Lil Treasures

When it comes to my singing, I've got a couple of fans. My son and daughter don't mind that my vocals are off tune, in fact, my tunes help them sleep. If your tot has trouble transitioning from bathtub to bedtime, try breaking out in song. Turn this into a fun activity by having them help you with the lyrics. Once you perfect the tune specific to the child, sing or hum it to soothe them.
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Growing up, my siblings and I used to love when my mom would make breakfast for dinner. While throwing together pancakes and eggs was easier for her, it was a treat for us. Each summer, Jon and Kate Gosselin take their brood out to indulge in ice cream for dinner. Children delight in the unconventional.

On the occasion when I used to work late, my husband would pick me up and we'd take our kids for a picnic in the car. While it was a time saving measure, our children loved grabbing take out at our favorite taqueria and then eating it with the sunroof open and windows rolled down at the beach or in clear view of the city lights at a lookout point.

Does your family do something special?
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One of my must–haves for my hospital suitcase was music. I packed portable speakers and my iPod loaded with 100 plus special "baby–to–be" songs.

To see what happened when my daughter was born, read more

Beautiful pillows can be the perfect accent to any room, but if your kids' creations adorn them, that will brighten your surroundings and their smiles. We told you how you could wear your children's designs around your neck, but now you can rest your pretty lil head on them, too.

Submit your child's masterpiece to Deseta where they will translate the image onto a charming pillow. Make sure it's your favorite piece because it's not cheap. It costs about $180 for one of the posh cushions. But, it will be a treasured keepsake for years to come.

Children barely get a chance to be kids. So I'm a proponent of nearly anything that keeps that childhood sense of awe intact. And, since this is the season when youngsters mail their wish-lists off to the North Pole, what better way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive than with a reply sent straight from Santa?

Since 1952, The Miller Family of the North Pole have been sending Santa letters to boys and girls around the world. For $7.50, parents can order them from Santa Claus House. Each letter is personalized with the recipient's name and has the option for customized text. Postmarked from the North Pole, it has "Santa's Official Mail" seal, a jumbo "Santa's Good List" sticker and a photo of Santa and Mrs. Claus enclosed. Best of all, the letters are available in several formats so siblings can receive different versions and of course, the correspondence arrives just in time for Christmas.

Forget football and skip shopping. Take today to spend some quality time with your kids and go fly a kite. If the climate in your area isn't fit for kite flying, choose another outdoor activity.

The fresh air and exercise will leave you feeling renewed and refreshed, especially after feasting last night. And, if you've got relatives turning into couch potatoes, persuade them to join you and make it a family affair!

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Don't let school lunches become as routine as a line-up of classes, surprise your kids by putting a few fun edible treats in their lunch bags. And, always make sure they are age appropriate.

• Shaped Sandwiches — Turn your child's favorite sandwich, be it peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese into an extraordinary one using stainless steel cookie cutters to make them into hearts, stars and animals.
• Cereal Chain — String naturally colored fruit loops or Cheerios on a piece of unflavored dental floss to create a necklace or bracelet.
• Mini Quiche — There's nothing like a lil brunch for lunch, make the quiche bite-sized using mini muffin pans or the pre-made appetizer pastry cups available at most grocers.
• Scoops of Fruit — Rather than having the kids fuss with peels, pits and rinds, use a melon baller to make their favorite fruit medley.

And, for that added touch, tuck a note in wishing them luck on a test or just to say that you're hoping they are having a good day.
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You don't need a permit to fish in the tub! After a long day, a fun soak in the bath is just what your kids need before heading off to bed. But, washing the grime away doesn't have to be a chore — take the opportunity to turn the task into a memory. Fill the tub with bubble bath and drop a few toy fish in. Then, hand out the poles and see if they can catch more than the shampoo bottle.