Book Review: Yummy Yucky

I have always loved reading and I aim to pass that love of books onto my girls. There are lots of great resources out there to learn ways to make reading fun for kids but I think one of the most important is to just spend time every day reading with your kids. I have been falling a little short on this lately so I thought that doing little reviews on the blog might help motivate me to get back into the habit of sharing books with the girls. We will just see how it goes. This first one is going to be simple!


Yummy Yucky, by Leslie Patricelli, is one of our favorite board books. It was given to Sydney as a gift a few years ago from Courtney. I love that it is simple both in words and pictures, making it easy to flip through the pages with an infant who is not too interested in reading yet. Plus, it is a funny way to teach a toddler about what's ok to taste and what is definitely yucky, like the trash can and blue crayons. Look for it at your local library or purchase it for lots of giggles with your toddler.

Valentine Paper Hearts

Sydney made these paper heart garlands to hang in the front window for Valentine's Day. It was inspired from Marta's beautiful and sophisticated version. It was so beautiful and I knew instantly that Sydney would love all the hearts in the window.


First, we collected papers from Mommy's stash in reds, pinks, and blacks, scissors, tape, and string (or in our case pink embroidery thread). Because Sydney is still learning to cut I thought she could use a little help with the heart shape so I just gave her some heart-shaped cookie cutters to use as templates. They worked perfect because they are nice and large for her to hold on to as she traced and after a few hearts she was cutting away confidently without the 'template'.


Meanwhile, I prepared seven lengths of string that would hang in the window. Once Sydney had a good stack of hearts she taped them onto the strings.



Finally, we hung them up.


I think they look great...especially with all that rain on the other side of the window.

Favorite Things: Bike rides

This year I would like to really take notice of the blessings in my life: those small things that make my day/week/month special yet so easily get overlooked. Of course, the first one is related to my two sweet girls!

Sydney received a bike for Christmas so we have been out practicing often. So far she is the only bike owner in the family so 'bike rides' is sort of misleading. Usually, Sydney rides her bike and I walk beside her with Violet. Although, lately much more running is involved. On weekends we are joined by Shane for little family outings around the neighborhood.

2009

It is hard to believe that 2009 is already gone. I am not one to sit and reminiscence (at least not out in public on the blog) but this year has been a big one. I have been so blessed! Just a few of the things on my mind are:

- The three of us becoming the four of us!

- Learning that my second baby is so much different then my first and yet somehow her small fingers, her smell, her habits, and her smile seem so familiar.

- Celebrating five years with the man I love.

- Watching Sydney become a huge Star Wars fan (just like her Dad).

- Developing close friendships is always worth the time! I have not always had really close friends, you know the ones that you instantly call if anything significant happens. :)

- Watching the progression of Shane's artistic ability (whether he wants to admit it or not).

- Realizing it has been 10 years since I graduated high school and I am not as young as I sometimes think I am. haha

Of course, the beginning of a year always gets me thinking of what I want to change or improve upon. This year I am looking forward to:

- Violet turning one: the first steps, the first words, and her personality emerging a little more.

- Sydney turning five and starting kindergarten.

- The release of two films Shane has worked on in one year!

- Spending more time with my favorite three people. I am hoping to spend more time outdoors: biking, hiking, etc.

- Creating more. And hopefully sharing more here in the process. I am making a list of projects I want to try. This also includes my longing to make more of the gifts we give this year.

Mostly, I feel excited to see what God has in store for me and my family this year. I know that whatever the highs and lows He will always be by my side through it all. I pray each of us is acutely aware of His providence this year! May you each be blessed in 2010.