Indoor Fun

There really is nothing better after a long, hard day at work than coming home, carefully preparing a meal for your family and then having your children throw a tantrum about what is being served! Not my idea of fun! Trust me, there are MANY evenings that end this way at my home. While I cannot make promises, I can assure you that engaging your children in cooking tasks is a hands-on way to spark their interest in new and different foods while eventually giving you an extra hand in the kitchen. Involving your children in the kitchen also provides an excellent opportunity to address many academic and social skills, as well as, promote independence; all while getting your little ones out from under your feet while...

A few years ago, I decided to jump on the Elf on the Shelf  (in our house Jake) bandwagon, and I have never looked back. The original concept of the Elf watching the kids and reporting to Santa was definitely a draw, but this is a common misconception because the scout elf in the book also encourages good deeds. Regardless of telling good or bad deeds, I was sold on being an Elf family once I saw my kids' reactions to their very own Elf.  I admit that there have been times when I cursed the whole thing as I was walking to bed and remembered that Jake forgot to move that day, but overall I have been pleased with my decision to be pro-Elf. I'll...

Like most of you, I'm a mom on the go.  I've always seen my super crafty momma friends posting all these fun and cute holiday treats that they made with their kids.  I was determined that I was going to give my kids that lasting memory too, by George!  So a few years ago, I decided that for each holiday I'd do at least one holiday treat that we could all make and eat together!  This year, I got a little ahead of myself and did three! Eek!  They are so simple, quick, and fun to do with your kiddos' help! 1.  Pretzel Pumpkins Ingredients: Bag of salted mini pretzels green decorator's icing (or bag of m&m's, you'll only need the green ones) 1 bag of...

I am not crafty.  My degree is in Finance and Insurance (read: boring stuff). I don't do creative. So when I told my husband I was going to restore an old kids' table I found on Craigslist, he probably wondered what I had been mixing with my lemonade. Luckily, it was fairly quick and painless, and I'm probably way too proud of myself.  Here is a step by step of my toddler table transformation: 1. Buy super awesome Care Bears table on Craigslist for $20.  I'd been looking for a little table for Etta Mae for awhile, and I couldn't pass this one up.  To be honest, I was a little partial to the Care Bears (Etta Mae kept talking...

Season 6 of Parenthood premieres on Thursday, September 25 (tomorrow!), and I am a ball full of emotions.  If you are familiar with this show, then you know that one does not simply watch Parenthood.  One gets involved.  For example, on numerous occasions, I have found myself praying for the Bravermans, the family on which the show is centered.  I have prayed that Max would find a true friend who would understand him and his Aspergers completely and love him unconditionally, and I wept when he found that friend in Hank (played by Ray Romano, so, I mean, come on).  I have prayed for Julia and Joel that they could find reconciliation and healing in their marriage, and I have prayed...