Board Games as Classroom Parties

Yep! You guessed it, I'm a Room Mom for my sixth grader. At our school the kids are privileged to  have classroom parties for a couple of holidays through out the year. With Halloween next week I thought I'd share with you how I took CLUE the board game and spun it into a full on party.

My daughter begged me NOT to have stations, but with 30 kids it's almost impossible to have a party in a classroom and not break into groups. I think what my daughter was really asking me to do was to have a cohesive party with a beginning, middle and end. What better way to do this than with a game.

I started with the lights off and window blinds closed so there was just a little light to set the mood. I was dressed up with a red ribbon around my neck and acted a little while another mom read a scary kids story "The Red Ribbon". When the story was over I explained with a "Dundunduuun" that we were going to find out who, where and how this happened to the woman with the red ribbon by playing a real live version of the game CLUE.

I split the kids into equal groups and had them each start at different stations. These stations were facilitated by other moms, who were all dressed up as characters from the game with some kind of resemblance to the room they were in (examples below).
Each group was given an actual board game CLUE sheet to record their findings.
At each station the kids had to do different activities, when the activity was completed the team was shown actual clue cards. These cards I divided up just like you do when playing the board game.
The kids rotated stations for the time we had allotted, at this point they all came to where I had displayed the game board in the classroom and placed the figures with who, where and how they thought the mystery played out.
I read the group suspicions and then pulled out the "Top Secret" cards and revealed the answer. This was also the CLUE as to where the classroom prize was hidden. The answer being Mr. Green in the Bathroom with the Rope. In the classroom bathroom I hid a plastic green jack-o-lantern full of glow it the dark necklaces.

Once the prizes were found the kids got to enjoy popcorn, soda and freshly made in the classroom cotton candy. The kids said it was the best party. Thanks to all the moms who made it all possible.

Here is how we divided up the characters, rooms and the activities we played...
   Character               Room                             Activity

Professor Plum    Billiards                       Dart Board (every kid got a turn until they reach the set amount of points)
Mrs. Scarlet          Lounge                Halloween Word Scramble

Mrs. Peacock    Dining Room          Blindfolded Safety Pin Dig (in individual rice buckets)

Mr. Green           GreenHouse               Spider Throw (similar to darts but with sticky spiders and a web from Target)

Cl. Mustard           Kitchen                 Fear Factor Blindfolded (everyday foods named something spooky)

Mrs. White             Library                        Charades (every child took a turn acting to receive their clues)

You know you're a M.O.M. when.....

.....a moment in the sun can be like a vacation to HAPPYland.

In the winter when the sun is shining, you can find me inside the house (because its still too cold to be outside) at any window soaking in as much Vitamin D as possible. I've even been know to lay down in the sun rays and go to sleep as long as the sun is on me. A moment like this can give me just the push I need to get through the day.

Boy, did I need the sun. I needed it so much I could call it a miracle it's out. The last few days I have been inside non-stop potty training (autism style) my little guy. He's done so well, but I don't do so well being inside for that long and I'm not sure how long it's going to be before its ok to take him out while potty training. I'm so grateful he understands what I'm saying when I say lets go to the bathroom, He couldn't do that last year. I don't know how long it will take for him to understand he needs to talk and tell me he needs to go.
I'm grateful for his progress. It would be so easy to throw my hands in the air and throw a fit saying This isn't fair! He's five and can't talk! How hard does life have to be?! Sometimes I do, but today I'm grateful for the sun and the strength to do my best and just love all my babies and all the ARE ABLE TO DO.

you know you're a M.O.M. when.....

you can find every stinky camouflaged item a child has left behind and wonder why they consistently leave a trail behind them.

Maybe the story of Hansel and Gretel was a legend from mothers long ago after spending their lives picking up the trail of garbage left behind from their children.

Maybe children really do need a trail in order to find their way back to bed, toy room or bathroom room. That would explain why when I ask them to go to any of these places the reply is always "I can't!" Maybe because I've picked their trail they left behind they seriously can't.

I think I may have solved a really life everyday mystery, what do you think?

Can you find the camouflaged item that's been left behind?

you know you're a M.O.M. when.....

.....you have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest.
I LOVE it because I can find everything I've never even dreamed of. I HATE it because I can find everything You've never even dreamed of. It's amazing what a wonderful tool Pinterest is and how really smart people use it.
Janet Thaler is a very smart M.O.M. who (along with Paul Wilson) created PinAlerts, a pinterest tracking tool from your website. It's easy to see what your readers find PINteresting. Register for PinAlerts here.



Some of my favorite pins......

Inspiration to "Just Keep Swimming"

Places I WILL Go

Things I need to remember and try. I did this detox bath last night and.....

it WORKED!

What do you love about Pinterest?

you know you're a M.O.M. when....

.....the feeling that you're failing won't leave you alone.

I don't know why this comes with motherhood, but it does. I say ENOUGH! :) (throwing my fist down on the table)

We don't need to feel this way! We are good, strong, loving women who are just trying to do our absolute best and by gone it (what my Nana says) that's ENOUGH! :) (I'm now convincing myself)
I mean what more than our best could we expect to do? I don't know a woman out there who isn't fighting a good fight for her family (whatever shape or size it is). As a M.O.M. to YOU this is me wrapping my arms around you (in my bathing suit, jk) and saying

"YOU ARE ENOUGH 

and by gone it 

YOU ARE DOING GREAT!"

If found this card (picture) in one of my favorite sweet shops in town and loved the quote so much I had to have to share with others. I may not be next door to you or even a phone call away, but I am here to share my support and love and to be your clan, network, tribe and family. Thank you for you comments and support. We all NEED one to lift each other up and tell each other we're enough.

you know you're a M.O.M when.....

.....accomplishing a pile of laundry higher than knees makes you feel like a super hero.

Believe me I feel like I've saved the world for my pre-teen when she has the perfect outfit to wear.

Sometimes it's the perspective that makes the tedious jobs worthwhile. What M.O.M. job makes you feel like a super hero?

you know your a M.O.M. when....

...when punishment for your kids is most of the time more of a punishment for you.

Spunky has had a bit more sass lately and it has landed her in a bit of trouble. Instead of listening to the fact that if she cuts out the sass she won't be in trouble any more, she lays it on thicker. 

What's a M.O.M. to do?

you know you're a M.O.M. when......

.....you've become so good at throwing birthday parties you do your own too.

On my 30th birthday I started throwing my own birthday party. I figured if you want one do it! AND you get what you want. (I understand now what a control freak I am and I own that.) Seriously though some of my favorite moments of my life have come from these parties and now friends ask what we're doing, because they know it will be a memory for the books (the secret hidden books that are never shared with anyone but us). This year is no different.....Let the "Good Times Roll"! 

(if you haven't noticed, yes I wish my life were like Aly McBeal but with impromptu songs blasting)

you know you're a M.O.M. when......

a "culture" GNO is Roller Derby.

I love experiencing things I've never done before wether that is traveling around the world, a new cuisine or your local Roller Derby league. I love opening my eyes and heart to all different lifestyles and finding the good in it all. It may not always be something I want to join but it's always a fun time and a new adventure. 

seeking help

Just this last week I have received two phone calls with loved ones of children with autism seeking help. My heart hurts for them as they are struggling with what to do and where to go. I know this feeling all to well. Right after my son was diagnosed with autism and my two daughters diagnosed with learning disabilities I felt lost and like I was drowning in a sea of information I couldn't figure out what was the best thing for all of my babies. There is no one way for every child, they are all different and what works for one does NOT always work for the other. I had to learn to follow my mother's intuition more than ever before and believe that I was the only person that knew what was best for them, no matter what anyone else told me.

Motherhood for me comes with a lot of guilt and wondering that I screwed them up. I have to remember all the time that I am doing the best I can and one day hopefully it will be enough. I love this quote.....

"If you're a good mom 60% of the time YOU ARE A GOOD MOM!" I figure feeding, bathing, clothing, playing takes up more than 60% of the day so...........I AM A GOOD MOM and so ARE YOU!

Because I've had these phone calls I've decided to add a few of the sites and places that have made my life with autism a little easier. Look to the right.

working PEACE

Punky says "Mom why are you so happy?"

I say "I don't know, because I'm being a good mom and working."

Let me paint the picture. Taz is playing Wii (having a great time and I am helping him from time to time). Punky is doing her homework all by herself (a miracle). The Rock is sleeping and has been all day with a high fever. Spunky at a friends house (a rare occurrence at our house also a miracle). Heman is off saving the world in Jersey. I am busy helping every one and working at the same time. I felt great, I felt at PEACE with all the different pieces of our lives.

For me being productive and accomplishing tasks is magical. It makes me feel alive and powerful. Although I totally hated that the Rock was sick, I also wasn't feeling guilty about doing everything else and not playing therapy for him. I didn't have to fix dinner because no one cared if we had it until later. Every one's needs and desires were met and I was guilt free, MIRACLE.........PEACE!

Catch uP

I haven't been great about keeping up with anything lately. Here is life at a glance the last month or so. Punky won reflections for her awesome wave sculpture (that Aunt Jessie taught her how to do). The title of her work was "Together We Can make a wave of PEACE" She sculpted a wave and painted in blue with white caps and a Peace sign on the top of the wave. We are very excited for this accomplishment. Way to go Punky! Spunky finally got to try her feet at soccer this fall and she loved it! She was as we knew she would be, very aggressive and relentless with 100% effort. When her coached asked them to warm up for practice by running 5 laps she said "Only 5? Why not 10?" (i'm not kidding) She of course asked to play on a coed team, no boy or girl was too much of a match for her. She's a tough one. So glad she's bought into our family motto "Dickinsons don't quit!" when she was beaten and bruised a few times. She had a wonderful time and is now missing it. We all had a fun time watching her play and actually look forward to springtime soccer. I was so glad that the weather was great for every game but two. Tender mercies!!!! Taz continues to be "TAZ" as he so calmly tries to pick something up from under the table and runs his eye right into the round, glass table and pops open the side of his eye lid. Yep! Three stitches later he ended up looking like this. Taz is having a great time at preschool and hopefully learning a ton. Hopefully is my answer because he seems to not be able to remember anything. I'm pretty sure it's all jumbled in his brain somewhere, just waiting to regergitate it to me someday. He is starting to be a bit more articulate at times and this is just melts my heart......for a moment. After writing this I remember why it's so important for me to write, it reminds me what's so wonderful about being a mom. It's easy to forget the reasons that make it all worth it. I love my kids! especially when they are sleeping.

MaMa!!

I can't believe I haven't posted this amazing news yet......At the beginning of November the Rock was in his class. When class was over his teacher knew I was down the hall so she was bringing him to me. As they got close the Rock reached out to me and .........said.........MaMa! This is the first time he has ever seemed to call me anything. This was such a wonderful moment. I snatched him up and squeezed him as I cried. My heart goes out to all you moms that haven't heard these beautiful words from your child. Now that I've tasted the magic of being his MaMa I want to hear it again. In time I'm I know I will, some day soon. The Rock has learned to play a matching game with our family photos. This game is just a means to teaching him to talk and in some way know our names. As he plays this game he will sometimes look at the picture, repeat the name and then if the person is with him he will look at that person. He's getting it!!! Little by little we are conquering. My favorite sound he makes is for Punky's name. He sticks his tongue out and as if he is licking his lips back and forth he makes the "L" sound. It is so adorable. It happens so fast I don't have video to share, sorry.

Seriously !!! BLESSED

Today the Rock just started laughing. I have no idea why he was giggling so much. It didn't happen just once either. This kind of giggling is not an every day thing, even though he is usually happy. This laughter is pure JOY and you can't help but giggle with him or in my case cry for JOY. Even in our times of trials, I CAN count my blessings! I think we all could take a good 10min. and talk about our trials. We can also take a good 15min. or more and count our blessings, joys and the things that make us laugh. I have to share a few of my incredible blessings over the last little while. I am over come with the amount of support we have received from all of you who want to come walk/run with us in a few weeks. We can't wait to be with all of you in one place. We need and want you all to be there. Thank you for your efforts. The last two years have been a doozy and when you have loved ones rally for you and your baby in a time of need, my gratitude is endless. Two weeks ago I needed help to raise money for treatment. We were in a time crunch and I needed all my resources. My Dad of course was the first one in line. The event was Saturday morning and come Friday night 9pm my dad calls and says "I just flew in, my wrists don't work and my knees are shot, are we a go tomorrow? I'm there!!" I hated the fact that I needed him any way he was willing. I can't put into words what that kind of love like that feels like to receive. The next day was a hard one for my dad, but as always he endured it well. All for me and my son. My mother who always gives has put together a work lunch at the airport to raise $$$ to donate for the charity Daybreak 5k. I appreciate my mom always going the extra mile and exhausting all resources to make miracles happen. Thank you Jen and Russ for donating to this lunch and make it more profitable. Thank you Continental for making it happen. Our amazing family and friends made it possible for us to move and get settled in one day. Moving again weighed so heavy on everyone in our family. Yet with the help and love from all of you it was smooth sailing. We are blessed to have each and every one of YOU!!! It has been wonderful to be welcomed by sweet treats, little ones knocking on the door and visits. It's the little things in life that give the most, a hug, bread, cookies, a knock on the door, a phone call, an invitation all have made us feel at home. I could keep going on and on and not to show anyone up, I needed to share my gratitude for me and my family. I hope that you are counting your blessings. My 15min. are up. We love you and hope you know how special you are to our family.