Mom on Middle

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Birthday Banner Letter Matching

Val Plus Five September 04, 2019 0 Comments

My youngest son is turning 3 tomorrow, so this week we are doing fun Birthday inspired activities. Today's activity was a fun Birthday Banner inspired Letter Matching Activity. Supplies: Happy Birthday Banner (with uppercase letters), Playdough Covers, Permanent Marker, Box, Bin or Basket for Storage Setup: ...

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Caterpillars

Val Plus Five August 14, 2019 0 Comments

Monarch Caterpillar Lazing About on a Milkweed Plant. We have a large patch of milkweed plants alongside our garage. They are currently home to quite a few striped caterpillars whom I believe to be future Monarch Butterflies. The kids and I have been watching them eat up the milkweed leaves for several weeks...

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

A Dedicated Table for Play

Val Plus Five July 09, 2019 0 Comments

We were given a used drafting table awhile ago, and I've toyed with different uses for the table since then. After a lot of experimentation, I've discovered that when the top is laying flat it is just the perfect size for our two youngest to stand and play at. However, they like to sit and play too, so a few...

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Playing with Pinecones

Val Plus Five July 07, 2019 0 Comments

The two youngest have been asking for days to go to the playground, but the temps this past week have been in the burning hot range of 80-90 degrees. Today has been mix of sunny and breezy, so it was finally the right weather to go. Earlier this afternoon, we gathered up water, hats, and a picnic lunch and...

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Painting With Peppers

Val Plus Five May 10, 2018 0 Comments

The other night I chopped up peppers to serve with dinner. I started by chopping the tops off horizontally . As I set the tops on the counter, I thought they looked like flowers. I knew that I needed to save them. So I stuck them in a plastic bag and tossed them back in the fridge, because Mama had...

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Storytelling with Kids

Val Plus Five January 16, 2018 0 Comments

My 3 year old Daughter loves when we tell her stories. As I craft an original tale, I usually take a moment to let her have an input in our storytelling adventure. I might ask her what the name of a character should be or where they are going to go or who they will encounter. There are times when she just...

Friday, November 10, 2017

Chocolate Berry Smoothies

Val Plus Five November 10, 2017 0 Comments

My 13 year old wanted chocolate milk this morning, but we are out of milk. I compromised by suggesting we make chocolate smoothies. My 3 year old loves to help me in the kitchen, so she immediately yelled, "I want to help!" I gathered up the following ingredients: Hershey's Chocolate Syrup Juicy Juice Passion...

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Upcycled Drawing

Val Plus Five November 09, 2017 0 Comments

I love to reuse household packaging. I've made felt board pieces out of cereal box characters; made organizers out of food boxes; and bookmarks out of packaging too. At the moment my kitchen island is balanced by a tiny piece of cardboard too. Repurposing at its finest! As I was sweeping, I found a popsicle mold package...

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

More Drawing Fun

Val Plus Five November 08, 2017 0 Comments

I've been on a drawing kick lately. I've never considered myself to be especially good at drawing, but I want to get better. To help me, I've been exploring how to draw tutorials. Sometimes I just observe a picture and start drawing an outline and go from there. This morning, I drew animals and even tried...

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Quick Crafts

Val Plus Five November 07, 2017 0 Comments

This morning we have been busy crafting. Below you will see the name of the project, supplies needed and the steps. I like these two crafts, because I threw them together in minutes. We already had everything on hand. I didn't have to spend any money or do any extensive planning. I love that!So without...

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Outside Blanket Fort Play

Val Plus Five October 19, 2017 0 Comments

Today was a gorgeous day for October. The sun was shining, and the outside was calling. So we spent quite a bit of time out on our deck. My youngest likes to climb. He climbs on any chair within his reach. Mama doesn't...

About Me

Hi, I'm Valerie, aka Mom on Middle, and a mother of five. Over the years I have developed a knack for coming up with thrifty and creative ways to keep my kids busy at home. On this blog I share how I turn ordinary everyday items into fun and educational activities for my kids. I also post activities for parents too. I am a busy and frugal Mom so I don't want to spend a lot of time or money into putting together activities. I try to instead find creative uses for things I already have at home that can be put together quickly. So if you are looking for both low cost and low prep kid-friendly activities you have come to the right place! click here →