Cascade Handmade

Autumn brings a certain focus; I love this time of year to acquire some good reads for when the weather turns dark, or perhaps a nice respite from a long week at school. It's so fun to surprise kids with a new book, because we all need a good story in our lives. I've outlined a few books for both youngsters and school age kids -- check them out below: For Kindergartners & Early Readers:  I don't know a single person who doesn't enjoy If You Give A Mouse A Cookie ;  by Lauren Numeroff. This delightful book is always a joy to read and seems like a great book pair with a fun  snack and craft.  My children have been really inspired by Peter Reynolds and his books. They really give kids license to be who they are and that any artistic expression is beautiful. I'm delighted to see he's created a new book, The Word Collector and this is definitely on our reading list this season.  The Ox-Cart Man is a classic story which begins i...

  We all know those little nature treasures that kids find on the trail. The sticks and stones, pine cones and twigs. Well there's a way to continue the exploration once we're home! By taking those nature finds from the ground or off a bush and turning them into artwork we're allowing the conversation to continue, as well as letting children realize a project from start to finish; and can I tell you it's really hard not to jump in and create with them! Here are some fun ideas on how to create those collections -- and let me just say watching kids follow their inspirations is the best part! First assemble the items needed : Sticks Yarn Scissors Any nature finds -- example: pine cones, leaves , acorns I'm going to show you two different methods, but please remember the options are endless and I do hope you and your family will explore what works for you! The Nature Mobile is a winner because it can be added to at any time. A si...

It's easy to measure your child's growth when it comes to height, weight and other milestones; but what about as their conscious mind grows & matures? All the time my oldest son pushes the boundaries of responsibility and independence. "I know that already" is a common phrase slipping from his mouth. Even as I write this he confidently runs out of the house to play with friends -- sans shoes or coat. If you're any thing like me the signs that he is ready to be in charge of his own person is becoming harder to ignore. My very adult way of looking at the world comes up briskly to his own views. He is in a perpetual state of waiting; eagerly waiting for.......summer, friends, tv time, shoes without socks weather, the weekend, mom to look away -- and whatever else sits right with a boy of 7 3/4 years. I decided one day that the war against trash/treasure in his room is being lost and a new tactic might be needed.  Away with the idea that a few ...

Parenting seems to be changing all the time; and not just in the current sense, but through all the ages. I'm convinced every generation (both parent & child) are on the edge of different techniques & experiences. You would think by now we'd have run out of things to change! The current Self Education that is available to us is amazing!  Not all theories I come across will be relatable, but when I find a parenting practice that resonates I am all ready to wrap those good intentions around myself.  The only thing is, for me, the logical message doesn't always hold through my fatigue, stress or irritation.  The lessons I am able to recall are the ones I learned from watching other parents handle a situation better than I would. I'm finding my intentions from logically reading an article just don't translate into the world of high tensions and screaming antics the way that tangible experiences do. However I am able to draw on past experiences I...