Just play...

Let's just play...

outside in our jammies (or lack thereof) long after we should be dressed,

the piano, even though we both don't really know what we are doing,

through the window when we are separated by glass,

dress up with lots of frills, high heels and a microphone for singing,

dress up while practicing a yoga pose,

an old accordion that Momma found at a garage sale while wearing leopard-print pj bottoms and no top (it was probably tossed aside after a daily breakfast spill),

in an old vintage dress,

 with your sister close by.

Monthly Organization Project 4: "Preschool Papers"

Project Time:  10 minutes
Project Supplies: 1-inch 3 ring binder, sheet protectors, sticky back paper, computer, printer, scissors

My big girl began preschool last week.  Already, many little projects and precious pieces of "art" have come home (my favorite are actually the little notes).  We always display what comes home on the fridge.  When new work comes home, it replaces the old work on the fridge and stack of  precious work begins to develop.  What to do with these sweet little pieces has quickly become important as I don't want to throw some of the little things that come home.

While I was at Target yesterday, I noticed that all their school supplies are 50-75% off.  I found some nice 3-ring binders and thought they'd make the perfect Preschool Work organizer.  This 1-inch binder was only .98 cents!

I got some sticky back paper (mine are actually shipping labels that I use when I ship) and printed a fun little label to go on the front.  I used "Giddy Up" font and found a cute image of a schoolhouse.

I trimmed up the label and stuck it to the front of the binder.

Viola!  Now we have a place for all the work of a budding and excited preschooler.  Now, I won't keep everything, just the things that mean the most to us.  

I also plan to use this binder to put class pictures in and any other preschool-related items we want to save.  A year of preschool in 1 binder!

On a side note, I use plastic sheet protectors inside to keep all the work in.  That way you don't have to ruin a masterpiece by punching holes in the sides.

Another first

Yesterday, we experienced another first.  This wasn't a first, first but it was a first.  My girls and I attended our local moms/babes program.  The children are taken care of while the moms visit and enjoy some type of speaker for a few hours.  Last year, the babe did NOT like going at all and cried like crazy.  Many a meeting, I was called to get her and we ended up going home early.  This early departure did not bode well with the big sister who began enjoying the time with friends in a school-like setting.

This year as we began our first day, I was filled with apprehension.  Would the babe cry again?  Should I even be doing this if we have to leave early every meeting because of my notorious babe that cries when I leave?

The babe did cry when I left her but the most loving and patient caregiver held her and comforted her until her tears ceased {the crying wailing lasted for 15 whole minutes}.  The big sister was a bit apprehensive about a new classroom and new teachers {that were not preschool related} but she did great after discovering all the fun play areas that didn't exist in her preschool classroom.

Thankfully, we all made it through the entire meeting.  This seemed like a first for the 3 of us!  Whew!

Sunrise

On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of seeing the sun rise.  I never see the sun rise.  Many days I am up before the sun, but I never see it rise.  Normally, I am too busy with little ones that require immediate attention in the early morning hours.

I read a quote some time ago that said something about every person should see the sun rise at least once a year...it is inspiring, soul-cleansing, etc.  I remember reading that and thinking what could be so magical about being up so early to actually see the sun's arrival in our sky.

I am not a morning person.  Yes, I can put on a happy face and demeanor in the early morning, but I am not a morning person.  My face is puffy, my eyes are droopy and the fog of not getting enough sleep consumes me in the morning.

Seeing the sun rise a couple weeks ago changed my thoughts about the morning.  There was something so peaceful and calming about seeing the bright orange rays peer into the purplish-blue sky.  It helped me start my day in a positive mood and I quickly forgot about the child that didn't sleep well and woke before the sun.

I haven't seen the sun rise again since this morning but I have vowed to make a point of seeing it more often.  Its calm and soothing effects have stuck with me through the busy days.

When was the last time you saw the sun rise?

That first, first day

Today was the first, first day of school for my girl.  We have been preparing for this day for many months.  The picture above was taken in June as my girl began demonstrating an interest in wearing her backpack and began pretending she was walking out the front door to go to school.

Today was filled with excitement that was tainted with bits of fear, anxiousness and happiness...for both of us.

The new outfit and shoes were happily put on.

The obligatory "first day" pictures were taken outside the front door.

The little sis' wanted to com,e and for once, that was ok.

The rain poured down and delayed the start by 2 hours.

But that didn't dampen this little girl's spirits as we figured out an exit strategy from the car in the soaked parking lot.

After dodging raindrops and downpours, we finally made it.  

A cubby was found and a nametag was proudly worn.

Goodbyes were short but happy as new Play-Doh occupied busy little hands.

Yes, Momma peeked in (even though she swore she would never be "that mother").

Even though Momma and the little one had a nice time together, we quickly found out that car rides, lunch and playtime were very quiet without our big girl.

That combined with the rain made us a little sad.

But those feelings were erased when we saw the big smile on the big sister's face when we picked her up and heard all about her happy first day!

We made it through the first of many "first days!"  

Here's hoping all the first days had by many little ones over the past few weeks have been super positive and great!

First day of September brings a new first here...

With the first day of September, came a new first here...

The babe is finally taking some steps on her own.  Still very cautious, she is beginning to take more steps alone without the help of Momma's hand.  And, yes, our big boy was right there to offer some congratulatory licks on the cheek.

That special place I know...

There is only one place I know,

where I'll let my babe walk up the street barefoot while pushing the stroller she should be riding in.

There is only one place I know,

where my big girl runs wildly down the side of the road while the cool wind pushes against her small body.

There is only one place I know,

where vibrant red berries hang from trees like weeds in late August.

There is only one place I know,

where the wild daisies beg to be picked by eager little hands.

There is only one place I know,

where I can't wait to get up in the morning (no matter how little the kids slept last night).

There is only one place I know,

where 3 cousins happily entertain themselves for hours on the floor of a tiny mudroom.

There is only one place I know,

where walking lessons with Momma, barefoot up the road, fill our evening hours.

There is only one place I know,

where we visit the local candy kitchen twice daily.

There is only one place I know,

where your aunt lets your girl pick as many apples as she wants (even though they aren't quite ripe enough yet).

There is only one place I know,

where magical woodsy mushrooms grow wild in the pine needles of the forest floor.

There is only one place I know,

where it is ok to walk a great distance ahead of Momma...alone.

There is only one place I know,

where my babe is happy playing with (not eating) the yellow flowers that grow along the road.

 

There is only one place I know,

where watching the dog fetch sticks from the water delights babies and adults alike.

There is only one place I know,

where sticking a set of play keys in an old lock hole excites the imagination of a preschooler for days.

Unfortunately, getting there with 3 kids, 3 car seats, a stroller, a Pack n' Play, a baby backpack and 6 pieces of luggage required the biggest car you can rent, 4 adults, 2 flights and lots of patience. 

 Nevertheless, I was overjoyed to spent time with my children at the place I enjoyed as a child.