Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Family starts with F, and that means FUN!

I don't think I inherited the "fun mom" gene. I know that some of my sisters did - but me? I only got the "read-aloud mom" gene. (edited to add: links at the bottom of the post)

It's not that I don't like to have fun, it just doesn't come naturally to me. I have to sit and really brainstorm for fun ideas, plan them, and then voila! FUN happens.

But! There is hope for people like me. If you are one of us, you will enjoy Shelley Wille's books. My aunt lent me her copy of Never A Dull Moment-

there are so many ideas in here that I'm going to try.

I love her "Kooky Cookie Night" - tons of ideas for family fun with the cheap cookies you can get at Wally World (i.e. stacking contest, bobbing for cookies, building with cookies & frosting, cookie golf, cookie burgers, and more). We may just have to take photos of all our fun and post them.

"Disgusting Derby" and "Messy Mania" both promise a twist on the word 'fun' - anyone with boys (& maybe even girls) ought to love these ideas with disturbing themes (hairiest legs contest - involves corn syrup and sprinkles; musical burp - think musical chairs with carbonation; vaseline/cotton relay; toilet plunger sundaes; worm search - think pudding, gummy worms, & no hands; chocolate marshmallow drop, and many, many others). I don't think you or I have the stomach for me to post any of these pictures.

The bubblegum party is another idea I know my kids will go for. I am so stocking up on Hubba Bubba and Bubble-licious!

Shelley's ideas are fun and easy to implement. Key items to keep on hand for the 29 different themes - pudding, marshmallows, balloons, shaving cream (cheap 69 cent brand).

I love how the greatest discoveries seem to be by accident. Try her books and see if you don't agree.

For more ideas for your family, check out Works for me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer or see my other tips:

Math is fun
Kids in the kitchen
Behavior incentives

Road trips w/kids
Longer lasting cut flowers
Job charts
Kids' snacks
Sensory garden
Traveling w/baby

5 comments:

Kathy in WA said...

These ideas sound great! I need to check out that book. Too fun! Thanks for sharing a new (sure to be) treasure.

Duckabush Blog

athena said...

yes, the book suggestions sound great. i'll go check them out.

At A Hen's Pace said...

I think they sound funner to to do than to actually clean up...! But I don't have the fun gene either, I think.

:)

Jeanne

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Can't wait to check it out!

BTW, I have left your site on my computer for the last 30 minutes because I am LOVING your music. It's been a treat for me today. THANK YOU!

Anonymous said...

I am going to get that book!
Thanks for the tip.

Linda