Five Pranks and Practical Jokes for April Fool's Day

April Fool's Day is just one of my favorite holidays. I love to play harmless little pranks and see what happens. My children will not eat anything I make on April 1st because they don't trust me, and rightfully so.

From putting dill pickle slices into their pancakes or offering them strawberries and sugar (where the sugar is really salt) my kids would prefer a processed, pre-packaged meal rather than risking a "treat" from their mother.

Here are some awesome ideas for more April first tomfoolery:

1. Free Money. Get some strong epoxy glue and glue quarters to the sidewalk in a public location (the night before April Fool's Day so the glue has time to dry) in front of schools and street corners are perfect. Wait and watch people tirelessly try to pry off quarters from the ground.

2. Mashed Potato Sundae. This one is a classic, but I can't resist. Whip up some instant mashed potatoes and scoop it on an ice cream cone so it looks like a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cover it in sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry and let the kids enjoy ... I may be creating a whole generation of children that do not trust their parents!

3. Sneeze Spray Prank. Get your hand wet and start a fake sneeze and then throw a spray of water on the back of their neck. Tacky, but still funny.

4. April Fool's Party. Send out invitations for a fake party on April 1. This one takes a little planning and some postage, but is worth the effort. Use a fake address or, better yet, a friend or neighbor's address for the location of the faux party ... let your imagination run wild with this one!

5. Stapler in Jello Trick. OK, I think we all saw this one on The Office. Here is how to do it after you have "borrowed" your co- workers stapler:

Supplies:

• 32 packets of Knox clear gelatin
• 1/2 packet Jello gelatin
• Large tupperware-type container or jello mold
• 2 rulers
• Scissors
• Dental floss

Fill the container halfway with cool water the add all 32 packages of Knox gelatin. Add an equal amount of boiling water and stir until gelatin dissolves. Next, add 1/2 packet of flavored jello (just enough to add some color) and stir.

Tie the dental floss around the rulers then around the stapler to help suspend the stapler in the gelatin. Be sure to put the stapler in upside down because when you flip over the mold, the stapler will be right side up. Refrigerate overnight, then place the container in a bowl of hot water to help loosen the jello from the mold.

You may also want to take a picture before you take it in the office, hehehe.