Derby Hats

Saturday is the 137th running of The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

I love horse racing. It has been a long time since we have been to the local races, “where the turf meets the surf,” but each year we do manage to watch all the races in the triple crown from home.

Since we live nowhere near Louisville, we will be watching the “fastest two minutes in sports,” at a Derby Party. To get the kids in the mood to watch the race, we made Derby Hats.

The boys decided they wanted military hats, complete with army men and red, white, and blue. Coco went tradition- large and outrageous!!!

I got all the supplies at Michaels for less than $15 dollars. We got out the Tacky Glue and the glue gun and set to work. Here are the end results.

Franklin was not in the mood to model, but his is exactly like Vincent’s.

This is the look I have been getting from Coco when she is over having her photo taken.

I was going to make myself a hat, but the only inexpensive ones I could find were bucket hats... I don’t do bucket hats. I guess after a few mint juleps I wouldn’t care.

Have a great Derby Day. Enjoy the horses, the roses, the hats...and the booze!

Lenten Prayer for Kids

Lent starts today, Ash Wednesday.

I have been trying to think of a way the kids can do something for Lent, but it is difficult for three and four year old to grasp “giving up” something without a concrete reason. It is difficult to give up something even with a reason!

I saw this idea on Catholic Mom and thought I could modify it to fit the boys.

First, we talked about nice things we could do for each other during Lent. We came up with being kind, patient, and helpful as well as following directions the first time asked. We wrote a little prayer to say every morning at breakfast .

Each behavior has a corresponding jellybean color.

Vincent also suggested we only have dessert if it is a special occasion. I smiled at him over my triple chip St Patrick’s Day cookie, and added it to the list.

I printed both the list and the prayer up on a card, added some scrapbook paper and embellies, and attached it to the jellybean jar.

When mommy or daddy (or each other) notices one of the behaviors the child gets a jellybean in their personal jar.

The catch is, the jellybeans earned cannot be eaten until Easter Sunday. I hope this teaches both almsgiving and sacrifice.

We will see in 40 days.