Some Great Ideas

I just thought I would share a couple of great things I've found or heard lately that might interest you. First off, I've been waiting a whole year to implement this.

You can get it here: http://deseretbook.com/Christ-Centered-Easter-Day-by-Day-Activities-Celebrate-Week-Joe-Janet-Hales/i/4253892

Last Easter, I really felt like the real meaning of Easter just wasn't emphasized enough in our home (and the world for that matter). I love traditions and teaching activities and that is just what this little book is designed to do. It gives day by day activities, scripture references and so much more for each day between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. I've been reading and getting ready and am so excited about what is to come. It is definately worth checking out.

Another thing I read while waiting at the doctor's office (I'm doing that a lot lately) is the idea of a world travel "staycation." That's right,  you never have to leave your home, but to keep the kiddos occupied or to give you some focus over the summer, you get out a great big map and ask the kids where they want to go. Each week takes on another country somewhere in the world and you plan activites to go along with that country. I think this is such a great idea since we can loose focus over the summer and kind of meander throught it. We can try new foods, make crafts, try new restaurants, watch educational videos, take fieldtrips and who knows what else.

Here are a couple of sights with some good ideas:
http://family.go.com/travel/pkg-vacation-ideas-staycation/

http://www.makeitbetter.net/entertainment/outings-a-travel/1190-spring-break-staycation-an-around-the-world-adventure-in-our-backyard (this one comes from Chicago, but you get the idea)

http://www.bookstorepeople.com/2010/06/staycation-this-year-travel-the-world-from-home-with-the-magic-tree-house-series/ (another really cute idea)

I hope you enjoy these.

As of the Ruiz household, we are surviving with our heads above water. We are eating (probably not the best meals we've had), the house is presentable (probably not the cleanest it's been), and we are civil to one another (mom's just not as nice as she's been), but I guess that is all to be expected when we are just 5 1/2 weeks away from having a BABY!!! I actually paniced last night when I looked at the calendar and how busy we are for the next couple of weeks. I've really got to hunker down and get some things done. But I figure it's better than being bored.

I really should go and try to clean something, so adios mi amigos!