Parenting Under the Stars

We have already created one New Year’s resolution and that is to schedule a game together as a family once per week. The last time we did that I laughed more than I had in a long time.

• Another is to cook more together. My youngest daughter enjoys this the most so she will probably be the one more eager to participate.

It’s an important skill though so the others will be forced. I will try to make it fun by making sure we’re making something they like such as cookies.

• Go for more walks together. Summer from Mom is Teaching gave me this idea. I walk a lot by myself but don’t include the kids often enough.

• I still have to spring this surprise on my husband but have decided everyone in the family will wash their own laundry more often. It’s not fun being the designated sock and underwear finder and the ones aged 11, 20 and 42 are old enough to be capable of operating a washing machine.

I could go off on a mad rant here about several other housekeeping issues, but it’s getting too late to get myself going and some of it has been self-inflicted.

• Have a movie night once a week. I don’t know why we have stopped doing this lately. It’s fun getting everyone together in the living room and getting cozy with popcorn and a movie.

• Have one evening all computers stay off. Gasp. I just figured out why we haven’t been watching movies together lately.

• Give the kids more hugs. My one daughter gives me this weird look now when I hug her as though I’m Pepe-Le-Pew. She used to be so snuggly but not going to let that stop me.

I am not feeling deprived or anything but I was just trying to remember the last time I actually went out for New Years. I think it has been a few years. It is not so easy to obtain a sitter for a bunch of kids. Now that they are older maybe we’ll attend something as a family. I believe they have a free skate on and there will be festivities at City Hall.

When I just had one child, I would go over to Mom and Dads and party with them. It was actually a lot of fun. We usually rented some movies, played games and enjoyed each other’s company and of course some good food. My husband and I usually do that and sometimes we watch the count down on television. I have some pictures of my kids wearing party hats, blowing horns, and looking happy.

At FamilyFun.com, they have a New Year’s Fun Guide and include all kinds of crafts, recipes, and activities. One of my favorites was this idea for personalized place mats. They decorated a large piece of construction paper with handprints, pics and memorabilia and laminated it to have as a keepsake for that year.

What do you do for New Years as a family? Do you have any fun new ideas?

• At Mom is Teaching Summer has some New Years Resolutions for Homeschooling but most of them could apply to any family. I like her ideas such as creating more arts and crafts, going for more walks, going to bed earlier and living more green.

We’re beginning to bounce back here but it’s been a bit of a crazy Christmas. I don’t know if that’s the right word but it sounded good. We basically hibernated. Hubby stayed in bed for a couple days and I had a freak attack about that and then collapsed with the same illness soon after.

It hasn’t seemed to hit the kids as hard and although they have the sniffles, they look alright. We had a blast playing Trouble together as a family last night. We were laughing so hard we were almost crying because everyone kept breaking the rules and forgetting how to play. We have decided to make it a weekly activity since we have received quite a few board games for Christmas.

We had so many people in our family over for dinner there wasn’t enough room at the table. My husband helped me stuff and carve the turkey and we had a lot of fun with that simple task. We reminisced about past turkeys and had some laughs. One year he fired one into the oven upside down.

My mother had to work Christmas day, which was a shame but I’m sure she brought joy to a lot of people at the nursing home. She’s not shy so sure she spread some jolly cheer all over the place.

Tomorrow is when the rest of the family is coming over. I guess they were all busy with better offers. We’re not real party animals here so it’s pretty low key, especially this year. I prepared everything for the holiday meal and it turned out wonderful but I stayed in my pajamas.

Wishing everyone peace and joy for the season. I’m off to slurp some more chicken noodle soup.

We burnt a lot of calories off hiking today, which is a good thing because more food and festivities are coming up. I took off around noon but back tracked to pick the kids up and left again. They saved a bit of money and bought a few little gifts at the dollar store for everyone.

One of the most fun activities of the day were these personalized mug creations. I get excited over these little things but think my mother and husband will love the mugs as well. The kit came with four mugs and four permanent markers and it’s called “Precious Mugs”. You wouldn’t have to buy the kit to do these but since I purchased them half price (four for $10); I figure I got a deal. Some cups cost that much for one.

The memories themselves and the fun making them however are priceless. Show here is one for Grandma, and one for Dad.

Earlier on in my travels I was hunting for a simple manicure bowl. This is all my poor mother wanted and do you think I could find one? People were looking at me like I had three eyes when I inquired about one. Finally at the drug store a lovely young lady in the cosmetics section graciously acknowledged such a thing existed. She told me about how great they were and how she took a manicure course and they just happened to have one left! Phew.

Mom also wanted some emergency candles. That sounds sort of boring so to spruce them up I stuffed them into a festive looking bucket I found at the dollar store.

I kept one mug for myself. I have decided to do a psychedelic scene with flowers, peace signs and perhaps a sun shining.

• If you’re looking for more fun festive craft ideas, check out Creative Mom’s red felt stocking tree ornaments.

I should have a nap more often. My husband peeled potatoes and mashed them himself and the kids had the table set. When I awoke, all I had to do was eat. That doesn’t happen every day. Tons of laundry has been washed and dried as well. It is somewhat reassuring that they would all be fine without me if I was hit by a truck or something. I haven’t been feeling the spunkiest and was getting tired of everyone asking me if I had any ideas for supper.

Is cooking no longer the “in” thing to do?

• I normally love cooking but guess just needed a break from it. I have noticed the strangest trend lately with cooking. I watched this craft show over a week ago and she was reminiscing about the old days when people made apple crisp from scratch and commented about how she was surprised they still sold vegetable shortening at the grocery store. Then my daughter was reading the package off of the back of a bag of macaroons urging us to taste the old homemade flavors or something implying that such things are no longer in existence.

• I find it a very strange thing to be proud of the fact that you don’t cook but maybe I’m old fashioned that way. It is a handy skill although not as necessary as what my father in law thinks it is. That is the first question he asked my husband before we married. “Can she cook?” I was a tomboy so did rebel against most domestic things when younger but always loved cooking. My parents were very tolerant and supportive of it as well and politely tasted most of my crazy creations.

I don’t know what’s up with the naps but it seems to be working for me. I haven’t been sleeping very well at night because I threw my back out slightly from shoveling after the last major snow storm. It doesn’t take much now to throw it out. A few years ago, I worked at a factory and did a lot of repetitive lifting and my one shoulder has never been the same since.

Now that supper is finished and the dishes and laundry are done perhaps I will go and bake some cookies or something. I never was big on following trends anyway. My 11 year old daughter can bake cookies on her own already and it’s something we enjoy doing together as a family whether it’s in or not. According to Jackie on Kids Dish it is Bake Cookies Day so some people must still be doing it.

Warren Hanson wrote and illustrated the new book “Kiki’s Hats“. It’s a story about a spunky older woman who knits hats and gives them away.

Apparently there is a real Kiki who gives away hats. It’s all about giving and how that doesn’t have to be complicated, huge or expensive. Simply raking someone’s yard, smiling or visiting a sick friend or relative are all ways we can give in small ways.

You can check out other people’s touching stories on how they decided to give to others on Kiki’s Hats website or submit and share your own story.

What I love about ‘Kiki’s Hats’ is this is a real-life story,” said Hanson. “The real Kiki is a kind, generous woman who exemplifies what it means to share her gifts with others. Not only is she sharing her hats, but she gives a gift that will live on in each child that reads the book: the understanding that miracles can happen when we give of ourselves.(Minneapolis, Dec. 17, PR)

Alice Cooper and Jordin Sparks were dedicating a real school of rock in Phoenix today including a concert hall and recording studio. It is a $7 million teen center led by rocker Cooper called “The Rock” and is located at Grand Canyon University.

Alice Cooper established the Solid Rock Foundation with Chuck Savale in 1995. Their goal is to honor Christ by helping children meet their spiritual, economic, physical and social needs in their community.

Both Alice and Jordin are Christians from Phoenix and want to give the teens a center to have fun and learn while keeping away from crime and drugs.

I remember Alice Cooper in his crazy rebellious years and never dreamed he would be helping keep teenagers out of trouble rather than getting them into it. I’m glad it’s happened though and hope the idea spreads.

What will the School of Rock be offering?

They will be teaching children how to perform in the music industry, as well as lighting, staging, mixing and recording music. While the school is mainly based on music, it will include a skateboarding park, computer lab, game room, childcare center and coffee house. The childcare center is a wonderful idea because there are plenty of young mothers who still want to learn.

“With Grand Canyon University’s support, we are fulfilling a vision we’ve had for several years — to provide teens and children with a central place to learn, have fun, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment,” says Alice Cooper, Solid Rock’s chairman. “I hope that in years to come, The Rock will be the first of many such teen centers in Arizona and around the country.” (Phoenix, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire)

• To learn more, see this video about the teen center with Chuck Savale and Alice Cooper commenting about it. (Photographed and edited by Stjepan Alaupovic) Jeff Moore makes a great point about how much of the focus in recreation is usually on sports. What if the kid is not into sports?
• To read more on alternative schooling solutions, check out Celebrity Homeschool Gossip.

I couldn’t get online until now and have to get up early in the morning but I wanted to share this cute Christmas craft project simply made from popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners. It would be an easy one for younger children to do. Find more projects at www.ActivityVillage.co.uk

April from Life as a Christian Woman asks, “How do you achieve a balance between the two?”

The purpose of Christmas to me is to celebrate Jesus’ birth and to spend time with family and friends. Somehow, that seems to get lost in the shuffle with the mad rush at the malls and the “buy more stuff” pressure.

I don’t enjoy the competitive clamoring or try to keep up with buying someone an expensive gift anymore just because they have for my children or me. For one it’s not possible and for another I figure if they are a true friend or family member they will still love us regardless of what thing we as a family present.

Debt

One person I know hands out checks to everyone dated in January. I would be just as happy with a card, a coffee cup, or even a hug and think it’s sad that someone feels it necessary to break themselves to the extent that they’re still paying for it months later. Not that I haven’t been there. A few years ago, we put on quite the show but paid dearly for it for many months after. For what? If someone truly puts value on a person to be how much money or things they can produce, what sort of friend is that? They’re not and if that’s all they want, then you’re simply a mark to them.

Memories

Some of my fondest memories are of our family getting together, telling stories, singing carols, creating ornaments, sharing meals and playing games. I don’t even remember what most of them gave me over the years. Stuff I do remember is my aunt making us flannel nighties and my mom knitting some gorgeous sweaters. Other things that I treasure are photographs because they represent those memories and I can look at them and laugh and cry and treasure those times with loved ones. Here’s one of my eldest daughter who’s all grown up now. We still have fun baking and making crafts together, although there’s a few more kids to join in on the fun now.

Handmade Gifts

In the craft section here you can find some fun crafts to create with your family either as ornaments or presents.

I continue to learn and am not perfect but our family is going greener as well so the less packaging and the more handmade stuff the better. My children are not always thrilled about such things so they will still receive some sort of gadget. You can check out Globally Green Living for some earth friendly holiday gift ideas.

• You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. –Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Not very long ago, I was complaining about the noise around here. Most of yesterday was quiet, peaceful and somewhat shocking. I had no children to blame for not getting that book read or the house cleaned or the wash done. I suppose I have become accustomed to the chaos. I still felt their voices bouncing off the walls. It was nice and yet I was having trouble relaxing.

I went shopping today at Ten Thousand Villages. I love it there because I feel like I have entered an exotic country and enjoy looking at all the colorful crafts. I bought both my sister and my daughter the cutest dolls for Christmas. They were handmade in Peru and I just love them. It’s also a good feeling to be able to help people a little through buying fair trade crafts. I’m not the greatest photographer yet but I took a picture to show you.

I walked home and that took a good half an hour so got my meditation in. When I entered it was with a better attitude and the family’s demands for sloppy joes were not that annoying although I made them ask again more nicely.

It’s important that we as parents make time to relax. Sometimes even when you have the time it’s difficult to unwind. It is for me anyway. Meditation is a good way of relaxing and I like to walk while meditating. I’m sharing links on basic Buddhist Vipassana (Insight) Meditation, which I found quite helpful so thought you might as well. Noah is a Buddhist monk born in Canada, ordained in Thailand and presently lives there.

Noah generously shares 12 instructional videos not only on meditation but also on living a healthier lifestyle and how we should do everything in moderation. See Noah’s How to Meditate videos for more.

• At Life Tips Daily there’s a wonderful post about Taking a Break and how to tell if you need one. We all do at some point.

We made Christmas salt dough ornaments a few years ago and they were addicting. I ended up buying new cookie cutters just so I would have some new shapes. I’m including a video with the recipe for salt dough. Don’t forget to put a hole in them before baking.

We did Sesame Street characters, gingerbread men and women, flowers, hearts and the Simpsons characters. The gingerbread men and women were the most fun to paint and it was interesting to see what sort of outfit a family member would come up with.

We used water based paint and sprayed shellac on them after to make sure they were sealed. Try to make sure they’re the same thickness because I found some that had soft spots because the thinner parts cooked first. It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy though and it doesn’t have to be perfect, so have fun!

As the Grinch would say, Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise! We had a lovely meal together today but I don’t know if they have been sneaking someone’s coffee or got hold of some chocolate or what but everyone seems high strung and could not stay quiet or still for a second.

One child has learned how to write her name so she has proudly written it on the newly painted bathroom wall. One has pink eye so everything must be thoroughly washed (not that I don’t wash otherwise) but it is a bit of extra work.

I truly don’t mind some sounds but these high-pitched screeches have to go, especially when we are all in the same room and no one is deaf.

My husband isn’t any better. He’s blasting rap but it’s probably to tune the screeches out.

We did get a start on an igloo but it is darned cold so only want to stay out there so long. I like hiking by myself and think I need to do that again beginning tomorrow no matter how cold it is. It’s an opportunity to meditate and an escape from the noise. I have a balaclava (a hat that covers your face for those who never heard of it) and boots so if I dress properly it will be bearable and clear my head.

Anyway, there is much to be grateful for and since everyone is healthy and happy, I shouldn’t really complain. Tomorrow is another day so I’ll hit the hay early and pray for a quieter day.

• If you’re looking for quick meal ideas for those hectic days, check out Mom is Teaching’s “Make a lunch quick enough for a homeschooler” post.

I was up very late last night making candles for a wedding shower so dozed off today during the time I would normally be cooking.

I made some lovely scented candles and decorated some glass holders. I just used some rub on silver heart transfers I found at the craft store and was quite pleased with the results.

It was great fun but took longer than I thought it would. The wedding shower was fun and I was surprised to see so many people because there was a lot of snow out there. Cars were swerving all over the place so was grateful to make it home intact.

My eldest daughter is 19 but she’s not into cooking. The twins asked her what she was making and she told them to nuke Jamaican patties. They weren’t too impressed but ate nonetheless. One said, “You could have at least made a burger.”

I think now that I have my second wind I will cook a late simple supper for the kids. Simple because there is a huge mess that still needs tidied and no fun creating more mess on top of another mess.

My simple meal creation that they always go crazy over is macaroni and cheese with tuna and peas. I like it with lots of pepper but just dose my own later.

The recipe:

• Two boxes of prepared Kraft dinner
• One can of tuna
• Half a can of peas

After that, I shall bask in the glow of my lovely candles because of course I kept some for myself.

• If you’re interested in learning how to spend less on groceries, check out Frugal Mania’s “How to spend less on groceries” post.

Our Christmas tree topper is lame and I’m sick of it so am on a mission seeking alternative solutions. I would prefer to make one and also have fun doing it with the children so here are some holiday tree topper crafts to consider. I’ll narrow them down here after our family votes on them.

Here’s one of the easiest ornaments called “beaded star tree trim” by Jane Lake at All Free Crafts. All you need is beads and chenille stems that we call pipe cleaners.

For a traditional angel, here’s a cute paper cone angel craft courtesy of DLTK. You could personalize it with markers, beads, ribbon or lace but it’s basically made from paper and a doily.

I don’t think we would use this one as a topper but it’s so cute I had to include it. It’s an adorable toilet paper tube angel. This is also from DLTK’s Crafts for kids.

At Casa Mexicana I found these paper mache angels. I think they’re my favorite but since they’re selling them there are no instructions included. They sell mermaid angels, women and men angels, chubby ones and standing ones. Shown here are the standing angels.

At Enchanted Learning I found this awesome Japanese Kokeshi Doll made out of a ping pong ball and a plastic bottle. What a great way to recycle and decorate at the same time! You can personalize it however you like. I think I might decide to make more than one of these toppers. They look so fun and I could use one as a table centerpiece.

• For some fun stocking stuffer ideas, see Creative Mom Cafe’s post on Stocking Stuffers.