You Did It! ~ Little Leaps of Love

One month has passed and many Little Leaps of Love later, here we are! Today I want to hear all about YOU. How was your month? What fun things did you do with your family? It’s time to respond in and let us all know! I have loved reading your comments this month ~ thanks so much for being a part of this last month with me.

I have to say that this month has been very fun for me as well and reminded me of a few things. The phrase "it doesn't matter if you win the game - it's how you play that counts" has been going through my mind today. I don’t have to be the end-all as a mom. It’s truly all the little things that make a difference in my family: playing that one game with the kids; taking a few extra minutes out of my busy day to show someone that I care about them. My kids just want to know they are loved – and there are so many different ways to creatively let them know, but the most important one is just spending time with them.

The same is true for my relationship with my husband – the little stuff can be just as important. We so often neglect the most important people in our lives, and it really doesn’t take much to show them we love them!

Today, please leave a comment on this post so that I will know that you’ve participated this last month in any way, shape or form {don’t forget there is a random drawing if you just participated this month}!

If you’ve been keeping track of your points this month, tally up you points and send me an email with your point totals. I’ll be posting soon with the winner’s names! You have until midnight on March 2nd to email me with your point totals.

Don’t forget about the lovely prizes to go along with the Little Leaps of Love challenge!! An extra special thanks to The Vintage Pearl and Apologia for their gifts for the two winners.

Let us know how this month was for you – what was your favorite part? I’d love to hear from you!

Pucker Up ~ Little Leaps of Love

If your husband is like mine, he might be up and out the door before it's really even a reasonable hour (Rick leaves around 7am). So this little leap will allow for a little carryover. It's truly rather simple.

1. Put on your favorite lipstick.
2. Run out to his car.
3. Kiss the rearview mirror.
4. Run back into the house.

See? Doesn't that sound simple? Under 5 minutes. Of course, I can't guarantee that one of your children won't follow you outside and then you spend another 5 minutes chasing them around the yard and trying to get them back in the house, but in theory this should be a quick and easy thing to do. Right?

Points for puckering up? 20 points. Bonus points? You bet! 10 points for every other mirror you manage to kiss on his car (i.e. side ones, visor mirrors...). Let him know you are crazy....about HIM!!

Be sure to check back a little later this morning ~ I’ll be posting a ‘wrap-up’ post for you to leave a comment that you have been participating in Little Leaps of Love and also instructions on sending me your points for the month.

The Written Word ~ Little Leaps of Love

"To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere

without moving anything but your heart. "

~Phyllis Theroux

While the spoken word is very powerful, the written word can be immensely more so. It's something that you can tangibly hold onto. Read and reread. Savor each word. Tuck it away to pull it out on a really bad day. I have letters and special notes from my husband and friends that I have saved over the years and still go back too.

Other than quick notes on a sticky for my husband or the occasional card with a few lines written for a birthday or holiday, I rarely actually write letters anymore. To anyone. Especially my husband.

When was the last time that you actually wrote your husband a letter? More than two or three lines? Letting him know that you love him. Appreciate him. Admire him. Desire him? I'll admit it's been too long here. And about time for my husband to find one tucked away somewhere today at some point.

Today's little leap of love? Write that wonderful husband of yours an honest-to-goodness letter. A letter that focuses on him and all the reasons that you fell in love with him in the first place. And why you still love him!

Points for this leap of love: 40 points. Give yourself a bonus 40 if you are brave, daring and write him a POEM instead!

Because you might need more than 5 minutes to sit down for this Little Leap, you can use the weekend to complete it!!

Note: Roses are red, violets are blue - does not count as a poem... but nice try! :)

 

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

How to Have a H.E.A.R.T for Your Kids

When Apologia Press saw the Little Leaps of Love challenge that was going on this month, they offered two copies of Rachel Carman’s newest book How to Have a H.E.A.R.T For Your Kids ~ one for each of the challenge winners!! I will admit that my interest is definitely piqued after reading the book excerpt:

How well do you really know your children? Sure, you love them, but do you even like them? What has God shown you about who they are and who they will become? He has sent these children into your home at this specific time for His glorious purposes. Thus you have been invited on the adventure of a lifetime, a journey on which you will see walls fall, seas parted, and giants slain. You don’t need special skills or training for this journey—you need only to seek God and hold tightly to His mighty hand! As with so many things, the first step to having a heart for your children is knowing your heavenly Father. As you seek daily to share His heart with your kids, keep this inspirational book close at hand. In it, Rachael Carman uses the word HEART to help you remember and focus on what really matters.

Rachel Carmen will also be speaking at Apologia Live in Atlanta, Baltimore, Austin, and Chicago. Thanks so much to Apologia for sharing a little something extra with us!

The Art of Origami ~ Little Leaps of Love

Today's little leap involves a simple piece of paper, the art of origami ... and a little patience. You will need to watch the little video clip to see how to complete the task though. I know - it's a little different, but I happen to know for a fact that my kids are going to LOVE this from me (and I'll probably be making them all weekend!!). If the video won't show up for you (below), you can follow this link to watch the video or you can follow this link to open a pdf with picture diagrams you can print off {and fyi - the heart you will make does not look like the one pictured above - just so you don't think you followed the directions that horribly!}.

Points for today's little leap of love: 40 points! And yes, bonus points will apply for this one too. Since I know I'll be making more than one of these, give yourself a 20 point bonus for each additional heart you make {a maximum of 3 extra} for a grand total of 100 points possible. Start folding!

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Get Technical ~ Little Leaps of Love

We've had the same screensaver on our computer forever. Since we got the computer, that is. Today, I'm changing my husband's - by writing him a little note that will scroll across his screen to remind him that I love him. It sounds simple enough, doesn't it? Change the screensaver on your hubby's desktop (or both of yours) by typing in a quick little note.

It shouldn't take too long to do it - maybe five minutes tops. In case you aren't sure how to change it, here are the steps to work on it:

1. Minimize, or close, all open applications.
2. Point your mouse over computer desktop.
3. Right click and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on the Screen Saver tab.
5. Select your desired screen saver from the drop-down menu (on my computer there is an option for 3-D text).
6. Click on the settings tab to change your text. Preview it if you like.
7. Click the Apply button.
8. Click the OK button.
9. Your new screen saver has been changed.

It should be relatively quick and simple - and it'll earn you points, so quick! Minimize and change the text!

Points for this leap of love: 30 points.

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Pretty Up!! ~ Little Leaps of Love

Today's Little Leap might require a quick 5 minutes of your time. Five minutes. Can you handle it? You can! You can!

I can't even begin to tell you how many times at the end of the day I've gotten a look at myself in the mirror - and it hasn't generally been a pleasant experience. My clothes have become a mess from lugging boxes and moving things. My shoulders encounter various states of emotions during the day: tears fall, noses run…and leave a trail of unpleasantness on my shoulder in the process. Getting cleaned up after a meal I inevitably end up with something sticky on my shirt.

Essentially I'm a mess. I might look decent before the kids get up, but throughout the day my appearance takes a fast nosedive when surrounded by so many little hands, noses, and bodies.

Then my husband comes home. Inevitably, he even is able to point out something on me that I hadn't even noticed. Generally somewhere on my back or bottom - lovely.

So, today's Little Leap? Before your husband gets home take a quick 5 minutes to run into your room, change into a clean shirt (should it be needed), touch up (or put on a little) makeup, make yourself smell nice (i.e. not like baby something or other), brush that hair into some semblance of order - and greet him with a big hug and a smile.

Points for this Little Leap of Love: 30 points.

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Pamper Him ~ Little Leaps of Love

You've hopefully spent a little time this month pampering yourself, but tonight your leap of love challenge is to pamper your sweetie. If he likes having his feet rubbed, pull out some non-offensive lotion and help him relax a little. Give him a shoulder rub. If he likes taking a bath, draw one for him. Do something that helps him relax a little and love on him. Maybe he's had a rough day and could use a little love and care from you. :)

Points for this leap of love: 30 points

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Fill the Dates ~ Little Leaps of Love

For today's Little Leap you will need a blank calendar page - you can print one from your computer, rip a full month out of a planner, or you can follow this link to print one off {just trying to save you time!}. What are you going to do with this calendar? Fill it up! You can make this a calendar for the month of February or March and write down a reason that you love your husband {or someone} in each square. Make them silly. Be serious. It's up to you. Do you love the color of his eyes? The sound of his laugh? Write it down!! Then....give it to him. :)

If you finish out the remaining days of February that's great. If you can do the entire month of March - even better!

Points for this leap of love: 20 points for doing the rest of the month of February {a little over a week}. Give yourself a bonus of 40 points if you do the entire month of March too (4 weeks).  Maximum points ~ 60.

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Just Linger ~ Little Leaps of Love

We’re in the midst of chaos around here right now ~ boxes are stacked everywhere. Things are thrown into a box in one house and then we attempt to find a permanent home for them on the other end. For me, it’s a little easy to get caught up in the ‘what needs to be done’ aspect of things and forget that there are four kids that are going through a big change along with me.

Today's little leap? Just linger.

Instead of that quick kiss goodbye to your husband, or a quick kiss when he gets home, linger. Hug him. Hold him. Do the same with your kiddos and as you hold them, let God remind you of the amazing gift that He has given you in your spouse and your children.

Enjoy each moment with them today {crazy busy, loud, quiet} and know you are blessed. Kiss on them abundantly. Hold them often. And I pray in those lingering moments that you catch a glimpse of His immense love for YOU!

And yes, for lingering and counting your blessings you earn points.

Points for this leap of love: 30 points

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Build a Fort ~ Little Leaps of Love

For today's little leap, you will need to look around your house for the following items:

• pillows, large and small
• blankets
• chairs
• an open area
• sheets
• flashlights (if you have any extras)

Step 1: Find a large open area - under a table will work nicely, or around your couch, etc.

Step 2: Prop couch cushions or chairs to make walls

Step 3: Drape blankets and sheets to make a roof

Step 4: Use small cushions/pillows as "infort" furniture

Step 5: Have fun!

Simple enough? C'mon - this one's a quick and easy one you can do!!

Points for this leap of love: 30 points.

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

A Walk Down Memory Lane ~ Little Leaps of Love

I spend a lot of time taking pictures {and with a digital I take sooooooo many}, printing pictures, arranging pictures, scrapbooking pictures....just trying to "capture" the many fun and crazy moments in our house. I know that someday these albums better be will be appreciated by my family. They will make us laugh at those almost forgotten moments…make us all teary when they remind us of others…or make us sigh in relief that some of those crazy times are over!

All those pictures, scrapbooks and memories of mine are generally behind lock and key {ok, there's a key in the lock...but it isn't locked} so that certain little hands do not decide to take matters into their own hands and pull them out to look at...and in the process end up making some memories I don't want to scrapbook. Very often I am reminded that all the pictures I've taken, all the pages I've created don't get looked at as often as they should....or at least as often as I would like them to.

Today's little leap is pretty simple really. Pull out those pictures - whether they be a scrapbook, another album you've put them in, an envelope of pictures you just had printed - whatever. Pull them out and sit down with your kids and go through them. Laugh together. Remind them of their birth. Their birthdays. Your wedding....whatever it is, go back and remember together.

Points for this leap of love: 30 points

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Secret Signs ~ Little Leaps of Love

A few years ago we had a speaker at a moms group that I attended who shared something fun that she did with each of her kids: a secret sign. That secret sign could mean a realm of things between that mother and her child, but the overall, essential meaning of that sign: I LOVE YOU! That secret sign exists for that child to always know his/her mom is watching, thinking, and loving - always. So if it's in the middle of church, a school program, anything...it's a fun and creative way to let them know they are loved. Each of her children had their own special sign - and no one else in the family knew it {not even dad!}. It could be a little tug on the left ear, tucking hair behind your ear, a wink, wrinkling your nose...anything....

Me, being ever so attached to the idea, jumped right on it put it on the backburner because my then-two-year-old was more interested in picking her nose than understanding the concept. *grins*. BUT...now she is almost ten and I KNOW she would be thrilled to start something fun like this with me...as would the rest of the kids.

Today's Little Leap of Love {and if your little one is too little to do this with, hang on....} is to snuggle up with one {or more} of your kiddos and think of a secret sign that you can use between the two of you. If you want to have a special family sign instead - that's fine. Just find a sign that you can "secretly" let another family member know you love them. If you don't have any kids yet...you'll get points for convincing your hubby to have a secret sign with you {and it might be even easier to get him on board if your sign is something along the lines of ... the kids have no idea that this sign means 'you and me a little later?'}. Kids are easy to convince to do something secret, so there are extra points for getting your hubby on board!!

Have fun. Be creative...come back and tell us your secret sign and give yourself a little bonus!

Points for this leap of love: 40 points - and a 30 point bonus if it was with your husband.  Come on - you can do it!! There are a possible 70 points on the line for this lasting leap!!

Don’t forget! You earn points by completing the "Leap" assigned on the day it is assigned. Some of the activities will also include bonus points.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!

Play With Your Food ~ Little Leaps of Love

This weekend you have six meals ahead of you. Take one of those ordinary meals and make it a little extra special for everyone, by being creative with your food.

If you make pancakes, use a cookie cutter to cut them into heart shapes {don't have heart shaped cutters? Then get brave with those scissors!}. Cut the centers of your toast out and serve your family little hearts. Make heart sandwiches. Shape your spaghetti noodles in a heart shape. Line your baby's peas up into a heart...

Are you getting the idea? I'm sure you can think of some more ways to be creative - and if you do, be sure to come back and let us know what you did. You'll earn bonus points for it!! Come on! Be creative!!

Points for this Little Leap of Love: 30 points. Bonus points: 20 points for coming back and letting us know what you did! 50 points max.

Join us during the month of February for Little Leaps of Love ~ daily ideas of little things that we can do to show our family a little bit of love in a simple, but fun way. It’s not to late to join in with Little Leaps of Love! Find out more about the challenge {and the prizes} here.  Download the ‘Little Leaps of Love’ Point Tracker to keep track of your points this month too!