Sunday, August 4, 2013

Spending Time Outside

On Tuesday, the other nannies and I made this giant outdoor waterbed for the kids. They had a blast on this thing. It was also nice to have other adults to talk to while working. The kids also enjoy having other children to be around. We have Pinterest and the clever parent who blogged about this to thank for it.

The girls and I had a picnic outside last week too. On Tuesday, we had it out in the backyard where this little guy caused the girls to run back in the house. It was rather funny...even if the girls spilled their drinks all over the blankets to get in the house. I was left to clean everything up but it was worth it. 

Wednesday turned out to be a rainy day. We played outside whenever the weather allowed it and I ended up staying late so the mom and dad could go out for an impromptu date night. We had a picnic in the garage so we wouldn't get rained on but it was a blast. In the end, the rain cleared up and we played outside with the neighbors until it was time to get the two-year-old ready for bed.

Friday, I was asked to work, which was fine because the nannies and I went to the zoo. It was a special day they had there for the kids where they got a ton of free stuff. I can't tell you how many coupons I got. There were also flyers to other events there, like the pirate day...I really want to go to pirate day. It's a scavenger hunt! Anyway, the zoo was a bit of an adventure. Becca, one of the nannies, had an issue with her car...her battery died so we had to jump it. Thank goodness Samantha (another nanny) was there. She knew what she was doing.

This week, I have a pretty big craft that the girls and I are doing. It's mostly for Aubrey (the oldest). I'm actually rather excited about this craft.

Monday, July 29, 2013

The Girl in the Green Dress: Meeting Jamie


The Girl in the Green Dress is a little story I made up. I had painted the girl a long time ago and the point of it is you can't see her face. Ever. I made sure of it. The story isn't supposed to be a happy one either. The girl, Sky, comes from a very neglectful family. Is there a plot to the story? Yes, eventually, you will see it.

Another thing about this story is that this is all made on my cellphone. The quality of the pictures aren't great but it was fun to make on my phone. It gives me the option to work on it anywhere.

So what you are about to read it the rough version of my story. It isn't edited...and I already see a couple of things I have to fix but I will do that later. This story probably isn't the best to read to a child...That's strictly up to you.

Sky was a quiet little girl whose parents were too busy to spend time with her. Almost everyday, they left her home along, telling her to stay inside so no one would see her.

One day, Sky found a sewing kit in the hallway closet and hid it in her room so her parents would find it. When they left for work, she rummaged through the clothes that didn't fit her, and decided to make her very own friend...her very first friend...

When she finished, Sky picked up the doll with her sore hands and stared at the limp imperfect doll. The stitches all around her were uneven but it held together pretty well.

Sky smiled at her handy work and decided to give her new friend a name...Jamie.










Creative Commons License
The Girl in the Green Dress by Tracey Glass is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

A Few Weeks Worth of Crafts

I'm very behind on showing off the crafts the girls and I made this summer. We have been extremely busy...and I got a little lazy when it came to blogging so I have a few things I need to catch up on. Let's start with out projects.

The girls and I do a craft almost everyday. I say almost because I can't afford to do crafts all of the time if they involve me buying something.

So here are the crafts that we've done since the last post...

 We made creatures from large pieces of paper. It was an accident that we came across it this way but the girls love them. In fact, they still have them. We made these weeks ago. This little guy is Faluvious.

 This one is Sophia. She is much bigger than the one above. She is about a foot and a half tall and is currently residing on the two-year-old's dresser.

 The same day we made Sophia and Faluvious, we made these for the fourth of July. They still have these hanging around somewhere in the house.

 Here is another one. I believe this one is Brynna's but I can't never be certain. They like to share everything after awhile.
We had some seriously hot days in July so the girls and I took out the slip 'n slide...and we put it on their very steep hill...with soap and little inner tubes. Let's just say, it was some fun stuff. The girls loved it.

I also bought these kits that were like a dollar. Aubrey stole my eye so I had a cyclops crab. We also made stained glass that day before we went outside for another day on the slip 'n slide.

We only made banana bread because there were some left over bananas that were ripe...so the girls and I made some. It turned out okay. It wasn't my favorite but I like the little biscuits we made.

These biscuits were experimental. We didn't know what we were doing. They turned out to be great with the strawberry sauce for strawberry shortcake. Well, my sister an I believe so anyway. I'll be posting my recipe for this later.

Just last week we made paper dolls. These were on sale so we decided that we would dress them up. This is Rick and Sarah and they are going on a date.

 
We also made stickers last week. This is a big sticker. My sister, Vanessa, gave me a bunch of labels from work that they didn't need and we used them for our own purposes. I have so many sheets of this stuff left over that I don't know what I'm going to do with them.

I'm not sure what the girls and I will be doing this week. I know that the other nannies and I are planning on making an outdoor water bed for the kids at some point but the weather seems to be a bit gloomy these days.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Puppet Shows and Water Wars

It was a hot and rainy week so our activities were limited to the indoors on the days I worked. There was one dry hot day, thank goodness.

Tuesday was our rainy day. The girl across the street came over to play. If anyone follows me on Twitter, you will know how that day went. There was whining and minor fighting but overall, it wasn't a bad day. Aubrey was a bit sassy at times but she was good. It was the day we did the puppet shows. Some if them were hilarious.



We also made stories for random people that we drew. This is Ella Elaine. One of our characters.


Wednesday, Brynna and I spent a lot of time, just the two of us. Aubrey had golf so Brynna and I played a lot of one on one games...like story cubes. Have you ever heard of them? You roll the dice and  tell a story. Brynna spent most of the time listening to the stories I made up. That's usually what happens when I play with children.


During nap time, Aubrey and I made this eggless cookie dough. She and I have made this before but this batch was probably our best batch yet. She and I both agreed on that.


We spent the last half of the day outside. I sprayed them with the hose since we didn't have time to get the pool out before it was dinner time but we did have fun...okay, I had fun spraying them down. They had me chasing them around the house in the humid weather so I had to get them back.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Books, Shrinky Dinks, and Banners

This week was the second week of summer vacation and we've already ran into some issues. I was expecting it, I just wasn't really prepared for it, I think. Sometimes Aubrey, the oldest girl, can be a bit unwilling to do what others want to do...but her neighbor, her best friend, is the same way. Lots of bickering going on in the house but I tried to curb it as best as I could.

Tuesday morning, I ran out and bought these kits because I had a lot to do for our big project, that we won't be doing until next week. It was hard enough to get what I have done now in the days I had. So, we made these little books instead. It's a pop up book and I was helping Aubrey make it because Brynna doesn't have the patience for it...she's only two.

So, we drew this. It was all very quick for me because I was trying to help Brynna with her craft and doing about ten different things at once. I really enjoy how these girls can sit through a craft from beginning to end. It's not something I'm used to at all. 



All three girls (Aubrey, Brynna, and the neighbor girl), worked on Shrinky Dinks. This was the first time we've tried these. I was a bit curious about how these worked and it was pretty cool...but is there a way you can just get the paper/plastic stuff? I haven't really looked into it but...I can think of a ton of different things I can do with it.




On Wednesday, it was just Brynna and me. We made a banner thing for her room with her name on it and tied it to the top bunk of her bed. I made sure it was easy to come off so her parents could decide whether or not they wanted it up. Brynna just wanted me to put it up there so I did. It's rather cute. I kind of wish I had more colors than the ones I had.


Brynna and I had a blast and some of it I'll write about next week when I post our craft. It's a funny story, actually. The two of us always have a fun time together. She's simple and only wants to play things she can see. She loves going outside, and since it was a beautiful day Wednesday, we spent all day outside.


Well, I guess that's all until next week's crafts. I really can't wait to share it.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Summer Crafts With The Girls



It's the start of summer vacation for the oldest girl, Aubrey, and we decided on crafts to do during the summer. I'm going to have to limit it to one craft per week because it would get too expensive if I let her have it her way. Some of our activities will be on the free/cheap side since I don't have a lot of money to begin with.

Last week, Aubrey, Brynna (Little One), and I painted rocks. I need to get working on making the house for her rock family. The picture above is of the rock I painted.

This is just the start of our summer crafts. This week we are doing a big project that might take both days I work to finish. I hope to post that on Wednesday.

Create Something #1

Trying to get back into this blogging thing. I disappeared for a bit but I'll be making a post at least once a week in the summer...hopefully...if everything goes according to plan. Well see. I tend to get sidetracked with things...a lot.

Another thing I need to update is my Etsy shop. I have a few new items to add but I've been a bit lazy about posting them. Maybe I'll make a few more things before I get started on my Etsy shop again.

In a few minutes, Vanessa and I are going to start our crafting time. We call it Create Something, and we're supposed to do it twice a week but we haven't been doing a very good job at it. I don't think we created something since we changed the days. This is also going to be the first time I post it in my blog.



Today I decided to work on my Teacups. This one isn't even close to being done but I had to stop after about an hour or so. I have glue all over my hands and it isn't really pleasant.

Once I'm done with the outside, I'm going to probably repain the inside and put a thin coat of resin all over it so I can use it as a little flower pot to put in my window.


Saturday, April 20, 2013

R is for Reading Material

I just went to the library with my sister today and got this book. I hope it's good.



Friday, April 19, 2013

Q is for Quiet

I think one of the reasons I like working with children is that they aren't quiet. I know it's weird but I feel comfort in the noise. When they are quiet, then you know they are doing something wrong. It never fails.

There are some people out there who hate all of the noise that kids tend to make. They get irratated by it but I've learne to tune it out. I just get uncomfortable in silence. I can hear everything. I think that is why I started listening to music at night. That and it's safer than having my earbuds in while I sleep.

Anyway...on to music

Q is for Quietdrive. And again, the Internet isn't working but the weather hasn't been great here so that is probably why.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

P is for Pain

Yeah, pain. Why pain? Because there has been a pain in my lower back and left leg for weeks. It wasn't so bad until recently.

It has been killing me lately and everything I do to try to temporary dull the pain doesn't work. I'm starting to suspect that it isn't back pain...or I should call my doctor to make sure that it isn't anything serious. It's hard to lift children with this pain. I'm lucky Little One is so light that I don't need to use much strength to lift her.

I've been having a few pain free moments... Hopefully, it's coming to an end.

My internet is a bit spotty but I managed to get it to work!

So, the band for today is the Pink Spiders.



Wednesday, April 17, 2013

O is for Oddities

*I posted the wrong thing yesterday without realizing it. I thought it was my O post.

Oddities. Everyone has them. I have quite a few.

When someone is shaking my hand and they touch my wrist in any way, I get a little freaked out.

I can write, draw, or do anything on the very first page of a notebook or sketchbook.

I practically have a panic attack when I don't have my iPod...maybe that should go under obsession.

When the weather is bad, I like to blast my music while I drive.

I eat fruit snacks by color, depending on my favorites and which has more.

I'm sure there are more oddities that I have but I can think of any.

Now for music

O is for One Less Reason. 


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

N is for No Bake Cookies

My brother Lee is the best No-Bake cookie maker I know. I swear he had the recipe memorized.

From what I can tell, there are several different ways to make it. This is how we do it.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp cocoa
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups Oats
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp salt (only if you use unsalted butter)

Directions:

Pour everything into a large saucepan and mix over medium heat. It will start boiling but that is what you want it to do.

Once the mixture is very thick and not running scoop out spoonfuls to place on wax paper and let cool. If you are uncertain about the readiness, let boil for a little longer. Make sure it's thick. Just don't undercook it. It will stay soft and runny.

Cooling times differ. It depends on how long you let the mixture cook.


....

And once again the Internet isn't connecting. I'll try again in the morning to add a song.




Monday, April 15, 2013

M is for Making Things

I've been in the mood to make things...like food and stuff. I made those grapes, this Elephant Ear Bread stuff, this Mac and cheese dish my dad used to make for us as children, I want to make lasagna again, I made pasta bake, jello fruit snacks, and tomorrow, I'm making cookies. I've just been in the mood. There are so many things I want to try to make.

Unfortunately, my Internet isn't working so I have to use my phone. This means I can add the music from YouTube until it starts working. And I need to do a catch up day where I go around and really to comments as well as comment on other blogs.

Anyway the band for today...

M is for Mayday Parade. Specifically, their song Jamie All Over. You might also like Mariana's Trench (that is a band).

Saturday, April 13, 2013

L is for Lee


Lee with my guitar
Here is another sibling dedicated post. A short one. I could write a lot about Lee but napping in the middle of the day tends to leave me with little to write.



Lee is the brother I never really got along with. He is 11 months older than me, and, for most of our childhood, we fought. Bickering mostly. He is kind of full of himself but it's usually all in good fun...usually. Sometimes I'm not so sure.

Lee rocking out my scarf while we listened to my iPod...just a normal sibling outing.
He's in the navy and he seems to enjoy it. Frankly, it seems to suit him. When he comes up to visit us, we usually go out...you know, like we Glass siblings like to do because we are awesome like that. Yes, we still bicker from time to time, but usually when he calls, I can't get him to shut up about stuff. He usually tells me things that happened to him or we talk about Disney movies. Franklin might be the one to memorize Disney movies but Lee collects them.


L is for Ludo





Friday, April 12, 2013

K is for Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus

Yup...just a song today. For some reason, I couldn't think of a post for today. Tomorrow's will probably be a fairly substantial post but for now, you get a song from Lilo and Stitch. It's my favorite song from the movie and the kids I watch love it just as much as I do.


I just realized that my J post was never published...I thought I hit publish...

...I hate it when I do that.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

J is for Just Visting

I went to the place where I used to work and visited the kids' grandmother. I stayed for a few hours before the children actually had go to bed but it was still nice seeing them...and their grandmother. Over the six years working there, she and I had spent a lot of time together - well, whenever she visited. She still gets on me about going to Flagler College. She really wants me to go there.

...this might be my shortest post yet.

J is for Jonathan Coulton. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I is for Imagination and Inspiration

Part of the reason why I love working with children, is because of their imagination. I find it inspiring and that's where I get a lot of my novels from. When I used to watch triplets, we had come up with this very elaborate story about a princess who had to save a prince.

...Of course, while making this story up, we used their puppets and toys to create the world and went through the whole story...even the ending. The only thing we didn't have was a toy pelican. That pelican was very crucial to our plot.

I actually plan on typing up this story for them one day. It will probably be something for the four of us to enjoy, even if they might not remember most of it. 

I is for IAMDYNAMITE. Hate the video but I love the song. 

Monday, April 8, 2013

G is for Grapes

I'm a picky grape eater. If the grape is too soft and squishy then I can't eat it. It doesn't matter which kind of grape it is either. Also, if it's a green grape, I prefer to eat them frozen rather than just refrigerated but I'd still eat them if they were refrigerated. I just like them better frozen. Red grapes I can eat anyway (as long as they are squishy).

There is a reason for this post, I swear. I found a recipe on Pinterest for Glittery Sour Patch Grapes. When I saw that they needed jello, I jumped right on that because I have a lot of jello. The post I found was on a blog called The Spotted Pony. And I admit that this recipe isn't mine but it's something I wanted to share.

Here is what you need:
  • A pound of GREEN grapes
  • Watermelon Jello
  • Lemon Jello (sugar free)
Directions:
- Mix Watermelon Jello and Lemon Jello in a bag, and then pour a little onto a plate.

- Pull the grapes from the stem and rinse. Once the grapes are damp but not dripping, put a few onto the plate and coat them with the Jello powder as thoroughly as you can. When you finish, place coated grapes into a bowl and repeat the process until all the grapes are coated in the Jello mixture.

- Let grapes chill in the fridge for at least an hour. According to the blog, "the longer they sit, the better they taste."

They are pretty good. I forgot how sour some of these green grapes could be but I like them. I might stick them in the freezer though.

G is for Get Set Go

Saturday, April 6, 2013

F is for Franklin


This is Franklin, my oldest brother. He is probably the nicest of us Glass siblings. I mean, he bought Vanessa (my sister) and I our own Kindles because we kept saying things like "When I get my Kindle..." or "I think I can get a Kindle next week..." etc. We said things like that a lot. It was also because he saw them, thought of us, and bought them. There was another reason but I'm sure he bought them just to shut us up.

Most weekends, we all hang out. We go to craft stores, out to eat, grocery shopping, or do other really random, yet fun, things together (like Camera Days).


Oh, and he is a fantastic artist. This tree is apparently a doodle (so he told me). I love my brother's art work but unfortunately, he doesn't draw (or "doodle") as much as he used to. Occasionally, on Art Days, he'll draw random stuff but we don't have those very often.

So, anyway, this is Franklin. Older brother. Crazy awesome artist. And the guy who can recite the Lion King word for word off the top of his head.

F is for Family Force 5.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

D is for Doodles

I love doodling. They are imperfect and quick. I never doodle with pencil. I use my cheap ball point pens for doodling. It's okay to mess up from time to time and I, kind of, like the messiness of it all. I've decided to share some of mine with you. These are all from a year or so ago. They are a bit messy but they were fun to make. I





This is a doodle of a world my sister and I created for fun one day.





















D is for Dion. This song (Runaround Sue) gets stuck in my head a lot.