I love seeing things through the eyes of children. They have such a different view on the world than most adults do. I went on a field trip with my son today to a nature preserve. I love that my schedule lets me do things like that.
It’s fun to be able to join my son with his classmates, and to see the world through their eyes. They find beauty in the simplest things. One of the little girls in our group had some rocks in her hand and she asked me if I’d like to take a look at them.

When …read more

Everybody give a warm welcome to Julie Bonner, the new author for Play Library! Julie currently writes for b5media at Declutter It!, a blog in b5’s Home and Dining Channel.
This was my favorite bit from her bio page:

I am also a mother of three amazing children, a wife to a man who makes me laugh until my belly aches, and an admitted internet “don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee and computer time” junkie.
This is a woman I to whom I can relate! I’m excited to see the new life and ideas that she brings to …read more

Yeah, it’s that time now. September ends my 15 months with Play Library. When Hsien invited me to join her here last year, I didn’t have a clue as to how much I would learn. I’ve had a great time writing about all things kid related, and even more fun meeting new bloggers and readers. While I’d love to stick around longer, I’ve had to look at the limited time I have (I’m sure you all understand this out there!), and this was one thing that had to be let go. But I’ll …read more

Have you been introduced to Jack and Annie and their Magic Tree House? The Magic Tree House series, written by Mary Pope Osborne, is one that my daughter was introduced to last year. The series follows Jack and Annie, siblings, who find themselves on a variety of adventures through different times and destinations, beginning and ending at the Magic Tree House.
In addition to the series itself, there are Research Guides that include additional facts to the times, places, and situations that Jack and Annie have experienced. My daughter enjoys these as well, but the …read more

…might as well take a stop in the forest. Back in the days when Saturday morning meant cartoons, we couldn’t go a week without the Smurfs. That was my sister’s favorite cartoon, and so we watched it. Every week.
I have to admit, though, that the intro song does bring a warm fuzzy. Enjoy.

I used to love the Muppet Show. My mom used to say that watching it together was the only time that my brother and I got along! I remember that Animal was his favorite.
Anyway, here’s a little clip for ya, because it feels like a Muppets kinda night. I do think this is the best rendition of this song that I’ve ever heard, and you can’t helped but be endeared to Animal by watching this! Enjoy.

“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 …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.

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, …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.