October Give

A new month already and with it comes almost the end to our year of giving...not too sure how I feel about that! This month is what I call our family give. Sometimes we get so involved in the day to day responsibilities that we don't take the time with not only our immediate family, but our extended family as well. I challenge each of you to do something special with your kids this month and also something special with your larger family. Here are a few ideas (some cost money and some are free so there is no excuse!)

1. take a trip to the pumpkin patch: there are several good ones locally and it's a fun way to spend time together and a great place to get pictures for your Christmas cards!

2. take a hike around your neighborhood or better yet, in the mountains. The trees are turning fabulous colors and you can put together a scavenger hunt for the kiddos; find leaves, rocks, etc. It's also nice to throw a little exercise into your day!

3. have a family movie night. Pick one or two family favorites or try one you've not seen yet. Pop a big bowl of popcorn and sit back and relax.

4. Family game night. When is the last time you had a rousing game of Uno or Monopoly? You could even have an Olympic night on the Wii!

5. Visit a haunted house. Might not be for all of us, but it would be a great date night or a fun night with your teens. I think there are a few locally and they are a bit pricey, but fun and they last a couple of hours.

6. Decorate your house or yard for Halloween with all of the family's help. Let the little ones make bats or pumpkins out of paper and hang them from a tree. They can fill orange lawn bags with leaves or build a scarecrow. The DI has great overalls and things you can make a scarecrow out of. Your imagination is the limit on this one.

7. Mix up a batch of sugar cookies and frost them. Kids love to put the sprinkles on top and decorate them up cute. Great way to spend an afternoon!

8. Caramel apples...need I say more on that one?

9. Go through your family food storage. Rotate your stock by date so you don't end up throwing out of date items away. Enlist the kids to help! Most of the major grocery stores are having case lot sales and it's a good time to stock up on things you use most. Let the kids help dehydrate apples or bananas that you can use for their lunches or snacks later. Food storage is the family gift that keeps on giving!

This is the perfect time of year to get one more last family outing. The weather has been so nice and there is still lots you can do outside with the family. Please take pictures and post them on the blog. You never know when your idea will inspire someone else!