“That is not your toy. This is Mommy’s kitchen tool.” I don’t know how many times I say that in a day! There are so many things around the house that the kids would love to able to get their hands on that wouldn’t be safe for them to play with. Shannon Christman of SavingAdvice has compiled a list of 17 things from around the house that can be reused as toddler toys. Head on over here to check it out. Here’s the list I compiled about a year ago. What other items would you add to these lists? photo credit: zappowbang [Read more]

Connect Four was one of my favorite games ever when I was younger. It was always the most popular game for indoor recess on rainy or snowy days. I think I liked it best because the kid I happened to have a crush on also liked the game. I remember getting in trouble one day because we were both singing, “Help Me Rhonda” at the top of our lungs while we played. Not very conducive to quiet indoor time. Ah well. It was worth it for the memory. [Read more]

My sister (a musician) has reminded me on many occasions that I’m missing the prime window of opportunity to get my middle child started on violin using the Suzuki method. I’ve reminded her that I shouldn’t need to do that, seeing as how his aunt can teach him and his sibs all they need to know. I took piano lessons when I was younger, maybe from the ages of 8-12? I gave it up for basketball practices, though I was also in the band by then. I hadn’t touched the piano in years, and have recently started playing around with it a bit. That got my sister and I talking about having taken lessons when we were younger, and wishing we had stuck with it longer. She was about 4 when we started lessons. My oldest is now... [Read more]

Just to let you know that SuperFundraiser.com is hosting a Back to School writing contest for bloggers. The post can be about anything related to a K-12 school, and the prizes include a $25 amazon gift certificate. Head on over to SuperFundraiser for rules and further information. [Read more]

Just a reminder that next month is Fire Safety Month. Do you have an escape plan set with your family? I don’t, and that’s just wrong! Ahhh…the important things that slip my mind on a daily basis. So, I’ll be heading over to the following two sites to educate myself and to get ideas for educating my kids on fire safety. They include games and printables to share with your kids. Will you join me? BeFireSmart abcteach [Read more]