October 1, 2015 by Krista

Halloween Bucket List Printable

How is it already October?! Didn’t we just go back to school a couple weeks ago? According to my calendar, we’re almost half way through the semester! Along with October comes lots of fun things: sweaters, pretty colors on the trees, pumpkin everything and, here at While He Was Napping, October Spooktacular. It’ll be a month full of fun Halloween posts to help you get in the spooky spirit, and, before you know it, All Hallow’s Eve will be upon us. Make sure to check out the archives from the pat five years too, for even more fun Halloween ideas.

HALLOWEEN BUCKET LIST PRINTABLE

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

A month seems like a long time, but I often find it’s not. I created a Halloween Bucket List for us to use so that we can make sure we get all the haunting good fun we can manage out of Halloween before it’s gone for another year. My mom doesn’t like Halloween, so we didn’t do much to celebrate it when I was growing up. I enjoy doing fun Halloween activities with my boys and I want them to have some fun memories of the Halloween season when they get older.

To get your own FREE copy of this fun printable, click on the image above. Another window will open and you can download the file and save it to your computer. Then print it. You can frame it and mark off the completed activities with a dry erase marker… or just let the kiddos color in the Jack-o-lantern after you do the activity. That’s the route we’re taking this year – simple.

Want more fun countdown ideas? Check out these other printables:

Kid’s Halloween Activity and Boredom Buster Jar
We use this one as more of a boredom buster jar for when we need something to do and my boys are having a hard time coming up with something. I don’t have to spit out idea after idea because they are in a whiny mood and shoot down every suggestion. They pick a slip and they can do that or go play in their room.

Halloween Countdown Calendar
I did this one with Big J back when he was my only crazy boy, but I think I will try it with my younger boys this year… I always have a had time finding things to keep them out of trouble. Their attention spans don’t seem to be as long as Big J’s was at this age. I’ll take all the ideas I can find!

Halloween Bucket List (2013)
More fun activity ideas from our Halloween Bucket List of a couple years ago.

February 11, 2015 by Krista

A Valentine’s Day Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

This post is sponsored by Krusteaz. I was provided with product for this post, but all content within is completely my own, 100% honest and original. Cross my heart.

Around our home, Valentine’s Day is a family affair. Mr Napping and I have usually been out in the last week to celebrate our anniversary, so we don’t feel the need to fight for reservations to a fancy dinner like a lot of the country does on February 14th. We keep it simple with a Valentine’s Day dinner the whole family will love. It just so happens that February is also National Hot Breakfast month and did you know that 91% of Americans have tried breakfast for dinner?! We love breakfast for dinner nights. So, this Valentine’s Day (or any time!), bring on the bacon and make a special Valentine’s Day dinner the whole family will love with a breakfast for dinner night.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
BREAKFAST FOR DINNER

So, I’m sure you know how to make breakfast for dinner. It’s pretty much the same as making breakfast for breakfast, but the kids have annoyed you all day long already and you’re living on that Wheat Thin and half a grape you had for your actual breakfast. Maybe that’s just me? Anyway, I will give you some ideas and then you run with it, okay? Great.

So, we decided on the Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancakes. P.S. We have tried the blueberry waffles and the chocolate chip muffins – Oh my deliciousness! The muffins are like homemade good… that’s pretty fantastic when you add 3 ingredients and pop that muffin tin in the oven. We also indulged with fresh fruit, potato wedge-style hashbrowns, and eggs. Bacon would’ve been up there too, but we were out. It was a tragedy, which we drowned with syrup. We also made whipped cream to top ~~the pancakes~~, ~~er, the fruit~~… okay, everything with.

What made this dinner so special…? Two words: pancake pen. We had a pancake pen our realtor graced us with after we bought our home, but the opening was so wide that any fun shapes expanded into unrecognizable blobs, so I was a little hesitant to try it again. This time, the pen I used had a much smaller opening and was much more fun to draw with. And it works really well as an icing bottle too. Bonus! If your kids are a little older, let them get in on the drawing fun too! Of course, since it is a Valentine’s Day Dinner, our pancakes were heart-shaped and I added a bit of red food coloring for a little more fun. Food coloring is totally optional, in case you’re anti-fun (or anti-artificial coloring… perhaps).

What’s your favorite breakfast for dinner menu?

February 4, 2015 by Krista

25 Feel-Good Movies for the Family

Photos are Amazon affiliate links. If you are interested in watching these movies, you can click the photos and see a variety of ways to access the films. I will receive a (terribly, incredibly, very) small portion of any sale. Thank you for your support!

We love a good movie night. That is often the way we choose to spend our free evenings and weekends. We invested in a projector and Mr. Napping created a 110-inch screen so we get “the movie theater” experience in our living room. My boys prefer watching movies at home more than going to the movie theater. We have made our media library digital because we don’t have room to store that many discs. So, yeah. We like movies. But we are also very selective about what we allow our kids to watch. They will grow up soon enough; there’s no need to rush them through their childhoods. So, in honor of the Valentine’s Day movie night we will more than likely end up having, here are 25 valentine movies for the family.

Animated movies:

– Lady and the Tramp. Because even the rough-and-tumble pups need a special lady friend and who doesn’t love a cute doggy love story? Serve spaghetti for dinner… And I’m really sorry if your kids sing the Siamese Cat song for the next week. Run time: 76 mins, rated G.

– Beauty and the Beast. It’s a classic. And my favorite Disney animated movie, so of course it made my list. Lumiere and the Featherduster are my favorite characters… wink, wink. Run time: 84 mins, rated G.

– Shrek. Little kiddos love it with the fun characters and adults can still enoy it with the occasional adult humor that will go right over your kids’ heads. There is mild potty-type humor, but nothing more than my kindergartner comes home from school with. A simple, “we don’t need to say that” usually cures the potential for embarrassment when we’re out in public later. Run time: 93 mins, rated PG.

– Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. Because who doesn’t love Peanuts? This was made for prime time TV in 1975, so while it’s not rated, I can promise you it’s family-friendly. This is a fantastic option when the kids want movie night and mom and dad just want to get them into bed. Half an hour is a great compromise for all involved. Run time: 30 mins, made for prime time TV in 1975.

– The Little Mermaid. Little J has recently discovered this movie and he loves it. I can’t really say why, but he will watch the entire thing and that’s a BIG deal for my Mr. Ants-in-his-pants, can’t-sit-still-for-three-minutes. It’s a chance to talk about people being different. And Little J says, “yeeess” just like the eels do. It’s a cute bonus for me. Run time: 83 mins, rated G.

– UP. This is just a good movie all around. It’s fun, cute and has a great message. Besides, Mr. Fredrickson reminds me of my grandpa. Make sure you’ve got chocolate for the movie. Run time: 96 mins, rated PG.

– Despicable Me 2. I really like Steve Carell and who doesn’t like those minions? The cute little love story is kid-appropriate and enjoyable. And my kids love the entire cast too. Big J used to tell me the “mother” poem, in the creepy voice. Cute meets creepy? Run time: 98 mins, rated PG.

– Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. My kids actually prefer the second movie, but I like the first one too. The first one is a make your dreams come true, shoot for the stars and don’t give up feel-good. In the second movie, the mutant food completely fascinates me and it’s a cute little love story between Sam and Flinn. Run time: 90 mins, rated PG. Cloudy 2 Run time: 95 mins, rated PG.

– The Croods. The dialogue in this movie is great. And there’s more action in it than, say Beauty and the Beast. There’s a minor love story between Eep and Guy, but my favorite part is when Eep and Grug have their special daddy-daughter moment. Valentine’s Day was always about more than romantic love when I was growing up and that’s what we celebrate in our home – love in our family. Run time: 98 mins, rated PG.

– Meet the Robinsons. My kids love the futuristic setting and it’s a great story about finding love – again, not romantic love. I still get teary at the end. Every. Darn. Time. Run time: 95 mins, rated G.

– Ratatouille. It’s set in Paris and is another follow your dreams movie. My kids don’t sit through this one as well, but I still really like it. They do like to try to say ‘ratatouille’ though. Run time: 111 mins, rated G.

– Shark Tale. The grass is always greener… or the top of the reef is always shinier. Oscar learns that sometimes the best things are right in front of your face. If you’re always focused on what you don’t have, you’ll never be happy. And Lenny learns to really be himself. Run time: 90 mins, rated PG.

– Sleeping Beauty. Another classic love story. Perfect for all the princesses out there. If your kiddos are a little bit older, they might enjoy the recent release Maleficent. If you’re a stickler for storylines, though, stick with the original. Run time: 75 mins, rated G.

– Tangled. The music is great, the characters are (mostly) lovable, and it’s still enjoyable to adults. Flynn discovers something that makes it worth settling down and Rapunzel discovers so much outside of her tower. The short “Tangled Ever After” is a great compromise movie, a lot like Charlie Brown above, but even shorter. Run time: 100 mins, rated PG.

Movies with real people:

– The Princess Bride. There is everything in this movie. Or at least a little something for everyone. There are a couple of curses and minor sexual references (“There’s a shortage of perfect breasts in the world. It would be a pity to damage yours.”), as well as some dangerous scenes that might scare little ones (fire swamp, anyone?) that might scare little ones. We let Big J (who is 5.5 years) watch it and he loved it. Run time: 98 mins, rated PG.

– Marley & Me. Because love isn’t always romantic. And it’s a good reminder to me why I don’t want a dog… but I kinda do a little. It’s a good movie with lovable characters and a great message on life. Run time: 115 mins, rated PG.

– Mr. Popper’s Penguins. I loved this book when I was little. The movie wasn’t quite as good, but my kids like it and the thought of penguins in the house amuses them. It’s a good story about the love a parent has for their children. Run time: 94 mins, rated PG.

– A Kid in King Arthur’s Court. This would be great for school-aged kids to tweens. Cal unexpectedly finds himself in King Arthur’s Court, and who should catch his eye, but the beautiful Princess Catherine. A fun movie that is still enjoyable for the adults as well. Run time: 89 mins, rated PG.

– While You Were Sleeping. This one does have some anatomical references that may be inappropriate for younger kids. If you’re looking for something to watch with your tweens, though, this is a solid love story without a lot of sex. Run time: 103 mins, rated PG.

– Ella Enchanted. Another fun one for the kids, and bearable to the adult genre. It’s follow-your-dreams, be-true-to-yourself message is tangled with a couple fun musical numbers and some situational humor that kids will love. My boys aren’t super in love with it, but I have a couple nieces that just love it. Run time: 96 mins, rated PG.

– The Little Rascals. Because even the He-Man Woman-Haters decide that girls aren’t so bad after all, thanks to Alfalfa. And building a soapbox car is enough to get any little boy excited for the big race. Don’t be surprised if your kids want to try to sing bubbles afterward though. Run time: 82 mins, rated PG.

– Sleepless in Seattle. There are brief instances with content possibly unsuitable for younger audiences, but they probably won’t have the attention span for it. It’s another good tweener movie that isn’t too racy or risque. Run time: 105 mins, rated PG.

– Night at the Museum. There’s a couple minor love stories in this movie, but it’s so packed full of adventure your kids probably won’t even notice. And they just might learn a little history while you’re at it. Run time: 108 mins, rated PG.

– Enchanted. Kids will love the fairy-tale turned real life and mom and dad get to enjoy some gorgeous eye-candy, even if the story line and dialogue may be a bit cheesy. Run time: 107 mins, rated PG.

– You’ve Got Mail. Remember instant messaging? Take a walk down memory lane and shock your children with how amazing it was to get a message instantly. A generation that will never know what life was like without the internet could use a little taste of that amazing time when technology was advancing by leaps and bounds. Run time: 119 mins, rated PG.

– The Love Bug. I grew up watching Herbie movies and it’s a fun trip down memory lane. All the things I loved about the movies, my kids love too. It’s fun to watch my kiddos fall in love with that rascally car and to reminisce about my favorite parts with them. Some things are so good, they should be shared! Run time: 108 mins, rated G.

Do you have any favorite movies for the family?

February 3, 2015 by Krista

How to Make a Year of Dates – “Open When…” Date Night Kit

The content and idea presented in this post was originally published in 2015 on askannamoseley.com as a contributor post. The text and printables contained in that post have been updated to maintain accuracy and timeliness and have been posted here, as I no longer contribute to that site. You can visit the original “Open When” Date Night Kit via the link above.

Welcome! Are you looking for an easy way to bring more date nights into your life? Do you need a romantic gift idea for your special someone? Or are you looking for a date that will knock your sweetie’s socks off? Then this Open When Date Night Kit is exactly what you need.

This idea will help you have more date nights with your sweetie and it makes a great gift for those special occasions: anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays. Or it will help you plan one of the most epic dates you’ve ever been on. Forget dinner and a movie!!

You’ve seen the “Open When” letter idea in your travels around the internet, right? I first saw the idea as something to include in a care package of a deployed soldier and thought that was such a great idea! It has since become a gift idea, even for couples that aren’t apart, that keeps showing up in my Pinterest feed (let’s be friends! Follow me for more great inspiration).

“OPEN WHEN” DATE NIGHT KIT

A Printable Year of Dates Kit

MIX UP DATE NIGHT WITH THE OPEN WHEN… DATE NIGHT KIT

I had the thought to change it up a bit and make it into a date night kit, with printables, of course! Check out all the details on how you can make your own “Open When” dates with this printable kit (hello, Valentine’s Day gift!) and get everything you need to put your own kit together below.

It’s easy to put together and easy to customize – it doesn’t have to be just like mine. So, you’ll know there’ll be no lame dates you actually really don’t want to do.

MAKING YOUR OWN “OPEN WHEN” DATE NIGHT KIT

OPEN WHEN DATE NIGHT KIT MATERIALS:

“Open When Dates” Printables (The DOWNLOAD THE PDF File makes printing a cinch or DOWNLOAD THE ZIP File if you want single image files that are easier to edit). Or make it super easy and check out the Open When Date Night Kit in my Etsy Shop that makes editing and printing a snap.
Scissors or Paper Cutter
Markers or Alphabet stickers (or photo editing software, if you’re going to edit them before you print)
Envelopes
Tape or Glue
Anything else you want to decorate your envelopes with (stickers, washi tape, and the like)

OPEN WHEN DATE NIGHT DIRECTIONS:

*Disclaimer: Because everyone has different ideas about what is a fun and enjoyable date, I have provided these printable templates in such a way as they can be modified to fit lots of different dating styles.

The photos shown are not the actual files, but how I have chosen to use them for my “Open When…” Date Night Kit.

The awesome part is that you can make your kit fit you. For example: if you don’t like “cuddle dates”, you can choose any kind of date you do enjoy instead and still be able to use these templates.

Because of the customizability (that’s a word right?), you will have to do a little bit of work for this project. It’s not a print-and-paste project but it’s worth the little bit of work for some fun dates with your sweetie!

You can simplify the work with the Open When Date Night Kit in my Etsy Shop. It has 4 sets of files that will help you create exactly the date night kit you want with as little work for you as possible.

Images of the actual download files are at the bottom of this post.

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR OPEN WHEN DATE NIGHT KIT

Download the “Open When Dates” printables and save them to your computer. If you want to type all your info into the templates before you print them, open the files in a photo-editing software. Anything with a text editor will work: photoshop, microsoft paint, canva are all great choices.
Save the edited files to your computer. If you want to match fonts, I used Honey Script and Frente H1 (the links will take you to their download pages). You can also type out your info in a word processing program (like Word) and then just manually glue it on to the template pages (with actual glue, not computer “paste”) after everything is printed.
Print out the templates or the edits you have made. Cut them apart.
Put the envelop labels on the front of the envelops with glue or tape. Decorate the envelopes how ever your little heart fancies.
Now you have a decision to make. Do you want to do more work now and plan out specific dates? Or do you want to just include some date suggestions and then figure it out when you open the envelopes? Or do you want an epic one-night date adventure you’ll both remember for years?

WHICH OPEN WHEN DATE NIGHT KIT STYLE WILL YOU

CHOOSE?

Plan specific dates: Fill out the templates with specific date information. For the “When You Want to be Pampered” date, I chose an at-home spa night. After the kids are in bed, or at grandma’s, we can fill the tub with bubbles and then exchange massages.

Choose a specific date for each “Open when…” and fill in the information. If your sweetheart has a hard time making decisions, or actually planning dates, this is probably the best option.

Just Date Suggestions: I posted some date idea printables with date ideas in the 12 categories I chose to put in our “Open When Dates” Kit. If you just want to include date ideas and then let your sweetie choose the date, you can

print those and stick those in the envelopes.

This option is less work for you now, but you might end up snowshoeing for your adventure date, so make sure you’re okay with that.

If your sweetheart has a bucket list and can make and keep plans well, by all means, let them help with the date planning!

Adventure Date Night: This option gives you a single, one night adventure date. If you are looking for a special occasion date, this is a fun one.

This idea combines a progressive style date and a scavenger hunt, without the awkward looking for clues.

Your envelopes will say things like “Open When you want to eat dessert” or “Open When you want to walk down memory lane”.

The activities inside the envelop will move your date along. Maybe it’ll be dessert at your favorite frozen yogurt place. Or visiting the spot where you had your first date.

The date can be as long and drawn out as you want, depending on how many activities you plan. If you run short on time, save the remaining envelopes for another date night.

PRESENTING YOUR OPEN WHEN DATE NIGHT KIT:

Once you have all your dates planned, your envelopes decorated and stuffed, it’s time to get to the fun part: the actual dating!

If you’re giving your date night kit as a gift, you could package it all up nice in a box and wrap with a pretty ribbon.

If you’re planning an epic adventure date night, a simple basket or other container would be helpful in keeping everything together.

But, the most important thing: HAVE FUN!!

Happy dating!!

January 15, 2015 by Krista

11 Valentines Day Ideas: Dates and Gifts

Valentines Day is a month away! Are you a planner or do you just wing it? Me, I’m a planner. A schemer and a dreamer with big ideas. So I start early. And our wedding anniversary is the week before so that might have something to do with it too. And Little J’s birthday is two days after our anniversary. So, basically the first week of February is busy for me. So, in case you start early too, here‘s 11 Valentines day ideas:

DATE IDEAS:

Love’s Little Rewards

A fun date that will help you both remember that some times it’s the thought that counts. Reward each other for their acts of kindness and then cash it all in for a special evening! Free printables included to complete your date.

ABC’s Date Night

A fun date that can take as little or as long as you want. Go through the alphabet and visit some memories or fun places on your journey. A is for adventure… start planning yours!

Spa Night {at Home}

Who says the spa has to be expensive. Take some quality time and pamper the one you love most. Let your sweetie pick a treatment or take turns treating each other. Set the atmosphere with soft music and low lights. Printable Brochure included.

Choose Your Own Adventure Date

Did you ever read those books when you were little? This is like that, but better. You’re living it. Will your choices land you at Chinese for dinner or pizza? Will you go mini golfing or bowling or to the movie? Read the story, make your choices and have an adventure.

Still looking for date night ideas, here’s 20 more:

20 ideas to help you find the right date. Ideas include dates at home and out of the house. Some you can do with the kids and some that you’re better off getting a sitter. Lots of ideas! And most of the ideas are practically free!

GIFT IDEAS:

Lover’s Lotto DIY Scratch Tickets

Did you know you can make your own scratch tickets?! Seriously. It’s easy and a fun way to add a little excitement to the evening. Are you feelin’ lucky?

Valentine Massage Kit

A great complimentary gift to the Spa Night Date. Printable coupons are available or make your own. Get a little set of bath salts and a small container of body lotion or oil. Throw in a candle for a little extra touch.

The ABC’s of US Book

A great companion gift to the ABC Date night. Go through the alphabet again and remind your sweetie why you fell in love and what things are special to your relationship. And it’s okay if Z is for zoo… sometimes life is just that.

52 Reasons I Love You

A simple and easy gift idea that only costs a few dollars. After your sweetie opens it up, play a rousing game of Texas Hold ‘Em, Strip Black Jack or Go Fish. Whatever your style and speed may be.

Date Night Jar

Set your sweetheart up for a whole year of dates. Write down date ideas that you’ve been wanting to try and put those inside a jar. Give your sweetheart the jar and the next time the great “What do you wanna do?” debate comes up, reach for the jar and let fate choose your date.

A Year of Pre-Planned and Mostly Pre-Paid Dates Kit

If you want to take the Date Night Jar a step further and leave no room for excuses, this gift has the dates all but ready to be taken. Find out how to plan and purchase a year of dates on a budget, how to present the dates without giving it away and get some ideas of things to put in your kit.

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