Talaris Institute, founded in 2000, is dedicated to supporting parents with research on early childhood topics such as social and emotional development, language and communication, physical development, and learning. In April of this year, Talaris came out with two new books to help parents and children discuss feelings. Baby Feelings is a board book targeted for babies and... Continue Reading →

Don't let the cover of Christine Amsden's new book, The Immortality Virus, scare you off. Inside is a dark dystopian science fiction novel with merit on many levels. The beginning dragged a bit, and while normally I would find the frequent references in that section to specific geographical locations annoying, those familiar with the Kansas... Continue Reading →

Photo by JamesWe've long used lavender to treat sunburns. This year, with a little one who wants to keep up with older siblings but still has young sensitive skin, I made up a diluted version with a carrier oil. It's already received some use this year.

Photo by Krista KennedyMy children were putting on a puppet show with some of our finger puppets. As I listened to the story unfold, I was delighted to hear Stephen Hawking introduced. Where else would Stephen Hawking show up in a puppet show? He was looking very feisty in dragon green.

The elements of Cindy Spencer Pape's Steam & Sorcery have the potential for a wonderful book. Light steampunk is smoothly incorporated into the intriguing themes of descendants of the knights of the Round Table and superntural creatures and abilities. Well developed characters draw easily into the story. Add in a charming, handsome, and compassionate hero and a... Continue Reading →

If you live live in the States, you've probably heard about the devastating tornado that killed over 100 people in Joplin, MO, leaving others without homes or a place to work. It's amazing the damage that can be had in just a few minutes, leaving a small town with despair and yet determination. As soon... Continue Reading →

Please join us for a monthly blog carnival focusing on families and creativity. Families, Create! is a blog carnival with a purpose: we want your family to get creative and have fun! Read below for details on the May carnival, and check out the main carnival page for upcoming themes in 2011. (Check out January,... Continue Reading →

I was thrilled to see this nursing chair, complete with the international symbol for breastfeeding, at the Children's Museum in Chicago. It was set right in the middle of a play area so that nursing mothers could keep an eye on other children as they played. The entire museum was nursing friendly. I found a similar... Continue Reading →

A recent trip to the LEGOLand Discovery Center in Chicago gave us a view of some wonderful LEGO art. Check out these LEGO versions of well-known pieces of art. These framed pieces are made completely of LEGOs which have been turned on their sides.

I whipped up a knitted version of Mad Eye Moody's Mad Eye to go in the dress up bin. I never realized how popular it would be with my children. It has received quite a bit of use, as a magical eye, for a cyclops, for a triops, and as an alien eye on the... Continue Reading →