My daughter drew a fun picture for her brother, we slipped it in a note paper pouch, then we secretly put it under his bed. When my son goes to sleep, he’ll see the fun pouch, open up the note, and see that his little sister gave him a special picture.

The Secret Service Agent pouch is then passed on to my son to choose who’s going to get a fun note from him. Someone in our family is going to get a fun surprise under their pillow almost every day! It’s been a fun way to serve right here in our home!

**To make a little note pouch, fold a piece of paper up and glue the two sides together. Write some fun words on the top or write, “Your Secret Service Agent”. Draw/write your special note and slip it in the pouch.**

Photos courtesy of Marie From makeandtakes.com.

Utah families participated in a service project Saturday, March 28 complete with kids crafts, yummy treats, and Christmas joy! Christmas joy? What? Aren’t we in the wrong month? Nope! Not at the Christmas Box House.

In 1997, The Christmas Box Foundation, with support from the community, agreed to fund and build a new shelter intake/assessment and residential facility. This facility has greatly enhanced services to abused and neglected children and reflects a statewide model for delivery of best practice assessment and treatment services to victims of child abuse.

When children enter the Christmas Box House, the first thing they see is a large Christmas tree surrounded by teddy bears and all kinds of stuff animals. Decorated each month by a different organization and based on a theme fitting the month, the Christmas tree is a welcome surprise for these children. The gift for them? A safe place to live and a brand new stuffed animal to keep them company during their stay!

Marie from Make and Takes partnered with Mom It Forward to decorate the April tree. First came making the crafts (donated by Provo Craft):

Leslie Mingo of www.dylbug.com helps her little one make spring decorations for the April tree.

Next came the finished product. Which was in greater abundance—the smiles on the kid’s faces or the decorations? They did a terrific job!

Then came the treats. Cupcake Chic generously donated mini cupcakes for the event. Who said we have to wait til heaven to get our reward? LOL! They were divine. And I won’t lie, they were a bigger hit with the moms than with the children .

And last but not least… the tree! Decorated for kids, by kids.

Happy spring! What will you do this month to Mom It Forward?

Marie, today’s guest post author, is a mother of 3 and the founder of Make and Takes, a place for ideas and crafty tidbits for home, family, and fun. She is the channel editor of Blissful Kids at Blissfully Domestic and also can be seen on Alpha Mom – Holidays.

Even though we’re busy with our kids all day, sometimes we miss the opportunities to just ‘be’ with them, developing the relationship. With work, school, play dates, meals, and bed times, we can sometimes over look the need to strengthen our relationships with our kids. Crafting can be a great way for you to develop your relationship with your child in a fun and encouraging way.

Here’s 3 ways to develop your relationship with your kids through crafts!

1. One-on-One Attention - Kids love attention and they need it from loved ones. Doing crafts or projects together with your kids can let them know you care. Even if you’re just sitting in a chair next to them while they construct a tower or a flower, they love to know you’re there.
2. Problem Solve Together - If your toddler is ready to use scissors, your 1st grader trying to read instructions, or your teenager is beading a bracelet, you can use this time with your child to see how they work. While crafting or completing a project, we can see what skills they’re using and what skills they can better develop.
3. Just Talk – Creating a friendly and fun environment can lead to open communication with your child. If you’re sitting side by side together working on a project, ask them about their day, about school, about friends, and just talk. See what’s on their minds, what’s bothering them, what their needs are. This can be a great way to get to know them better, finding out more of their interests.

Check out these fun features from Marie’s Crafts and Activities to help you develop your relationships with kids:

• Lacing Spider Webs
• Coloring Coffee Filter Snowflakes
• Decorating Recycled Jars
• Slithering Snakes