Rainbow

 

Look: Today's post is just about giving thanks.  Lately I've been reading some book by Geneen Roth that have really been opening my eyes and changing my thinking.  To give a brief synopsis:  Her writing has reinforced the fact that each day is gift.  Also I'm seeing just how strong and powerful positive thinking is.  The photos above were taken by my husband.  He pulled over on the side of the road to take photos on a trip he had taken up to the poconos.  He sent them to my phone and I kept them.  Just looking at them brought me joy, especially since he sent them to me.

Learn: I'm learning to change the inner voice, make it more rainbows and less criticism. How fantastic does that sound?   I don't want to go on and on about the changes, but let's say I'm thankful!

Love: I love rainbows, love my husband, love my kids and love myself.

Washing the Car

 

Look: Chris gets all the credit for starting this one.  He decided to wash the cars with Chelsea while Gavin napped.  But of course the moment Gavin sensed fun being had, he woke up...so I pushed him out the door to help.  

Learn:  They had a lot of fun and I think they were even helpful!

Love:  Love that my car is now shiny!

Outdoor Movies

 

Look: Our township showed Ratatouille in the park.  We popped popcorn, brought some flashlights and headed out.  We only made it until about 9 before they were beyond drowsy but it was fun.

Learn:  This summer I learned that we are the type of family that tries a lot of stuff.  I'm proud of that and look forward to all the fun adventures we will take together.

Love:  This photo doesn't exactly capture it but this was a stellar night!

Nature Walk- a picture post only

First Day of Preschool for Chelsea

Look: Holy Canoli, my child is three and needs to begin school.  This thought first hit me mid winter when our local mother's club group sent a list of suggested preschools in their newsletters.  While reading through it I realized that registration for September actually begins in January...who knew?  My search was really short.  I loved the first school I visited.  Loved the teachers, loved the schedule, loved the...everything.  Asked a few questions about dealing with allergies and then knew this is the right spot for my kids.  These are a few pictures of the first day.  First at home, then at the door of school, then with her adorable friend Adalyn (who is in her class too, yippee!)
Learn: I taught preschool and kindergarten for 10 years.  I NEVER understood why the moms cried.  I used to be sympathetic, tell them the child would be fine and didn't think about it any further.  Well on Chelsea's first ( and 2nd, 3rd, 4th...) day I cried my little heart out.  Chris kept reassuring me that she would be okay (he thought I was worried about the food).  But what was really happening was I couldn't believe my tiny, sweet baby girl was actually able to leave me and go to school.
Love: She did great of course and adores school!  What was I worried about?

Finger Paint

 

Look: I avoid this at all costs.  But on this day I really wanted to tire and entertain the kids all day...without the lovely TV.  So we fingerpainted right before bath time (I'm a very smart mommy!)

Learn: Believe it or not finger painting tells a lot about a person's personality.  Sort of like those ink blot tests.  Chelsea is generally a tidy, very feminine, rule follower.  Gavin is messy, boyish, rule breaker.  Total opposites!  So as you can see Chelsea used on a few fingers to paint.  She tried to keep it neatly on the paper and managed to walk away from the table with none on her clothing.  Really the only spot she made that wasn't intentional was on her knuckle.  Her brother was a different story.  The moment I put the paper plates of paint down he dug both palms all the way in.  He lathered his paper and tray up with the paint, so much so the paper became super mushy.  By the time he was finished he had paint on his forehead, clothing (even socks) and had solidly covered up to his elbows in paint.  

Love:  Messy things are hard to get up the energy to do.  But on this occasion (and most occasions) I am happy I let them make messes.

Herbs

 

Look: This year is the first year I actually got joy from my garden.  We got to eat most of the strawberries, a job previously held by Millie our dog.  We also grew potatoes, tomatoes and herbs.

Learn: I learn little by little how to garden.  This year instead of trying to plant tons of things, we did a little and that really helped up keep up.  The kids really enjoyed digging and playing and seeing things grow.  This past week I saw that my friend had bowls of dried herbs from her garden.  I thought it was perfect timing to do this here too.  I dried sage, oregano, basil and mint.  I even infused some herbs into my olive oil and froze it for sauces.

Love:  Flavor brings me joy...so herbs are a great way to make everything taste fantastic.  My favorite this year was my pesto.  I make it with roasted soybeans, basil and evoo.  It comes out super yummy and no one has asked or missed the cheese!