“At least this up and down weather is interesting,” she recently posted, after we’d had a snowstorm one day, thunder and lightning that night, and a big Spring-like melt the next.

Like my friend, I attempt to maintain a positive attitude, even when the weather is less than optimal and my four kids have a holiday or “teacher work day” to keep them home from school.

When yet another three or four day weekend is looming, I get creative. Over the past several winters, I have thrown everything from elaborate Groundhog Day celebrations to birthday parties for J.R.R. Tolkien. I have commemorated Presidents’ Day with cherry pies (a nod to our first president) and old-fashioned games such as Dominos to show my children what games were played hundreds of years ago.

4 Staycation Ideas for President's Day

As Presidents’ Day (and another four-day weekend) approaches, we can all start planning playful (and, yes, educational) ways to commemorate it.

Decorate the House

Set the mood for the day by surprising your kids when they wake up on Presidents’ Day. Pull out the American flags you usually reserve for the Fourth of July. Hang red, white, and blue streamers. Visit a teacher supply or dollar store to buy (or cut out your own) simple shapes to replicate George Washington’s recognizable profile or Abe Lincoln’s top hat. (Those figures are, of course, the two presidents whom we celebrate on the third Monday of February.)

Learn About the Presidents

Although Presidents’ Day usually points to Honest Abe and the Father of our Country, it’s appropriate to learn about the other POTUSes on that day as well.

For a complete list of our presidents, visit this site. Click on a president to read their inaugural addresses or other historic documents. More recent presidents can be seen and heard delivering their most famous addresses. Create a quiz to teach “fun facts” about various presidents.

Create Craft Projects

Pick your favorite president and have a little fun. Build a pretzel log cabin. Watch this video to learn about Abe Lincoln’s famous log cabin and how to make your own edible version. For a construction project that is a little less sticky, consider making your own George Washington wig. Nibbling on a piece of Mamie Eisenhower’s fudge while watching Dwight D. give his “military/industrial complex speech” on the POTUS site certainly would make it a little sweeter.

Watch Presidential-Themed Movies

Presidents’ Day is a perfect occasion to introduce teens to classic political films such as “All the President’s Men” and “Wag the Dog.” Lighter political fare for tweens includes Kevin Kline’s comic “Dave.” I like watching “1776” with my children on Presidents’ Day to reflect on our country’s origins and the benefits of our system of government. Musicals make me happy and brightening my mood in the depths of winter makes the whole family more sunny.

What’s are your fun ideas for celebrating Presidents' Day?

Featured photo courtesy of Flickr.

Parenting writer Jennifer Grant’s first book, “Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter” was published in August 2011. Her second, also a memoir, is titled “MOMumental: Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family” and will be released in May 2012. “MOMumental” is a “humorous and candid memoir that shows would-be supermoms how to create a realistically balanced family life without losing their minds.” Find Grant online at jennifergrant.com.

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This is an idea I came across on FreshTakes.msn.com. As I researched, I realized that this is one of those common sense ideas that is already the staple of many mom blogs. It is essentially that you, and other family members if you so desire, write down a bunch of open-ended questions on little slips of paper and put them in a mason jar, to be opened and read one- or two-at-a-time, at dinner. It is a way of making conversation fun, not interrogational. It is a way of centering together, of taking a moment to relax and engage together.

Alison Prince of Kaysville, Utah is the mom who not only featured the idea on FreshTakes, but also provides lists of sample questions on her blog HowDoesShe. They are questions like: “If you could pick your own name, what would it be?” or “What do you think of my driving?” Others are more serious: “What punishment have I given you that you thought was really unfair?” and “What kinds of lies do your friends tell their parents?”

Some of the questions include science trivia. She remembers asking the family, “How many stars are in the sky?" Her toddler and preschooler both said "three." "And they were pretty sure of it,” Alison says. “It’s funny to know even a  three year-old, in their own mind, thinks they’re right.” Jennifer Schmidt of BeautyandBedlam.com also provides a good list.

How To Make a Dinner Conversation Jar

Alison offers the following instructions if you want to make a conversation jar of your own:

1. Choose any large jar or basket to fill with questions.
2. Find potential questions through online searches, or just write your own, maybe getting older kids to write questions too.
3. Rotate among your family who gets to draw a question each night.
4. Write down some of the best responses for posterity.

When I make the Moesser Family Dinner Conversation Jar, it will include questions unique to us, such as "If you could buy any remote control vehicle today, what would it be?" and "What's your favorite thing/least favorite thing about boating?" I'm sure those questions will evoke more than shrugged shoulders.

What questions will you include in your Dinner Conversation Jar?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Disclosure: This post is a part of an incentivized online influencer network for Fresh Takes on Family Time Powered by Subway. Pictures are courtesy of HowDoesShe.com and Flickr. The opinions expressed herein are my own.

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We, as parents, are so busy keeping our kids busy that we may not really know our children. We talk about our day in passing from one activity to the next but often do not take the time to discuss our children’s lives. Some kids are great at hiding emotions, grades, or problems. So, let’s slow down, spend quality time together, and get to know our kids!

I am as guilty as the next when it comes to being an on-the-go mom. I feel like keeping my kids involved in activities will help them understand the importance of team work, giving 110 percent, and responsibility.

I have come to realize that making time for the family is important. The kids are involved in one activity each, which still keeps us very busy. We find ways to spend quality time together that interest everyone. We watch football and baseball, play volleyball in the front yard, play card games or dominoes, go bowling, or just sit around a bond fire together and talk. I love to take the kids to school every morning — it is our special time to talk. It is amazing what you can learn about your child on the way to school!

Spending family time together is very important for your children. While the extra sports and activities are great for the kids, they need to have a relationship with mom and dad. It is important for parents to know their kids — know them well enough to see when they are happy and even when they are sad or have a problem. Take advantage of free time with your kids and get them talking!

How do you keep your family? What is your favorite part of the day with your kids?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Robin Greene is a mother of two teenagers, a wife and a Kindergarten teacher. Robin enjoys spending as much time with her family as possible. She also enjoys teaching, participating in church activities and freelance writing for mybabyclothes.com.  Your little one will be the talk of the town in their unique baby clothes, cute baby hat or beautiful tutu.

The post Family Relationships: The Importance of Keeping Your Family Close appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Gardner Historic Village is an old mill converted into eclectic shops and antique stores with grassy areas and streams throughout. It may not be Salem, Massachusetts, but it is the perfect place for an awesome month-long Halloween celebration fit for the entire family.

I didn't wait for October to arrive this year before heading over for the festivities. I met my mom, sister, and cousin there the other day for lunch. OK! I won't lie. I was really after the pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies from the Naborhood Bakery (I bought eight!). Don't worry! I shared.

Now, I need to plan a time to go back with my kids to take advantage of one of these Witchfest activities:

• Breakfast With a Witch—Take your kiddos to a magical breakfast with witches and warlords. (Check here for available tickets.)
• Ride to a Witch—Behind the village, you can take your kids on a hay ride, a pony ride, and buy a pumpkin. (Check out the dates/times before you go!)
• Witchapalooza—Enjoy a fun dinner theater with witches dancing and singing as your entertainment. (Tickets are on sale for shows Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays all month long.)
• Bewitching Scavenger Hunt—Take your kids around the grounds and identify all the locations of the witches on display. You can print the scavenger hunt before going!
• Witch's Night Out—All you girls and women can dress up as witches and gather for fun (October 14 and 15, 2011).
• Whimsical Witch Displays—Check out the handmade witches on display like "Witchey Poo" here below!

Whether it's ghosting someone, trunk or treating, creating a magic garden, or a local celebration with witches like this one at Gardner Historic Village, family traditions make holidays more fun.

What local, fun activities and events do you have planned for the Halloween season this year? What is your favorite part about the Halloween season?

The post Family Halloween Activities: Witchfest at Utah’s Gardner Historic Village appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Together Counts is a national organization whose goal is to help families find ways to live an active and healthy lifestyle together. The principle behind our program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn. Calories in, calories out. Together Counts was started by The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a national, CEO-led organization, designed to help reduce childhood obesity by 2015.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 11 where we will be sharing lots of ideas on how to plan well-balanced meals and staying active as we head into the cold months ahead.

Party Topic

Join Together Counts and our panel of experts as we discuss ways to create a balanced meal when fresh produce isn’t as available. The party will be held on Tuesday, October 11 from 9-11 PM ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win.

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Tuesday, October 11 from 9-11 p.m. EST (8 CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtags #gno and #TogetherCounts)
• Topic:Seasonal Eating and Cold Weather Meals Your Family Will Love to Eat Together
• Who: Brand Panelist: @TogetherCounts, Community Panelists: @housewifebliss @NoelsKitchen @7onashoestring @gutimom @scrappinmichele @HoosierHomemade @MimiBakerMN @MarlaMeridith @aMusingFoodie, Moderators: @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Click here to enter the giveaway.
• RSVP: Use Mr. Linky below (enter the twitter URL and your twitter ID (e.g., http://twitter.com/jylmomIF).

RT @MomItForward Join the @TogetherCounts #gno Twitter party 10/11 (9-11 ET) on seasonal eating http://bit.ly/oKwD9l #TogetherCounts PLS RT

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties.

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He went to school, did his homework, watched TV, and played a few video games. Perhaps he didn't get enough "green time."

A new report and parent guide "Green Time for Sleep Time" from the National Wildlife Federation says that most of America's children are sleep deprived because they are not getting enough natural sleep-inducing light. When kids are not exercising and are over stimulated with electronic media during the day, it is affecting their quality of sleep at night.

This summer, our family went to Lake Powell in northern Arizonia for 5 days.

We enjoyed doing awesome outdoors activities in nature like surfing...

...and cliff jumping.

While we were there, we all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow each night.

Now that we are home and back into our new school routine, I am noticing that we are spending more time indoors. Taking time out of our busy schedules to make sure we are not only exercising but that we are getting outside and exposing ourselves to natural sunlight is critical to helping us continue to get enough sleep.

10 Tips to Reducing Sleep Deprivation in Children

Here are 10 tips to help reduce sleep deprivation in children by having them take advantage of natural sunlight.

1. Go to the park and enjoy nature.
2. Help with yard work or gardening projects.
3. Ride your bike around the block.
4. Play catch in the yard with you, their siblings, or other neighborhood friends.
5. Take your dog for a walk.
6. Play outside at recess.
7. Go on nature walks or hikes. If your children likes photography, have them take photographs of their adventures.
8. Participate in an outdoor individual or team sport.
9. Oversee an outdoor scavenger hunt in your backyard, in your neighborhood, at the park, or at another outdoor location in your community (for example, the zoo, botanical gardens, etc.).
10. Have a picnic or BBQ.

The benefits of sleep mean a happier and calmer child, and one who can focus more on important activities. As a parent, what is not to love about that?

What outdoor activities help your kids fall asleep at night? What tips do you have for reducing sleep deprivation in children?

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This year, we traveled back via Highway 70, winding through the Colorado Rockies, passing resorts like Steamboat Springs and Vail and towns like Grand Junction and Green River.

Once we were back in Utah territory, and only with an afternoon to spare (we needed to make it back in time for the first day of school), we veered off the highway and headed toward Moab, spending an afternoon in Arches National Park.

If you haven't been to southern Utah before, I recommend right now that you put it on your life list. The natural beauty is truly out of this world and like nothing I've ever seen.

 Arches National Park is one spot among many to visit. I kept saying that it looked like Mars... at least what I'd expect Mars to look like minus the vegetation. And the rock formations were astounding. Other areas to check out in the region include Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Zions National Park, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon. Visit utah.com for location information, reviews, and photos.

Tips for Hitting Arches National Park Highlights in One Afternoon

If you only have an afternoon, you won't have a lot of time to hike. So, here's one recommendation for how to hit the highlights in a hurry while not feeling rushed:

1. Stop at the scenic view points (like La Sal Mountains Viewpoint shown below) for photo opps. We let our kids take a few minutes to play with the rocks, run around, and climb at each stop.

2. Drop off all those in your party who want to stretch their legs and get up close and personal with nature  at the Courthouse Towers trail . Send them off with bottles of water and instructions to meet you at the other side. While they are taking their 15-minute walk, stop and take pictures of the La Sal Mountains and The Organ (shown below). You'll pick them up at a parking lot, located at the end of their walk.

3. Delicate Arch is a more advanced and longer hike, if you only have an afternoon, consider the shorter, less strenuous walk. This won't get you up close and personal with the arch, but will put you close enough to snap a pic, even if it's far off in the distance.

4. The short hike at the Fiery Furnace is breathtaking, simple, and provides lots of great photo opps. I went with my 10-year-old and we loved it. More advanced trails and longer hikes are available in this area, so if you have more time, consider those. But for a quick afternoon visit, this short hike was awesome.

5. Regardless of what you do in the first couple of hours, make sure to leave at least an hour or more at the end to visit Sand Arch. Giant rocks jet out of the ground in this area with soft sand in between them, perfect for kids to run and play on.

In addition, rocks are everywhere, perfect for climbing.

This area, recommended by Aimee from Greeblemonkey.com, by far was our boys' favorite part of the park. The shade from the rocks and the sand make for a cool spot to rest while your kids play.

6. My biggest tip though? Just have fun! Whether you are there for an afternoon or several days, make it a vacation to remember.

Where does your family like to vacation? Tips for creating the most memorable family vacay?

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Not the light and painted kind, but the heavy-store-bought-is-for-sissies kind of blocks.

Family legend goes that I was given these for my first birthday.  My dad made them and put them in a wooden wagon that he also made.  Each block can be carefully fitted into the wagon.  The secret to this clean-up puzzle could be unlocked once you had put away the blocks a thousand times.

Or that is how it seemed.

There is NO excuse for the way the blocks look in the picture above because I promise I hit that goal before I entered Kindergarten.

Block building was a regular event in our house.  It occurred post-church-lunch-nap.

Block building was NOT for kids.

It was a serious building enterprise whose mission was to use every block in a creative and strategic way that allowed the last block placed to touch the ceiling.

If the wooden block architect was successful, he was able to celebrate by slipping a pivotal piece out of his creation which caused the entire structure to tumble to the floor in one long crash.

The original Jenga.

Super-sized.

I remember the terror of the falling building.  Blocks rapidly dropped from the sky accompanied by wooden thunder.  As the block tower neared completion each week, the kids would run from the room in expectation of the impending destruction.  We would huddle together just around the corner using the wall as a block bomb shield.

It was magnificent.

My dad made a set of wooden blocks for my boys and then another set for my brother's kids.  The kids were thrilled, but the adults were even more excited because they know that building blocks is not child's play...

Holly Homer is a mommy blogger.  She writes June Cleaver Nirvana.

She is a stay-at-home mom of three block-buildin' boys.  In her spare time *cough*, she watches a little TV and ends up making late night purchases like WOW Containers, Pajama Jeans, and even the Booty Pop!

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I truly believe that families that read together learn together, and have the opportunity to experience life and bond with one another in a whole new way. It's one of my favorite past times and a win-win situation.

Reading as a family can be fun and rewarding and is an excellent way to spend quality time with one another. Let's not forget that it's also highly educational and a tradition that can be easily adopted.

5 Tips to Making Family Reading Time a Success!

Over the years, I've found through trial and error a few tricks that have really helped in this endeavor.

1. Try to read together regularly; at the same time of each day if possible. We always read together in the evening, and it works really well for us. And, if what we are reading is boring, instead of being disruptive, the younger kids just fall asleep.
2. Pick books that are important to you. Choosing age appropriate books should be a consideration, but also try reading texts that everyone may not be otherwise exposed to regularly. Religious texts, poems, plays, and the like are great examples. Not only does this introduce different forms of expression, one has to "translate" the text in order to get the meaning. These types of texts are excellent for discussion both during the reading and afterward.
3. Discuss, discuss, discuss. What better way to get everyone involved in a conversation than over a shared experience?
4. Give everyone a chance to read. Even if the child doesn't know how to read, let them hold the book, follow your finger as you read the text and they then repeat it (if they can talk). Kids love this. I think it makes them feel important, smart and more a part of the group.
5. Make sure books are readily available for selection, and don't give too many options or the decision about what to read may take the time you've set aside to read.

Of course every family is different, and the larger it gets the more complicated it can become. One has to decide what books are best suited for the entire family, and one might find themselves trying to balance what is good for the older kids, and what's best for the younger children.

Sometimes we read at the same time in two groups. Either my husband or I will read to/with the boys (our younger children) and the other will read with the girls (older children). We are all in the same room, but are more able to "target" the interests and reading level of our children.

Whatever your demographics, reading as a family is a wonderful tradition to adopt. If you don't read as a family already, I challenge you to start! If reading as a family is a tradition you've already adopted, I'd love to hear what works well for you.

Angie is a word loving, sunshine hoarding, book devouring, organizationally devout mama to a lot. When she's not juggling the tasks requisite of a mother of 5, you will probably find her trying to steal time for her not-so-guilty pleasure of reading and writing, or promoting literacy within her home, community and on-line. She shares her tales most frequently on her blog, Seven Clown Circus.

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This year we ended up at “Breakfast with a Witch” (thanks to Jyl who decided to hang out in New York so she couldn’t use her tickets!). The décor was awesome and the food was great. I love ending up with the witches every year, and my kids look forward to it.

There are few formal traditions that immediately come to mind when I think about what our family does over the course of a year, but I can tell you that every October we go and see the witches. I’m sure that we actually do a lot more than that—but I have to say that I don’t think I have the creativity or energy to throw together the beautifully decorated, heartfelt family shin digs that I see decorated on other people blogs and walls. However, I was cleaning out the basement the other day, and when I think of the things closest to my heart it’s the simple time we spend and the simple things that fill our home.

It’s the little pair of sparkly “Ruby Reds” that my daughter has outgrown, the Spiderman “moonboots” that were worn for 2 years straight by my son, and the “kissing bird” that our 20-month-old little girl goes to bed with every night. I can overhear her little voice saying “Mwwwwwah!” to it every night until she falls asleep. Each of those little items hold volumes of memories and love for me.

Traditions don’t need to be big complicated things to build memories that fill our hearts and home. We just need to appreciate all of the little things that make the meaning in our lives whether it’s witches in an outhouse or blankies before bedtime.

Happy Fall!

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