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26 Hudson Valley Parent ■ January 2015 Crafts Do you knit, crochet, or do nee- dlework? Have you taught your kids to do it, yet? There's no better time than when stranded during a storm. Cutting quilt squares, creating scrap- book pages, or fashioning beaded jewelry can occupy the hours till the plows come down the road. And if the kids are too young to enjoy mommy's craft, give them some age appropriate beads, fabric scraps, or other miscellaneous supplies and let them create. Special toys For the preschoolers, I always kept a box of toys put away for special occasions. Snow days, rainy days, and sick days are those kinds of occasions. When you get them out, they are like new all over again and keep their attention longer. Dance Sometimes, the littles just need to get the wiggles out. For times like this, put on some music and dance with them. They will get some much-needed exercise, and so will mommy. Exercise Another way to get the wiggles out is to use that dusty exercise equip- ment in the basement. Jump on the mini-tramp, walk the treadmill, or ride the exercise bike a few miles. In fact, plan for a triathlon. Give them the morning to practice and spend the afternoon in competition. Camping Spend the day planning and packing. After supper, hide stuffed animals all around the family room. Pitch the tent in the middle of the fl oor. If you don't have a tent, throw some blankets over a table and pre- tend. Bring in the bedding or sleep- ing bags and camp out right there. Turn out the lights and have them hunt the animals with fl ashlights. Tell stories, eat popcorn, and giggle the night away. Wheels Do you have an empty, unfi nished basement or garage? Bring on the wheels. Roller skates, scooters, or bikes will entertain kids for hours no matter what the weather is outside. Swimming Another idea for the basement is to drag in the kiddie pool and have a day at the beach. Or simply use your bathtub. Let the kids swim to their heart's content while the winter winds blow. Carol J. Alexander is a freelance writer and author of "Homestead Cooking with Carol: Bountiful Make- ahead Meals." SNOWED IN! (Continued from Page 24) I always kept a box of toys put away for special occasions.