Back-to-School Time

Ok, so yes, I'm jumping for joy that today is the 1st day back to school. Why? Mainly because I think our kids have had too much "togetherness" this summer. That 2 week vacation really tested the sibling love! But seriously, I think I crave the routine the most. The kids are both excited to start the new school year.

We visited their schools on Monday night. Met their teachers, dropped off their (bags) of school supplies and figured out their new schedules. Ugh, my daughter is now in middle school. I can hardly wait for the drama that will occur this year. (I'm joking!)

When we stopped by my son's classroom (he's in 2nd grade now), his teacher gave each student something to take home with them to have before them come to school on the first day. I thought this was genius (and I knew right from that moment, that I was really going to like this teacher!). This was his gift:

Jitter Juice: Guaranteed to reduce first day butterflies. Kid tested, Teacher approved. How cute!!

If you follow me on Instagram, you are sure to see the First Day of School pics! (if you aren't following me yet, click here and then click FOLLOW!)

Here are some ideas to make your First Day of School special for your family!

Start the day out right with these:
Melt in Your Mouth Blueberry Pancakes

Pack them a lunch that includes these:
DIY Uncrustables

Let them know you are thinking about them during the school day with these:
Lunchbox Notes

Greet them at the door or bus stop with these:
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies

End the day with a kid friendly dinner:
Pizza Muffins








 



Happy Wednesday! If your kids aren't back to school yet, when is their first day?

Happy May Day Treats

Next week starts a new month (and hopefully some warmer weather!). When I was a child, my mom would help us put together May Day baskets and deliver them to our neighbor friends. We would fill the baskets with homemade popcorn, candy and nuts. When we delivered them to our friends, we would put them on the doorstep or front door knob, knock and run! It was fun and such a great memory I have.

A few years ago, we started the same tradition in our family. For our May Day baskets this year, we decided to hand paint some paper to make cones for the baskets. We made some of our BEST EVER POPCORN , tossed in some Skittles, Goldfish Crackers and Craisins and filled them up! We attached a pipe cleaner to the cone and added a little tag. The kids look forward to surprising our neighbor friends again! 

Here’s how to assemble: 

Colorful May Day Baskets

Materials Needed:

White Paper

Water Color Paints or other crafting paints

Paint Brushes

Pipe Cleaners

Hole Punch

Tag (optional)

Instructions:

Paint your design on the white paper. I had the kids choose bright colors and do more of an abstract painting. Let dry. Roll into a cone shape and secure with clear scotch tape. Punch holes at the top of the cone for the pipe cleaner handle. Secure pipe cleaner as the hanger. Attach the tag with some ribbon. Fill with your goodies and deliver on May 1^st! Have fun!

 

 This post was originally written for MomItForward.com. You can find it here.

Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt

We have a few Valentine's Day traditions in our house...one of them is a Scavenger Hunt. The kids enjoy reading the clues and going from room to room which leads them to the Valentine's Day Surprise!
These are pictures from 2009 (my kids have changed so much!)--I must not have taken pictures during the hunt since then (and this was way before I ever thought I'd have a blog)!!

 Clue's were typically easy! Here are a few examples to get you thinking:

• We don't wear shoes in the house, this is where we should put them. (shoe closet)
• ZZZZZZ this is where you find dad snoring. (parents bed)
• The only purple room in the house. (Hailey's bedroom)
• Crunch and munch, this is where you find the snacks. (pantry, snack bin)
• Shhh....mom's relaxing. (whirlpool tub)
• Craftiness happens here. (craft room)
• Splish, splash Carson is taking a bath. (kids tub)
• Brrr...it's cold in here! (freezer)

At the end of the hunt they find their little treat bag. Something small and simple. 

Our other tradition is making heart-shaped pizza's for dinner. Each kid makes their own! Such fun!

So, what kind of Valentine's Day traditions does your family do?

If you like what you see, comment, pin and follow along!

Cindy

10 Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas!

Elf on the Shelf is a huge trend right now. We’ve been doing Elf for about 3 years—what fun! Our Elf Kris comes to visit us as soon as our Christmas tree is put up! Our Elf Kris gets a little mischievous while we are sleeping—which is all part of the fun. The kids get so excited to find Kris each morning and see what kind of trouble he got into or where he is hiding! Today, I’m sharing some ideas we did last year and a few pictures from this year. My friend Becky also sent me some pictures of their Elf too! Maybe you will get some ideas for your Elf! 

Here is Becky's Elf Mistletoe having a snowball fight! What fun!

 Mistletoe did a snow angel in some coconut. We did this too, but we used sugar. Either way, the kids thought it was funny!

Mistletoe went fishing!

Look at the campfire and marshmallow roasting going on! I love the burnt tips of the marshmallows!

 Here is Mistletoe on a date with Barbie! They are drinking out of the syrup bottle!

Here is our Elf Kris--he brought the kids donuts and had some "Elf" sized donuts too! (those are Cheerios with sprinkles)

Kris was silly here, he drew horns and funny faces on the kids' pictures! (this is probably my favorite one from last year--the kids laughed every time they walked by!)

Kris curled up in Carson's tent, so he decided to read to him. He brought this into school and they posted in the Library!

Kris joined us this year by playing with Carson's football trading cards.

On the second day, Kris tried to go sledding! Unfortunately, when we got home from school/work, he was off his sled and laying on the stairs! Carson was so upset and worried that he might not be able to fly back to Santa!

Have you done something clever? Share your ideas or send me your pictures! And if you have small children and don’t have the Elf on the Shelf, consider starting this fun tradition with your family. You’ll be glad you did!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy