15 Strategies for Making the Most of Christmas Break

(from the December 2010 email from Hearts at Home)

 

*Some of these ideas are for places where it snows in the winter time!  But most can be applied to us, desert dwellers!

In the next few weeks, most of us will experience some sort of change in routine. If you have school age children home for a couple of weeks of Christmas break, you'll find that being proactive about the break is far better than being reactive to their certain boredom somewhere along the way.

Need some ideas for making Christmas break the best it can be? Consider these tried and true suggestions from other moms in the trenches:

• Go to the library. Stay longer than normal to give everyone time to begin reading the book they're checking out. 
•  Bake cookies together. Make extra dough to form into cookie balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze in the freezer. Once frozen, put the frozen balls in a freezer baggie to pull from when you want quick, homemade cookies, for an after school snack later in January.
• Call an elderly friend or neighbor. Ask them if you and your kids can assist them with any tasks they would like done but aren't physically able to do anymore.
• Pre-determine one or two days a week to be "no screen" days. Prepare the kids ahead of time that these days there won't be any TV, computer, or video game screens. Yes, they'll go into withdrawal, but be prepared to help them see the opportunity to read a book, draw, play with toys they haven't pulled out in forever, play board games, do a puzzle, etc.
• Have a "clean out your closet" and/or "clean out your drawers" day. Once completed, make the trip together to Goodwill or the Mission Mart to drop the clothes off. Reward them with a special treat at their favorite ice cream shop.
•  Have a quiet hour each day when the kids go to their room to read or play quietly. (If they share a room with a sibling, have them go to their own space). This helps break up all the togetherness that often leads to arguing. 
•  Get out of the house. Go to a local museum or brave a day at the zoo to see the animals in their winter environment.
• Put a 1000 piece puzzle out on a card table that you work off and on throughout the day. When the puzzle is complete, cover it with puzzle glue and frame it to display in your home.
• Have an ongoing game of Yahtzee (or your family's favorite game) going throughout the entire break. Play once a day after lunch or dinner and see who has the highest score at the end of break.
• Go ice skating. Indoors or outdoors, it's great exercise! 
• Encourage the kids to play outside at least 15 minutes each day. They need the exercise and the change of scenery! 
• Give your kids spray bottles of colored water. Then let them paint pictures in the snow! 
• Blow bubbles outside. When it is cold, the bubbles freeze and they are fun to pop. 
• Choose one day as your "thank you note" day. Make hot chocolate, put on some holiday music, and sit down at the table to write thank you notes to extended family the kids received gifts from.  
• Assign each child one day that they are in charge of preparing a meal. Let them choose the menu, then guide them (and help as necessary) in preparing the meal for the family.

The Mom Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode

Only one creature was stirring and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping all snug in their beds,

While visions of Nintendo and Barbie flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,

With a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, “Now what is the matter?”
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs and saw the old man.

He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug,
“Oh great,” muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.”
“Ho Ho Ho!” cried Santa, “I’m glad you’re awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make.”
“Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone.”
“Exactly!” he chuckled, “So, I’ve made you a clone.”
“A clone?” she muttered, “What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I’ve no time for chit chat.”
Then out walked the clone – the mother’s twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

“She’ll cook, she’ll dust, she’ll mop every mess.
You’ll relax, take it easy, watch The Young and The Restless.”
“Fantastic!” the mom cheered. “My dream has come true!
I’ll shop, I’ll read, I’ll sleep a night through!”
From the room above, the youngest did fret.
“Mommy! Come quickly, I’m scared and I’m wet.”
The clone replied, “I’m coming, sweetheart.”
“Hey,” the mom smiled, “She sure knows her part.”
The clone changed the small one and hummed her a tune,
As she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
“You’re the best mommy ever. I really love you.”

The clone smiled and sighed, “And I love you, too.”
The mom frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal.”
That’s my child’s love she is trying to steal.”
Smiling wisely Santa said, “To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here.”
The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
‘Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won’t be very long,
When they’ll be too old for my cradle and song.”
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.”

With the clone by his side Santa said, “Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you’ll be all right.”

Answers - Songs of Christmas

1. Where do you hear Silver Bells?                              
"And on every street corner you hear", Silver Bells…

2. Who danced with the silk hat on his head?                            
Frosty, of course

3. Where do you find Reindeer Paws?                                     
Up on a housetop Reindeer Pause…

4. What did the noisy cattle do to wake the poor baby?                    
The cattle were Lowing

5. When did I see three ships?                               
I saw 3ships come sailing in on Christmas day in the morning.

6. What size were the Kings of the Orient?                             
They were tiny little Kings, they were wee…

7. What helps to make the season bright?                              
Some turkey and some mistletoe, help…..

8. Who wants a pair of hop-a-long boots, and a pistol that shoots?
That’s the hope of Barney and Ben - cause it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

9. Who still wants a hula-hoop?                                       
ALVIN!!! still wants a hula hoop

10. Who kept time to the drum?
Along with the drummer boy "The Ox and Lamb kept time" ba rum bum bum bum

11. Who and what color was the animal that gave the hay to pillow his head?
I said the cow all white and red , I gave him my hay to pillow his head (from "The Friendly Beasts")

12.Where do the hopes and fears of all the years meet?
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in "Thee" or in the little town of Bethlehem.

13. What would keep me warm all the way home? 
But if you really hold me tight, all the way home I’ll be warm. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

14. What does Susie want?
Jolly old St Nicholas says "Susie wants a sled"

15. Why does the child want his two front teeth?
So he can wish you Merry Christmas or (whistle)

16. What was the other reindeer's name? (she used to laugh and call him names)
Olive. "All of the other reindeer"

17. What was the horse in Jingle bells named? 
Bob "The bells on Bobbed tails rang"

I8. When will I finally go?
I’ll wish you a merry Christmas, but I won’t go until I get some, (or figgy pudding)

19. What color is Christmas without you?

Elvis said it would be a blue Christmas without you

20. What is the parson in the meadows name?
Frosty says that he is Parson Brown. When we're walking in a winter wonderland..

Extra Credit:
Where does one go a wassailing?
Here we go a wassailing amongst the leaves so green.

ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
You noticed of course: Noel

Songs of Christmas Quiz

(answers to appear tomorrow)

1. Where would you go to hear Silver Bells?
2. Who was it that danced with the silk hat on his head?
3. Where would you find Reindeer Paws?
4. What did the cattle do to wake the poor baby?
5. When did I see those three ships?
6. What size were those Kings of the Orient?
7. What is it that helps to make the season bright?
8. Who wants a pair of hop-a-long boots, and a pistol that shoots?
9. Who still wants a hula a hoop?
10. Who kept time to the drum?
11. Who and what color was the animal that gave the hay to pillow his head ?
12. Where do the hopes and fears of all the years meet?
13. What would keep me warm all the way home?
14. What does Susie want?
15. Why does the child want his two front teeth?
16. What was the other reindeer's name?? (she used to laugh and call him names)
17. What was the horse in Jingle bells named?
18. When will I finally go?
19. What color is Christmas without you?
20. What is the parson in the meadows name?

Extra Credit:
Where does one go a wassailing?
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ ?

White Wine Gravy for Your Turkey

Yes, yes, Thanksgiving is fast approaching and you may want to have this delicious white wine gravy for your turkey available just in case. This Thanksgiving tip and  recipe is by Martha Stewart, a source you can trust!

For a silky-smooth gravy, whisk constantly as you gradually add flour to the pan. You can make this recipe to accompany any turkey, but it's particularly delicious with Martha Stewart's Herb-Rubbed Turkey!   *taken from http://www.themomsbuzz.com

Prep: 35 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

1. While the turkey rests, place the roasting pan on the stove across two burners (if using a disposable roasting pan, scrape drippings and browned bits into a medium saucepan). Heat drippings over medium-high, scraping up browned bits, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
2. Add wine; cook, stirring constantly, until syrupy, 5 to 6 minutes. Gradually whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually add 1 cup broth; cook, whisking, until flour is a deep caramel color, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Gradually stir in remaining broth and 4 cups water. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until gravy reaches desired thickness, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove neck and giblets, and strain gravy through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Countdown to Thanksgiving Checklist by Rachel Ray

 

We are only 7 days away from Thanksgiving, just in time to prepare our checklist and start thinking about our menu. But you must start today so that you can use this great countdown Thanksgiving Checklist by Rachel Ray. Plus, it works really well with 'a big bird and small budget Thanksgiving menu' that she recommends, but you can certainly adapt it to whatever dishes you are planning on making for your own feast. Here is the checklist:

7 Days Before

• Bake layers for the cake you are planning on making; let cool, then wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.
• Prepare crusts for the pies, then wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.

3 Days Before

• Clean out the fridge to make room for the ingredients.
• Place the turkey on a tray in the refrigerator to thaw (if frozen).
• Bake, toast and soak cornbread or other key ingredient for the stuffing.

2 Days Before

• Make the salad dressing and toast any nuts you may be using for the salad.
• Prepare the stuffing and bake up to the last 15 minutes.
• Measure out ingredients for the turkey and gravy and place together.

1 Day Before

• Set the table and put out serving platters, bowls and utensils.
• Bake and refrigerate the pies, cakes or desserts you are offering.
• Make and refrigerate the filling and frosting for the desserts.

Last Day & Last Minute

• Assemble the desserts for eating.
• Cook the bird, stuffing and potatoes.
• Assemble the salad.

Happy planning!

- Found on The Moms' Buzz, Originally from : www.rachaelraymag.com

Happy Grandparents Day!

GRANDPARENTS

Few can bring the warmth
We can find in their embrace,
And little more is needed to bring love.
Than the smile on their face.

They've a supply of precious stories,
Yet they've time to wipe a tear,
Or give us reasons to make us laugh,
They grow more precious through the years.

I believe that God sent us Grandparents
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.

~Author Unknown~

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

Grandparents' Day is a relatively new national holiday (President Jimmy Carter declared it so in 1978), but is an important tool for fostering the grandparent-grandchild relationship. And don't feel limited to honoring your own relatives—you can show appreciation for other grandparents whose family lives far away!

1. Have a sleepover. Grandparents' Day eve is a great time to let grandparents and grandchildren enjoy an over-night together – either at their house or yours! Pop some popcorn and rent a movie, or break out the board games. A large age difference can be bridged over a game of checkers.
2. Let the kids create some original art for the grandparents in their lives. It will no doubt find a place of honor on the wall, and will be a treat for the kids when they get to visit. You can also make your own Grandparents Day cards.
3. Start a regular Grandparents' Day tradition. Make a trip to the ice cream shop, or out to the pond with a couple of fishing poles. No matter how simple, if you make it your regular, special activity together, it will grow in meaning to grandparents and grandchildren alike.
4. Let the kids do a little time travel by interviewing their grandparents using this tool. They'll likely be amazed by how different life was when the "greatest generation" was children!
5. Create Brag books! These days, pictures are usually saved on your hard drive.  This can make sharing photos with grandparents difficult, especially if they don't know, or don't care to learn how to use the latest technology. Make it easy for them to enjoy all of these great, captured memories by printing the images you have saved.  Then take it a step further, and organize the pictures into Brag book or photo album.

...from iMom

Gift Ideas for Kids

Looking for simple birthday gift ideas for children?  Here are a few ideas that offer a handmade touch.  They  are useful and can be open-ended.

Cozy Reading: a new book, a homemade bookmark, and a pack of hot cocoa mix

Collage Kit:  a mixture of collage materials (pom poms, paper cut-outs, buttons,
sequins, etc.), plain + glitter glue, and a canvas or shadow box

Memory Maker:  disposable camera, mini scrapbook, and a few scrapbooking supplies

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub:  toothbrush, washcloth, fun soap (store bought or homemade), band aids, comb, new headband, etc.

Doughy Delight:  homemade playdough in a couple colors, cookie cutters, and mini rolling pin (include the playdough recipe, too!)

Little Chef:  apron, measuring cups, mixing spoon, and a few simple recipes printed on cards & laminated

Play Date Coupon:  make a coupon for a fun activity to do with the birthday child – miniature golfing, going to a movie, picnic and park, zoo, etc.

Green Thumb:  terra cotta pot, paints and paintbrush for decorating, a little bag of organic potting mix, and some seeds

Also, have fun gathering a few treasures based on a child’s favorite color or animal.  Also, art supplies are always a winner!

What are your go-to birthday gifts for kids?

String of Stars

Just in time for this 4th of July, here is a great activity for your little ones!!  Children can make a string of red, white, and blue stars to decorate your house, the backyard, or picnic table for this patriotic holiday. Your stars can be simple and plain, or can be decorated with glitter, feathers, and more!  It's all up to you and your child! Have fun!

The directions for this craft was found on Enchanted Learning...click here to visit the actual site.

Supplies Needed:

• Construction Paper (red, white, and blue)
• Printer (optional)
• Scissors
• String or yarn (red, white, or blue)
• Stapler, tape, OR glue

Instructions:

1. Print out the star template or just draw a large star on a piece of paper
2. Cut out the star and decorate it if you like
3. Fold over one tip of the star
4. Staple, glue, or tape the star to the string
5. Make many stars and attach them to the string.  Leave some extra string at the edges for hanging.

Now you can decorate any area with patriotic flair!

4th of July - Tasty Treats

Revolutionary Berries   

by Sharon Cindrich and Judith Fertig, Photographs by David Roth, Family Fun Magazine

Rally the kiddie corps to help with these fun-to-prep bites!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• Strawberries

• Blue sugar or edible glitter

Instructions

1.  Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave according to the package directions (make sure the container and the berries are dry; even a little moisture will alter the texture of the candy).
2.  One at a time, dip strawberries into the chocolate and then into blue sugar or edible glitter.
3.  Set them to harden on waxed paper.

Makes 35 to 45 decorated berries.

Frosty Fireworks (Flavored Ice) from Family Fun Magazine

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One way to make a splash this Fourth of July is by treating your kids to tall glasses of Patriot's Punch. Simply fill an ice cube tray with a red or blue fruit-flavored beverage (such as Powerade, Gatorade, or Kool-Aid) and let the cubes freeze solid. Then drop three or four colored cubes into each glass, pour in flavored seltzer water or clear soda, and watch the special effects. As the cubes melt, colored bubbles will swirl through the seltzer.

Ingredients

• Red or blue fruit-flavored beverage

Father's Day Crafts

Kids can make plaques, oversize cards, or posters with cute pasta shapes, paint, and glue.

Father's Day, a special day to honor the men in our lives, is quickly approaching!  I found some really cute ideas on the Family Fun site. Most of them are fun, creative, and definitely do-able for our little ones.  Here are just a few ways that you and your toddlers can celebrate dads on Sunday!

 Wallet Photo Collage

Dad can keep this card in his wallet and take it with him wherever he goes -- a reminder of who loves him best of all.

 

Materials

• Markers, photographs and stickers
• Glue

• Con-Tact paper

 Instructions

1. Cut a credit-card-sized rectangle out of poster board.
   
2. Decorate both sides with messages, stickers, drawings and glued-on photographs.
   
3. To make the card sturdier, cover it on both sides with clear Con-Tact paper, or run it through the laminator at your local copy shop (around two dollars).
   

Father's Day Throne

Transform a lawn chair into a throne that literally puts within his reach everything he needs to be king for a day.

Materials

• Lawn chair
• Clamps, tape, or string
• Wire

• Scissors
• Various chair accessories

  Instructions

1. Use tape, clamps, or string to attach appropriate accessories, from a shade umbrella to a back scratcher to a cold drink holder.
   
2. Fashion a halo made of wire to hold Dad's favorite hat or crown and attach it to the back of the chair.
   
3. Include a bell for Dad to ring for service.
   

Variations:

Add items like: clip-on fan, back scratcher, plastic snap-on cup holders, newpaper, foot soaking tub, travel pillow, beaded driver's seat cover, mini pool table or basketball hoop, red carpet (towel), or slippers.

How Dad Measures Up

Our faux tape measure extends the perfect Father's Day message to a dad who's skillful at building and repairing. Have him pull out the ruler tape to read, "You rule, Dad!," "I love you thiiiiiiis much!" or "Dad, you really go the distance!"

Materials

• Rectangular box (we used a macaroni-and-cheese box)
• Scissors
• Tape
• Yellow card stock

• Aluminum foil
• Marker
• Black paper

Instructions

 

1. Cut the box in half across the middle. Cut off half of the bottom section at a diagonal, as shown. Tape one end of a 1- by 12-inch strip of yellow card stock to the edge of the top half of the box, using tape on both sides of the strip.


2. Slide the bottom of the box into the top of the box.







3. Fold a 2-1/2- by 6-inch piece of aluminum foil into thirds lengthwise, then fold it into a flat tab about 1/2 inch long. Tape it to the strip. Write a message on the strip and add ruler markings, then push it inside the box. Wrap the box with black paper, leaving a space for the tape opening. Cut off two corners of a 2-1/2-inch yellow card stock square, write "tape measure" on it, and adhere it to the box.