What's on Your List?

Ah, yes.  The holiday season is upon us now, with just a FEW WEEKS to get all of that shopping done.  Thanksgiving is late this year. which leaves even less time to focus on the candy canes and latkes.  So, I figured to get a head start on the hustle and bustle of the mistletoes and menorahs.  Disclaimer: I live in a world of boys. If I didn't quite hit on "girly" things, well I am just thankful that I am not immersed in the world of Elsa and Anna this year.  Here are my top  Chrismakkah gifts (in no particular order).

Spot It!
I love this game for so many reasons!  First, Spot It! is super portable. I always throw it in the soccer bags or pocket books because it can help pass the time during appointments, practices, and restaurant waits.  And now that they have expanded their already extensive line to include Disney themes like Frozen, Planes, Doc McStuffins, Jake and Neverland Pirates and Pixar, there is truly something for everyone. It makes a great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift!  And the kids don't know that they are building amazing visual perceptual and language skills. BlueOrange flat out, just knows how to play!

Legos
Well, this is a given. Besides the home security factor of stepping on loose bricks causing immense pain to any intruder, the Lego family of products provides hours of entertainment.  From Duplos for the little hands to the Lego Architecture sets for the over-achiever enthusiast, Lego has something for EVERYONE!  Add in-hand manipulation skills, attention, and direction following to the play, and the result is a classic therapeutic and engaging activity.  And look on November 15th for the release of new Minecraft additions!

Books
Maybe it's because we are a house of readers, but books are definitely on the list this year.  Between the Minecraft Handbooks, the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Long Haul (scheduled to release on today, November 4th) the Fly Guy series for the younger reader, and the The Book with No Pictures, there are amazing choices available to foster the love of the written word.  And if you have older kids to buy for, then consider an eReader.  Not only is it electronic, and inevitably awesome, it still provides access to books.

Subscription Craft Kits
I've written before on how much our family loves the Kiwi Crate.  We strayed off for a month just to try something new, the Happy Trunk, but it just wasn't the same; the quality and engagement just wasn't there.  Luckily we are back and with a renewed love.  Kiwi recently introduced the Tinker Crate, which is a STEM based build and play activity kit.  Targeted for 9-14+, the kits are phenomenal.  This month, the kit was focused on building a motor.  How freakin' cool?!  If you are interested in the gift that keeps on giving, a monthly to yearly subscription to one the Kiwi Crate clubs is the way to go.

Under $15 Stocking Stuffers:
Basically, anything from ThinkFun!  Math Dice, Swish, Word Around.  You can't go wrong. These are quick and easy games that are engaging, practical, and fun.  Rory's Story Cubes are another fun stuffer for the kids and speech therapists in your life.  Let the picture dice guide your imagination to create the next Super Stuffed Animal adventure or the fairy tale of Princess Penelope Pickle Pants.

Hope you have received a little inspiration.  Please add to the list if you want to share some of your faves this year!

On the twelve days after Chrismakkah....

As much as it was a crazy and wonderful time of year, I am glad it's over and to be getting back to some normalcy.  But first,

On the twelfth day after Chrismakkah, the chores we have to do:
Removing all the chochkeys...
Taking down the garland...
Packing the menorah...
Finding random Santas....
Collecting all the dreidels....
Putting toys together...
Vacuuming wrapping paper...
EATING ALL THE SWEETS!!!!!!
Gaining 15 pounds....
Trying to run it off....
Removing all the lights...
And taking down the Christmas tree....

To Wrap or Not To Wrap, That is the Question....

Ok.  Yes I have been basically done shopping for a while.  But the presents now lie naked in the closet, and in my bedroom, waiting to be wrapped.  And if not wrapped, found.

Luckily the boys are still at the age where they haven't discovered the art of searching for the presents, masterfully untaping gift wrap, peaking, and then skillfully reattaching the tape.  Like you never did?!

But in the meantime, I have this overwhelming procrastination for wrapping this year.  I love to wrap the gifts usually, but for whatever reason, I just can't get myself to do it.  Maybe its because there is no snow on the ground and my brain must not register the urgency of the wrapping disaster waiting to happen.

And to make matters more pressing, Hanukkah starts next week too!

Crap, I suppose I should stop writing, procrastinating, and do the inevitable...  sit on the couch and watch a show rather than wrap....

The House of Many Candies...

I guess with Kyle working on the bathroom, I too had the urge to renovate.  So on the way home, I was inspired to start my own a little do-it-yourself project: A Gingerbread House.  I have no shame in saying I purchased a kit for $10 at the Family Dollar.

 

So while he was scraping and plastering, I was constructing the cottage with my own tasty caulk.  Once put together, and held with my hands, the boys were able to decorate.

 I have to say, they had better self control than I think I have.  They stuck to just a few pieces to eat, since we did do it before supper.  

With just a few minor collapses, the house finally was finished, the boys licked their pasty hands and we all enjoyed the final product of  "B and S Services" (now including construction and home decorating).

But if you are one of my gluten free friends, you don't have to lose out on the fun too.  A and J Bakery in Cranston, Rhode Island created The Allergen Friendly Gingerbread House Kit.  And even better, you can order one and have it sent to you.  Just remember this time of year is busy so make sure to call soon if you want one :)

Candy: the real meaning of the advent calendar....

The kids have been eyeing this hand painted concoction of mine since I brought it out on Saturday.  They even went so far as to sneak a peak, to find.... nothing in the numbered doors.

"Mom, where's the candy?"

Well, guys, the candy doesn't arrive until December 1st.  Then we can count down the days till Christmas.

Since then, they have been counting down till the official candy countdown for the Santa Advent Calendar can begin.

I bought this thing 3 years ago from A.C. Moore and painted it.  Nothing special by any means. In fact the top is broken.  And Kyle makes fun of me for the sequence I wrote the numbers in, joking with me that I did it in the Hebrew fashion- backwards.  Hey, I just followed the example.  Regardless, the boys know what it is for.  They know what it contains.  And the anticipation is killing them.

So now as the boys fall into a welcomed sleep, I am filling up the little celebratory boxes with Kisses and mini hershey bars. Because the moment they wake up tomorrow, they will descend on me like vultures to a fresh kill, pecking at me until I let them open the treasured door of bliss in honor of the official countdown to Christmas.

God, I love the holidays.

Confessional....

Forgive me, blog, for I have sinned. I have not written anything in almost a week.

OK.  Now that is over.
Along with Thanksgiving, almost.

Black Friday is upon us, and there are crazy people out there attempting to purchase the ultimate items for the lowest prices known to man kind.  I am NOT one of them.  I did that one year, and vowed no way in hell would I do that again.  It was insane.  It reminded me of a flash mob (before they became a thing) where everyone meets at Walmart, screams, pushes, and uses the antithesis of natural human kindness, to get to that $2 Elmo doll.  Thanks, but no thanks.  I much rather go at my leisure or do Cyber Monday.

With exactly one month till Christmas, and even less till Hanukkah, it is time to puke the holidays. And love every minute of it.  So pull back your hair, and good luck!

I didn't know it existed....

October 30th is apparently National Candy Corn Day!  Sweet Delectableness!

Here is everything you wanted to know about the tasty triangular treat and were afraid to ask...

Candy corn is fat free. So I won't gain weight if I eat an entire bag?

Candy corn has approximately 3.57 calories per delectable kernel, As much as a grape. An appropriate equivalent, I think. A "veggie" for a fruit?

A cup of candy corn has less calories than a cup if raisins. Well just give me another reason to eat a whole cup then.

Candy corns are built from the top to the bottom. Where do you start your candy? At the top!(sorry I couldn't help myself)

Yes, I do love them.  Thank you Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia-based Wunderlee Candy Company's George Renninger, invented this popular candy back in the 1880s. Can we assume there is a correlation between the invention of the delicious sweet and the publishing of some of the times most memorable literature like the Adventures of Huck Finn, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Sherlock Holmes?

So go to your local store and celebrate this most sacred of days, October 30th.
And when the children are in bed, you can indulge in this...

From the Food Network, here is the recipe for Candy Corn Cordials

I'm one of those...

Yup. I'm one of them.

The people who start holiday shopping riduluously early. Technically, I start the day after Christmas with phenomenal sales on wrapping paper, gift bags, and the occasional chotchkee. It is sick and I thought about joining shopper anonymous. But then I realized it could be worse. I could be paying full price. Nooooooooo! Not that!

So I continue sale shopping all year long for cool items. Gymboree, Children's Place, and Land's End have great clearance sales by the middle of the seasons. It is a great way to stock up on the next size up on good quality clothing. Oriental trading post has competitively priced craft items to make your own ornaments. If you are really good, each week you can go to Michael's, Joann Fabrics, or AC Moore to take advantage of their 40-50% off coupons to stock up on frames for those kiddie family pictures and other random knick knacks.

What I have experienced though while zenning out on Internet sale shopping is the "oh shitake" factor when I have realized I have gone over my budget or that I have lost track of what I have stored in my gift closet. It does happen. But those are gifts and I will eventually use them for my umpteen nieces and nephews and the inevitable school friends' birthday parties. But this year I might take a new approach and place the cash budgetEd and resulting receipts for each person into an accordion filer. That way I will only spend what I have allotted for them. We will see if that works.

Regardless, I find Chrismakwanzakkah shopping really comes down to a few things: keeping an eye on sales, remembering whey you have already purchased, and sticking to a budget.

Have you stuck your feather in your cap today?

Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony
Stuck a feather in his hat
And called it macaroni.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.

Father and I went down to camp
Along with Captain Gooding
And there we saw the men and boys
As thick as hasty pudding.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy

There was Captain Washington
Upon a slapping stallion
A-giving orders to his men
I guess there was a million.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.

Now if you have never looked up the origin of this nursery rhyme, you might be surprised.  My source for all knowledge, good ol' Wikipedia has an extensive history lesson as well as extended lyrics.  I was surprised to learn that it has ties to Billerica, MA.  It is also the state song of Connecticut. And apparently, Yankee Doodle may have been an insult in actuality, making fun of Stupid Yanks for trying to look fashionable by sticking feathers in their hats trying to be all the rage. Go figure...

And what is with the "And with the girls be handy" line????  I suppose this may be the origin of the "Hair Band" Era.... But regardless, if a guy had bigger hair than what I had in the early 90s, then he would NOT be handy with me!

Anyway, Happy 4th of July! Be safe!

If you are looking for things to do to celebrate the 4th throughout New England, check out: http://www.visitnewengland.com/new_england_july_4_highlights.html

Mom, what is Memorial Day about?

Well, if you have heard this question, or wondered it yourself, you know it is not supposed to be about the 3 day super sales. But it is what it has turned into. So how do you explain it and celebrate it with kids?

First, a little history lesson. It originated after the civil war as a day of remembrance for those lost in the battles, symbolized by placing crosses and flowers at the gravesides of fallen soldiers. Then in 1868, retired Major General Logan declared that the 30th of May be a time of remembrance for the brave service of men and women who gave their lives for their country. Now, it honors those who died in any of the wars, past and present, from the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm, to the current battles still being fought in the Middle East. It was declared a federal holiday in 1971 and we use this day to also remember loved ones as well. Parades and dedications of memorials are usually part of the day's activities to commemorate the holiday.

So when you and your family are celebrating the extended weekend, make sure you take the time to think about why. Get your kids involved by going to a parade (bring ear plugs, sunscreen and water). Make a craft, and visit a local dedicated park or playground honoring service men and women. But make sure to share with them the importance of the day.

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." ~Joseph Campbell

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday

Nothing says Happy EasterOver like Matzoh and Bacon

In our family we celebrate everything, primarily because we come from different backgrounds.  I am Jewish and Kyle is Protestant.  And we send Booger to Catholic school, go figure.  This year Passover and Easter fall very close to each other, so tomorrow it is EasterOver.

Kyle’s family generally hosts the bountiful breakfast and the kids get to do their egg hunt at the Nana Papa Compound after finding what the Easter Bunny left for them at our house.  Those little buggers make out. 

When I was younger, my grandparents would drive down and we would host the Passover Seder.   We would search for the afikoman, the hidden matzo, to get a prize. We would have the Seder plate with all the things on it.  But generally my sister and I would just poke each other under the table till we could eat, and try to drink the Manischewitzwhen no one was looking.

I didn’t appreciate it my heritage until I had children.  When, I am sure much to the chagrin of my passed grandmother, we had Booger christened and named during a briss.  (The briss we will get to another day because that has scarred us all for like)  Mudget was christened, not named. Second child syndrome.  I wanted to help them understand the Jewish faith, but I had little clue.  I came from a hippie family who didn’t force us to go to synagogue or get our Bat Mitzvah.  We were the only Jewish family in our town.  So now we go with the flow. I read up on the internet and ask my grandfather about different holidays and celebrations and then share it with the kids when I think of it.  Maybe when they are older I will do a little more.  Hey, I never said I was perfect.  I like my bacon.

So this year, on this holy holiday of EasterOver, I think I will the bring the matzoh and Charoset to the Easter table, next to the bacon, ham, and French toast.  Hide the afikoman.  Find some Easter eggs. Drink a bottle of Maneschevitz. And say La Chaim.

And if you have never tried it- make some Charoset. Its awesome any time.

6 Gala Apples- shredded

1 cup walnuts

½ - ¾ cup Manischewitz or another tastey red wine (i used a great Blueberry wine last time)

1-3 tbsp cinnamon

1-3 tbsp honey

Did you remember to get Mother Earth a Present???

It's Earth Day.  Not like everyday we shouldn't be recycling, reducing and reusing. But today we specifically hunt out things to do to make the Earth a better place so it doesn't revolt and end up like a scene from the M. Night Shyamalan movie "The Happening".

What can you do with the kids? Put them to work!  Kids love being in nature, and as I look out the window this brisk but sunny day, I am thinking "Outside People!"  Try going to a local playground and picking up trash.   Or if you live by the coast, go to the beach.  Stop by one of the Audobon Society's many sites and take a hike (check out www.asri.org).    Go bug hunting, a favorite of the kids.  Paint a picture of the world.  Do Something! Get out those crushed up Stop and Shop bags, some non-latex gloves, and the hand sanitizer and clean up the Earth.