I was so impressed with their community involvement and mission that I took the brand up on their offer to treat my boys to a workshop and got the low down from the manager about their Huggable Heroes contest first hand (nominations due February 26).

I won’t lie to you. I didn’t think Build-A-Bear was for us. One, because I thought my boys were the wrong audience for the store. And two, because somewhere in the back of my mind I was afraid they might like it and I’d have to fork out money on a regular basis to meet their bear-building needs. But I thought again and figured if they could be addicted to WebKinz, why wouldn’t they enjoy building their own bear—or bunny and dog as it turned out! And, to calm my nerves about the addiction, well… I could always say no, right? I am the mom after all. So off we went!

The process was simple.

1. Select a “bear.”
2. Choose a sound. I loved this part the best, but didn’t realize we could record ourselves until after, which may be all the reason we need for repeating the workshop experience. Your own voice in a bear, or dog, or bunny. What’s not to love about that, right?
3. Pump stuffing into your bear for a strong or fluffy result.
4. Give your bear a heart. Loveable bears are all the rage. No tin man Build-A-Bears for the Pattee boys!
5. Primp and pamper your new BFF at the bath and brush station.
6. Dress it. Who knew Chase liked Nascar! The things Build-A-Bear teaches you about your kids.
7. Finally, name it. Bunny was “christened” Chocolate before we even arrived at the store and the Nascar racer dog became “James.” I was rooting for something along the lines of Bubba or Joe Dean, but I had no influence.

The last station before leaving was informal and totally for me—a chat with the manager to learn more about the Huggable Heroes program. Here’s what I learned and how you can participate:

1. Visit a Build-A-Bear store or click here on the website between now and February 26 to pick up or download a Huggable Heroes nomination form/entry rules and requirements.
2. Complete the simple form for a person you know between the ages of 8 and 18 who is making a difference in his or her community.
3. Mail the form and required entry items in postmarked no later than Friday, February 26. That’s this Friday, folks!

Is this worth doing? Absolutely! Ten Huggable Heroes will be rewarded with, among other goodies, $10,000, which is divided up into a $7,500 college scholarship and $2,500 for the cause of their choice.

I give Build-A-Bear a million stars, two thumbs up, 9 paws (my favorite number), or a high rank of your choice for their ability to provide the perfect family fun activity while at the same time both offering kids with community involvement opportunities and encouragement and rewards for their service and individual outreach!

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?