Christmas Blessing

''Reflect on your present blessings
of which every man has many,
not on your past misfortunes,
of which all men have some.''
Charles Dickens"

Banana Crunch Muffins Recipe

"Banana Crunch Muffins"
Looking for a healthy, fun breakfast that your kids can help make?
This recipe has all the bases covered. Filled with sweet banana and topped with crunchy granola, these are hearty breakfast muffins. Add chocolate chips, and you've got a satisfying dessert.

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium)
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup granola

Instructions
Heat the oven to 400° F. Grease the bottoms only of 12 standard muffin cups.
In a large bowl, whisk together both flours and the bran, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, bananas, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is blended. Use a flexible spatula to fold in the mini chocolate chips (if you're using them).
Divide the batter among the muffin cups and sprinkle the tops with granola. Then bake the muffins for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes before removing them. Makes 1 dozen."

Holiday traveling with children? What to put in your kid's travel pack

The first principle of family travel: Be ready, willing and able to amuse the kids for an extended period of time. The playthings that come along for the ride make all the difference. These toys are surefire distractions, bound to occupy your kids during the unavoidable hours of 'Are we there yet?'

1. Crayons and/or colored pencils. Crayons don't need sharpening, but colored pencils are less likely to break. Re-sealable plastic freezer bags make splendid carrying cases. Don't forget a folder of white or colored paper. Print off coloring book pages previous to departure.

2. Magna-Doodle. Even toddlers love this magnetic drawing toy. How many times can a three-year-old trace her hand before she gets bored? About 200,000.

3. Stuffed animals. Indispensable. Which brings up a vital point: Don't pack your child's favorite. If it's left in a hotel room, your ride home is surely doomed. Suggest other 'comfort' toys that may not be as special.

4. Books on tape/CD. Buy your kids a headphone set that plays tapes or cd's. Many children's books include a tape or cd so your child can follow along. 'Read' the story while hearing the author on headphones."

Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make

Box of Love
To make this gift you'll need:

Small plain boxes- Jewelry boxes work very well.
Glitter, sequins or any ornamentation.
Ribbon

Printed poem, on good
stock paper if possible.

This is a very special gift
That you can never see.
The reason it's so special is,
It's just for you from me.
Whenever you are happy,
or even feeling blue.
You only have to hold
this gift and know
I think of you.

You never can unwrap it
Please leave the ribbon tied.
Just hold the box close
to your heart,
It's filled with love inside.

Have your child decorate the boxes in anyway
she/he pleases. Add ribbon and the poem
with the signature.
Tips:
Try your local Jewelry Store for boxes.

Celebrating Winter Through the Eyes of a Child

The Grand Rapids Recreation Department is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Holiday Light Celebration located on the grounds of Central School....December 22, 2010 5:00 - 7:00pm

Gather with friends and family for free corn dogs, hot chocolate, and apple cider while enjoying holiday light displays. Welcome to all!!!

Did You Know...

Kids who are read to do better in school.
Reading aloud to a child raises her self-esteem and reading ability.
Becoming a better reader helps a child do better in social studies and math.
Keeping a diary helps a child become a better writer and reader.
Reading the print on cereal boxes is good practice for a child.
Allowing your child to read in bed is a good habit to start.
Children will read on their own a book that has been read aloud to them.

Fun Fun Fun!!!

Looking for something to do Saturday night? Check out the Children's Discovery Museum!

Saturday December 11th ( that's right, this Saturday :)
3:00-6:00pm

3rd Annual H0-Ho-Ho Down Country Christmas
Fun-filled afternoon for young and old with a country hometown Christmas theme, including games, food, crafts, entertainment and hay rides.
Register by calling Eileen at 259-9509 or online at www.getlearning.org

Happy December

Friday Fun in our Local Community!!

Christmas in the Logging Camp

Forest History Center, Grand Rapids MN
Dates: Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fee: $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6 to 17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Step back to the winter of 1900 and experience life as it might have been for north woods lumberjacks. See draft horses pulling sleighs, lumberjacks sawing wood and visit the cook shack where Christmas preparations are underway. Visit with Santa Claus, listen to music and storytelling and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. The museum gift shop will be open for holiday shopping. Warm clothes and winter boots are advised. Horses and sleighs provided by the North Star Draft Horse Association."