Everyday Life

Laney and Mattie at the music table. I was getting ready in our bathroom, so I moved the music table and the girls into our bedroom to play while I dried my hair. I loved seeing them play together. Laney CANNOT WAIT for Mattie to play with her.

Laney was teaching Mattie how to play with this toy. Look at how hard Mattie is concentrating.

Laney had just woken from her nap and all she wanted to do was lay beside Mattie and play with her. Laney loves Mattie so much and when Mattie is sleeping, Laney asks me where she is. Precious.


Mattie is reading her book from Nana. Nana gave both of the girls these Hallmark books called "All The Ways I Love You" and it records and plays her voice reading the book. Super cool gift! The girls love them!


Laney loves the draw, stamp, color, create and build these days. Here we are making a birthday card for Liz, my college roommate.


She built a tower out of her stamps as if they were blocks. It's these types of activities we desire to see our girls partake in rather than long hours of t.v. shows. Don't get me wrong, my girl Laney LOVES to watch t.v., but we have to limit her t.v. watching or else she'd watch it all day. She gets captivated by the tv to the point that she doesn't even hear us calling her name over and over to get her attention. I set the timer if we're watching a longer movie and when it goes off, she knows it's time to stop. In fact, sometimes she wants to turn the tv off and gets upset if I turn it off first. Ha! Some days, I really have to fight my desire to just "turn on the tv," because when I'm tired, I crave "me time", but I always bring myself back to what I desire our family life to be like and what I want her to remember from her childhood, and I desire their childhood to be full of creativity, fun, and challenge to think outside the box. If Hugh has been gone for long periods of time at work or if it's been rainy/cold and Laney is about to explode with energy, then by all means, the tv is our friend! :) I do a little bit of both. Her fav shows are: The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets, Hermie, Dora, Nemo, etc.. The Backyardigans take first prize though.

Hugh loves the Olympics, so we've had the tv on more frequently lately, which has been SO fun to watch as a family. But normally, we don't have the t.v. on for background noise for several reasons. For starters, I just don't like for a tv to be on constantly. I'd rather listen to music. Secondly, we can't censor commercials or any shows that are being broadcast on tv. And thirdly, we want to foster an environment for creative thinking and learning via puzzles, blocks, pretend play, books, stamps, etc... The other day Laney saw me sewing, and she was all about "sewing with Mommy." She jumped up beside me and started to dig into my sewing bag, pulling out tape measures, thread, etc..and asking me what was each thing. It was so fun to see her so excited to do something I so enjoy. :) I love having little girls. I love my everyday life.