Sunday, February 28, 2010

Wacky Wednesday

If you are looking for something inexpensive to do when you are stuck inside due to the weather or other circumstances, try having a Wacky Wednesday, Tricky Tuesday, or Freaky Friday……


Wacky Wednesday

Here are some ideas that I did for my 4yr old son on our 1st Wacky Wednesday, this will take some planning and work on your part and I'm sure I will come up with more wacky ideas in our future Wacky Wednesday days….

My husband made a banner out of rolled art paper that read "Welcome 2 Wacky Wendesday" and no that's not a typo, if your child can read see if they realize that the "N" and "D" have been switched and that the #2 replaced the word "to".

Have a Wacky Search:

Place random things around the house in the wrong place. We have a lazy susan on our kitchen table that has a silverware holder on it, we replaced the knives with left over candy canes from Christmas. We also arranged the blinds at different levels or you could drop one side of the blind making them uneven. We flipped pictures over, unscrewed lamp shades and then screwed them back on upside down, we put chairs on the table, placed odd objects in different locations (Halloween pez dispenser in a plant) - I think you get the idea.

We also snuck into his room after he fell asleep and turned stuffed animals upside down, put toys on the ceiling fan, and hung a shoe on the wall (you can use the new 3M adhesives that have a pull tab which will come right off without pulling paint with it).

Some food ideas:

For breakfast, I bought the waffle ice cream bowls and then filled it with vanilla ice cream and topped it with cereal. The ice cream replaces the milk of course and then I had him eat it with a fork!! I gave him his drink in a Christmas cup and when I handed it to him I said "Merry Christmas".

For lunch, I made him an inside/out PB&J (peanut butter and jelly on top of the bread) and served it with crazy chips (potato chips with chocolate chips and dried cranberries). In his drink I used a Halloween straw and said "Happy Halloween"

For dinner, I made breakfast (scrambled eggs) and served it in a small pot. Another idea is that you could start with dessert then eat dinner. When I served him his dinner I said "Good Morning".

Dress up/Clothing ideas:

I decided that since it was winter time that I would dress him in an Hawaiian shirt (with a long sleeve under it of course), then we put on mismatched socks and turned his stocking hat inside out. I didn't go overboard because he was going to preschool and I didn't want it to disrupt the class. But pretty much any crazy outfit would work.

Activities:

Besides doing the search, you could tape pieces of paper under chairs or tables then they have to lie down on the floor and draw a wacky picture. I did this but to make it more fun, we played the hot/cold game for him to find the pieces of paper. I also had him walk into his classroom backward. You could try to sing instead of talking too.

Nighttime:

If your child takes a bath or shower have them wear a sock or underwear, just as in the Dr.Seuss book Wacky Wednesday. Finish the day off with reading the book to your child and talking about the wacky things he did that day.

In addition:

These ideas can easily be used for a birthday party (Wacky Weekend - great for sleep-over's), for more birthday party ideas check out the book Parties Kids Love.

Teachers could use them at school for spelling and awareness activities or just to have some fun in the middle of the week.

The best part is that the cost is very little if any at all. Have a VERY WACKY WEDNESDAY!!

March Holidays with fun ideas

So I found all of these great websites with fun holidays but they didn't give any suggestions as to how to celebrate them. I found some fun facts about each "Holiday" and ways to help you celebrate them. When I read the list to my kids they were so excited and can't wait to find out what we are going to do for them.


Happy PIG day - March 1
Eat pork for dinner - BBQ, pigs in a blanket (bring a fun fact about Pigs to the table)
Make Pig Crafts! - Make pig snouts out of empty toilet paper rolls.
Wear Pig Tails and the color Pink
Take a trip to a petting zoo with Pigs.



Dr. Suess's Birthday- March 2
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/marchholidays/l/blmar2nd.htm
Namesake Day - March 2
A day to think about where you got your name
Old Stuff Day - March 2
Is not a day to do the same old stuff. Rather, it's a time to recognize the boring nature of your daily routine, and make some exciting changes. Find new and different activities, projects, and hobbies. Attend an event. Do something, anything, different. You will be glad that you did!



National Anthem Day- March 3
The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. It was written by Francis Scott Key. National Anthem Day celebrates this song, and the rich history behind its creation. The song officially became our national anthem on March 3, 1931.
Celebrate today by proudly flying the flag. Also listen to and sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day - March 3
We are thankful today that our pets can't really get a grip on things. Imagine a cat being able to operate the can opener or a dog that can open up the fridge!
I want you to be happy day - March 3
Do something to make others happy. It can start with an E-card that will put a smile on someone's face. Other ideas include a phone call, making positive compliments, or cooking a special meal. Be creative.


Toy Soldier Day - March 4
Reserved as a fun filled day with creativity and joy as its prime directive, March 4th sees the celebration of both the individual and the Army as a whole, utilizing this day to its fullest potential.

Whether it is simply spending the day doing something that the individual enjoys, or banding together with other Soldiers to organize a grand event, Toy Soldier Day reminds us all of the importance of having a good time!


Name Tag Day - March 5
To celebrate the day – wear your own name tag* – proudly. This way we are only strangers once.


Fun Facts About Names Day - March 6

http://www.isthisyour.name/


Daughters' and Sons' Day - March 7
A day to put aside the daily emotions and personal concerns existing in every household. That special day to revere each son, each daughter for the wealth of love and happiness their existence has brought. Daughters' Day. Sons' Day. Truly memorable. A day of pride
Academy Awards Day - March 7
Serve popcorn in popcorn cartons, get boxes of cinema candies, watch a kid friendly movie that has won an award in the past and serve movie themed food.
Wall-E -2008
Ratatouille - 2007
Happy Feet - 2006
Wallace & Gromit: The curse of the Were-Rabbit - 2005
The Incredibles - 2004
Finding Nemo - 2003
Spirited Away - 2002
Shrek - 2001


International Working Women's Day- March 8
And YES, being a mom counts as a "working woman" in my opinion, so do something special for you!


Panic Day -March 9
Don't forget to panic
1) You are definitely encouraged to loudly proclaim, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more!" Or, run around wildly and proclaim , "I'm stressed, I'm stressed and I can't take it any more!"
2) Megaphones are allowed, but it’s even better if you can exercise your natural lung power, breathing very fully and deeply for a great big, cathartic shout.
3) Stay in bed all day. But first, get up, brush your teeth, head to the kitchen and load up on snacks and drinks. Make sure you have lots of fluffy pillows to hide your head under.


Learn What Your name Means Day - March 10
Go to Urbandictionary.com, type your name in the search bar, and click 'search'. If there are no results, make up your own definition


Johnny Appleseed Day - March 11
Eat an apple, save the seeds, and plant an apple tree in your backyard.


Middle Name Pride Day -March 12
Go by your middle name (only) today.


Earmuffs Day - March 13
It is really easy to celebrate Ear Muff Day.... just wear your ear muffs!
National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day - March 13
We’ve all heard that opening an umbrella indoors is bad luck. But is it really true? Today’s the day to find out – Open your umbrella indoors and lets see what happens?


International Ask A Question Day - March 14
Almost everyone has heard, "There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers," well today is the day that you can ask as many questions as you want.

One of my favorite games to play is where you sit with friends and talk in questions. You answer every question with a question. I think that this little game is perfect for celebrating today's wacky holiday.

But if you need real answers then look no further than those crazy fun magic 8-balls. They have all the answers to your craziest questions.
Potato Chip Day - March 14
Did you Know? Potato chips were first made by Chef George Crum in Saratoga Springs, NY on August 24, 1853. Americans have been in love with them ever since.

Make your own potato chips! Its easy to do. The kids will love it, and so will you.

http://www.gardenersnet.com/recipes/potatochips.htm

Celebrating National Potato Chip Day is easy.... eat potato chips during meals and snacks.


Napping Day - March 15
Napping Day is an unofficial holiday set aside to help people adjust to Daylight Savings Time and to promote health and productivity benefits napping. After losing an hour of sleep by "springing forward," people are more sleep-deprived and find it easier to nap.


Lips Appreciation Day - March 16
Where would all those lovely teeth we paid a bundle for be without a lovely frame? Do something nice for your lips today. Buy a lip balm. Better yet, kiss somebody!
Everything You Do Is Right Day - March 16
Everything You Do is Right Day just might be a perfect day. Life is filled with ups and downs. Some days are good days. Some days are bad days. Most often, there's both good and bad in any given day. You take life's ups and downs with a grain of salt. Every once in a while, a day comes along where everything you do goes well.....the perfect day!


St. Patty's Day - March 17
http://holidays.kaboose.com/saint-patricks-day/


Awkward Moments Day - March 18
In honor of awkward moments and the ability to find humor in them, today March 18th has been officially declared Awkward Moments Day. Everywhere across the globe people are saying stupid things, walking in on each others showers, and tripping over absolutely nothing on the sidewalk. Normally people would become a little mortified in these types of situations, but for this one day lets just throw our heads back and laugh it up!

So make sure you express your awkward moments that you’ve lived throughout you’re life. So feel more than welcome to post your awkward moments here thru a comment, thanks! Happy awkward moment day!!!
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day - March 18
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Camp Fire USA’s annual, award-winning, national call to action, asks adults to write letters of love, encouragement and inspiration to the children of America. Held the third Thursday in March, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® 2010 is our annual letter-writing campaign.

Children need positive reinforcement in their lives. The right words of encouragement can come at just the time a child needs them most – helping the child make better decisions, build self-esteem, and even be more compassionate and successful.

The call to action is for America’s adults to write a meaningful letter to a child in their family, their neighborhood or even to a child they don’t know who may be in a homeless shelter or hospital.

• Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AbsolutelyIncredibleKidDay
• Email us at campfire@nwi.net
• Check out the national Camp Fire USA site at www.campfireusa.org

For some fun things to do with your kids check out: http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=36&year=2010


Lets Laugh day- March 19
Is your day to laugh out loud with friends and family. Send funny messages to everyone you know.
National Chocolate and Carmel Day - March 19
While it may not be a holiday that you'll have off from work, it can be just as much fun as any other holiday. Use this day as an excuse to get your family and friends together to enjoy your favorite treats and have a ball celebrating by making your favorite Chocolate Caramel recipe


Death by Chocolate and Caramel
Ingredients
1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
8 (1.5 ounce) bars chocolate candy
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Pour half of batter in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of chocolate bars. Cover with caramels. Pour remaining batter over all.
3. Bake in preheated oven 25 to 30 minutes, until set. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.


Snowman Burning Day- March 20
Snowman Burning Day is a festival to mark the end of winter and welcome spring. It's a way to celebrate the change of the seasons.

By March 20th most of us are more than ready to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. We say goodbye to the last icy snowman by helping it melt as we set it a fire and watch it burn. Many snowmen throughout the years have consisted of little more than used paper, wood, wire and paint; with much design effort put into the look of the cool snowman; then set on fire. Some traditions just burn the clothes off a snowman build of snow as participants watch it melt away.
National Corn Dog Day -March 20
Is described as the happiest day of basketball and meats on sticks that you'll ever have. National Corndog Day coincides with the Saturday of the final 32 teams in NCAA basketball tournament.

To help pass the time, have fun with friends, and celebrate being blessed with such a thing as a college basketball tournament, while eating Corndogs.! Lots of Corndogs...


National Common Courtesy Day - March 21
In the dictionary, courtesy is described as 1) Excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior 2) A respectful or considerate act or expression. See if you have a chance today to give that extra effort of being kind and display to your kids the positive effect thoughtfulness and courtesy gains when we offer it to others. More importantly, show the same gestures directly to them and allow them to feel just how joyous kindness can be
World Poetry Day - March 21
Time to appreciate and support poets and poetry around the world. World Poetry Day is an opportunity for children to be introduced to poetry


As Young As You Feel Day - March 22
Today is the day that anyone can go and sit on a swing set, climb the monkey bars, or eat that Twinkie you haven't had since you were a kid!

Don't worry about acting your age - get out and feel peppy! Here are some things you can do to celebrate As Young As You Feel Day!

1. Go to a playground and swing or slide.
2. Shop at all the stores your kids do. Try on the clothes and ask other people there how they look. If you like the clothes - buy them.
3. Go to an arcade and play the video games.
4. Watch cartoons or your favorite movies from when you were younger.

And if any one says, "Act your age", you can say with all sincerity - "I am acting my age because it's As Young As You Feel Day!"

What will you do for As Young As You Feel Day?
International Goof-Off Day - March 22
Just think of the possibilities - no school, no work and no housework chores! Heading to the beach, going on an all-day shopping trip or just staying in bed all day long, eating decadent bonbons while watching your favorite flicks.


GOOFY’S GOOF BALLS
1 bag large marshmallows
1 cup butter or oleo
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. caramel candy
1 (10 oz) box Rice Krispies
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
Cut marshmallows in half and freeze. Melt caramels, butter and milk in double boiler. Dip marshmallows in caramel sauce and roll in Rice Krispies cereal. Refrigerate to set.
Makes 4-5 dozen


National Puppy Day - March 23
To celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. But more importantly, it's a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe

http://www.nationalpuppyday.com/about.htm

PLUTO’S PUPPY CHOW FOR PEOPLE
1/2 pound margarine
1 lg. box Crispix cereal
12 oz. milk chocolate chips
1 lb. salted peanuts
3/4 cup peanut butter
1&1/2 c. powdered sugar
Melt margarine, chocolate chips & peanut butter. Place Crispix cereal and peanuts in a paper bag. Pour melted mixture over cereal and shake well. Pour powdered sugar in bag and shake well again.



Chocolate Covered Raisins Day - March 24
Is a day to enjoy this tasty combination of chocolate and fruit. Chocolate lovers who like raisins, find the combination simply irresistible. Kids find them irresistible, too.

Follow the Logic?: Chocolate is made from cocoa beans ( a vegetable) and raisins are from grapes (a fruit). And, we all know that vegetable sand fruit are good for you. Therefore, isn't chocolate covered raisins good for you?

Chocolate Covered Raisin Clusters
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate bits
1/3 c. butter
16 lg. marshmallows
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 to 3 c. raisins

Heat chocolate bits, butter, and marshmallows in 3 quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth; remove from heat. Mix in vanilla and raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper and shape into clusters with hands. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen candies.



Pecan Day - March 25
Besides their delightful taste, pecans are also beneficial to your health, with research showing that they have antioxidants to help reduce the threat of cancer.

1. Learn the history of pecans in the United States. Visit the "I Love Pecans" website to start your education on pecans (see Resources below).
2. Plant a pecan tree. Pecan trees are wonderful large shade trees for medium to large yards. The nuts will attract a variety of birds as well as squirrels.
3. Cook your favorite pecan recipes. Pecan pie is a common favorite, but more exotic recipes are out there to be tried, including Mexican Pecan Soup.
4. Throw a Pecan Day party. Pecans make terrific party snacks and can be found in many different styles. A favorite is praline flavored pecans.
5. Serve pecan brownies with a side of praline-pecan ice cream. This is also a good bet if you are throwing a birthday party on National Pecan Day.
International Waffle Day - March 25
It’s the biggest day of the year for the humble frozen waffle. March is National Frozen Food Month, and March 25th is International Waffle Day.
While the serious foodie might shudder at the thought of anything other than a hot, steamy, crisp-tender, homemade waffle, the frozen variety has its benefits. Quick, easy, no mess, and best of all—the kids can do it themselves.

Known by many names, the waffle has been around for thousands of years and are found in one form or another in many cultures, including Greece, Europe, and Scandinavia. Sweden is the originator of International Waffle Day (there called VĂ„ffeldagen) where it is associated with Annunciation Day and the spring equinox, among things. Waffles came to America along with the Pilgrims in the early 1600s, and the yeast-raised version known as the Belgian waffle has been a hit with Americans since the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Letting Go Of Stuff Day - March 25
National Letting Go of Stuff Day is:
1. A day to claim your personal power
2. A day to begin measuring your personal success from one year to the next
3. A day to begin cleaning out your heart - getting rid of all the emotional pain
4. A day to claim RENEWAL of your spirit
5. A day to BEGIN LETTING GO of your past situations that are holding you back from your future success
6. A day to claim your future dreams - as your own
7. A day to accept and acknowledge what you can and cannot control in your life - and live accordingly


Make Up Your Own Holiday- March 26
Are you a citizen with a good holiday idea?
Yes in deed, we read in the paper everyday about another weird wacky and way out there holiday don't we? Some holidays are a little more official than others but did you know that all it takes to make a holiday is to name the day, decide what to do, and get other people to do it along with you.

Yes to claim a holiday of your own is easy. Because it's easy; explains why we find so many unusual holidays listed in our calendar.

Did you know that Thanksgiving was a celebrated holiday long before it was made official? Yep this is how many holidays get stated. Another great example of a holiday that has never had official recognition is April Fools Day. April Fools Day which is reserved on April 1st is not a legal holiday. But for hundreds of years it has been a special day to play pranks and practical jokes on people. So you never know, declare a new holiday on "Make your own Holiday' Day" and in a few years it just may turn out to be a favorite all over the Nation or even the world! All it takes is a following of people to celebrate the holiday with you each year. Wow!



Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day - March 27
So load up your iPod today and enjoy those quirky country music songs like…
Tim McGraw’s “Do You Want Fries With That?”
Kenny Chesney’s “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”
The Dixie Chicks’ “White Trash Wedding”
Tim McGraw again with “Refried Dreams”
Kenny Chesney’s “Someone Else’s Hog”
and of course my personal favorite “Too Much Month (At The End of The Money)” from Marty Stuart.
National "Joe" Day - March 27
Change your name and be another person for just one day. Or, be the person you always thought you should be. Here are some steps to help you celebrate that you have a new identity.

1. Wake up on March 27 and introduce yourself to everyone as Joe. If you are a girl, Joe is short for your old name. If you are a boy, Joe is short for your old name as well. You are a new person. You are no longer strapped down to that name you have been carrying around all these years. Throw off the old name and become Joe for a day.
2. Make a journal entry talking about your feelings about your own name. People always attach meaning to certain names and when you don't fit those meanings, it leaves you wanting something else. Here is your day to express who you think you are. Record it in a journal.
3. Petition the court to change your name. California has name change and sex change forms on its website (see Resources below). This is only for those who seriously dread being you for one more day. Go ahead and take the leap, but tell people before you do it so they will know who to input on their cell phone.
4. Have a party and wear masks. No one knows who you really are anyway. Everyone wears masks in real life. Everyone is just a Joe sometimes. Celebrate having no identity or a new identity. Wear a mask that describes the new you and say, "Hi" to the other Joes out there.


Weed Appreciation Day - March 28
Today is Weed Appreciation Day. Find a weed you think you could like. Think of it as a wildflower and see if that helps.


Texas Loves the Children Day - March 29
A day recognizing every child’s right and need to be loved. Promoting the hope that one day all children will live in loving, safe environments and will be given proper health care and equal learning opportunities.


Grass Is Always Browner On The Other Side Of The Fence Day - March 30
This holiday was created to honor the people who never left their old life just because they thought the "grass was greener on the other side." It was also created to inspire people to be happy with what they have, rather than selfish and greedy and envious of other people
Pencil Day - March 30
Also known as Free Pencil Day or Pencil Appreciation Day, one thing is certain - today is all about pencils. Although many of us use keyboards today, pencils have been used for hundreds of years. In 1858, Hymen Lipman, from Pennsylvania, received a patent for his pencil with an attached eraser.

Have you ever wondered why most pencils are yellow? Did you know that a single pencil can write 45,000 words and write in zero gravity? And rumor has it that a single, ordinary pencil can draw a line 35 miles long. And how on earth do they get the “lead” inside those pencils? Check out the link below for more facts and fun.


http://www.examiner.com/x-3514-Holidays-Examiner~y2009m3d30-Pencil-Day--Write-on

Bunsen Burner Day - March 31
In case you memory has faded, the Bunsen Burner is a long, hollow tube. Gas and air are combined to create a hot flame. The burner is used in a wide range of scientific and laboratory projects.
Spend a few minutes today to appreciate the value of this important scientific tool. We will let you determine how many minutes to spend in reflection.
National She's Funny That Way Day - March 31
How do the women in your life make you laugh? Pay tribute to the female funny bone today by making a list of the top five things your favorite funny ladies do to make you laugh.

In the South, they tweak it to be “Bless her heart, she can’t help that she’s funny that way” Day. If you have a great “funny lady” in your world, send me a note about her.



Some of the websites where the information came from:
www.holidayinsights.com
www.ehow.com
www.mahalo.com
www.gone-ta-pott.com
www.blog.holidays.net
http://disney-kingdom.com