Who's hungry?

I am always looking for a new and fun snack for the kids. It's even better if I can combine it with a cute craft. I just discovered this great idea for a fruit necklace. I am so excited to have the kids give it a try.

Image credit: Jean Van't Hul via the artfulparent.com

I love using Pinterest to find ideas for crafts, snacks, fashion, and adventure tips. I found this idea here. What snack creations do you and your kiddos enjoy?

Gotta Get Out of the House?

Sometimes, you just have to get out of the house, but you want to do something besides going to the movies or running around the mall. Living in North Texas, there are tons of great places to take the kids for an adventure.

If you're looking for a fun learning experience, check out the Perot Museum in downtown Dallas. You can listen to a story under the stars, explore the lab, or even get creative in some art classes.

One of my favorite places to go is the Dallas World Aquarium. You can wander through the jungle on your way to see some amazing sea life, including sitting under the sharks as they swim overhead. 



Another of my favorites places to go is the Dallas Zoo. I love to ride the monorail, and the kids get a kick out of feeding the giraffes.

There are hundreds of great places in or near Dallas, but these are a few of my favorites. Where do you like to go for an adventure with the little rugrats in your life?

What Do I Do With The Kids On A Rainy Day?

Sometimes in Texas it's too hot to go outside. Other days it's too rainy. Here's one activity that will keep your kids busy when they are stuck inside.

As you check out this slideshow of my cute niece, Brooklyn, helping me make play-dough, listen to the podcast below so you can have the recipe to make play-dough with your kids.

Why Do I Do It?

My sisters-in-law have commented on how well I get along with their kids. I think it's because I get down on their level and let them talk to me. I play their games and try to make sure each child knows how special they are. Why do I do it?

personal photo: The Two Marilyns

I am inspired by my own Aunt Marilyn, better known as Aunt Mar. Aunt Mar is my dad's sister, and she is the one person who has always been constant in my life. She's the one who was there for me when I was an angsty teen. She was there for me when life started throwing more lemons at me than I could handle. And she was the one who celebrated every success in my life, no matter how small. She taught me how special I am to her, so now I want to pay it forward.

Moms and Dads have a lot on their plates. They have to work and run their households. Sometimes the kids get sick or they behave difficultly, and Mom and Dad have to be disciplinarians. They never get to stop being the parents. Some kids have a hard time turning to their parents when they need help, like I did. Sometimes Mom and Dad need a break, and I want to be able to lend a helping hand.