Easy Kids Coloring Center

So like any kids, a month into summer my boys are needing new things to do.  While we have always had coloring tools around, we have not had a a centrally located place where these tools are out and immediately accessible.  First, my husband was adamant about no plastic storage in the family room.  Second, my youngest is 2 1/2 and anything that is out has to be small child friendly. I decided we needed a storage situation that was easily movable and also decent to look at.

I gathered up all the old school supplies that were left from my kids year in transitional kindergarten and second grade.  All the makers were washable, so I felt okay putting them out where the little one might touch.  Then, I dug around in the garage and found a basket and some clear plastic cups.  Some old magazine holders were perfect to hold the random scratch paper and coloring books I came across, too.

Five minutes later, we had a great set up.

The basket can be easily picked up and moved to the kitchen table if we all want to color, and it still leaves room on the kids table for other activities.

The great thing I discovered after putting this together is that even if the markers don't make it into the cups, they still stay pretty neat in the basket.

And there you have it! Super easy kids coloring station that does not involve any plastic baskets or drawers.

~ Enjoy! Lara

It's Summer! And we are all home...

It's that time of year.  We slowly recover from the last month of school and begin dreaming of those things we are going to do "next year."  In our house, summer means we are ALL home.  My husband is a teacher too, and while it is an amazing gift and blessing to have time as a family...things can get a little crazy being together 24/7.  Hubby teaches middle school, and with all the challenges of those kids, sometimes our own kids are so much harder to deal with. 

The first week or two of break we always head out to our family cabin (also known as super cheap vacation spot--we are both teachers remember?)  The boys spend time running in the woods and playing at the lake while we get a chance to relax without a house full of chores to do.  It's always a great trip and we always have fun.

Then we come home....and we are all on each other's nerves.  Took me 5 years to figure this one out, but since we are on a tight budget, I put the two biggest boys in 1/2 day Lego camps on different weeks!  Then we get quality time with the other two and the big boys don't fight all day.  Success!

This summer I also got the two big boys to peruse Pinterest with me and find a schedule and some activities they liked.  We aren't home everyday, but when we are they need a routine.  When they are busy, I don't have to be the referee so much.  Here is what we came up with.

Sorry for the lousy photos, but we were making notes and I just ran with it.  Yes, I had to resist the urge to make it cute on the computer.

This was really helpful and made everyone less stressed.  It's funny how we do things in our classroom, and then don't do the same things at home.  Kids are kids, and they love structure and routine.  Mine included.  I'll leave you with a pic of the wild three. 


They are rocking the tie dye shirts their awesome Aunti made for them.  Thanks Aunti!!

~ Enjoy the sun!  Lara