I realize it's not Friday, but I thought I'd share a photo today anyway. I just changed my blog banner and layout, so why not shake things up a bit?
Last year, I found these "Smile Stones," along with an inspirational poem, at a web site called www.helpothers.org. They brought a smile to my face (as I hope they do for you), but I haven't had a chance to make them with my children until last Sunday.
You can find colorful stones like these at a large craft store. I found these in the floral department. If you draw a smile on one side (with a permanent marker), and an inspirational word on the other, it might make someone's day! Who doesn't need a little cheer these days? Please don't give them to children under the age of 5, though, because they might pose a choking hazard. Instead, you could draw a smile on a larger, bouncy ball!
Anyway, what do smiles have to do with reading? Well, in my family, a lot! Books have brought many smiles to our faces over the years. I couldn't imagine raising my children without books.
Families are so busy these days that they have less time to spend reading, but it really is an activity worth making time for. Even reading on the internet cannot compare to reading a great book, newspaper, or magazine. We cannot allow books to become an endangered species! That's why, for my next post, I will share the first five of my top ten ways to raise an avid reader.
So, if you don't have time to make "Smile Stones" for a friend or loved one, why not share a book? You don't even have to give one as a gift; you could loan one out, or just recommend one that you enjoyed. I'm sure it'll put a smile on someone's face.
Do you have a book (for any age) that you think will bring a smile to someone's face? Or, do you have another use for the "Smile Stones?" Please feel free to share!
Please note: Comments bring a smile to my face, so feel free to share your thoughts! Also, if there's a specific topic that you'd like me to write about, or a special book or activity that you enjoyed with your child, please let me know.
I wish you and your family many smiles this week!
