A shiver races up my spine whenever I receive a mindful masterpiece from a child.
Can you imagine what happened when two mindful masterpieces arrived in my inbox?
I shivered from head-to-toe—and who wouldn’t? Especially after I cast my gaze on seven-year-old Isaac’s Snowball Fight and Snow Plow creations.
Isaac’s Snowball Fight
Look, everyone! Santa’s flying above Isaac’s snowman and his snow fort! He’s nodding his approval.
When asked about his inspiration, Isaac said, “I saw two kids having a snowball fight.”
Isaac’s Snow Plow
Mr. Snowman, watch out! Isaac’s headed your way. He’s driving full speed ahead. Just look at the smoke billowing out of that stack!
Isaac said, “We were driving on a mountain last week while it was snowing hard, and we saw a snow plow.”
Now, parents and grandparents, before those kiddie’s head outdoors, follow four simple family-oriented winter safety tips, and in no time, you’ll be having a blast throwing snowballs, building a fort, and creating snow angels.
- Fill up your kids’ bellies. They’ll need those extra calories to keep warm.
- Slap on layers of clothing—long underwear, an undershirt, a sweater, heavy socks, a hat, a snowsuit, and of course, boots. You don’t want those toes to fall off.
- Add sunscreen to your kids’ faces. Snow reflects up to 85% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
- To prevent frostbite, check on your kids often to ensure their mittens are dry and their noses don’t look like Rudolph’s.
Kids, did you have fun?
Great! Now you might be interested in making this paper tube snowman while you sip on a cup of delicious hot-chocolate. Don’t forget to toss in some marshmallows. Yum, yum! 
Paper Tube Snowman
Can you guess what item was used to make this snowman?
If you guessed an empty toilet paper roll, you guessed correctly.
The easy-to-complete instructions are available for FREE by clicking through to Craft Ideas.
Isaac hails from Korea and is Tina M. Cho’s son. Thank you so much, Isaac, for sending in your mindful masterpieces. Don’t forget to click through to see both pieces showcased on my Mindful Masterpieces page. And Mom Tina, I sure hope you’ve framed his artwork!
I’d love to showcase your child’s mindful masterpiece on my blog too. So send in those pictures in JPEG format to me, Miss. Tracy. Don’t forget to include your child’s first name, age, where you live, the supplies they’ve used, and a sentence or two about what inspired their creation.
Miss. Tracy
Will you be making a snow fort or having a snowball fight with your child or grandchild?
Related Links:
Click on this sentence to read about additional Mindful Masterpieces.
The paper tube snowman image is courtesy of Craft Ideas. And a big thank you goes to Vivian Kirkfield over at Positive Parental Participation for directing my attention to this wonderful site.
There’s a “Share My Post” heading at the bottom of this post. Please press the Email, Digg, StumbleUpon, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, or Facebook icons so you can pass along this post.
If you want to receive my free posts by email, just enter your email address in the box under “Sign Me Up!” or check off the box after you leave a comment.
P.S. Click on the flower button below, and you’ll be swept into my Whimsical Shop!
Were you wondering why my post arrived later than usual?
Well, because…today I’m a guest on Virginia Wright’s blog and I was waiting for her to post my interview. And guess what? If you pop on over to Virginia’s blog and leave comments that make me laugh, two lucky winners will be chosen to receive five of my whimsical greeting cards. Unfortunately, this offer is only for those of you living in Canada or the United States. So sorry. 
Virginia and I look forward to your visit!
2
I love your post, Tracy! What a fabulous idea. I love the children’s artwork and your commentary, the tips and the craft idea. A delightful, sweet and well put together post. Nice work! If I were a parent where snow fell, I’d jump all over those tips and ideas
Laura Bennet recently posted..An Award Winning Site?
I’ll trade you places. I’m dying for more sunshine and peeling off three layers of clothing. Oh, and thanks so much for another blog award. I’m going to have to another post sooner with all the awards I’m getting.
And thanks for stopping by Virginia’s blog.
Nice blog post,Tracy! The winter tips for kiddos is well written and an important reminder for children living in areas that it is cold and snowy!
Thank you for being my guest on my blog (http://www.virginiawright.com/blog) today. You are very talented and an inspiration to others!
-Virginia
Golly, gee, shucks! I love it. And thank you so much for inviting me. I’ll be back over tomorrow.
Perfect post, Tracy. Love Issac’s art and a suggested craft. Hope lots of folks send in samples. Your blog is fantastic!
Isn’t Isaac’s artwork fantastic. You don’t know how great I feel when I see kids creating mindful masterpieces. And thank you for stopping in at Virginia’s wonderful blog.
Great post, Tracy! Love Isaac’s art! Tina – your son is very talented! Thanks for sharing
Susanna Leonard Hill recently posted..Perfect Picture Book Friday – Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species
Isaac obviously takes after his mom. Right Tina? She’s probably just waking up by now. Thanks, Susanna!
What a fantastic post, Tracy! I love the children’s art…what a wonderful idea to encourage kids to send in their artwork to you. And I love the craft…perfect use of an empty toilet paper roll…they are so versatile, aren’t they. Glad the site I listed has been helpful.:)
The third awesome part of your post….the winter safety tips…I can’t believe I didn’t do that yet…thanks for reminding me…your tips were spot-on!!!!
Vivian Kirkfield recently posted..PPBF: Be The Kite…Inspiring Kids to Imagine and Soar
Well, thanks to you, Vivian, I wouldn’t have found such a fun kid’s craft. I’m thrilled you liked my post and for stopping by Virginia’s super blog.
I love Isaac’s art! He’s a budding artist!
Sherry Ellis recently posted..Locked in the Mall
Isaac sure is! “Locked in the Mall?” I’ll be over to check your post out soon. You come up with the most intriguing posts. Thanks for popping in!
Give the average adult a crayon and a piece of paper and we’d probably write a to-do list or something…….give the same to a child and an entire universe unfolds. We really need to stop growing up….it is over-rated……thanks Tracy
You’re so right, Terrol. So what are you waiting for? Get out those crayons and color away! And then send it to me and I’ll critique it. LOL
Excellent post Tracy! Issac’s imagination is truly genius. I love children’s art. It is always free, creative, open, and artsy!
I love the snowman craft. It is beautiful.
petit4chocolatier recently posted..Hint of Heat inside Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter-Cream Rum Icing and Chocolate Covered Strawberries
I know, Judy. Don’t you just love Isaac’s imagination! Wow, Isaac your talent blows me away. And you’re only seven? Thanks for popping in!
Tracy, where in the world is the “like” button? I never seem to find it in here!
Those “masterpieces” are adorable!!! You’re surrounded by sweetness all around…
inés recently posted..Skyfall by Adele
Hee hee, Inez, it’s the tiny thumbs-up just below the last sentence in the post. It’s so small because you have to leave a comment and I’m so glad you did. I’m surrounded by sweetness because of all the followers I have whether they comment or not.
Yea, Isaac! Good job!
(You can tell a lot about an artist by how he draws snow, and Isaac’s got it down pat.)
Marylin Warner recently posted..HELPING THE HEALING
Snow is definitely not easy to draw. Thanks for encouraging Isaac, Marylin.
What a surprise, Tracy, to see Isaac’s artwork up today!! I showed it to him. Thanks for all the great compliments for him. Very fun encouragement for kids!
Tina, I’m glad you were surprised! It was my pleasure to showcase his mindful masterpieces. I’ve also added them to that page and they’ll stay there forever.
This was a lot of fun and I’m impressed by the artwork from Isaac…. Keep it up Tracy!
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..Weekly Photo Challenge: Love…
Yes, Isaac has talent! Thanks for your encouraging comments as usual, Eliz!
Great post and such a wonderful way to start off my day! Thanks!
Hi Amy,
Thanks for checking out my blog and I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you’ll become a faithful follower.
Thanks,
Tracy
P.S. Your blog is delightful too!
Your paper tube snowman is great Tracy ,I love it
Thanks, Jake
Tracy, Isaac’s drawings are fabulous! I am sure you inspire him. As for your comments about literary agents, you are doing the right thing by strengthening your online platform. Literary agents (and, obviously, traditional publishers) want to see that their authors are already marketing themselves. I’ll be happy to help you with any questions on writing queries to agents!
Diana
PS. Love your handmade snowman!
Diana Bletter recently posted..Tool For Tuesday: Get Better or Get Bitter.
Hi Diana,
Isaac’s mom said he was pleased which makes me happy.
Thanks so much for your encouragement regarding my agent questions and for your offer to help.
Very sweet of you.
Thanks!
Those pictures are fantastic. I bet we’d never run out of story ideas with a stream of kid’s paintings to look at.
Catherine Johnson recently posted..A Perfect Home for the Family
You’ve got that right, Catherine. The story ideas would never end. Thanks for popping in.
Oh, I’ll have to check out that craft website. And for the snow drawings, they’re great!
Perfecting Motherhood recently posted..The perfect Valentine? Love notes and chocolate, of course!
Yes, I have to thank Vivian Kirkfield for letting me know about the craft site. You’re kids will love it.
Isaac’s snow drawings are great!
I visited many web sites and I find your site amazing. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your kind words, I hope you’ll be back.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very
easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often.
Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Outstanding work!
diets recently posted..diets
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already. Cheers!
Thank you for your kind comments. I hope you’ll be back.
I’m glad you found my blog.