When it's icy outside and the power is off inside, what can you do to keep your children, or visiting grandchildren, occupied? Here are some things to do when it is not so nice outside or there is a power outage or downed cable lines. Who knows, you may have some fun or learn a thing or two.

It's Okay to play with your food
Of course we mothers would never suggest this unless it was absolutely warranted. Peanut butter and crackers are a great start. Add some graham crackers and cheez-its for walls and doors and you are well on your way. A house it not a home without decorations. Raisins and cereal would be beautiful "stuck" here and there around the house. Let's not forget about being neat, the use of a cookie sheet or tray would do nicely.

Go low tech and dust off the board games
If there is enough light in the house for everyone to see, pull out a board game or two. How about something that has not been played in a while, such as Scrabble, Monopoly or the Doctors Chest? Some of the newer games would be ideal, as long as they don't require a power source.

Have an Indoor Picnic
Pull out all of the plastic wear, make sandwiches, cut some fruit and whatever else you think would be appropriate for this occasion. Spread out the blanket, put all of your flatware down, bring the food to the area and have a lot of laughs and good times with your picnic in the house.

Make art part of the fun
Get out all the blank paper, stickers, markers, and rubber stamps, assuming you can see well enough to find them. Don't forget the scissors, glue, poster board and empty boxes. Let the children have their way with them. You will have some very interesting pieces when all is said and done. A variation on this is to create the thank you notes and letters that you have been meaning to send out.

Team games
Team games such as Pictionary are great fun and get everyone involved. Name that Tune is another wonderful game that will create lasting memories for the whole family

Get in Touch with your Silly Side
Simon Says comes to mind but we are talking about making up your own rules for this type of game. Such as, everybody has to talk in song for the next hour or talk with facial expressions only. Remember this is your game and who knows your family better than you. Have fun with it and create memories that will last a lifetime or at least until the lights come back on.

Just talk
It is amazing what we learn when we talk to each other. Cuddle up on a nice comfy couch; snuggle up to one another and just talk. Talk about anything and everything, don't leave a stone unturned.

Other great ideas for when you are stuck in the house:

• Build a fort, children love to do this
• Create an indoor play area where they can let loose
• Role Play, switch roles for a few hours to see how you like it

Don't let less than ideal weather get you down. Think outside the box when it is below zero, you and your family can have a great time enjoying each other.