Soule Mama

I can't help it! I just can't! I must jump on the band wagon and mention this amazing book.......which means she is today's feature! Amanda Blake........SouleMama just wrote the most amazing book. I can't wait to get my hands on one. If you have kids, or grand kids, or you know someone who has little one's, you really really should send them a copy. You will look like the coolest, hippest person alive. Speaking of cool and hip....That must be her middle name. Amanda Cool Hip Blake Soule.

How I wish she would adopt me. Her house looks like the ultimate learning, creative, warm and loving environment for any child..........or adult for that matter.

She is big into embroidering. It's so cute to see her little ones sitting quietly, concentrating so hard on a project. Talk about hand eye coordination. I guess that beats those Dressy Bessy dolls........remember those? Or am I showing my age? Dapper Dan and Dressy Bessy........you don't remember them? Anywhoooo............... Amanda's take on using thread is a bit more creative......and well.......hip.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. Having children draw your own calendar! Brilliant! And so educational. Home school mom's........are you paying attention? Wouldn't this be a great way to teach something about each month? Love that.

This below.......looks very educational, but creative at the same time. Looks like using art to learn Zones? Flower interpretation? Love how it gives you a feeling of no boundaries.........and really? Isn't that what art........being creative is all about?

These kids have got it made! Pottery Barn has nothing on Amanda. I remember my son's first pre-school. It was at Warner Pacific in Portland (Oregon.............just thought I should clarify since Amanda is from the other Portland......didn't want her to get all excited) His pre-school was very hands on. It had an art room with all materials ready. They didn't believe in stopping a child to put a smock on. They wanted the child to be able to create with out boundaries. Amanda's place reminds me of that environment. That was such a great pre-school. How many times have you tried to get dinner ready with little one's under foot? It's certainly not a Donna Reed moment is it? I swear that's why Kraft Mac and Cheese was invented.......or why pizza parlors started delivering. But of course Creative Mother of the year has a solution! Why oh why didn't she live next door to me when my son was little! I could have used her help. She gives her little ones all the scraps and they get to create their own recipe. Great idea.........I usually tossed the tupperware in the middle of room for him to play with..........good times.I found this photo from her flickr photos. I love buttons! She has so many great shots of images that look creative.........inspiring. Because I love what Amanda is doing..........and because tomorrow is my Blogiversary..........I will have a surprise to give away. Shhhhh.......I bet you can't guess what it's going to be. Wait for it..........wait for it........