...to a domain! This blog is now at http://frugalfun4boys.com
If you type in the blogspot url, it will not forward you to the new site.
If you are a google follower, I do not have that set up yet on the new site, but you can subscribe through RSS. (This is all very new to me!)
If you have a blog that you would like me to visit and possibly link to, would you mind posting another comment on the new site? Since I only had a few posts, I chose to re-do them rather than transferring posts and comments.
Thanks!
Hopefully we'll be up and running with new posts today or tomorrow!
Frugal Fun for Boys
Things to do with those who are not content to sit still and color...
Monday, August 9, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Posterboard Car Mat
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpeS37j_nayP-woY9Lc1OXNaqiiymm8Y2BPsZzXGayQixmCfsMIbXaBV-FkwH2779oJgp2Yf-ddHDg3qlflmnEP3WQAvr74RCYjvzhuJ-C-s3BlJozNI938qAZi0wAwwBE-qj9x34NYY/s320/car+mat+1.jpg)
Here is a very simple idea that for some reason has entertained my boys for hours! All you need is a posterboard. Decorate it with roads, train tracks, parking spaces, etc., and you have an instant play mat for small cars! We have made several of these over the last few years of parenting boys. The boys don't usually last long with coloring/drawing, so we usually add to our mat over the course of a few days.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaDhujLth8G57if3u9TOpXBWILfamNjLG6KHt6hQA6boTt4wgEqzZaNkGgcEm-c6XISmis2hpR03Jf7Q0wryHnWCXrMNxGmHcDjEKfkOHXolFByw_ov28k0wHyh5jpTzafG1R2owFqtA/s320/car+mat+2.jpg)
The mat we made today has a McDonald's drive-thru and a lake for our Hot Wheels boats. It's fun to have something on it that encourages imaginative play. And, I love having an activity that involves the boys sitting on the floor totally engrossed in something rather than wearing costumes and running through the house!!!! (We do actually have time for costumes most days, but at times the noise level has just got to come down!)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Slingshot!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs9CI9djw1s7Ck582GgbqIcVYWN_TUimHZayqRWgDd0JXFc_PGrL-B7fPs2jLOqbdaMc-N54jLphvByYym2kgWg05m0L0Ylym_g_qIHuV_9cqmRl89vYIgXh6ta0QemWPukA9w_mMEGY/s320/Sling+shot+1.jpg)
During the freak Texas snowstorm of 2010, my parents had two trees that were badly damaged. My boys were sad that their trees looked so bad, but thrilled when Grandma brought over these branches to make slingshots with!
To make one, you need a branch with a good "Y" shape, something to make the pouch with, and some rubber bands. We used a square of leather from an old jacket. (Remember those bomber jackets that everyone wore in the early 90's?? Yep, got one for Christmas my 8th grade year. My mom also used that jacket to make a cowboy vest and chaps for the boys.)
Use a hole punch to put a hole in each side.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj5gzFWER8jrcPOOywsG0gR-Cg02AqFUiw7WHpzKSy8xu6fX6NMs_dNbGM-lVZAp_60lXysHtkfc82JFwbaOUV4AoUH-Pa5qRisMdL2OlgtE7zMPtZv8WtyV9Q_yBQ953_0i0XH57KBM/s320/Sling+shot+2.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH02uuWqsZ9ztWFE9tDNf-FDzAa6xliN2UVSYg_cm7Ozfi-1Q7QnnxNiRwXQrwg3gayiqkwxOZvXfYfff3bj2iO6stPg95eX8MHVQv_Stu6-z7qCl8Q4XfQzlKv0EsDlS_0uFhBSCNw_k/s320/Sling+shot+5.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8B2Ar1KMmeaUDSlxRvI1DqLYJzPmDVEWIfqpXHzEAwfQK-RzbIpDGHmz8MUN7AnEyczVcks1Y-sR2jqRizuWTqNDSNYVvnbdA6gf4SxBn9ak3sxeRezS6lZJJBzoMVhIiMZazfWU58g/s320/Sling+shot+6.jpg)
Ready to shoot!
A few things to mention:
- This activity seems to be good for ages 4+. When we first did this back in the winter, my 3 1/2 year old son was not coordinated enough to shoot it. We did it again today (he'll be 4 in two months) and he did pretty well.
- We had some trouble with the rubber bands working their way off the top. A second rubber band wrapped around the top solved that problem.
- It's best if there is not a lot of extra slack in the rubber bands.
- We have two sticks, and the one with the widest "Y" works best.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Digging... one of the things we do best!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8GNnr7Ehe3g6dD4JpJuZ-_6i3Rh360vrgVMi7fKEkLgcJkZ-W3ZAxdMw6thTTciFnOksadhKqEQ-WuUeJmVBYFAOdudU7sFeQhIlyIO4KEDTQJkVmvb6lMqZLBPV-O01j_oo5IIdRFY/s320/Digging+in+beans.jpg)
Preschooler hands are so adorable!
When we're feeling a little more domestic, we have also used measuring cups and spoons to play in the beans!
Why this blog?
In our house, we often experience "boy default mode." This is what boys do when they have nothing else to do. In our house, boy default mode consists of putting on a belt, sticking a toy sword or gun in the belt, and running around the house. Another option is tying a blanket around one's neck as a cape and running around the house. One word best describes boy default mode: wild.
In looking for a solution to this, I am tempted to think that the kids need new or different toys, or maybe different books to read. My husband is always good to remind me that the issue is not a lack of toys - they just need more creative ideas.
As Christians, we have some specific goals in mind when it comes to how our boys spend their time.
We want them to be:
Enjoy!
In looking for a solution to this, I am tempted to think that the kids need new or different toys, or maybe different books to read. My husband is always good to remind me that the issue is not a lack of toys - they just need more creative ideas.
As Christians, we have some specific goals in mind when it comes to how our boys spend their time.
We want them to be:
- Learning to work diligently, as unto the Lord. This means completing school work and learning to do various chores around the house.
- Growing in the their knowledge of God. This happens all throughout the day in unplanned ways, but specifically during our morning Bible Time.
- Content with what they have. Not always clamoring for a new toy, because new stuff will never make us happy.
- Good stewards of our resources. Taking care of our things. Making toys and games out of what we already have.
- Taking opportunities to serve others. We have lots of ideas to implement here, and we hope to post about projects that young boys can do to serve others.
Enjoy!
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