Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Amelia Earhart, Jokes, July Activities

JULY 24 - Amelia Earhart day, Tell an old joke day, Cousins day

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
crafts, July activities

July 25- Thread the needle day

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
recipes, July activities

JULY 26 - National Chili Dog Day

• 1/4 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 smalle onion, chopped
• 1 pounds ground beef - or turkey
  
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder, or 1 tsp minced garlic
  
• 16 ounce can of tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 Tbsp  honey
• 1 Tbsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• Salt
• Hot dogs
• Buns

How to -

You can make the chili in advance.

1 Fry the bacon over medium heat until it begins to get crispy, then add the chopped onions and fry over high heat, stirring often, until they begin to brown. Add in the ground meat and stir in well. Cook this, still over high heat and stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Add the garlic and stir through.

2 Next, add the tomato sauce,honey  and beef broth. Add all the spices except the cayenne and stir well. Bring to a simmer and taste. Add salt or the cayenne if it needs it. You can of course add much more cayenne or chili powder if you like things really spicy, but it’s best to taste first and then add more.

3 Let the chili cook on a gentle simmer for at least 30 minutes.

4. Cook the hot dogs.

5. Serve a couple of spoons of chile over the hot dog and buns.This tastes delicious with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

For the little ones in the crowd (ages 4 and under) Cut up the hotdogs into small pieces before putting them in the bun.   Hot dogs can be a choking hazard.

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
July activities, stilts

JULY 27 - Summer Olympics begin, Walk on stilts day, Take your houseplants for a walk day

Today starts the London summer Olympics.  Have your own Olympics with the kids.

The Olympics is a wonderful opportunity to learn about different countries participating. Start out by making pictures of flags from different countries.Flag pictures  Then, have a parade.  Get out a globe and point out where different countries are, and where London is.

La yout 5 hula hoops on the lawn, in the pattern of Olympic rings to set the stage.

Next set up some fun physical games to play - hoola hoop, leapfrog, lawn summersaults, water balloons, sack races - or whatever fits.  Finish up with lemonade and gold medals for all!

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Singing telegram, Beatrix Potter, July activities, National Dance Day

JULY 28 - National Dance Day, National milk chocolate day, Beatrix Potter birthday, Anniversary of the singing telegram

n 1875, Daniel Peters, a Swiss chocolate manufacturer, combined chocolate with milk, chocolate powder and cocoa butter to form solid milk chocolate. Not only is chocolate delicious, but it also contains antioxidants which are helpful in unblocking arteries. Today is a good day to enjoy yours and your child’s favorite chocolate treat along with a tall glass of milk and a one of more the following books.

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner (Stories to Go!)

The Chocolate-Covered-Cookie Tantrum Max's Chocolate Chicken (Max and Ruby)

Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory

Beatrix Potter brought us the world of Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton Tail from the beautiful lake district in England. You can visit the World of Peter Rabbit Then pull out a copy of Beatrix Potter The Complete Tales

Celebrate someone’s birthday, or a special accomplishment with a singing telegram. Call on the telephone and delivery your musical message. It’s a birthday greeting they won’t forget.

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Water play

July 29-Rain Day

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Recipes, Cars, July activities, crafts

JULY 30 - Henry Ford Day, Cheesecake day, National Parent's Day

• Pictures of family members and pets
• Construction paper
• Yarn
• Nontoxic glue
• Clear contact paper

1. Fold sheets of paper in half to make at least four pages.
2. Glue one large picture of a family member or group on each page.
3. Punch two holes in the fold. Thread yarn through holes, tie, and crease. 
4. Write the names of the people under each photo. 
5. Laminate the cover of your handmade family album and preserve as a keepsake with clear contact paper.
6. As you fill the album, point out the pictures and identify the various people. This observation helps a child reinforce familial relationships.
7. Ask your child to identify and point out different family members. Your child will soon attach labels and names to members of your family. Include pictures of your child as a baby. He'll gain a sense of self-awareness.

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