Crafting Success (for once)!

Back story: I like themes and projects of any kind. I usually have big, big plans that involve elaborate parties with food, music, games, and art that are all coordinated to a designated theme. However careful my execution, as with all things child-related, directions are never followed and plans are never well-enough laid, but a fun time usually ensues anyway. When the kids and I attempt a craft it is usual for me to hover over the kids dotting glue, cutting paper, tucking hair behind ears, and, in general, finishing the project myself. It's all about the process, not the product, so as long as the kids keep their hands and brains busy for a bit, we're all happy.

Today's story: After preschool yesterday, the kids each received their "Holiday-Break Project," which hadn't been handed out earlier due to school cancellations because of the ice storm described in a previous blog. The kids tore into their "presents" on the way home and found a baggie of candy and a baggie of graham crackers. Two of their favorite things! What a great present! Oh wait... This is a project. Sure enough, there are instructions for the parent to make gingerbread house "cement" and submit a picture of each child's house to the preschool. OK, this is serious business, like an actual assignment. We make it home with only four skittles/roof ornaments consumed. I am dubious about this project seeing as the "holiday" theme is a little outdated at this point and it just sounds like I'll be doing a lot of clean-up and hot-gluing after the fact.

The kids are really, really excited about building their houses. This morning, as they are inhaling their breakfast, I was busy whipping up the cement. Not too bad so far, but seriously, how are my kids going to manage to prop up six crackers and add all these decorations without getting frustrated? Miracle, I tell you, this "cement" is a miracle! It is the perfect consistency and easier to work with any glue ever. House: easily assembled. Decorations: placed with care willy-nilly all over the house. Extra Decorations: made into elaborate sculptures in the "yard" of the house. Amazing morning. Tyce claimed it was his "favorite day so far!"

Here are some pictures of the kids working hard on the projects and I'll include all the instructions below for anyone who might want to give this a try, even if it is a little past the holiday season. Construction is always in style around here.









OK, so here is what you need:
-6 Graham Cracker squares
-Candy and Cracker decorations (refer to pictures for specifics)
-"Cement" (I think that 1/3 of this recipe would be plenty for one house.)

Here is the "Cement" recipe:
-1 lb powdered sugar
-3 egg whites
-1 t. cream of tartar (if you aren't in the habit of making meringues, you may not have this around the house. You may as well stock-up because you need it for home-made play dough anyhow and, who knows, the urge to bake a meringue may just strike!)
-1 t. vanilla (probably unnecessary because you don't really want to eat this stuff)

With an electric mixer beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla until stiff. Gradually add powdered sugar. Put it in a Ziploc and cut off a small bit of one corner. Hand it over to the kids, step back, and enjoy a cup of coffee!