This photo probably seems a bit random to you. To me it perfectly encapsulates why I'm using today's post as a poll about the future direction of MPMK. It was taken a few weekends ago at the pumpkin patch and when I saw it I couldn't believe how old my kids looked! Where are my babies? And who are these burgeoning little people who have taken their place?Just as my children grow, so too must MPMK. I realized that time is flying by and it won't be long before mornings spent at home doing art … [Read more...]

Happy Friday everybody.  It's been a wonderful week and once again I have to thank you for all the love and support.  As I type this I'm only one little "like" away from 3,000 facebook fans!  With all your help, we're building a stellar MPMK community - THANK YOU!! In other exciting news, I was interviewed on one of my favorite topics, children's books, over at ohdeedoh this week.  You can check it out here. And last but not least, only one more day 'till October.  Sounds to me like … [Read more...]

"Play is essential to the development and learning of young children. Not optional…essential. Children learn as they play. In fact, play provides the perfect context for learning for the whole child - mental, verbal, social, physical, creative and emotional, in a way most structured classroom-style activities do not. " ~ Making Play Great, Play Grow Learn Issue One As an early childhood teacher and a mom, Christie Burnett is passionate about the importance of play to the learning and … [Read more...]

Hey there friends.  I have the honor of being featured on a couple of my favorite sites this week and I'd love it if you stopped by to say hi.First up, is my very first interview (fun!) over at Classic Play.  The site's lovely founder, Jen, contacted me over a month ago to ask if I'd participate in her Creative Family Series.  I eagerly agreed and she graciously waited around for a few weeks for my responses.  It was such treat to take part - head over for a backstage glimpse into me and the … [Read more...]

In trying to get everything scheduled for my recent vacation, I neglected to keep you up-to-date on my posts over at momtastic.First up is this post from last week on traveling with the dollar aisle - make sure you check it out if you're planning on going anywhere with a toddler this summer!  Yesterday I explored some ideas for forming a Jr. Jam Band (preschool style).Plus I posted two more family friendly web round ups.  They're full of stuff I'd like to include in my Weekend Look Books but … [Read more...]

Head over to momtastic for my weekly list of the best stuff popping up around the web.  I'm also at Bloom this week posting on intentional parenting.  Check out part 1 of "12 Things I want to Teach My Children Every Day" and get the corresponding free printable here. Also, congrats to Kelly and Katie - winners of our photo journaling e-course and $150 American Girl giveaways!!  Finally, here's a glimpse at one of the best (and most inexpensive) kid parties I've seen in a while!From the wall … [Read more...]

I'm guest posting over at Bloom on Tuesday, writing on the topic of intentional parenting.  This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately and I'm excited to have the chance to put my thoughts into words.  For now, here's a little preview... I put together this print to remind myself of the things I want to teach my children every day.  It's available for free download here if you like.   And speaking of free printables, I've found a few more that might be useful for … [Read more...]

I'm over on momtastic today sharing my latest family-friendly finds from around the web.  Check them out here.And this is one of the sweetest ideas I've seen in a while.  Danyelle at dandee recently picked her kids up from their last day of school and surprised them with a party in the park - complete with water balloons and all their friends.  My favorite part is definitely the sign proclaiming "Welcome to Summer".  Be sure to visit dandee for all the details. Also, if you're an MPMK facebook … [Read more...]

I'm at momtastic today (and when I say today I mean starting at about 4:00 AM EST) posting about fresh takes on a classic kid craft: paper hats. (I always wished I knew how to make cool newspaper hats when I was a kid.)  Check it out and then come back and click through for the Mid-Week Look Book.  I'm off to test out our new art center with the boy - tomorrow's the big reveal!  … [Read more...]