Valentine's Day Family Fun

You won't need a sitter this Valentine's Day with these 3 FUN family friendly activities that will have you ending your night with a giant group hug! :)

 

1. Homemade Is the Way to Go! Valentine's Day is the perfect time to decorate with homemade everything! Your kiddos will love making heart shaped placemats, finger food in the shape of hearts and of course making a Valentine's playlist is a must!   Just remember to take a picture of your family's masterpiece and fun!
2. Movie Night Treasure Hunt:  It's cold outside!  Curl up on the couch or create a comfy lounge area on the floor where your whole family will want to hang while watching a family favorite. Take this Valentine's Day movie night to the next level by adding a treasure hunt of sorts.  Hide a construction paper heart somewhere in the house & let your kiddos run WILD looking for it.  Give them cute clue's along the way & let the winner pick the movie!
3. Say "I love you."  Take the time during breakfast or dinner to go around the table and have each member of your family share two reasons they love each member of the family. Just like saying what your thankful for on Thanksgiving you should say what you love about your loved ones on Valentine's Day.  If you have loved ones far away include them in on the fun by calling or Skyping them in!

         

Stay In-touch!

With the holidays over your kiddos might start missing their grandparents or cousins.  Encourage them continue building those bonds through out the year by reaching out to family & friends who live far away.

1. Technology.  Use Facebook or create your own family blog (some good free options are wordpress.com or blogger.com.)  You can upload your kiddos art work or make a movie to post.  Grandpa & grandma will love to be a part of their birthday party or basketball games!
2. Mail.  Encourage your older kiddos to send their cousins funny cards, letters or pictures.   Younger kids will love getting mail or care packages from family.  I.E.  Something as small as starting a sticker club between two young cousins will bring them endless joy & excitement.
3. Telephone. For a young child playing telephone is huge!  Set a date & time for a special loved one to call & let your kiddo answer & do the talking! 

Mommy Magic Presents...Saving with Skye! On Wednesday 1/11at 6:30pm in Carmel FOX 59's own Skye from Saving with Skye will host the first Mommy Magic-Mom's Club class of the year.  Join us to learn how to save hundreds of dollar a month off your grocery bill! Spaces are limited so reserve yours TODAY!  Click here for more information.

         

Easy Homemade Gift Ideas

Have your kiddos make some of their gifts this year.  It's a FANTASTIC way to get the family in the holiday spirit, allow them to show off their creative side and take pride in their gift.  Plus it's a super fun activity too!

 

SWEETS

Everybody loves to indulge in alittle sweet treat around this time of year. 

Option #1 is to actually bake the goodies yourselves.  Showcase your family specialty of cookies, fudge or even fruit cake!  Cook/bake up a storm and let your kiddos wrap individual portions as gifts.

Option #2 is to create a cookie kit.  Help your kiddos fill a Mason jar with the necessary ingredients for your cookie of choice such a flour, sugar and chocolate chips.  Layer the dry ingredients neatly so it will be visually pleasing.  Finish by tying a festive ribbon with the recipe attached for making the cookies. 

 

PHOTOS

The gift of personal photos is one the the recipient will treasure for a lifetime. 

Option #1 is to have your kiddos make a decorative photo frame.  Purchase an unfinished wooden photo frame from your local craft store.  Let your family's imaginations run wild as they decorate with acrylic craft paint and/or embellish with candy, scrapbook paper, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, stickers, etc.  Be sure to fill with a favorite photo before giving. 

 

Option #2 is to put together a scrapbook.  You can decorate and design your own or just fill a pre-designed one.  Either way the recipient is going to treasure all of your carefully selected memories!

Tote Bags
Decorating a tote bag makes a great craft project for kids and adults. You can make a tote bag to reflect your own style and tastes. Make one for different uses, such as a beach bag, library bag and knitting supply bag. They also make great gifts for friends and loved ones at Christmas. You can purchase eco friendly tote bags at most craft stores, or you can recycle tote bags given away at stores or events. There are many ways to decorate a tote bag, so you can get very creative.

   

Fun Outings for your Family over Thanksgiving Break

Get into the holiday spirit with these fun ideas to do as a family over Thanksgiving break!

 

1. Go to the Movies!  Arthur Christmas and The Muppets Movie both open on Thanksgiving Day.  Kick back & enjoy some quality family entertainment!
2. Get Creative!  Build a Gingerbread house, make holiday cards or create a holiday play-list.   Get into the spirit by creating some holiday cheer!
3. Bust out your families favorite holiday traditions!  "ELF on the Shelf", an advent calender or just getting out the holiday decorations.   Kick off the season by starting your families favorite holiday traditions! 



Teaching Your Kids the Joy of Giving

Materialism is all around our kiddos these days.  With Thanksgiving quickly approaching it's a great time to talk to your family about giving back and living a more charitable life.  Here are a few ideas about how to accomplish this!

 

1. Specific Charities.  Choose a charity that sparks your kiddos interest or directly effects them.  A favorite in our house is "Operation Christmas Child".  Each one of my kiddo's fills a shoe box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child somewhere else in the world!  For more info check out Samaritan's Purse.
2. Give Gifts, Items or Money.  Have your child go through their belongings and donate toys, books, or clothes this holiday season.  You can also make a special trip to the store and purchase new items for your family to donate or give to a specific charity.  You could also suggest your kiddo put aside some of their allowance to donate. 
3. Give Time.  Be a role model for your kids and get involved yourself.  Have your family volunteer at a soup kitchen, teach a Sunday School class, or compete in a charity focused walk.  When you lead by example you'll show your kiddos how important giving back is and will give them the joy of giving for life!