Hard to believe we’ve come to the close of another year! I feel so blessed to be able to say “2009 was truly fine”! Reflecting on the past year there are so many cool memories and I’m thankful for each of them! I’ve met so many great people this year through school assemblies, talking at parent groups, church groups, doing stories for our show, hosting events- it’s been incredible and I’ve loved every minute of it! This year’s Park Parties reached a record number of kids and families-40,000+! Our Christmas in May campaign provided basic hygine items for thousands of families. The Summer Reading Club drew over 65,000 kids to local libraries around West Michigan and partnering with the Fifth Third Feelin’ Good Mileage Club got 30,000 kids moving for a six week period. The list goes on and on. Our weekly show, “Where You Live” has touched on dozens of topics and issues and that directly impact West Michigan families. Each week our great partners have provided useful information and simple solutions that really have helped families live a little better. Catch a glimpse of this past year’s highlights when you check out the year in review video put together by our amazing director John VanDoorne. Here’s to a great 2010!
On Tuesday, December 15, I was lucky enough to travel to Ridge Park Charter Academy to tape a fun segment for Where You Live with Miss Feyen’s second grade classroom. The school was celebrating Christmas around the world and this class focused on Japan. The children were very excited to have us there and greeted us in their handmade costumes and decorated room. My job was to talk about healthy eating – which is not easy during this season full of holiday cookies and candy. I reminded the kids that it’s important to eat healthy most of time so we can stay strong and enjoy all the fun winter activities. We then worked together to create some good-for-you snacks that were colorful, seasonal and delicious!
Fruit Kabob Tree Cut the top and one inch off the bottom of a fresh pineapple so it stands up. Make approximately 25 kabobs on 4-inch skewers or toothpicks using red and green fruit. We used kiwi and strawberries. Stick skewers in the sides of the pineapple to form your tree. Decorate the top of the tree with a Star Fruit skewer. When the kabobs are gone you can cup up the pineapple to eat!
Red and Green Pepper “Sushi”
Spread a thin layer of low fat vegetable cream cheese on spinach and tomato wraps. Sprinkle diced red and green pepper on top of cream cheese and roll up tightly. Cut into ½-inch “sushi” pieces.
Posted Dec 24th 2009 1:23 PM by Maranda
Filed under: Maranda's Blog
The holidays are here-make the most of it! Take time to laugh, play and enjoy your family and friends. Go out of your way to be kind to neighbors and strangers. A simple smile and a warm greeting can make all the difference. Encourage your kids to do the same! Celebrate the true meaning of the season-these are the memories we want our kids to carry with them forever. Scatter peace! Scatter happiness! Scatter joy!
It’s winter break for kids around West Michigan and that means time for family fun! Here are some family activities going on the next two weeks.
Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle
Now through the winter season
Rose Parks Circle – Downtown Grand Rapids
The rink is open daily until 9:30pm. Skating is $1 and rentals are free! Bring the whole family out for a cheap activity everyone will enjoy.
Free Admission to the AirZoo
Now through Thursday, December 31
AirZoo – Kalamazoo www.airzoo.org
Explore the world of aviation for totally free!
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
Now through Sunday, January 10
Frederik Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids www.meijergardens.org
Learn about holiday traditions celebrated around the globe. Plus, enjoy horse drawn carriage rides around the grounds on specific nights.
Night at Your Museum
Sunday, December 27 from 6-9pm
Public Museum of Grand Rapids www.grmuseum.org or 616-456-3977
Grab a flashlight and explore the dimly-lit Museum as drama unfolds and exhibits come to life. Call ahead because reservations are required.
Now that my daughter Sophia is old enough to understand this special time of year I want to start a holiday tradition with her. Christmas is one of my favorite times of year and it has been since I was a kid. There are so many things that I loved growing up about this time of year. Every December, my grandparents would take me, my sister and two cousins downtown to the City Center and we’d eat at the McDonalds, ride the train and then we’d walk over to the Amway Grand Plaza to see the gingerbread houses. It’s kind of a strange combination of things, but we loved it and looked forward to it every year.
Another thing that’s special in my family is Christmas Eve. Each year my mom’s side of the family gathers for an appetizer party and open presents. Still at the age of 29, I bug my mom every year to make her famous mushroom and cream cheese puffs and her chocolate covered toffee I love so much. I think there is something comforting about a yearly tradition and it’s something you’ll never outgrow and will always be special.
I’m looking for some fun suggestions of things that I could start with my daughter this year. I’d love to hear about some of your holiday traditions or things you did as a kid you loved………who knows, it may just spark some ideas and become my new Christmas tradition!
We recently put out a call on Facebook looking for moms who love a good deal. Julie and Kelly answered the call and we connected them with our friends at Goodwill Industries for a holiday shopping challenge.
On Tuesday, December 15, I was lucky enough to travel to Ridge Park Charter Academy to tape a fun segment for Where You Live with Miss Feyen’s second grade classroom. The school was celebrating Christmas around the world and this class focused on Japan. The children were very excited to have us there and greeted us in their handmade costumes and decorated room. My job was to talk about healthy eating – which is not easy during this season full of holiday cookies and candy. I reminded the kids that it’s important to eat healthy most of time so we can stay strong and enjoy all the fun winter activities. We then worked together to create some good-for-you snacks that were colorful, seasonal and delicious! 
Now that my daughter Sophia is old enough to understand this special time of year I want to start a holiday tradition with her. Christmas is one of my favorite times of year and it has been since I was a kid. There are so many things that I loved growing up about this time of year. Every December, my grandparents would take me, my sister and two cousins downtown to the City Center and we’d eat at the McDonalds, ride the train and then we’d walk over to the Amway Grand Plaza to see the gingerbread houses. It’s kind of a strange combination of things, but we loved it and looked forward to it every year.
