Learning about Ireland

If anyone knows me well, you know I love homemade decorations. It brings back memories of making paper chains, hearts, snowflakes, and other miscellaneous holiday items. So now that I have kids, I can pass down the tradition to them. Except there is just one problem. My boys don't like doing crafts. I know sad. I'm hoping this will change as they get older, but in the meantime I will continue to present them with the options. Jillian is very eager to do the crafts. I try to gear any craft towards her age---2. Not an easy task but we are getting there. Mainly it involves stickers, markers, or paint.

March is a great month for our family. Both Rich and I celebrate our birthdays but more than that is St. Patrick's Day. Both of our families migrated from Ireland and its great to teach the kids about their heritage. Every moment I can, I try and teach them a bit of Ireland. They are still a bit young to really understand but I show them where it is in relation to America. I teach them about the religion, culture, and the green wonderful land. My poor city kids don't really understand that there is an abundance of land outside of the city. We look at pictures and videos.

Today, I stole a moment with the 2 youngest because they wanted to participate. We made shamrock window clingies--as I call them.

I traced shamrocks on green paper, cut them out, cut out their insides, purchased some "sprinkles", cut out some contact paper, and then attached more contact paper. Instant decorations and instant conversation. They were so busy trying to put on their Irish men and clovers, that I couldn't resist just talking to them. Ok, this lasted all of about 2 minutes, but heck every minute counts.

We are wishing everyone a early Happy St. Patrick's Day.