Keeping Busy

I won't lie--it's hard being home with two kids, but it's also the most rewarding job in the world.  But, like most jobs, some days are harder than others.  My girlie has been sick with an upper respiratory virus and fever for a week.  This has meant that this on-the-go mama has been under house arrest with the exception of a few workouts and an understanding husband who actually told her to go shopping one night.    I feel for those parents who have children whose illnesses are not of a temporary nature.  My heart goes out to  you.  I don't know how you do it.

Girlie asleep in the middle of the chaos

I love routine.  I love being around my friends at mommy group.  I really LOVE going places and exploring things with my kiddos in tow.  And, I love when they are at school and I get a few glorious hours to myself.  My kiddos are the same way.  They thrive on activity and friends.  So, when we are stuck at home all together we all go a bit, well, nuts.

To combat the boredom, I stock our house with art supplies (paint, card stock, glitter glue, popsicle sticks, Play-doh, coloring books, etc.).  I also drag them outside whenever possible.  Thankfully it's finally a "cool" 80 degrees here, so we can actually go outdoors without sweltering.

I've also discovered that bubbles in the kitchen sink is a great way to keep my youngest entertained for a good 30+ minutes!  But, my most fav thing to do with my kids when we are stuck at home is bake!  Yesterday we made some cut-out cookies and they turned out awesome!

Giraffe made by Logan

Cut-out cookies are an excellent way to entertain kids (just segregate the "sick kid" dough on a cookie sheet of its own!) when stuck at home.  The multiple steps of this process make it a great way to suck up time.

Have your kids help you measure out ingredients.  This is a wonderful way to teach numbers.  Anna already knows some fractions because of all the cooking we do.  She can also recognize a tablespoon and a teaspoon.

Mixing it up!

After chilling the dough (play a game or do a puzzle while the dough chills!) they can partake in rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters to make fun shapes.  Create patterns on the cookie sheet.  I worked with Logan on a simple two-shape pattern by asking him which came next.

Last, they can help whip up some frosting to decorate the cookies (I also keep sprinkles on-hand at all times!).  Watching the KitchenAid whirl around can provide much entertainment in itself!

Here's my recipe for Kid-Entertaining Cut-Out Cookies:

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 stick (1/2c.) butter
• 1/2 c. vegetable shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1tsp almond extract
• 3c. all-purpose flour
• 1tsp baking soda
• 1tsp baking powder
• 1tsp salt
• butter-cream frosting, if desired (I like Wilton's recipe, found HERE)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter, and shortening until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in eggs and almond extract and blend until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and powder, and salt. Slowly pour dry ingredients into sugar mixture.
4. Blend all ingredients until well-mixed.  
5. Chill cookie dough for 1.5hrs or more.
6. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out dough in small batches on a lightly floured surface.  Dough should be about 1/4in. thick.  Use cookie cutters to cut out dough.  
7. Put dough on un-greased cookie sheet.  Bake approximately 6min.  Length of bake time depends on size of cutter used.  Keep an eye on them!  Remove when edges are only slightly golden.
8. Let cookies cool before frosting.  You can use Wilton's recipe (see link above), canned, or make your own!  Decorate with sprinkles and candy pieces and you have lots of messy entertainment on hand for your kiddos!