While my boys generally get along well, like all siblings they sometimes squabble with each other. The other day when we were cleaning up my [then] three-year-old’s room to prepare for his birthday party, I found the above message on his shelf. It was clear he had taken the time to write something, but I wasn’t aware that he could spell (let alone write!)… Continue reading
Thought for the Day: Huxley
If you’ve spent time with a young child, you’ll know that they bring enthusiasm to everything they do. My 3-year-old dances through his days. To him, all of life is a game and an adventure and a song.
And when I take a moment to pause and see things from his perspective, I see that he is right. Indeed, all around me there is wonder and joy and beauty. … Continue reading
Super Easy Sharpie Tie Dye
I’ve done tie dye projects with my children in the past. While they were fun, they were also extremely messy and rather time consuming to set up and clean up. So when one of our favorite children’s librarians showed my 8-year old how to get a tie-dye-effect using Sharpie markers and isopropyl alcohol, we had to give it a try.… Continue reading
Thought for the Day: Nietzsche
Life isn’t always easy. And those tough times, both internal and external, help us to learn and grow and to see the world in new ways. May we treasure our struggle and strife for the beauty they bring. May we all give birth to a dancing star.
“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”… Continue reading
Clay Diffuser Ornaments
A few weeks ago, a friend invited us over to make Clay Diffuser Ornaments with her and her girls. It was a simple and fun project that has since brought wonderful scents throughout our home, as well as made wonderful gifts to give to friends.
You can use them in a closet, in the car, in a drawer, in the bathroom, or anywhere else you want an all-natural air freshener. … Continue reading
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Our local library recently started a program entitled 1000 Books Before Kindergarten as a way of encouraging parents to read to their young children.
In our house, we read all the time. I homeschool my kids, and our homeschooling largely consists of sitting down with stacks of books and reading them together.
When one of the children’s librarians told us about the program, my older son immediately announced, “Mama, we should sign up [my 3-year-old].” … Continue reading
A 3-year-old’s Lesson in Spending
Last week my 3-year-old walked up and handed me his little car, “I’m ready to give this to Ari,” he declared. (Ari is the grandson of our next-door neighbor. When my 3-year-old outgrows his clothes or toys, we pass them along to Ari.)
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes. I don’t like it any more. I shouldn’t have bought it. … Continue reading
Chapter Books with Strong Female Characters
A couple of weeks ago I posted a list of my family’s favorite picture books with strong female characters (see HERE). Today, I am posting a list of our favorite chapter books containing strong girls or women.
The list contains everything from books accessible to early readers to chapter books that are appropriate for young adults. I’ve read most of the books geared at younger readers with my 8-year-old, though none of the young adult books (those are waiting on our bookshelves for future reading).… Continue reading
The Kite-Eating Tree
It is warm and sunny outside today. While spring isn’t officially here, it feels like spring in our little corner of the world. And, feeling excited about the warm weather, my boys couldn’t wait until the afternoon when we planned to head to the park to fly kites (see HERE).
So they took their kites outside to fly in our yard. … Continue reading
Picture Books with Strong Female Characters
A few days ago, a friend’s post on Facebook lead to a discussion about books with strong female characters. I started to put together a list to send to her, and realized that other people might be interested in this list. So now I’m posting it here. The following are picture books that my boys and I have enjoyed over the years. … Continue reading