Leprechaun On The Shelf

Leprechaun on the Shelf? Now, why didn't I think of that?!?

A few days ago, my kids and I put up our St. Patrick's Day decorations. One of the boxes contained this prosperous poppet. As I was hanging it up, my five-year-old looked concerned and asked, "How are you touching him?" Confused, I asked what he meant. He wanted to know if the leprechaun would lose his magic. Then my three-year-old chimed in and asked, "Does he move at night?"

They were thinking of the Elf on the Shelf.

Little geniuses! If only I had some forethought on this. Instead I have remorse over my missed opportunity. On December 26, I recall wishing we could use Elf on the Shelf all year long. For the 25 days prior, discipline was so easy. It really came down to five little words: Do you know who's watching?

My boys are usually well behaved. But let's face it, combine a sleep-deprived ROCmomma with energetic kids, keep them in the house all day because it's ten degrees (Fahrenheit) outside, and even the most angelic child can grate on your last nerve every once in a while. Yet somehow that creepy little red-suited guy with the goofy grin can silently enforce good behavior in a nanosecond. He really is magical. Even if he does steal your pretzels.

So let's prolong the magic.

• In January, we could be visited by the Snowman on the Shelf. 
• In February, we could have Cupid on the Shelf, or Presidents on the Shelf (available in Washington, Lincoln, etc.) for non-Valentiners.  
• Leprechaun on the Shelf could check up on us in March. Or the secular Lion on the Shelf ("March comes in like a lion; goes out like a lamb").
• Easter Bunny on the Shelf in April, or the second half of March as the case may be. Alternately, we could have Umbrella on the Shelf ("April showers bring May flowers") - a plush umbrella with a cute face.
• In May, we could have Flower on the Shelf. Remember those dancing flower pots? Those could make a comeback.
• Celebrate Flag Day in June with Flag on the Shelf (with cute facial features, of course).
• Uncle Sam on the Shelf wants YOU to be good in July.
• In August, welcome the Lobster on the Shelf. (Yeah, this one is a stretch. August...vacation...beach...ocean...lobster. That's how I got there.)
• September's watchdog could be Johnny Appleseed on the Shelf (his birthday is September 26th).
• October could bring us Jack-o-Lantern on the Shelf, or the patriotic Columbus on the Shelf.
• We could have a Turkey on the Shelf in November.
• Of course, December brings our trusty ol' Elf on the Shelf. Or maybe extend January's Snowman on the Shelf? Hmmm. Need to work on this one.

The Character on the Shelf is Fun.

Kids love waking up in the morning and finding where their watchful friend has chosen to perch for the day.

The Character on the Shelf is Educational.

These icons could be learning tools used to help teach children about U.S. history, the four seasons, and the calendar in general. 

The Character on the Shelf is Motivational.

Simply pick an incentive for the end of that month - a family outing, a special meal, or a coveted prize. Then let your kids know they can earn that reward at the end of the month if they are on their best behavior. Remind them that the Character on the Shelf will be watching at all times. (Evil laugh optional).

Now, if anyone works in the merchandising industry, let me know. We can partner on this: picture books, plush characters, DVDs, and more. The possibilities are endless; we'll just change "On The Shelf" to avoid copyright infringement. Also, please Post a Comment if you have any better ideas for a month. We'll reward the best ideas with a percentage of the profits.

As always, thanks for reading. And in this case, for laughing along.

Mendon Ponds Park

Mendon Ponds Park is one of those places you can go back to and visit a different spot each time. There are hiking trails, recreational areas, ponds, wetlands, playgrounds, as well as special features such as Sharon's Sensory Garden and Wild Wings. Mendon Ponds Park has glacial features that make it a Natural Historic Landmark.

The park is approximately 10 miles southeast of Rochester, located south of the NYS Thruway I-90 in the Towns of Pittsford and Mendon. It is bordered by Clover Street on the west and Pittsford-Mendon Center Road on the east. Click these links for directions or a park map.

During our last visit, we used the Canfield Road entrance from Clover Street, turned right on Douglas Road, and followed the sign for beach area parking, on the right side. First we had to try out everything at the playground. My boys love the train and they will sit on it for the majority of our visit, each time. The train does not actually move, but they have fun pretending to be the engineer and driving to different locations. We stop at the Grand Canyon, New Jersey, and California. How's that for living large?!

The playground has smaller structures with slides and tunnels...

...as well as a larger structure with plenty to climb on and slide down. There are also swings (baby swings and regular swings), picnic tables, and restrooms. This area is stroller friendly, but the restrooms do not include baby changing tables.

After the playground, we walked to the pond to collect rocks. That's the Hundred Acre Pond in the background.

When we were finished in the beach area, we hopped back in the car to continue down Douglas Road, and kept to the right onto Pond Road until we reached the Nature Center, on the left. Sometimes you can see horses in the training area, adjacent to the parking lot. However, the horses were not out during our last visit. So we walked past the restrooms and Cottage Store, and into Sharon's Sensory Garden.

This garden is designed for people with visual or physical disabilities, and has features that highlight all of the senses. The plant labels are even in Braille. There are whimsical bells that jingle in the wind, or when a two-year-old is nearby.

There are wooden chimes that can become a symphony in the hands of a five-year-old.

The waterfall was not working during our visit, but the boys usually like to watch it and try to touch the water. Oh well.

When we exited the garden, they wanted to go exploring. There is a great path nearby through the woods that is fairly level (no climbing required) and goes in a big square, so you really can't get lost. Plus there are a few small shelters along the trail with interactive exhibits, designed to teach about the soil, animals, and plants found in the area. The exhibits have not been maintained well, but my kids still like to explore them.

The sensory garden is stroller-friendly, but the walking trail is not. While the path is level, there are still the obstacles of tree roots and rocks that would make it difficult to push a stroller. While there are restrooms by the Cottage Store, they do not offer baby changing tables.

Behind the Cottage Store and Sharon's Sensory Garden, you'll find Wild Wings, a not-for-profit educational organization that houses and cares for permanently injured birds of prey. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Thursday. We didn't have time to stop by, but right now you can visit 21 birds of prey and a bobcat named Tara.

These are just a few highlights within Mendon Ponds Park; there are so many more. In the summer you can hike a trail, utilize their boat launch, or go fishing. In the winter you can go sledding, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There is even a Mendon Ponds Winterfest in January.

If you haven't already visited, pack up a lunch, print out the map, and go explore. Be sure to Post A Comment and let us know about your experience. As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun Hot Spots This Weekend

Wondering what to do with the kids this weekend in Rochester, NY? There are Easter egg hunts, model trains, and Berenstain Bears, oh my!

Family Fun Friday: Easter Egg Hunt at Southeast Family YMCA
Friday, March 30 ~ 4:30 - 10 p.m.
111 E. Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
4:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Adventure Center is open
5:45 - ?              - Pizza, $1/slice (Lobby)
6:00 - ?              - Easter Craft (Lobby)
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - FREE Healthy Snack (Lobby)
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Games, crafts & Easter Egg Hunt (Gym)
7:05 - 10:00 p.m.- Family Swim (Pool)

Easter Egg Hunt at Camp Arrowhead
Saturday, March 31 ~ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
20 Arrowhead Road, Pittsford, NY
An event for the whole family! The event includes a pancake breakfast, 2 separate Egg Hunts (for ages 5 & under and ages 6-12), arts & crafts, games, entertainment, door prizes, Alpine Tower (ages 8+), sandbox, playground, and much more. Find the golden egg and win a free week of camp. Register by 4 p.m. on March 30th to save on registration; day-of registration is a bit more.

Easter Egg Hunt at Castle Creek Farms
Saturday, March 31 ~ 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
3760 Rush Mendon Road, Mendon, NY
The Easter Bunny has hidden over 500 eggs all over the farm for children to find. The event features pony rides, hay rides, and a petting zoo. There is a fee for children; adults are free.

Edgerton Model Railroad Open House
Saturday, March 31 ~ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Recreation Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
Take a free "tour" of historical Rochester through the four seasons: summer in the city, fall in Letchworth State Park, winter in the mountains, and spring in the countryside. These four model railroad layouts were created in 1950 and are only open on the last Saturday of each month.

Literature Live: Sister Bear at The Strong National Museum of Play
Saturday, March 31 ~ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 ~ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Do your kids love the Berenstain Bears books? Then they will love the chance to meet Sister Bear and take a picture with her. Included with general admission.

Opening Day & Free Ice Cream at Wickham Farms
Sunday, April 1 ~ 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
1821 Fairport Nine Mile Road, Penfield, NY
Be sure to Like them on Facebook, and you'll be able to print out the coupon for your free ice cream, or just show it on your smartphone. Besides ice cream, enjoy miniature golf, batting cages, a jumping pillow, large sandbox (bring your own sand toys, or rent them in the barn), slide & play set, and farm animals.

April Fools' with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m.
Performance Hall at Hochstein, 50 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY
Have the whole family enjoy a program of fun pranks, musical jokes, and a good time with great music performed by the RPO. Purchase tickets online or at any Rochester-area Wegmans.

Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's 
Tuesday, April 3 ~ 12 - 8 p.m.
5 South Main St, Pittsford, NY or RIT, 139 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY
Stop in for a free scoop of your favorite flavor!

I hope this helps you plan your weekend. Don't forget to mark your calendar for some ice cream onTuesday, too. If you know of any other fun events this weekend, please post them in the Comments section. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend.

Top 5 Events For Kids This Weekend

One of the best things about raising a family in Rochester, NY is the abundance of kid-friendly museums, attractions, and events. There is almost always something going on to entertain the kids. This weekend is no exception with maple syrup, vehicles, the Emerald City, animals, and science experiments taking center stage.

If you're looking for some family fun, check out what's going on:

Maple Weekend
March 24-25, 2012 ~ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
You can visit the Maple Weekend website to find a demonstration near you. The Cummings Nature Center in Naples and Genesee Country Village in Mumford are both participating. There will be maple syrup demonstrations and tastings, a pancake breakfast (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.), crafts, and other activities for kids and families. Admission fees vary.

Things That Go
March 24-25, 2012 ~ 12 - 4 p.m.
What little kid can resist cars and trucks?! Visit the Rochester Museum & Science Center for some hands-on activities and an up-close look at an electric car (Saturday only), motorcycle, pink loader, hovercraft, and an antique fire truck. Included with general admission.

Wizard of Oz Weekend
March 24-25, 2012 ~ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
There's no place like home, and there's no place like the Strong National Museum of Play! (we visit about once a week) There will be performances by the Bubble Man and by The College at Brockport Xylophone Ensemble, you can meet Glinda the Good Witch, create Oz-themed works of art, and more. Plus, if you haven't seen the Wizard of Oz exhibit yet, it's definitely worth a visit! Included with general admission.

Critter Challege
March 24, 2012 ~ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Stations around the Seneca Park Zoo will feature games and hands-on activities led by zoo docents to teach kids how animals survive in the wild. Could you spot your dinner from a mile away? Stand on one foot while you sleep? The Critter Challenge will give kids a better understanding of how animals live. All stations will be indoors, in the various zoo buildings. Included with general admission.

Family Science Day
March 24, 2012 ~ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Families with young children will want to stop by the Winton Branch Library for some hands-on experiments with professional scientists. The first 30 families to register will receive a family science activity kit [(585) 428-8204]. Admission is free; registration is required.

I think I'm leaning toward Genesee Country Village for Maple Weekend. Besides all the typical maple goodness, their flyer tells me that Grieve's Brewery is demonstrating how beer can be made with maple syrup. Yum! That, and they have maple fudge. The kids won't get a vote; we're going. Because momma said so.

Have fun with your family this weekend, and be sure to let me know if you visited any of these events. If you have any other good ideas for the Rochester area this coming weekend, please post them in the Comments section. Thank you!

Hop To It & Make Some Easter Decorations

Yes, it's beautiful outside, but sometimes the kids need a break from running around the yard. And with the St. Patrick's Day decorations down, it's looking a little bare in our house. SOLUTION: time to make some Easter decorations. Why spend full price on holiday decorations when you can make some now, and then get the nicer stuff for 50% off later in the season (sometimes 75%!) to save for next year? Added bonus: making your own decorations is a preemptive strike against the "I'm bored" whining of children.

I'm a big fan of creating three afternoons of activities around every holiday:

1. Make the decorations (this may be done over the course of a few days, or until the kids are sick of the same tube of foam stickers)
2. Decorate the house with your new creations, plus anything else from your attic, garage, basement, closet, clown car, etc. Have the kids pick out the "perfect spot" for each (most) decoration.
3. After the holiday, take down the decorations and pack them up for next year*

Today we began Day One of the "Make The Decorations" step. We looked through our craft supply bin and found lots of goodies to use! Even if you don't have a craft supply bin, you probably have more supplies than you realize around the house to make some super-cute bunnies, baskets, and more. Check out these ideas for household items:

Random Craft Supplies #1 & 2: Paper Plates and Cereal Boxes

1. Cut a semi-circle from the center of the plates and give them to the kids to decorate, along with any assortment of crayons, markers, glitter glue pens, stickers, pom poms, feathers, you name it.
2. Draw a large egg on the inside of a cereal box and cut it out. Use it as a template to outline more eggs and cut those out. Let the kids have at them.
3. Use tape or glue to adhere the eggs to the back of the baskets. 
4. Hang up your Easter Baskets!

Random Craft Supply #3: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Rolls

Add some paint, pom pom noses and tails, construction paper ears and bow ties, and draw on the eyes, whiskers, and mouth with a permanent marker...and you have yourself an Easter Bunny Family. Check out a photo and the complete instructions on Crafts by Amanda.

Random Craft Supply #4: Lollipops

Okay, this one may require a trip to the craft store for more supplies, but they are so cute! Turn the lollipop upside down and adhere a wooden or foam heart for feet; add white pom poms for the head, arms, and tail; and use a pipe cleaner for the ears on your Bunny Lollipop. Definitely too sweet to eat. You can find photos and complete instructions on The Mother Huddle.

Random Craft Supply #5: Yarn

Once upon a time, I thought I'd take up knitting. Unfortunately, knitting didn't accept my Friend Request so there is a bag of yarn in my closet just waiting to become...Easter Baskets! Yup, just some white craft glue, plastic wrap, and plastic bowls and we're ready to sing "A Tisket, A Tasket."

For this one, just turn the bowl upside down and cover with plastic wrap. Soak the yarn (cut into arm's length strands) in the glue and then apply one strand at a time over the plastic wrap until it's covered. Let it dry overnight, then remove the plastic wrap and you have yourself a funky Easter basket. The complete directions and photos are on Eighteen 25.

If you make any of these crafts, or if you have other ideas you'd like to share, please post them in the Comments section. Thank you, and have fun decorating!

*One more thing: after Easter, when you're getting ready for the Take-Down-Decorations Day, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you're organized for next year. These tips will eliminate the, "Oh crap! I know I bought ______ last year; where IS IT?!?!?" moments. Or hours.

• Stop by Michael's, Target, and any other favorite stores to check out their clearance inventory. Pay special attention to craft supplies as well as decorations. Last year I found Easter-themed foam sticker sets for 75% off at Michael's. We'll be using those this week!
• Pack up the bargain treasures along with the other decorations so you'll know where they are next year.
• Gather any magazine articles, print outs from web searches, recipes, et cetera, and pack those in with the decorations, too.
• LABEL THE BOX. Yes, it seems like this is a tip from Captain Obvious but even the most organized people can forget this step...and it makes you want to pull out your hair. Yes, I'm speaking from experience.

Once again, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy these ideas for Easter decorations!