Emilie... is a mom of three boys. She is the founder of both Jackson County Parent to Parent and Families For Community, non-profits that exist to equip parents who have children who experience disability to be the very best advocates for their kiddos that they can be. She began her advocacy work both locally and at a state level in 2007, when her youngest, Parker, was diagnosed with autism. She is immensely passionate about empowering and equipping families experiencing disabilities. She is also a consultant for thirty-one, a company that sells super cute purses, and organizing accessories.

I hate the rain. I hate to drive in the rain. I hate that my butt gets wet while I am frantically trying to buckle my youngest into his car seat. And I don’t like the smell of wet boys OR wet dog. Rain means the kids unable to run outside and play, and a houseful of boys for days on end usually equals in tears for all of us. But I have a secret weapon. I am crafty. I have Construction Junction.



Construction Junction was something that my mom used to have in her elementary program and she introduced it to my boys this past summer. I am all about providing opportunities for craftiness (I am kind of a craft-whore, don’t judge), and ALL of my boys go nuts when I bring out the Construction Junction box.

Construction Junction is recycling meets adhesive. It is low-temp glue guns, rolls of colored tape, scissors (optional) and whatever you choose to save. Favorites in our house are toilet paper tubes, washed out applesauce cups, corks, egg cartons, frozen juice lids, etc. Occasionally, I will purchase pom-poms, pipe cleaners, or googley eyes; but we try to keep Construction Junction about giving the boys opportunities to be creative with things that we would normally throw away. My house ranges from an almost 11-year-old down to a 5 year old that experiences autism. EVERYONE loves Construction Junction and it can mean HOURS of entertainment and creative play.

Some of you are sweating right now at the idea of setting your child loose with a glue gun. Never fear!! Today, low-temp glue guns are easy to find at any craft store and while the glue is hot, it will not burn. Just as we take the time to teach our kids that we use a fork to eat with, and not to shank your brother with (What?! Only in my house?!), we should also teach our kids that glue guns are for gluing stuff (paper, tubes, pipe cleaners), not siblings, the dog, or furniture.



Construction Junction is not a new concept, but sometimes as a mom I need to be reminded that certain activities are a great idea. This is one of those great ideas! Construction Junction is the ultimate cold/wet weather indoor activity in our house, and hopefully soon it will be in yours!