Franklin Mom Blog

Kid Friendly Summer Fun Ideas For the Franklin Mom

Every summer, we ask ourselves, "What are we going to do to keep the kids from sitting in front of the TV and vegging the entire summer away!?"  No way, FranklinMom.com to the rescue.  Here we go again - our third year in a row.  Here are tons of Kid-Friendly Summer Fun Ideas for the Franklin Mom...Make this the best summer ever!  

FREE or low cost:

1. Swimming
2. Tennis
3. Golf
4. Fishing
5. Playing at the river
6. Bike riding
7. Family walks - check out all of the hiking trails south of Nashville.
8. Pizza and game nights
9. Franklin library….summer reading program beginning June 1.  Crafts every Friday at 3 pm for school aged children.  Story times vary by age, check website.
10. Nashville library…marionette puppet shows beginning June 11at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30, and continuing Fridays and Saturdays at the same time through the summer. Also, story times are 30 minutes long on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30.
11. The Frist…Second Saturdays free kids club at 10:30, 1:00, and 3:00.  Call 744-3357 to make reservations.  Also, look for free family days, the next one is August 22nd.
12. Planting seeds or garden.
13. Homemade bubbles….water, sugar, and dish soap use with soda circles.
14. Tye-dying t-shirts
15. Sidewalk chalk
16. Making fresh squeezed lemonade….use 1 and a half cups fresh lemon juice, ¾ cup honey, mix.  Stir in 9 cups water, chill. 
17. Science experiments.  We've linked to a website with suggestions.
18. Have friends over.
19. Music at Crockett park…every Sunday at 7:00 in the Park, beginning June 6.  Look under "Resident info" and then "Crockett Park Concerts."
20. Oragami
21. Movies at the park at Pinkerton Park… Check www.franklin-gov.com for more info, as this park was damaged in the flood in May.
22. Movies at the Park at Leiper’s Fork….behind Puckett’s and to the left?  Bring lawn chairs at dusk.  Friday night is for kids, Saturday is mild adult movies.  Check www.hillsnhamlets.com for movie titles.  Also listed are dinner/music places.
23. Disc golf - call 377-2337
24. Picnic
25. Fly a kite
26. Edwin Warner Park Nature Center, hiking trails, etc. 
27. Star Party… Sponsored by the new Planetarium at the Adventure Science Center.  Look at the stars/planets with the experts from 8:30-10:30 PM. 
28. Berrypicking…..Boyd Mill Farm has blackberries and raspberries around the end of June and can be reached at 794-3867.  Golden Bell Blueberry Farm has blueberries and can be reached at 794-3758.  Blueberries may be ready by end of June as well.
29. Apple picking….Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville.  Can be reached at 395-4088.  Apples August through October. 
30. Egg fight/toss (this one is messy, but a lot of fun - we do this every year to celebrate either Father's Day or Eric's birthday, both in June).
31. Water balloons
32. Wild Oats….check out their calendar of events. Also, first Tuesday of the month is dime cookie day.
33. Home Depot….first Saturday of the month free kids workshop.    
34. Lowes….same sort of project.  Visit www.Lowes.com, and then click on the projects button for details.  
35. Make your own play dough.  Check out this cool recipe.
36. Paint the sidewalk with water and a brush.
37. Franklin Farmer’s Market….Saturday mornings at The Factory.
38. Make strawberry pop….1 cup strawberries and 1/3 cup honey, puree.  Add ¼ cup puree to 16 oz carbonated water.
39. Make iced tea in the sun.
40. Make a football goal with pvc pipe and water worms.
41. Vine Hill Strawberries….near I-840.  Call 790-1757 for info.  Open M-S from 8-5 and Sun. 12-5. 
42. Gregory Mill Splash Park….Smyrna, TN.  Outdoor water activities,  390 Enon Springs Rd. E.  Open 10-6 daily. 
43. Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway….and bring a picnic.
44. Make a mini-beach with brown sugar in a 9x13 inch pan.  Use small measuring cups to make sandcastles.
45. Make slime with cornstarch, water, and food coloring.
46. Tennessee State Museum.  Free admission, and Check for special events for kids.
47. Foil…..see what the kids come up with when you give them a roll of foil. 
48. The Wilderness Station…..one of our state parks in the Murfreesboro area. Fridays they have Meet-N-Greet Critters for free.  Check out www.murfreesborotn.gov/parks. 
49. Pick TN…check out www.picktnproducts.org to see where you can pick your own various produce. 
50. Modeling clay….so easy since you can grab a package at the grocery store.
51. Visit the Chocolate Shop in Cool Springs. 
52. Make Jam.  Check out this easy recipe. 
53. Make potholders.    
54. Ride bicycles around Williamson County Rec Center Loop. 
55. Visit a Cupcake Shop.  Here are a few options: Gigi's, The Pink Cupcake, Curious Gourmet and Ivey Cake.  
56. Gelato!!!  Check out Nucci's.  
57. Arrington Vineyards.  Free music Friday, Saturday and Sundays.  Beautiful views, wonderful wine and kid friendly (except no wine until they are 21). 
58. Harpeth Community Church Summer Family Movie Days.  Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am.  $3 Chik-fil-a meals indluding drinks.  Call ahead for movie info on their hotline at 790-0104, X 15.
59. Shrinky dinks
60. Temporary tattoos
61. "Bright" projects from Michaels--vehicle kits, electricity kits, etc.
62. Dudes and Divas salon for kids.
63. World Cup of Tea or Franklin Tea
64. Moon sand.
65. Nissan tours.
66. Learning Express-Toys.com - FairyTale Princess Day, Snow White, Kidaroo, Elmo, Boys' Club, Fancy Nancy PJ Party and more!  Check out the CALENDAR of events.  There's a coupon for $10.00 off as well!  

FUN, BUT COST MONEY!!

1. Nashville Children’s Theatre….check website link for shows and times.  
2. Adventure Science Center (Nashville).
3. Planetarium at the Adventure Science Center.
4. Visit the Nashville Symphony.  Also check out the Nashville Symphony For Kids Website.
5. Brentwood Skate Center….Open skate Tues-Fri from 12-3:30 PM.  Costs $5 plus $2.50 for skates.  Family night is Thursday from 6-9:00 PM.  Costs $7 for the firstperson, and $3 for each additional person, skates included.  Saturday Lil Kids for new skaters 9:30 am-11:00 am.  Parents allowed to walk alongside child.  Check website for additional details.
6. Williamson County Rec Center….check out for ceramic class info, lego-building camp (age 10 plus), sports camps, etc.  Visit www.wcparksandrec.com.
7. Wave Country….open Tues-Sun. from 10-7:00.  Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids.  Mon-Thursday from 3-5 is half price for kids.   
8. NashvilleShores.  Brand new Wave Pool just opened up, plus new rides and upgrades!  
9. Franklin Lanes...Monday from 10am-midnight is the best time for the price, $1.99 per game.  3 people per lane.  Website has a flyer for kids offering one free game of bowling per day, not including shoe rental, if you print it out and bring it in!  Now smoke-free.
10. Movies…Carmike Thoroughbred 20 Cinemas.  Tuesdays - $1.00 cokes and popcorn.  Also supposedly a $1 movie on Tuedays.
11. Laser Chase….$7 per person per game.  M-F 4:00-9:00.  Sat 10-10, Sun 12-9.
12. Glow Galaxy….Jump til you drop.  Open most weekdays.  Call for details.  $8.00 per child. 
13. Jump Zone or Pump It Up….Look for open jump times - also great for birthday parties.
14. The Little Course at Connor Lane…play a round of golf, camp, or lessons.  790-0222.
15. IMAX theatre at Opry Mills….3-D movies are more popular these days for the kiddos - but watch out they can be expensive. $13/adult, $11/child, matinee before 3:00PM.
16. Aquarium restaurant (Opry Mills - subject to flooding repair)
17. Rainforest Café restaurant.
18. Climb Nashville….rock climbing for kids of all ages.
19. Nashville Zoo…..open 9-6:00. 
20. Discovery Center...in Murfreesboro. 
21. Krispy Kreme Donuts - make sure you're there when the hot light is on.
22. Get ice cream, Smoothie King, or go to any of the area Sonics (happy hour 2-4 daily).  Note, the Franklin Downtown Sonic is closed for remodeling due to the flood.
23. Third Coast Clay…..in the factory.  Paint some pottery.  
24. Historic Carnton Plantation….educational tours and kid-friendly activities. 
25. Nashville Sounds…our local AAA baseball team.
26. Visit Groupon.com and get coupons for fun places to eat and play!
27. Cheekwood. Located in the Brentwood area. 
28. Franklin on foot….kids learn history and architectural details about our town.  On the website, click on Children's tours.  The I Spy tour is a self guided tour and can be done any time.  
29. THE SCORE - cool videos games, arena, great rates, memberships, great trade in deals, etc.  If you're child loves video games, this is a great option. $6.00 / hour per person.  Also have great deals on memberships.
30. Visit Build a Bear or buy a Webkinz and play on website.  Watch out - it's addictive. 
31. Canoe The Harpeth River.
32. Goofballs - Similar to Chuck-E-Cheese.
33. Sips N Strokes - Inspiring the world to create.  Mixing art and drinks.  Drop off classes.
34. Peek-A-Boo Playtown - Ultimate indoor playground for children up to age 10.  Open Play Mon - Fri 9-5, Sat 9-Noon.  $7.00 per child.
35. A-Game Sportsplex (Former Southern Ice Arena) - For the ice hockey, basketball, volleyball enthusiasts.  
36. Sweet CeCe's - This is probably the most popular place in downtown Franklin on Friday and Saturday nights.  Don't worry if the line looks long, the line moves fast!  Plus, you get free samples while you wait!
37. Dippin' Dots - Value memu on Thursdays.

DAY CAMPS

1. Gentry Farm - full for 2010, but already begin planning for 2011.

2. Camp Widjiwagan (YMCA).

3. VBS (Vacation Bible School) or Kids Church Day Camp Programs - there are too many to list them all, but here are some of the more popular ones in the Franklin area: The People's Church, Forest Hills Baptist, Christ Community Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Brentwood Baptist, Thompson's Station Baptist.

4. Velocity Sports Camps.

5. Upward Basketball…Call 373-7518 for more info.  

7.  The Little Course Camps.  There are overnight and day camps and clinics available.

8.  Carnton Plantation….June 16-20.  9-2:00.  

9. YMCA…Clubhouse Summer Camps.  A Monday-Friday from 1:30-3:30 camp.  Camps including mad science, flying machine,martial arts, photography.  Call for details at 373-YMCA.  Also, there is a day camp or overnight camp at Widjiwagan.  This is a local favorite!! Check it out.  

10.Williamson County Technology Camp- Full this year.  You must register within a couple of hours of the event opening or else you are put on the waiting list (we've learned this from experience).  Free to students, make movies.

11.Williamson County Parks & Recreation Camp @ local elementary schools. These start at 7:30am and run until 5:30pm.

12.Whipporwill day camp

13.The Frist Center - art camp for kid (Nashville).

14.Kids On Stage--  A camp for the arts. 

15.Bravo Creative Arts Center - Nurture your child's creativity and artistic gifts. 

16.Adventure Science Center - Camp Quest (Nashville). 

17.Gymnastics "Funtastic Camp" at Let it Shine. 

18.Harpeth Gymnastics - Swim and Gymnastics camps available.

19.Cheekwood Summer Camps

20.Franklin Farm Camp - Workin on the farm can be fun!

21.Fine Arts Summer Academy - an intensive program for young musical artists of all ages and abilities.  This camp is run by our friends, the Annie Moses Band.  We highly recommend it because we know the hearts and passion of the people behind it.

22.Pump It Up - Jump-N-Art Summer Camp.

23.Sips N Strokes - Kidz Camp - 2 sessions.

24. A-Game Sports and Fitness Camps.  For kids of all ages.  An amazing selection of sports and fitness options.

25. Chris Johnson Football Camp - At Battleground Academy - One day only - June 16.  

26. D1 Nashville (Cool Springs) - Summer Activity Camps (Ages 7 - 18). 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

1. Pump It Up…Friday nights from 6:30-9:30.  $18 per child includes dinner.  Call 373-7867 to make a reservation.
2. Let It Shine…6:30-10:00 on Friday nights.  $15 per child not including dinner.  Call 369-flip to make a reservation.
3. Brentwood YMCA…every other Friday, sometimes swimming.  6-10pm, including dinner, $15 per child for members, $30 for nonmembers.  Call 373-YMCA to register.
4. A-Game Sportsplex.  6-12 year olds.  $25 per child.  $20 for siblings.

SHORT TRIPS

Rock Island State Park… waterfalls, hiking, fishing, camping, cabins.

Kentucky Down Under….open 8-6pm.

Gold N Gem Grubbin….dig for gems, camping, and more.  North Georgia. 

Great Wolf Lodge…indoor waterpark/hotel.  Lots of fun.  Also with a location in Cincinnati, OH.

Montgomery Bell State Park…in Burns near Fairview.  Camping, fishing, cabins, etc.  

Beach Bend….Kentucky.  Campgrounds, race track, amusement park, water park. 

Bucksnort Trout Ranch….McEwen Tennessee.

Fall Creek Falls…..hiking, golf, cabins, pool, etc. 

Tennessee Aquarium….in Chattanooga.  

Mammoth Cave…Open from 8:00-6:15 daily, 

Holiday World - located in Santa Claus, Indiana.  Free Sunscreen and Drinks.

Big Splash Adventure Water Park - French Lick, IN.  Check out the surrounding hotels and brand new Go Kart Center in the area.  We were surprised at how much fun we had during our Spring Break.

Creation Museum - Near Cincinnati, OH.  Adults are $21.95, Kids ages 5-12 $11.95, Kids under 5 FREE.

King's Island Theme Park - Today is the last day to sign up for their summer discounts.

And, if that's not enough...check out these general Summer Fun Ideas for the Whole Family.

As always, please send us your suggestions and events that we haven't listed.  You make our website even better when you contact us.  Have a great summer Franklin Moms!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! This is a song I wrote earlier this year for my kids and for Moms everywhere that can relate to the moments when we feel overwhelmed with love for our children and our place in life! I hope this rough demo recording and lyrics touches moms who can relate with me to the emotions I feel everyday. To download an mp3 of this song, visit www.krissynordhoff.com.

Fortune Cookie Fun

My brother, Buddy, is a missionary in Sudan Africa for Samaritan's Purse.  I wanted to send him some sort of cookies that might last through the time it takes to ship them, and it sent me searching for just the right thing.  I stumbled across this recipe for fortune cookies and thought we'd give it a try.  What was even better about this is the fun everyone had coming up with the fortunes.  We ended up having everyone in our extended family write a little message, so I made 18.  Although you have to be very precise with the recipe, they turned out great and taste better than any we've ever had! 

Here's the link:  http://chinesefood.about.com/od/diningout/r/fortunecookie.htm

Let me know what you think!!

Krissy

Dedication Video for our Daughter

The song is written and recorded as a demo by Franklin Mom Krissy Nordhoff, specifically for Anthem.

Flavorite Reciplease: The Chicken That Crossed the Street Soup

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder.  It's time to break out those soup recipes...or should we say "Reciplease"!?

Here's a new "Crazy Cooking Show" episode for you all to enjoy.  Kaden was home 'sick' yesterday, so we decided to show you how to make "The Chicken Crossed the Street" Soup.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 Cups Chopped Spinach leaves

6 Cups Water

2/3 Cup Chopped Carrots

1 Cup Chopped Onions

3 pieces of chopped Turkey Bacon

1/4 teaspoon Salt (or more to taste)

1/4 teaspoon Pepper (or more to taste)

1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke

1 teaspoon Rosemary

1/2 teaspoon Basil

2 1/2 Cubes Rapunzel (brand) Bullion Cubes

2 - 3 Whole Chicken Breasts

Combine ingredients and cook for 3 hours in a crock pot. 

Then take out chicken breasts and cut to bite size chunks.  Then add:

1/2 Cup of Rice

1 Can of Cannellini Beans

Cook an additional hour in the same crock pot.

Serve with favorite toppings...YUM!

Upcoming Franklin Events

I wanted to share a few things coming up that I'm looking forward to!

FIELDSTONE FARMS GARAGE SALE--First of all, the annual Fieldstone Farms garage sale is happening on next Saturday the 19th of September.  It always amazes me how many people actually come from other states for this event.  This is a sale for the entire neighborhood, including 2000 plus homes.  The earlier you go, the better when it comes to furniture/baby items, etc.  Make sure you stop by our house if you want some lemonde.  Two very cute boys will be happy to serve you!

CELEBRATION OF NATIONS--Saturday, Sept. 19 after the garage sale, you can head over to the Celebration of Nations at the O'More College of Design.  Expect an evening open-air market from 5-9pm with cultural performers, merchants, and food vendors.  Food, beer, and wine from around the world.  free admission.  Rain location is the Factory in Franlin.

FRANKLIN DUCK RACE--October 3rd at Pinkerton Park there will be a duck race on the Harpeth River benefitting New Hope Academy.  Food and children's activities begin at 11:30 am, duck race at 12:30, and it runs until 2:00pm.  Prizes include a scooter, groceries for a year, mall shopping spree, titans tickets and more.  $5 per duck, and a flock for $20. 

Jill's Low Cost Birthday Party Ideas

My friend Jill is one of the most inventive and resourceful people I know!  She did an amazing job leading our church's family camp this year.  These are some of her ideas for birthday parties, so you will see why she's so much fun to hang out with!  Thanks for sharing, Jill! 

 

"I have 3 boys and 1 girl, so some of these parties are for boys and some are for girls.

I've done just about every sports-themed party imaginable, but here's a taste of some of the more unique parties we've had:

Veggie Tales Party

As kids arrived, they colored Veggie Tales pictures, which they taped to their goody bags.  For games/activities, I used two red "hippity hops" (the large rubber bouncy balls with handles.  You sit on them and bounce.).  I taped large paper eyes to them and they looked just like Bob the Tomato.  The kids had Bouncy Bob races on them!  I had jumbled up the following phrase, "Go in the living room for a fun surprise".  I had written each word on a separate piece of paper and hid the clues inside green balloons.  I called it "Jr.'s Jumble" for Jr. Asparagus.  The kids had to sit on the balloons to pop them and get the clues out, then put them in the correct order.  Once they figured it out, they went into the living room, where my teenage niece was waiting in a Larry the Cucumber costume!  Larry joined the kids in playing Limbo and Musical Chairs while Veggie Tales music played in the background.  

Little House on the Prairie Party

When my daughter was younger, her favorite books were from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House series.  The girls came dressed in Pioneer style clothes.  I made a cake that looked like a log cabin, using packaged cake rolls stuck together with toothpicks.

 Activities included hand-sewing small pillows for their dolls using old fashioned calico fabric, dancing to fiddle music, and played Blind Man's Buff just like in the books.

 

Spider Man Party

I created a spider web on the wall using black crepe paper streamers and we played "Pin the Spider on the Web".  The child whose spider was closest to the center won a prize. I took each guest's picture with the birthday boy in front of the web, then included a copy of the photo in thank you cards sent after the party.  The kids "webbed" each other with silly string.  

Lego Party

My son proclaimed this as his favorite birthday party ever!  The boys each worked on a Lego creation using ALL the hundreds of Lego's my boys have collected through the years and my husband and I judged each creation.  We displayed their work on a table and created certificates on the computer to place in front of each one, such as "Most Creative", "Largest", "Coolest", "Funniest", "Most Action-packed", etc.   We played "Lego Toss", using 3 different sized containers.  The boys took turns tossing a Lego into the containers and got 1 point if it landed in the largest, 2 points for the medium-sized, and 3 points for the smallest container.  The cake was a giant Lego made from a sheet cake with cupcakes on top. 

Butterfly Party

I found small purses at the dollar store and the girls used butterfly stamps and beads to embellish them.  For lunch, I cut English muffins in half and turned them around, so the curved parts were in the center.  They resembled butterflies.  We spread pizza sauce on

them and the girls chose their favorite pizza toppings for their butterfly pizzas.  I popped them in the oven for a few minutes til the cheese melted.  While waiting for the pizzas to get ready, the girls decorated cupcakes with butterfly-shaped sprinkles.  They played "Pin the butterfly on the flower".  I painted a huge flower and taped it to the wall.  The girl whose butterfly got closest to the center won.  

 

Princess Party

For my version of the princess party, I read a book to the girls called The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop.  It is a sweet book that introduces the concept of God's gift of purity to children in a way that doesn't steal their innocence.  I decorated a chair to resemble a throne.  Each guest arrived in their prettiest party dress.  The invitation was worded using old English and began with "Here Ye, Here Ye, Her Royal Highness, Princess Brooke requests the honor of your presence...".  I took each guest's photo with the birthday princess sitting together on the throne.  The girls played dress-up and had high-heel races.  So cute!  

Knight Party

Jennie Bishop's book for boys is called The Squire and the Scroll.

I had a knight party for one of my sons based on this book.  Activities included dressing up like knights with some awesome costumes I found at a garage sale, jousting tournament using pool noodles, and stick horse races.

Misc. Party Activities

These activities can be adapted to just about any theme.  

Sheet Volleyball:  Divide kids into 2 teams.  Each team holds a sheet on the edges.  Place a beach ball on the center of each sheet.  Teams toss the ball back and forth by shaking the sheet.

Cotton Ball Transfer:  Fill a bowl with cotton balls.  Place an empty bowl beside it.  Blindfolded, the kids hold a plastic spoon spoon in their mouth, dip it into the cotton balls, trying to pick them up using only the spoon (No hands allowed!) and transfer them to the empty bowl.  It's hilarious to watch!  

Bucket Brigade Relay:  Line up kids in 2 teams.  Put a bucket of water at one end and an empty bucket at the other.  Each child should hold an empty cup.  Child closest to full bucket dips cup in and fills it up, then pours water into next person's cup, etc.  The last person pours their water into the empty bucket.  Of course, they are trying to do this as quickly as possible, so lots of water get spilled in the transfer.  You can either set a timer or have a fun song playing.  When time's up or the song ends, the game ends and whichever team with the most water in the second bucket wins." - JILL

Amy's Low Cost Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

Here are some WONDERFUL low cost birthday party ideas for girls from one of my favorite Franklin Moms, my friend Amy.  Amy was a school teacher for many years, and is now teaching/pastoring the family service at the church we attend, The Nest.  She has a way of using her creativity to bring laughter and meaning into everyday life.  Thank you, Amy, for sharing your amazing ideas! 

 

Father / Daughter Bride party

We did this for my daughter's 7th birthday.  Daddys were included in the invitation.  There was a secret envelope for them in the invitation that was a questionaire for them to fill out about their daughters ... it was basically the outline for creating a blessing they would read over their daughters at the "wedding".  The girls came dressed as brides, the dads in their suits.  We decorated like a wedding - center aisle, candles at the front.  Party favors were a boquet made of flowers from a dollar store.  We played the wedding march as each daddy walked his daughter down the aisle.  Then each dad had a turn to read the blessing aloud over his daughter.  Daughters promised to love and obey and honor their daddies.  Daddies promised to love, protect and provide for their daughters while doing the best they can to be a picture of the heavenly Father for them.  After the ceremony we had a big reception.  A wedding cake, punch, mints and nuts and lots games of dancing.  Mothers were invited to come and be the audience at the wedding if they liked.  They blew bubbles as the girls and daddys left the wedding.  It was a fun, meaningful day with lots of laughter - and tears of joy!

 

Baby Doll Party

I have done this for a 4 year old and a 5 year old party. Friends bring their favorite baby doll and a doll stroller. As guests arrive they leave their strollers at the "stroller stop" outside, designated with a stroller stop sign.  (As girls are inside a volunteer tied a pink balloon to each stroller for the stroller parade later in the party.)  Girls came in and decorated a pink gift bag with baby themed stickers to create a diaper bag.  Then they packed their diaper bag with a baby doll diaper, bottle, rattle, baby dish, baby spoon (I used the liitle pink ones you get at Baskin Robins) and bibs.  (I shopped for all of these items at dollar stores.)  We went outside, put the babies in the strollers and walked around the kuldesac for a stroller parade.  We came back inside where we learned to put diapers on babies, how to feed them, give them a bottle, and burp them. I read a story to the "mommies" and their babies.  I used a story with repetition so the "mommies" could join in on those parts.  I LOVE YOU FOREVER is the story I chose, which is a sweet story about a Mommy and her baby.  After reading to the babies, the little mommies rocked their babies and put them to bed.  I supplied baby blankets to cover the babies.  Then we tiptoed to the cake table and had a baby buggy cake and opened gifts.  Then the mommies woke up their babies and the played house together. 

 

Karaoke party

We created this party for our 10 year old daughter.  Guests were asked to come dressed to perform a song in a karaoke show, though it did not have to be true kareoke - tracs with words were fine.  We created a cool looking stage by decorating our garage door opening with plastic tablecloths tied to look like a purple, pink and black stage curtain.  We used a microphone from our karaoke machine.  We set up folding chairs in the driveway to create the audience.  Girls took turns performing.  We made a video and watched the show afterwards while eating popcorn in the "theatre" (our den).  Then we went back outside for awards.  I purchased trophies from Oriental Trading and gave each girl a trophy during the awards ceremony.  They received awards based on something outstanding from their performance (best smile, best dance moves, best costume, etc).  Favors were blow up guitars and microphones, rock star tatoos and GIRLS ROCK dog tags, all from Oriental Trading.

 

Princess party

Lots of people have done a princess party, but here was our version:  All guests (including adults) came dressed as royalty.  We decorated crowns with glitter and sticker gems.  We had stations to have nails, hair and make up done.  I read PRINCESS AND THE PEA, and then we played a game where they had to sit on three different pillows and guess which had the "pea" (a bouncy ball) under it. We played pin the lips on the frog (based on the idea of a princess kissing frogs to find her Prince).  We danced liked princesses to princess songs, then played "freeze dance" where you stop the music and they have to freeze in the dancing position until the music begins again.  The girls ate a castle cake with their finest castle manners.

My Grocery Revolution!

I don't know about you, but I know I've spent a lot of extra time and money over the years on groceries--just ask Eric.  When I shop with kids in tow, I end up with lots of extra items that they'd like.  Even when I don't have the kids, I end up running through the aisles, throwing all kinds of stuff in my cart.  It makes me feel like we'll have enough for the week, and usually I'm in a hurry to get home and feed the baby or run to a ball game.  So, Franklin Moms, it's time for a revolution!

I've found that grocery success takes time to prepare.  For little ones, bring some snacks or get some there when you first walk in.  Also, let them help you choose some items such as produce.  With my older ones, I've found that they love to cross off the items we get on my list.  My 9 year old loves to carry a calculator.  It's a great way to practice math skills, like rounding up to the nearest dollar.  If you have more than one child, go ahead and bring them each a list and a calculator to save yourself a fight! 

With a plan for the kids, the only other must-have is a plan for myself!  I do plan meals and coupons ahead, but found yet another step to make my life easier. A grocery list spreadsheet. Download Franklin Mom Grocery List. This spreadsheet is categorized by store, then by aisle, then by item.  That way I can hang it up on the inside of a kitchen cupboard, and put an "x" next to each item I need as I remember.  When I get to the store, I will save lots of time knowing my list is already in aisle order, and I can also do a quick scan of the other items I normally buy there to make sure I'm not missing something!

Because I eat gluten free, dairy free and sugar free (as much as possible), I split my grocery shopping during the course of a month between Publix, Wal-mart, Costco, The Vitamin Shoppe, Vitacost (online), Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (in Green Hills - hopefully one coming to Williamson County one day).  Trader Joe's is by far, my favorite place to shop simply because I find I can usually get healthy gluten free, dairy free foods there for less money.  Plus, the shopping experience is unique.  Trader Joe's employees are eager to help and very knowledgable about the products they sell.  Side top, don't shop there on weekends - it's busy.

Download Franklin Mom Grocery List and you'll be able to download and print my list. It shows what I buy and where.  Please feel free to make it your own, and let me know how it goes!  Please give me any suggestions to make this list even easier to use for you.