Our First Issue.... Welcome Spring!!

I Love Spring! I am not sure where it is though, it is actually snowing in Ohio right now. However Easter is here and so is our first issue. I am so excited to pass along to all of you exciting "monthly news" about toddlers. Each month we are going to be featuring a story on a different toddler. This month's feature toddler is my own toddler JeNoah Lee. Children are blessings and they are so special and I want to let the world see what I already know, that "Toddlers Are Fun". We will also learn great egg decorating tips. An alternative to traditional dyes, a natural dye method for your eggs, and a Fun Easter craft the whole family will enjoy! The toddler craft this month is making Easter Place Mats for your dinner table. So are we ready to have "FUN"?

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April 7,2009 Issue #001

Table of Contents for this issue:

• Our Toddler Feature Story: My very own toddler JeNoah Lee
• Great Egg decorating Tips for those Easter Eggs
• A "Natural" dye method for dying your eggs
• A toddler Easter Craft the whole family will enjoy! Easter Place Mats

Our Toddler Feature Story: JeNoah Lee

JeNoah is 3 years old and has the most beautiful brown eyes and black curly hair. JeNoah was named after Mommy's favorite man of God "Noah". He attends an awesome pre-school and is very very smart. He can write his name and enjoys school very much. His best friends at school are Emmerson and Kyle.

Now for the FUN stuff; JeNoah enjoys riding his bike and his scooter. His hobbies include drawing pictures and cutting with scissors and making tons of crafts. His favorite games to play currently are Candy Land and Cootie. (Mom and Dad think these games are FUN as well:)

His Favorite Tv shows are Scooby Doo, Yo Gabba Gabba and SpongeBob Squarepants. His favorite movie list includes: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory, The Grinch who Stole Christmas and of course Scooby Doo I and II.

JeNoah is a very loving child who loves attending church and praising Jesus. Remember he is a miracle child, so there is a greater calling and purpose for his life. I am so honored to be his mother, and it is a gift to raise such a blessed child. If you would like to see JeNoah and read more of his miraculous beginning click the link below...

JeNoah's Story

So join us in celebration of this wonderful toddler!! We celebrate you JeNoah!

Remember.. send in your toddler's story. Here at the Toddler Times we want to celebrate all toddlers. i want to feature your toddler so click on the link below and submit your toddler so they can be featured in an upcoming e-zine!!

Tell me about YOUR Toddler

Great Egg Decorating Tips

Getting Started:

You must Prepare the eggs before decorating:

• You have to hard-boil the eggs first. Place your eggs in a large saucepan. Add cold water, and make sure they are completely covered with water. Turn the stove on medium-high heat. Simmer eggs for 9- 10 minutes.
• ** Special Tip ** Place 2 TBS. of vinegar in the water prior to boiling. Your eggs will not crack when you use this secret ingredient. It really works!!! After the eggs are done boiling run cold water in the pan with eggs and allow them to sit and completely cool before decorating.

Are you ready? Now that our eggs are boiled and cooled. Let's get ready for our Easter egg decorating.........

Dye Kits

I am all about buying the egg kits from the store. You have the dye tabs and all you need from stickers to crayons. You can always use food coloring as well.

When dying your eggs use paper bowls or cups....Easy Clean UP. Moms we are all about that right?

Egg Decorating Ideas:

Tye Dyed Eggs

Try wrapping your egg with different sizes of rubber bands and dipping in the first color of dye. Allow egg to dry and remove rubber bands to dip in another color. Gives eggs a neat effect!

People Eggs

Use yarn, ribbon and fabric scraps to make people. Use markers for the face. Draw a tie on the egg for Dad. You can make shoes or anything out of construction paper and use craft glue to glue the items on the egg. You can make different animals. Bunnies if you wish. Use the googly eyes and make some really neat people eggs.. The ideas are endless. Toddlers really have fun with these. You can really make some cute eggs.

Painted Eggs

This is self explanatory. However *** You CANNOT EAT eggs that have been painted***. They are really fun to make. You can use acrylic pants and craft paints. Make sure the kids have on their messy clothes for this one. These eggs would be perfect for a centerpiece on a table since you cannot eat them. Check out my Easter craft ideas for toddlers to make great place mats to match your painted egg centerpiece.

There you have it. Some great ideas that you and your toddler will have so much fun creating the perfect eggs. If you want to try a natural dye method then check out my tips on that.

Have A Blessed Easter!!

A "Natural" dye method for your eggs

Natural Easter Egg Dye

Natural Color Chart:

• Brown - the outer layers of onions, tea or coffee
• Yellow - Turmeric or Saffron
• Red - Cranberries
• Purple - Beets, Purple Onion Skins
• Green - Spinach
• Blue - Blueberries

1. Use the color chart to create all natural tones. Try using this natural method.
2. Combine the dye source with 1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar with some cold water in a saucepan. Add raw eggs (make sure there's enough water to cover the eggs) and bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the darker the color will be, but simmer at least 8 minutes so that the eggs cook thoroughly.

So it is as if you are boiling the color on the egg at the same time...LOL It is a matter of choice. I just thought this was neat and i may just have to try this out myself this year. Take Care!!

A Toddler Easter Craft : Easter Place Mats

Easter Place Mats

These are great!! I love to keep and treasure these even after Easter. They are so simple to make and these Easter crafts for toddlers allows your children to decorate the table. Make a centerpiece out of your decorated eggs add your place mats and your table is ready for Easter dinner.

What you'll need:

• Construction Paper
• Clear Contact Paper
• Washable Markers
• "The Craft Bag"

What To Do:

1. Allow your child to decorate the piece of construction paper however they wish. They can cut out chicks or color Easter themes the ideas are endless.
2. Completely cover the finished piece of construction paper with contact paper.
3. Set at the place setting on your table.