A face can be transformed entirely into an animal or character,   or even a monster.   Or a portion of a child’s face can be painted – often with a simple design, such as a butterfly,  a star,  or whatever suits ones fancy.  Facepainting just adds more fun to a great day!

Quilting is a great after school activity for kids, as it is both educational and fun. Parents will find that having their children interested in quilting is a worthwhile endeavor as quilting teaches a host of other sewing skills and fosters creativity. Quilts can be art, in addition to providing warmth. Designer quilts are quite expensive, and as quilting skill advances beginners will be able to create more unique and specialized pieces without much more effort.

The latest innovation to revolutionize the stamp world has been introduction of sticker-style stamps. Personally, I loved the distinct flavor of the lick-and-stick style stamps, but all of the new stamps are, essentially, just expensive stickers. Call me old-fashioned, but I miss the days when you never knew what stamps you would get at the post office, unlike the mass-produced bell design that is ubiquitous now.

Like stamps,  coins have historical value.   Foreign coins,  along with the many new United States coins being introduced,  add interest and variety to all collections.  Many coins are available at reasonable prices and appreciate in value over time.

A coin collection can become quite valuable and is something to be treasured.

Stamps are interesting because they can be from different countries,  thus becoming a geography lesson.   They may be very old, or they may be new.    Stamps are available in all colors and numerous styles.   The variety of stamps to look at and collect seems to be unlimited.

Stamps  are readily available and have great historical significance.  Stamp collecting can  be very exciting,  and the fact that many may be acquired free or at minimum expense makes it great for kids and adults alike.

We may find that our children enjoy the same exact interests that we find pleasure in.   On the other hand,  we may find a child who is completely into something new and different from our taste.   It is important,  therefore,  to present a variety of choices for our kids to explore.

Most children enjoy sports,  so any athletic activity is a great hobby for kids.   Football,  soccer,  basketball and little league baseball are all popular sports,  along with track and field events.    My granddaughter also takes lessons in dancing,  cheerleading,  and baton twirling.

Opportunities to get your kids involved are everywhere.   Any hobby that kids actively participate in,  whether it is a sport or a handicraft, will help your children to stay in shape and learn new talents in the process.

Anyone can go to the store to find a card,  and I’ll admit you can find some really nice ones.  ( Sometimes you have to pay a ‘really nice’ price,  too.)

The card pictured here is very simple,  yet beautiful and different.   You’ll never find one like it in any store.   It won’t cost you an arm and a leg to make it,   and you can have it finished in no time.

(Click the underlined link above for more origami ideas.)

Consider yourself fortunate if you still have your mother.    I lost my mother to heart disease nearly 16 years ago.   My husband’s mother passed away just this week,  just a few days before Mother’s Day, and her funeral will be held this Saturday.     We can’t complain, though,  as she was around for a long time.   She would have been 99 years old on her birthday next month.

Enjoy your mother while you can and always be sure to show her your appreciation.