JAK CHAT

Time for Family by Just Add Kids Founder, Paula Herrmann [caption id="attachment_2091" align="alignright" width="193"] Rueben Hansen 1931-2013[/caption] Yesterday we buried my uncle. My Uncle Rueben lived a long life of 82 years. He leaves my dad, his younger brother, as the last survivor of their immediate family: The Hansen's of Covington, Michigan. Never heard of Covington, Michigan? Have you heard of Yoopers? Yeah, there's a band that put out a song called "Second Week of Deer Camp". Those folks, Da Yoopers, also hail from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I am Yooper offspring. Read more... And yesterday, took my immediate family, the Hansen's of Green Bay (my mom, my dad, my older sister, my younger sister, my brother, and myself) piled in my brother's minivan up to the celebration. As kids in the seventies and eighties, we Hansen's of Green Bay (HGB), took many a trips up north. We have a vast number of relatives from bo...

This Blog is Rated PG for Parental Guidance by JAK's guest mom, Nicole Hunt, of Racine You may be surprised to know that, in part, we have Steven Spielberg to thank for the existence of the PG-13 rating.  In the early 80’s the films Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom , Poltergeist and Gremlins all received a PG rating.  I know that Poltergeist is not appropriate for my 8 year old; in fact it would freak her out.  So as a result of how violent these films were people started asking for a rating between PG and R; shortly after PG-13 was born. This brings up a very interesting question.  How do we know what is okay for our kids to see?  I am in no way a “you must be 13 to see PG-13 movies” type of parent.  In fact, as a kid I always thought that was kind of a weird rule.  I am also not a liberal as some of my friends who are watching the rated “R” Matrix with their 2 and 6 year old.  I am not judging parents on either side of this spectrum.  I have cousins who were watching the ...

Whoo R U, Sweetie? by Just Add Kids Founder, Paula Herrmann This week in particular, we've added a lot of new subscribers to our weekly e-newsletter. Whether it be by the luring of the sweet tooth, or we met you recently at one of the events that our Just Add Kids team participated in and you signed up there, we welcome you! This is a great time for us to get to know who our Just Add Kids  audience is a bit better, and in turn, offer this sweet confectionary treat as your possible reward. And who can resist?  Read More... Just Add Kids has teamed up with The Cookie Momster to giveaway a dozen custom designed sugar cookies to one lucky winner. To qualify, all you have to do is take our  quick survey  (<click there). The survey will remain open through the end of this month, with the winner of the cookies being announced shortly there after. In the meantime, feast your eyes on these delectable creations.... Thank you, Cookie Momster! A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.  ~...

Trick or Treat! Smell My Feet! by Just Add Kids Founder, Paula Herrmann Tis the season! Last week Just Add Kids brought you up to speed on many of the area's festive fall family destinations . With this amazing extension of beautiful warm weather, I hope that you have gotten a chance or plan to head out with the family soon to take in a pumpkin farm or haunted house, or both.  My family...we're in both boats (mellow & frightful) with the age ranges we've got. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we Herrmann peeps haven't waited too long and we can sneak in our seasonal fun this weekend. I don't hold up too well in cold, damp weather. Uh uh. So let's fast forward to the big gig: the day/night of your community's big candy haul...Trick or Treat! And this year, with Halloween landing on a Thursday, your kids could go trick or treating multiple times, multiple days. And no, I am not suggesting that. To each his own. Check out our listing of southeaster...

All Signs Point to... Pumpkins! by Just Add Kids founder, Paula Herrmann Autumn is in full swing with leaves changing color, a crisp breeze blowin', and our favorite restaurants offering all of those spicy frothy sweet satisfying drinks. So, a lot of fun and a lot of yum on tap!Fall is so delectable! In the spirit of keeping  "Family Fun @ Your Fingertips..." Just Add Kids has put together a listing of area destinations to help you make the most of creating fall memories with the kiddos. So jump in your minivan, your suv, or on your broom, momma. Let's go! Read more... Festive Fall Family* Destinations Apple Holler - 5006 S Sylvania Avenue, Sturtevant WI Borzynski's Farm & Floral Market - 11600 Washington Avenue, Sturtevant WI Busy Barns Adventure Farm  - W7675 US Hwy 12, Fort Atkinson WI Elegant Farmer - 1545 N. Main Street Hwys ES & J, Mukwonago WI Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America *- 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee IL Green Meadows Petting Far...

Taking Flight by Just Add Kids Founder, Paula Herrmann Several weeks back I introduced you to the trio of Cindy, Rusty, and Gavin Schultz: a mom, a dog, and a teen with autism. (see JAK Chat: "You Had Me At...Hello!") Since our introduction at a special needs resource fair back in April, I've hung out with them at Gavin's R.P.M.(Rapid Prompting Method) Therapy, gone to his horse therapy; worked side by side with Cindy to bring the Kid's Carnival to life in late July; and followed along with their comings and goings (Brewer games, summer camp, hospital, Auditory Integration Therapy, to the pool, bowling alley, Gentle Worship, and the list goes on) mostly via Facebook. This trio has an amazing social life, of which admittedly, I am a bit jealous! Cindy exhausts me! Her hard work with A.S.P. and tending to Gavin's needs inspires me. However, her latest posts/texts/conversations about Gavin concern me. Please READ MORE... Gavin is non verbal. He can certainly com...

Saving Date Night by JAK's guest mom blogger from Kenosha, Cassandra Vite We love the Keno Drive-In!  Located at 9102 Sheridan Road in Pleasant Prairie, it’s a treasure in southeastern Wisconsin cherished by many.  Both my husband and I have fond memories as teens and together of this local Kenosha icon.  My favorite part: it’s a date night for us without having to pay for a babysitter because we can bring our son with us.  He chats happily in the back and enjoys some popcorn with us from the snack shop.  Soon, he falls asleep and we are able to watch a first run movie under the stars together.  The cool Wisconsin breeze ads to the ambiance and we have a great time enjoying each other’s company taking in a movie. For us, the cost is incredibly affordable, especially compared to the brick-and-mortar big multi-plex cinemas.  Have a larger family?  Here’s a tip: Sunday night is READ MORE... carload night!  All you have to do is pile your SUV or minivan full of kids (in car seats of ...