Beans and rice

Our new favorite finger food...black beans and rice.  This was a staple for our big girl at this age and I am so glad the babe has followed in her footsteps with her love for this family favorite.  

In Awe...

As I walk through the yard on this misty and somewhat dreary Earth Day, I am awe-struck at the beauty around me.

This Oxsalis was a favorite of mine as a child.  I was always captivated by the delicate pink flowers and the large clover leaves.

Then, I noticed the bright and almost neon color to the tips of the purple iris.  I am amazed at the color.

These iris are so special because they grew in my Grandmother's yard some 60 years ago.  When she passed, we dug up some of the bulbs and transplanted them in my own yard.  Each year, I am reminded of her when they bloom.  Funny enough, this year they began blooming on her very birthday.  

Happy Earth Day!  May you be awe-struck by something Earthy today!

New Shoes

Up until yesterday morning, I didn't think my girl cared much about the shoes on her feet.  She always happily just wore whatever I picked out.  Yesterday morning (first thing, in the PJs) I found her on the kitchen floor with her new box of shoes we had purchased the day before.  I silently watched (and took pictures) as she carefully took each shoe out of its wrapping and delicately put it on her feet.  She got them on and walked around the kitchen with a huge smile on her face.  She looked up at me and said "I like these new shoes."  After inspecting and trying on the new spring sandals, she carefully packaged them back up into their box...exactly as they came.  It was adorable to watch.

Just Itching...

Oh, I am just itching  to get outside and refinish a piece of furniture, old iron bed, or anything for that matter.  I absolutely LOVE finding old furniture and iron bed frames and refinishing them to suit my decor and taste.  It is sort of like making something that is old, new again.  It is extremely satisfying and I find so much pleasure in it.  My last project, before the babe came, was spray painting an old iron bed that I purchased at an estate sale for a mere $40.  It was in its original condition with white paint that had been chipping.  I decided to give it an updated look with a coat of chocolate brown.  It turned out better than I could have imagined.  It is one of my favorite pieces.  It will be the babe's big bed when she moves out of the crib.

This is not the best picture, but you get the gist.  It has a lovely basket weave pattern in iron on the head and foot boards.  I just love the superior quality of iron beds...especially with children.  They can't break them!  They are so incredibly sturdy and simply timeless.

Now, I just have to find the time to look for some unwanted piece that begs to be re-purposed and refinished!

What are you itching to do now that spring has arrived and afforded us more time outside?

Side Note:  Many old iron beds might have lead paint on them,  it is important to follow the proper paint removal techniques before painting to ensure the lead is gone.

It's all about the process, not the product...

One of my good friends (and fellow teacher), just reminded me of something vital when it comes to working, playing or being creative with kids...

For kids (toddlers, babies and preschoolers), it is more about the process of doing something rather than the product or final outcome.  So many of us (myself included) are programmed to expect a lovely PRODUCT after we have played or done something creative with our children.  For kids, the process of mixing colors, smashing Play Doh, dotting hard with markers, placing stickers everywhere, tearing, folding, etc. is essential to learning and discovery.  Eventually, in time, they will enjoy creating their product after being able to explore without strict boundaries.  So, go ahead, let your little one scribble, tear, and experiment.  They will  gain so much more out of an unguided process rather than a strictly guided project with an expected product.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Lady in Pearls, for the fantastic reminder.  After reading your post, I am inspired again to let the reins free during our creative art time.  I fondly remember these philosophies from school but now that I am teaching my own children, it is good to be reminded of Best Practices.  

Wave...

Despite our week of illnesses and injuries and no sleep to go along with either of them, the babe has learned to wave.  At first I thought she was just experimenting with lifting one arm into the air.  Then, I noticed that she does it when people say "hello."  I love her little nonchalant wave with only raising her arm to acknowledge a "hello."   She definitely has the Queen wave down pat.  Perhaps we should take her to England get the Queen's opinion.

I leave you with a little wave from our corner of the world.

A new smile emerges

Since the little accident last Friday, my girl has healed tremendously quick.  I am amazed at how the body can heal.  While things aren't exactly back to normal in her little mouth, we have had a day of smiles.  As her Momma, I don't care what the new smile looks like, just as long as I can see that big smile and bright eyes!