Perception

A good friend of mine, Noah posted this story on his blog today. It really struck me and made me think. So I wanted to share it here.
In the hustle and bustle of life and busy schedules we often miss the small (or big) things around us. We get so focused on what were doing that we miss the bigger picture around us. Sometimes we need to expect the unexpected, and be open to whats all around us. You never know what may pop up right in front of you. Good Stuff... a bit challenging. I don't want to miss out on the unexpected.

Click HERE to read the full post.

Successful Sunday!

Now that school has started and I am working, Time feels obsolete. During the week life is so busy and things just don't get done. Yesterday we had a much needed lazy Saturday just hanging around the house not doing much of anything. Today, I woke up somewhat motivated... and got to work. It feels really good to have actually gotten things done today.

Here are some of the projects I accomplished...

The dreaded, way too small horribly unorganized, Hallway linen closet

All we ever do is shove, shove, shove... our sheets and towels into this closet. yes, I am guilty too. For a long time I have wanted to go through it and organize it so that it would be more functional. Today was the day...

Somehow, when your into a major organizing/ cleaning project, things always seem to get messier before they get better. Or is it just me?

Success!!

And there's even room to spare! Who know!? (:

It also helped that I got rid of many things we didn't even know existed in there... or things that were lost in the depths that need to be put elsewhere. A chenille blanket, still in the package, that I believe was a wedding gift (we've been married 8 years! ); A round tablecloth ,when we only own a rectangle table, (sold our round table at least 4 years ago!); Kitchen hand towels that belong... in the kitchen! (imagine that, lol); and several pillow shams from old comforter sets we don't use anymore.

Next up: The Kitchen

Although this is not much of a project but a daily task, it is still something that needed to be done and I felt good about. I love that we have a good amount of counter space, but man does it fill up fast! Our counters are always full of too much junk and need to be cleaned off/organized often.

And it felt good to complete this task, thoroughly.

Viola! A new Kitchen! (:

I must say... I'm proud of myself and today truly felt like a Successful Sunday.

Lego- Maniac!

For the last few weeks my house has been covered with these brightly colored square and rectangle objects. Legos. Also known as Duplo's, blocks, noise makers, or creative toys... whatever you want to call them. My 5 year old, Nathaniel, has been obsessed creatively interested in these for some time now. Everyday the bucket comes out and no matter how many times they are cleaned up my floor is contuniously covered in Lego's. It amazes me how creative he can be with them and how many hours he can stay entertained by them.
Such a simple toy. Such use of imagination. No batteries, no lights, no sounds... just pure 'good ole fashion' fun. He has been so proud of all his many creations and often asks me to photograph them. So I thought that I would share some here... with you all (:

First up is Nathaniel's "Big Cruise Ship!" ... See it?

This next one began as a square, then became a "picture holder" and lastly was filled in and was found to be a great hiding place. There's a silly 5 year old boy behind there! ... who knew?!

The intensity gets high and concentration is in full effect while the creative juices flow...

Lego's, Lego's everywhere! ... The condition of my living room
for the last few weeks!


Getting Daddy involved....

Daddy and Thanie's Big HUGE Ship! (using ALL the lego's!)

So proud (:

Never would of thought Nathaniel would spend so many hours have so much fun with something as simple as lego's. He's my little lego-maniac!

Kindergarten!

This week Nathaniel started Kindergarten. It's so hard to believe that my baby boy is so grown up and able to go to Elementary school! He has been so excited and counting down for this day. I look forward to all the new things he is going to learn, the special things he brings home, and all the stories we will hear. It's going to be a fun year! On the 3rd day after getting in the car he told me, "Kindergarten is the best!" I love it...

Here are some pictures from his first day! Daddy, Mommy and Ellie all got to go with him (:

All ready to go!

Me and my lil man!
Nathaniel's New School!

We found it to his classroom... Nathaniel remembered the way from meet the teacher night and led the way.

His cubbie... putting lunch and snack away...

Nathaniel's seat! Ready to learn! (:

This picture is from Wednesday... this new schedule and full days of school are exhausting! Poor Thanie didn't even make it the 6 minutes home...

Wiped Out!

So proud of my baby boy big kindergartener!
Love you Nathaniel!!

Fire House Museum

With Summer coming to a close, and school about to start, we wanted to do something fun with the kids the other day and it is too hot to do much outside. So for something new and different we decided to check out the Firehouse Museum.

Our silly, costumed well dressed and adorable boys...ready to see some firetrucks!

Nathaniel driving a BIG Firetruck!

Even Ellie loved being up in the drivers seat...

One of the many antique firetrucks we got to see...

Playing with the hoses and learning how they work

Practicing Safety Skills: "Stop, Drop, and Roll!"

Practicing making a 9-1-1 emergency call

Climbing the ladder

...and sliding down the poll... wheeee!

Auntie Em helping Paulie

Nathaniel, Paulie and Elliana

Our lil Jr. Fire Fighters had a blast at the Museum!!!

Mommy and Me Necklaces

I have opened an Etsy Shop! I will be selling some items here but have started by listing my Mommy and Me Necklaces. These necklaces are great for nursing/ feeding babies. Necklace is worn by mom and enjoyed by baby during breastfeeding, bottlefeeding, while sling wearing and even during diaper changes! They help keep babies focused and provide visual and tactile stimulation. I have several colors or will make to order! I can also make toddler mathing necklaces for those older siblings who want to be like Mommy. Contact me if you would be interested in one. Makes a great gift for any (new) mom!!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY ETSY STORE!

I hope to add other items in the future also. Thanks for letting me share!

Wordless Wednesday: Lessons from Daddy

Nathaniel LOVES being Daddy's "Big" Helper! Thought this was too cute not to share... It speaks for itself...

VIsit with GiGi!

This past week my Grandma, the kids great-grandma more famously known as "GiGi" came to SC to visit. We had such a nice time hanging out and catching up with life. On more than one occasion we were able to get several of us together which proved to be loud and caotic an enjoyable time. Here's some fun pictures of our time together.

This was GiGi's first time to meet Elliana (almost 8 months) and Avery(almost 4 months), the two newest great- grandkids.

4 Generations of girls! GiGi, Nana, Me, and Ellie. I've waited a long time for this picture!

GiGi with 4 of the 6 great grandkids.

So glad we had this opportunity to spend time with my Gramma "GiGi"

We Love you!!

NOT ME! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. "I created Not Me! Monday for the purpose of confessing our shortcomings and imperfections to each other since, after all, we are all only human!" (MckMama's words) Every Monday, you can find more "Not Me! Monday" at her site.


While out and about with my kiddos, I did not mke my oldest hold it for too long when he told me that he had to go to the bathroom. Of course, this did not result in an accident... while out and about. I always attend to my children when they need something! So cause my child to have an accident in public, Nope! Not me!




And after the said accident, while trying to get my adorable son back together and cleaned up, I did not realize that I had no extra underwear with us. I am always prepared when out and about! So... this Momma did not allow my son to walk around camando! How appropriate would that be with loose lightweight shorts... while out and about! Definately Not Me!




When hanging out with friends, I did not allow my friend to give my miserable, fussy, teething darling daughter a koolaid popsicle. What 7 month old needs that? She is way to young for a popsicle! And I did not continue to watch, laugh and take pictures of this adorable sight as she went to town Loving and devouring this (sugar free!) popsicle! I would never allow something like that... Not me!

Lastly, The wonderful Host that I am did not sit around allowing my friends to clean up, hold, feed, change and care for my daughter while at my house for the first time! That would appear lazy and rude, right?.. I care about my guests too much for that... I would cater to their every need while they attended my cookout! And neglect my own daughter allowing myself to eat uninterupted and have adult conversation?! Not me!

Hope you all had a great week! What kinds of things have you Not been up to!?