Creative Day

So Ajay and I had lots of fun today fingerpainting and working on his fine motor skills with a pasta and bowl activity! He's such a doll, and Lily is loving helping him learn. She is so nurturing, and with his having a big brother, the stimulation and example are perfect for him!

James and Jackson also had fun fingerpainting this afternoon when we got home from preschool. We decorated telescopes and had tons of fun looking at each other through them!

Next, we took turns putting on puppet shows for each other, and I'm so glad he has an interest in dramatic play... because I sure do!

After a long day it was great to come home, enjoy a brisk walk with Ares, and sit down to a nice dinner with my wonderful man and lovely little girl. We're working our way through an Aladdin book, and Lily can't wait to see what happens next to Jasmine and her tiger!

Finishing up some late night homework and lesson plans now, and then I'm off to mail a painting Lily did to her Gigi in Tennessee.

Goodnight all!

Milestones!

Jackson is crawling now!

I am not sure what made everything click for him, but Saturday morning he decided it was time, and now he's just cruising around everywhere! I'm so excited! I love watching the milestones that little ones go through. They do so much growing and changing so quickly! It is simply amazing!

Lily and I had a great time at Grandma's house today, and Lily got some quality time playing while I went for my yearly eye exam. We played soccer outside, chased butterflies, and she listened in rapture as I told her the story of Rumpelstiltskin.

My cousin, Sairsha (Gaelic "Saiorse" meaning freedom), is having a fundraiser for her school, and I think I'm going to get a book instead of a magazine subscription as I normally do. It is all about cooking seasonally and light, and not only will I be making healthy meals, but I will learn about seasonal fruits and vegetables, so it'll definitely help my budget!

I can't wait to get it in the mail!

Anyway, off to bed for me! Okay, I admit it... I'm in the middle of a superb book that I can't put down! I have to see what happens next!

Night night!

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Success!

James and I had a great time making the cookies, and I'm so glad he loved them! Using whole wheat flour is a little thicker and heavier so sometimes it takes some getting used to. However, next weekend, I think we'll make some yummy chocolate chip cookies with all-purpose white flour (because they wouldn't be classic cookies without it!) for our Saturday night treat! Jackson thought we were hilarious measuring everything out and mixing in front of him  :p

This week is a busy busy busy one! Finalizing my classes for this term with my mentor and getting them started, and I've just begun Creative Play classes for those parents who just want to add a little fun into the day!

Check it out!

I'm excited!!

:)

Cookies Tonight!

Tonight James and I are going to make some oh-so-yummy cookies for dessert! I am so excited! I've had this healthy sugar cookie recipe sitting in my recipe box for a little while now, and I just recently remembered about it. 

James and I are going to be busy mixing it up in the kitchen, and I'm going to set some aside without milk or eggs for Jackson to explore, as well!

My recipe is for healthy sugar cookies made with whole wheat flour, I use a milk alternative (nonfat works too), and a sugar alternative. I have not had them in a while, and I hope my lovelies really enjoy them!

Healthy Sugar Cookies

You'll need:

whole wheat flour

baking powder

baking soda

salt

low fat unsalted margarine

sugar alternative

egg whites

nonfat, almond, or soy milk

lemon juice

1.  Mix 2 cups of whole wheat flour with teaspoon of baking soda. Add and mix in a half teaspoon of salt and a cup of sugar alternative. Make sure that you sift and mix these well.

2.  Now fold in half a cup of low fat unsalted margarine. Make sure to mix this in well so your dough has an even consistency.

3.  Next mix in two egg whites, on tablespoon of nonfat milk (I like soy or almond milk, too), and a half teaspoon of lemon juice.

4.  Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

5.  Roll dough into small circles and place 2 inches apart or roll flat and use a cookie cutter to get special shapes.

6.  Bake 10 minutes or until pale brown on the sides.

7.  Remove from cookie sheet and cool. Enjoy!

Beach Fun!

Today we just got back from an impromptu beach trip over the weekend. Both my and Matt's schedules were free this weekend, and opportunity knocked! We delivered furniture to Matt's brother and his family, got some really cute new furniture for Lily's new bedroom in return, and spent an amazing weekend with family at the beach!

I can't wait for Christmas this year when all the family is in town!

Lily, Matt, and I had a blast looking for seashells, telling stories about the whales and the sharks she just couldn't get enough of, and chasing the breaking surf! She was in awe of the sea foam!  :P This picture was taken when we made a quick stop at the beach before going with the boys to surf later that afternoon. Sooo much fun!

... but I'm secretly really glad to be home again :)  Off to curl up with the book Aunt Martha loaned me and drift off to sleep...

Negotiations have begun!

This week has been sooo crazy! I feel like I've been up and down and spun around every which way, and luckily, most of it is good! I've begun negotiations with a wonderful family in my area in the evenings on Monday through Saturday! I'm so excited to have the opportunity to become a part of their family, and I can't wait to start.

In the meantime, I'm looking for a preschool environment a few days a week for Lily to attend. This will give me a break during the week to keep up with my schoolwork and candle company, but it will also give her some much needed socialization time (though we do frequent the park and our roommate's daughter is the same age) and some academic focus with other children her age. I may also look for a morning position a few days a week, and I'm still keeping my options open for that.

Thank you to everyone for making this birthday wonderful! I got so many great birthday wishes that really made my day, and I'm already learning how to operate my new sewing machine, a complete surprise gift from my family! I'm having a blast already!

Love to all!

Where is that sock's mate?

Why is it there is always at least one sock without its mate in ever load? I try really hard to make sure I only wash pairs, but there is always one that slips through. Where am I supposed to put it until the next load comes through?!  : p

Obviously, I matched socks today. I've also spent today cleaning up dog throw up. Topped my yuck-o-meter! Apparently, Lily thought it was okay to let Ares smell her bottom cream. He only got a nibble as I was only a few feet away filling up his food and water bowls, but it definitely didn't agree with him. Monitoring all day, and he seems to be fine now.

After naptime we're off to the park! Ares can run off some energy and Lily can throw the ball with him! Dinner with the in-law-ishs tonight :) I can't wait for Michelle's yummy cooking!