Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Melissa.
I’m a mom to two school-aged boys, a former elementary school counselor, and a family lifestyle photographer and blogger. No matter how you found yourself here—social media, Google search, Pinterest, or a coworker’s recommendation—I want you to know that I am grateful that you’re here.
And I know you’re here for a reason.
You believe it’s the simple things that make childhood magical.
You want to develop your child’s creativity and love for nature.
You want a connected, thriving, and happy family.
I want those things too!
But Here’s the Thing
Simple days and a thriving family don’t just happen. Like all good things, they take effort, mindfulness, and persistence. I want to grow with you on your parenting journey. That’s why I started Fireflies and Mud Pies. Together we will:
Connect with our kids through simple crafts and activities.
Learn to filter unnecessary noise so we can enjoy more peaceful days.
Love, play, and laugh more with family and friends.
All the while, growing and learning from our children and each other.
About Me
I live with my husband, kids, and two labrador retrievers in Ohio. When I’m not working, you can find me homeschooling my youngest, reading on my back porch, gardening, taking pictures, or enjoying a Netflix binge.
Through Fireflies and Mud Pies, I share creative, low-cost ideas for connecting, crafting, and playing at home. If you are new to Fireflies and Mud Pies, you may wish to explore our popular posts:
Thrill Your Kids With Colorful Squirt Gun PaintingHow to Get Your Kid From Scared to Confident About Riding a BikeHow a Glitter Jar Can Help Kids Control Their FeelingsHow to Make Scrap Ribbon Tree OrnamentsCD and Button Turtle CraftTissue Paper Snail CraftPine Cone FirefliesChristmas Lights CookiesRainbow Heart Suncatchers
Connect with me via Facebook, or say hello here.
If you would like more information about working with Fireflies and Mud Pies, please download our media kit.
Rachel says
I couldn’t find your email, but I wanted to borrow an image from your blog and feature you in a blurp. If you do not get back to me I will assume that it is okay, I will link to you and give you a traceback so you can find the blurp.
Gerald Carman says
Melissa!! What a wonderful idea. I had lunch with Tony yesterday and he told me about this page. With our younger grandkids, we should have a ball. Your models were finely chosen. The old man isn’t bad either…… Sir G
firefliesandmudpies says
Hello Sir G! Thank you so much for reading! We miss our Wisconsin Camp Family very much. Happy holidays and enjoy the grandkids! – Melissa
Heather Rasband says
Your Christmas Lights Cookie recipe is so cute! I shared it on my own blog. Thank you for sharing your great ideas!
Haley says
Tryin to make sensory jar…it calls for magenta watercolor
…i got icing color instead. Will it work? Please help
Melissa Lennig says
If icing color is the same as food dye, then yes! The color may vary, but food dye will dye the water perfectly. Thanks!
Denice R Foxx says
Melissa! I finally was able to download the pencil craft, so adorable, I cannot wait to do this with my preschoolers.Thank you so much, love your ideas.
Melissa Lennig says
Wonderful! Thank you so much for letting me know!