Baking With Kids Tips #2

Make cookie dough ahead of time.

Huge time saver when you want to do some baking with the kids but don't have a lot of time. It has been my experience that munchkins are just as happy cutting shapes out of the dough or dropping tablespoons (while sneaking tastes) on cookies sheets as they are measuring and mixing. And when you don't have a lot of time -- maybe you only have a couple hours together with your favorite short people due to busy schedules -- you still get some quality face time with them. Some of the best conversations I've ever had with my kids have been while baking. 

Cookie dough is hugely versatile and freezes really well. I always keep dough on hand for impromptu baking urges. Like when 4ft wants to talk but doesn't quite know how to start. Let's go bake some cookies. When Grumpers is having a rough day (it's tough being two). Let's go bake some cookies. And you know, sometimes you just need a cookie. Let's go bake some cookies.

More words of wisdom: Cookies make everything better!

Getting Crafty -- A Christmas Chain

Every year, near the beginning of December, we make a Christmas chain for keeping track of Days Til Christmas.

The Supplies

Count how many days you have til Christmas Eve and then subtract one. The Christmas Eve link is the gold one. Then divide how many days you have in half (if it's an odd number pick which you like better: red or green) and then you know how many links you need of each color. Then you cut strips of colored construction paper like in the picture. We're traditionalists. You could use any color you wanted we just like red, green, and yellow. 

4ft gluing the links together

Start the chain. Use the glue stick on one end (the short sides) and then loop it together and secure. Then thread the next color through the loop and repeat. So on and so forth until you get the whole chain done.

Ta-Daaaa!

It's an easy fun project you can do as a family. We always share the duties. This year I did the red, 4ft did the green, and Grumpers didn't want to help until we got to the yellow one and so he did that one. Before bed, the boys take turns tearing off the bottom chain and then they count how many days are left.