Recipe of the week

Instead of listing only one recipe this week I wanted to share a wonderful FREE resource for recipes and kitchen/cooking tips.

I just received my Spring 2008 issue of Kraft's Food and Family Magazine and as always it has some easy, family friendly and tasty recipes. The magazine comes 5 times a year (winter, spring, summer, fall & holiday) and I'm sure you will find many great recipes to add to your repertoire!

Get your free subscription by going online to kraftfoods.com/share or by calling 800-521-4403 and giving them your mailing info.

Craft Time with Kids

One thing parents tend to shy away from is crafts with their kids. While crafts can be messy, they can be lots of fun! By preparing supplies ahead of time for spur of the moment ideas, you and your kids can have a great time being creative. Preschool Activities Everyday has some great activities to do with your young children plus a craft checklist to keep items on hand so you can do a craft at any time. Family Fun also has some great crafts to choose from. Try not to be too stringent over messes so your children can enjoy the experience and not stress. It is important to allow them to get dirty, explore materials, and discover how things work together. Start planning your supply box so when those long summer days roll around, you will be prepared!

Easter Egg Hunts

Although Easter was last Sunday and my kids are still wanting to hunt for eggs! In fact, we did four hunts on Sunday, three on Monday and one today. And while it's a pain to hide the eggs over and over again, at least they are having fun and are outside running around!

Just wondering how long this will last?!?!

Easter Craft Idea

Happy Easter!! Can't believe that it's on Sunday. Where has the time gone?!?!

Here is a super cute Easter craft idea to do with your kiddos!

Recipe of the week

Tasty Chili

1 1/2 pounds ground round or beef
29 oz can tomato sauce
2, 16 oz can chili beans (pinto beans in chili sauce)
1 cup onion, diced
1-2 celery stalks, diced
2, 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1, 27 oz can dark kidney beans, undrained
2 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder (or more for spicy)
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp salt

Brown beef in large pot until cooked and crumbly - drain oil if needed.
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer over low-med heat.
Simmer for 2-3 hours; stirring frequently.

Serve with rice, corn chips, cheese, sour cream, mustard and any toppings you like!

Math Question For Fifth Graders! You try it!

I received this math question at work this week. It is suppose to be a question for fifth graders. You will see it is challenging, but doable. Post your answers if you dare!

There are 7 girls on a bus.
Each of the 7 girls has 7 backpacks.
In each pack there are 7 big cats.
For every big cat there are 7 smaller cats.

How many legs are on the bus (there is not a driver on the bus).

Having a question of the week makes for good conversations starters. At the end of the week, discuss your answers and see how they came up with the answer. You are challenging each other and making your children think!

St. Patrick's Day Craft

Here is a cute craft idea I found that would be fun to do with kids of all ages!!

Clay Pot Leprechaun