Holidays provide the perfect opportunity to make magical memories. Today, I'm sharing delightful Easter ideas (and freebies) that are guaranteed to impress the Easter Bunny!
- SPRING
- MY NEW BOOK
- LATEST YouTube VIDEO
- ETSY SHOP
- HOLIDAYS
- PARTY PLANNING
- RECIPES (meals and appetizers)
- RECIPES (sweet treats)
- SCHOOL LUNCH IDEAS
- HOME DECOR AND ORGANIZATION
- DIY PAINTED KITCHEN CUPBOARDS
- FAMILY TRAVEL
- PRESCHOOL CRAFTS
- CRAFTS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
- HOCKEY
- SCIENCE AT HOME
- FREE Newsletter
- WORK WITH ME (media kit)
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Magical Easter Ideas for Kids... and FREE Easter basket goodies!!!
The Polar Express (Christmas Light Adventure)
For many years, our family has been going on a "Polar Express" Christmas Light Adventure, and it's one of my favourite holiday traditions. It's simple, but a lot of fun!!! (Note: Don't forget to download the UPDATED ticket I designed for you. Get if for FREE below.)
In order to embark on your own Polar Express adventure:
1) Print the tickets I designed for you.
2) Grab some hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn.
3) Hop in your vehicle, turn on Christmas carols, and drive around looking at Christmas lights.
To print one of the Polar Express tickets I designed: right-click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.
This really is one of our family's favorite holiday traditions, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
A FINAL Birthday Letter to my Oldest Son on his 18th Birthday
When my boys were little, I decided to write them birthday letters every year on the day they were born. My goal was to create a "snap shot" of their personalities at the different stages of their childhoods. Today, my oldest son turns 18. As he enters adulthood, I am writing my LAST birthday letter to him. It's amazing how quickly time passes! ðŸ˜
To my oldest boy,
I literally can't believe that my first baby is an adult. I guess it's true that time flies when you are having fun -- and it has been an absolute joy watching you grow up. I couldn't be more proud of the wonderful human you have become. Being your mother is a blessing I don't take for granted. 💗
Here are a few of the reasons you are fantastic:
- You are smart, kind, and friendly. Dad and I joke that you are the "Mayor of Antigonish" because you are always chatting with people everywhere we go.
- You are a hard worker, and never complain about all the things you have on your plate. You excel academically, you have two jobs, you play competitive hockey, and you still find time to volunteer and have fun with your friends.
- You are a great big brother. The three of you have a lot of fun together, and you set a wonderful example for them.
- You love: pasta, steak, pizza, peanut butter on homemade white rolls, and Reeses peanut butter cups. You also love the Toronto Maple Leafs!
- You graduated from high school this year and "killed" your Valedictorian speech. I was very proud!
- You started university, and are embracing the new experience. I can't wait to see where your new path takes you!
You may be a legal adult, but you will always be my first baby. I love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mom xox
First Day of School 2023
Today was the first day of school for my youngest two boys. My oldest started university yesterday. As always, I served a special breakfast and took a few photos. 😀
I wasn't sure I was going to get my university student to pose for a photo, but my sweet boy reluctantly let me take a quick picture before he embarked on his new adventure. He's actually holding a picture of him on his graduation day holding a picture from his first day of grade primary. Cute, right?!?!?
In keeping with tradition, my other two boys took pictures holding pictures from the first day of school last year.
Here's my "baby" who is going into grade 9.
How did you celebrate the first day of school? I hope you all have a fantastic year!
♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
A Birthday Letter to my Middle Son on his 16th Birthday
Every year on my boys' birthdays, I write them a letter. The intent is to keep a written record of their childhood and their growth from year to year. A love the tradition of creating annual "snapshots" of my boys. Today, my middle son turns 16, and here is his birthday letter.
- You got your first job this year, and you are loving it... especially getting a paycheque. :-)
- You continue to love being active and love playing anything with a ball or a puck... but hockey is still your favourite.
- You are stubborn and love to argue with me, but you are one of the most empathetic people I know. Your heart is huge!
- You love pasta, pancakes, cereal, and gummy bears.
- You are 6' 3", and you love to tell me how short I am. (Brat!)
A Birthday Letter to my Youngest Son on his 14th Birthday
As those of you that have been with me for a while know, I always write letters to my boys on their birthdays. It's my way of creating a "written snapshot" of them each year. Today, I'm sharing my annual birthday letter to my youngest son on his 14th birthday.
My sweet "baby" boy,
Because you are my youngest, I find it hard to think about you inching toward adulthood... but here we are. I can hardly believe you are 14 and headed to high school in the fall. Time really does pass far too quickly.
Although it is difficult to see you getting older, I could not be more proud of the funny, increasingly independent, and sweet young man that you becoming. Here are a few reasons you are the best 14 year old in the world:
- You are such a clown. You are always making Dad, your brothers, and I laugh with your quirky antics.
- You are brave. New situations have always made you anxious, but you never let it hold you back. I don't know how you manage the mental stress of being a goalie, but you are getting better at it with every coming year. (I think I am more stressed than you at this point! lol)
- This year, you loved shopping for our new car with Dad. You've loved cars since you were a baby, so I guess nothing has really changed. 😀
- You have a passion for sports. You play anything with a puck or ball whenever you get a chance.
- Your favourite foods are: pasta, pancakes, crackers, Froot Roll Ups (which you only get a Christmas and on your birthday), Crispers, and cookies and cream chocolate bars.
- You give a lot of reluctant "side hugs" lately... but you still humour me with a cuddle on the couch during movie night.
Last Day of School 2023... it's all about the traditions
I'm a big believer in traditions. The things we do over and over again really are the cornerstones of our memories. So, in our house, we always celebrate the last day of school the same way.
I always make finish lines for my boys to run through on the last day.
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
Fantastic Ways to Celebrate the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL... class treats, teacher gift idea, and my favourite traditions
The last day of school is an important milestone, and it's definitely something to be celebrated. Today, I have some fantastic ways to mark the occassion. I have ideas for inexpensive treats kids can share with their classmates, a unique (and useful) teacher gift idea, and two of my favourite last day of school traditions.
How do you celebrate the last day of school? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.
♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)