Clay, Trains, and Automobiles....and Peach Cobbler

An update on our ride.  We were able to get a diagnostic check done at Fast Auto last Wed afternoon.  There are several issues the truck is having.  Just to get it running was the battery, so we were able to get that replaced at WM.  The next biggest issues are the belts need replacing and the water pump needs replacing.  After that it is quite a few other things that I cannot remember, so I am glad they gave us a written sheet.  Our plan is just to fix things as we have the money, with the most obviously big issues first.  I am so incredibly thankful that God is escorting us out of our financial dark tunnel.  If this was even just a couple weeks ago, we would have had no idea how we were going to pay for it to even be looked at.  God literally always provides exactly when we need it!

Modeling Clay!...This last week I received the books I ordered from amazon.com and half.com.  SOOOOO excited!  One of them was Gymboree's Toddler Play.  It has great ideas on fun little activities I can do with the kiddos.  And also in it was a recipe to make my own "playdoh" or molding clay
how to make it...
Mix 1 c. flour, 1c. salt, 1tblsp cream of tartar, 1 c. water, and 1 tblsp vegetable oil.  Simmer in a pot until clay begins to pull away from the pot's sides.  When cool, add 5 drops of food coloring, and knead until smooth.

This was mine b4 I added the color.  I cooked mine a bit too long, so I had to add a touch more water so it wasn't dry.
kids playing with the clay!...

Playing with clay is proven to help with development, as is finger painting, sand and mud sculpting.  SO have fun!  I too like a clean house, but a little mess for the sake of my children's developing brains is alright with me!  It helps develop not only tactile (sense of touch and touch perception) but also the creative aspect of the mind.  Fun!

Trains!!!  
My extremely sorry attempt at putting a train set together.  Train Set-Directions+woman(me) who has never put one together in my life=a little frustration and a railroad that will prob fall apart. 

Some friends of ours gave this to us to sell in our garage sales last year.  They told us if we didn't sell it we could keep it for our kids.  It didn't sell in any of the 3 garage sales we have had since, so we decided to give it a go.  Well, I did today during nap time.  Let's just say I am no pro.  It's all good though, they will have fun with it I'm sure.  Chris may give me a lesson when he get's home today as I really need one!!!

A super yummy and of course easy Peach Cobbler recipe!

What you will need...
6 tbsp.butter, melted, 3/4 c. flour, 1/2 c. sugar, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 2/3 c. milk, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 c. sliced peaches, lots of cinnamon....to taste really
-Pour melted butter into an 8in square pan.  Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla and cinnamon.  Add to melted butter (DO NOT STIR).  Place peaches evenly over batter; sprinkle with a bit of extra sugar and cinnamon.
Bake at 350 deg for 1 hour or until golden brown.  Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whip cream!

****optional addition**** you can soak fresh sliced peaches in a mixture of melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for added sweet flavor!!!  after they soak for about 30 min, just drain the extra juice and add as recipe calls for them above. I like to do this
*also, if peaches are not in season, just use a large can of peaches and drain the juice b4 any use.

 the dark spots are all the cinnamon.  yum-o!  It is pretty delish