Got Marshmallows?

bag of marshmallows: $1

box of toothpicks:  39 cents

entertainment for hours (giving mama a break):  PRICELESS

Weather's freezing.  Darkness falls early.  Restless indoor captives.  What to do with that tricky time after homework is done and before dinner is ready?  I found the idea for marshmallow sculptures here, and this little craft project has helped with quite a few of those wintertime witching hours.

At first, the kids started with simple shapes and designs, but soon the sculptures got more intricate and elaborate.  Flowers, boats, aliens, teepees, stables with horses, unicorns, poodles, even more aliens.  Endless possibilities.

I then came across some old big marshmallows from last summer's bar-b-que/s'mores season, and with some old markers the fun started up again...and again.  What fun!  The older kids were so engaged that I could cook in peace and hang out with the baby.  The only problem?  My dining table is now covered with marshmallow sculptures since no one wants to throw away his/her masterpieces!