Are you working on any family goals (or resolutions) for 2013? 

When we were PK (pre-kids), all those resolutions looked different -- get in shape, get a promotion, complete a few DIY projects.

But (as the experts say) 'kids change everything'! :-)

Happy 2013!!

I'd like to welcome the New Year by telling all of our readers "Thank You" for visiting us, leaving comments, & helping me to make this a better site each day -- you guys are great! 

To bring in the New Year, I thought I would share the Top 12 posts from 2012 -- the ideas and articles that were most loved by our readers.

The countdown is beginning - how will you bring in the New Year with your family? 

Kids love a celebration (although most won't stay awake long enough to see the ball drop in Times Square) so we've pulled together a list of ideas to enjoy throughout the day!

I do so love the holidays!  Yes, I know they get crazy and busy (and I never seem to get all the baking done that I would like to) but it's a time to connect with family and reflect on all the joy that we have in our lives.

And for our family, it's also a time to give to others.  Some years, we adopt a family and help provide them with a meal; other years, we'll adopt an angel from a tree or donate toys to Toys for Tots.  There are so many ways to give back and make the season a joyous one for others.

Welcome to our December Online Book Club for Kids!  Each month, a group of amazing bloggers highlights an author and create a variety of activities and crafts to go along with their books.

This month we're featuring the books of Jan Brett!

One of our most loved/read posts is Finding Free Kids Books Online -- so I thought we should create a special Holiday Edition as our gift to you! 

So many families are traveling at this time of the year, but that doesn't mean you can enjoy a story with you kids, or 'bring along' some seasonal favorites. 

The following links will take you to FREE online editions of great kids holiday books for reading on your iPad, Kindle, computer or smartphone! 

Plus, we've got a few 'treats' that feature holiday audio books too!

It's time for our Kid's Virtual Bookclub again -- and December's featured author will be the AMAZING Jan Brett!

If there's one thing we have a lot of in our house, it's the kids' artwork.  They are always making such cool projects at school and I never want to just throw it away.  So, I have quite a bit around the house.

 The holidays are so much fun, but can also be so busy.  And I know there are things my kids love to do at this time of the year (and also activities they'd rather skip in lou of more holiday fun)!

Are you looking for gift ideas for a curious kid?  You know, a child who loves to ask 'why', takes things apart to see how they work and is always wondering about something?

I LOVE curious kids!  And shopping for them can be lots of fun because there are a number of great gift ideas that they'll enjoy.

Every year, my kids and I have a special book tradition -- we have a special stash of holiday books that we only bring out at Christmastime. 

We pull out all our Christmas & Winter books and put them in a special basket to read throughout the month.

I'm thrilled to be co-hosting a blog hop with a dozen local bloggers who are all sharing some wonderful ways to help others this holiday season. 

We're sharing ideas for everyone -- young or old, individual or family, those who want to help kids or animals -- to make this a true 'season of giving' in Kansas City! 

Each of us has chosen to feature a charity or two and highlight how people can get involved.

So, you’ve got the turkey ordered, your guest list is all set and you know what you’re making for dessert.  But have you thought about Thanksgiving activities for the kids? 

Not to worry – we’ve got a great list of Kids Activities for Thanksgiving! 

They’re creative, easy & engaging. 

Next week, we will feature some fun activities, crafts and cool ideas for the monthly Online Kids Book Club. 

If you missed last month's feature, you can still learn about the Family Conversation Jar and October's author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

I love the month of November! 

I know that most kids think it’s just the time between Halloween and the beginning of the holiday season, but for me it’s a great time to be thankful for a number of things. 

 But I hope as my kids get older, they too begin to appreciate some of the following:

We are HUGE fans of Melissa & Doug toys in our house. 

My daughter asks for them by name -- she doesn't ask for a set of pretend food, it's "the Melissa & Doug Cupcake Decorating Set" that's requested. 

It's going to be quite a week -- our country will celebrate both Election Day & Veteran's Day.  These are two days that are very important to discuss with kids but many times kids aren't old enough to understand their significance.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays -- a time to celebrate what we're thankful for and remember how our country began.  Although I enjoy the food (pie is my favorite!), the real part of the holiday is gathering with family.

"Fall back" is this Saturday -- yep, daylight savings time. 

I was recently thinking it would be great to have some extra time; and then I realized, we get an extra hour this weekend!

What do you do when the rain spoils your plans?

We were all set to visit the pumpkin patch last week and what happens -- rain!  Twice!!