I often get questions about age-appropriate toys for the children on your gift lists. Since parents inquire about educational toys for preschoolers, I typically take the time to type out all of the products that are a good fit for your little ones ages and reasons why they are beneficial, but this year I’m sharing […]

Whatcha working on? “Oh, nothing – just playing.” They say. Inspired by #rubegoldberg machines we saw last year at the @pghkids (still), they are creating. Do you know what I see? More than “just playing” ? —- I see collaboration; problem solving; complex cognitive think throughs; experimentation; trial and error; frustration; emotional regulation; communication; big […]

Play is a language we all understand. Pause. And play. What does your play look like? One of mine is definitely art and another is taking pictures and yet another, writing what things light you up? What things bring you so much joy you feel like a child? When you do them, you are so […]

My kiddos were needing to get their collaboration on today. Its been a lot of inside time the past 48 hours due to the rain. Thats fun and all – except when its not. Young people dont always know when they need personal space. They get annoyed and mad and spew. Instead of realizing what […]

Last night Lincoln woke up in the middle of the darkness and needed a snuggle. He came close, rested his head on my chest, reached around and hugged me tightly. I love you, I said. I love you too, Ma-Ma… he squeezed me closer as he said it. And then he told me my heart […]

Y’all. I opened my 10-year old’s lunch box this evening and found THIS. She packed herself lunch this morning. THIS IS WHAT IT’S ABOUT. ? in this moment I was reminded of where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. In this instant my life’s work – Mama May I, The Messy Open […]

Rock climbing… like life. You can only focus on one step at a time. One. Step. You don’t usually focus on where you’ve been; but, instead focus on the next right hand or foot placement to get where you want to go. Watching him navigate this wall made me reflect on my life. The next […]

Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit. ❤️????? be the love. Be the change. Light the flame so others don’t feel shame when lighting their. We need more light workers and magic makers. There is nothing more fierce for you to do with your time than to be unapologetically and unwaveringly […]