Snow Days

Today we got our first snow for the season. Most of it has already melted by mid-morning, but that's OK. My kids get so excited when they see the first snow fall. It is contagious. Our morning was filled with a bit of craziness making sure everyone had coats, gloves, hats and boots. I always love the first part of the winter season.

But then I think about the cabin fever that sets in a few months down the road. It is very subtle and can creep up on me rather quickly. Whether you live in Canada or Florida, you have had those days as a mom. Do you remember a time when you have been stuck in your house, alone, for days, with just you and your kids, for hours on end?? You have played every game there is known to man. You have put together every puzzle. And if you have to watch one more episode of Elmo's World or read one more "Little Bear" story, you are going to scream!!

I have only lived in the northeast for about five years now, so I am still learning how to get through the winters. A couple of years ago, I started a folder with ideas for snow/rainy days. As I come across ideas in magazines, on the Internet or from friends, I write them down and put them in my folder. I want to share some of these ideas with you. Please share some ideas of your own. It's always good to be prepared! (II Timothy 4:2)

• Grab some boxes, blankets and sheets and build a fort.
• Bake some homemade cookies.
• Go on a treasure hunt. I sit on the couch and have my kids bring me one item at a time (something blue, something round, an animal, etc.). Then I have them race to put everything back when we're done.
• Shaving Cream/Redi-Whip mixed with food coloring makes great bathtub paints.
• Make an obstacle course through your house (going up and down stairs is an energy burner:)
• Make a picture collage with magazine cut-outs.
• Homemade instruments (http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/homemademusic.htm )
• Play with shaving cream on the kitchen floor. This cleans my kids and my floor all at the same time.
• Make sock bean bags.
• Make sock puppets.
• Draw pictures and mail them to grandparents.
• Dress up, video tape your kids, then watch it together.
• Balloons (one package of balloons can create hours of fun!!)
• Make robot costumes, trains, astronaut costumes, etc. using old boxes.
• Cooking creations. Take out a few ingredients and let the kids make whatever they want. We like to make "dirty soup" using old spices and water. You can make both edible or pretend food.
• Make homemade playdough( http://www.creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_8.html ) or slime (cornstarch and water)
• Go to the library.
• Sidewalk chalk in your garage.
• Ice cream in a bag.
• Rice box. (put rice in a large plastic box -I use an old plastic sled- and use it like a sand box in your house)
• Money games- matching money, snack bar, turn your house into a store.
• Make homemade stickers (http://www.crafterstouch.com/projectpage.aspx?projectid=83)
• Have a fun, no washing, bubble bath.
• Hand paint plates (find supplies at any craft store).
• Scavenger hunt
• Turn the music up and dance!!