A Hug a Day...

 

You are never too old to give or receive a hug!

Hugs...there is so much to say about hugs!  Hugging is good for people.  It makes both people feel better.  One size fits all, it uses little energy but gives a huge power boost!  Hugs help relieve tension, reduce stress, help you relax and feel loved.  They fight depression and loneliness.  Hugs make you beam with a raised self esteem.  They are free with no  negative side effects.  They don’t require batteries or check-ups and are available in endless supply.  Hugs are chemical free, naturally sweet, and are 100 percent wholesome. 

Have you ever noticed the "huggy" people in your lives always find the positive and seem to be filled with more joy?  Without a doubt, hugs generate good will, open up feelings of being connected, safe and accepted.   A hug might possibly be the best "medicine" you can get or give each day. 

So, your miraculous moment is to give hugs!  Hugs in the morning, hugs in the noon time,  hugs in the evening, hugs at bedtime.  HUGS!  It is a precious moment that will create magical memories for both the giver and the receiver!  So go hug someone!  Never hug tomorrow  someone you can hug today.

Quality time with your children/family members doesn't have to take

large amounts of time, money or preparation. 

Every day make eye contact, smile and give abundant hugs. 

Talk to... not at... each family member.  Put away the "electronic guests" and distracting "screens".

Listen with your eyes and whole body as well as your ears.

The results will be wonderful!

How Many...?

"How many _______ do we have?"

I wonder... do you know how many shoes are in your house?  How about the number of windows or doors?  How many chairs do you own?  How many shirts are in the closet or in the whole house?  How many carrots, tomatoes, green beans or ears of corn will your garden produce?

Wouldn't it be a fun game to predict, and then explore the answer to:  

"How many _______ do we have?"

Prediction can be a helpful reading skill.

Investigation  and prediction are valuable math and science skills.

Teaching young children to predict, investigate, and observe is a contributing factor to becoming successful in school.

Happy counting!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

I close my eyes and listen...

A strong steady beat rings loudly to my left.  I never noticed the clock ticking so loudly.  The air conditioning is running, there is a forced air sound coming from the vents.  There is another deeper sound I can't identify and if I am not mistaken a bird just chirped outside my window.  The Grandfather clock sings out the chimes...oh!  it is three quarters of the hour.  The tap of the keyboard keys sound different from the push on the space bar.
                                                                    

Sounds... they are all around us, yet we often don't pay attention to many of them.

Have you ever noticed that if you close your eyes the sounds around you seem to be amplified?  When one sense is taken away the other senses have heightened awareness.

Listening Activity

Pick a location to sit in a comfortable spot.  Close your eyes and start listening.  Keep count of how many sounds you hear and what they sound like.  You could set a timer or "play it by ear" :-).

After you have opened your eyes, compare how many different sounds were heard.  Were all the sounds identified?  Did everyone hear the same thing?

Try this inside.  Compare the sounds in different rooms or the difference between the basement, attic and/or garage. 

Listen outside.  Compare being in the country to the city.  Compare daytime to the night.  You will be amazed at the sounds you hear in the evening and early morning.  Compare and contrast the differences.  Experiment with different locations and times.

Have fun!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

A deep muscle relaxing sigh escaped, as the rush and stress of the day slowly drained from my body.  A gentle breeze seemed to be passing out hugs on its way to sway the trees in the night. I stared in amazement at the show before my eyes!

The moon was just a sliver tonight, like the end of your thumbnail.  Moonbeams slid down and danced around the yard.  The stars winked as they peeked through the dark of the evening.  What amazed me the most was that there were big fluffy clouds!  I don't remember watching the stars with so many clouds before.  Their shadows floating and changing shapes above my head.

Star watching doesn't have to be a big fancy event.  It can be done while standing, sitting, laying down or floating on the water.  It is a simple, easy way to share a moment with the loved ones in your family.

Enjoy the wonder and amazement of the expanse of our universe.  If your child seems particularly interested with lots of questions, use this as a learning opportunity.  Check out books from the library and extend the moments together.  Visit a planetarium, make a solar system with Styrofoam balls... the options are endless.

But, we got off track.  The point is... the simple, easy opportunity to just sit, watch and enjoy each others company.

Happy Stargazing!

Book Now Available on Etsy and Amazon

If you like the posts on this blog, you will love this book!

Hidden Splendor Publishing is excited to announce that the book

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes by Becky B. Baxa

can now be purchased from Etsy.com

and Amazon.com

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes explores more than 500 ideas that are quick, easy, and affordable (often free) to connect adults and children of all ages in an electronic focused society of on-the-go families. Engage in activities that use everyday items found in the home or that require no materials at all. Discover the joys of a more relaxed, affectionate and unified family. Open the lines of communication, strengthen family relationships and create wonderful family memories.

 

Places to purchase Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

1.  Etsy.com

      2.  Amazon.com

For additional information about this book, places you can attend a book signing,
Magical Moments workshops or presentations follow: http://facebook.com/hiddensplendor