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Young children seem to be almost as intrigued by building and creating as they are by demolishing and dissecting.  That’s just part of why a tools and construction theme is so great for young kids!  And while they’re having a blast, they’re also learning some great concepts.  Here are just a few: Tools and simple… continue reading

As I was filling out my bracket for this year’s March Madness, I was reminded of this post from last year, which has also been incorporated into a part of my ebook, Parenting with Positive Guidance.  (PS, my Aggies got the shaft this year.  Here’s hoping for an upset!) I know it’s unbecoming to be a braggart,… continue reading

The next time you share the story of the Three Little Pigs, don’t just tell it, have the children be a part of it!  These masks are inexpensive and easy to make.  And the kiddos have a blast as they step into the story! Start out with some simple supplies: a toilet paper tube, felt,… continue reading

::Simplify Your Family Life::  Click here for more details! Anyone who knows me well knows that if I was listing some of my favorite things, right up there in the top would be good books with useful information (please refer to my aforementioned nerd status if that surprises you), finding a good deal on something I… continue reading

“Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous.” – Yehudi Menuhin Routines are wonderful for creating continuity and a predictable rhythm in your family life.  But what happens when the internal rhythms of individual members of one family are… continue reading

I know I don’t normally post on Thursdays, but there were two quick housekeeping items I wanted to take care of. First off, I’m planning on switching over to a new design format in the next few days.  It will still be the same content in the same place (www.notjustcute.com) but a better layout and… continue reading

*I hope you’re enjoying the layout of the new site.  A big “Thank You” to Brandon Sunday of Sunday Ventures for his help!  I think it would have taken two years to figure it all out on my own.  We’re still fine tuning, so if you notice anything that needs our attention, please let us… continue reading

  Well, it looks like we’ve got all the email subscriptions moved over!  Phew!  For those of you who are getting posts emailed, you might have missed an email or two in the move.  You may want to check out Weekend Reads for 3.26.11, or More to Build On… with more construction activities to add onto the “Let’s… continue reading

I’m reading a fascinating book called Crucial Conversations, by Kerry Petterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.  It’s been sitting on my proverbial nightstand for at least a year now, and after hearing it recommended again from about a fourth source – from education administrators to business execs to parents – I decided I’d better start reading…. continue reading

Can you believe it’s First Friday already?  No Foolin’!  I selected just three questions this time to keep things more streamlined.  If you have a question for the next installment of First Friday Q&A, email those to my NEW address: questions@notjustcute.com .  Go ahead and do it today.  Trust me, the next First Friday will be… continue reading