A Family Day with Malts on Top

"Yes, I really, really want to play...

But Mom's declared it a "Family Day".

A friend of mine used to live in a neighborhood full of children. She became frustrated one day with the distractions caused by the doorbell ringing all day long when her children were supposed to be doing their chores or school work. She decided then and there to put up a sign each day that declared, "Family Day" or "Friend Day". If it was a Family Day, the neighbor kids passed by and didn't stop to chat or ring. If it was a Friend Day, they knew they could come by to play.

I've never gone as far as putting out a sign, but periodically I do declare a Family Day; and when Mom declares, she means business. Even if a friend comes by to play, the children say, "Sorry, it's a Family Day." If one of my children is invited to do something, again, "I really, really want to play, but Mom's declared it a Family Day". No, they don't recite my little poem, but I've trained them to understand the importance of a Family Day.

I don't pull out this card very often...in fact, it's really been a few months since the last declaration. I do it when I feel there is utter chaos in the house, when we're planning for something big, when I need "ALL HANDS ON DECK" to accomplish a major task, when packing and preparing for a vacation, for a huge family project, or something of the sort. 

Yes, you got it right. Today is a "Family Day" and boy, do I have plans. Everyone has their regular set of chores to accomplish, after which they're given a list of extra assignments to do. This is also a NO MEDIA day...no iPad, movies, or computer time. Although, music is a necessity! Fun, happy music always makes people work faster and better. Playing or "hanging out" with friends is not allowed on this day. Although, if it happens to fall on a day with a church activity, they can definitely attend. I really try to plan a Family Day when there are no prior commitments or activities so the children do not miss out on something they've been looking forward to. Announcing Family Day in advance is an important part to a successful day. They are notified in advance, they're prepared for it, and they can plan their schedules around it. The importance of explaining why it's a Family Day is vital as well. If they understand WHY, they're more likely to DO. 

I try to round out Family Day with something to look forward to at the end, depending on the purpose. Today, it may just be homemade, hot fudge malts since time is limited.

Hot fudge malts are our family's favorite. Here's the recipe for your next family treat:

Hot Fudge Malts

 

Fill your blender 2/3 full with GOOD ice cream – Kirkland vanilla is the best!

Add 3 T malt powder

Add ½ t. vanilla

Add 3/4 cup hot fudge (see recipe below)

Add enough whole milk to cover the ice cream mixture.

Blend well.  Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.  Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream.

Hot Fudge:

3 cubes butter

3 cups sugar

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 12 oz. can evaporated milk

1 t. vanilla

Combine top 4 ingredients in sauce pan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.  Let boil for one minute while stirring.

Take off heat and add vanilla.  It thickens as it cools.  Store in freezer for up to 2 months or in refrigerator for 2 weeks. 

So, Mom (or Dad), if you're feeling frazzled, declare a Family Day. It will be a life saver!!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!