Weekend Reads 5.28.11 and Paying It Forward

My life has been blessed in so many ways and by so many people.  I’ve been thinking for a while now that I want to do my part to pay some of that forward by opening up the opportunity for  charitable causes to connect with people here at Not Just Cute.  I’m really happy that the first person I get to help with this platform is someone from whom I’ve received so much love and support, it’s almost more like a “pay back” than a “pay forward”. 

Trine has been a dear friend of mine for over a decade.  She is an amazing woman who has been there for me through some of life’s most challenging and most rewarding moments.  She and her fantastic husband, Aaron have recently started the adoption process.  Since the key to adoption is connecting birth parents and adoptive parents, I wanted to share the link to Trine and Aaron’s adoption blog so that anyone who feels prompted to do so, can help in this process.  You can read about Trine and Aaron’s family here. (Be sure to check out the Say Cheese tab, I think it’s my favorite!)

If you have a charitable cause that needs some support, especially those that benefit children and families, please email me at partner{at}notjustcute{dot}com.

Now for the Weekend Reads:

Articles:

No One Will Play With Me: Helping Your Child Make Friends {Childhood 101}

Three Strategies for Dealing with Criticism {Simple Kids}

Why Should I Do That Same Old Boring Art Activity in Preschool {Teach Preschool}

Our Play Based Learning Philosophy {Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning}

Activities:

Sunday Snapshot (HUGE bubbles!) {Frugal Family Fun}

Flower Art Box {Ohdeedoh via the Artful Parent}

Ten Incredible Set-Ups for Dramatic Play {Modern Parents Messy Kids}

Make a Staycation a Playcation {Nurture Store}

Enjoy the long weekend!