Summer - Just around the corner =]

We all know what summer means... FAMILY VACATION! Many parents dread this word because the first thing they think of when they hear it is $$ MONEY $$. Yes, it is going to cost money, but there are ways to make one's family vacation fun, memorable, and easy on the checking account. Family vacations should be centered on making memories and spending much needed time with loved ones, not seeing how many restaurants you can go to and how many souvenirs you can buy.

Money must be spent on the necessities like gas and lodging, but families usually get in trouble when it comes to the wants. People would save a lot more money if they bought food at a grocery store and kept it in their hotel or condo to eat instead of eating at restaurants all the time. Also, people feel the need to buy souvenirs wherever they go. Yes, eating out and buying these wants are alright, but only in moderation.

Why not go camping! This is a fun way to get out of the house and spend family time on a low budget too! There are so many possibilities to go on vacation and not worry about the effects of it. Plan ahead, be smart, and enjoy this years family vacation!

Be Active!

Obesity is a major problem in the United States. This terrible state can lead to serious things such as diabetes and heart problems. Parents need to emphasize good eating habits and regular exercise at a young age so that it will stay with their children throught out their lives. Good eating habits are also important when it comes to the proper nutrition that growing children need. Parents need to make sure that children are getting their proper servings of vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, and dairy. If this is done, it is easy to get the children out and about getting their daily exercise!

Take advantage of each beautiful day given by going outside and running around. Play some sports or maybe just toss the ball around for some fun! Each child should at least get an hour of play each day. Being out in the sun and getting fresh air does everyone some good too! The biggest factor that is making it easy for children to choose to stay inside instead of go out and play is technology. Children love to play video games, sit at the computer, and text on their phone instead of putting forth effort to go outside and exercise. Here is where the parents should step in and limit their technology time before it leads to obesity.

Playing outside gives parents the perfect opportunity to play with their children and be active too. Make it a family affair!! Why not?

Craft of the Week! - Mother's Day

Mother's Day is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! It will be here before we know it! Make something special for mom to use at home or work. Here is one of many ideas!

Popsicle Stick Pencil Holder

*Use Mom's favorite colors if you make this pencil holder as a homemade gift for Mother's Day.

~Craft Supplies:
-approximately 22 Popsicle sticks
-craft paints in assorted colors
-makeup sponge
-craft glue
-Crystal light container or similar drink crystals container Popsicle Stick Pencil Holder

Instructions:

1. Take the paper label off the container. Line up a popsicle stick, straight up and down, so that the bottom of the stick is just touching the bottom of the container and top of the stick goes just over the top of the container. Glue in place. Glue another popsicle stick next to the first one then repeat until you have glued on popsicle sticks all the way around.

2. Paint the popsicle sticks. I chose to paint them in gold, but you could use your Mom's favorite color, except green, because you'll want to paint on green leaves. Let the paint dry.

3. Wet a household sponge, then squeeze all the water out and cut out a circle. This will make the center of the flower. Pat the circle into some craft paint, experiment on a piece of paper first, then place in the center of your canister.

4. Now with the make up sponge, not wet, pat into another color and place the sponge with the point facing the center circle and press into the container to make a petal shape. Do five all together around the circle. You will have enough room to do one more flower. Now rinse out your makeup sponge and cut it in half. This will make a leaf shape. You can do one or more in between the flower petal and some around the spaces around your container.

Optional: Spray or brush on a sealer.

Go to :

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/kids/index.shtml#gifts for more craft ideas!

Family Time with Younger Children

Younger children love to do just about anything. It is the parents who need to use their creativity to find a balanced way to entertain the children, control their high energy, and enjoy themselves at the same time. Parents in today's world understand how important it is to save money because of the economy. They don't have to spend money to go to a museum to entertain their children or go to the store to buy the latest toys. Here are a list of really cute ideas to have fun, spend quality time with your children, and keep the wallet full!

~Have a game of t-ball in the backyard or the park.

~Put the music on grab the kids and dance around the lounge room.

~Face Painting is lots of fun and you can practice your skills on their trusting little faces.

~Play detectives - get some magnifying glasses and a notebook and go exploring write down what you see.

~Visit the children's grandparents or another special friend, take a picture or something the children have made.

~Make a collage go to the park or beach and collect bark, seaweed etc and make a collage.

~Smile! Get the camera out and let the kids take some photos download them on the computer and create a slide show.

~Spend the Day at the beach go for a walk and play some games, take the frisbee.

~Camp Out in the back yard kids of all ages will love this experience.

~Grab your bike helmets and go for a bike ride.

~Have a movie afternoon great for a rainy day. Rent a couple of good kids movies, make some popcorn and snuggle up with blankets and enjoy the movies.

~Do some Gardening with the kids make a herb garden pot, they are fantastic and useful too!

For more great ideas and crafts go to ----> http://familyfun.go.com/

(especially for holiday fun!)