everyone's favorite mama

If you love Amanda's blog, Soule Mama as much as I do, then no doubt you will be thrilled to own a copy of her new book, The Creative Family. When I was offered to receive a copy I was so excited to say the least--Heck yeah!...um, I mean...why yes, please. THANK YOU.

Amanda writes with passion about her family and the bonds they have nurtured through creativity. I appreciate her efforts so much in involving her children with her and encouraging them in their own creative pursuits. I know how much patience and time it takes to do this and it is to be admired, trust me! I also love how she encourages us to make time for our own creativity--not to put it off until everything else is done because that often never happens, our to-do lists can go on and on.

Some of her projects fondly remind me of the things we did when our older children were young: family drawing time, drama time (Mark once--very spontaneously, drew a beard on with my mascara, threw a t-shirt over his head to act like a shawl and told us all a very animated bible story, much to the delight and giggles of the children and me) collecting bits of nature to bring inside to admire and to sketch, making our own knitting needles--learning to knit from a friend--and then all 3 boys and myself knitting together in church! You should have seen them all lined up, needles clicking (quietly clicking!). I have since forgotten how to knit, but there is no way I will ever forget those sweet weeks of learning and knitting together. It all encourages me to not let Noah's young years pass without the same kind of memories.

There are lots of reviews floating around on other blogs so I won't get too long winded here because they are doing a great job. Her book is a definite must have for any family that values creativity and togetherness and rolling it all up into one--it is chock full of fantastic projects. I do want to tip my hat to Amanda's husband, Steve. All of us mamas know that it takes a pretty special husband to be able to do what Amanda does, so Steve--take a bow, because we all are applauding loudly--with an encore even :)

Boy, whether or not I'll be able to manage two blogs remains to be seen (sometimes I wonder what in the heck was I doing!) I've updated my photo journal for those that are following and I confess that having a special spot to talk pictures feels so good right now--even though I may  need  will have to slow up here in order to keep doing that one. I'm going out of town for few days but when I get back a crafty post for sure! The little pink bird up there is a sneak peek.

Comments

[Allison]

And so nicely styled with that quilt as a backdrop!

[Suziesews]

This was a lovely post, in the UK we have to wait a little longer to get our mitts on her book...but I am waiting with my breath held!!!
It so true about Steve, he seems an amazing friend and support, I love it when he guest blogs. I read her blog and sometimes I feel such a failure...I try so hard to be the Mom I want to be, somedays it goes great others...well its hard...Without a supportive hands on husband believe me it can be tough, and you have just helped ease some of that guilt. SO I thank you...
I am so loving your photo journal...wounderful pictures and so inspiring...I will read my manuel for my camera one day!!!
Have a lovely day...

[Oona L]

~Hi Toni!!
I totally agree with you on the book, I went out and bought mine the day it came out, it wasn't even on the shelf yet!! LOL I love the book because it reminds us to slow down and take the time. It also shows me, somethings we do with our son. :) You put your review, very simple and to the point!!! Have a good week. And good luck with the two blogs. :)

[SierraMoon]

unfortunately Amanda's book is not available in France yet (through amazon) it will take a couple of more weeks I think... but I enjoyed reading a sample... her blog is one of the first blogs I've started following 2 years ago and I found it very interesting to see how it evolves to the cozy happy place it is now.
please, have this bird picture for sale as a card so that I can buy some !!! LOVE it +++ !

[raina]

I love your photo journal, your images are stunning. I am buying a new camera hopefully this weekend and not certain what to get. Kind of debating between the Canon XTI Rebel or the Nikon D60 or D80. Any suggestions?

[Evasleva]

I always get so inspired by your blog. I love your photos! I just want to thank you :)

[Melanie]

That is so neat that you are going to be in a magazine! It feels great to be validated for what you love to do! I really enjoy your blog. I have a link to it from my blog... I hope that's ok. I especially love your photography--it's so artistically done. I feel confident in saying that, because I have a B.F.A. myself. I haven't had a chance to check out your other blog, yet, but I plan to do that here in a minute. Thanks for all that you do to inspire us all! Take care.