Category Archives: Uncategorized

What to do this Mid-Winter Break

Posted on by Posted in Uncategorized .

Here’s a list of some things you can do this week to keep the kiddos entertained!!!

Bring your favorite doll and get pampered. Participants will enjoy matching hair, tattoos and nails!
Dress like your pal and take a photo in Sparkle Up’s photo area.
Cost $25 per attendee must call to pre-register. +1 (845) 721-5211

https://www.facebook.com/events/316905458920401/

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(845) 623- 4975

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Shelly’s Playhouse

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EEK, just a few days to go until February school recess, but relax…
. . . Your K-5th Grader Can join us @ our Winter ’19 Break Camps where they’ll discover awesome, STEM-based and digital Arts-based projects. . . with plenty of time for a mix of modern & traditional games, crafts & other camp activities, too, and. . .
. . . You Can catch a few extra minutes for yourself with our break camp locations just around the corner from home in both the Pascack Valley/Rockland County area and in Ridgewood, too!
Discover More & Register Now:
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Chocolatier-Matisse- More than Just Sweet Treats

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited over for a class.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Chocolatier-Matisse in Orangeburg has been on our radar for quite a while.  In addition to being a great resource for party favors, a sweet treat for someone you love, holiday trays, and of course chocolate covered strawberries, Danielle and her staff has so much more going on there.  They also hold craft classes (weekly) where your child can affordably make a great project, work on a chocolate component and have a great time.  These classes are drawn upon as inspiration for their super fun birthday parties, as well as scout troop events.

(A) and I were able to head over to the Dragon and Fairy Lantern Event held at the beginning of January.  Poor (E) was sick and was so so sad to be missing it.  That’s the first thing ill say about the Chocolatier Matisse Events that is really nice, they are geared toward BOTH boys AND girls. For me this is a no brainer as I have one of each to occupy, AND its incredibly difficult to find fun things to do for boys.  (A) is OBSESSED with Dragons so this was a home run for us.

Once all the kids were present and accounted for they made some chocolate dipped treats (rice krispies and pretzels).  There were extra toppings that could be added atop the chocolate and (A) had a ball playing with it.  When everyone had completed that task they moved to the other table which was all set up for the lantern craft.

There were more than enough helpers who walked around to repeat the simple directions to the kids, and they were all able to put their own spins on the project.  (A) really loved adding jewels to his dragon for a little extra sparkle when the candle was lit.  While the kids worked, other employees packaged up the chocolate delights that they had made for them to take home.  It was just about the perfect amount of time for the kids.  Enough for them to be creative and enjoy, without getting bored.  They accomplished two things the chocolate and the lanterns, and were ready to go home.


(A) has mentioned that he would love to do it again with more mystical creatures, that it would be really cool.  He has had the lantern on his nightstand since, and puts the light on each night to sleep.  He loved that he made a chocolate dessert and would love to go back and do that too.  (E) is dying to attend one as she loves arts and crafts and hasn’t let me forget that she was unable to attend.

MY Be You Photo Shoot Experience

Posted on by Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This post is unsponsored and this article is written through my own POV as well as opinions.  This is a very personal post for me to write, but I am happy to share my story about coming out of my shell. 

By: Catherine Sheridan, RNYM Intern

I have never been a person who likes to be the center of attention, I am kind of shy, and not too out going. As every kid does as they grow up they face insecurities, and I too have many insecurities. I have grown out of most of them but some are still relevant. Jennifer Tesker who is a directory member here on the site has a photo shoot called “Be You”. I first saw it on Facebook and was like wow this is so cool. Then (A) and (E) did the shoot as I was blown away, and it got me thinking, what if I could do this. So I reached out to Jennifer and asked her if adults were able to do the shoot as well, she said yes and sent me samples of photos she’s done with adults. I looked them over and discussed with my mom if I should do this. We both agreed and I booked my appointment. Honestly I was so nervous but really excited at the same time. I brought my friend with me for support, and then it was finally the time to start shooting.

I honestly did not know how to feel or act or what to do. But Jennifer was so nice and walked me through the whole thing.  I really ended up having so much fun. For a minute of my life I had no insecurities, no worries, I was able to have fun and be my self. She showed me some of the photos she captured and I was blown away, honestly could not believe it was me. The whole experience really changed me and how I think of myself. I owe it to Jennifer Tesker Photography for helping me see me how others see me and letting me be me without being scared. These photos are honest- which is a nice change to some of what you see out there.  It’s nice to know that someone thinks you are pretty, just being yourself.  Its fun to watch the kids do their silly things, but it was really nice as an adult to feel that way too.  Not forced to be something I am not.  No fancy clothing or makeup, just me and the camera.

Flyer For this years booking-Mention Little Tor Elementary and give back to a local school too! 

 

Helping People with Disabilities Prep for Parenthood

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Rockland Babies, Self Care, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored informational post.  Ashley is a mom with first hand experience, who wanted to get some great information out to our readers. Feel free to send her questions.

Ashley has severe scoliosis. She created DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to fellow parents raising their children while living with disabilities.

Photo by Pixabay

Bringing Home Baby: Helpful Tips for Disabled Parents

There are plenty of books and online articles touting advice for what to expect when you’re expecting and how to prepare your home for your new arrival. However, what many of these articles lack is what makes your situation unique – your disability. It hasn’t stopped you up to this point, and it certainly won’t prevent you from being a wonderful parent, but it would be nice to receive some helpful advice with you in mind. Parenting with a disability will look different from family to family, but the following tips are helpful nuggets of knowledge for everyone.

Get the House in Order

One of the most important things you can do is make your home more accessible for you and safe for your little one. Zero-step entrances, widened doorways, and slip-proof flooring make it easier to safely navigate your home with your baby in tow if you have mobility issues, not to mention it can decrease the chance of injuries once your child becomes mobile. Set up a one-stop shop area in your home complete with baby and parental essentials so that you aren’t constantly getting up and down – this can serve as a play area too. Baby-proofing is a must too, especially if you aren’t able to respond to a loud crash (or lack of noise) as quickly as you’d like. These infographics (courtesy of the Bump) will make sure all the rooms in your home are safe.

Find the Parenting Tools That Work for You

With a little research and online browsing, you’ll find that there are several baby products made specifically with disabled parents in mind. There are cots with an open side for easy access to your baby from the comfort of your bed, walking wings so you can experience the magic of helping your child learn to walk minus the bending, and even bathtub sets at the perfect height for parents in a wheelchair. Keep in mind that the tools you need are unique to you. For example, Verena Cristofaro-Frydberg, a mother of two with MS, has live-in child care and gets creative with her parenting hacks, such as making the bed with three layers of sheets to make changing easier and keeping the car stocked at all times to avoid the “I forgot it” moment.

Plan for the Future

A new baby is in your future, but adding to your family means planning beyond that as well by putting safety nets in place. First and foremost, it’s time to update the will. This is where you designate who will inherit what, as well as choose a guardian (and an alternate) for your child. Rather than a joint will with your spouse, it is best to create separate wills so that the survivor can make changes without having to jump through any legal hoops. While you are dealing with the not-so-fun stuff, considering purchasing burial insurance. Similar to a life insurance policy, the benefit is used for funeral-related expenses, which can ease the burden and stress on your spouse and family members should you pass away earlier than expected due to medical issues. On the opposite end of the spectrum, don’t forget to add your baby to your life insurance policy. You typically have a window of 30 to 60 days to enroll your child, and coverage will begin on the date of birth. The birth of a child is full of new experiences (and plenty of newborn doctor’s visits), so having that coverage offers peace of mind.

Take Care of Yourself

For parents, self-care can’t be emphasized enough. Not only do you need to stay on top of your health, including doctor’s appointments, medications, and exercises, but you need time to relax too. Make time to read, drink a cup of coffee, or simply ask a friend to watch your little one so you can eat lunch in peace. The bottomline: Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and ask for help. Look for support from your family, friends, and partner. Even something as simple as having someone take over baby duties for one afternoon each week can free you up for self-care. Your support network likely wants to be as close to the baby as you are. There’s a good chance they won’t mind spending some quality time with their littlest family member while you tend to your own needs for a change.

Congratulations on becoming a parent! New experiences await you, and you’re more than ready to handle them. Parenting is challenging, but your disability has prepared you for the challenges you will overcome, making success that much sweeter.

Need some help with home adjustments?  WE have a directory for that (for the home) and Chris Kissik Painting and Construction

TBH- A Mom’s Holiday Confession

Posted on by Posted in Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Jennifer, however is a directory member.

I have to be completely honest.  I PRIDE myself on having everything together. I lose sleep for it.  I barely ever say no, and do believe there is nothing I can’t accomplish if I don’t set my mind to it.  Those who know me well however may say that lately I’ve been a little different.  It’s true.  I feel a little different, a little odd.  I don’ t have it all together and its felt that way since November.  I’m not sick, my life is blessed, I am just overwhelmed.  Somehow back in November it began and I am still having a little trouble getting out of it, despite some gains back to being my regular old self. Perhaps that why months later you are just hearing about our session.

Enter the holidays.  You all know I am Photo Obsessed, we have a photographers directory for goodness sake!  I review and work with EVERY person on there to make SURE they are good and excellent options for our readers.  In fact, I do that with all of our directory members period.  I don’t want to talk about something that isn’t quality, its a waste of your time.

I’m feeling overwhelmed and I need holiday photos.  Jennifer is not only a directory member, our kids have become great friends, and if I may say so, so have we.  So one day at swim class we booked a photo appointment.  I usually enjoy these.  I am long past the days where I fretted too much over whether or not the kids would participate.  We decide to bring the dogs, and even RNYD is over it and knows I force him once a year so he has to participate.

For some reason the outfits are giving me trouble, I don’t want to do typical red and green, red and black. We did Navy hues last year.  I wanted something timeless that would stay on the wall all year.  I’ve lost weight and toned my body and want to look pretty (thanks Amir ;o) My dress finally shows up like the day before.

We get to the shoot on time and everything should be fine, but for some reason I’m still not feeling right, not me.  Seeing Jennifer puts me at ease.  While she takes the photos I feel good, except my dogs are being pains.  They had never been in the woods before (ugh how did I not think of that!?).  Jennifer is able to get them to cooperate (thank God) but I’m thrown.  We proceed, and she tells me to stop worrying, the photos are perfect.

I book our viewing and pray that my worry doesn’t show, that the dogs did in fact behave, that my worry is just that, my worry.

Well it was.  Jennifer is unbelievable.

Got our family photo.

Got amazing solo shots of the kids.

Got shots of the kids together that are just too much.

Puppy photo? Got it.

Adorable candid family shots? Yep.

She even snagged one of me and the MR (which we never do)

I think you would agree, she nailed it.

Even though I didn’t feel like myself and faked my way through a lot of the rest of the holiday this was one less thing I had to worry about.  At that moment I was so crazy happy to have someone I could trust, someone I knew would do a good job even though I am in an overthinking, over planning, attempting to be perfect all the time and just falling short place.  Jennifer had my back.  She still has my back.  In fact, I didn’t love my cards this year (the design not the photo part) and she said she’d help me and walk me through that next year too. <3

THIS is why I am so adamant about working with our members.  I NEED to know that anyone we recommend will be fabulous.  Our readers NEED to know that we recommend quality.  They NEED to be at ease with one part of our crazy lives.  Readers, that’s why we are selective with our postings, prospective directory members, that’s why we insist on working with you and writing about it.  We appreciate that you trust us to do what’s good and right for businesses and consumers alike and take that seriously.

If you ever have a question please don’t hesitate to ask us we answer honestly and candidly.  We love what we do and love that you appreciate us.

-The RNYM Family

Launch into Fun! – Review!

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were hosted in giving Launch a try.

This past month the kids and I were invited to visit the new trampoline park Launch in West Nyack.  I have to start off by saying I love the location of this facility.  Right behind social security off of 304 it’s easy to get to from anywhere.  We recommend not getting there right when it opens as it is very popular and you will have to wait on line.  If you get there about an hour afterwards it’s much easier to get in.  I do love that you sign in on the computer before you get to the counter so your waiver is ready and they just scan it at the computer to log you in.  You don’t have to wait for people to be inputted into the system this way with kids who are looking to burn some energy.

The park is clean and lots of fun. There are no real restrictions for age at this park as there are at others with sections for younger kids and older.   Everyone has free reign.  I liked that part as it meant that my 5 and 8 year olds (of very different ability levels) could try the same obstacles.  This is particularly nice for my kids given that (E) is far more adventurous than (A) who is 3 years her senior.  She WANTS to venture where he goes and try the same things as he does, always has. Those who are worried about the bigger kids mixed with the younger can rest easy as there were lots of employees around checking for safety.

The kids bounced around for quite a while. (E) being a dancer and aspiring gymnast of sorts, really enjoyed the bouncing and then bouncing to jump into the foam pit (which was nice and clean- a big concern of mine when we go to such places because she’s asthmatic).  (A) preferred to run and bounce from trampoline to trampoline, and play dodgeball.

The kids really enjoyed the obstacle course which is really quite difficult, and they spent a long while swinging on the different parts trying to get through it. The parts that were too high, an employee jumped in and helped them up to get.  The hour time frame for bouncing was more than enough as my kids both came off red faced and ready for a break.

When break time is over there is a nice snack bar and tables you can utilize. Even though Launch itself was busy at the time, there wasn’t a wait while we were there.  Then we decided to play some video games.  This section is a great space to cool down and have a little fun before you head out.  (A) used his entire credit balance to play the Jurassic World game, and (E) chose to run around and try a bit of everything.  She even won a ball at the claw game!

The kids really enjoyed Launch and have already asked to have another play date there (every day since). It’s a great facility for getting the energy out, playdates, birthday parties, scout trips, fundraisers, really anything you can think of.  There are some fabulous deals to take advantage of right now including:

 Take $150 OFF any of our awesome A-List Birthday party

Winter Pass on Sale Now!

$99 to jump 1 hour per day

December 1st through March 15th

Playing for Fun at New City School of Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

One of the things I love the most is watching my children grow and learn.  I think all parents would agree with that statement.  At 8 and 5 we are at “great ages” for this, for all things really.  Each age and stage of childhood has brought with it special moments and challenges.  These ages however, have shown me major maturity, growth, and with it both character and personality development.  They are truly coming into their own with what they enjoy reading, listening to, and doing.  One place where this is really starting to shine, is with (A) and his drum lessons at The New City School of Music.

Having been attending for just a little over a year now, Andrew has determined that (A) is ready to increase his lesson length.  This shows major attention span growth, as well as endurance both mentally and physically.  This new lesson length came with it some changes in the way he plays and practices.  Since (A) has a rudimentary knowledge of reading music as well as playing now, Andrew often plays right along side of him.  This gives (A) confidence, and makes it fun for him (even when doing stick work- which is technique training).  But along with this change in technique work, Andrew has continued, and even highlighted the need to play for fun, for enjoyment, and for the love of music.

All along (A) has been assigned homework to practice on a nightly basis during the week.  It usually consists of some stick work, as well as reading and playing a few “fills” and whatnot.  Andrew has kicked it up a notch and asked (A) to jam for homework.  Once a week, he is supposed to forget the work from the book and just jam.  Make up his own fills, beat on the drums and play along to some favorite songs.  In fact, each night in addition to his usual practice, he is supposed to play along with a song that he enjoys.  Listening critically, figuring out the notes being played, and then playing along with them, in time including any fills.

This teaching of the whole child is something that Andrew has excelled at all along.  He isn’t just reading music, or teaching traditional music theory (although he is getting plenty of that- as I type he is learning how to write an “accent” in drum music), its about teaching how to “hear” the music.  To break it down into its it smaller parts, to learn how it all fits together.  The timing, the harmonies, all of it.  More importantly, its about my 8 year old son learning to love all aspects of music, listening, experiencing and playing it.

As a result of this approach, I don’t have to force him to practice.  He isn’t upset when its time to come to his lesson, in fact he’s usually ready to go early and upset if its not quite time to go.  He loves to chat with Andrew, to play with him, to talk music with him.  All of it.

As I’ve watched (A) mature and grow with the drumming, I am also noticing that he is maturing and his endurance (mental and physical) for schoolwork is improving.  His reading and fluency is improving, and his mathematical abilities have improved.  His knowledge of mathematical concepts like fractions is well beyond what I would think it would be for his age, but why not, we have a metronome going at least 15 minutes a night at our house, and he’s reading complex drum phrases and changing time along with the notes he sees.

RNYD and I couldn’t be happier that he’s loving it so much and growing with the music.  I have a post coming soon to talk about his most recent performance, that was a real doozie for us. As a show of how much we love our lessons, and our readers,  The New City School of Music is currently offering  a $55 registration for free to students who mention RocklandNYMom and register by 1/15/19!

 

WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

Posted on by Posted in Christmas 2018, Uncategorized .

WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
PRESENTS
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

NOVEMBER 29th – DECEMBER 23rd, 2018
A musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic
Book by John Fanelli
Original Music and Lyrics by George Puello

A wonderful Holiday treat to delight all ages! This new musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens Classic features an original score as well as many of the traditional carols we love to sing! See Scrooge and Tiny Tim and all of the timeless characters we’ve all grown to know & love. And this version includes a surprising new twist! With a large cast, look for colorful production numbers and lots of dancing! An uplifting evening of holiday cheer!

David Edwards will star as Ebenezer Scrooge. Emma Barishman, Sarah Colt, Joseph Cullinane,

Courtney Lynn Curry, Jackson Fanelli, Rachel Gifford, Alex John Johnson, Alexandra Milbrath, Joey Sanzaro, Brandon Shockey, Edward Simon, Daniel Walstad, will star as the other memorable Dickens characters.

Guest starring are a local group of musically talented performers ages 10 – 17, who are trained in Voice, Dance and Theater.

Directed by John Fanelli, Musical Direction by Julianne Merrill, Musical Staging by Joseph Cullinane, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Set Design & Technical Direction by Steve Loftus, Sound Design by Mark Zuckerman, Costume Design by Keith Nielsen, Victor Lukas Is the PSM, Props by Grumpy’s Props.

DAVID EDWARDS (Scrooge) returns to the stage at the Westchester Broadway Theatre having appeared in 12 productions including as Albin in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Don Quixote in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and as Scrooge in several versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  He also directed THE PRODUCERS and HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS at WBT.  Broadway and National Tour credits include THE ROTHSCHILDS, THE PRODUCERS, and BY JEEVES.   He starred Off-Broadway in ROOM SERVICE, BITTERSUITE, and IONESCOPADE among others, and was the final “El Gallo” in the history making original run of THE FANTASTICKS.  Regionally he has played everything from Moliere to Stoppard, Porter to Sondheim.  His film and TV appearances include BELLY, THE FANTASTICKS: TRY TO REMEMBER, and MESHUGGAH-NUNS.  David is also an award-winning theatre director and can be heard on many cast albums and a solo CD “David Edwards Giving Voice…” available on ITunes and Amazon.

JOHN J. FANELLI is thrilled to be returning to Westchester Broadway Theatre to direct A Christmas Carol. John holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of California, San Diego. Mr. Fanelli has had more than twenty successful years directing, teaching and creating programs for thousands of young people in theatre arts from California to New York. John is the Founder/Artistic Director of Lighthouse Youth Theatre and Standing Ovations Studios in Armonk NY.

 

Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.

Luxury Boxes: Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.

Show Times:
Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.

Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $59.00 to $89.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers!

WBT Mainstage:
Phantom – December 27th – January 27th 2019
Ain’t Misbehavin – January 31st – February 24th, 2019
Menopause The Musical – February 28th – March 24th 2019
Newsies – March 28th – May 26th 2019
On Your Feet – May 30th – August 4th 2019
Mambo Italiano – August 8th – September 29th 2019
An American In Paris – October 3rd – November 24th 2019

STAC STUDENTS JOIN THE #GIVINGTUESDAY MOVEMENT BY URGING ROCKLAND TO TAKE THE #UWRGRATITUDECHALLENGE

Posted on by Posted in Uncategorized .

This November, Public Relations students at St. Thomas Aquinas College will practice their communication skills in a seasonal campaign designed for the United Way of Rockland County: The United Way of Rockland Gratitude Challenge (#UWRGratitudeChallenge). The campaign aims to Unite Rockland, one compliment at a time, by encouraging people of the community to record messages of gratitude and then challenge others to follow suit on social media.

“This campaign reinforces our mission, to live united, and we hope Rockland will accept the challenge and spread gratitude this season,” stated Dana Treacy, CEO of the United Way of Rockland County, as her organization worked with STAC Communication students to design and launch what they hope will become a viral social media campaign inspired by plenty of goodwill. “As we approach the holiday season, positive messages are so important to the health of the community,” explained Treacy, immediately before taking the challenge and tagging her board of directors.  

To support the campaign, STAC students created a physical manifestation of the challenge—a ten-foot-tall Gratitude Tree—and are encouraging the entire STAC community to help adorn the tree by writing messages of thanks on paper leaves. The leaves will then be attached to the tree, while the authors take the #UWRGratitudeChallenge. Students hope the tree will sprout more than a thousand leaves by Giving Tuesday, November 27, and have set the tone by completing dozens of leaves expressing gratitude for special individuals across campus, family, and friends. “It just feels good!” said Laura Herbes, college junior and tree designer, after completing the challenge.

The United Way of Rockland agreed to partner with STAC Communication students early in the Fall semester to provide students with the opportunity to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world by allowing them to practice public relations and social media marketing for an actual client. Communication Arts Professor Elaine Winship explains, “The United Way Rockland Gratitude Campaign is an inspiring service learning project that not only reinforces the importance of treating others with kindness during the Thanksgiving season, but also allows my students to gain professional communication experience.” Professor Winship will guide over sixty students through this experience, and notes in her #UWRGratitudeChallenge, “I’m so very thankful to the United Way of Rockland for providing this experience for my students.” Added Erin Durkin, college senior and one of the project architects, “This is more than a feel-good service project. It also teaches me valuable skills and allows me to build my resume.”

The Gratitude Challenge will culminate with an on-campus Giving Tuesday Party on November 27, the global day of giving.

New Holiday Tradition

Posted on by Posted in Day Trips, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

I LOVE taking my kids to fun places and experiences!!!  SO much so that last year we made it a part of our 5 Christmas Gifts (want, need, wear, read, DO).  We have had such a fun time that we added that to other gift times, special trips or adventures for (A)’s communion, and for the kids’ birthdays.

One of the issues with such fun is that pretty much EVERY place you go makes you exit through a gift shop.  Smart planning on the part of the event, but often a nightmare for parents.  My newest suggestion is that you plan in advance with your children either a budget, or small item that they collect.  So either “you have $5 to spend” or collect pencils, magnets, pins etc.

In this fashion, I’ve started our own tradition.  When we go places my kids know that USUALLY we aren’t going to purchase souvenirs, as the memory and the experience is enough.  This year though I’ve started breaking my own rule.  When the kids aren’t looking I purchase a Christmas Ornament.

My plan:  Our elf Marvin usually brings things, “Missions” for the kids to do during the month leading up to Christmas.

Missions include:  Donate new toys, decorate the house for Christmas, go through your old toys and send them back to Santa, adopt a needy child or family and go shopping for them, watch a movie (on dvd), read a Christmas themed book, play a board game, make cookies and co co, go look at Christmas lights, even tickets to a Santa Breakfast (like our RNYM one).  This year he’s also going to bring an ornament every few days and ask them to sit down and reflect upon the great time we had.  This will facilitate more family conversation, bring up the great things we’ve done together, and also fill our tree with more than just any ornaments.  These ornaments will represent the memories we have made together, and some day, my kids will want to start their own trees, taking with them their favorite ornaments, that represent our famous adventures.

Ornaments range from 9-$20 depending on where you are but will last a lifetime and spark conversation yearly while we decorate the tree together.  I’ll let you know how it goes, but I am beyond excited to see what they think <3