Don’t dismiss Date Night just because you don't have a sitter! Here’s a quick plan to put some romance on the calendar for your special occasion: 

1. Give the kids a bedtime. The older ones won’t like it (bedtime on the weekend?) but let them know they don’t have to go to sleep, but they do have to get in bed and stay in bed.
   
   
2. Set the scene. Choose a setting ahead of time, and make sure that area of the house is clean and available. Consider the back porch, formal dining room, or a quaint corner of the home library.
   
   
3. Set the mood. Dim the lights, light candles, and have a pre-arranged playlist to enjoy your favorite tunes.
   
   
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What can I do with my kids for Valentine's Day to make them feel really loved and super special? Here are some ideas!

Happy Groundhog Day! Here's a super easy and healthy treat to make for your little ones. In fact, your child might enjoy making this himself. Just pull out the ingredients and show him this photo.

I don’t care how modern our world gets, handicrafts are something I will always cherish and try to include in the lives of my children. Our favorites over the years have been sewing, finger knitting, woodworking, and making dishes with air dry clay. Sadly, we haven’t experimented with basket weaving yet, but some of my daughters have had their own experiences weaving tiny baskets at various camps. Maybe 2025 will be our year to delve into it!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we know how special this day can be for moms, kids, and families alike! Whether you’re celebrating with your little ones, your partner, or taking some much-needed “me time,” the holiday is all about love, joy, and fun. And what better way to spread the love than with the perfect gifts?

Make way for the chilly days! We’ve been waiting for months to pull out our dusty winter wear, and the days are finally getting cold. But while 40-degree weather calls for the fun things like hot cocoa and fuzzy socks, it also means sneezes and sniffles are coming around too. Here’s our list of five natural remedies to shoo those runny noses away:

Is your teen planning to work this summer? If they’re a strong swimmer and enjoy being outdoors, let them know that The Woodlands Township is hiring lifeguards for the 2025 swim season. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by July 1, 2025, and the starting pay is $12.50/hour (or $13.50/hour for lifeguarding at the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center). While previous lifeguarding experience is helpful, it’s not required. The Township will provide all necessary training for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. Here’s more info on the position and how to apply.

For better or for worse (we’re not judging), it’s time to say “goodbye Biden” and “hello Trump.” According to the 20^th Amendment to the US Constitution, a president's four-year term ends at noon on Jan. 20. Shortly afterwards, the president-elect is sworn in.

This time in history is always something I look forward to experiencing with my kids, especially as a homeschooling family. It’s not a time for us to discuss “politics” in the usual sense. Rather, we discuss our country’s government and its history, along with some of the facts about the Executive Branch of the US.