Help! My Babies Are Becoming Teens

Kristen at We Are That Family is hosting my favorite themed edition of Works for Me Wednesday. It is the Backwards Edition, where instead of me offering a practical tip for my readers, I solicit a tip from you. Ohhhh,  do I need tips. For those of you who are blessed to be parents of teens, help! My babies are now at the edge of their teen years at 12 and 13. In my opinion, the [+]

Santa Tracks

While the gifts under the tree may be evidence enough that Santa was at your home, here is an idea to top off the experience. Simply trace a shoe onto a piece of paper and cut along the line, leaving a stencil. Place near the tree and shake with a carpet powder or baking soda. (You might want to test the baking soda in an inconspicuous place to ensure it will not discolor the carpet.) Repeat as desired, [+]

Helping Children Shop for Others

When my children were much younger, they delighted in making gifts for my husband and myself. Christmas was no different until they started noticing people talking about shopping for just the right gift. They wanted to be a part of it. They still loved making treasures for us but they wanted to give more. While I loved their workmanship, I could understand their request. Being on a budget though, I was the one who now [+]

Ladybug Apples

I love making fruits and vegetables more fun for children. Based on my daughter's reaction upon seeing this Ladybug Apple, one would have thought she saw mounds of candy instead. Simply slice the apple in half. If the apple will not be served immediately, brush or spray lemon juice on the cut sides to prevent browning. Attach the raisins using peanut butter as the "glue." Push the pretzel sticks carefully into the top of the apple [+]

Jack-O-Lantern Oranges and Celery Broomsticks

How fun is this?! My kids came home to this healthy after-school snack today. I simply used an orange peeler to make the shapes. I also recently made Celery Broomsticks by slicing the ends of a celery stick and placing in ice water for several minutes. I love finding new ways to make fruit and vegetables fun.  Do you have any special ways of preparing fun veggies? This post has been linked to: Works for Me Wednesday by We [+]

The Magical Sliced Banana

Have you heard of the rare Magical Sliced Banana from South America? My children had not, so I presented them with the special unpeeled banana for an afternoon snack. When my daughter peeled it, she noticed it was already sliced. With wide eyes, she examined the banana and looked for clarification that I had not pre-peeled the banana. I had not. The gig went on for a few minutes until she found my print-out from Enchanted [+]

Occupy Children with Chenille Stems

If you are trying to fit in a last road trip before school starts or need a creative way to keep children quiet and occupied while outside the home, chenille stems are perfect. They involve no mess, no noise and lots of imagination. Fill a zippered gallon bag with chenille stems of various colors and sizes and watch what your children create. Young children can make simple shapes and practice forming the alphabet while [+]

Occupy Young Children with Condiments

If you are a mother of young children and have even once tried to cook a meal, you know the two do not work well together. When my children were small enough for a high chair, but big enough to get into trouble when left on their own, I let them paint while I cooked. Squirt a small amount of ketchup and mustard onto a plate on the highchair tray and let your children fingerpaint with [+]

Using Plastic Containers for Frugal Summer Fun

This past winter, I wrote a post suggesting you save your plastic containers for the children to use this summer. If you have a collection of these plastic necessities, hand them over to your children and watch their imagination soar. My children helped me compile this list of ideas on how they like to use plastic containers in the summer. Grow your own mini garden. Make giant ice cubes for the pool. Use the bowls to hold paint and [+]

WFMW – I’m Bored Edition

The first Wednesday of each month, Kristen at We are THAT Family hosts a themed edition of the Works for Me Wednesday blog carnival. This month's theme is  "Mom, I'm Bored." Thankfully, my children have rarely said this to me, though I have a pile of rock waiting to moved, lest I hear the dreaded phrase this year. I do have a few summer secrets that I have tried in years past that I will [+]