MomBuzz

I am not one to spend hours reflecting on the past and stressing about the future. My life flows pretty smoothly and I try to enjoy each moment but I recently heard an uplifting story from an old friend I thought I’d share.

We’ve been friends for almost 20 years now and our lives have changed dramatically. Several years ago she went through fertility problems but ended up with healthy twins through IVF. This year her sister was having fertility problems and was then diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily she was diagnosed early and has a clean bill of health. But due to her illness and the treatments the doctors said she should never get pregnant. I had an easy time getting pregnant with both my children but have to imagine that wanting a child and not being able to have one must be devastating. Luckily she has an amazing sister who is willing to be a surrogate and carry a child (or 2 or 3) for her. It’s such a wonderful thing to do and a hopeful story to start out a great new year. To read more about her adventures go here.

Working on your New Year’s Resolutions? Sure anyone can resolve to lose weight, eat healthier and save more, but this year make a resolution you might actually keep! Resolve to learn or do something you have always wanted to!
Jealous of the dancers on Dancing with the Stars? Learn ballroom dancing. Always wanted to be in a band? Learn to play an instrument. Think you would be good at chess? Pick up a book or computer game. Want to knit your baby some booties? There’s no better time to learn. The possibilities are endless- local high schools and community centers offer all kinds of classes which don’t have to break the bank. Train for a marathon, volunteer your time, learn to use your computer (this one’s for my dad - he reads my emails then calls me back on the phone with an answer!), finally do your family tree, anything you have been putting off - there’s no time like the present.

What am I going to learn this year you ask? Well my list is long, but in choosing ONLY one thing I may actually stick to it. This summer I am going to take surfing lessons. I have been thinking about it for a while and I am finally going to do it. I’ll never be Kelly Slater, but I hope to have fun, get some exercise and show my kids you are never too old to try something new. Hang 10 in 2009!

Tired of all the cookie parties you are invited to? Try a gift wrapping party instead. My friend holds an annual one each year. There’s holiday music, good food and great friends. We bring the gifts that need to be wrapped and the host provides wrapping paper, bows and tags. If you don’t like to wrap there is likely to be someone there who will do it for you, and if you don’t have your gifts you can help someone else. It’s a great way to get interesting gift ideas. It usually lasts most of the day and you can come and go as you please. It only works with friends and not family though as you don’t want them seeing their gifts ahead of time! It’s the ONE party I look forward to each year! Happy wrapping!

I remember as a child how much fun it was to make cookie cutter cookies full of sugary sprinkles, but as an adult I realized just how much work went into making the dough and waiting for it to be the right consistency. Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix takes the hassle out (and for allergy suffers you can easily tell them the ingredients). To the mix you add butter and eggs, mix and viola you are ready to go. Roll it out, cut your shapes, sprinkle and cook. It is so easy we’ll make them on the spur of the moment sometimes. It’s still a little messy of course so remember to get your camera out and capture your little ones covered in flour! (You can also use the pre-made refrigerated dough.)

It’s a wonderful time of year. Although it’s busy for everyone I hope to post many great holiday ideas.
If you celebrate Christmas it’s time to start your advent calendar. I still remember what ours looked like when I was a kid. (and it didn’t even have chocolates or toys in it!) Today they make ones full of candies, ornaments and Lego even makes one full of toys. You can also make your own including things meaningful to your family.
For my kids it is hard to wait for Santa but the daily surprise helps a little! I also try to fill up the days with outings and activities. They don’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Try:
-taking a trip to your local nursery to pick out poinsettias
-find a local gingerbread house contest and check out the entries - or if you are ambitious enter for yourself
-see a local production of A Christmas Carol or the Nutcracker
-watch your favorite Christmas movies
-attend your local tree lighting or Santa breakfast
-attend the Christmas parade
-check out your library for events such as story time, cookie decorating, ornament making
-check out your local arboretum for events like make your own wreath
-attend a winter festival
-attend a craft show
-take off a weekend and stay in a festive Christmas town
-help those less fortunate by donating food, clothes and toys

Whatever you do be sure NOT to overbook yourself so that you can enjoy the activities you do attend! And save time to check out MOMBUZZ for new tips, crafts, projects, gift ideas and fun.

Looking for a cute and deicious Thanksgiving dessert? Well I spent quite some time yesterday looking up ideas. I found this turkey cupcake on Betty Crocker.com. Then I hit the jackpot! Gratefuldaisy had done the work for me. She compiled a huge list of treats from turkey cupcakes to marshmallow pilgrim hats! Click here to visit her site Have fun, and don’t forget to send us photos of your creations!