Lionden Landing

Today we made playdough. I much prefer the homemade playdough rather than store bought for a variety reasons. I know what goes into it. Just like the food Froggy eats, I like to choose the least processed ingredients as possible to avoid preservatives and chemicals even if they are supposedly non-toxic. It is much less expensive. It is better for the environment because there is less packaging And lastly it just feels nicer to me, a smoother more pleasant texture. I have tried several different recipes, both cooked and uncooked. The recipe I like best for durability and texture is the following simple cooked recipe. 3 cups flour 3 cups water 1.5 cups salt 3 tbs oil 6 tsp cream of tarter Pour all ingredients into a medium saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until mixture pulls away from the sides to form a ball. Turn out onto wax paper. Knead for 2-3 minutes until mixture is smooth. Store in an airtight container. For more Works for Me Wedne

Ahh the joys of finally having a toddler. We discovered a new game. Last night Froggy walked back and forth between Mommy and Daddy. With admiring parents across the room from each other, Froggy wanted nothing more than to walk. The game was hers. She chose it and continued it several times when we thought it was over. The confidence is coming. The parents job - stand her back up after each fall and hold her long enough for her to get her balance. We laughed and laughed and laughed.

I am not uber-crunchy but I still cannot abide waste. As the Not Quite Crunchy Parent noted earlier this week, it is birthday season again. In our playgroup, we are mostly first time parents of infants and toddlers still building our birthday traditions. The one tradition I knew I wanted before Froggy even became an tadpole was that the birthday cake must be Poppop's Chocolate Chip Banana cake. He would make it for me and my sisters every year growing up. The Froggy may not get to meet Poppop in person but she will learn of my love for him. Here are some of the ideas being batted around Take a picture of your child with each guest. Get duplicate prints when getting the film developed. Use one copy as a postcard for the thankyou card. Request that people only bring gifts they have made - Personally not one of my favorites. While I am inclined to be craftsy I can see this scaring lots of the invitee. Place all birthday money into a savings account for college - We are doing h