Day 15. 2012.

Although I don't want to brag and lose this streak of amazing weather that we have had this winter, I can't help but smile at the beautiful week that is coming!

Madi and Ty each had a friend over to play today and the kids had so much fun together!

Ellie and Jack are about the same ages as they are and all four got along so well!

They spent a good portion of the day playing outside and building this tie-dyed snow man.

I have wanted to try this idea for a long time and thanks to Miss Madi, we remembered to try it out.

This morning she got pretty mad at me when I told her that she couldn't spray paint (I thought that she meant the real spray paint).

Turns out, she had this idea in the back of her head...smart girl!

There were some troubles when one of them would accidentally spray the other...but they soon figured out that they shouldn't stand quite so close to one another.
They even got to sled a little bit. Little daredevil Madi had to slide backward. If every winter could be like this, I would never complain about living in Minnesota!

Day 14. 2012.

There is nothing quite like the smile of an adorable little baby.

I am so thankful that I have been able to capture this cutie pies first year! 

This is my sweet nephew Johnathan.

He just started taking steps and although it took us a few tries to get some good shots (with an ear infection, who can blame the poor little guy for not being his usual happy self?!), I think all the work was well worth the effort!

I love, love, love his baby blues!

Day 13. 2012.

Music is such an integral part of my life. 

This is one of those songs that has been on my play list on repeat lately. 

The lyrics hit home and make me really stop and think about my life and just who and what is important. 

I especially like this part....

I am a flower quickly fading, 

Here today and gone tomorrow. 

A wave tossed in the ocean 

A vapor in the wind.

Still You hear me when I'm calling,

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling.

And you've told me who I am.

I am Yours, I am Yours. 




I am determined to make the most of these days that I have and remember just why I am here, and who I serve.



And I thought about stopping this post right here, but I can't help but add some photos from our outside play time this evening.

It was so nice out!

Day 12. 2012.

This morning before work, my everyday winter chore of starting the car became something extraordinary when I took in the sparkling beauty that was surrounding me.

The freshly fallen snowflakes glistened on the ground in the early morning light.

The entire sight made me stop and smile.

I wish I would have had time to take some more photos, but this was the extent of it when I was already running late!




 I am so thankful I get to live here and enjoy the breath taking beauty that is all around me!

Day 11. 2012.

Take a look at some of the BIG events happening around our home lately.

The little man is now dressing himself.



And he thinks that his daddy builds the very best choo choo train tracks (which of course, he does...I am not the type to think of building a massive ramp off of the dining room table!)


And judging by some of the competetive moments I have witnessed lately, I do believe that I have a future in watching some pretty intense sporting events.


When Madi was getting frustrated because her big brother kept blocking all of her shots, Tanner had to remind her that he was helping her become a better player because he is so good...(haha, he doesn't seem to be lacking in the confidence department does he?!)

Making cookies with my girl proved to be a hit, although she wasn't such a fan of the ooey, gooey egg!
I have to give her props though, for not running when I started the mixer, she conquered her fear and actually used it for the first time! And licking the doughy spoon has got to be the very BEST part! Tyson likes to tell me lately when I am being a naughty mama or a nice mama.

When he holds my hand I am apparently a nice mama.

I have to treasure these moments while I can because he is three years old now and is testing me a lot!

Day 10. 2012.

I feel pretty lucky that I am able to be at school while my kids are.

While most of the day I am busy at work on the other side of the building, there are times when I have a spare moment or two to just hang out in their classrooms.

After a busy week of literacy testing, it was nice to have some time to spend with my daughter and her classmates in kindergarten!

While I can't speak for the students, I sure had a GOOD time watching them sing and dance around the room while I snapped photos.

These little guys and gals make me smile....I hope they brighten your day as much as they did mine!

 These two had me cracking up, they are best buds and had a great time dancing together!

I am thinkin' some of these photos would be great on a senior slideshow someday!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the fun, colorful artwork!

Day 9. 2012.

I love reading to my kids.

Day 8. 2012.

I have been feeling like a mean mama this week, leaving my sick little guy with his dad because I have the most insanely busy (and nearly impossible to miss) week of school.

This evening while we were laying on the bed snuggling together, he gave me a kiss and said 'I wuff you mommy'.

My heart melted.

His words suddenly made my guilt disappear and reminded me just how lucky I am to be his mom.

I 'wuff' you too, Ty.

Day 7. 2012.

Tonight we took some serious advantage of this amazingly beautiful January weather and did some fun activities outside.

After a couple of failed science experiments yesterday, we decided to try the same two experiments one more time.

I have to say the second go around was MUCH better!

This first one was titled 'balloon on a bottle' and with more vinegar and a little extra baking soda (in the balloon), the balloon inflated all on it's own. And my little model was ready and willing to share this next experiment with you... This one included a sandwich bag, a paper towel, baking soda, and vinegar...seriously, those two kitchen ingredients could keep us entertained for hours!

First we put 3/4 c. vinegar and 1/4 c. warm water in the baggie.

Then, we put 1/3 cup of b. soda in the paper towel and folded it up.

After that, we took the whole project outside and placed the paper towel inside the baggie and very carefully zipped the baggie back up without letting the towel touch the vinegar.

When we were ready, we dropped the whole thing to the ground and this is what happened...
And in Tanner's words, 'it BLEW up'! Another fun project brought to you by none other than pinterest!

Honestly, I acknowledge that this website is a HUGE time sucker but it has also helped me be a BETTER mom by giving me brilliant ideas of things to do with my kids!