Cute New Years Ideas for Kids

Time Capsule Letter

On New Year's Eve, invite your kids to write a letter to their future selves. They can list their favorite things (books, songs, ice-cream flavors, TV shows, foods, colors, animals, games) and make predictions (how tall will they be in a year?).
Pack away the letters with the holiday decorations so that they'll be out of sight but easy to find next year. On December 31, 2009, have your kids open their letters and see how much their tastes have changed -- or haven't!

Balloon Drop

This is a cute idea for any age...even the adults! One of Pete's friend use to do this when they were little.

Line up two rectangular paper tablecloths and punch holes every 2 to 3 inches down one long side of each.
Stitch the tablecloths together with yarn, leaving a foot or so at the end for a rip cord.
Tape the cloth to the ceiling on three sides, leaving the side opposite the rip cord open. Tape the cord up separately, so it's accessible. Let the center of the cloth hang down to allow space for the balloons.
Inflate at least 75 balloons. Donna, husband John, kids Allison, 10, and Sean, 9, store their balloons in large garbage bags until it's time to fill the cloth.
Buy thin streamers and metallic confetti. That last point is important. One year, Donna bought paper confetti; someone spilled champagne, and she had hundreds of colored dots on her hardwood floors.
Stuff the cloth with balloons, then add the confetti and streamers on top. (Reverse it, and the confetti will weigh down the cloth and filter out ahead of time.) Tape up the last side of the cloth.
Let her rip! At the stroke of midnight, just one strong pull tears through the paper, releasing a cascade of balloons and confetti--followed by stomping feet and a cacophony of pops.

Bubble Wrap Stomp

Looking for a way to ring in the New Year that will have the crowd on its feet? Look no further than a packaging supply store. For just a few dollars, says Elaine Snyder of Jupiter, Florida, you can pick up several yards of large Bubble Wrap (or recycle Bubble Wrap that comes with holiday gifts). Just before midnight, unroll it on a hard surface, such as a wooden floor or driveway, and when the countdown concludes, join the Snyders in "the Bubble Wrap Stomp."

New Years Resolution

With 2009 soon approaching, I decided to make my New Years Resolution list. I can't guarantee I will do any of these, but, it's worth a shot!

1. Play with my kids more
2. Not yell so much...at my husband or kids
3. Spend less money
4. Make more of an effort to see my siblings and their families.
5. Eat healthier
6. Be happier and smile more!

Do you have any resolutions? Are you good at keeping them?

What a great Christmas

We're back and what a great time! I must admit I missed my family, however, a little down time was much needed by all of us.

We originally were going to head out on Christmas Eve, but, due to the poor weather we left on Christmas Day. We ended up staying until today and had a great time. We are glad to be home, however, if it was up to the girls we would have stayed 10 more days.

I think this one ranks up in the top 10 BEST Christmas' ever!

Thankfully, the girls have another week off, so we don't have to rush off anywhere tomorrow. We can just stay at home and relax.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas just as much!

Merry Christmas!!!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FROM,

KAT & ERIN

We'll be off the blog for a few days and will return early next week! Have a Merry Christmas and safe travels.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen...

Sarah McLachlan & BareNaked Ladies...just one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Toxic Toys

Before you put these under the tree, take a look at what's inside: lead, arsenic, mercury

Click Here for a complete list of toys. Scary stuff.

The Gingerbread House

Has anyone else embarked on one of these with their kids? I know Kathleen has. This was just a pre-made kit from Walmart. It was a family project we took on last week. Alot of craziness..my 5yr old was eating the candy- not putting them on the house. This of course, erupted in many arguments between kids -STOP EATING IT!. My 3yr old has a little issue with getting his hands dirty or sticky..so, every time he touched the icing..AAHH..WASH MY HANDS! And big sister was directing everyone where to put the candy- DON'T PUT IT THERE!
Of course, they didn't like the taste of the gingerbread, so, sadly, the house didn't last. It's broken shell was tossed a few days later.
All in all...good family fun though.

Cookie Snowman- Easy Recipe for Kids

Ingredients:
2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
30 OREO Cookies, divided
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
decorations: 1 baby carrot and 1 piece red string licorice

To Make:

POUR milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended.
LINE 8-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap. Arrange 14 of the cookies on bottom of prepared pan; spread 1 cup of the pudding mixture over cookies. Repeat layers of 14 cookies and remaining pudding mixture; cover with plastic wrap.
REFRIGERATE at least 24 hours. Uncover. Invert onto serving plate; remove plastic wrap. Frost with the whipped topping. Add 2 remaining cookies for the eyes and the carrot for the nose. Cut licorice into 6-inch length; add to face for the mouth. Store in refrigerator.

Click Here for More Kids Can Cook Recipes

Christmas Card

I try to be creative ( and save some dollars ) with our Christmas card choices each year. This year I was able to get my daughter involved to help out with it. It's a pretty simple card, but, I think it came out pretty good. Here's what I did:

1. Find a Christmas themed coloring page(s). From your own coloring books or there are a ton of sites online to get them free. ( just one- http://www.coloringbookfun.com/ )

2. Have your kids color the pictures however they like.

3. Scan the finished coloring pages into your computer.

4. Copy and paste the picture on the Word program.

5. Add any type of border, holiday greeting, that you wish.

6. Print out on card stock paper. It can be purchased in your regular printer paper department and is not expensive.

7. You can cut and trim to make the card any desired size.

Now, only 1 of my kids colored a picture. If you have 3 kids, you know have 3 different designs to mail out or you can make a collage of them.

Speaking of creative gifts... you can make...

Erin's post got me thinking of a couple of other easy gifts that would work great for teachers, bus drivers, coaches, co-workers, etc...

These are easy to do and people think you put a lot of thought into the gift...the price is right too!

Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

6 cups of instant nonfat dry milk

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows

Combine dry milk, sugar, cocoa and marshmallow in a large bowl. Pour into 2 quart jar or tall container. Seal with a lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

Recipe to attach: Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Serves 12.

Variation for pint jar: 1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking cocoa, 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows. Recipe to attach: Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Serves four. (associated press)

Creamy Italian Chicken with Porcini Mushroom Kit

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 tsp dried marjoram

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp white pepper

1/2 tsp powdered garlic

1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce each) dried porcini mushrooms, cut or broken into small pieces

1/4 cup dried red bell peppers (optional)

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach gift label.

Makes 1 gift bag (four servings)

The preparation instructions should read:

In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3 1/4 cups chicken broth and 1 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into small chunks. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then let the pan stand off the heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream.

Serves four(associated press)

Sinful but Fabulous Granola

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup roughly chopped almonds

1 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts

1 cup roughly chopped pecans

4 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup bran

1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp coarse salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cherries

Heat oven to 350 degrees Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread shredded coconut on top. Bake until toasted. Transfer to plate to cool.

Line same baking sheet with parchment and spread out almonds, macadamia nuts & pecans on pan. Toast for 10-15 minutes, shaking occasionally. do not let nuts get too brown. Take out of oven, transfer to platter to cool. Reduce oven to 300 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together oats, wheat germ, bran, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.

Melt butter in a saucepan over med-low heat. Add honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and stir until well-mixed. Pour over oat mixture and arrange onto two rimmed baking sheets;, bake until golden brown, about 25-30 mins.

While that mix cooks, spread out cooled roasted nuts on a flat surface. In separate bowls, melt the semisweet and white chips in the microwave. Take the back of the spoon and generous drizzle melted chocolates onto the roasted nuts. Let dry completely.

Once oat mixture cools, break into chunks and add to large bowl. Add toasted coconut, dried fruits and chocolate drizzled nuts. Store in airtight container.

Make 12 cups

To gift tag add these serving suggestions: A super topping for baked apples or pears. Sprinkle over yogurt, ice cream or cinnamon gelato. Add to pancake batter or press into sugar cookies halfway thru baking process. Or enjoy it by itself. (Michelle s Miller / Bartlett)

I can make that!

Ok, have you ever seen something and said " I could make that!". I rarely ever do.. I am not a creative person. Kathleen..always...we see anything from crafts to clothing...she'll say " Look how easy we could make this" Yeah, but, we never do. We always just buy it. Well, I did have one of those moments today. Of course, I had it after I purchased this item and feel like an idiot that I spent $4( $2 a piece )that I really didn't need to. I could of put this together myself. As I talked about in a previous post, I am buying gifts for my kids teachers and bus drivers. So, when the nice salesperson said, these are great gifts for teachers and bus drivers, I grabbed them. They were really cute and I didn't even hesitate. Now, when I got home I realized what is wrong with me? Do I lack such creativity that I could not of done this myself? Sadly, I believe I do. My purchase:

Check out: www.mickyseerveld.stampinup.net --- I didn't find this particular item on her website, but, she has alot of cute stuff.

Don't forget the school bus driver

Do you buy for your kids teacher for Christmas? We do. It is important to us. There is a total of 10 people that deal with my children on a daily basis. This is just not teachers...my 5 yr old has in addition to a teacher, 2 therapists, 2 aides and a social worker, my son also has an aide and a speech therapist. And of course, my daughters 1st grade teacher.

I am not complaining at all. These people spend their days teaching and basically, taking care of my children. I applaud them. They do a great job and I wouldn't have the patience to do what they do.

Well, I was talking about this with my sister...she says "don't forget the bus driver". I can't afford anymore I tell her. I mean..we are stretched thin as it is. The bus driver just will not get anything this year. Then...yesterday. We got 3-4ins of snow here. Winds blowing, streets not plowed well, freezing weather..the whole horrible blizzard experience. My son gets off the bus first. The bus arrives on time and with a smile. She even offers to start dropping him off right in front of the house when the weather is nasty. Then, my daughter gets off a few hours later, different driver. Same nasty weather. She drives the extra way and drops her in front of our house. Gives us a smile and "see you tomorrow, stay warm".

So, I will not be forgetting the bus drivers this year. Yesterday, reminded me of how important their job is. My children were home safe, dry and happy. Thanks to their bus drivers.

Snow-Topped Holiday SWIRLED™ Brownie Bars

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® SWIRLED™ Holiday Morsels, divided
2 cups thawed, frozen whipped topping

Directions:PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan. COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Microwave butter in large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; stir until melted. Stir in sugar and water. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in flour mixture. Stir in 1 cup morsels. Spread into prepared baking pan. BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Spread with whipped topping. Sprinkle with remaining morsels. Refrigerate until serving time. Cut into bars.

How do you convince them it's better to give than receive?

How do you convince your kids, it's better to give than receive?
On the way home from school I talked to my girls about Toys for Tots and asked if they would like to help a child like them, that may not be as fortunate. Their first reaction was "NO...don't give away our toys." We have a few toys that are duplicates from their b-day and I thought it would be nice to donate them...have them donate them, however, they just don't understand the concept.
Do you think they are too young? Is there a better way? Should I just take them and make them donate these toys?
How do you teach them to give up things they "think" they cherish?

What can I say... I like to decorate!

I love, love, love to decorate for Christmas. I usually decorate the week before Thanksgiving and tell people I have to decorate so early because "every other" weekend day is crazy busy and that would be the only time to decorate. After a few years, I think people are getting to the point that I just like my house decorated early for Christmas. I'm in good company, my neighbor across the street decorates early too. I wait until her tree is up and the follow her lead. It works greats, neither of us look silly because we both have our tree's up and homes lit up like the sun!

When do you like to decorate? Do you decorate a little ? A lot? Where do you put decorations? Kitchen, bathroom...bedroom? I decorate every room of the house, even the hallways... it's only once a year and it's so nice to pull up to such a glowing house. Of course this year, I wasn't able to decorate outside because my outlet went out and my husband hasn't had the time (or knowledge) to fix it. Next year, I'll go twice as bright. I do have my faithful deer in the back that looks like he's walking up my patio. It's so cute and the girls get a huge kick out of it. He has seen better days though. His first year out he had a friend that someone attacked and then cut his wires. I had to lay his friend to pasture, however, I fixed him up. Each year since, I have to add a new set up lights to make him work. I do this because I think my neighbors love it...cough, cough!!

Enjoy the Season, it's a magical time of year!!!

Breakfast with Baby Jesus

Both of my children attend Catholic School, therefore, instead of cookies with Santa we have have breakfast with Baby Jesus. For our family this is great because my kids despise Santa and have no desire to see him at all and can't wait to see Baby Jesus, which leads me to my story.

My husband travels and attends A LOT of work dinners, so needless to say he isn't around much to attend things at school. The older the girls get, the more they notice that their Dad doesn't attend things, but, other Dad's do. On the way to school this morning, one of my daughters said "Mom, is Daddy going to breakfast with Baby Jesus tomorrow?" I told her I wasn't sure, as he had a late engagement this evening and may not be able to get things done in time to attend. She sighed a moment and responded with " Mommy, he has to come. Does he have any idea how big of a deal it is to have Baby Jesus come down from Heaven just to have breakfast with you?" I said "No, I don't think he does". She then replied with "Mom it's a HUGE deal... it's Baby Jesus." I told her "I would let Daddy know and make sure he would be there." She replied with "Great! Now we can both hold the baby."

Her insight on this event makes me chuckle. I don't know what excites her more, the thought of Baby Jesus eating breakfast with her, her Dad attending or holding a baby. No matter what, it's pure and sweet, things like this make me enjoy Motherhood. I wish sometimes I could look at things in such a matter of fact way, if it were only so easy.

Others may not see the joy in this story, but, to have such a small child finally understand Jesus and Heaven is amazing.

Holiday Movies on DVD

Tired of shopping? Too cold to go anywhere? Stay in and watch a great holiday movie. Do you have a favorite? Mine is White Christmas. It reminds of my dad. We used to watch it on tv on sunday afternoons when I was young. Great memories.

Some other greats are can be found here.

Don't touch the tree!

For the past few years, our Christmas tree was apprx 3-4 ft tall and was place up on a table. It was nice and compact, but, I always wanted something more grand. It finally bit the dust last year and we purchased a lovely 7 1/2ft tall (fake) tree a few weeks ago. We put it up the weekend of Thanksgiving. It was decorated so nicely and looked so festive. (All the glass on top..homemade and plastic on the bottom) This lasted about 15 minutes. Grabby little hands have been all over it. Grabbing and then running. Grabbing and pulling. Grab, Grab, Grab. Consequently, my lovely tree is now only half decorated. Every time somebody grabs an ornament, it gets put to the top of the tree. I also have a small pile of ornaments on the fireplace mantle...these have been either broken or lost hooks. I now remember why we had a small tree for so long. It was tiny, but, safe on top of that table.

Chat online with Santa

Click Here to chat with Santa Claus! Fun for kids and adults.

Since the site has no information regarding ownership, the original blogger did check with a firm and confirmed it was legit and safe.

Ho, Ho, Ho...

Is everyone getting ready for Christmas? We are, in our house....our GINGERBREAD HOUSE!! Ha, ha, ha!!!