New Year's Eve FREE Printables

This year, since two of my three children can now write on their own, we're going to start a tradition of writing a letter to ourselves on New Year's Eve...and our hopes and dreams for 2014.  In researching different ways to do this, I happened upon this great little kit from run lucas run. 

Included are Resolution Cards (which include great prompts like A habit I'm going to break, A good deed I'm going to do, A book I'd like to read, and A new food I'd like to try), blank Dear Me letters to write to yourself, and Children's Cards that have plenty of space for your children to record their favorite food, singing and dancing song, storytime book, color, and a place they'd like to visit. 

I think it will be great family fun to write these out tonight...and even more fun to read through them together in 2014! 

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year full of love and laughter!

Good Things Jar

Last week's tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut is utterly heartbreaking and the loss those families have suffered, especially this month full of holiday traditions, is unimaginable.  I have sent up countless prayers on behalf of those mourning the loss of a loved one and for those who witnessed first-hand the evil I didn't know existed up until last week...and for their loved ones who will now have to walk beside them as they process it all. 

It is natural to think about the evil in the world after a tragedy such as Sandy Hook Elementary's.  But for the sake of my heart, my sanity, and especially my family, I need to start looking for the good.  And there were many heros in that school...and in our lives around us!

As the wise Mister Fred Rogers, after whom this blog is named, said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.'  To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

In 2013, my family is starting a new practice of writing down all of the good things we witness and that happen to us...and then we'll place them in our family Good Things Jar.  At the end of the year we'll read through the jar and see all of the beautiful events we've had the pleasure of being a part of.

An empty jar and some blank paper would make a great holiday or birthday gift! Or, this could be a great thing to do during your child's school year...and then they can read through them on the first day of summer vacation.

However you use this idea, I believe it's important to focus on the awesomeness around you and that a grateful life is the happiest kind of life you can live.

PS - Don't forget to pay some of that awesomeness forward! 

Resurrection Cookies

Easter is the holiest day of the year for Christians. And it is all the more important to me this year as my children are now understanding the story of Jesus. We have read His story in the Bible and they have been moved to paint pictures of Him on the cross and of His empty tomb...all without any prompting. They seem to fully grasp the importance of remembering His suffering and death...and his resurrection. I have never been more proud!

Because of their interest and because of Easter's importance, this year I am beginning a new tradition with my family...making Resurrection Cookies the night before. These special, meaningful cookies will make the story of Jesus come to life with a tactile activity children can taste and create...all while reading the corresponding Bible verses. What a special tradition this will be!

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole pecans (or almonds)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1 cup organic sugar
• Plastic bag
• Wooden spoon, rolling pin
• Tape
• Bible

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Do this before doing anything else!
2. Place nuts in bag and beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
3. Open the vinegar and let everyone smell it. Put 1 teaspoon into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, all He was given to drink was vinegar. Read John 19:28-30.
4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each person’s hand. Let them taste it, then brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Sprinkle a little sugar into each person’s hand. Let them taste it, then brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
7. Beat with mixer on high speed for 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents our purity in God’s eyes because our sins are cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18.
8. Fold in nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and TURN THE OVEN OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door shut. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
10. Explain that you cannot eat the cookies tonight, but that you have to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. That might not make anyone too happy. Explain that Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
11. The next morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the third day, Jesus followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Happy Easter!

Advent Tradition

My family started a new tradition this year for Advent. I thought I'd share it here for those of you who celebrate Christmas. Even if you don't, you may find a way to add this thoughtful activity to your celebration this month.

Each day I ask my children, husband and self what we've done for others. I then write the selfless acts onto tiny slips of paper and put them in Jesus's bed in our nativity*. On Christmas morning, when He is added, His bed will be covered in nice soft "hay" to sleep on.

It's a wonderful thing hearing my children reflect on their good will each evening...and for my husband and I as well. It keeps us mindful of what Christmas is all about...the great gift of Jesus.

* - That's our Fontanini nativity shown above. Each year my children gift me with a piece to it. Note that a fisherman, deer family, and various villagers carrying food my children enjoy have apparently become more important than adding a third camel. Two kings must have camel-pooled to Bethlehem!

The First Adventures of Incredible You

There are two things I know children love: reading books and talking about themselves. There are two things parents love: keepsakes of their growing children and snuggling them close while they still can. So it is no surprise that my children and I all love their personalized book, The First Adventures of Incredible You from Custom Made for Kids!

When I placed the order for our book, I was excited to fill in our street name, nearby park, some of our favorite foods and sports team, our dog's name, and a memorable vacation spot. I love that all of the happy memories we have and the moments I await to experience are positively reinforced in this thoughtful book. And when we read it, I can see my kids eyes and minds wonder as they reflect and dream of things to come...all while we snuggle together in bed or on the couch!

Visit custommadeforkids.com to fill in your family's story! Complete books retail for $32.95, but Ugga Mugga readers will receive 15% off with coupon code custom15!

Memorial Day

I thank members of the military whenever I see them. It's something I started doing when I was in high school and became more aware of the world around me and all of the extraordinary sacrifices ordinary men and women make each day.

Most recently I approached two members of the United States Army that were having lunch at Panara Bread Company in uniform. I was on my way to fill up my drink and took the path that lead past their table. I approached with a smile and said, "I just wanted to thank you both for all that you do for my family, our country, and myself."

Unfortunately, they seemed very surprised by my simple act...as though it doesn't happen often. As though it doesn't happen enough...my thought, not theirs.

Imagine as parents sending your son or daughter...or yourself...away to care for our country...what a sacrifice! And one that should be acknowledge each chance we can. It's the least we can do! And it is doing our small part. Because as I was walking back to my table with my full drink in hand, I glanced at the table once more and the men were sitting just a tad taller...as they should be!

Today is the day to remember all of the men and women who have lost their lives protecting our great nation. And the day to begin the tradition of thanking every living soldier you see!

Rust Designs

Silhouettes are timeless. The profile of a person is instantly recognizable...especially a child whom you watched over in a crib as a baby to check, double-check and triple-check they were breathing. That's why I LOVE these silhouette plates from Rust Designs.

These would a great collection to start giving to yourself on your child's first birthday (let's face it, one-year old children do not need gifts...the party is much more for us parents). And then the collection can grow with each child. Or you could have one made as each child begins kindergarten when their face is a bit more matured and defined...and then you can look at the profile that was by your side for five years and is now in a classroom. (Please excuse me, my firstborn begins school this fall and I'm already a bit sentimental.)

Each ceramic plate measures 10.4 inches and requires a digital photograph of the subject in a profile position. You will receive a PDF of the silhouette design for your approval prior to the plate being finalized.

The silhouette plates are available at rustdesigns.com for $110.00. I know it's quite a lot for one plate, but it's a memory, a keepsake, and an heirloom. To me, that's priceless!

Single Daddys Handbook

Every once in a while I go and look at the list of people following me on Twitter. I'm always amazed at the wonderful parents and fellow bloggers out there overflowing with talent and thoughtfulness. One recent follower is @DaddysHandbook of Single Daddys Handbook, where I found this great post on celebrating little rights of passage.

Laine suggests purchasing a bottle of very fine glitter and then when your little one, who lost a tooth, goes to sleep, cover their face and hair (I don't know about the hair though...that could be tricky to get out) with the glittery fairy dust. When your child wakes in the morning, act surprised at the mess the fairy left saying, "This is the biggest fairy mess I've ever seen...you must be extra special!" Your child will swell with pride!

See more thoughtful activities and parenting concepts for single fathers and mothers, as well as shared parenting families, at singledaddyshandbook.com.

Pewter Tooth Fairy Kit

My son is now five and may be losing his first tooth this year. I must admit that it gives me the heebie-geebies just thinking about it, so I'm immersing myself in Tooth Fairy research...which is strange considering we've never done Santa or the Easter Bunny. My children know none of these fictional characters are real so I guess I'm going more for the surprise element than a magical experience...or I'm just enjoying the distraction from the realization that part of my firstborn may be falling out this year. So expect to see a handful of Tooth Fairy products in the coming months as I find exciting products and traditions.

I found this Pewter Tooth Fairy Kit from Crosby & Taylor a couple of weeks ago and loved the keepsake qualities it has. The main component of this kit is a pewter box with an individual cubby for each baby tooth. There is also a satin pouch for the current lost tooth with a ribbon and a pewter coin attached to guide the Tooth Fairy to the tooth under the pillow...a nice touch considering said Fairy works late night hours in the dark.

For the children, there is a satin storage pouch which holds a coin for them to place on their parent's pillow at night. The coin reads, "Remember to ask what the Tooth Fairy brought!" And when all of these special tooth-related activities are complete, you can record the date for each tooth loss as well as what the Fairy left in exchange in the provided chart.

I think this kit would make losing a tooth exciting and memorable...for years to come! It's available at crosbyandtaylor.com for $65.25.

Hammond's Easter Candies

There is a specific kind of cookie and a handmade dark chocolate marshmallow egg from a small shop that has been in every Easter basket that I ever remember receiving from my parents. And my husband's parents have an identical giving tradition with a maple egg made by hand in a shop near Green Bay where my husband grew up. And likewise, our children have particular things they have grown to expect every year in their baskets.

I believe traditions and memories increase anticipation of events...especially for children! And what child (or adult) wouldn't want to relive biting the ear off of those adorable little chocolate bunnies up above each year?

If you'd like to start such a tradition with your children, I think Hammond's Candies are a great candidate worthy of memories...especially the chocolate-covered marshmallow and caramel filled eggs. Hammond's Candies has been creating their confections since 1920 in Colorado. In addition to their beauty, they also taste wonderfully.

Hammond's Candies are sold in a handful of stores across the country and online at hammondscandies.com.

Easter Egg Decorating Kit

For those of you who find Easter egg dye too messy or time consuming, I found this colorful, easy and simple decorating kit at Williams-Sonoma.

Included in this exclusive set are two wire egg dippers, an egg blower, two sets of six colorful dyes, six markers and a transparent crayon, adhesive foam and glitter alphabet sets, 12 patterned egg wraps for one-step decorating, wiggle eyes, miniature pom-poms, and glitter. To help you get inspired, the kit also includes instructions, helpful tips and decorating ideas.

This kit would be a great activity for one of your child's playdates in the next couple of weeks before Easter. I've had gingerbread decorating playdates and they've been a huge success...and it's always nice to have an activity planned because the mess is confined to one room and cleanup is easier. And then be prepared for your child's friends to think your house is the cool, fun place to be.

Available at williams-sonoma.com for $24.95.

Wilton Bunny Hutch

One of my children's favorite Christmas traditions is the making of the gingerbread house. I usually bake (from scratch) and assemble (by hand) using a form my mother purchased for me years ago...I'm glutton for punishment.

This year, for the first time, we're going to make a Bunny Hutch to celebrate Easter and Spring being sprung. And I'm giving myself a pass on the homemade pieces...we're using the Wilton Pre-Baked and Pre-Assembled Bunny Hutch kit.

I've taken ours out of the box and am please to report I think the bare house is adorable. And I can't believe how spoiled I am to have all of the frosting and decorations already in hand (I'm usually roaming aisles searching for the perfect house-decorating candy like Fruit Stripe gum...how else are you going to get those great striped pieces for shutters?).

If you'd like to join my family in our new Bunny Hutch tradition, kits can be purchased at wilton.com for $13.99.

Birthday Traditions

Today is my son August's 5th birthday. I can not put into words how quickly time has passed...how it seems like yesterday I was picking my husband up from work to go to the hospital. Yes, I drove to pick him up...and he actually kept me waiting...for more than a few minutes. But who's counting (the minutes) after 5 years? Surely not me. Surely he doesn't still hear about it...on a world-wide blog! Oops! I digress...

Here is what our day looks like on one of our children's birthdays:

1. The birthday child awake to a door covered with hanging streamers they get to run through.
2. Gifts are opened (non-birthday children receive one gift).
   
3. We eat breakfast...birthday child picks...usually donuts.
4. We drive to Milwaukee and take their photo with a particular lion statue in Lake Park...the only witness to my husband's proposal nine years ago.
   
5. We eat lunch at Chipotle...one of our favorite places.
6. We hit a few stores, go to a museum, and usually stop at Whole Foods while we're in town.
7. Head home to any activities the birthday child has planned (it'll be all Star Wars and Legos this year I'm sure).
8. We have dinner...obviously the birthday child picks. Recipe below.
   
9. We sing Happy Birthday and eat cake.
10. We go to sleep exhausted...and a year older if it's your birthday!

So that is what my day will look like today. My favorite part will be taking my son's photo with the lion. When our son's first birthday was approaching, I began thinking of a tradition to start that would document his growth in a meaningful way...and for us, the lion photo does just that!

My husband and I enjoy making the trek up the lighthouse path (now three times a year) like we did on the night he proposed...and seeing our children play where he asked me to marry him...where our family was first born in a promise. We hold hands, smile, and look at each other knowing that what we have is special...that we are truly fortunate. And our children love to compare their growth to the lion each year.

I suggest taking your child's photo each year in the same place or with the same object to watch them grow. It can be with their lovie, in a doorway in your home, or next to a tree in your yard...you'll love looking back each year at how much your baby has grown right before your very eyes!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm feeling very thankful this year...for my family that grew by two feet this month, for our health, for the dear friendships I've made in my new community, and to live in such a wonderfully free country.

My family has a tradition where each of us writes down the thing we are most thankful for each year and then we add them to a wire wreath we started. It's nice to look back and recall the year my son perceived his greatest blessing as finding a particular Cars movie die cast car...and last year my husband and I both noting our new home as the thing we appreciated the most. However you record your blessings, I think it's a nice tradition to start...perhaps this year.

I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving as you gather with your friends and family today and count your many blessings!

Thanksgiving Box of Questions

Any frequent Ugga Mugga reader knows that I love traditions! And when I found the Thanksgiving Box of Questions I thought they'd make a great one! (They'd also make a great hostess gift!)

Included are 35 poignant questions centered on this great American holiday, plus 20 place setting cards and 24 decorative stickers.

Thanksgiving is only three weeks away, so visit amazon.com where the recycled, environmentally friendly version of the Thanksgiving Box of Questions retails for $19.95.

Annual Family Photo Booth Picture

The night my husband proposed to me next to the lions in Lake Park in Milwaukee, our next move was to drive around until we found an old black and white photo booth to take a strip of pictures. So we're fans of photo booths...the old, original kind.

And when we saw these photos on ohdeedoh.com, I realized that we're envious of the Goldberg family, who every June 17th, sit for a photograph to, in their words, "stop, for a fleeting moment, the arrow of time passing by." They've been at it for over thirty years now...

You can see their entire collection (from 1976-2007) here.

As I mentioned, we're envious of the Goldbergs for having their annual photo taken in an old photo booth, but we're also thankful that we do have a few days in the year that we have a family photograph taken: each Christmas and each Friday of Milwaukee's Irish Fest (where our photos are put on a large pin). And each year we look back at the years that have passed...

And as you parents know all too well...time passes quickly...much too quickly (although I'll admit, a few days don't pass quickly enough). And I can't even imagine what Mrs. Goldberg thinks as she sees the men her baby boys have become. She must be so proud of her boys and so thankful for their long-ago started tradition of capturing those precious early years...and the wonderful things each new year holds.

Father's Day Gift Guide: 1 of 5

Mother's Day has come and passed and it's time to switch gears to Father's Day. It is only two weeks away and it got me thinking...what would a father or a husband like this year?

I've gathered a few options that have caught my eye for my own husband either in years past or recently. But I also wanted to share with you a tradition I started five years ago on my husband's first Father's Day after our first child was born.

Each year, the week before Father's Day, I take a photograph of our children and add the date to the image in Photoshop. Then we get it printed, slip it into the Father's Day album, and wrap it up for daddy. It's great to take a moment to look back at our children from years past. It brings a tear to his eye each year.

Easter Baskets: Part 1 of 5

Valentine's Day has come and gone and next up is Easter. Nothing is more symbolic with Easter for children than Easter baskets...and the feeling never passes. Each time I see an identical basket to the one I had as a child in an antique store I can't help but feel nostalgic. Which is why I've taken the duty of selecting my children's Easter baskets with such care...knowing these will be with them for life!

To add to the tradition and love felt at Easter, as family has gathered for my children's Baptisms, I've had each family member sign the bottom of my children's Easter baskets. I believe that as the years pass, these basket will be cherished pieces.

In this five-part posting I'll take a look at my favorite Easter basket selections available this year. Let's start with the Cadillac of Easter baskets, the...

2008 Longaberger Easter Basket Set

For my children's first Easters I've purchased the Longaberger Easter basket available that year. I know that they're not the most economical, but I feel comfortable investing the money in their Easter hunting traditions as I know they will be anticipated year after year. I also appreciate that they are handwoven in the United States and signed and dated by each artist...and the substantial wooden base is perfect for the signatures I mentioned above.

The 2008 Longaberger Easter Basket is available in a small and large size with different accessory options, such as a liner and protector (I recommend purchasing both to assist in decoration and durability). The small basket starts at $49.00 and the large starts at $69.00. Available at longaberger.com for a limited time only.

This is part 1 of 5 - Easter Baskets - please see my archives for the complete post.

Easter Baskets: Part 2 of 5

Pottery Barn Kids Sabrina Easter Basket

Pottery Barn Kids is offering a few Easter baskets this year. The first option is the traditional-style Sabrina basket. This basket comes in two colors (honey brown or white) and in small and large sizes.

Like the Longaberger basket, you can purchase a liner for this basket in your child's favorite color...and the embroidery option is yet another way to further personalize this with your child's name.

The baskets are available at Pottery Barn Kids...the small basket starts at $24.00 and the large basket starts at $34.00.

This is part 2 of 5 - Easter Baskets - please see my archives for the complete post.

Easter Baskets: Part 3 of 5

Pottery Barn Metal Buckets and Canvas Baskets

My parents gave both of my children the metal buckets with their names on them last year for Easter. They are a great size to use all year round! My son keeps trains in his still today and my daughter has used hers to store animals and small toys in and strolls around the house collecting things in it.

This year Pottery Barn Kids is also offering canvas and fleece options which I think would be nice for smaller children since they wouldn't be so cumbersome. Because of the light weight, I think they would be perfect for Easter egg hunts and such. But due to the canvas and fleece, these wouldn't be as durable, making this a temporary basket option...perhaps good for gift giving.

The metal buckets are available in blue and yellow or pink and green starting at $18.00. The canvas buckets are available in a traditional bucket shape while the fleece baskets are available in bunny shape or flower design, starting at $16.00. Visit Pottery Barn Kids for more information.

This is part 3 of 5 - Easter Baskets - please see my archives for the complete post.