From the monthly archives:

December 2009

Making the most of the New Year

by Stacy on December 31, 2009

Hugs & Kisses

I thought I’d share a fun tradition for New Year’s Day that I like to do with my kids, it can be as simple or as extravagant as you make it and it gives you a reason to think outside the box and indulge in a few sweet treats before you crack down with your New Year’s resolutions.

There are lot of food traditions on New Years – black eyed peas and collard greens in the South, noodles and citrus in China, cakes and pastries in Sweden and Germany but as nice as all those sound, they just weren’t silly enough for our family.

Instead we created a fun play on words in regards to food, for this one particular day we regard everything we eat with its literal meaning. Hershey kisses ensure a year’s worth of kisses, Laffy Taffy means the house will be filled with laughter, Mr. Goodbar means we’ll do lots of good for the year … you get the point.

Anyway, this is a fun tradition I’ve been doing on my own for years and I’m so excited to start sharing it with my children. I see this tradition getting more and more fun as years go by.

New Years Drinks

Our Menu this year includes:

Breakfast: Smart Start Strawberry Oat Bites Cereal

Snack 1: Honest Kids Berry, Berry Good Lemonade Drink Pouches & Laffy Taffy

Lunch: Happy Meals & Friendship Tea

Snack 2: Hershey Hugs & Kisses & Quaker True Delight Granola Bars

Dinner: A Pasta Bar Buffet w/ Good Luck (Broccoli Spinach Alfredo) & Lots of Love Sauce (Marinara)

Dessert: A Dream cake

You can read more about how I started this tradition on my page at MySanAntonio.com

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Merry Christmas

by Stacy on December 25, 2009

From Our Home to Yours: The mottos & mantras edition

Window Decor

We Hope Your Holiday’s are filled with Peace, Hope & Joy

The Stockings are HUng

But if things don’t go your way, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty

Santa Claus is coming

Despite what folks may say, You’re NEVER to old to BELIEVE

Reindeers & Puppies

In Santa or Reindeers or the power of puppies

More holiday decor

When you wish upon a star, it makes no difference who you are

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone

DIY Poinsettia Lights

And to All, a Good Night!

Recycled Magazine Trees

PLEASE RECYCLE!!!

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We’ve been busy baking

by Stacy on December 23, 2009

Busy Little Baker

There’s been a lot of baking going on in our home this holiday season as we take a moment to show our friends and family how much we care by giving them something homemade & covered in chocolate. I’m so thankful my children have a generous nature and giving attitude as they bake each batch with love knowing they’ll be going elsewhere and not staying at home with us. {Except for the one bite they get from each batch ~ I’m no Scrooge you know}

Snowman Sugar Cookies

We’ve made Snowmen Cookies ~ An Advent Fun Activty

Christmas Treats

Sugar Cookies & Candy Bites

To Make Your Own Candy Bites:

You’ll need 3 ingredients & about 10 minutes! Yep, they’re that easy

Snyders Square Pretzels
Hugs, Kisses, or Rolos
M&Ms

Place the pretzels on a flat baking sheet, Put a kiss on top of each one, Bake at 170 degrees for 4-5 minutes, Then add an M&M to the top of each one, Let cool, Then pop in the fridge to set {Warning: These are incredibly addictive warm, but hey, somebody has to eat the ugly ones ;-) }

Cookies 4 Santa

And personalized Snowmen cookies for Santa too, ALA 4 year old

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I believe in Christmas Miracles

by Stacy on December 22, 2009

Benson_Claire

Benson and Claire were born with a rare genetic disease which effects their liver and causes their body to destroy itself. Claire, the youngest sibling, has had kidney failure since she was 2 months old and been on almost constant {up to 15 hrs a day} dialysis since she was 3 months old. Their parents started a blog chronicling their journey and raising money for the transplants BOTH of their children will eventually need. Claire has been on the waiting list for a combined kidney/liver transplant and I have been following her story:

Give Hope to Benson and Claire

It’s only been a few weeks since I first found their website, but I was deeply touched by the strength of these parents and amazing children impressed me to the point I felt I had to do something, anything to make their life a little easier.

I try to keep up with their story but since I had family coming to town, I missed a few days of blogging. Imagine my surprise when I visited their site this weekend and found out Claire has had major surgery ~ a double transplant (kidney & liver). She’s still recovering, but doing quite well. Talk about a Christmas Miracle. God Bless this family, I wish them Peace and Joy and a wonderful Christmas with both of their children.

Now, here’s the part where I tell you what we can do to help this amazing family. I was shocked to hear an organ transplant can cost over $500,000 {and this family needs two of them}!! Thankfully, they have friends who organize auctions raising money for their cause – I’ll start announcing each of these auctions on KSW from now on so we can contribute and score some awesome goodies for ourselves {The next auction will be held from 4 -15 Jan, if you would like to donate an item to be auctioned, contact Shannon from Shannon Makes Stuff at  stakeresensations@gmail.com} but you can also make a monetary donation by visiting Benson & Claire’s online donation site.

READ ALL ABOUT THEM HERE AND FOLLOW THEIR STORY HERE

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Wrapping Presents the Kidmade Way

by Stacy on December 19, 2009

Kidmade Wrapping Paper

I’m thankful this time of year to have three Merry elves running around my home offering to help me in any way ~ whether it’s Decking My Halls or Ringing My Bells these guys have it covered.

That’s why this homemade wrapping paper activity was just the thing we needed to occupy busy hands on a blustery day. Armed with newspaper, brown paper sacks and some drawing paper we stuck dozens of stickers, stamped many stamps and then wrapped everything with loads of glittering ribbon.

Picture perfect, if I must say so myself, and since we had all the adornments in our craft supply we also did this for, well… FREE! What could be Merrier than that?

Kidmade Gift Wrap

{From L to R: Crosswords & Foam Stickers, Brown Bag & One of a Kind Art, Drawing Paper & Christmas Stamps}

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