All aboard the Christmas train

Today we finished up our Christmas trains at the Lowes Build and Grow free program.

You can see that when we arrived 10 minutes early this morning, the work tables were full of hammering children so we ending up working on the floor.
Kimmy and one of my ASP's (Adult Support Persons)
Today was a big day, we made the last element of our trains---the engine.

Matt---ASP #2---(I like ALOT of help when the kids are using real hammers.)

Almost finished!

The tradition photo at the time of completion at Lowes.

Mark is just off screen, holding his train into view...what a silly guy.

Luke's Wild West train.

The kids had a choice between Wild West stickers or Christmas stickers.

I sewed the December patches on this afteroon.

Next Lowes Build and Grow is on Jan. 8.

The kids are all ready looking forward to it!

And I look forward to it because it is totally free....and you can't get better than that.

"We are Santa's Elves"

Gracie looked up from building at the Lowes Build and Grow project this morning and announced that she felt just like she was in Santa's Workshop. She thought it could only be better if she had pointy ears and an elf suit.
Kimmy getting tips from Dad...

and then taking over on her own!
Kim and Luke are great at hammering since beginning these weekly visits to Lowes.

Mark can complete his projects all on his own now.

Gracie studying the caboose directions.

The five Collins' elves.

Stickers have been stuck and the caboose is heading under the tunnel.

Check out Kimmy's pose----I think I take too many photos!!

This week we made a train caboose. Next week it is a passenger car and lastly will be the engine!

Great, FREE fun at Lowes Build and Grow.

Mm is for Monster truck--Lowes Build and Grow

Luke and Kim enjoyed their first Lowe's Build and Grow clinic this morning.

Grace and Mark have attended many building sessions, so they are pros. (Although poor Mark was sick this morning, so he had to miss this week)
I brought Amy and Laura along to be "partners" to the little kids.
Thank you very much, girls. I couldn't have done it without you!

Kimmy is reading the instructions right along with Amy.

Laura had to be careful---Luke's hammer aim isn't quite "there" yet.

I love big kids happily helping little kids.

It makes my heart all warm and mushy.

Luke taking careful aim.

Now he's trying a power shot.

Great job kids.

Kim and Luke each got an apron. All three kids got a patch to sew on their aprons, a certificate, and a coupon for a free frosty from Wendy's.

Yum....

If you haven't check out this Saturday morning program, it is worth your time.

Build and Grow--bank

Today Daddy took Mark and Grace to Lowes for their bi-weekly, free, building program for kids.

(Mommy just couldn't quite get it together to make it to the program with them.)
This week they made the very cute and useful coin bank.

And of course, they earned another patch for their Build and Grow aprons.

If you have a Lowes near you, make sure to check for this great free program offered for kids!!

Build and Grow-a pet treat keeper--

This weeks project was great: a pet treat keeper.

It also is perfectly sized to dispense Hershey Kisses!!!
Poor daddy is sick, so it was up to this momma to make today's project with the kids at Lowes. This activity was quite a bit more challenging that the previous activities---but we did it--and were very proud. Of course, we cheated a little from the other people at our work table.

I can't help but keep praising this totally free program that Lowes offers!!

If you have a Lowes nearby, it is well worth your time!

In two weeks, the project is a wooden bank.

The easy way to craft in Christmas

I haven't seemed to be able to accomplish much this Christmas season. We are reading aloud and counting down, but basically I have been overwhelmed and quite unproductive.

Which brings me to this post.

The minimalist Christmas crafting--caused by a tired momma!

We had another fun morning at Lowes, enjoying the Build and Grow program.

Today Daddy had to work, so I took Mark and Grace to Lowes and we made some very cute Christmas decorations. (I think I get bonus points for managing on to help build 4 things with NO mess-ups)
Above is the Lowes Christmas tree decoration.

I just love these little picture frame decorations.

Remember to check with a Lowes close to you----this weekly program is totally FREE!!

The other crafts we are doing are from Oriental Trading Company.

They are the perfect crafts for a variety of ages and, most importantly, everything needed is in a little plastic bag--ready to go!

These little bead and button icicles are super easy and very cute.

I also see that they are sold out.

I am glad I order these a few months ago!

Kimberly thinks these would make great earrings.

They looks very lovely on the tree.

Open a package, follow the directions, hang up the ornament, and through away the scraps.

This seems to be the only crafting I am capable of creating this year, but it makes the kids happy, mommy sane, and the final products are great!

Build and Grow--for free--at Lowes

Today was the first time we took Mark and Grace to the Lowes Build and Grow program. I am really sorry that I didn't know about it sooner, especailly since we have a Lowes minutes away from us and because it is totally FREE!
Each week Lowes offers a free wood project for kids from about the age of 5-12.
This week we made wooden gingerbread houses.

All supplies are free, and since it was our first time, the kids also got an apron and googles.

Pat and I both took the kids, so we were quick, since each child had a helper. It took us about 45 minutes to make these very cute gingerbread houses.

They even open up to hide goodies in!

We will definitely be doing this more often. Next week they are offering a Christmas ornaments workshop and the week after is a pet treat container.

At the end of the workshop, they received a certificate and patch (to sew on their aprons).

It is amazing what we find to enjoy for NO expense.

This is certainly a worthwhile activity to look for if you have a Lowes nearby. I believe Home Depot also has a similar progam.

Have fun building!!