Cardboard Cupcakes

How to Make a Beautiful Life

Every woman and mother should read this message! Read the whole thing, and then read it again ... and again! This is the text from a Hallmark card my Mom gave me for my birthday this year. I have never felt the impact of a greeting card this way. These words could not have come at a better time for me ... I love you, MOM!

How To Make A Beautiful Life
Reflections For a Daughter on Her Birthday

Love yourself,
MAKE PEACE with who you are
and where you are
at this moment in time.

Listen to your heart.
If you can't hear what it's saying
in this noisy world,
MAKE TIME for yourself.
Enjoy your own company.
Let your mind wander among the stars.

Try.
Take chances.
MAKE MISTAKES.
Life can be messy
and confusing at times,
but it's also full of surprises.
The next rock in your path
might be a stepping-stone.

Be happy.
When you don't have what you want,
want what you have.
MAKE DO.
That's a well-kept secret of contentment.

There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow.
You have to MAKE YOUR OWN WAY.
To know where you're going
is only part of it.
You need to know where you've been, too.
And if you ever get lost, don't worry.
The people who love you will find you.
Count on it.

Life isn't days and years.
It's what you do with time
and with all the goodness and grace
that's inside you.
MAKE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE ...
The kind of life you deserve.

Magic Tricks for Kids

Who doesn't love a good magic trick?  The good news is that there are tons of little tricks that you can teach your kids that involve things you already have on hand in your home.  Preschoolers and big kids alike will love to learn these gags and try them out on their friends and family.  

We tried some of these out at a recent family gathering and soon, some of the so called "grown-ups" meandered over to get in on the action.  

Here's what you'll need:

• small bowl of water
• a few small, metal spoons
• some grapes, cherry tomatoes or medium sized, round candy
• 3 plastic cups
• a penny
• a long sleeved shirt

  

 

Porch Paint

You wouldn't believe how much fun can be had with a few pieces of sidewalk chalk and a bucket of water. Grab your supplies and your kids and head to the nearest concrete porch, patio or sidewalk.  Aside from the usual chalk graffiti, try a game of tic-tac-toe or hangman.   Use small cups, a funnel or little hands and fingers to create some super cool water paintings ... Jackson Pollock style.