Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Eric Carle
Last weekend, we headed north. In my blog surfing I had come across one of the coolest things ever... The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Can I just express my joy a little? Woohoo! Pictures! I love picture books. My favorite section at any bookstore is still the children's section. I have such great memories of books from growing up and I love to be reminded of them and to think about which might be good memories for my babies. Needless to say, the museum went on the "must-visit-before-leaving-New-England" list. When I saw that they had both The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the work of Virginia Lee Burton on display, a more prompt visit became necessary. :-)
So, Saturday we loaded the kids up and headed to Massachusetts. I was impressed as soon as we got there - the building is beautiful! It's modern and very white, but there was a lot of light in the main hall which made it very inviting. Also in the main hall are 4 very large color pattern paintings by Eric Carle. This is where we first got to reinforce the "Look with your eyes" rule (we had gone over the 2 rules in the car - "look with your eyes" and "stay safe"). I can't say I blame them for wanting to touch... the texture was soooo rich! Clara went up to the blue one and said "Look mama! Fish!" Then we entered the galleries... that was a little rough. The kids weren't really interested in what was on the walls, but fortunately there were some small activities and books by the artists in the area. I made Connor pick his favorites... something he's beginning to roll his eyes at, but at least it gets him to stop "going" for a moment and look around. We passed through the galleries fairly quickly with the kiddos, but Michael and I each went back through so we could really look.
Next we headed out into the orchard. Thank goodness the woman at the front desk suggested a run through the trees... it was just what Connor and Clara needed!
After the fresh air, we headed in to the art studio. Kids (and mommies) get to make art like the art they just saw on the walls. How cool is that?! The day we visited we got to make a tissue paper collage. It was very cool. We were given watercolor paper and the rest of the supplies were on the table. You begin by painting liquid starch onto your paper. Then you lay down a piece of tissue paper and paint over it with the starch. Clara loved using the paintbrush to lay on the starch. Connor was *gasp* a little distracted, so he threw down a few pieces of tissue and then went to play with the toys (and other kids) in the corner.
I did a run through of the shop... I told myself before going in that I would only buy something if it was very special. Well, there was so much special I didn't buy anything anyway! :-)
After that we headed home... well, after a trip to Arby's!
For your viewing pleasure, here is Eric Carle talking about The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
So, Saturday we loaded the kids up and headed to Massachusetts. I was impressed as soon as we got there - the building is beautiful! It's modern and very white, but there was a lot of light in the main hall which made it very inviting. Also in the main hall are 4 very large color pattern paintings by Eric Carle. This is where we first got to reinforce the "Look with your eyes" rule (we had gone over the 2 rules in the car - "look with your eyes" and "stay safe"). I can't say I blame them for wanting to touch... the texture was soooo rich! Clara went up to the blue one and said "Look mama! Fish!" Then we entered the galleries... that was a little rough. The kids weren't really interested in what was on the walls, but fortunately there were some small activities and books by the artists in the area. I made Connor pick his favorites... something he's beginning to roll his eyes at, but at least it gets him to stop "going" for a moment and look around. We passed through the galleries fairly quickly with the kiddos, but Michael and I each went back through so we could really look.
Next we headed out into the orchard. Thank goodness the woman at the front desk suggested a run through the trees... it was just what Connor and Clara needed!
After the fresh air, we headed in to the art studio. Kids (and mommies) get to make art like the art they just saw on the walls. How cool is that?! The day we visited we got to make a tissue paper collage. It was very cool. We were given watercolor paper and the rest of the supplies were on the table. You begin by painting liquid starch onto your paper. Then you lay down a piece of tissue paper and paint over it with the starch. Clara loved using the paintbrush to lay on the starch. Connor was *gasp* a little distracted, so he threw down a few pieces of tissue and then went to play with the toys (and other kids) in the corner.
I did a run through of the shop... I told myself before going in that I would only buy something if it was very special. Well, there was so much special I didn't buy anything anyway! :-)
After that we headed home... well, after a trip to Arby's!
For your viewing pleasure, here is Eric Carle talking about The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
You Hold Me Now - Hillsong United
VERSE 1:
On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace
All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where Your love is all I need
And forever I am free
PRE CHORUS 1:
Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone
CHORUS:
No weeping no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now
You hold me now
VERSE 2:
In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing theres a greater day
Theres a hope that never fails
Where Your Name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
Im believing for the day
PRE CHORUS 2:
Where the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone
BRIDGE:
For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your Name
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Clara at 3
Holy Cow! My baby is 3!
I still remember her as a tiny little thing. In this picture she is about 2 weeks old. She was a very awake and aware baby. And very easy...
At three, Clara is a very bright little girl. Her teachers at school love her and comment on how "sharp" she is. Her favorite thing is playing outside, followed closely by dressing up in her princess dress and taking care of her babies.
She's not much of an eater... a little more picky than her brother, but she LOVES vegetables. I know! Strange child! She frequently requests that I make broccoli. She also likes "macky-oni and cheese" and "dog corns". :-D
Clara has a bit of a stubborn streak. She's still surprised by not getting her way and can throw a good tantrum. We're still figuring out what works as far as discipline for her. When she's really mad, you can just see her brain clicking away...
She sings continuously, often making up her own songs. She stomps any bug she sees. Sometimes I jokingly tell Connor to get his sister to "take care" of that spider for him, and he does! And she will!
I love my little Bean!
I still remember her as a tiny little thing. In this picture she is about 2 weeks old. She was a very awake and aware baby. And very easy...
At three, Clara is a very bright little girl. Her teachers at school love her and comment on how "sharp" she is. Her favorite thing is playing outside, followed closely by dressing up in her princess dress and taking care of her babies.
She's not much of an eater... a little more picky than her brother, but she LOVES vegetables. I know! Strange child! She frequently requests that I make broccoli. She also likes "macky-oni and cheese" and "dog corns". :-D
Clara has a bit of a stubborn streak. She's still surprised by not getting her way and can throw a good tantrum. We're still figuring out what works as far as discipline for her. When she's really mad, you can just see her brain clicking away...
She sings continuously, often making up her own songs. She stomps any bug she sees. Sometimes I jokingly tell Connor to get his sister to "take care" of that spider for him, and he does! And she will!
I love my little Bean!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
All the Outdoors
Holy cow it was glorious here today. Bee-U-Tee-Full! And "warm". You know, I think we reached 60 today. Actually, that was perfect.
As it was forecast to be so lovely, I made plans to hit up the local nature center with the chill'uns. Best decisions I have ever made! We had such a wonderful day. And after the last two weeks, Connor needed even an ok day, so a good day was fabulous!
The last time we went to the nature center was a year ago. Boy does a year make a difference. There was no whining. I didn't carry Clara at all. There was no running around crazy without listening to mom. Yay!
I showed Connor how the trails were marked and then he led the way (with just a little guidance and a few reminders to look ahead for the next blaze). He enjoyed climbing the rocks. When I asked him what his favorite part of the trip was he said "I just like walking." Clara happily hung out in the middle. She's a little collector... she found all kinds of cool little pine cones and nuts. She even stuck a little moss in her pocket. Near the end of our trek, I kept waiting for her to be tired of walking, but she just walked along singing little songs to herself. Did I mention that it was a great day?
As it was forecast to be so lovely, I made plans to hit up the local nature center with the chill'uns. Best decisions I have ever made! We had such a wonderful day. And after the last two weeks, Connor needed even an ok day, so a good day was fabulous!
The last time we went to the nature center was a year ago. Boy does a year make a difference. There was no whining. I didn't carry Clara at all. There was no running around crazy without listening to mom. Yay!
I showed Connor how the trails were marked and then he led the way (with just a little guidance and a few reminders to look ahead for the next blaze). He enjoyed climbing the rocks. When I asked him what his favorite part of the trip was he said "I just like walking." Clara happily hung out in the middle. She's a little collector... she found all kinds of cool little pine cones and nuts. She even stuck a little moss in her pocket. Near the end of our trek, I kept waiting for her to be tired of walking, but she just walked along singing little songs to herself. Did I mention that it was a great day?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I'm Being Social
Aren't you proud of me? My bestist friend just moved and left me all alone (hehehe) so I've been a little loney. After about a week of just me time, I realized I need to meet some more people. So my social-phobic little self got out of the house and went to a few things. It was good. I just really need to get over my stupid anxiety. And I need to not be afraid to jump into a conversation. And ask questions. And just talk in general.
I'm still confussed over how I'm so totally cool to be in front of a large group, but a small group just petrifies me. One day maybe I'll figure it out. :-)
I'm still confussed over how I'm so totally cool to be in front of a large group, but a small group just petrifies me. One day maybe I'll figure it out. :-)
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