JAK CHAT

#Selfie: A Family of Trait -dition by Just Add Kids Founder Paula Herrmann Two weeks back in JAK Chat blog, I wrote about some of the traditions our family does during the Christmas holiday. We have the schedule of things we do, and we pretty much stick to it every year. One of those things is to hit the road to my parent's home in Mukwonago on Christmas Day for my side of the family's celebration. Last year spawned the first of a family tradition whilst on that annual trek over-the-river-and-through-the-woods...the second annual Herrmann selfie in the family truckster. Read more... The selfie phenomenon originated long before Kim Kardashian came on the scene. In fact, my brother recently produced the first evidence of the selfie on my side of the family.  Here's my dad at my sister's 1990 wedding  totally capturing the excitement of the selfie. The Johnny Jack selfie meme. Nice! Can you imagine having to wait a few days to receive back your printed photos?  Remember t

Skiing, Sledding, Skating, and Such! Compiled by Just Add Kids' Silva Karapetian Dateline; the eve of Christmas Eve, December 23rd; and it's raining, it's pouring!  Needless to say, it will not be a White Christmas. Winter Wonder land? You betcha! Wonder ing when our temps will hit and stick below   32°. God only knows. Yet this is Wisconsin, so indeed, we will get our snow and cold. In the meantime, gear up! Get ready and plan for Snow Much Fun! It's Just Add Kids annual guide to winter activity destinations, this year sponsored by the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex . Snow Much Fun! Sponso red by Pleasant Prairie RecPlex Cross-Country Skiing   Big Foot Beach State Park (1452 Well Street, Lake Geneva) Bring your own cross-country skis and ski for free on the park’s more than 6 miles of groomed trails. Trail takes you through forest and open meadow. A half-mile self-guided nature trail has interpretive signs describing native wildlife and their habitats. The natural beauty o

[caption id="attachment_3886" align="alignright" width="287"] Over the river and through the woods. 2014[/caption] Celebrating Family Holiday Traditions by  Just Add Kids Founder Paula Herrmann We, the Herrmanns, are looped into the same old same old Christmas routine, year after year. And I LOVE IT! And I do believe my kiddos do too. As they've gotten older, they've bought into the nostalgia of the season and embrace the holiday routine. We may be a bit boring, but, hey it's been 20 years in the making. Though some traditions have come and gone. I'll take this same old, same old. And I never want it to change. I dread the year that it will. Yet, it will.  And it'll be interesting to see how that all evolves. Family traditions bind a family in love and create amazing family memories. Recently, I ran across this family who has created a their 4th annual Christmas dance video (in their mom's really ugly holiday sweaters, lol). Check

Just Add Kids' 12 Ways of Giving by Just Add Kids' Founder, Paula Herrmann "The first way of giving, my true heart gave to thee..." (sung to the tune of "The 12 Days of Christmas".) During this holiday season there is so much focus on the Christmas Gift List. What your kiddos want for Christmas, what you're going to buy, etc. I'm guilty as charged. Not that it is a crime. It is not. But what if each one of us, just added on one more thing to our list, or perhaps, created a new list.   Read more... Certainly, you need to play Santa to your kids and family. At the same time, there are people and families in need, today and throughout the year. So let's check out some ideas of things you can do now, during this holiday season, to pay your blessings forward. 1st Way of Giving: Volunteer for treats, or to work a shift at HALO Santa’s “Adopt-a-Family Holiday Program . 2nd Way of Giving: Donate a shoebox or two for Santa in A Shoebox . 3rd Way of Givi

Star Gazing Compiled by Just Add Kids' Silva Karapetian The holidays are a time for celebration! There are many opportunities for kids and families to reflect on the Christian reason for the season...the birth of Jesus. Like our two previous directories, Finding Santa and Holiday Tour of Lights , Just Add Kids has put together Finding Jesus , a guide to the area's live Nativity and other Christian events, which is sponsored by Racine St. Catherine's . Read more... Finding Jesus 2015 Directory (updated 12/21) Sponsored by Racine St. Catherine's Streets of Bethlehem Country Springs Hotel: 2810 Golf Road, Waukesha December 4  - January 2, Monday-Thursday 5 - 9pm; Fridays, Saturdays & Holidays 5 - 10pm. Nestled in the heart of Southeastern Wisconsin is a holiday destination steeped in festive tradition. Each year, the Country Springs Hotel is transformed into a winter wonderland called Country Christmas. Admission to Wisconsin’s largest drive through Christmas lights