The Mundane is Pretty Great

I slacked a tiny bit in updating the kids shop the past week because I wanted to spend more quality time with MY kids.  It seems silly to say because I stay at home, but working from home sometimes prevents me from enjoying them.  Sometimes, actually, all the time, I am behind in my housework, cooking meals, blogging, and listing items in both shops.  I fell behind in these and they took precadence over my children.  I somehow forgot that I stay at home because my husband and I decided that it was important to us that one of us stayed at home for the children.  All families are different, but for ours, this is what we value. 

So, this past week, I wanted to be more intentional with my kids.  I wanted to spend quality time with them, whether it was taking walks, riding bikes, or going on outings.  Thank goodness for my iphone because without the iphone, I don't think I would have any pictures of my kids.  I barely remember my keys, but I never forget my phone!  It's sad that I need to remember to do this because I feel like I should be like this all the time because they grow up so fast.  But, at the end of the day, I just need to ask myself, "Did I love my children and did they feel loved today?"  If the answer's yes, then it was a good day.

Here's what we've been up to:

Taking bike rides and walks around our complex.  That's my daughter's "Smile" face.

This picture cracks me up. 

We visited a children's museum with a new dinosaur exhibit since my son thinks he's a paleontologist.  My daughter was more into dressing up in the museum's dress up gear.

 



And she likes dressing up at home.

 My son got a haircut.  He looks like such a big boy now. :(  Excuse the mess in the background.

 

 

Jonah visited the dentist for the first time.  Pediatric dentists really make it a great experience for the kids now! Jonah loved it!

 Sometimes, being a mom, and particularly a stay-at-home mom becomes mundane in a way.  Raising kids, keeping up the house, feeding your husband all seems just part of a routine and mundane.  But, what a great blessing it is to be able to actually raise your children and watch them grow!  I need to remember this more often so I don't get myself stuck in so many "ruts."  Anyone else feel this way? 

Thanks for reading!

Vintage Puzzles

I love puzzles as an educational, fun, and QUIET activity for my kids.  Right now, I'm actually writing this post while my son is finishing up a giant dinosaur floor puzzle and my daughter is napping.  Jonah feels such a sense of accomplishment after he puts an entire puzzle together.  Little does he know what a great workout for his brain these things are! 

With my little toddler daughter, I have been trying to expose her to more and more puzzles, and I love wooden ones for her age.  Here are some I found on Etsy that I'm considering buying.

This eco-friendly puzzle (not vintage, but still earth friendly)  would actually be great for both of my kids!  It develops fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition among so many other skills!  You can also balance the pieces!  Find it here.

I'm pretty sure I remember putting this puzzle together as a kid. This is probably more appropriate for 3rd-4th graders, but I always like exposing my kids to many new ideas and concepts at an early age. Find this here.

Jessie is currently learning animal sounds and the names of animals and this would be perfect for her age right now!  Find it here.

I love this puzzle because it shows what goes on inside the buildings!  I can see both of my kids having fun with this puzzle.  I'm just afraid they would fight over it. But then again, they argue over anything, right?  Find this one here.

Do your kids like puzzles?  What are some puzzles that your kids like to do?  Any recommendations appreciated!

Keepin' It Interesting

While trying to get my new vintage kids shop opened, along with the facebook, twitter, and this blog,  I've also been trying to take care of two sick kids.  I tried so hard to prevent the 2nd getting sick from the 1st, but it was useless.  So, tired me + 2 tired sick kids= an interesting, tough week.  We usually go out, but opted for at-home activities instead.  That turned out more difficult than I thought.  Being at home with kids all day really tries anyone's patience. 

There are days where I think I'm going to go crazy, but then there's that one moment where one, or both of your kids do something that cracks you up and melts your heart.  That's when you realize life is good and there are far worse things in the world than being tired or having sick kids.  It's a great reminder that I need to be more patient and kind to these munchkins.  They test me, but they are truly a gift from God and I feel blessed to be their moms and watch them grow. 

The above picture captures what I mean.  Trying to occupy two sick kids at home for several days can really drive everyone a little crazy.  Look at my son.  This was after a morning of painting, puzzles, and singing along to music.  Being 3 1/2, he still has so much energy, so he decided to hang off the couch while I played with the snotty younger one.  (Snotty as in she has major snot coming out of her nose.)  I initially became annoyed that he seemed bored again, but after looking at this picture, I had to chuckle.  It's just cute and he's such a kid.  I love them both and they definitely keep life interesting.  I think as moms, especially stay-at-home moms, we tend to think that our daily routine becomes mundane and we forget the value of being able to watch our kids grow and care for them.  Also, with kids, nothing is entirely predictable and they definitely keep life interesting.

By the way, painting and puzzles are great, affordable and enriching activities a parent can do with the child!  Just an idea!

Thanks for reading!