Well I think everyone by now has heard of the tragic events that took place in CT. I unlike so many others have a hard time really keeping up because it seems that no matter what tears just start to stream down my face. I think that everyone can relate to this in some way shape or form. I just cannot imagine dropping off my B at school (or anywhere for that matter) and not being able to ever pick him up!
I think that these are the times that communities need to come together the most. Show your love and support for your fellow Americans and pray for peace within the family members, friends and neighbors that lost someone dear to them. If you don't pray wish, send good energy/vibes whatever it is that you believe in. I think its important that they all know that we are here to support them.
Teach your children. Teach them to love. To be tolerant and patient. Teach them what it means to be a good person, to have good values, and cherish human life. Teach your children what the Teachers of Sandy Hook Elementry's parents apparently taught them. Those teachers above all else protected their classrooms full of children! They hid them, and led them to safety and in some cases gave up their own lives for those kids. I can only hope that in a similar situation I would react like those brave heros. To all the wonderful people that lost someone special to them we are deeply sorry. I wish I could carry some of that burden for you.
With it being the holiday season maybe just remember that if you have your loved ones close to be a little more thankful. Feel blessed that your little ones faces get to light up on Christmas to see all of the pretty wrapped boxes under the tree. That you get to have a nice meal with everyone in your family. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! And always remember the reason for the season!!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
25 Days of Christmas Experiences
Well, I love counting down the days of Christmas, and advent calenders are fun but I wanted something more interactive. Something fun and exciting for my little one!! I decided that our Elf on the Shelf will from December first until Christmas have a little sign that says 25 days till Christmas and so on... Then we will have a bucket in which we can pick an envelope out or a wrapped package.
There are some things we will definitely doing on certain days, other things on the list will simply be done when we want. I will mark all the ones in envelopes so I know which is which. Example we cant make a snowman if there is no snow. Also, 25 days of Christmas is pretty demanding. I know some days when I get home from work make dinner get all that cleaned up and all that I am not going to want to do a Christmas craft.. This is the beauty of not having items on certain days!! One night that we are tired from everyday life can be the night we watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It will be a wonderful fun Holiday season for my little one, as well as making it easier to spend good quality family time together :) Now for the list. This is what I came up with. I hope you like it and use it in your own family. Tweak it or leave it but no matter what I hope you have fun with it!
1.Write and mail a letter to Santa. You can get a letter post marked from the North Pole back and addressed to your little one from the USPS check it out HERE.
2. Have a dance party.. To Christmas music of course
3. Decorate a gingerbread house.. even sugar cones to decorate as trees outside the house.
4. Make a snowman
5.The evening of Dec. 5th leave your shoes out for St. Nick
6. Celebrate St. Nicholas day by doing a Santa craft! More info about St. Nick day HERE
7. Watch Rudolph and do corresponding craft. (I got foam diy ornaments from Michael's.)
8. Bake with mommy
9. Donate some old toys to make room for the new (good condition)
10. Watch Frosty and do corresponding craft (also at Michael's)
11. Make popcorn garland
12. Have a picnic next to the Christmas tree.
13. Make a red and green dinner
14. Make DIY ornament gifts for grandparents
15. Decorate cookies!!
16. Watch Polar Express and drink hot chocolate. Give the little one a bell :)
17. Adopt a family or soldier or give to Toys for Tots
18.Make paper snowflakes and hang in your windows
19. Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas and drink Grinch Punch! Recipe found HERE
20. Have a snowman day. Eat snowman pizza (3 small round pizzas with Alfredo, olive buttons etc.) Eat powdered donuts, make a snowman craft.
21. Mommy Express!! Get kids in their PJ's and instead of going to bed, get hot cocoa and go for a car ride to look at all the lights in the neighborhood!
22. Leave something special for the Mailman :)
23. Watch Santa Clause is Coming to Town
24. Open Christmas Eve package! Include new PJ's for everyone, mugs for hot chocolate, popcorn, your families favorite Christmas movie, Have family time and watch the movie and eat your goodies, then read The Night Before Christmas book and send your little ones to dream land! If you have an Elf on the Shelf.. Make sure to say goodbye to him tonight!
25. Merry Christmas!! Go open your gifts :)
There are some things we will definitely doing on certain days, other things on the list will simply be done when we want. I will mark all the ones in envelopes so I know which is which. Example we cant make a snowman if there is no snow. Also, 25 days of Christmas is pretty demanding. I know some days when I get home from work make dinner get all that cleaned up and all that I am not going to want to do a Christmas craft.. This is the beauty of not having items on certain days!! One night that we are tired from everyday life can be the night we watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It will be a wonderful fun Holiday season for my little one, as well as making it easier to spend good quality family time together :) Now for the list. This is what I came up with. I hope you like it and use it in your own family. Tweak it or leave it but no matter what I hope you have fun with it!
1.Write and mail a letter to Santa. You can get a letter post marked from the North Pole back and addressed to your little one from the USPS check it out HERE.
2. Have a dance party.. To Christmas music of course
3. Decorate a gingerbread house.. even sugar cones to decorate as trees outside the house.
4. Make a snowman
5.The evening of Dec. 5th leave your shoes out for St. Nick
6. Celebrate St. Nicholas day by doing a Santa craft! More info about St. Nick day HERE
7. Watch Rudolph and do corresponding craft. (I got foam diy ornaments from Michael's.)
8. Bake with mommy
9. Donate some old toys to make room for the new (good condition)
10. Watch Frosty and do corresponding craft (also at Michael's)
11. Make popcorn garland
12. Have a picnic next to the Christmas tree.
13. Make a red and green dinner
14. Make DIY ornament gifts for grandparents
15. Decorate cookies!!
16. Watch Polar Express and drink hot chocolate. Give the little one a bell :)
17. Adopt a family or soldier or give to Toys for Tots
18.Make paper snowflakes and hang in your windows
19. Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas and drink Grinch Punch! Recipe found HERE
20. Have a snowman day. Eat snowman pizza (3 small round pizzas with Alfredo, olive buttons etc.) Eat powdered donuts, make a snowman craft.
21. Mommy Express!! Get kids in their PJ's and instead of going to bed, get hot cocoa and go for a car ride to look at all the lights in the neighborhood!
22. Leave something special for the Mailman :)
23. Watch Santa Clause is Coming to Town
24. Open Christmas Eve package! Include new PJ's for everyone, mugs for hot chocolate, popcorn, your families favorite Christmas movie, Have family time and watch the movie and eat your goodies, then read The Night Before Christmas book and send your little ones to dream land! If you have an Elf on the Shelf.. Make sure to say goodbye to him tonight!
25. Merry Christmas!! Go open your gifts :)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Christmas Crafting
I don't know about you but I love doing Christmas projects. Little things that will make the house sparkle just a little bit more, or make one more memory. Today I am going to share two things with you! I hope you like them!
The Christmas countdown of awesomeness!!! This thing was super easy to make!! I literally got a picture frame. Make sure to get one with glass and not plastic!! Cut my red background scrapbook paper to size, and got pretty sparkly scrap booking letters. stuck the letters to the paper made a white cut out framed in black and left that blank. Close up the frame and your done!! Seriously that easy. Just write with try erase marker on the glass over the white area. B loves watching me change the days as they dwindle down and it gets closer to Christmas!!
The second project I did was this Santa key! I love the idea of the key especially for those children that are very intuitive about how all the Christmas "magic" works. I got this key in the Jewelry aisle in Michael's. Then all I had to do was type out the poem, but a boarder around it and stick it to the tag. I also bought tags at Michael's plain white tags with a hole punch at the top. Then a ribbon went though the hole punched area so the key is able to hang on the door knob. I then made a bow and attached it and it was done. Super easy cheap and it actually turned out pretty cute! We leave it on the inside of our door for now, but Christmas eve it will be on the outside of the door so Santa can use it!! Below I am going to put two poems!! I chose to use the first one, but the second one is also really cute! The second is also better for families that have chimneys but still would like this as a decoration in your home. I hope you enjoy!
Our stockings hang upon a wall.
We have no fireplace at all!
You see the problem is quite clear.
Santa, how will you get in here?
We heard a legend. Is it true?
Of magic only you can do.
We’ll leave out any plain old key,
and mark “Santa” so you can see.
Your magic makes the key fit right,
so you can get inside at night.
Thank you Santa, here’s our key.
The milk and cookies are on me!
option #2
'Twas the night before Christmas
I'm excited as can be
This year my Mommy told me
About a very special key
You can shimmy down the chimney
Or tiptoe through the door
Use the magic in this special key
To find cookies, milk and more!
Please feel free to post comments or questions! Look forward to hearing from you all :)
Santa's magic key
We have no fireplace at all!
You see the problem is quite clear.
Santa, how will you get in here?
We heard a legend. Is it true?
Of magic only you can do.
We’ll leave out any plain old key,
and mark “Santa” so you can see.
Your magic makes the key fit right,
so you can get inside at night.
Thank you Santa, here’s our key.
The milk and cookies are on me!
I'm excited as can be
This year my Mommy told me
About a very special key
You can shimmy down the chimney
Or tiptoe through the door
Use the magic in this special key
To find cookies, milk and more!
Please feel free to post comments or questions! Look forward to hearing from you all :)
Maybe Christmas doesnt come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!
Its so true. Christmas in part is about gifts, both giving and receiving. It has become a main part of the holiday season. Shopping for all of your loved ones to see their faces lit with joy when Christmas morning comes. I am not here to tell you that it is or isn't the way to celebrate your holiday. Everyone an celebrate the way they choose and that is just fine by me. Although I think it is important in the midst of the busy holiday season to slow down and enjoy your family. Enjoy the traditions that you start and follow through with them. Sit down and actually talk to your family members you don't see all the time. Yes, I know they are nuts and a little dysfunctional and maybe sometimes you feel like certain members should be on intervention or something, but hey, family is family. Love it or hate it you are stuck with them so make the best of it. :)
I made it my mission this year to have a really awesome holiday season for B. Some days that may mean just having hot chocolate with breakfast on a weekend day. Other times that may mean doing a fun craft, decorating cookies or making snow angels. I don't really care what it is, but I want it to be memorable for him. A lot of that has to do with our family traditions. Traditions like decorating the Christmas tree. We do it every year and we do it together! Every year we get out the ornaments one by one to hang them on the tree and explain where each one came from and why it is special... Something so simple but it is so awesome and teaches your kids a little something about you and your childhood if you have ornaments going back that far. Here is a little insight to Christmas decorating at the Robinson's.
B putting on his first ornament by himself ever, he did such a good job (with the not breakable ones!
B trying to select what ornament to take out of the big box next, this was his favorite part.
B adjusting the Eeyore ornament from when I was young. He likes this one a lot :)
I am explaining to him why this particular ornament is special to me! He may not understand everything I am telling him now, but if I tell him every year he will remember when its important :)
Nothing like Christmas songs and hanging ornaments on the tree with your not so little boy!!
My wonderful hubby!! He drank his home made hot cocoa during most of the tree decorating... But he always comes to the rescue to put the star in perfect position at the end. What a guy!
The final product! This is the last year for our little tree since we just moved into our house, so I am going to enjoy it before next year when we get a bigger one! This tree has been good to us :) and its so beautiful with all of the memories hanging from it!!
Well I guess all in all the Christmas season is not so much about THINGS but about MEMORIES. The people you are with and the things that you are doing together! Maybe try and bless your neighbors with anonymous gifts left on their doorstep, volunteer at a local food pantry, ring the Salvation Army bell, or adopt a soldier to let your family know that its not just all about the gifts its about giving and not just in materialistic ways. Its about the things that you do together even if its as simple as decorating a gingerbread house or driving around at night to look at the Christmas lights in your neighborhood.
I hope all of your Christmas season is blessed and wonderful. I hope you make memories and take part in traditions new and old! Tis the season, so why not enjoy it!! Please, as always feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions. You will be hearing from me soon!!
I made it my mission this year to have a really awesome holiday season for B. Some days that may mean just having hot chocolate with breakfast on a weekend day. Other times that may mean doing a fun craft, decorating cookies or making snow angels. I don't really care what it is, but I want it to be memorable for him. A lot of that has to do with our family traditions. Traditions like decorating the Christmas tree. We do it every year and we do it together! Every year we get out the ornaments one by one to hang them on the tree and explain where each one came from and why it is special... Something so simple but it is so awesome and teaches your kids a little something about you and your childhood if you have ornaments going back that far. Here is a little insight to Christmas decorating at the Robinson's.
Well I guess all in all the Christmas season is not so much about THINGS but about MEMORIES. The people you are with and the things that you are doing together! Maybe try and bless your neighbors with anonymous gifts left on their doorstep, volunteer at a local food pantry, ring the Salvation Army bell, or adopt a soldier to let your family know that its not just all about the gifts its about giving and not just in materialistic ways. Its about the things that you do together even if its as simple as decorating a gingerbread house or driving around at night to look at the Christmas lights in your neighborhood.
I hope all of your Christmas season is blessed and wonderful. I hope you make memories and take part in traditions new and old! Tis the season, so why not enjoy it!! Please, as always feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions. You will be hearing from me soon!!
The Elf on the Shelf madness has started!!
Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it was wonderful!! However after Thanksgiving a very special friend comes to stay at our house for a while.... His name is Sebastian and he is our families elf. We introduced him this year with a North pole Breakfast of Junk food goodies and hot chocolate. Not your typical breakfast by any means and definitely not a healthy one, but fun none the less! I have to say I love this North Pole Breakfast idea a lot. I first saw it HERE. This ladies blog is awesome!! This was the set up when he woke up the other morning.. He walked in the kitchen and was very excited!
His little elf was waiting for him to wake up and eat the yummy breakfast he brought from the pole :)
This was the menu, and what told B what the breakfast was all about!
Sebastian even wrote a letter to B introducing himself and letting him know why he is there.
We at terrible food, cookies, Christmas tree cakes, powdered donuts and hot cocoa but it was great!!
He wanted to see the letter Sebastian wrote up close! It was really a great experience!
Then after we ate our breakfast, we read The Elf on the Shelf book, It explained to B why he cant touch his new friend, why he is around and for how long. It was a great experience and good kick off to the Holiday season! We have only been doing Elf on the Shelf for a few days now but its already a hit. Every morning B wakes up looking for his elf... Its awesome to see him so excited every morning and definitely makes it worth remembering to put the little guy in a different place everyday LOL Just wanted to share our North Pole breakfast experience. More elf on the Shelf mischief to come soon!!
Then after we ate our breakfast, we read The Elf on the Shelf book, It explained to B why he cant touch his new friend, why he is around and for how long. It was a great experience and good kick off to the Holiday season! We have only been doing Elf on the Shelf for a few days now but its already a hit. Every morning B wakes up looking for his elf... Its awesome to see him so excited every morning and definitely makes it worth remembering to put the little guy in a different place everyday LOL Just wanted to share our North Pole breakfast experience. More elf on the Shelf mischief to come soon!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
What are you thankful for?
Thanksgiving is next week, can you believe it?? This year has just flown by. Thanksgiving, what does it mean? Is it time for family, time to eat turkey, maybe time for some football? What does thanksgiving mean to you?
By definition:
By definition:
Definition of THANKSGIVING
1
: the act of giving thanks
2
: a prayer expressing gratitude
3
a: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
bcapitalized: thanksgiving day
I think that everyone makes this holiday their own. To me its just a time to be together with your loved ones and get to spend that quality time!! Having good food with great conversation to go along with it. No matter how you celebrate remember to be thankful. It is always important to really think about the blessings in your life. I encourage you to go around the table next week with your nearest and dearest and each say something you are thankful for. I hope everyone has an amazing holiday. You will be hearing from me soon!!
Friday, November 2, 2012
ABC Family's 25 days of Christmas
I don't know about you guys but I just love watching the warm fuzzy Christmas specials that are on TV. I am starting to plan out how to do B's 25 days of Christmas activities bucket and thank goodness ABC Family put out their 25 days of Christmas TV schedule! For those that would like to know here it is!!
ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas begins Saturday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 25! We've got tons of merry movies and premieres for you and the whole family, including the A NEW ABC Family Original Musical The Mistle-Tones. Check out what Santa is bringing you this year below!
Saturday, December 1
7a/6c Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
8:30a/7:30c Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
10:30a/9:30c A Dennis the Menace Christmas
12:30p/11:30c Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
3/2c The Family Man
6/5c Jack Frost (1998)
8/7c & 10/9c Elf
12a/11c Snowglobe
Sunday, December 2
7a/6c Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
8:30a/7:30c Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
11a/10c I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
1/12c The Search for Santa Paws
3/2c Jack Frost (1998)
5/4c Elf
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Monday, December 3
5/4c 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
5:30/4:30c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
6:30/5:30c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
8/7c & 10/9c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c Holiday in Handcuffs
Tuesday, December 4
4:30/3:30c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
5:30/4:30c Mickey's Christmas Carol
6/5c Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too
6:30/5:30c Jack Frost (1979)
7:30/6:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
8/7c Elf
10/9c Fred Claus ABC FAMILY PREMIERE
12:30a/11:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
1a/12c Jack Frost (1979)
Wednesday, December 5
2:30/1:30c Fred Claus
5/4c Elf
7/6c Home Alone
9/8c The Polar Express
12a/11c Home Alone
Thursday, December 6
4/3c Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July
6/5c The Polar Express
8/7c Disney's A Christmas Carol NETWORK TELEVISION PREMIERE
10/9c & 12a/11c Elf
Friday, December 7
3/2c Elf
5/4c Disney's A Christmas Carol
7/6c The Santa Clause
9/8c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12a/11c 12 Dates of Christmas
Saturday, December 8
7a/6c Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
10a/9c Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
1:30/12:30c Fred Claus
4/3c The Santa Clause
6/5c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
8/7c & 10/9c Despicable Me NETWORK TELEVISION PREMIERE
12a/11c Santa Baby
Sunday, December 9
7a/6c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
8a/7c Snow
10a/9c Snowglobe
12p/11c Santa Baby
2/1c Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe
4/3c 12 Dates of Christmas
6/5c Holiday in Handcuffs
8/7c & 10/9c The Mistle-Tones A NEW ABC FAMILY ORIGINAL MUSICAL
Monday, December 10
5/4c Mickey's Christmas Carol
5:30/4:30c Jack Frost (1979)
6:30/5:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
7/6c The Year Without a Santa Claus
8/7c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
9/8c Home Alone
12a/11c Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
Tuesday, December 11
5/4c Home Alone
7/6c The Santa Clause
9/8c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12a/11c Chasing Christmas
Wednesday, December 12
5/4c The Santa Clause
7/6c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
9/8c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c Christmas Do-Over
Thursday, December 13
5/4c The Mistle-Tones
7/6c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
9/8c The Polar Express
12a/11c Christmas Every Day
Friday, December 14
5/4c Pixar Short Films
7/6c The Polar Express
9/8c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story
12a/11c Pixar Short Films
Saturday, December 15
7a/6c Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
7:30a/6:30c Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat
8a/7c The Little Drummer Boy
8:30a/7:30c The Little Drummer Boy Book II
9a/8c Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
9:30a/8:30c Pinocchio's Christmas
10:30a/9:30c A Miser Brothers' Christmas
11:30a/10:30c The Story of the First Christmas Snow
12p/11c 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
12:30p/11:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
1/12c Jack Frost (1979)
2/1c Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July
4/3c Disney's A Christmas Carol
6/5c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story
8/7c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 2
10/9c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
11/10c The Year Without a Santa Claus
12a/1c Jack Frost (1998)
Sunday, December 16
7a/6c Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
9a/8c Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
11a/10c Home Alone 4
1/12c The Year Without a Santa Claus
2/1c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
3/2c Disney's A Christmas Carol
5/4c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 2
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 3 ABC FAMILY PREMIERE
Monday, December 17
11a/10c Sons of Mistletoe
1/12c Christmas Every Day
3/2c Christmas Do-Over
5/4c Dr. Seuss on the Loose
5:30/4:30c Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
6/5c Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
6:30/5:30c Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
12a/11c The Mistle-Tones
Tuesday, December 18
11a/10c The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus
12p/11c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
12:30p/11:30c Santa Who?
2:30/1:30c The Christmas List
4:30/3:30c Disney Prep & Landing
5/4c Disney Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
5:30/4:30c Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
8/7c Home Alone
10/9c The Polar Express
12a/11c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Wednesday, December 19
8a/7c Christmas in Boston
10a/9c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
12p/11c Three Days
2/1c The Family Man
5/4c Home Alone
7/6c The Polar Express
9/8c Disney's A Christmas Carol
12a/11c Three Days
Thursday, December 20
7a/6c – 11a/10c Beverly Hills, 90210 HOLIDAY MARATHON
11a/10c Christmas Caper (starring Beverly Hills, 90210's Shannen Doherty)
1/12c Secret Santa (starring Beverly Hills, 90210's Jennie Garth)
3/2c The Mistle-Tones (starring Beverly Hills, 90210's Tori Spelling)
5/4c 12 Dates of Christmas
7/6c Disney's A Christmas Carol
9/8c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c Santa Baby
Friday, December 21
9a/8c Christmas Cupid
11a/10c Snowglobe
1/12c Santa Baby
3/2c Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe
5/4c Holiday in Handcuffs
7/6c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
9/8c The Santa Clause
12a/11c Holiday in Handcuffs
Saturday, December 22
7a/6c Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
8:30a/7:30c Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
10a/9c Disney Prep & Landing
10:30a/9:30c Disney Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
11a/10c Mickey's Christmas Carol
11:30a/10:30c Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too
12p/11c A Chipmunk Christmas
12:30p/11:30c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
2/1c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
3/2c A Miser Brothers' Christmas
4/3c The Year Without a Santa Claus
5/4c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
6/5c The Santa Clause
8/7c The Santa Clause 2
10/9c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12a/11c The Santa Clause 2
Sunday, December 23
7a/6c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
8:30a/7:30c A Dennis the Menace Christmas
10:30a/9:30c Unaccompanied Minors
12:30p/11:30c Fred Claus
3/2c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
5/4c The Polar Express
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Monday, December 24
11a/10c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1/12c The Polar Express
3/2c The Santa Clause
5/4c The Santa Clause 2
7/6c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
9/8c Home Alone
12a/11c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Tuesday, December 25
7a/6c Disney's A Christmas Carol
9a/8c A Chipmunk Christmas
11a/10c The Santa Clause
1/12c The Santa Clause 2
3/2c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
5/4c Disney's A Christmas Carol
7/6c Home Alone
9/8c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c The Santa Clause 2
Looks like we are going to be having a lot of fun family nights in with hot cocoa and classic movies!!
ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas begins Saturday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 25! We've got tons of merry movies and premieres for you and the whole family, including the A NEW ABC Family Original Musical The Mistle-Tones. Check out what Santa is bringing you this year below!
Saturday, December 1
7a/6c Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
8:30a/7:30c Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
10:30a/9:30c A Dennis the Menace Christmas
12:30p/11:30c Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
3/2c The Family Man
6/5c Jack Frost (1998)
8/7c & 10/9c Elf
12a/11c Snowglobe
Sunday, December 2
7a/6c Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
8:30a/7:30c Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
11a/10c I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
1/12c The Search for Santa Paws
3/2c Jack Frost (1998)
5/4c Elf
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Monday, December 3
5/4c 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
5:30/4:30c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
6:30/5:30c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
8/7c & 10/9c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c Holiday in Handcuffs
Tuesday, December 4
4:30/3:30c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
5:30/4:30c Mickey's Christmas Carol
6/5c Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too
6:30/5:30c Jack Frost (1979)
7:30/6:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
8/7c Elf
10/9c Fred Claus ABC FAMILY PREMIERE
12:30a/11:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
1a/12c Jack Frost (1979)
Wednesday, December 5
2:30/1:30c Fred Claus
5/4c Elf
7/6c Home Alone
9/8c The Polar Express
12a/11c Home Alone
Thursday, December 6
4/3c Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July
6/5c The Polar Express
8/7c Disney's A Christmas Carol NETWORK TELEVISION PREMIERE
10/9c & 12a/11c Elf
Friday, December 7
3/2c Elf
5/4c Disney's A Christmas Carol
7/6c The Santa Clause
9/8c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12a/11c 12 Dates of Christmas
Saturday, December 8
7a/6c Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
10a/9c Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
1:30/12:30c Fred Claus
4/3c The Santa Clause
6/5c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
8/7c & 10/9c Despicable Me NETWORK TELEVISION PREMIERE
12a/11c Santa Baby
Sunday, December 9
7a/6c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
8a/7c Snow
10a/9c Snowglobe
12p/11c Santa Baby
2/1c Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe
4/3c 12 Dates of Christmas
6/5c Holiday in Handcuffs
8/7c & 10/9c The Mistle-Tones A NEW ABC FAMILY ORIGINAL MUSICAL
Monday, December 10
5/4c Mickey's Christmas Carol
5:30/4:30c Jack Frost (1979)
6:30/5:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
7/6c The Year Without a Santa Claus
8/7c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
9/8c Home Alone
12a/11c Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
Tuesday, December 11
5/4c Home Alone
7/6c The Santa Clause
9/8c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12a/11c Chasing Christmas
Wednesday, December 12
5/4c The Santa Clause
7/6c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
9/8c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c Christmas Do-Over
Thursday, December 13
5/4c The Mistle-Tones
7/6c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
9/8c The Polar Express
12a/11c Christmas Every Day
Friday, December 14
5/4c Pixar Short Films
7/6c The Polar Express
9/8c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story
12a/11c Pixar Short Films
Saturday, December 15
7a/6c Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
7:30a/6:30c Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat
8a/7c The Little Drummer Boy
8:30a/7:30c The Little Drummer Boy Book II
9a/8c Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
9:30a/8:30c Pinocchio's Christmas
10:30a/9:30c A Miser Brothers' Christmas
11:30a/10:30c The Story of the First Christmas Snow
12p/11c 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
12:30p/11:30c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
1/12c Jack Frost (1979)
2/1c Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July
4/3c Disney's A Christmas Carol
6/5c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story
8/7c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 2
10/9c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
11/10c The Year Without a Santa Claus
12a/1c Jack Frost (1998)
Sunday, December 16
7a/6c Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
9a/8c Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
11a/10c Home Alone 4
1/12c The Year Without a Santa Claus
2/1c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
3/2c Disney's A Christmas Carol
5/4c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 2
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 3 ABC FAMILY PREMIERE
Monday, December 17
11a/10c Sons of Mistletoe
1/12c Christmas Every Day
3/2c Christmas Do-Over
5/4c Dr. Seuss on the Loose
5:30/4:30c Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
6/5c Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
6:30/5:30c Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
12a/11c The Mistle-Tones
Tuesday, December 18
11a/10c The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus
12p/11c Frosty's Winter Wonderland
12:30p/11:30c Santa Who?
2:30/1:30c The Christmas List
4:30/3:30c Disney Prep & Landing
5/4c Disney Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
5:30/4:30c Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
8/7c Home Alone
10/9c The Polar Express
12a/11c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Wednesday, December 19
8a/7c Christmas in Boston
10a/9c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
12p/11c Three Days
2/1c The Family Man
5/4c Home Alone
7/6c The Polar Express
9/8c Disney's A Christmas Carol
12a/11c Three Days
Thursday, December 20
7a/6c – 11a/10c Beverly Hills, 90210 HOLIDAY MARATHON
11a/10c Christmas Caper (starring Beverly Hills, 90210's Shannen Doherty)
1/12c Secret Santa (starring Beverly Hills, 90210's Jennie Garth)
3/2c The Mistle-Tones (starring Beverly Hills, 90210's Tori Spelling)
5/4c 12 Dates of Christmas
7/6c Disney's A Christmas Carol
9/8c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c Santa Baby
Friday, December 21
9a/8c Christmas Cupid
11a/10c Snowglobe
1/12c Santa Baby
3/2c Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe
5/4c Holiday in Handcuffs
7/6c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
9/8c The Santa Clause
12a/11c Holiday in Handcuffs
Saturday, December 22
7a/6c Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
8:30a/7:30c Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
10a/9c Disney Prep & Landing
10:30a/9:30c Disney Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
11a/10c Mickey's Christmas Carol
11:30a/10:30c Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too
12p/11c A Chipmunk Christmas
12:30p/11:30c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
2/1c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
3/2c A Miser Brothers' Christmas
4/3c The Year Without a Santa Claus
5/4c Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
6/5c The Santa Clause
8/7c The Santa Clause 2
10/9c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12a/11c The Santa Clause 2
Sunday, December 23
7a/6c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
8:30a/7:30c A Dennis the Menace Christmas
10:30a/9:30c Unaccompanied Minors
12:30p/11:30c Fred Claus
3/2c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
5/4c The Polar Express
7/6c & 9:30/8:30c Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Monday, December 24
11a/10c Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1/12c The Polar Express
3/2c The Santa Clause
5/4c The Santa Clause 2
7/6c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
9/8c Home Alone
12a/11c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Tuesday, December 25
7a/6c Disney's A Christmas Carol
9a/8c A Chipmunk Christmas
11a/10c The Santa Clause
1/12c The Santa Clause 2
3/2c The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
5/4c Disney's A Christmas Carol
7/6c Home Alone
9/8c National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
12a/11c The Santa Clause 2
Looks like we are going to be having a lot of fun family nights in with hot cocoa and classic movies!!
Friday, October 19, 2012
The gift of giving
So as I am thinking about the upcoming holiday season I cant help but be a little excited. I love the holidays. There is always the hustle and bustle of the eager shoppers with Starbucks in hand. The views and decorations are just gorgeous, and everyone just seems to have that spark! The holidays are when you get to see those family members you don't get to see everyday. You get to slow down (mostly because of the turkey) and realize what you are thankful for. The holidays mean something different for everyone. Every family has different traditions and way of doing things. For some the holidays are about religion and are celebrated in a more spiritual way. For others its the more commercial way of doing things and for some there is a balance of both! Whatever way you celebrate is awesome!
But with the holidays comes the gifts. Not necessarily receiving, but giving. Everyone (well not everyone) loves shopping for other people. I don't know about you guys but I just love seeing faces light up when they open your gift! Shopping for anyone for anything is just so much fun! Aside from being fun it can also be hard. You always want to do something that person will love, but what is that one thing they have been looking for?? Even when you know what they are looking for sometimes it just may be out of budget. Especially with children, of course you always want to find a way to give your little ones everything that they have dreamed of but sometimes that's just not realistic! What do you do in cases like this? Especially in cases with children I think you can make a holiday really memorable without all the gifts. But if little Suzy wants a play kitchen but the one at your local toy store is over $200 what do you do? I say you make it! Re-purpose an old entertainments center you find at a thrift store or get some plywood and paint. Kids are very creative and open minded a lot more than we are as adults so keep that in mind :)
There are also so many special and sentimental handmade gifts you can give. People bake, build, create, etc. Who doesn't love the special things that are made with love? Sometimes doing something like that is more time consuming but a lot easier on your pocket book. I myself do these kinds of gifts for all the grandparents from B. Everyone loves getting something that his little hands made. It is always a hit! For some people there isn't budget issues, but even still what kinds of gifts do you prefer to get? Do you want the newest and latest electronic gadget or do you like the more unique one of a kind gifts? Its hard, I mean I love my iPhone for sure, but I do love home made anything especially if its something from my little one :)
I guess this post is really to gauge what you guys think. I am having a really hard time coming up with the "perfect" gift ideas for some people in our families. So ladies and gents what do you prefer?? Please feel free to post a comment and let me know your ideas and opinions and as always have a wonderful day!
But with the holidays comes the gifts. Not necessarily receiving, but giving. Everyone (well not everyone) loves shopping for other people. I don't know about you guys but I just love seeing faces light up when they open your gift! Shopping for anyone for anything is just so much fun! Aside from being fun it can also be hard. You always want to do something that person will love, but what is that one thing they have been looking for?? Even when you know what they are looking for sometimes it just may be out of budget. Especially with children, of course you always want to find a way to give your little ones everything that they have dreamed of but sometimes that's just not realistic! What do you do in cases like this? Especially in cases with children I think you can make a holiday really memorable without all the gifts. But if little Suzy wants a play kitchen but the one at your local toy store is over $200 what do you do? I say you make it! Re-purpose an old entertainments center you find at a thrift store or get some plywood and paint. Kids are very creative and open minded a lot more than we are as adults so keep that in mind :)
There are also so many special and sentimental handmade gifts you can give. People bake, build, create, etc. Who doesn't love the special things that are made with love? Sometimes doing something like that is more time consuming but a lot easier on your pocket book. I myself do these kinds of gifts for all the grandparents from B. Everyone loves getting something that his little hands made. It is always a hit! For some people there isn't budget issues, but even still what kinds of gifts do you prefer to get? Do you want the newest and latest electronic gadget or do you like the more unique one of a kind gifts? Its hard, I mean I love my iPhone for sure, but I do love home made anything especially if its something from my little one :)
I guess this post is really to gauge what you guys think. I am having a really hard time coming up with the "perfect" gift ideas for some people in our families. So ladies and gents what do you prefer?? Please feel free to post a comment and let me know your ideas and opinions and as always have a wonderful day!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Check Check Checking things off the bucket list!!
So I'm behind... But a couple weekends ago the weather was beautiful!! AND I had Monday off of work, Thank you Christopher Columbus!! Because of that we knew we had to do something fun with the Beez :) We ended up checking something off the fall bucket list we didn't know we were going to do... AND got to go to a pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins!
We have a local park near us that is awesome. They have a petting zoo and stables. They do horseback riding lessons, have playgrounds of course and many other things. They have an annual event called Locktoberfest (Lockwood Park) and its super fun for the little ones. They have games, pony rides, wagon rides, face painting, food and many other fun activities for kids!
When we first got there we got tickets. Then B saw the ponies, man does that kid love pony rides!! So he got to ride Nutmeg! She was awesome and even let B pet her after the ride. Then we walked around for a bit until we got to the story time wagon ride.
B riding his pony Nutmeg and all of us on the Wagon ride to Pumpkin Paradise
The wagon leads you through the forest and you here a "spooky" Halloween story, there was some interactive things to look for along the trail that coordinated with the story, so that was fun. Ultimately you get on the wagon because it leads you to a camp area where you can play games, have some hot chocolate, and even make s'mores! (That was the accidental thing we checked off the list) He had such a ball with the s'mores they were messy and delicious, just like they should be! After we had our hot cocoa and s'mores we got to go to Pumpkin Paradise!!
The s'mores were a bit stickier than he expected them to be! So why not eat it off your hand??
In pumpkin Paradise you got to go look through a bunch of pumpkins and pick the ones that you wanted to take home! We let B pick his own. It was too cute, he got really excited!! We picked out two pumpkins to bring home and we called it a day! It was super fun and I think we will definitely be going back to Locktoberfest next year!!
We have a local park near us that is awesome. They have a petting zoo and stables. They do horseback riding lessons, have playgrounds of course and many other things. They have an annual event called Locktoberfest (Lockwood Park) and its super fun for the little ones. They have games, pony rides, wagon rides, face painting, food and many other fun activities for kids!
When we first got there we got tickets. Then B saw the ponies, man does that kid love pony rides!! So he got to ride Nutmeg! She was awesome and even let B pet her after the ride. Then we walked around for a bit until we got to the story time wagon ride.
The wagon leads you through the forest and you here a "spooky" Halloween story, there was some interactive things to look for along the trail that coordinated with the story, so that was fun. Ultimately you get on the wagon because it leads you to a camp area where you can play games, have some hot chocolate, and even make s'mores! (That was the accidental thing we checked off the list) He had such a ball with the s'mores they were messy and delicious, just like they should be! After we had our hot cocoa and s'mores we got to go to Pumpkin Paradise!!
B roasting the marshmallow and taking his first bite of his first s'more :)
In pumpkin Paradise you got to go look through a bunch of pumpkins and pick the ones that you wanted to take home! We let B pick his own. It was too cute, he got really excited!! We picked out two pumpkins to bring home and we called it a day! It was super fun and I think we will definitely be going back to Locktoberfest next year!!
B looking for the perfect pumpkin.
S looking over the patch and B trying to pick the chosen pumpkin :)
So now that the pumpkins are picked and its nearing Halloween, its seems its time to carve them! Tonight we are going to tackle that project along with roasting the seeds :) I hope you guys are having a fabulous fall and a fun time checking things off your bucket lists!! More pics coming soon!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Time to get artsy fartsy!
Well over this past week, we finally started feeling more settled in our new home. Therefore I figured what better than to get kind of messy again and get out the arts and crafts bucket for B?? He loves his art time. He likes to color, and create, glue and make things, touch things etc. I thought with it being October and all what better to do than Halloween crafts....
So after work one day while B was still napping I set up his "invitation." I like to set things up on the kitchen table to see if he will take interest in it and want to do whatever activity I chose for that day.
He took it! We put faces on pumpkins to make Jack-O-Lanterns and we even made a not so scary vampire bat from a toilet paper roll :) He just had a ball. He loves to do things like that and I think it is good to let them be creative and even get a little messy! But even better than letting them do messy fun things.. Take part in the fun as well. Be there and let them show you, bounce ideas off of you and just show off their finished work with pride.
So after work one day while B was still napping I set up his "invitation." I like to set things up on the kitchen table to see if he will take interest in it and want to do whatever activity I chose for that day.
B hard at work
The finished products!!
So as you can see we didn't do anything spectacular!! It doesn't take much to make a two year old happy :) He loved that we got to work with pumpkins and that he got to use markers and glitter glue. So on days when its a little to cold to run errands or play outside in the leaves consider doing fun inside projects! Oh and tip of the day... I have learned putting anything on a Popsicle stick instantly makes it cool to a small child ( not the Jack-O-Lanterns) Hope you have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Our trip to the Apple Orchard
Well we officially checked our first thing off our fall bucket list this weekend. I don't know that we will always do things in number order but it just so happens that's how we started out! It's a family tradition since I can remember every year to go to the apple orchard. Since having a little one of my own we have definitely kept the tradition alive.
We got there and ate some lunch. We opted for the yummy baked potatoes our orchard does. We let B play, he loves the wooden train, so he played on that the majority of the time. We also took our yearly pictures in the ticket window and by the Edward's Orchard 2012 sign. We of course went through the store and picked up much anticipated apple cider donuts as well as cider!!
We didn't do everything in this trip knowing that we will go again in a few weeks when my brother in law comes to visit. He has requested to go to the orchard :) no complaints here!! Maybe we can get him to do the Pumpkin Patch as well. Hmmmmm. Anyways I just wanted to share our first thing checked off the bucket list!! Hope everyone is having fun with their own Fall Frolic!! Make it a great day!
We got there and ate some lunch. We opted for the yummy baked potatoes our orchard does. We let B play, he loves the wooden train, so he played on that the majority of the time. We also took our yearly pictures in the ticket window and by the Edward's Orchard 2012 sign. We of course went through the store and picked up much anticipated apple cider donuts as well as cider!!
We didn't do everything in this trip knowing that we will go again in a few weeks when my brother in law comes to visit. He has requested to go to the orchard :) no complaints here!! Maybe we can get him to do the Pumpkin Patch as well. Hmmmmm. Anyways I just wanted to share our first thing checked off the bucket list!! Hope everyone is having fun with their own Fall Frolic!! Make it a great day!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Elf on the Shelf ??
So what do all you parents out there think about the Elf on the Shelf? I must have had my head barried in the sand forever because I just found out about this little guy after Christmas last year. I am a big one for holiday traditions and think this one would be really fun. Growing up we never had a little elf, but my mother did tell us that Santa assigned every family an elf. Our family elf's name is/was Sebastian. She would tell us that Sebastian watched over us all year, but definitely more as the holiday season grew near. Then Sebastian reported back our behavior to the big guy!! Basically the same concept as Elf on the Shelf except with the elf you have a visual reminder, and a fun holiday tradition of finding the elf when you wake up in the morning, or see where he moved when you get home from school etc.
Naturally, with it being so similar to our own family tradition I wanted to give it a try. My son is about two and a half now and think it would be a good time to start a tradition like that. So gearing up for the holidays (already, I know) I started to do some research on the topic just to find it is quite controversial!! Apparently there are some parents that really hate this tradition. I actually read a blog earlier today that made me really sad for the mom. I guess these parents are all up in arms because of the "overachieving parents" and how they position their elves... It is popular, I guess, to position your elves to do "naughty" things like draw funny faces on family pictures with a dry erase marker... Of course others are more extreme. Some make big messes... Which I understand is a pain because you are making the mess and then you have to turn around and clean it up. I guess the way I feel about it is if you want to do it.. do it. If not then don't.
I think each family can make it their own. One mom was talking about how she just moves its spot in the house, doesn't position him in any special way or make him do funny or naughty things. I think that is fine, it would still be fun for the children to find him in a different spot each day. Some may prefer to go about it in a more unique way and make the tradition more elaborate. Either way, I think if your family has fun with it then its a win! I know I am going to be labeled as one of those "overachieving parents" who drive everyone else crazy, and I'm personally fine with that! I tend to be more elaborate in my traditions, everyone always makes fun of me for my Easter bunny tracks and half eaten cookies from Santa etc. Its not for everyone, but I think that it is fun.
At the end of the day if you are doing what makes your family happy, its a good day! I look forward to making this a fun tradition with my son, but that's just me. What do you guys think? Real parents out there what are your thoughts on the topic?? Please feel free to share ideas and opinions and as always make it a great day! TGIF everyone!!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Fall Frolic
And with the nip in the air it is becoming apparent that Fall is here... Now Fall is definitely my favorite season. Nothing is better than boots, jeans, hoodies, sweaters, bon fires, well, you get the picture. As I was pulling out all of my boots and hoodies last night I got thinking about my fall bucket list. I always try and make everything fun for our little guy. Everyone seems to think that I go a tad overboard... But I think that its the little things that you remember from your childhood. I will never forget all the fun and awesome things my mom did for my brother and I.
For example: My mother every St. Patrick's day would dye the milk in our cereal green and put jelly beans in our shoes (kind of gross thinking back on it now.) Of course we thought that was so cool. Valentines day I can remember making heart shaped pizza with her. We always put out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, and much more. I love being able to look back on those memories fondly, and hope some day B will feel the same warm fuzzies when he thinks about his childhood. This got me to thinking aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas why not make the whole season fun, therefore I compiled a bucket list. I may add to it or tweak it a bit but I thought that I would share in hopes that you find something fun to do with your children!!
1. Go to the Apple Orchard. We have went every year since I can remember, sometimes twice. It is definitely a tradition.
2. Bake with mom. Cookies, cake, banana bread, it doesn't matter just spend some time with the little one and let them get down and dirty in some flour. My little one loves to help in the kitchen and baking is his favorite, mostly because he knows he will get to lick the beaters. :)
3.Go to the Pumpkin Patch. Its just fun to let the kids romp and play, and make sure to pick a pumpkin while you are there!!
4. Carve/decorate a pumpkin. This one is especially fun to let them get elbow deep in some goo. Carve a pumpkin together as a family and roast the seeds after. Maybe even let the kiddos decorate their own. Not carve but decorate :)
5. Make Carmel apples and give them to friends and neighbors. Nothing screams fall like a good ole Carmel apple!! Make them together and then show them that sharing is caring and give them to your closest friends, family and neighbors.
6. Go on a fall picnic. Pic a day where the sun is shining and go on a picnic. There is just something about a fall picnic that is so peaceful. Maybe its the fact that there are less bugs around.
7. Make some s'mores. Light a nice fire and make some s'mores. Not only are they delicious but everyone loves a good bon fire!
8. Jump in a good pile of leaves. I know sometimes it seems kind of boring to rake leaves... But it could be more fun if you knew you could jump in them after so, at least once Let the kids jump in a big pile of leaves... Heck why don't you give it a try as well??
9. Organize a kid friendly game of football with friends and family. Fall means football season, why not get your nearest and dearest together and for a game?
10. Last but not least have some Halloween fun! Now I know some people don't believe in celebrating Halloween, but I think its fun! It doesn't have to be scary. Have fun trick or treating, or even handing candy out the the kids of the neighborhood. If you do it as a family its bound to be fun!!
I hope you have enjoyed our fall bucket list ideas! I hope this encourages you to try one or try them all!! Please feel free to comment and put your own fall bucket list ideas down. As always have a wonderful day!
For example: My mother every St. Patrick's day would dye the milk in our cereal green and put jelly beans in our shoes (kind of gross thinking back on it now.) Of course we thought that was so cool. Valentines day I can remember making heart shaped pizza with her. We always put out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, and much more. I love being able to look back on those memories fondly, and hope some day B will feel the same warm fuzzies when he thinks about his childhood. This got me to thinking aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas why not make the whole season fun, therefore I compiled a bucket list. I may add to it or tweak it a bit but I thought that I would share in hopes that you find something fun to do with your children!!
1. Go to the Apple Orchard. We have went every year since I can remember, sometimes twice. It is definitely a tradition.
2. Bake with mom. Cookies, cake, banana bread, it doesn't matter just spend some time with the little one and let them get down and dirty in some flour. My little one loves to help in the kitchen and baking is his favorite, mostly because he knows he will get to lick the beaters. :)
3.Go to the Pumpkin Patch. Its just fun to let the kids romp and play, and make sure to pick a pumpkin while you are there!!
4. Carve/decorate a pumpkin. This one is especially fun to let them get elbow deep in some goo. Carve a pumpkin together as a family and roast the seeds after. Maybe even let the kiddos decorate their own. Not carve but decorate :)
5. Make Carmel apples and give them to friends and neighbors. Nothing screams fall like a good ole Carmel apple!! Make them together and then show them that sharing is caring and give them to your closest friends, family and neighbors.
6. Go on a fall picnic. Pic a day where the sun is shining and go on a picnic. There is just something about a fall picnic that is so peaceful. Maybe its the fact that there are less bugs around.
7. Make some s'mores. Light a nice fire and make some s'mores. Not only are they delicious but everyone loves a good bon fire!
8. Jump in a good pile of leaves. I know sometimes it seems kind of boring to rake leaves... But it could be more fun if you knew you could jump in them after so, at least once Let the kids jump in a big pile of leaves... Heck why don't you give it a try as well??
9. Organize a kid friendly game of football with friends and family. Fall means football season, why not get your nearest and dearest together and for a game?
10. Last but not least have some Halloween fun! Now I know some people don't believe in celebrating Halloween, but I think its fun! It doesn't have to be scary. Have fun trick or treating, or even handing candy out the the kids of the neighborhood. If you do it as a family its bound to be fun!!
I hope you have enjoyed our fall bucket list ideas! I hope this encourages you to try one or try them all!! Please feel free to comment and put your own fall bucket list ideas down. As always have a wonderful day!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Food for thought
Today I came across a quote that I really love, so I thought I would share!
Happiness is not by chance, but by choice
-- Jim Rohn
When I read this quote this morning, It was really what I needed to read. Sometimes we all need a little reminder not to let the little stuff get in the way of having a good and happy life. Sometimes life gets so busy between work, friends, family, and extra curriculars that its hard to keep up. When everything gets piled up around you.. you tend to get stressed out right?? I know I do.
When you start to feel overwhelmed just know that you cannot do everything in one day. Its impossible to be superman or woman!! Just do the best you can... Just keep swimming and remember that your life is what you make it!! Happiness is by choice. So don't worry.. Get happy!!!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!!
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming~~~~~
Happiness is not by chance, but by choice
-- Jim Rohn
When I read this quote this morning, It was really what I needed to read. Sometimes we all need a little reminder not to let the little stuff get in the way of having a good and happy life. Sometimes life gets so busy between work, friends, family, and extra curriculars that its hard to keep up. When everything gets piled up around you.. you tend to get stressed out right?? I know I do.
When you start to feel overwhelmed just know that you cannot do everything in one day. Its impossible to be superman or woman!! Just do the best you can... Just keep swimming and remember that your life is what you make it!! Happiness is by choice. So don't worry.. Get happy!!!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
On the move!
Well it seems I have taken a little break! For that I am sorry. My family and I just moved into our first house! As exciting as that all seems, it was pretty exhausting too. For anyone that is moving hopefully this post will help. I found a few things that made our transition a bit easier.
1. We didn't wait until last minute to pack our things. We stated packing the things we don't use everyday etc about two weeks in advance. Packed up the hall "junk" closet in boxes and left them in the closet etc.
2. As the time got closer to moving, we decided to make sure that everything was packed. We packed up everything in every room except the things that we might need before we moved. Example: We packed the whole bathroom except shampoo conditioner, Q tips, toothbrushes, some towels and other things that we need daily. We kept an open box or something like that for each family member to put a week and a halves worth of clothes in there, my son kept some night time story books in there. etc
3. I labeled everything "excessively" according to my husband :) I labeled each box with what room it went in on all sides of the box and then made a quick list of what things were in the box. As much as my husband thought it was excessive and a waste of time it actually helped in the long run! As we were unpacking the truck, no matter how the boxes were in there or no matter what side was facing out you always knew right away what room they go to. The lists helped a lot because there is nothing worse that needing to find something and having to open six or seven boxes just to find it. If you label your boxes you will know what box your coffee maker is in, and wont be so cranky the next morning.
4. Have an open first box. The open fist box helped us so much. We put things like paper plates, plastic silverware, cups, our toothbrushes and toothpaste, Always put any daily medicine you take in this box, pajamas, etc. Just anything we would need our first night in the new home. It was great at the end of that long day to be able to just go to bed after a long night of moving rather than have to unpack twelve boxes to get plates to eat off of, another box to find PJ's, another to find our toothbrushes, etc.
All in all our move went pretty smoothly! We are currently living in the new house and I only have two boxes left to unpack!!! Whoot :) anyways I hope this helps anyone that is moving in the future to make it a smooth transition for your family.
1. We didn't wait until last minute to pack our things. We stated packing the things we don't use everyday etc about two weeks in advance. Packed up the hall "junk" closet in boxes and left them in the closet etc.
2. As the time got closer to moving, we decided to make sure that everything was packed. We packed up everything in every room except the things that we might need before we moved. Example: We packed the whole bathroom except shampoo conditioner, Q tips, toothbrushes, some towels and other things that we need daily. We kept an open box or something like that for each family member to put a week and a halves worth of clothes in there, my son kept some night time story books in there. etc
3. I labeled everything "excessively" according to my husband :) I labeled each box with what room it went in on all sides of the box and then made a quick list of what things were in the box. As much as my husband thought it was excessive and a waste of time it actually helped in the long run! As we were unpacking the truck, no matter how the boxes were in there or no matter what side was facing out you always knew right away what room they go to. The lists helped a lot because there is nothing worse that needing to find something and having to open six or seven boxes just to find it. If you label your boxes you will know what box your coffee maker is in, and wont be so cranky the next morning.
4. Have an open first box. The open fist box helped us so much. We put things like paper plates, plastic silverware, cups, our toothbrushes and toothpaste, Always put any daily medicine you take in this box, pajamas, etc. Just anything we would need our first night in the new home. It was great at the end of that long day to be able to just go to bed after a long night of moving rather than have to unpack twelve boxes to get plates to eat off of, another box to find PJ's, another to find our toothbrushes, etc.
All in all our move went pretty smoothly! We are currently living in the new house and I only have two boxes left to unpack!!! Whoot :) anyways I hope this helps anyone that is moving in the future to make it a smooth transition for your family.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Our day out with Thomas
As promised.. Here is the post for A day out with Thomas 2012. If you have little ones boys and girls alike this is a really fun event!! This year it is visiting 45 cities!! The one near us was at the Illinois Railway Museum. There was a lot of Thomas related tents. A story telling/movie watching tent, A tent where you could get Thomas and Friends temporary tattoos if you wish, a place to meet and get a picture with Sir Topham Hat, and a tent with magic and puppet shows. They also had a gift store tent where you could purchase Thomas and Friends merchandise (of course :))
We arrived about 45 minutes before our scheduled ride on Thomas, so when we got there we went straight to the boarding line. It seemed like a short wait because there was so much going on, it was quite entertaining. Then we got to board the train. Our little guy was so excited to ride Thomas!!
We arrived about 45 minutes before our scheduled ride on Thomas, so when we got there we went straight to the boarding line. It seemed like a short wait because there was so much going on, it was quite entertaining. Then we got to board the train. Our little guy was so excited to ride Thomas!!
Thomas the Train
B riding Thomas :)
Snuggling up with daddy on the way back
It was about a 20 minute total ride. Ten minutes forward, then the train stopped. A nice lady came through the cars and gave all the kids their Jr. Engineer certificates! B loved this he wouldn't let it go. Then the train started to go backwards the way we came. All the kids thought it was pretty cool Thomas could go backwards too! Then when we got off the train and I sent daddy to go pick up the stroller from stroller parking and B and I ran to get in line to get our picture taken with Thomas. Daddy met us there and we got an awesome memory!
After our scheduled ride we walked around the museum for a while to see all of the trains. B loved seeing how big they were up close. We ate some lunch and then we went to the different tents and let him play and take part in the Thomas activities. The Illinois Railway Museum also let you ride any running trains and trolleys that day for no extra charge. I don't know if all of the railways do this or not but it was fun. B loved the Thomas ride so we took him on a trolley and two other train rides as well.. We wanted to kill some time because it ended up raining the majority of the day on us.. These events are rain or shine so bring an umbrella :)
At the end of the day we went through the gift shop and let B pick out a couple new trains to add to his collection and a 6 in 1 Thomas and Friends book. B loves to read so having a Thomas book was just a bonus. Then we got some ice cream and called it a day!
All in all it was a really fun experience. I would definitely consider taking him again next year, he loved it!! It was a great family day.
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