{A little yummy way to speak love to your children this weekend…}

Preschool moms: What can take “Yuck, no, thank you” and transform it into “Yum, yes, please!”

Toothpicks.

{Try it, I’m not kidding.}

Cut up your child’s food and insert these little wonder-tools and you just might be surprised how lunch becomes a party. I don’t know what it is about the hypnotic power of toothpicks, but I will happily partake.

And while you’re at it, why not take a moment to write a note or two on your grade schooler’s packed lunch. Bugs Bunny makes carrots a welcome “treat” as my older son no doubt spent half his lunch period this day asking his pals, “Nehhhhh, what’s up doc?” while munching a carrot out of the side of his mouth (below). And any reference to Popeye has my boys scarfing down fresh spinach by the barrel-full. Or maybe you caught this post with a healthy lunch time nod to Star Wars.

Oh! And animal food creations are fantastic, too! I noticed this french bread was perfectly lopsided, ready to take wing, if you will… So add a few grapes and a couple of raisins, and you’ve created MAGIC! Just like that–a la kazaam–you’re weaving joy into the heart of your child. It doesn’t cost a thing.

And while you’re at it, make a few shapes! Add a little food coloring! {I divided this fall batch of fall sugar cookie dough into four, then added red, yellow, purple (red + blue), and orange (red + yellow) food coloring. Then I loosely shaped them into “leaves” and poked details with a spatula. (below)} Oh, and if your kids are as crazy about plain pasta as mine, take a moment or two to color it! Divide the pasta & water when it’s almost done, then add a few drops of food coloring to each part. Rainbow-tastic in minutes! And I’ll never forget the time we were at my sister-in-law’s, and she asked my eldest what color he’s like his scrambled eggs. Genius, I tell you!

You see, I am of the notion that when you spend that extra little bit of intention, what you are actually proclaiming to your precious gifts is, “You’re special. You’re valuable. I’m so thankful you’re mine.”

It’s not really about food, in the end, at all.

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him.” (Psalm 127:3)

So here we are approaching the weekend, and I wish YOU  banana smiles and french fry goatees!

Here are a few links over on pinterest to get your wheels turning; it’s my “Food Is Fun” board…

So how will you play with your food {and speak love}? Wheeee!