C-R-O-U-P

Coughing up a storm
Runny nose
Oodles of medicine
Up all night
Please let our little baby get better again soon

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Little Painter {and the progression of art}

This little painter of mine was thrilled when I suggested that we paint outdoors.  We set up the easel, hung the paper and got out the paints and brushes for her to use.  She painted for over a half hour before her little sister got into the paints that she was using.  

I had tried to keep her little sister content with markers and paper and other outdoor games but my attempts failed fairly quickly when she saw what her big sister was creating.  Thankfully, her "always-happy-to-share" big sister was more than willing to let her paint.

They painted quite peacefully for a few minutes.  The little one was instructed to only paint on the back of the big sister's painting (that instruction was given by none other than the big sister).  The little one seemed to enjoy dipping her brush into the bright colors and then spread them onto the paper.  Everything was going smoothly until I turned around and saw the little fingers in the paint.

At first, I wanted to run to the little one and say "NO!"  But, I just bit my tongue and watched for a while.  The little fingers dabbled in the paints and then they spread paint around all over the paper.

The big sister thought about what her little sister was doing for a while before taking part in this paint exploration...

Suddenly our very civilized art experience turned into a messy paint exploration by both big and little sister.  Even though our art experience didn't turn out quite how I had planned, it was a fabulous and unexpected progression of art with my little ones.

Earthy thanks...

When I hear the "Earth Day" buzz I pause to think about what our Earth really means.  What does Earth Day really mean?  It is so easy to get caught up in "earthy" things like reusable shopping bags, glass bottles, planting trees, energy-saving light-bulbs, etc (all of which I love).  Those are the "things" we have been programmed to buy, want and need as consumers to be "green" and earth-conscience.

When I really stop to think about our Earth and what I want my kids to know about Earth Day, I think about the bounty and lovelinesses of this amazing place.  I want them to experience and know:

what it is like to look up at the tallest pine tree in awe.

the breathtaking view of a lake at sunrise.

the bright red of fresh picked berries.

the warm summer winds blowing against their little bodies.

the beauty of woodsy mushrooms that grow naturally on the forest floor.

the late-afternoon sun's honey colored rays that cast a blanket of warm light over everything.

the changing clouds in the vast morning sky.

I want them to experience this wonderful Earth and all it's glory with every sense.  To truly appreciate this magnificent Earth, I think we have to experience it and get as close as we can.

Enjoy your Earth Week! 

"You be my baby...ok?"

"You be my baby...ok?
little one sits down in the baby stroller (that is, the stroller made for baby dolls)


"Here, have a bottle to drink."
little one is fed a pretend bottle by the big sister while sitting in the baby stroller


"Here is a baby bear for you to hold."


the screeching of the wheels on the baby stroller begin 


the screeching of the wheels on the baby stroller begin to screech at a faster pace


"Just lift your feet up."

giggles fill the air as I peek around the corner and see this:

Paper Chain

Have you ever been incredibly excited about something?  A trip, a date, a birthday?  My big girl is super excited about visiting her Aunt and Uncle who recently moved away.  She is just itching to spend time with her beloved Aunt and Uncle.

For a kid, time is a concept that is sometimes complicated and hard to understand.  For that reason and to avoid the constant asking "when are we going", my girl and I made a paper chain to count down the days until we get to visit her Aunt and Uncle.

I hadn't made a paper chain since I was a child.  I quickly remembered why paper-chain making is so fun.  It is easy, repetitious and fun.

My daughter drew a picture of our destination on a piece of paper that I had already cut into the shape of the state we will be visiting.  We then stapled paper chains in rows of 10 to count down the days.  We used rows of 10 so the chain wouldn't be so long.  It has also provided an opportunity to talk about groups of ten.

Each day, my girl tears off a chain and we count the remaining days.  It has been a fun way to look forward to our visit!

I'll take care of you...

"Are you upset little friend?  Have you been lying awake worrying?  Well, don't worry...I'm here.  The flood waters will recede, the famine will end, the sun will shine tomorrow, and I will always be here to take care of you."  

-Charlie Brown to Snoopy

Dearest Babies,

I am here to take care of you.  I will tuck you in your little doll crib at night and sometimes get in with you.  I will feed you your bottle and give you binkies and occasionally try to suck on yours.  I will buckle you into the stroller and car-seat when we go out.  I will take you with me wherever I go.  I will always take care of you.

Love,

Your doting friend 

Imagine

Your imagination is wonderfully and excitedly active right now and it invigorates everyone in your path.

You imagine this is your home -- the dead grass strung from the branches is Christmas lights.

You imagine that this straw from an empty cup is your blood-sucking tube and you pretend to take blood from your finger as we drive home.

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You imagine that this house plant is your patient and you are asking it to "breathe in" and "breathe out" as you hold your Fisher Price stethoscope up to it's tall leaves.

You imagine that this discarded diaper box is your front door after you ask me to cut off one side and leave a flap to open and close.

You imagine that the sprinkler is your shower and you wash your hair while the sprinkler system runs.

You imagine this little wildflower bouquet is a grand bouquet fit for a queen or a preschooler that is dressed up like one.

You imagine this lone chopstick is your magic wand.

You imagine our yard is a farm and your Mother is the farmer, our boys become goats, a wagon ride is a hay ride and clippings from a wild vine are the birthday bouquet.

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Just keep imagining what you wish!  What a lovely gift!