So you want to start a Nature Journal? I'm happy for you! Keeping a nature journal is one of my favorite things. I thought I'd start this post with a few of the many benefits Nature Journaling has to offer, just in case you need an extra nudge to actually get out and do it. If you already know the benefits, skip to the How to Get Started section. Journaling Is Good for You I think it's safe to say that we know that there are significant ...
Learning Resources - Kids
8 of The Best Online Art Classes for Creative Moms
There has never been a better time to improve your skill in your favorite art or craft. The internet is bulging with resources! The best part is, you can work on your art at your own pace when it is convenient for you. I love the freedom of finding a teaching style that works for me and going as slow or as fast as I want. Also, being able to rewind or pause when I am trying to master something is a game changer for me. Another huge plus is ...
Loose Parts – The Ultimate Learning Toys
Am I the only one who spends hours reading toy reviews and guides at Christmas or birthday time - determined to find the ultimate toy for my kids and my pocketbook? I'm always sure I'll find that perfect toy that will engage my kid's minds and bodies and make them magically want to leave their ever calling screens behind. Lately, I've found that I don't have to go far or spend much. In fact, some of the best toys of all time both for ...
How Time In Nature Helps Me Be A Better Mom
We all want it. That deep assurance that "today I truly connected with my child". That knowing smile between mother and child; the shared experience carved deep in our hearts and minds. It can be so elusive in our distraction-filled world. But I have found a secret to making those moments happen more often - even daily. The secret is so simple, requires no money and actually very little time. The secret is simply exploring ...
How American Girl Helped My Kids Love Reading and History
Our love affair with the American Girl books started with a desire to get the twins excited about reading on their own, for fun. I wanted to find something that would keep their interest and make them want to come back for more. My cousin (who is just enough ahead of me in this parenting journey and oh so wise) told me how great the books are and what she did to encourage her girls. We tried out her advice with great success! A ...
How the Amazon Echo is Saving My Sanity
Am I really doing a whole post about this electronic device? Yes, yes I am. I am not on the Echo advertising team (although I should be...I tell everyone about this!). I just had to share. I'm always looking for ways to simplify so I can have more reserves for creativity. This little device really has helped in that department. The day "Alexa" (this is the Echo's name...kind of like Apple's "Siri") arrived, I inwardly ...
Why Your Child Needs Unstructured PLAY
Do you remember what it felt like to play as a kid? I'm talking about real play, the kind initiated and driven by kids. Building tree forts, creating miniature houses or cities in the sand, one child staring at an ant carrying a crumb, while a few others start a club in a garage. No coaches, no umpires, no rule books. Just free, unstructured play. I think as adults it's easy to forget what play is supposed to look like and how necessary it ...
8 Ways Service Can Help Your Kids Become Awesome Adults
I'm always looking for ways to reverse the damage I'm pretty sure I'm doing on a daily basis over here :). We all know that serving others has great benefits in our lives. But, did you ever stop and think that regular, consistent service can make a huge difference in the development of kids? After a bit of research, I found some pretty incredible ways service (at home or in the community) can really help children (and their parents!) be ...
How Community Service Changed Our Homeschool
My parents tried to teach me that service to those in my congregation and community is at the heart of a happy life. I have been lucky to have that example and habit in my life from the beginning. And although we are not always the best at it, Jeff and I are trying to do the same for our kids. We want them to have eyes to look outside of themselves, to see, and to bless others. We Don't Have To Do This Job Alone Of course part of this is that ...
Keep Little Hands Busy With This Simple Puzzle Craft
From The Archives: September 2011 We have three that are preschool age. As you can imagine, I'm always looking for something to keep those busy little hands occupied. I thought I'd share a little craft we did the other day...so simple but really brought out their creativity and kept them busy for a while. We made puzzles! Pretty easy! Just note cards taped together on the back Cats, cats and more CATS! Princesses ...
Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Creative Moms
It's crunch time. Christmas is just around the corner and if you're like me, you're just now realizing it's time to get serious about gifts! If you're looking for something that will make your favorite creative mom's heart sing - or thinking about what might make your heart sing ;) I've got you covered! I put together some great budget-friendly ideas that can be to the door (or inbox) just in time for the big day! Online ...
Writing Practice with Shaving Cream – From The Archives
From the Archives: September 2012 Another Table Time favorite: For writing practice Making some pictures or just.... Making a mess! Ingredients: * Cheap shaving cream *Table Keeps them busy for a good, long while and makes them smell pretty good too! :) ...