Hugs All Around!

To help boost the self esteem of your children and spouse,

here are some thoughts on hugs. 

 

This excerpt was taken from the book, Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share by Becky Baxa
(available in paper back and Kindle edition from Amazon.com) 

The Wonderful Amazing 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. "

Hug coupons are so much fun! Make your own, or copy the ones below and pass them out. Have a family fun night where everyone designs their own hug coupons!  Create special envelopes or containers to hold the coupons.  Each one designed to show each individual's personality.

"Children love to get these. They can save them for a time when they need a hug and you don't notice first. Then, of course, when presented with the coupon, stop and redeem the value immediately! That's a great door opener for a conversation too! Walk through that opportunity door and get to know your loved one better."

 

Have you hugged someone today?

Source:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both Kindle and Paperback versions

Easter Egg Hunt with a Twist!

Easter brings about thoughts of eggs, bunnies, pastel colors, Easter bonnets, new clothes,
new birth, baby animals, green grass, chicks, spring flowers - daffodils and tulips, etc.

One of my favorite activities is coloring eggs and the great Easter Egg Hunt.

Here is a new twist for this year's egg hunt. 
Why not treat a friend or neighbor to not only a nice surprise , but the greatest gift of all...
the true meaning of Easter and the gift of God's Son!

You can use plastic eggs filled with treats and/or notes, real eggs (with one egg blown out before coloring) or a combination of both.

Here is an example of a sign you might deliver after you have "egged" the yard.

 

 

A FEW EGG DYING TIPS

 

 

Photo source:  www.sisterssuitcasblog.com
 

 

A kitchen whisk can be used to hold a single egg as you dip it into a color.

Holding the handle of the whisk keeps the color off of little hands and only on the egg.

An empty egg carton can be turned upside down and the bottoms sniped off with a pair of scissors. 

This works terrific to dry your Easter eggs in!

 

 

 For dozens of ideas, activities and children's games using plastic eggs,

please visit the March 24, 2013 post on this blog entitled: 

Eggcitement with Plastic Eggs. 

 

Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 

 Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both Kindle and Paperback versions

Bird's Nest Enhancers

For years we raised livestock...Saanen dairy goats, horse and pony and a calf here and there.  Naturally in the spring these animals would shed their winter coats in preparation for the long hot summer.  Many nights were spent combing and grooming the animals, including our dog and cats, in order to assist them in refining their summer attire.  As spring progressed it was always a delight to look up and see how the birds had used this soft material to line their nests. 

 

We have a phoebe that nests in our barn's loafing shed each year.  She faithfully weaves  animal hair inside of her nest to prepare a soft, warm environment for her eggs.  What a marvel it is to see the craftsmanship and ingenuity of these birds! 

It is amazing!

Picture source:  http://eastgwillimburywow.blogspot.com/2013/04/eastern-phoebewild-bird.html

 

 

This is a nest we found in our yard after a wind storm that has a lining of goat hair.

 

Here's a fun activity for your family to try from the book Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:  Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share by Becky Baxa (available in paper back and Kindle edition from Amazon.com)

NEST ENHANCERS 

Lay out short pieces of colorful yarn somewhere in your yard.

Ideas for yarn containers/placement:

        Place the yarn in an empty plastic fruit container (from the produce department or any other
        plastic container) or fill an unused suet cage and set it on top of a post or picnic table. 

       You could hang it on an iron shepherds hook that is not quite ready for your hanging flower
        planter.  

       Yarn could be placed in a mesh bag (like oranges or potatoes come in from the grocery store) and
       hang it from a tree branch.

      Decorate a bush or small tree by draping colorful pieces of yarn over the branches.


Tip:  make sure the yarn is placed high enough away from predators and somewhere where the birds
           feel safe.

Photo Source:  http://www.fiberfarm.com/2011/03/the-first-day-of-spring

                                                 

 As time progresses, become nature observers and watch for evidence that the birds

have used your donation in their nest building efforts. 

 

Watch the yarn... is it disappearing or becoming frayed? 

 

Watch birds nesting behaviors to see where nests are being built.  Then, carefully and respectfully sneak a peek to see the masterpieces that have been built!

Photo source:  http://cache.lionbrand.com/Newsletters/29178.html


What other signs of Spring can you find?  Go on a Spring Scavenger Hunt!
Explore and Have FUN!
 

 

            

            

Source:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both Kindle and Paperback versions