On a cold and rainy day in January, I made these children friendly crayons to pass some time.  First while children are playing gather all the broken crayons you can find, and rip off paper.  To get the children to help you can be frustrating, and they get bored very quickly (or mine do).

Get a large plastic bag, something to hit with.  We used a meat cleaver, however you could use a can of soup/a hammer/a book..really anything.

Line muffin tin with paper cups (I suggest doubling them up/or triple) as when we did it the wax went right through, and getting wax out of muffin tin isn't that easy. Pour crayons from bag into muffin cups.  We were able to make 3 large crayons from the amount you see above.  Also the other empty cups should be filled with water to avoid warping the muffin tin. Wait for crayons to cool before removing the paper liners. When children use the crayons for the first time, show them how to turn on different edges to get different colours.  Enjoy!

It is day 9 and I haven't broken them yet.  For this I feel I deserve a medal, and big marching band.  In the past I have made resolutions that didn't even last 1 hour.  Ones like" Think before I text".  Now I ask you what fun is that?  When my partner doesn't take out the recycling and it spills all over the counter, and now there is sticky juice I have to clean up as well as take out the cans,,,,of course that deserves a " you are a whatever text".  Another that failed was buying too many hair products.  I get bored, I like different shampoos/ conditioners/body gels.  That one didn't last either.

So this year I did the KISS method.  Keep it simple stupid
1- Don't add any of these to your list: Don't bride kids, Don't yell at kids...So I am a normal parent. I bribe my kids, and yes after asking nicely 5 times to get boots and jacket on I sound like a screaming banchee.

This Year
1- vary up exercise. For years I have done kickboxing and spinning. I love both, however it is partly since we do what we are good at.  Therefore it is good to switch things up, and work different muscle groups.  That won't include running however (I HATE running, I start and think if I can make it to next hydro pole I can stop).  It will include swimming, skiing(both types), and various aerobic classes that are bound to kill me.

2- Take more time for me
Not just to exercise but to read a book, other then moo baa, la, la, la.  Sip a glass a wine, go skiing by myself, walk to the store, or simply enjoy time with friends.

3. Just say no
This I will struggle with the most.  I am a product of mommy guilt. Yes I will bake the class cupcakes, yes I will drive to your house so you can buy my child's boots for $5.00 off kijiji, and yes I will host that dinner party.  Really what I want to say is NO.

I had 1 more..but really it is for the children.  Add more veggies.  As they go through stages of pickiness I find myself craving veggies, after we have had grilled cheese/ p and j/mac and cheese.  Therefore I am hauling out the food processor and adding veggies to everything (ok maybe not cookies).  Pastas/meatballs/ pizza..and so on.  I will feel better knowing they are getting more (ie less mommy guilt), and I in turn will have a healthier diet too.  Win win.