Because we home school - and home school year ‘round - we don’t really have an “official” herald that summer is here. No end of school year kick-off to really mark the passing of another grade. I chose to home school year ‘round, because, as a child with undiagnosed ADD (I wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood), I found that making the transition from the purely recreational back into a formal, structured schedule was really hard. Plus, it seemed like I had to play “catch up” a little bit since my brain atrophied a bit over the summer! This way, it’s not like pulling teeth... more

My kids all have varying interests: cooking, ballet, sewing and knitting...Oh, and did I mention I was talking about my sons as well?

Because I am an avid knitter, I thought teaching my oldest to knit when he was in kindergarten might help him strengthen the manual dexterity that often develops later in boys, and that in turn, would help him with writing. As it turned out, he enjoyed knitting. In fact, when he did his homeschool service project last year, he chose a knitting... more

When I asked around on my personal blog what Adoptive Parents wanted to learn more about Toy and Product reviews came up.It makes sense, everyone likes the Mom tested and kid approved favorites. It seems that there is a overwhelming array of toys and educational products to choose from. There is nothing more frustrating that seeing the toy that you searched for and probably shelled out alot of money on just sit in the corner gathering dust and not being played with.

I often see the same toys at resale shops and thrift stores.I have found... more

My daughter just loves this activity. She played very contently with this at school and I’m always looking for toys that will keep her occupied for longer than a millisecond. I pay close attention to the toys that the occupational therapist uses to improve skills at school. I also read that these were recommended to improve fine motor skills. I searched a few local stores and while I did see them over the holidays I was unable to locate a set at a store close to my home. I eventually found a set on ebay. My daughter loves this cutting toy and... more

Happy Love Thursday Everyone. We are so ready for nicer weather already. Our swing set in the backyard is just taunting us. It’s still to cold to stay outside for too long but rumor has it that it may finally get nice this weekend. We put up the swing set late last summer and Livi was still too young to really benefit from it all that much. She could hardly climb up by herself and she did not get much use out if it before the cold winter winds came blowing. This summer she is sure to really have fun with it. We have had a few nice days sprinkled... more

So how do you keep your toddler busy during the winter months? Somedays we go stir crazy when the weather is so bad and its so cold outside. Here are a few activities that we enjoy in our home. Please share any fun ideas that you have.

1.Dramatic play boxes for dress up Play- fill a box with old hats, clothes, shoes, necklaces, gloves and have some fun pretend play. You can even make themed dress up boxes- a doctor box filled with a doctor kit & a white shirt, a restuarant themed box filled with play food food, table cloth,... more

So your home with your new child... now what? Besides creating a loving routine and being consistent what can you do to start the attachment process? Play is the work of children and there is no better way to encourage attachment than through games and play. Repetition is key and soon you will discover your child’s favorite games and building those bonds together. I try with all games to have Livi on my lap facing me and making eye contact. This takes time and your child may push you away or avoid it at times.

1. Here are Grandma's Glasses- this... more

Summer is long gone, its snowy here and we are now stuck inside most days. I put together a list of cabin fever activities to share.

Rotate your child’s toys & books- bring out new stuff every month ( Especially great for books & puzzles)

Finger Paint with Pudding

Make a Cheerio necklace- with yarn or a new shoelace, allow your toddler to thread the cheerios on the yarn and nibble them off. Any cereal with a hole works

Set up a tent indoors…camp out & read stories in the tent

Fill a low... more

I have really been enjoying participating in Love Thursday. What a great idea. Its difficult narrowing down my picture choices and finding the story to go with it. I have tons of cute photos. I love candid shots. I like capturing my daughter in the moment.The other evening I walked into the Family room and Livi had set up her little dolls with bowls & spoons. She had given each one a bowl, spoon and a fruity cheerio. She would say sit Pooh... Good. Sit Baby.... Good. Sit Kitty... Good. I just had to grab my camera and snap a pic. She later gathered... more

This week is " My Favorite Things" week. There are so many Toddler toys on the market. In my opinion simple is better when it comes to toddlers. Have you ever noticed how they seem to love the silliest simple stuff.I just hate all those batteries required toys that just make noise. I do have a few battery-required toys on my list. These are some of my Toddlers favorite things to play with. Do you have any "Must have toys" that I am missing? What is the silliest thing your toddler loved to play with? My daughter loves my shoes.

Easy Grip wooden Peg... more