Five ways to create a memorable summer

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Not sure if you watch the Disney channel's show, Phineas and Ferb, but those boys have the right idea about Summer vacation!  No sitting around for them: they are busy creating a summer full of memories. While we don't necessarily want our kids creating an ACTUAL beach in the backyard or a roller coaster that runs through town, we want them to keep busy.

What did you do during the summer when you were a kid?  Did you spend hours inside staring at a computer screen, television screen or tapping on an ipad?? Most likely not.  If you were like me, you spent your summer roaming around outside, creating worlds, stories, amazing adventures.

Here are FIVE ways to fight summer boredom, the higher risks of "brain drain" and an increased BMI {which studies show is statistically likely}and have a GREAT time doing it!  {As a side note, many of my suggestions are free or extremely low cost... no need to break the bank... we'll just break some bad habits}

1. Get moving!  Exercise your bodies.

We live in a climate that typically has 10+ days of 99-105 degree temperatures.  I hate the heat, but have found ways to avoid (or beat) the heat but still spend a goal of 2-4 hours outside during the day - everyday.  For example: Go first thing in the morning; choose an activity that will get you wet;  or travel to the foothills or the coast (or a lake) to get out of heat.  Whatever you do, do it for fun!!

Ways to do this:

• Take a bike ride
• Go to a park and play (invite your friends)
• Build this amazing "kid wash"
• Go for a hike - Check out this website to search for places to hike near where you live
• Play one of these 15 backyard games
• Take a walk to get ice cream
• Play in the sprinklers
• Go swimming
• Go to the beach
• Have a water balloon war with some friends 

{Visit my "Get Moving" Pinterest board for more ideas}

2. Get creative!  Exercise your creativity!

Modern education is becoming increasingly void of art and music, despite the fact that research overwhelmingly shows that arts education increases academic achievement, social and emotional development, and civic engagement.   Use the summer months to remedy this gap.

Ways to do this:

• Many local parks and recreation host art classes for kids each summer for a nominal fee.
• Dance in your living room with your kids.
• Learn some new fun songs to sing {and sing them loud!} 
• Check your local college or junior college for summertime community classes.  Many offer music, art and theater for kids as options.
• Find a art and music academy for kids that offer short-term classes.
• Check local theater groups to see if there are summer drama classes for kids.
• Form a crafting group with other "mommy friends" who have similar aged children, plan a monthly craft day.
• Make sure to avoid these 6 no-nos that squash creativity in kids.
• Do some crafts at home.  You don't have to be artistic... just willing to try new things and maybe not afraid of a mess. One of my favorite websites for craft ideas (beside Pinterest) is Spoonful.com, it is absolutely full of hundreds of craft ideas from simple to complex for kids of all ages.
• Make sure you have a well stocked craft bin.  Not sure what types of craft materials to have on hand?  Check out this post about that very thing.
• If all else fails, there are free music and art lessons online. 

{Visit my "Get Creative" Pinterest board for more ideas} 

3. Get learning! Exercise your mind!

It's not secret that kids lose educational traction during the summer, or suffer from "brain drain", the question is, what are you going to do about it?  Unless your school district offers summer school, it's up to you to offer learning opportunities to keep your kids sharp and ready to learn come fall.
Don't worry, it doesn't have to be worksheets!  You are the teacher!  You set the tone, choose the "curriculum" and decide what you want to cover!

Ways to do this:

• Check out this post on five ways to beat "brain drain" this summer
• Have your kids make a cute "summer journal" by covering and decorating a composition notebook and have them write every weekday, by either give them writing prompts, letting them choose their own or having them journal what they did that day.
• Keep them reading by offering incentives or getting involved with reading programs at your local Library or bookstores.
• Give your kids a "job" this summer to allow them to earn, manage and spend their own money
• Choose a "theme a week" to help create ideas {for example, "Outer Space", "Down on the Farm", "Nature",  "Insects", "Weather", "Dinosaurs", "Pioneer Days", etc.}
• In addition to (or instead of) the educational basics like math, spelling, writing, history, science and reading, take some time to teach your kids some skills they don't always teach at schools.  
• Think outside the "BOX" - things like learning to ride a bike, cooking, typing, swimming, basic sewing skills, learning how to safely use the internet, how to manage money wisely, etc.} 
• Talk with your kids about 2-3 new skills they might like to learn, if you set some goals you are more likely to strive toward them.
• Check out this post on age appropriate abilities (like household chores, cooking mac and cheese etc.)

{Visit my "Get Learning" Pinterest board for more ideas}

4. Get experiences! Create adventures for you and your family!

As long as time and finances allow, take some road trips, create experiences that your kids won't soon forget. {If you can do it as a surprise, it will be so much better!}

Ways to do this:

• Visit a National Park, river or nearby forest.
• Visit a nearby large city (if you don't live in one) and ride public transportation
• Visit nearby historical landmarks and learn about history.
• Go make a candle or paint some pottery as a family.
• See a play.
• Pick some fresh fruits or vegetables {find a u-pick farm}.
• Visit your Library.
• Shop at the Farmer's market.
• Visit a museum or zoo.
• Visit a nearby attraction like the "Mystery Spot" or Winchester Mystery House in California 

{Visit my Pinterest board for more ideas}  

 5.  Get busy! Don't let procrastination (or inertia) get you down!
 Yes, it would be easier to just stay home and stare at the computer and let your kids watch t.v. or play video games, but it's not healthier.  Check out this post on how to "reset" your kid's screen addiction (and maybe yours too).

Ways to do this:

• BEFORE summer vacation starts, do some research {Google searches} of things to do within driving distance of your town
• BEFORE summer vacation starts, sit down with your kids and have a brain-storming session about topics they might like to learn about, skills they might like to master, places they might like to visit and talk about summer expectations.
• BEFORE summer vacation starts, contact 2-5 other moms and find out their availability to go on adventures, have craft days, play-dates and times where you can give your kids a break from you, and you can have a break from them (maybe schedule times where you trade kids)
• BEFORE summer vacation starts, plan a 3-7 day screen fast {you too mom}, to start the summer off on the right foot, to break the addictions to the computer, t.v. and video games we all have!
• Make a schedule and don't allow yourself (or your kids) put off until tomorrow what can be done today
• Create simple rules for yourself and your kids like: "No screen time between 9am and 1pm",  to carve out time to get something fun done! (Follow the rules yourself!)
• Schedule in "do-nothing" days to have downtime
• Give yourself plenty of grace, if you don't get to something one day, just plan it for the next.
• HAVE FUN!  The whole point is keeping your kids busy and having FUN!  If you find yourself turning into the "Fun Nazi", you should take a step back and take a break.
• TAKE LOTS AND LOTS of pictures!!  What an amazing summer this will be (you should be able to look back at it in photographs!)

{Visit my Pinterest board for more ideas}  

AND DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!!

** Note: Make sure you strive for summertime balance... I am certainly NOT suggesting you spend every minute of every day running around... that is not very relaxing... I am merely suggesting adding these elements as a way to balance all of the laying around time. :) 

Not sure if you watch the Disney channel's show, Phineas and Ferb, but those boys have the right idea about Summer vacation!  No sitting around for them: they are busy creating a summer full of memories. While we don't necessarily want our kids creating an ACTUAL beach in the backyard or a roller coaster that runs through town, we want them to keep busy.

What did you do during the summer when you were a kid?  Did you spend hours inside staring at a computer screen, television screen or tapping on an ipad?? Most likely not.  If you were like me, you spent your summer roaming around outside, creating worlds, stories, amazing adventures.

Here are FIVE ways to fight summer boredom, the higher risks of "brain drain" and an increased BMI {which studies show is statistically likely}and have a GREAT time doing it!  {As a side note, many of my suggestions are free or extremely low cost... no need to break the bank... we'll just break some bad habits}

1. Get moving!  Exercise your bodies.

We live in a climate that typically has 10+ days of 99-105 degree temperatures.  I hate the heat, but have found ways to avoid (or beat) the heat but still spend a goal of 2-4 hours outside during the day - everyday.  For example: Go first thing in the morning; choose an activity that will get you wet;  or travel to the foothills or the coast (or a lake) to get out of heat.  Whatever you do, do it for fun!!

Ways to do this:

• Take a bike ride
• Go to a park and play (invite your friends)
• Build this amazing "kid wash"
• Go for a hike - Check out this website to search for places to hike near where you live
• Play one of these 15 backyard games
• Take a walk to get ice cream
• Play in the sprinklers
• Go swimming
• Go to the beach
• Have a water balloon war with some friends 

{Visit my "Get Moving" Pinterest board for more ideas}

2. Get creative!  Exercise your creativity!

Modern education is becoming increasingly void of art and music, despite the fact that research overwhelmingly shows that arts education increases academic achievement, social and emotional development, and civic engagement.   Use the summer months to remedy this gap.

Ways to do this:

• Many local parks and recreation host art classes for kids each summer for a nominal fee.
• Dance in your living room with your kids.
• Learn some new fun songs to sing {and sing them loud!} 
• Check your local college or junior college for summertime community classes.  Many offer music, art and theater for kids as options.
• Find a art and music academy for kids that offer short-term classes.
• Check local theater groups to see if there are summer drama classes for kids.
• Form a crafting group with other "mommy friends" who have similar aged children, plan a monthly craft day.
• Make sure to avoid these 6 no-nos that squash creativity in kids.
• Do some crafts at home.  You don't have to be artistic... just willing to try new things and maybe not afraid of a mess. One of my favorite websites for craft ideas (beside Pinterest) is Spoonful.com, it is absolutely full of hundreds of craft ideas from simple to complex for kids of all ages.
• Make sure you have a well stocked craft bin.  Not sure what types of craft materials to have on hand?  Check out this post about that very thing.
• If all else fails, there are free music and art lessons online. 

{Visit my "Get Creative" Pinterest board for more ideas} 

3. Get learning! Exercise your mind!

It's not secret that kids lose educational traction during the summer, or suffer from "brain drain", the question is, what are you going to do about it?  Unless your school district offers summer school, it's up to you to offer learning opportunities to keep your kids sharp and ready to learn come fall.
Don't worry, it doesn't have to be worksheets!  You are the teacher!  You set the tone, choose the "curriculum" and decide what you want to cover!

Ways to do this:

• Check out this post on five ways to beat "brain drain" this summer
• Have your kids make a cute "summer journal" by covering and decorating a composition notebook and have them write every weekday, by either give them writing prompts, letting them choose their own or having them journal what they did that day.
• Keep them reading by offering incentives or getting involved with reading programs at your local Library or bookstores.
• Give your kids a "job" this summer to allow them to earn, manage and spend their own money
• Choose a "theme a week" to help create ideas {for example, "Outer Space", "Down on the Farm", "Nature",  "Insects", "Weather", "Dinosaurs", "Pioneer Days", etc.}
• In addition to (or instead of) the educational basics like math, spelling, writing, history, science and reading, take some time to teach your kids some skills they don't always teach at schools.  
• Think outside the "BOX" - things like learning to ride a bike, cooking, typing, swimming, basic sewing skills, learning how to safely use the internet, how to manage money wisely, etc.} 
• Talk with your kids about 2-3 new skills they might like to learn, if you set some goals you are more likely to strive toward them.
• Check out this post on age appropriate abilities (like household chores, cooking mac and cheese etc.)

{Visit my "Get Learning" Pinterest board for more ideas}

4. Get experiences! Create adventures for you and your family!

As long as time and finances allow, take some road trips, create experiences that your kids won't soon forget. {If you can do it as a surprise, it will be so much better!}

Ways to do this:

• Visit a National Park, river or nearby forest.
• Visit a nearby large city (if you don't live in one) and ride public transportation
• Visit nearby historical landmarks and learn about history.
• Go make a candle or paint some pottery as a family.
• See a play.
• Pick some fresh fruits or vegetables {find a u-pick farm}.
• Visit your Library.
• Shop at the Farmer's market.
• Visit a museum or zoo.
• Visit a nearby attraction like the "Mystery Spot" or Winchester Mystery House in California 

{Visit my Pinterest board for more ideas}  

 5.  Get busy! Don't let procrastination (or inertia) get you down!
 Yes, it would be easier to just stay home and stare at the computer and let your kids watch t.v. or play video games, but it's not healthier.  Check out this post on how to "reset" your kid's screen addiction (and maybe yours too).

Ways to do this:

• BEFORE summer vacation starts, do some research {Google searches} of things to do within driving distance of your town
• BEFORE summer vacation starts, sit down with your kids and have a brain-storming session about topics they might like to learn about, skills they might like to master, places they might like to visit and talk about summer expectations.
• BEFORE summer vacation starts, contact 2-5 other moms and find out their availability to go on adventures, have craft days, play-dates and times where you can give your kids a break from you, and you can have a break from them (maybe schedule times where you trade kids)
• BEFORE summer vacation starts, plan a 3-7 day screen fast {you too mom}, to start the summer off on the right foot, to break the addictions to the computer, t.v. and video games we all have!
• Make a schedule and don't allow yourself (or your kids) put off until tomorrow what can be done today
• Create simple rules for yourself and your kids like: "No screen time between 9am and 1pm",  to carve out time to get something fun done! (Follow the rules yourself!)
• Schedule in "do-nothing" days to have downtime
• Give yourself plenty of grace, if you don't get to something one day, just plan it for the next.
• HAVE FUN!  The whole point is keeping your kids busy and having FUN!  If you find yourself turning into the "Fun Nazi", you should take a step back and take a break.
• TAKE LOTS AND LOTS of pictures!!  What an amazing summer this will be (you should be able to look back at it in photographs!)

{Visit my Pinterest board for more ideas}  

AND DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!!

** Note: Make sure you strive for summertime balance... I am certainly NOT suggesting you spend every minute of every day running around... that is not very relaxing... I am merely suggesting adding these elements as a way to balance all of the laying around time. :) 

Five ways to beat "brain drain" over the summer

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1. Teach your children to be "life long learners"

Help them to realize what they learn every day

Create a "what I learned today" journal that you or THEY keep.   Make it a part of your daily routine.

Some ideas of things kids can learn:

2. Explore what your child loves

Help your child discover a "passion" or learn more about them-self
Rather than doing a "workbook", take some time 5 days a week and do some hands-on education (something your child won't get in a traditional school)

Starting now, before Summer vacation, start asking your kids individually and collectively what topics or subjects are most interesting to them.  Encourage them to think outside the "box" {read: school} For example: one child may be fascinated by the Gold Rush... another child may love animals. 

If you ask and they look at you blankly or tell you a television show or video game, you have some work to do. If your children are really not sure, go ahead an give them a list of topics they might like to learn more about

Here is a list of possible topics:
Airplanes. Aliens. Amusement Parks. Aquariums. Astronauts.  Balloon Animals. Building things. Cell Phones. The Circus. Comets. Computers. Constellations. Dinosaurs. Dolphins. Dragons. Eclipses. Endangered Species. Engines. Fairies.  Farm Animals. Firetrucks. Fortune Cookies. Gadgets and Gizmos.  Gorillas.  Haunted Houses.  Honey. Igloos. Kid Celebrities. Knights. Legos...  for more ideas of things kids like, I found a list of 500+ things kids like.

Then spend time exploring those topics in a variety of ways.  Don't just read about it on the internet, go and check out a book at the Library, find an experience they can do! {Visit a historic Gold Rush town or call a Veterinary Hospital or local farm and ask if you (and your kids) can have a tour.}

3. Include your kids in everyday activities

Going to the grocery store... make it fun and educational.
Teach math skills by giving your children a list, a calculator and a limited amount of money, and take them to the grocery store and see what they choose to buy.

Menu planning and Nutrition (Food as fuel) Help them learn to plan nutritious meals by allowing them to plan, create the shopping list,  shop for the groceries and help you cook the meal.

  
Other activities that could include "learning": House cleaning, washing the car, creating a simple budget, etc.


4. Include your kid's friends in learning opportunities

Make it fun by making it a "play date" - organize an "outing" by inviting other moms to join you.

 Visit a candy making factory {Hershey's, Jelly Belly, etc.}
Visit a national park {Caswell, Del Puerto Canyon, Knights Ferry}
Visit a museum or zoo
Visit a nearby large city and be tourists, take public transportation {if that is novel for you}
Create a "craft day" with friends
Go to a local farm and pick fresh fruit

5. Give them incentives

While you won't be giving your kids grades over the summer, take the time to give your kids opportunities to be recognized.

Find out if your local Barnes n Nobles, In n Out, or local Library offers summer reading programs
Many local organizations give incentives to keep kids reading over the summe.

Come back and I will share a couple of ideas for incentive charts like this one or this one... and a new idea I am contemplating that will have my kids paying me each time they are intentionally annoying!

1. Teach your children to be "life long learners"

Help them to realize what they learn every day

Create a "what I learned today" journal that you or THEY keep.   Make it a part of your daily routine.

Some ideas of things kids can learn:

2. Explore what your child loves

Help your child discover a "passion" or learn more about them-self
Rather than doing a "workbook", take some time 5 days a week and do some hands-on education (something your child won't get in a traditional school)

Starting now, before Summer vacation, start asking your kids individually and collectively what topics or subjects are most interesting to them.  Encourage them to think outside the "box" {read: school} For example: one child may be fascinated by the Gold Rush... another child may love animals. 

If you ask and they look at you blankly or tell you a television show or video game, you have some work to do. If your children are really not sure, go ahead an give them a list of topics they might like to learn more about

Here is a list of possible topics:
Airplanes. Aliens. Amusement Parks. Aquariums. Astronauts.  Balloon Animals. Building things. Cell Phones. The Circus. Comets. Computers. Constellations. Dinosaurs. Dolphins. Dragons. Eclipses. Endangered Species. Engines. Fairies.  Farm Animals. Firetrucks. Fortune Cookies. Gadgets and Gizmos.  Gorillas.  Haunted Houses.  Honey. Igloos. Kid Celebrities. Knights. Legos...  for more ideas of things kids like, I found a list of 500+ things kids like.

Then spend time exploring those topics in a variety of ways.  Don't just read about it on the internet, go and check out a book at the Library, find an experience they can do! {Visit a historic Gold Rush town or call a Veterinary Hospital or local farm and ask if you (and your kids) can have a tour.}

3. Include your kids in everyday activities

Going to the grocery store... make it fun and educational.
Teach math skills by giving your children a list, a calculator and a limited amount of money, and take them to the grocery store and see what they choose to buy.

Menu planning and Nutrition (Food as fuel) Help them learn to plan nutritious meals by allowing them to plan, create the shopping list,  shop for the groceries and help you cook the meal.

  
Other activities that could include "learning": House cleaning, washing the car, creating a simple budget, etc.


4. Include your kid's friends in learning opportunities

Make it fun by making it a "play date" - organize an "outing" by inviting other moms to join you.

 Visit a candy making factory {Hershey's, Jelly Belly, etc.}
Visit a national park {Caswell, Del Puerto Canyon, Knights Ferry}
Visit a museum or zoo
Visit a nearby large city and be tourists, take public transportation {if that is novel for you}
Create a "craft day" with friends
Go to a local farm and pick fresh fruit

5. Give them incentives

While you won't be giving your kids grades over the summer, take the time to give your kids opportunities to be recognized.

Find out if your local Barnes n Nobles, In n Out, or local Library offers summer reading programs
Many local organizations give incentives to keep kids reading over the summe.

Come back and I will share a couple of ideas for incentive charts like this one or this one... and a new idea I am contemplating that will have my kids paying me each time they are intentionally annoying!

Cancer Sucks

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Today is The Relay for Life walk here in my town.   I don't know anyone who hasn't been impacted by cancer in some way.  Personally, I have a Grandfather and an Uncle who are currently battling cancer, and multiple family members who have had cancer removed from their bodies. 

Nearly 1,600 people die each day from some form of cancer in the US.  Anyone can get cancer; young and old; smokers and non-smokers; single people and married; even mothers.

In support of my sweet friend, Lucy, who fought and survived in her battle against Lymphoma last year, today's blog post is dedicated to Team I Love Lucy!

My friend Lucy is a loving mother of four kiddos, all under the age of 13, she is fun and full of life and a fighter.  When I discovered that she had received such a terrifying diagnosis, I did the only things I knew to do; I prayed, I brought chocolate, a funny card and I cried with her.

Interested in supporting her team for the Relay for Life?  Go visit their page here: Team I Love Lucy.

This is for YOU Lucy, you are a survivor and an inspiration to those around you:


 I also found this beautiful video of another mommy who survived cancer:

Today is The Relay for Life walk here in my town.   I don't know anyone who hasn't been impacted by cancer in some way.  Personally, I have a Grandfather and an Uncle who are currently battling cancer, and multiple family members who have had cancer removed from their bodies. 

Nearly 1,600 people die each day from some form of cancer in the US.  Anyone can get cancer; young and old; smokers and non-smokers; single people and married; even mothers.

In support of my sweet friend, Lucy, who fought and survived in her battle against Lymphoma last year, today's blog post is dedicated to Team I Love Lucy!

My friend Lucy is a loving mother of four kiddos, all under the age of 13, she is fun and full of life and a fighter.  When I discovered that she had received such a terrifying diagnosis, I did the only things I knew to do; I prayed, I brought chocolate, a funny card and I cried with her.

Interested in supporting her team for the Relay for Life?  Go visit their page here: Team I Love Lucy.

This is for YOU Lucy, you are a survivor and an inspiration to those around you:


 I also found this beautiful video of another mommy who survived cancer:

Are your kids feeling CRAFTY? 20 must-have Craft Supplies

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Kids love crafts.  Even if YOU aren't an inherently "crafty" person, every single human is born with an innate sense of creativity, it's a part of that "created in His image" deal.  You can either foster your children's creativity or squash it.

I recognize that if you don't LOVE crafts and don't feel overly creative, that it can be a little overwhelming to imagine that YOU are responsible for fostering creativity in your kids.  Never fear.  First read THIS post on Fostering Creativity in your Children and then come RIGHT back here to get the must-have list of creativity boosting supplies.

Both of my children seem to be slightly obsessed with paper and scissors and creating messes with craft supplies.   There are two ways I can look at this:

1. YAY! Someone to do crafts with!  Something my kids can do other than watch T.V. and demand my attention!
OR 2. BOO! Another mess to clean up!

I choose the first one (most days)

My kids are slightly older, so I will specify which supplies you should make available to kids according to ages ... in fact I will build the list from the youngest to the oldest... so you know what and when to add to your supplies.


Without further ado... the 20 must-have craft supplies in your home:

Toddler-Age 3
1. Paper: White paper, construction paper, scrapbook paper, paper of every shape, size and color... but mostly white paper.
2. Stickers: You don't have to break the bank buying massive amounts of stickers.  Save the stickers you get in the mail (kids don't care if they are stickers with movies or addresses on them).  Wait until the sales and buy stickers from craft stores.  Go to teacher supply stores and buy small star and heart stickers.
3. Crayons: Again, they don't have to be perfectly sharpened and unbroken.  Kids will use crayons regardless of what they look like. (Most kids will anyway)
4. Washable markers: Please note the washable part... it's really very important.

4 and 5 years old
5. Scissors: Small scissors for little hands, BUT PLEASE get the kind with actual metal blades, the plastic ones are so frustrating! Most kids need to know how to cut on a line for kindergarten, so practice is helpful, {you may have to get the vacuum out.} OH and keep an eye on them... haircuts happen really fast at this age.
6. Playdoh and tools: Make your own or buy the pre-made stuff.  Give them the option every day. Kids love playing with clay!
7. Paper Glue: Gluestick or Elmers, both can do damage, but once kids start to cut paper, they want to glue it to other paper.  Consider buying some Mod Podge while you're at it.
8. Water Color Paints and Paper: This is a craft that your kids can enjoy for hours, but doesn't make a huge mess, as long as you are prepared.  Cover the table, give your child a towel or paper towel (to clean up drip messes), a half-full cup of water, and allow the masterpiece to be created!

6 years old and up
{you know your children and their destructive abilities, use your judgment}
9. Craft Glue: Aleene's is great, but any brand of tacky glue will help your kids be creative with 3-d crafts without going crazy with frustration.
10. Popsicle sticks: buy both sizes, the large "tongue depressor" size and the smaller size as well.
11. Pom Pom balls: Seriously.  My kids use these up in ways I could never imagine.

12. Chenille Stems: Also known as pipe cleaners, these now come in a variety of colors and have endless creative uses... just Google ideas and you will be amazed!
13. Googly eyes: Because anything you make with a Pom Pom ball will be cuter with eyes.
14. Felt: You can buy packages of 8.5"x 11" sheets of multi-colored felt.  Felt is useful for creating because it doesn't tear like paper, but is flexible.
15. Magnets: Your kids will LOVE making things that will stick to the fridge... or the magnet board you will ultimately buy them for their room to get their "creations" off your fridge.

 16. Beads: Again, please don't break the bank (and beads really can), invest in some cheap plastic beads, pony beads and little plastic multi-faceted beads.   Your kids will thank you.
17. Hemp twine: Best bet for non-stretchy string for beading.  It doesn't fray and stays nice and stiff for easy beading.
18. Yarn: Any color, any weight.  Kids will use it for a number of different projects!
19. Tapestry needles.  Though you might want to keep this locked up and away from kids, these needles are great for learning to sew with felt and yarn, and a little stuffing.
20. Hot Glue Gun.  Another one of those items you may want to keep locked away from your kids, every home absolutely should have a glue gun.  At times, no matter how hard they try, your kids will not be able to stick something together with tacky or white glue, plug in your gun and you can stick nearly ANYTHING together! :)

Kids love crafts.  Even if YOU aren't an inherently "crafty" person, every single human is born with an innate sense of creativity, it's a part of that "created in His image" deal.  You can either foster your children's creativity or squash it.

I recognize that if you don't LOVE crafts and don't feel overly creative, that it can be a little overwhelming to imagine that YOU are responsible for fostering creativity in your kids.  Never fear.  First read THIS post on Fostering Creativity in your Children and then come RIGHT back here to get the must-have list of creativity boosting supplies.

Both of my children seem to be slightly obsessed with paper and scissors and creating messes with craft supplies.   There are two ways I can look at this:

1. YAY! Someone to do crafts with!  Something my kids can do other than watch T.V. and demand my attention!
OR 2. BOO! Another mess to clean up!

I choose the first one (most days)

My kids are slightly older, so I will specify which supplies you should make available to kids according to ages ... in fact I will build the list from the youngest to the oldest... so you know what and when to add to your supplies.


Without further ado... the 20 must-have craft supplies in your home:

Toddler-Age 3
1. Paper: White paper, construction paper, scrapbook paper, paper of every shape, size and color... but mostly white paper.
2. Stickers: You don't have to break the bank buying massive amounts of stickers.  Save the stickers you get in the mail (kids don't care if they are stickers with movies or addresses on them).  Wait until the sales and buy stickers from craft stores.  Go to teacher supply stores and buy small star and heart stickers.
3. Crayons: Again, they don't have to be perfectly sharpened and unbroken.  Kids will use crayons regardless of what they look like. (Most kids will anyway)
4. Washable markers: Please note the washable part... it's really very important.

4 and 5 years old
5. Scissors: Small scissors for little hands, BUT PLEASE get the kind with actual metal blades, the plastic ones are so frustrating! Most kids need to know how to cut on a line for kindergarten, so practice is helpful, {you may have to get the vacuum out.} OH and keep an eye on them... haircuts happen really fast at this age.
6. Playdoh and tools: Make your own or buy the pre-made stuff.  Give them the option every day. Kids love playing with clay!
7. Paper Glue: Gluestick or Elmers, both can do damage, but once kids start to cut paper, they want to glue it to other paper.  Consider buying some Mod Podge while you're at it.
8. Water Color Paints and Paper: This is a craft that your kids can enjoy for hours, but doesn't make a huge mess, as long as you are prepared.  Cover the table, give your child a towel or paper towel (to clean up drip messes), a half-full cup of water, and allow the masterpiece to be created!

6 years old and up
{you know your children and their destructive abilities, use your judgment}
9. Craft Glue: Aleene's is great, but any brand of tacky glue will help your kids be creative with 3-d crafts without going crazy with frustration.
10. Popsicle sticks: buy both sizes, the large "tongue depressor" size and the smaller size as well.
11. Pom Pom balls: Seriously.  My kids use these up in ways I could never imagine.

12. Chenille Stems: Also known as pipe cleaners, these now come in a variety of colors and have endless creative uses... just Google ideas and you will be amazed!
13. Googly eyes: Because anything you make with a Pom Pom ball will be cuter with eyes.
14. Felt: You can buy packages of 8.5"x 11" sheets of multi-colored felt.  Felt is useful for creating because it doesn't tear like paper, but is flexible.
15. Magnets: Your kids will LOVE making things that will stick to the fridge... or the magnet board you will ultimately buy them for their room to get their "creations" off your fridge.

 16. Beads: Again, please don't break the bank (and beads really can), invest in some cheap plastic beads, pony beads and little plastic multi-faceted beads.   Your kids will thank you.
17. Hemp twine: Best bet for non-stretchy string for beading.  It doesn't fray and stays nice and stiff for easy beading.
18. Yarn: Any color, any weight.  Kids will use it for a number of different projects!
19. Tapestry needles.  Though you might want to keep this locked up and away from kids, these needles are great for learning to sew with felt and yarn, and a little stuffing.
20. Hot Glue Gun.  Another one of those items you may want to keep locked away from your kids, every home absolutely should have a glue gun.  At times, no matter how hard they try, your kids will not be able to stick something together with tacky or white glue, plug in your gun and you can stick nearly ANYTHING together! :)

A Mother's Prayer for Her Child by Tina Fey

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I love Tina Fey.  She makes my heart happy.  I apologize for the little bit of profanity in this poem...

“First, Lord: No tattoos. 
May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, 
for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, 
not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, 
may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half 
And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her 
when crossing the street,
stepping onto boats,
 swimming in the ocean,
swimming in pools,
walking near pools,
standing on the subway platform,
 crossing 86th Street,
 stepping off of boats,
 using mall restrooms,
getting on and off escalators,
driving on country roads while arguing,
leaning on large windows,
walking in parking lots,
riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,”
and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance.
Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.
What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart
with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.
Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long,
For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day –
And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers
And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a B**ch in front of Hollister,
Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends,
For I will not have that S**t. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.
“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck.
“My mother did this for me.”
And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation
and she will make a Mental Note to call me.
And she will forget.
But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.”

-Tina Fey

I love Tina Fey.  She makes my heart happy.  I apologize for the little bit of profanity in this poem...

“First, Lord: No tattoos. 
May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, 
for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, 
not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, 
may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half 
And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her 
when crossing the street,
stepping onto boats,
 swimming in the ocean,
swimming in pools,
walking near pools,
standing on the subway platform,
 crossing 86th Street,
 stepping off of boats,
 using mall restrooms,
getting on and off escalators,
driving on country roads while arguing,
leaning on large windows,
walking in parking lots,
riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,”
and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance.
Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.
What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart
with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.
Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long,
For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day –
And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers
And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a B**ch in front of Hollister,
Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends,
For I will not have that S**t. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.
“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck.
“My mother did this for me.”
And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation
and she will make a Mental Note to call me.
And she will forget.
But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.”

-Tina Fey

6 Ways to Squash Creativity in Kids

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Most parents will agree that kids love doing crafts, but do you know that art and crafts are actually good for your kids?  Engaging in crafts develops spatial skills, increases brain hand-eye coordination, influences a child's understanding of color, texture and design, and of course fosters creativity, which can in turn change a life. To get the maximum benefit from crafts, children should be given a "creative time" every day.  A time to create, color, invent and play with different mediums which you could call "craft-time".

A couple of things to think about as you begin to consider craft-time for your kids.
1. Create a craft cupboard, drawer or craft box that is easily accessible to your child(ren).
2. You want craft supplies accessible because craft-time should be a daily activity.  Your kid(s) should be able to get {age appropriate} craft supplies out and create without too much input from you.
3. You want your kids to create without you because the more they create independently, the more creative they will become.  Doing pre-made crafts or finding cute craft ideas to do WITH your kids is a wonderful idea, but should NOT be the only way you "do" crafts in your home. 

Want to help your kids become more creative?  Here are six things to avoid...

1. Being a "Helicopter Parent"
As parents, we feel convinced and convicted that we need to be very "hands on" with our kids, however, too much of a good thing during craft time can squash the creative spirit.  Creativity is about risk-taking and exploration.  Sometimes, as a mom, I am more concerned with my children "doing it right" than the process of trial and error.  

So what if they don't hold the pencil the right way, who cares if they are not fitting the pieces together in a way that "makes sense" to us?  Children see the world in a different way than we do, without all of the rules, restrictions and {dare I say it} inhibitions that have already diminished our creativity as adults.  Let them be children!  Let them do it their way.  Allow them the room {and uninterrupted time} to take risks with their art supplies, and explore how different colors or textures work together. 

2. Giving them "Constructive Criticism" 
There are times for correction and evaluation, and art time is not one of those.   If your older child was creating something for a class project and they were being a little "too creative", maybe you can interject a gentle opinion, but for an every day at-home project, there is simply no reason to criticize.  The more evaluation we offer, whether positive or negative, the more likely a child will learn to never be satisfied with their accomplishments.  Follow the old adage: "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all".

3. Giving them rewards
Using excessive rewards, either verbal or even a "gold star", can diminish the child's intrinsic pleasure of creative activity.  Just like criticism, excessive praise or prizes for creativity actually creates an environment that squashes the creative urge because it makes it more about what other people think and less about what is happening inside the individual.  In a sense it robs the child of the joy of creating.  

When your little one brings their latest masterpiece to you and says "LOOK WHAT I DID!" Instead of saying "I am so proud of YOU!" or "It's PERFECT!" Say: "Wow! You must be so proud of what you made!  What do you like about it?"  or "Amazing!  Tell me about it! How does it make you feel?"  Which gives them affirmation without making it about you.

4. Using Comparison or Competition to motivate
When children are being compared to other children or are put in a win-lose situation, where one child is successful and the other is not, it destroys the artistic process that all children progress along at their own speed.    We each have our own process toward creativity, perhaps one person may be farther along in the process, and if they are derailed because they "lose", it may permanently handicap their creativity in the long run. 

5.  Restricting Choices
One danger of doing "pre-made" craft projects is that it limits the potential of creativity.  Creativity is messy and larger than life.  It is defined by exploration, experimentation, curiosity and passion.  It cannot fit inside a coloring book or within a cute box with craft ideas on it.  Not that those things can't prime the pump for creativity (like a book full of craft ideas), but if every craft time with your kids is a per-fabricated craft that is limited in scope and material, then you need to get {and think} "out-of-the-box".

6. Putting Pressure for Perfection
Like criticism, praise, comparison and competition, pressure for perfection can suck the life out of the most creative child.  Establishing unreasonably high expectations for anything can instill an aversion to that particular subject or activity.  Especially when it comes to creative pursuits like writing, crafts, drawing/painting, or musical instruments, putting unreasonable pressure on your children to be "perfect", to perform and conform to specific guidelines is not only outside most kids' developmental capabilities, it also destroys the creative urge, and along with it exploration, experimentation, curiosity and passion.

Some experts even argue that homes should be relatively free of "rules" to free the creative spirit.  I believe {and have read enough about parenting to feel confident} that setting boundaries and guidelines will create a safe environment to be creative without having your kids coloring on the walls, floors and themselves. 

The following are the "rules" I created for my kids in regards to our craft cupboard.   This list provides a context of personal responsibility, and creates safety for creativity.

1. If you take it out, you put it away.
2. Don't compare or compete
3. Take care of the craft supplies
4.  Use your imagination
5. Share
6. Be creative
7. Cover the table when using glue, clay or paint.
8. Try something new
9. If you make the mess, you clean it up
10. Have fun!

Here is the graphic I made below which hangs inside our craft cupboard.

What about you?  Do you have tricks that get your kids creative without "forcing" the issue?

Most parents will agree that kids love doing crafts, but do you know that art and crafts are actually good for your kids?  Engaging in crafts develops spatial skills, increases brain hand-eye coordination, influences a child's understanding of color, texture and design, and of course fosters creativity, which can in turn change a life. To get the maximum benefit from crafts, children should be given a "creative time" every day.  A time to create, color, invent and play with different mediums which you could call "craft-time".

A couple of things to think about as you begin to consider craft-time for your kids.
1. Create a craft cupboard, drawer or craft box that is easily accessible to your child(ren).
2. You want craft supplies accessible because craft-time should be a daily activity.  Your kid(s) should be able to get {age appropriate} craft supplies out and create without too much input from you.
3. You want your kids to create without you because the more they create independently, the more creative they will become.  Doing pre-made crafts or finding cute craft ideas to do WITH your kids is a wonderful idea, but should NOT be the only way you "do" crafts in your home. 

Want to help your kids become more creative?  Here are six things to avoid...

1. Being a "Helicopter Parent"
As parents, we feel convinced and convicted that we need to be very "hands on" with our kids, however, too much of a good thing during craft time can squash the creative spirit.  Creativity is about risk-taking and exploration.  Sometimes, as a mom, I am more concerned with my children "doing it right" than the process of trial and error.  

So what if they don't hold the pencil the right way, who cares if they are not fitting the pieces together in a way that "makes sense" to us?  Children see the world in a different way than we do, without all of the rules, restrictions and {dare I say it} inhibitions that have already diminished our creativity as adults.  Let them be children!  Let them do it their way.  Allow them the room {and uninterrupted time} to take risks with their art supplies, and explore how different colors or textures work together. 

2. Giving them "Constructive Criticism" 
There are times for correction and evaluation, and art time is not one of those.   If your older child was creating something for a class project and they were being a little "too creative", maybe you can interject a gentle opinion, but for an every day at-home project, there is simply no reason to criticize.  The more evaluation we offer, whether positive or negative, the more likely a child will learn to never be satisfied with their accomplishments.  Follow the old adage: "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all".

3. Giving them rewards
Using excessive rewards, either verbal or even a "gold star", can diminish the child's intrinsic pleasure of creative activity.  Just like criticism, excessive praise or prizes for creativity actually creates an environment that squashes the creative urge because it makes it more about what other people think and less about what is happening inside the individual.  In a sense it robs the child of the joy of creating.  

When your little one brings their latest masterpiece to you and says "LOOK WHAT I DID!" Instead of saying "I am so proud of YOU!" or "It's PERFECT!" Say: "Wow! You must be so proud of what you made!  What do you like about it?"  or "Amazing!  Tell me about it! How does it make you feel?"  Which gives them affirmation without making it about you.

4. Using Comparison or Competition to motivate
When children are being compared to other children or are put in a win-lose situation, where one child is successful and the other is not, it destroys the artistic process that all children progress along at their own speed.    We each have our own process toward creativity, perhaps one person may be farther along in the process, and if they are derailed because they "lose", it may permanently handicap their creativity in the long run. 

5.  Restricting Choices
One danger of doing "pre-made" craft projects is that it limits the potential of creativity.  Creativity is messy and larger than life.  It is defined by exploration, experimentation, curiosity and passion.  It cannot fit inside a coloring book or within a cute box with craft ideas on it.  Not that those things can't prime the pump for creativity (like a book full of craft ideas), but if every craft time with your kids is a per-fabricated craft that is limited in scope and material, then you need to get {and think} "out-of-the-box".

6. Putting Pressure for Perfection
Like criticism, praise, comparison and competition, pressure for perfection can suck the life out of the most creative child.  Establishing unreasonably high expectations for anything can instill an aversion to that particular subject or activity.  Especially when it comes to creative pursuits like writing, crafts, drawing/painting, or musical instruments, putting unreasonable pressure on your children to be "perfect", to perform and conform to specific guidelines is not only outside most kids' developmental capabilities, it also destroys the creative urge, and along with it exploration, experimentation, curiosity and passion.

Some experts even argue that homes should be relatively free of "rules" to free the creative spirit.  I believe {and have read enough about parenting to feel confident} that setting boundaries and guidelines will create a safe environment to be creative without having your kids coloring on the walls, floors and themselves. 

The following are the "rules" I created for my kids in regards to our craft cupboard.   This list provides a context of personal responsibility, and creates safety for creativity.

1. If you take it out, you put it away.
2. Don't compare or compete
3. Take care of the craft supplies
4.  Use your imagination
5. Share
6. Be creative
7. Cover the table when using glue, clay or paint.
8. Try something new
9. If you make the mess, you clean it up
10. Have fun!

Here is the graphic I made below which hangs inside our craft cupboard.

What about you?  Do you have tricks that get your kids creative without "forcing" the issue?

10 creative ways to say "I Love You" to your husband

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It may have been Mother's Day yesterday, which is a good day to celebrate our mothers, but here is a little known fact... most of us could NOT have become mothers without a man.  For most of us, that would be our husband.  Yesterday was about you mom, but it's good to remember that there are no moms without the lovers in our lives. 

The last couple of weeks I have been working hard on showing my husband love.  I am struggling to find ways to say it without just "saying it".  I have been having fun using my google power to find some good ideas and now I have put together a small list of more creative ways to say I love you.

1. Send him a secret note:  Remember notes "from a secret admirer"?  Well, it's not easy to do now that you aren't in Jr. High, you have no locker, and your husband undoubtedly knows your handwriting.  You can still give him a little bit of that with an "Anonymous Email" love note.  You can send an email that won't have your name as the "from" line and then he can open a love note from you that will take him a little bit by surprise. At least he won't know it's from you until he opens it. {Just make sure you keep the subject line clean, otherwise he will never get it, because it will end up in his SPAM folder.}

2.  Surprise him around every turn:  Write him a series of short notes on cute note-paper and hide them in various places you know he will find it.  This is not a new idea, but my hubby seems to like it.  Under his pillow, in the medicine cabinet, hanging from a pants hanger in the closet and on his computer keyboard.  If you could somehow sneak one to him at work (other than in his lunch), that would be fun too!

3. Give him the gift of a massage: Some husbands will never ask for a head or shoulder rub, but most men carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.  Give him a simple head and shoulder rub to let him know that you love and appreciate him. Want to learn more about how to give an amazing massage?  Read this article with some great Massage Tips.

4. One of the fastest ways to a man's heart is through his stomach:  Get him his favorite snack food or candy bar and put it in his briefcase, lunch bag or passenger seat of his car with a note from you.  You can also just surprise him with his favorite ice cream or breakfast food (doughnuts with Starbucks coffee) when he is at work or in the shower.

5.  Meet him in the Bedroom: Go to bed just before him, put on some lingerie, light some candles, and surprise him with a night he won't soon forget.  Most men would love for their wife to initiate a passionate night of love-making. {Just make sure you keep yourself primed throughout the day, start thinking passionate thoughts about him in the shower in the morning, give him a lingering kiss over his morning coffee and greet him enthusiastically when he gets home from work}.  Feel like this is something you struggle with?  Check out Intimacy in Marriage blog, and this post "5 reasons I like sex" for a Christian perspective.

6. Let you count the ways:  Take a roll of receipt tape and write a long message with the things you admire and respect about your husband – then roll it up and tie it up for your husband to open and read.

7.  Text him something sweet: Send him texts throughout the day telling him your favorite moments with him.  I sent "The first time you kissed me" and a few others.  Keep in mind that if he is working, make sure they are safe for him to read when surrounded by other people.  I found this great blog post by a Christian blogger about Sexting.

8.  Dinner time appreciation: Have your kids each share something they love about your hubby and then finish off the list with your own.

9. Steamy messages: Get some bathtub crayons and write him a love poem on the shower wall... make it as steamy as you want (as long as your kids don't share your bathroom).  Want to actually write a love poem?  Read this Huffington Post article about "How to Write Love Poems that don't Suck".

10. Demonstrate that you are trying to correct that annoying habit: Make an obvious effort to stop doing it. That could include picking up your dirty socks to cleaning the dishes as you use them to tossing your gum in the trash when you have the urge to smack it. Do not say, "See, I’m working on that." Your actions will speak for themselves. 

There you go, some fun ways to spice up your marriage.  Showing your hubby that you love him might be something that you do everyday or it might be something that you never think of doing, but I know that regardless of how long you've been married {it will be 14 years this summer for us}, it's never too late to start or too long to continue to spice up your marriage.  

I will admit, I haven't done 6, 8, or 9 yet, but can't wait to try!

It may have been Mother's Day yesterday, which is a good day to celebrate our mothers, but here is a little known fact... most of us could NOT have become mothers without a man.  For most of us, that would be our husband.  Yesterday was about you mom, but it's good to remember that there are no moms without the lovers in our lives. 

The last couple of weeks I have been working hard on showing my husband love.  I am struggling to find ways to say it without just "saying it".  I have been having fun using my google power to find some good ideas and now I have put together a small list of more creative ways to say I love you.

1. Send him a secret note:  Remember notes "from a secret admirer"?  Well, it's not easy to do now that you aren't in Jr. High, you have no locker, and your husband undoubtedly knows your handwriting.  You can still give him a little bit of that with an "Anonymous Email" love note.  You can send an email that won't have your name as the "from" line and then he can open a love note from you that will take him a little bit by surprise. At least he won't know it's from you until he opens it. {Just make sure you keep the subject line clean, otherwise he will never get it, because it will end up in his SPAM folder.}

2.  Surprise him around every turn:  Write him a series of short notes on cute note-paper and hide them in various places you know he will find it.  This is not a new idea, but my hubby seems to like it.  Under his pillow, in the medicine cabinet, hanging from a pants hanger in the closet and on his computer keyboard.  If you could somehow sneak one to him at work (other than in his lunch), that would be fun too!

3. Give him the gift of a massage: Some husbands will never ask for a head or shoulder rub, but most men carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.  Give him a simple head and shoulder rub to let him know that you love and appreciate him. Want to learn more about how to give an amazing massage?  Read this article with some great Massage Tips.

4. One of the fastest ways to a man's heart is through his stomach:  Get him his favorite snack food or candy bar and put it in his briefcase, lunch bag or passenger seat of his car with a note from you.  You can also just surprise him with his favorite ice cream or breakfast food (doughnuts with Starbucks coffee) when he is at work or in the shower.

5.  Meet him in the Bedroom: Go to bed just before him, put on some lingerie, light some candles, and surprise him with a night he won't soon forget.  Most men would love for their wife to initiate a passionate night of love-making. {Just make sure you keep yourself primed throughout the day, start thinking passionate thoughts about him in the shower in the morning, give him a lingering kiss over his morning coffee and greet him enthusiastically when he gets home from work}.  Feel like this is something you struggle with?  Check out Intimacy in Marriage blog, and this post "5 reasons I like sex" for a Christian perspective.

6. Let you count the ways:  Take a roll of receipt tape and write a long message with the things you admire and respect about your husband – then roll it up and tie it up for your husband to open and read.

7.  Text him something sweet: Send him texts throughout the day telling him your favorite moments with him.  I sent "The first time you kissed me" and a few others.  Keep in mind that if he is working, make sure they are safe for him to read when surrounded by other people.  I found this great blog post by a Christian blogger about Sexting.

8.  Dinner time appreciation: Have your kids each share something they love about your hubby and then finish off the list with your own.

9. Steamy messages: Get some bathtub crayons and write him a love poem on the shower wall... make it as steamy as you want (as long as your kids don't share your bathroom).  Want to actually write a love poem?  Read this Huffington Post article about "How to Write Love Poems that don't Suck".

10. Demonstrate that you are trying to correct that annoying habit: Make an obvious effort to stop doing it. That could include picking up your dirty socks to cleaning the dishes as you use them to tossing your gum in the trash when you have the urge to smack it. Do not say, "See, I’m working on that." Your actions will speak for themselves. 

There you go, some fun ways to spice up your marriage.  Showing your hubby that you love him might be something that you do everyday or it might be something that you never think of doing, but I know that regardless of how long you've been married {it will be 14 years this summer for us}, it's never too late to start or too long to continue to spice up your marriage.  

I will admit, I haven't done 6, 8, or 9 yet, but can't wait to try!