10 Ways to Make Today Magical

Happy Monday!

I hope all is wonderful in your little corner of the world.  We’ve been busy despite the cold winter here.  I’ve found that with five kids now, there really isn’t such a thing as down time! 

I do like winter more and more these days for its forced slowing-down of life, though.  This is the time of year we read the most library books, play the most games at the dining room table, watch the most movies and follow the most rabbit trails to find new hobbies, skills and passions.

That’s not to say I won’t be thrilled when spring comes!  My seed catalogs have me especially impatient for the return of green, and I can’t wait to be able to once again spend the whole day outside with the kids.  But in the meantime, we might as well have fun with what we’ve got!

Here’s a few ways to make a little magic with your kiddos this week, no matter what the weather is in your little corner of the world.

1.  Give your child a Valentine straw rocket!  E for Explore has the free printable and directions.

2.  Do a wacky photo shoot of your child.

3.  Start a pride jar.  Every time you’re proud of your child, write the reason on a slip of paper and put it in a pretty jar. Encourage the kids to peek in their jars!

4.  Gather some fruits and veggies and make some edible art.  I have lots of inspiration on my Cooking With Kids board on Pinterest.

5.  Try circus tricks together.  See if you can juggle, balance a ball on your nose, walk a “tightrope” on the floor, clown around and so on.

6.  Paint some snowballs.

7.  Make an edible gingerbread house for the birds and squirrels.  Get together some graham crackers, nutbutter and a variety of bird seeds, fresh or dried fruits, and nuts.  Help the kids assemble like a regular house with peanut butter as the “glue” and decorate with the seeds, fruits and nuts.  Take a picture of your masterpiece and then leave it where it’s visible from inside so you can watch to see who visits.

8.  Cut out dozens of construction paper hearts and write a reason you love each other on each one.  Cover the windows or a door with them all, or hang them from the ceiling on lengths of yarn or ribbon.

9.  Do some Pinterest-inspired arts and crafts.  Find a fun project, tutorial or bit of inspiration and sit down together to give it a try.

10. Play the gratitude game at dinner.  Go through the alphabet taking turns naming one thing you’re grateful for in life for each letter.  Anything counts, from artichokes to Aunt Julie.  🙂

And with that, I’m off again.  I’ll try to pop in more often this week. 

Kiss your kiddos, count your blessings and don’t forget to take care of you. 

Have a magical week!