Friday, May 29, 2009

Recipe for Kool-Aid Play Dough

Yum...this playdough recipe smells so good. The kids really love it! Try different versions of it and have a "smell-a-thon". We like to make this for play dates with friends or to take over to Grandma's house.

1 cup flour


1/4 cup salt


2 tablespoons cream of tartar

1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid

1 cup water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and Kool-Aid together in a sauce pan. Then add water and oil. Stir over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove. Knead until smooth. Put in a plastic bag and refrigerate.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Family Entertaining

Does your family entertain other family members or friends for dinner? If so, we want to hear from you. We have some simple steps to make it easier and to help all your family members get involved.

  • put all the chores that need to be done on a piece of paper and then put them in a jar. Let everyone take a turn and grab out two or three chores. This lets everyone get excited about what they might choose. It works for kids very well.
  • Mix up the chores. If you kids have chores that are specifically theirs you will be surprised at how grateful they will be if someone switches with them.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

10 Things to do for Family Night

Our Top Ten List of things to do for Family Night

  1. Movie Night Rent a movie and make popcorn
  2. Talent Show Everyone gets to show off a talent (be creative and silly)
  3. Go Bowling
  4. Eat a special meal from another country (make it an 8 week theme and pick different foods to cook or go out to ethnic restaurants
  5. Do Charades
  6. Play a variety of Board Games
  7. Play Night Tag with Flashlights
  8. Go Swimming
  9. Have an Indoor Camp Out
  10. Invite another Family for Dinner
Here is another great list of activities. remember the key is to spend time together that is quality and will make lasting memories.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Family Night

Family Night equals quality time spent with the family. Everyone is present and everyone participates. What do you do for family night? Why is it so important? Do you have an established plan or night?
We started family night about 10 years ago when my mother-in-law passed away. She gave us a great sense of family and we wanted to continue that tradition, but we didn't have any ideas how to create those great memories.
We started simple with Friday night being Pizza night and then we would play a game or sing together or go bowling. Our youngest was only 6 months old when we started.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Growing Your Best Family

Have you thought about what it takes to Grow Your Family? We have and we want to provide ideas and thoughts for you to ponder. We want you to share what you know about growing your family. You do it every day. You watch others. What works and what doesn't?