbles begin to form
Step 3
Once a ball begins to form (about 5 minutes), remove from heat and place the dough onto parchment paper to cool
Step 4
Add food coloring (if using) and play!
After Thanksgiving, we went to the mountain in Ellijay, Ga. Our middle son wasn't feeling the best. So, we took it kind of easy. However, we did find some time to go to The Sasquatch Museum in Blue Ridge. The boys have been slowly getting interested in Big Foot. I thought it would be a fun little outing with them seeing all the evidents in person. It was such a fun time, and they had a lot to listen to, read and watch at this location. We all had a good time exploring there and then shopping and eating downtown. Once we made it back home, it was time to start the countdown calendar for Christmas. One of the simplest things you can do on your countdown calendar with the kids is a snowman drawing contest. It's always entertaining, and it doesn't get old. You can switch it up, of course. Draw a reindeer or a Santa, for example. Whoever wins the contest gets a candycane!
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