The Parrot Song

Beautiful blue parrot at the San Diego Safari Park

Orange flowers glowing in a bed of landscape at the Safari Park

man walking with green parrot on shoulder


Photos for Blue Monday and Mandarin Orange Monday

From a beautiful blue parrot perched atop a tree at the Safari Park, to a man walking about the Avocado Festival with a green parrot perched on his shoulder, and these lovely flowers amidst the park's landscape, it was a blue-ish orange weekend for me. Hope you have a great week ahead.

The Parrot Song

Now if I say something interesting
Or something really nice,
It's daft to only say it once
When I could say it twice.
But herein lies a problem,
And it really is quite sad,
'Cause if you go round repeating things
People think you're..... a parrot!
Chorus
I'm a parrot, I'm a parrot
I'm your closest friend.
I say the same things all day long
And drive you round the bend.
"Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight!
Who's a pretty boy?"
Intelligent conversation
Is the one thing I enjoy.
If I were a parrot parrot
I'd fly round the garden garden
And I would live in the German town
Of Baden-Baden Baden-Baden.
I wouldn't live in Iceland
'Cause the frost and snow would freeze'ya
So in the winter I'd migrate
To sunny Polynesia.
If I were a parrot-policeman
I wouldn't say "'ello".
I'd say "'ello, 'ello, 'ello 'ello,
'ello, 'ello, 'ello."
And if I joined the army
Wouldn't it be super!
I couldn't join the Royal Marines,
I'd be a parrot-trooper.
Now if I were a parrot-parrot,
I'd live in Hong-Hong Kong-Kong.
I'd play tennis, I'd play tennis,
And also ping-ping pong-pong.
Yes, I'd repeat-repeat things,
So soon everyone would know
That the art of saying things just once
Is dead as a dodo-dodo!

Listen to the  Mp3 and there's also a version in French.


FIVE BIG PARROTS

Finger play by Mr. I
Five big parrots perched on a tree   Flapping their wings happily  One saw a jaguar on the forest floor            It flew away, and then there were four.
Four big parrots perched on a tree.  Flapping their wings happily . One saw the jaguar climbing up the tree.   So it flew away, and then there were three.
Three big parrots, perched on a tree.  Flapping their wings happily.   The jaguar kept creeping through the understory too.    One parrot flew away, and then there were two.
Two big parrots perched on a tree.  Flapping their wings happily.  The jaguar reached the canopy up close to the sun.   One parrot flew away, and then there was one.
ONe big parrot perched on a tree.  Flapping its wings up in the canopy. The jaguar leapt through the air with a great big pounce.  but the parrot flew away.   I wonder?   Do jaguars bounce?

I learned there are four types of parrots in South America from www.mrichildrensmusic.com

Do you have a local zoo or safari park where you live? I found these places to be a hit with my grandchildren, next to the ocean for outdoor play and adventure. The little ones seem to tire themselves out with all that walking about and then they're so ready for a nap!

I do remember owning birds when the children were little, like Finches and Parakeets. My husband had some Pigeons, too. Of course, we had our own chickens a very long time ago but we've never owned a parrot... how about you?

If you're looking for an inexpensive bird book, here's one that I like and it's available in Spanish, too.
These Folkmanis puppets are a delight for fun playtime as well.

The Parrot Tico Tango

red parrot hand puppet



The Parrot Tico Tango (A Barefoot Singalong)
Scarlet Macaw Hand Puppet
Folkmanis Mini Scarlet Macaw Finger Puppet

Happy Reading!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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Marble Run and Marathon Runners

marble run for kids


texture added to grandson photo at play

Remembering the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing

After almost a week of complete disruption, where evil seemed to prevail, we have some relief from the terrorist attack for now. I can tell you that I was on pins and needles waiting to hear from my cousin and his wife. They were headed to Boston on Monday for a business trip. They saw the whole thing from the airplane and landed just before they closed down the airport. Then they had to go on a 2 hour taxi trip before they could enter their hotel. Only to find out that they weren't allowed to leave their hotel because the conferences were being held there. Following that, they learned the town was on lock down. I just heard from my cousin and he is safe at home now. I would like to hear more from his perspective of the events that he saw at a later date.

Meanwhile, from the photos you can see my grandson playing with his marble run constructed from molded plastic in blue and orange. With the second photo I added a fire-like-texture shooting across a gray background at lightning speed.

Photos for Blue Monday and Mandarin Orange Monday

In addition to my cousin coincidentally being in Boston on Monday, a former piano client of mine is a runner and she had crossed the finish line, received her medal and was 2 blocks away when she heard the very loud blast.

Here is what my friend posted in lieu of entering the next race this weekend... because we will not live in fear!


 Let's run our marathons, watch baseball games and enjoy our freedom! Boston Strong!



Ruby's School Walk

Ruby’s morning walk with Mom on her first day back to school is far from ordinary. With a tiger ready to pounce and mighty beasts that loom and lurk, getting to school seems like an impossible task. Will she find the courage to make it there and begin her real adventure?
Ages 3 to 7 years
Written By: Kathryn White
Illustrated By: Miriam Latimer

Ruby's School Walk

swagbucks promotion

Did you know that for the month of April, Swagbucks is springing into action by offering a very cool way to earn additional Swagbucks? For prizes and gift cards to redeem, here's what you need to do. 

For every new referral you bring in, you will earn matching SB on everything they earn (except Swag Codes).  

Shop & Earn 
Search
Watch (SBTV)
Play (the Swagbucks Games portal) 
Answer (surveys, daily polls, tasks) 
Discover (special offers, coupons, toolbars, NOSO)

Have you signed up for Swagbucks? This is a great time to try out all the different ways to earn. Sign Up Here and use the sign-up code SPRINGIN2SWAG for 50 bonus SB just for signing up!!

I personally like Swag Bucks because I do lots of online searches. Plus, I'm a grandma of 5 so I have redeemed many things from Amazon e-cards! There are lots of perks for earning Swag Bucks since the points all add up as you search the net, play games or watch videos. I hope you'll check it out because it is a reliable program and it works.

*affiliate links in post*






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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Pony Riding and Curb Walking


horse riding

horse riding lessons



the three generations

Ben's blue jeans and bright blue riding helmet, along with pretty blue Maine skies, make for a perfect horse riding day! It was a great outing for my grandson, son-in-law, Jon's dad and a fun addition to a birthday party that was waiting for Ben at his home. The Horse riding ranch is located in Warren, Maine. Photos for Blue Monday





curb walking

Taking a break from the farm chores, my grandson Ryan and I headed for the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, specifically Oceanside Beach. Although the water was extremely cold to go in (except for some local surfers), fortunately we soon found a nearby playground. I noticed my grandson was watching his balance as he walked around the curb. Photos for Mandarin Orange Monday.

oceanside beach
 Two Barefoot Books we like that are in our home library:

magic hoofbeats

off we go to mexico

Magic Hoofbeats PB w CD



Off We Go to Mexico



 *affiliate links in post*


Happy Reading!





“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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Eight Gifts You can Give to your Young Child's Brain

Brain Books 2010
Brain Books 2010 (Photo credit: brewbooks)

                                        April is the Month of the Young Child

Eight Gifts You can Give to your Young Child's Brain

By Sandra Sunquist Stanton

Nothing brightens my day like a baby’s contagious laugh. We can give them what they need to be happy, without breaking the bank. April celebrates the young child. These tips might help you, parents and caregivers, guide your little ones toward healthy brain development.

1. Security

You create his world. If he feels safe, he will be willing to try new things. If he is fearful, he may withdraw, refuse contact and choose to protect himself.

2. Touch

Loving touch soothes the central nervous system for both you and your child. It communicates safety and love. Enjoy snuggles, massage, and rocking while reading to her. These times are short.

3. Fuel Food 

His brain doesn't store the fuel it needs to operate. An infant’s brain uses 70% of his body’s energy. Every day it needs water, fresh fruit, and omega 3 healthy fats. These building blocks create and strengthen connections between his 100 billion brain cells.

4. Music

Both sides of her brain are active when she enjoys music. It's a workout for her brain. She forms stronger memories when many parts of the brain are involved.

5. Movement
Your child's vestibular system coordinates sensory input to send to his brain. Dance, skip, clap, and let him help you in the kitchen and garden. These activities provide the movement that gives each experience depth and dimension. His learning becomes multidimensional, richer and easier for him to remember and build on as he grows.

6. Reading and Language

Talking and reading with your child prepares her for reading and learning. Time with you is the best way to help her learn language patterns and support early social development. Does reading the same book over and over again get old? Remember repetition is exactly what her brain needs to learn.

7. Rest and Sleep

During quiet times his brain gets a chance to process his mountain of experiences. When he’s busy, his neurons are busy taking in sensory information. His brain’s original cells still need to be connected to one another. That happens during these breaks.

8. You!

Enjoy your time together. Give her face-to-face practice matching your expressions and language with everyday activities. Electronic media cannot substitute for time with you. She learns that she matters when you respond to her. Enjoy this together time and make some memories. 


Sandra Sunquist Stanton Bio:

Sandra Sunquist Stanton NCC, LPC, BCC, translated, means she is a National and Wisconsin Counselor and Nationally Certified Health/Wellness and Personal/Life Coach. She served as school counselor for 25 years and is nearing delivering her 100th brain coaching program. Her clear descriptions of everyday neuroscience applications help others find their best lives. 







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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Mandarin Orange Monday: Butterflies

butterfly exhibit San Diego Safari Park
 
"The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough." -- Rabindranath Tagore
  Butterfly and Caterpillar Class Books from Diane at TeachWithMe.com

orange butterfly resting on spider plant

But these are flowers that fly and all but sing:
And now from having ridden out desire
They lie closed over in the wind and cling
Where wheels have freshly sliced the April mire.
~Robert Frost, "Blue-Butterfly Day"

 Counting Butterflies Packet offered at Classroom Freebies

If you have a moment, I think you will enjoy this beautiful children's song. I love it so, especially because the gals soothing voice evokes such a peaceful moment that is so true of the butterfly. Enjoy!



Butterfly Song Lyrics

Down the valley,
In the meadow
I saw pretty butterflies,
They were flying in the air
They were flying very high.

On the flowers
Up the trees,
In the gentle morning breeze,
Butterflies, you’re so cute,
I would like to fly with you.

Butterfly Coloring Pages

Today's butterfly pictures for Mandarin Orange Monday are from my recent trip to the San Diego Safari Park. Every Spring the Butterfly Exhibit is open to the public and needless to say, the crowds are enormous. The huge butterfly display contained many beautiful varieties of red and black color, along with an enormous collection of brown butterflies landing on tree bark but when in flight you'll see their wings colored bright blue. I was delighted to capture their images even though the humidity was a bit of a challenge fogging up the camera lens.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?

best children's butterfly books

For sure, Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is by far my grandson's favorite book and one that I enjoy looking at over and over is from the author, Eve Bunting: Butterfly House. The book is about a young girl and her grandfather who rescue a caterpillar from a hungry blue jay and make a butterfly house to keep it safe. This tender story -- wonderfully illustrated with sun-kissed drawings -- includes simple instructions for making a butterfly house.

If interested, you'll find my review of the book on my other blog, LadyD Books

orange caterpillars
Cara Cara Navel Oranges with Raisins
Leaving you with a fun snack to make with your children. Thanks, Bern!

Happy reading!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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No Foolin', I Found One


backyard egg hunt
 Looking for eggs in the backyard is so much fun, especially when you're 2! Photo for Blue Monday

granddaughter with easter egg

Such joy when you finally find one, like the pink egg you colored with your mom earlier in the day!

daughter talking with her daughter

 Sharing this wonderful Easter day together. Our granddaughter is showing her mom all the pretty eggs she found. Photo for Mandarin Orange Monday

I was researching online for all of the deviled egg recipes and came across Shrimp, Italian, Cajun and Mother-In-Law deviled egg recipes, oh my!

What did you cook for your family celebration? Perhaps you went out for dinner over at friends or family members. We had lamb and here's my recipe. I was delighted to have Belle About town contact me to feature my recipe on their blog. If interested, you can click on her button in my side bar and it will take you to her blog.

Hope your Easter celebration was special and Happy April 1st! Moving on and looking forward to our local Avocado Festival in April. Then there's Earth Day celebrations and especially Jazz Appreciation Month!

I'm off to the Wild Animal Park to see the butterfly exhibit. Have a great week ahead!





“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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