Fostering curiosity in kids (and their parents) since 2011

Ultimate Blog Party

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Naturally, within moments of declaring to the world my intention of taking a week mostly off from blogging, I received my invitation to the Ultimate Blog Party 2012, participation in which requires, you guessed it, me to write another blog post today.

That’s just how my life works.

Very briefly, for my regular readers–The Ultimate Blog Party is a virtual blog festival hosted by 5minutesforMom.com, designed to give Mommy and Daddy bloggers worldwide an excuse to pop in and out of each others’ blogs, scattering bits of wisdom, making new friends, and sharing laughs with old ones carnival style. The best bit: No babysitters required.

For those of you who are just joining me from the festival, welcome to Caterpickles! The Five-Year-Old and I are thrilled you stopped by.

This is me.

I started this blog back in 2011 when my daughter’s question-to-thought ratio started clocking in at 5 questions for every one of my thoughts. I very quickly realized I needed to channel all those questions somewhere else if I wanted to nurture The Five-Year-Old’s wonderful curiosity without going completely insane.

Lucky for me, The Five-Year-Old asks really interesting questions, like:

And this is about as much as you'll ever see of The Five-Year-Old.

When I’m not scrambling to find the answers to The Five-Year-Old’s questions, I’m madly documenting the funny stuff my daughter says and the moments in which my parenting style totally breaks down.

Inevitably lots of books get read and talked about here too. Mostly on Thursdays.

Stick around for a while, introduce yourself. Most importantly, put a link to your blog in your comment, so that I can repay the visit. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.

31 Responses to “Ultimate Blog Party”

  1. sallieskitchen

    Hello i@ve just found you, it all looks interesting, I’m sure I’m gonna have fun here.

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    • Shala Howell

      Thanks for stopping by, Sallie! I can tell I’m going to really enjoy your blog too. Especially the recipes. I’m always hunting for kid-friendly fare.

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  4. Colorado Mountain Mom

    Your parenting style breaks down?? Hey… so does mine! ;-D

    i’ve taken to writing down (and occasionally blogging) the wonderful things my daughter says too – aren’t they wonderful? Cute blog – new follower from UBP12!

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  6. lilrongal

    Oh dear. You have a five year old? Yes, questions questions questions. 😀 I don’t even know how they come up with half the stuff they ask.

    Mine is 9 and he still asks questions, but now he’s old enough to go online and find the answers himself! 🙂

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    • Shala Howell

      Ack! How will I figure out what to learn next if The Five-Year-Old discovers the route to Wikipedia for herself? Although four years of this may be enough for anyone. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. didoodlings

    Very cute blog! Love the questions he asks–a perfect way to record all the memories!
    Thanks for following me

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  8. English

    Oh my. I don’t have children, but if I did, I would document as much as I could as well. Those questions are priceless, and somewhat daunting. You’re a pretty stellar mom for being willing to actually give her answers! A new follower courtesy of UBP12 🙂

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  9. glendachilders

    I am popping over from UBP to say hi. Hope your enjoying party week.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  10. Ladies Holiday (@LadiesHoliday)

    Love the blog name! Stopping by from UBP12! Those are seriously awesome questions your daughter asked. Where do kids come up with these things…but I also want answers. Are caterpillars ticklish? I must know! I’ll have to read on to find out.

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  11. angelamking

    thanks for stopping by my blog! i have four kids so i totally get the too many questions to survive period. it’s awesome to hear that you are near my neck of the woods. so often all of my bloggy friends live a lifetime away. 🙂

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  12. Lara Jo

    Okay, this is a super clever concept for a blog and I know you will be so happy years from now that you wrote down all of these questions. This is definitely inspiration for me, should mine ever start talking, which, I confess, I’m beginning to doubt. You’re an excellent writer and I’m bookmarking you for future visits. So glad to make your acquaintance through UBP! Thanks for stopping by my blog — I really appreciate it.

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    • Shala Howell

      My husband gets credit for the concept. It occurred to him while we were on vacation at the Cape when The Five-Year-Old was three, and in the middle of protesting her bath asked “do ants take baths?” Admittedly, it took him a year to convince me that even if I could find time to write it anyone would want to come read it. I’m still not entirely sold on that last point, but writing it is a lot of fun, and having a blog that needs a daily diet of questions makes me much happier to hear those questions when they come.

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  13. Inspired2cook

    I’ve written down some of the funny things my boys have said over the years. It’s so fun to go back and read them! Anyway, hope you’re enjoying the UBP festivities!!!

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    • Shala Howell

      At the very least, the archives of my blog will = happy memories for my daughter when she’s older (fingers crossed). I’m enjoying UBP. Thanks for stopping by!

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  17. jkstamy08

    I work at a preshool/childcare center and you are indeed brave to attempt to answer all those questions! I love it that you document the funny things she says. I know if I wrote down all the funny things the kids at daycare say/do I would fill more than one note book 🙂
    I’m your newest follower from UBP12!

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  18. Jester Queen

    I love your blog name! What was the verdict? Oh – wait — there’s a link. I’ll go find out if they are or are not ticklish or even a little bit brined, as would be appropriate with a blog called caterpickles.

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