children's books, paper dolls, dress up games, children's toys, stuffed toys, paper crafts, arts and crafts

A-maze-ing!

Get lost in Rick Riordan's The Battle of the Labyrinth, the fourth book in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series! Percy is entering ninth grade and aside from the usual monster angst (Hello? It's ninth grade!), he now has to face an a-maze-ing problem, literally AND figuratively! Greek mythology never had a better poster boy! To begin with, Greek myths have some of the best stories ever - loaded with revenge, heroism, treason, and quests for justice - but when they're given a modern twist, they're even more engrossing! So get your hands, hooves, and claws on this book and get lost!

Check out Rick Riordan's website for more Olympian stuff! It's all Greek to me! And it's all Good!

The Meaning of the Rose...

More Tudy Was Framed! photo frames - this time, they're all abloom with Tudy Roses!

In Victorian times (that's when the United Kingdom was ruled by Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901!), symbols were used to send messages (sort of like emoticons ;->). Even flowers were given meanings, and sometimes the specific color of a flower gave it a different meaning! Like the red rose means love, but the pink rose means admiration, appreciation and even joyfullness!

So surround your favorite photos with the message of the Tudy Roses! Plus, pink gives everyone a rosy glow anyway! You know the drill - download the images, resize to fit the pictures you want framed, and cut out (be careful!). Use a cutter and cutting mat for this project for best results! Get framed!

Like Honey...

This is not going to be an easy read, but if you can, please, please, please do read Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees. Or ask your Mom to read it if she hasn't yet! It'll make a perfect Mother's Day read!

First, I think the little notes about honey bees are just amazing, because you know I just love honey bees! But, more importantly, I love this wonderfully written story about 14-year old Lily, who tries to find out who her mom really was, and instead, discovers the true meaning of "Mother" in so many different women and in such a magical place.

Reading the book is like tasting honey - it's sweet, it goes down slowly, and it nourishes your soul!

Mom's The Word

Mom's the alpha of your eyes,
The omega of your cries.

She's your comfort and your joy,
Finder/keeper of magic toys!

She's the Earth that holds you dear,
Sons and daughters always near.

Mom's your mentor, Mom's your friend,
A kindred spirit to the end...

To all Moms out there,
I'm spreading the word!

Happy Mother's Day!