Arts and crafts: Make a turtle

Turtle.
What you need: Nontoxic paint, brush, little cup of water, paper plate, green construction paper, scissors, and glue stick.
1-Flatten paper plate.
Paint the back of the plate green. This will be the turtle's shell. Some kids like to be creative so if they want to paint spots on the turtle’s back that's fine.
2-Let paper plate dry.
With the green construction paper cut out four turtle claws and a head.
Paint eyes and even a nose or mouth on head.
3- When plate is dry glue on claws and head to the turtle shell. Remember to glue them from underneath.

Alternative: Here's a twist. Instead of gluing on the claws and head use round, metal paper fasteners. This way the turtle can move, and hide his head and claws.

Home Tip: Home Fire Escape Plan

Create a home fire escape plan for your family. Make sure all your doors and windows can be opened. Open up windows that have been painted shut. Have a family meeting to tell all family members what the fire escape plan is. Have a place where you meet after the escape, like your front driveway. Practice the escape and time it. If you have a two story house you might want to check out fire ladders at a home safety store. If you can't find one look online or call your local fire department to find out where to purchase one. Also, you can purchase window stickers to let others know you have animals inside your home in case of a fire or a disaster.

Remember to have WORKING fire detectors in all rooms and hallways. Check batteries every six months.

Family Dog Tip- Rattlesnakes and your Dog

I talked to a veterinarian recently about rattlesnakes. He said the bigger the snake the worse the bite is, depending on the last time the snake has bit. If the snake has just used its venom on a meal than it will have less venom right after this. He said a big dog in good health can take a bite better than a tiny dog or an older dog. He also said the worst time to get a rattlesnake bite is right after hibernation when these snakes have lots of venom stored up. He does not take his dog hiking in the woods until mid season because of this.

Movie Review: Mrs. Doubtfire

Movie Title: Mrs. Doubtfire. Comedy. Rated PG-13. A free spirited father (Robin Williams) has been granted very little access to his kids by the court. His corporate ex-wife disapproves of the fact that he doesn't have a steady job like her. To gain more access to his children the father applies for a job as their nanny. But he has to disguise himself so his ex-wife doesn't recognize him. With the help from a makeup artist and some frumpy dresses he becomes Mrs. Doubtfire, a sweet no-nonsense matron. This is a very funny movie. If you've never seen it before you're in for a treat. The scene with the homemade face mask is quite amusing. This is one of Robin Williams best kid films.

Tea Cup Plant for a Mother's Day Gift

Simple Arts and Craft project for Mother’s Day.

Buy a pretty tea cup and saucer at a garage sale, estate sale, or low cost department store. Then buy a small cactus or rose plant. Plant in tea cup and viola it's now a cute gift.

For Father’s Day instead of using a tea cup, buy a ceramic mug. Buy a tiny ivy plant. Plant ivy in mug and now it's ready to be placed on dad’s desk at his office.

Picture Book Review: Teddy Bears at the Seaside

“Teddy Bears at the Seaside,” by Susanna Gretz and Alison Sage. Like the title suggests this picture book is about bears that go to the seaside. Five bears and their dog go to the beach. This is beary easy nighttime read. Each bear is a different color so you can teach your preschooler about colors.

Movie Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Movie Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Rated PG. Great film for middle school kids and up. This is the tale of an adolescent boy trying to fit into middle school. He dumps his best friend from grade school because he thinks he’s un-cool. This friend ends up popular. The situation about the melted cheese sticking to the ground is gross but funny. The annoying older brother in the film might make your child’s older brother seem like an angel. This amusing film is based on a book.