Family Game Night

I began early last year to realize that having munchkins who grow up with a strong family orientation and loving memories wasn't going to happen by accident. In 15-20 years, I don't want to end up with regrets about what I didn't do with my kids. So last year I set out to establish some new family traditions for holidays that were uniquely ours and would help my kids "feel" our love for them and pass on our faith and values. This year, I hope to continue establishing traditions and am focusing on traditions that will help us foster strong relationships and enjoy quality time as a family.

Our first new tradition for the year is to make Saturday "Family Night". We are alternating game nights with movie nights.

On Game night, we cover the table with a large roll of white paper, set out some crayons, make a simple supper (submarine sandwiches, chips, veggies and dip, fresh fruit, cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows), and set around the table eating and playing tic-tac-toe, hangman, connect the dots, etc... Then, when we're done eating, we move to the living room floor to play board games until bedtime.

So far, it's been a hit! And, it's a great, inexpensive way to spend quality time as a fanily.

Saturday Mornings

I love Saturday mornings. With 3 very busy munchkins I can't do too much sleeping in, but Gareth does usually get up first and let me have a lie-in at least.

Then, it's up for family brunch. It's the only morning of the week where we all get breakfast together, so on weeks when there isn't anything else happening I love to make a big breakfast for everyone. This is one of the kids' favorites: animal shape pancakes with chocolate chips.

Note the teddy-bear with a missing tooth, in honor of Noah.

Here is the bunny I made for Noah,

and the teddy bear that Nathan wanted.
And, the happy smiles that they brought.

Cinnamon Applesauce Glue Ornaments

Here is the recipe for the cinnamon ornaments I mentioned in my last post. They make a great craft activity for the kids. And, they make the whole house smell lovely. We use stars, hearts, and angel cookie cutters and hang them with red ribbon.

Last year, Noah loved making them so much, that he also made batch and gave as gifts to his Sunday School, choir, and AWANA teachers. You can also use them as part of the decorations for Christmas gifts you are wrapping.

What you'll need:
1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
1 T. ground cloves
1T. ground nutmeg
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white school glue (like Elmer's)
Bowl
Plastic food wrap
Rolling pin
Wax paper
Cookie cutters or a knife
Ribbon or yarn for hanging
Straw

How to make it:
Mix cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg,applesauce, and glue together in a bowl. The dough should be as thick as cookie dough. Add a bit of water if the dough is too stiff.

Remove from bowl and knead. Put it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for at least a half hour.

Turn oven on as low as it will go.

Remove the dough, knead again to make sure it's smooth. Flatten/roll the dough between waxed paper until it's between 1/4" thick and 1/8" thick.

Cut out desired shapes, use a straw to punch a hole for the ribbon to hang. The circle of dough will pull out with the straw.

Gently place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with foil (make sure foil is VERY smooth) and place in oven. Turn ornaments over every 5 minutes, and bake until ornaments are completely dry. Remove from oven and allow to cool on counter overnight.

Don't be surprised to see that the ornaments get smaller during the drying process. Keep this in mind when you pick out the cookie cutters for your designs. You will also notice that if you do not turn the ornaments over often enough while they are drying, the edges of the ornaments will curl.

When completely dry, thread a piece of ribbon or yarn through the hole to hang.