10/17/13

Snow and Story at PWICE

Take your little one to Prince William Ice Center for snow and story! This fun program lets them play on the ice (no skates required) and includes hot cocoa and a story at the end! Can't make the times listed? Your group can schedule a private "Snow and Story", too! Just call Maureen Brennan at 703-730-8423.  This is a great field trip for preschools or playgroups!  Space for drop-in days is limited, so to reserve your spot, be sure to call ahead!




Note: PW Ice Center is a sponsor of PwcMoms.com

Boys Book Club: The Knight at Dawn

(I didn't take pictures, I completely suck.  However, I'm including links to everything and I'll try to be better next time!)

There are a plethora of beginner reading books targeted at young girls.  Just look at American Girl- they made an entire industry out of it.  For boys, I feel like it can be a little harder.  Some of that is based on the subject matter- "beginning readers" on dinosaurs? Pterodactyl is not a fun word for a six year old.  Let's be honest.  We do love "The Magic Tree House" series at our house, though, and think they're fun for boys and girls.  However, to encourage my boys a little extra, I wanted to do a "boys book club".  Girls were welcome, but we were going to do stereotypical "boy" stuff.

Since our homeschool group is doing the middle ages right now for history, we decided our first club read would be "The Knight at Dawn".  Everyone read the book before coming.  We started off with a little light discussion about adjectives that describe Jack and adjectives that describe Annie.  Then we talked about who thought they were more like Jack, and who thought they were more like Annie.  Next, I read a few selected pages from the companion book, "Knights and Castles" from the fact checker series that accompanies many of the Magic Tree House.  Finally, we did a Venn Diagram comparing Facts about the Middle Ages with Fiction from the book.  We included facts we knew that weren't included in the book, facts that were in the book, and then talked about the fictional elements. I wrote this out on my white board- sitting and writing is not boy book club appropriate.  This whole section took about 10 minutes, and was really to set us up for our next activities.  In case you've been living under a rock, here's what a Venn Diagram looks like:
So, the plan now was for stations.  We had four sisters who came along for the ride, and I made them a group, and then we had eight boys.

Station 1- Headwear
For the boys, I planned helmets.  We used the idea from Layers of Learning, but modified it slightly in that we covered our milk jugs with aluminum foil and added feathers to the top.

It's all about the style, baby.

For the girls (because I didn't have enough milk jugs) we did foam and sparkle tiaras.  They liked it.

Station 2- 
You can turn popsicle sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoons, and marshmallows into deadly weapons.  Well, mostly deadly.  A short discussion about simple machines, a reminder of what we read in the section about weapons, and the boys were all set.  Directions were from Sturdy for Common Things.
 If you want to take it next-level, check out Storm the Castle's "How to Build a Catapult" section, which is epic.

Station 3- 
We made Book Club journals, which were just dollar store spiral notebooks that we glued in activity pages to.  We didn't do them at book club, we just made them. Sitting and doing worksheets is not what boy book club is about.  My plan is to have stickers next time so that I can give kids a "Passport Page" for each book they read. I used the same site as for the catapult directions for a word search and a crossword puzzle.

Station 4-
Snack time! I know I talked about turkey legs, but brain surgery has made me lazy.  My brilliant mother, who stopped at the store for me, came up with this:
GENIUS!! They've got crowns, horses, rooks, all kinds of knightly themed images, pressed right in!!

Station 5-
This was, after all, boy book club, so we had to finish it up with a sword fight.  Well, maybe we didn't have to, but why WOULDN'T we finish it up with a sword fight? I was actually rather concerned when my sons started getting all of their Nerf swords out so I could see if I needed to ask people to BYOS (bring your own sword).

We didn't.

It turns out there is a substantial amount of space in my home dedicated to foam weaponry.

So, that was it! Boys Book Club, meeting one.  I think everyone had a really great time, and I'm looking forward to our next book club, which will be a higher reading level book with a Renaissance theme- so look forward to a report on that, coming at the end of the month!

10/16/13

Giveaway: Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Manassas


If you are like most moms, you're probably relying on sweet, sweet life-giving caffeine to get you through some of your days.  If you're trying to get yourself LBD (little black dress) ready for the holiday season, you can swap out your double caramel mocha frappe for Emerge, and still get the energy you need while helping your body function better! Here's more from our friends at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Manassas:

Problem: The reality is that energy drinks and coffee have become almost as associated with motherhood as nails and tools are with a job site. For most moms, our job demands require an early rise. This often comes with an over reliance on coffee, energy drinks, energy shots and anything stimulant based, which can lead to adrenal health issues. Plus, energy drinks often contain excess sugar and chemicals, while coffee is very acidic. Both aren’t particularly friendly on the pocket book, either.

Solution: Emerge. 
Emerge is a fantastic weight-loss beverage that duals as a pre-workout energizer. What people don’t realize is that this product kills three birds with one stone! Go ahead and use Emerge up to twice a day in place of energy drinks, coffee, etc. You’ll never go back! It enhances mood, elevates metabolism and helps curb your appetite all while tasting fabulous in 12 different flavors!

From mom of three (ages 8, 6, and 3), Jeanne - 
 "Max Muscle's Emerge is my favorite component in my fitness and nutrition regimen. Since I started drinking Emerge 7 months ago, it (along with careful attention to my nutritional needs, high intensity workouts and weightlifting) has helped me shed 30 lbs and dramatically decrease my body fat percentage. Emerge gives me the energy I need to fuel my active lifestyle as a mom as well as my workouts. It helps give me energy and focus and helps with mood balance as well! What mom doesn't need that? Emerge has completely replaced my daily Starbucks fix, I no longer drink coffee at all! I have almost no sugar cravings because of Emerge, and the fiber helps keep me full and prevents that mind-less mom-snacking. Emerge is THE one thing I would recommend to a busy mom looking to increase her endurance both in the gym and at home!

Emerge retails at $55, but you can win your own (in flavor of your choice) by entering our giveaway!! Ends Tuesday, October 22.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway
__________________________________________________
As always, this giveaway isn't affiliated with iTunes, Apple, any cell phone provider of any kind, Facebook, Twitter, Google Play, etc.  By entering you agree to our rules.  Prize is provided by Max Muscle Manassas, consult your physician before making any changes to your lifestyle. View our full rules here. 

10/15/13

Readers Recommend: Haircuts for Kids (and Grownups!) in Prince William County

"Where can I get a good haircut" or "where should I take my kids for haircuts" in Prince William County is a really common question!! Here's what our readers recommend!



For Kids:
Famous American Barbershop (By Wegmans Gainesville)
"Long sleeves Steve takes care of my boy and girl!"

American Barber Shop
"My boys ages 4 & 10.5 love to go to the American Barber Shop.  We've yet to have a bad experience w/haircuts, 9 years & counting"

Bubbles (Near Wegmans Woodbridge)
"Nina at Bubbles is the best!"

Cartoon Cuts
"I just took my son to cartoon cuts in Woodbridge about 2 weeks ago.  The stylist took my son to his seat and sat him down (I followed), he loved his hair cut.  He never got a chance to cry and now every time we drive by- he says "my haircut store!". He is 4 and before taking him there it was family who did his hair. It was a bit pricey but it was the day before we were getting pictures taken."
"We go to Cartoon Cuts in Woodbridge (and have, since his first hair cut) w/o any problems.  I see two specific stylists now b/c another I am not a huge fan of (her personality, not her work lol).  The kids can watch movies while getting their hair cut and they are really nice w/the kids."
"Went to Cartoon Cuts in Woodbridge, but it wasn't a great experience for my son, I think it was just all too fast, and the girl didn't interact with him, but I don't think that's the 'norm'.  Went to see King at a Barbershop in Old Town Manassas and he was WONDERFUL with my 2 year old.  No tears.  Hair cut was a bit shorter than I wanted, but I was happy that he enjoyed it so much.  Went to Cartoon Cuts in Fair Oaks the next time and it was really really good.  The woman showed him the clippers first and talked to him (he was so nervous he was shaking, he's a bit scared of clippers)."
"I go to Cartoon Cuts in Woodbridge for my almost 3 year old. Got his first haircut there"

The Hair Cuttery
"My MIL takes mine to the Hair Cuttery"
"Mapledale Hair Cuttery!! Ask for Natalie Marie Van Lith!"


Old Town Barbershop (Old Town Manassas)
"Went to Cartoon Cuts in Woodbridge, but it wasn't a great experience for my son, I think it was just all too fast, and the girl didn't interact with him, but I don't think that's the 'norm'.  Went to see King at a Barbershop in Old Town Manassas and he was WONDERFUL with my 2 year old.  No tears.  Hair cut was a bit shorter than I wanted, but I was happy that he enjoyed it so much.  Went to Cartoon Cuts in Fair Oaks the next time and it was really really good.  The woman showed him the clippers first and talked to him (he was so nervous he was shaking, he's a bit scared of clippers)."


Out of County-
Cartoon Cuts in Fair Oaks Mall
"we went to Cartoon Cuts in Fair Oaks Mall for our daughter's first haircut and it was great.  The hairdresser was super quick so our daughter didn't have time to panic :)"
"We've been going to cartoon cuts in fair oaks since our sons first cut (he's 4 now). [Love] it there, but it depends on the stylist. We always see the same person. Manazza"
"Went to Cartoon Cuts in Woodbridge, but it wasn't a great experience for my son, I think it was just all too fast, and the girl didn't interact with him, but I don't think that's the 'norm'.  Went to see King at a Barbershop in Old Town Manassas and he was WONDERFUL with my 2 year old.  No tears.  Hair cut was a bit shorter than I wanted, but I was happy that he enjoyed it so much.  Went to Cartoon Cuts in Fair Oaks the next time and it was really really good.  The woman showed him the clippers first and talked to him (he was so nervous he was shaking, he's a bit scared of clippers)."



FREE Recycles Day and Community Shred

The Prince William County Recycles Day and Paper Shred will be October 19th, 2013 from 10am-2pm at the County Landfill.  It may seem a little odd to go to the landfill for a family day, but there will be an environmental "Edutainer" food, prizes, games, tours, and more! Check it out! 

10/14/13

Week in Preview: October 14th-October 20th, 2013

Happy Monday!

If you weren't already furloughed, it's Columbus Day, so some of you might be off, and others not.  Columbus Day has always confused me, which I attribute to being a PWCS graduate.  Fairfax seemed to think Columbus was super important and kids should get to enjoy furniture sales with their parents, whereas Prince William County, clearly noting some of the controversy surrounding Columbus that most of us would only learn about via Facebook as adults, thought we were better served by coloring the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria in class.

But I digress.

(To further add to your confusion, the libraries will be CLOSED but I hear that some of our national parks may be re-opening...maybe?)

Here are a few of our picks for the week.  Remember, these are just a few suggestions- our full calendar is available at the very appropriately named "calendar" tab above.

Have a great week!

Pre-register for:

Shenanigans at Central Library in Manassas: A program designed for students in grades K-5 who like to be creative. Held every two weeks. Registration is required and may be done online or by phone. 
Oct 3 - Tissue Paper Pencil Holder; Oct 17- Yarn Paintings; Oct 31 - DIY Boomerangs.

Hylton Planetarium Shows: Tickets are $10 per person. Please bring exact change (CASH ONLY). Seating is limited to 60 people per show.Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Hylton High School main office Monday thru Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm or the evening of any show at the planetarium box office. Shows are 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25

Friday Night- Seek the Unknown at Bull Run Library with Suzanne Sorrell, a real life ghostbuster! Suzanne will bring ghost hunting equipment and her paranormal experience to help us search for the spirits that might haunt our building. Ghoulish snacks will be provided. For middle and high school students. Registration is required.

10/22- The ARC of Prince William County facilitates an Autism Parent Support Group that meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. This parent-run group offers support, education, and social opportunities for families who have children (of any age) on the Autism spectrum. Child care is available. Call 703-730-3124 or email jrussell@arcgpw.org for more information.



Monday, October 14th (Columbus Day)
I would CALL BEFORE YOU GO for any pumpkin patches today.  Many of them have been announcing closures due to the overly-generous dose of rain we've received over the last few days.

For those of you that could use a little extra help with the grocery budget this month (especially in light of not getting a paycheck for weeks on end) In partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), Holiness Tabernacle provides free, healthy and nourishing food to Prince William County every second Monday from 12 to 3 P.M. and hosts the CAFB's Mobile Food Pantry every fourth Monday (where fresh produce is distributed).

Tuesday, October 15th
If you missed our guest post about IKEA on Tuesdays, here's your chance to check out their kids eat free day.  Also, note that IKEA Woodbridge is offering free breakfast to those who are furloughed as well as $2 meatball lunch/dinners for their Twitter and Facebook fans.

If you're thinking about an instrument for your child, you can learn what a variety of musical instruments sound like, the size and scale of the various instruments, how to assemble, clean and maintain each instrument properly, and what it takes to play them. This program will help adults and children learn to choose the instrument that is the right fit for them. The presentation will be followed by a short question and answer period. Parents and the children who attend this showcase will walk away from it with greater knowledge about the various instruments they are choosing between and will have a better grasp of how to truly succeed at the instrument of their choice. This is a free program. Registration, beginning September 1st, is encouraged and registered patrons will have first priority to attend, but it is not required. Presenter: Helen Santoro of NOVA Music Center at Chinn Library

Wednesday, October 16th
 STROLL & ROLL is back at The Cavalier! Stroll & Roll is a session aimed at kids ages 1-5. They can practice skating, go wild in the Play Zone or bring their favorite ride on toy and whiz around on our huge floor. Stroll & Roll is held every Wednesday from 10:00a-12:00p starting September 4th. Admission is only $3 per child and moms & dads are FREE!

Thursday, October 17th
I have a tendency to skip days where the events are all ones I've mentioned before, but it was recently pointed out to me that just because I've been writing about them for years doesn't mean you guys have been reading (are any of you still reading this far into a post? I don't know....) So, with that in mind:

Kidgits at Potomac Mills Mall happens on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10am. This month- Watch Child Time Magic amaze you! -- Delight in complimentary refreshments courtesy of Rita's Ice and Starbucks -- Enjoy special deals for moms and dads -- Kidgits members - receive a complimentary inflatable fish* -- Purchase a VIK (Very Important Kid) snack bag for $1* *While supplies last

Ages 5 and under may also enjoy Kiddie Tyme at the Dale City Rec Center- Children can romp and play to music in the gymnasium with colorful, kid-friendly toys and gym equipment. Drop-in, no pre-registration required, and parents are free. Kiddie Tyme follows the PWCS schedule for weather closings, and does not meet on Teacher Workdays or school holidays.  $3/child/visit or purchase a 10 card punch for $30

Friday, October 18th
Not in PWC, but worth a look- Enjoy free admission to the National Children's Museum for your whole family, as well as hands-on activities and interactive play in the NCM theatre and exhibit areas. Sponsored by GEICO.
Please note: tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the NCM box office beginning at 5 p.m. on the day of the event. The museum will close for half an hour at 4:30 p.m. to give staff time to prepare for the event.

Saturday, October 19th
We'll be at the iWalk event for ACTS today, and I'd love to see some of you there.  I'm not hard to spot- I have a banging "overly shaggy boys' haircut", come say hi!
Event schedule and times
Walk registration at 9 a.m., Group start @ 10 a.m.
 Free Community Festival 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Also on the calendar for today- the community open house and shred at the landfill, including an educational "infotainer", games, food, and more.

Sunday, October 20th
Hopefully by Sunday several of the pumpkin patches will have dried out.  You can find a good starting list on our "Fall Fun Guide" for 2013! 

10/11/13

Featured Organization Friday: Mainly Music Fundraiser to Support SIDS Education

In honor of a lost child, a local mom is hosting a special fundraiser to help fund SIDS educational services.  Join the Mainly Music Fundraiser on November 8, 2013 for a fun family show, dinner, and desert, $20 per family.