tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33741532679992435552024-03-13T20:36:39.836-07:00Bounce Me to the MoonA geeky family's quest to reach the moon of simple, crunchy, mismatched, and crafty happiness.Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-17163261427686830862011-05-25T06:24:00.000-07:002011-05-26T06:19:55.437-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Dino Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgApWPwOpg2bExSLB8fI_g5HidzWgwzND3QfMDQ669nlwmumttavy1zFtmQHTPC4OccRlMm7R6hs0ds0FHCQjmIVE_RJbGWC9u_3V5xr4D3vK9GL230rZ7wU8_DlSuVOPzyYaMXjCeMqf3/s1600/SNV31907+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgApWPwOpg2bExSLB8fI_g5HidzWgwzND3QfMDQ669nlwmumttavy1zFtmQHTPC4OccRlMm7R6hs0ds0FHCQjmIVE_RJbGWC9u_3V5xr4D3vK9GL230rZ7wU8_DlSuVOPzyYaMXjCeMqf3/s320/SNV31907+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhHk32r3nLbBXPczl-hKijSoNqbXI4D_m-xKT9fLMdTTR4fPIox_B6PnEtO2ZikPqNjzXY1LUbUvHbxOUoNAxWqLFu6x0ZKBMfuIuZ5PVv7kfN5aWiLAfQnd4FhcDjWIJEOhqv6vI42QN/s1600/SNV31963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhHk32r3nLbBXPczl-hKijSoNqbXI4D_m-xKT9fLMdTTR4fPIox_B6PnEtO2ZikPqNjzXY1LUbUvHbxOUoNAxWqLFu6x0ZKBMfuIuZ5PVv7kfN5aWiLAfQnd4FhcDjWIJEOhqv6vI42QN/s320/SNV31963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsaMqhEgOtJHfMpNICyNdrEwUzhCYr9HDrcSqtB8vEC9H_Ox-Of-mKIn7cS01j6BLkq0fc30iYM9VEYE7llejgjeQrVXAK1Tj49ZNQkE8muEg73ASZbumToz7AThcEs4pvj8rD1SsVBxI/s1600/SNV31956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsaMqhEgOtJHfMpNICyNdrEwUzhCYr9HDrcSqtB8vEC9H_Ox-Of-mKIn7cS01j6BLkq0fc30iYM9VEYE7llejgjeQrVXAK1Tj49ZNQkE8muEg73ASZbumToz7AThcEs4pvj8rD1SsVBxI/s320/SNV31956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-79585315451510603672011-05-24T08:21:00.000-07:002011-05-24T08:21:00.780-07:00Tot School Tuesday : Wood balls, playing in dirt, picnic, colored ice, and exploring the grass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bDha-6qjIRZGvzCJb_jhCL-ANZkxxhpby5e3E_bx4ti4lYAZwtcEh4soapqVY8hNL8XtmSYl7ndO95LXd1sIscljW3zUKzynvMAZ8EervRBkziCiOC-GHGqej0emGLRzWPhW1Nf3dx1y/s1600/SNV31800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bDha-6qjIRZGvzCJb_jhCL-ANZkxxhpby5e3E_bx4ti4lYAZwtcEh4soapqVY8hNL8XtmSYl7ndO95LXd1sIscljW3zUKzynvMAZ8EervRBkziCiOC-GHGqej0emGLRzWPhW1Nf3dx1y/s320/SNV31800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbsZML_k2qL5-QWuXhVh-Ycfps2X-ANU7jCQPgof6VG_GB5_HtT0pm-4nau6jUqLQBRKzKZHJ9zlDzRU2-9j2wNmf5_AKpLqUloTVhl2rdyGCAQ8X00ZGzMbrmv7n090OwM1Nc22WyRbe/s1600/SNV31802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbsZML_k2qL5-QWuXhVh-Ycfps2X-ANU7jCQPgof6VG_GB5_HtT0pm-4nau6jUqLQBRKzKZHJ9zlDzRU2-9j2wNmf5_AKpLqUloTVhl2rdyGCAQ8X00ZGzMbrmv7n090OwM1Nc22WyRbe/s320/SNV31802.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of Blips favorite toys is his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00478Q5Z0/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0040H6H88&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VH5XM1FM0YAQHY4VP6M">pound and roll bench by kids kraft.</a> This is a great wooden toy that is actually made local for us! We do so much with this toy, this week Blip has been obsessed with setting the balls in the holes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">********************************* </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy03Clo02zb9eNsMDbrot_jDXXBq5i6Ii1YEmBmSbIaeaLxAOAUL9xjZOfuwMm_UrMyjn0Oaz9TpDntijsQfyrOFHK-_LdOgUFdTJbrsN7cXoSV7R5lP-N8vGzHrq0s8YdNidE8xwpxClC/s1600/SNV31977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy03Clo02zb9eNsMDbrot_jDXXBq5i6Ii1YEmBmSbIaeaLxAOAUL9xjZOfuwMm_UrMyjn0Oaz9TpDntijsQfyrOFHK-_LdOgUFdTJbrsN7cXoSV7R5lP-N8vGzHrq0s8YdNidE8xwpxClC/s320/SNV31977.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took Blip to a local garden to explore some really nice green grass. He seemed to think it was interesting, but kept trying to walk on his hands and feet instead of crawl, I don't think he knew what to think about the fluffy green grass that is so much longer then ours.At his age experiencing new things is the most important thing I feel I can give him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevI9-X6mRssMSQcnA2hJMRf6YXms8DMAq2l3qTldNNkkSpDSSW9wtLKwTZU0ir7pQuHFVeT1VHItDMEGt_imAhEkPv9vHpudeFRjrjesS_uPCYHjEGC_eDCZATooIOg6TrGbgmLA10gt5/s1600/SNV31657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevI9-X6mRssMSQcnA2hJMRf6YXms8DMAq2l3qTldNNkkSpDSSW9wtLKwTZU0ir7pQuHFVeT1VHItDMEGt_imAhEkPv9vHpudeFRjrjesS_uPCYHjEGC_eDCZATooIOg6TrGbgmLA10gt5/s320/SNV31657.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I set up a big pot of soil while we were planting our new seed for Blip to explore. I am all for kiddos getting dirty and thought this would be a fun sensory activity. Blip dug right in. I was afraid it would be a constant battle to keep him from eating it, but he only tried to once and after that seemed content to just feel the soil and play. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwKyZsLcLevE2oX1iZyXn6jderlvhM4abu2uKXt__mD16MLwYRSOFxch1LDda8BDV2D0_GvBl-c3eYC4LvWTYS2fP5IJQT1XrrcVI1g78Uo1RMUF7x-O4J_W_d2rpy7YBULo-Mn0MJdgb/s320/SNV31733.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We also took Blip to the duck pond for a picnic and a walk. He was fascinated with he ducks, he loves animals. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Vy0gaWCKFGtW-QuLKl9AeryiLeXXhQWaIRfj720n0FMc6Mk8RvuLHN6MhTiCdEkyyWe8JdrbcvRkTxaHkXooGJpmZ3GSGuI44VRhlEBYgC2gbsZ2r5sITgq4KPhEyUTVyMFWJn9yVaw/s1600/SNV31736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Vy0gaWCKFGtW-QuLKl9AeryiLeXXhQWaIRfj720n0FMc6Mk8RvuLHN6MhTiCdEkyyWe8JdrbcvRkTxaHkXooGJpmZ3GSGuI44VRhlEBYgC2gbsZ2r5sITgq4KPhEyUTVyMFWJn9yVaw/s320/SNV31736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blip stole my fork so I put some watermelon on it for him to nibble on. He always gets a kick out of things like this. We love picnics in this family, Blip loves the chance to play on the ground while munching fruit and we love being outside and the play time meets meal time it brings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BrIW8s_5lZUdtEQa4AYVHfCPmtrH9WI1_8kIf0zWKIGWpIC1elW3yXm-3UxWAQBswW0HbrRamM-ouhe-hTZjUbJFNMGmZ0I02Aeki-GOlZqH4W0t2C5vpdaIpnKHE2odfg9cZjDTkZYZ/s1600/SNV31752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BrIW8s_5lZUdtEQa4AYVHfCPmtrH9WI1_8kIf0zWKIGWpIC1elW3yXm-3UxWAQBswW0HbrRamM-ouhe-hTZjUbJFNMGmZ0I02Aeki-GOlZqH4W0t2C5vpdaIpnKHE2odfg9cZjDTkZYZ/s320/SNV31752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gus and I pointed out all the great things to see at the pond. Gus and Blip enjoyed lots of snuggles and we took a nature walk. Blip rode on Gus's shoulders and occasionally got to reach out and feel leaves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> His favorite activity was painting with <a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2011/05/funny-fantastical-activity-friday_20.html">colored ice</a> </span><span style="font-size: small;">we talked about Friday! This is such a fun activity that we will defiantly be doing lots this summer! Check it out!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> As always you can see more Tot School by doing a click click! </span></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-3912484696367591162011-05-23T06:52:00.000-07:002011-05-23T06:52:17.251-07:00Muffin Tin Monday: Bugs In the Garden<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/search/label/Muffin%20Tin%20Monday" target="_blank"><img alt="Muffin Tin Monday at Muffintinmom.com" border="0" height="320" src="http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt151/vistamommy/MTM125Button.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURJg3uRhyHtnoo2_zR6OAXbDfJw0oyyN9oJsVszM4V-ciYgUxGipW77R-JcSVlIxKKY19J_GmlwPF-9lLJLc12y8-53O0Puj41pVLWHh_oeFhr7GVDd0abqu7PaPv53vmx0krmoEF2j6A/s1600/SNV31788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>This week we played in the dirt a bit, then we ate bugs! Not the crunchy black beetles, instead we had the culinary delight of pear beetles . YUM YUM YUM!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURJg3uRhyHtnoo2_zR6OAXbDfJw0oyyN9oJsVszM4V-ciYgUxGipW77R-JcSVlIxKKY19J_GmlwPF-9lLJLc12y8-53O0Puj41pVLWHh_oeFhr7GVDd0abqu7PaPv53vmx0krmoEF2j6A/s1600/SNV31788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURJg3uRhyHtnoo2_zR6OAXbDfJw0oyyN9oJsVszM4V-ciYgUxGipW77R-JcSVlIxKKY19J_GmlwPF-9lLJLc12y8-53O0Puj41pVLWHh_oeFhr7GVDd0abqu7PaPv53vmx0krmoEF2j6A/s320/SNV31788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to use my vintage corn bread pan this week. I like the shallow little textured corn theme compartmnets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">((From left to right))</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Grass and weeds made from celery and artichokes. </li>
<li>Hummus and whole grain crackers </li>
<li>Ant made from pears (cut in circles), dried cranberry eyes, tiny celery slivers for legs</li>
<li>A tiny bit of applesauce and a spoon</li>
<li>Beetle made from pears, held together with peanut-butter, with dried cranberry as spots and eyes</li>
<li>Applesauce with floating strawberry, watermelon, and pear flower. </li>
<li>Another watermelon and strawberry flower with pear steam.also wanted to stem.</li>
</ul>I also wanted to point out that last week I somehow managed to forget my button on top of my post. No one noticed, but I feel a bit bad. To make up for it I'm reminding all my readers to give the button a little clicky and see all the other great muffin tins meals, and of course all the great post by the Muffin Tin Mom herself! <br />
<ul></ul>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-24812676770793280032011-05-20T02:05:00.000-07:002011-05-20T02:05:00.192-07:00Funny Fantastical Activity Friday: Colored Ice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMnQwDg471D7WOyQaKlP6zFFodkpoybwRDuUyuv22QQ-kFWE8VI-1AGRHLw3qijwJABr4J5clw0MdtbsPvb6ISlJyJjt-efcfmZnhBz2aftu1A9DnUhcuLu3PFipJlprVQba__4UwBzkw/s1600/SNV31567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMnQwDg471D7WOyQaKlP6zFFodkpoybwRDuUyuv22QQ-kFWE8VI-1AGRHLw3qijwJABr4J5clw0MdtbsPvb6ISlJyJjt-efcfmZnhBz2aftu1A9DnUhcuLu3PFipJlprVQba__4UwBzkw/s320/SNV31567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Spring is slowly starting to warm up and invite us outside into the breezy daylight. Blip and I have been spending tons of time outside on the porch, winter seems like a distant dream.<br />
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Speaking of dreams, I dream about the day he decides that paint is not a good thing to eat so we can spend long afternoons finger painting in the sun. In the mean time I have been brainstorming some fun ways of doing little art type projects with a little one who is still very mouthy. Besides the yogurt and colored pudding ideas that many suggested I was coming up thin before I considered just coloring water.<br />
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The water seemed easy and less toxic then paint. It also seemed less likely to just be ate up like yogurt would be. I brain stormed this idea further: should I use a paint brush or show him how to spill it onto paper? Then one day as I made ice it hit me that we could paint with colored ice.<br />
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Right away I pulled out the food coloring and got to work dropping the bright colors into the water, making vibrant hues of water. It felt like forever before the trays were full of very solid and addorbly colorful ice cubes. I grabed Blip, a bowl, and some paper and we ran outside!<br />
I took his onsie off so they would not get stained (for the record the colored water that melted from the ice washed right out of his cloth diaper) and we set to work. One by one we pulled out the ice cubes, he giggled when I ran the cold colors over his leg to show him what cold felt like. We then set the ice on the paper and I showed him how to move the ice so colors spread all over like water color. To my surprise he picked up on this quick and copied me, I don't give him enough credit, our little kiddos pick up on things so quick! <br />
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After a bit we started throwing some colors in the bowl to watch them melt. The colors will run together, I can only imagine that this would be a great way of teaching preschoolers about mixing colors!<br />
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We ended up dumping a bunch of the cubes on the warm concrete and watching as the sun turned them to colorful puddles. Blip splashed a bit and seemed very satisfied with his toy turning into water.<br />
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I can see this game being adapted to lots of age groups, I think it will be a regular spring and summer game for many years to come! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj-i2gEcQrtlACoKt3oVz2clT55GjDbt6b99dm4bL14noG6pDFG0NirPI95Oi1bQeHpSA7StMW1qSHk8Hhap6Ilya_O7KJUYR-63h1nd-8N0Yglx7QwKa1xqnLLKFItuCUYXcTGiAnHUR/s1600/SNV31598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj-i2gEcQrtlACoKt3oVz2clT55GjDbt6b99dm4bL14noG6pDFG0NirPI95Oi1bQeHpSA7StMW1qSHk8Hhap6Ilya_O7KJUYR-63h1nd-8N0Yglx7QwKa1xqnLLKFItuCUYXcTGiAnHUR/s320/SNV31598.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-58704822443931205742011-05-18T11:10:00.000-07:002011-05-18T11:10:00.221-07:00Wordless Wednesday: My Lovely Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii39flbQuLAhzdZbBqc3HRhFKrIacay_Bk7gL6o2454bi-FqIue5Ymg0864zkES7l7CR870O53i3Y6gr_qm2xd4E4tN58jiv0rsS3lWD7Xm8rF08exqLjXmcp-r4nQBZ4PjrjuhmxfkC7y/s1600/SNV31243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii39flbQuLAhzdZbBqc3HRhFKrIacay_Bk7gL6o2454bi-FqIue5Ymg0864zkES7l7CR870O53i3Y6gr_qm2xd4E4tN58jiv0rsS3lWD7Xm8rF08exqLjXmcp-r4nQBZ4PjrjuhmxfkC7y/s320/SNV31243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP1UClVQZXEpiHX-p6oOkhkyJoeksEr_8fKUD2UyU7t-ECVKyMH_J8IJK5_2XxOocCASAeeX3g2pzJ17B3zQL-8HWy1PE1d4ngp4jY3RJLQTMivRxTEqCb65KQjJGQHf8e-oGTeY_qJn9/s1600/SNV31245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP1UClVQZXEpiHX-p6oOkhkyJoeksEr_8fKUD2UyU7t-ECVKyMH_J8IJK5_2XxOocCASAeeX3g2pzJ17B3zQL-8HWy1PE1d4ngp4jY3RJLQTMivRxTEqCb65KQjJGQHf8e-oGTeY_qJn9/s320/SNV31245.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-6060439643706457302011-05-17T06:07:00.000-07:002011-05-17T06:07:31.904-07:00Tot School Tuesday : Color Blocks, Exploring Tubberwear, Spinners, Sorting, Exploring Flowers, Smelling Salts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKKcjtc-GW22ffWvmTlRZQrH-pP0XGGs_FiGc6TCSaU-lCARgW4FQqK4UYlK6_nBE-rDQsru6d3wkf9T8Xl9kFf9LNnQ5Wa5lMXlmu5DKaI0D0V2eiHKKxxJb1UhBnb4Dsz-AaBK8uSEH/s1600/CIMG6378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKKcjtc-GW22ffWvmTlRZQrH-pP0XGGs_FiGc6TCSaU-lCARgW4FQqK4UYlK6_nBE-rDQsru6d3wkf9T8Xl9kFf9LNnQ5Wa5lMXlmu5DKaI0D0V2eiHKKxxJb1UhBnb4Dsz-AaBK8uSEH/s320/CIMG6378.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hall Shelf </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWA2-RPXi0NbVd3T5IM4pSMKkuNJt_2t59eK6IVSA5sCtK-W5A_ttePzhdIu2asMLg6iWMHQozEyQcC33nK7SwhH2eE8XU0vYg8W3HqEf9CFaaa1c20Q8xikfczYxFrwFJQpG1Tb5LsFJ/s1600/SNV31547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWA2-RPXi0NbVd3T5IM4pSMKkuNJt_2t59eK6IVSA5sCtK-W5A_ttePzhdIu2asMLg6iWMHQozEyQcC33nK7SwhH2eE8XU0vYg8W3HqEf9CFaaa1c20Q8xikfczYxFrwFJQpG1Tb5LsFJ/s320/SNV31547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week we focused on colors! The top shelf has a book accompanied by a bowl that has colorful wood blocks. One block for each color in the book: Red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The bottom shelf has two tupperware containers with lids. I choose a smaller one and a slightly bigger one so they can nest. We did so much with these: nested them, practiced opening them, put lids back on, put blocks in them, put a button in each to shake, stacked them, threw them, rolled them! He had so much fun with these little lidded bowls. The best part, we all have them! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blip did such a great job stacking the blocks! He also liked sitting the blocks in the ramekin while I told him the color of each one as they went in the bowl. Ours are all sorts of different shapes which adds to the fun. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lmcevGq-yITILlVMrNxDcJUb5R77PHgooavQGRIcuh0GH-LWQdtA7G7CpYelaEUy_ZOtnsOglxnwWJ5rm39YdNKGW_g5k_DPIC1WCeHDw1kwbfbhvd_P9nebURlCp1-RLO44iIdv13Lf/s1600/SNV31556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lmcevGq-yITILlVMrNxDcJUb5R77PHgooavQGRIcuh0GH-LWQdtA7G7CpYelaEUy_ZOtnsOglxnwWJ5rm39YdNKGW_g5k_DPIC1WCeHDw1kwbfbhvd_P9nebURlCp1-RLO44iIdv13Lf/s320/SNV31556.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I found this silly book in a back closet, it has a spinner on it. I showed Blip how to spin, he practiced while I cleaned up the lunch mess, hence the messy baby! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">************************************* </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtaPrqAS8lm6snC4C5q8LkgJlSGI_MP9YiqSp6nGs49WkgSYvsphfaCF1nhRZnbSsLH8bbwrThIjMPCryD7_aJHOUFvDWVan6SOHhXX8Q1GksSUx6wv4rZb2DwdGvoHCmhAcymyFIsg_F/s1600/SNV31538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtaPrqAS8lm6snC4C5q8LkgJlSGI_MP9YiqSp6nGs49WkgSYvsphfaCF1nhRZnbSsLH8bbwrThIjMPCryD7_aJHOUFvDWVan6SOHhXX8Q1GksSUx6wv4rZb2DwdGvoHCmhAcymyFIsg_F/s320/SNV31538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Not the best picture, our living room has horrible lighting...but this is way to cute! Gus was cleaning out our DVD drawer and Blip decided to help. He stood up next to Gus and pulled the DVD's out one by one to look at them. After he started throwing them back in. They had a lot of fun with it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">**************************************</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqke49pSgdj4VgpsnwMoFcRC4vMLOXlc-zZdcY-enJ1YtQOceLWcWGRHwojgXC0KNkcEiFxBWvvXFiPPfzsXR8KVfUzAQbivNqlhet-Oe2k84QuPpAoYBbkYXzMDHdJilN2T6zm8YI7NR/s1600/SNV31604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqke49pSgdj4VgpsnwMoFcRC4vMLOXlc-zZdcY-enJ1YtQOceLWcWGRHwojgXC0KNkcEiFxBWvvXFiPPfzsXR8KVfUzAQbivNqlhet-Oe2k84QuPpAoYBbkYXzMDHdJilN2T6zm8YI7NR/s320/SNV31604.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">We had tons of rain this week, Blip was getting cranky being inside all day. When we had a sunny day Blip, the cats, and I all went outside to play in the sun all afternoon. Blip was really fascinated with the pots of purple flowers near our side walk. Tribble hid in the flowers while Blip "hunted" her.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fMV2zJfKhSxOiJTQ34y6hSCpmaiVMc8y3kBwCD0rT58maI1qwmFdd73zjtmecn3L5buByy5I-E7MS4n013GuEJct7Ks8ij5IAzRbHQHunIldwfGmBqb281vn7CQhZNLEKlenMlFM3Qyj/s1600/SNV31607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fMV2zJfKhSxOiJTQ34y6hSCpmaiVMc8y3kBwCD0rT58maI1qwmFdd73zjtmecn3L5buByy5I-E7MS4n013GuEJct7Ks8ij5IAzRbHQHunIldwfGmBqb281vn7CQhZNLEKlenMlFM3Qyj/s320/SNV31607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I know, my kid never has a shirt on...he hates putting clothes on. But this time we have a purpose, I think it is good for him to sometimes feel the cool air and warm sun against his skin! I let him pick a flower and we explored it up close together. It is amazing how his fine moter skills are developing so fast, he actuary picked it without crushing it! </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MjJ8gxuht_lHRUd5szB04DenpkHPiG_yE3NYjnFdSM3JWexoLn8u27W8Bg57dTn15W9EY67a9JgmD2deXTLZvTwtSqqdLAdZroieZiq8XfJ5oyAvUjIGGN02yu8FWdV22SPylD10iwKz/s1600/SNV31624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MjJ8gxuht_lHRUd5szB04DenpkHPiG_yE3NYjnFdSM3JWexoLn8u27W8Bg57dTn15W9EY67a9JgmD2deXTLZvTwtSqqdLAdZroieZiq8XfJ5oyAvUjIGGN02yu8FWdV22SPylD10iwKz/s320/SNV31624.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>We chilled together for a bit in silence, just enjoying the air. Then I pointed out nearby things like cars and the grass before going in </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">***********************************************</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBob7fwM05zhYwgTKdQCFwuLAj2iA6ZDfGgJtRD4YBFuywv88yPK5v10mN_g9q4nqJIEIwk50_bv7s50xAJXQSjuYcjvGw_WamAsCN8Q4o-RSnyNu2Lwl4vnkrtJAJKnQFY-HqvtYGK5f/s1600/CIMG6382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBob7fwM05zhYwgTKdQCFwuLAj2iA6ZDfGgJtRD4YBFuywv88yPK5v10mN_g9q4nqJIEIwk50_bv7s50xAJXQSjuYcjvGw_WamAsCN8Q4o-RSnyNu2Lwl4vnkrtJAJKnQFY-HqvtYGK5f/s320/CIMG6382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> We also played <a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2011/05/funny-fantastical-activity-friday.html">the smelling salts game that I mentioned last Friday. </a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blip really enjoyed all the smells. Except we have been cup training and so a few times he wanted to drink the spices. All in all though he did great sniffing! </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0bC03L5jrtdk6TjoQXdjxRkYtO0as4tOwGgiBxQnzifQy6OCienJp_W7EbsQXBvfkvCD2_SzJ0vYa1nUgScD3hfyr1D9f8JNVGBbEfoSobtCW2XLuaPufM8VXbx4qbhhq-os2Ex20vnY/s1600/CIMG6395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0bC03L5jrtdk6TjoQXdjxRkYtO0as4tOwGgiBxQnzifQy6OCienJp_W7EbsQXBvfkvCD2_SzJ0vYa1nUgScD3hfyr1D9f8JNVGBbEfoSobtCW2XLuaPufM8VXbx4qbhhq-os2Ex20vnY/s320/CIMG6395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">He is also wanting to hand you everything now! He thinks it is so funny when you take things he is handing you! </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKKcjtc-GW22ffWvmTlRZQrH-pP0XGGs_FiGc6TCSaU-lCARgW4FQqK4UYlK6_nBE-rDQsru6d3wkf9T8Xl9kFf9LNnQ5Wa5lMXlmu5DKaI0D0V2eiHKKxxJb1UhBnb4Dsz-AaBK8uSEH/s1600/CIMG6378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKKcjtc-GW22ffWvmTlRZQrH-pP0XGGs_FiGc6TCSaU-lCARgW4FQqK4UYlK6_nBE-rDQsru6d3wkf9T8Xl9kFf9LNnQ5Wa5lMXlmu5DKaI0D0V2eiHKKxxJb1UhBnb4Dsz-AaBK8uSEH/s320/CIMG6378.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The tray we used is actually a lazy-susan that spins, once Blip figured that out he forgot all about the spices and moved on to spinning the tray. We added my phone to the tray so he could watch it go in circles when he spun the tray. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">******************************************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">((Click Click for more Tot School! ))</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" border="0" height="233" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-64483645378629211742011-05-17T01:00:00.000-07:002011-05-17T09:54:25.567-07:00Rants about Atlanta's breastfeeding restrictions. Recently I found out that <a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/news/27920007/detail.html">Atlanta is restricting public breastfeeding</a><br />
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This is a slippery slope and in my opinion I think it sends out the wrong message about breastfeeding and the human body in general! Instead of this law why not focus on every state having laws the PROTECT moms right to breastfeed?<br />
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The new recommendation is to BF tell two. I do applaud that they decided to take that into consideration when deciding on an age. But they did not take into consideration the weaning process, if we breastfeed tell 2 we may not have a child fully weaned by two! And they defiantly did not think about the right a mom has to go beyond two. I know many moms who have or are breastfeeding past two! They have very adjusted children. It is not unheard of this day and age and it is not wrong. Breastfeeding is such a personal choice and that relationship is between a mom and child. This is not about what age you find appropriate, that is an opinion someone might have but in the end you have to look at the big picture. <br />
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When we start putting laws and restrictions on breastfeeding we are sending out a message the it is dirty.<br />
Breastfeeding is NOT the same as public indecency, plain and simple. We look around every day and we see so much nudity and body parts. A proper latch will cover a good majority of breast and all nipple. And if we want to get technical a 2 year old has a bigger head then a newborn, so it will cover even more! Most moms who have breastfed this long are amazing at knowing how to drape clothes so that you don't see any skin! So technically we should make a law that outlines the exact skin ratio a person could show. Low cut shirts and bikinis show more skin then the average nursing toddler. How about shirtless men? Can we make a law that says men can't run shirtless? I mean how unfair is that anyways, I get hot and my shirt has to stay on while I run... yea that is another rant for another day.<br />
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If we make a law that restricts toddlers over 2 from breastfeeding in public we send out a message and soon that age will get lower and lower and lower. Breastfeeding in public takes courage! If a mom has that courage and you don't like it then all you have to do is look away, plain and simple. If I don't like seeing a man run without his shirt on do I get to ask him to cover up? Nope, I just get to look away. And for those who say it is to hard to look away, well I would rather see a happy nursing child then some guy shimmering like a god from mythology as he runs shirtless down my street. And I would rather see a nursing child then some stay hair from "you know where" as a girl bends down in those tiny shorts! <br />
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It is easy for the people who have never breastfed a child past 2 (if ever) to tell the mother to go to the car or bathroom, but in their shoes we would not want this! And there is no reason for them to! In a society where we see nudity and a push up bra ad shows more bare breast then a nursing toddler this law seems silly! I see girls on the street who wear a bikini top and shorts that cover less then boy short panties! Look at the big picture.... these women are brave for breastfeeding in public, they are feeding children NOT stripping for cash. Unless we make laws that are much more strict on a dress code for public then why even bother saving Atlanta from having to see skin from a breastfeeding mom? They will be seeing skin anyways so mine as well learn to deal with it and leave the extended breast feeders alone!<br />
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If you feel similar as me then you may write some email's as well!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>John Parker, City Manager</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Email address - <a href="mailto:jparker@forestparkga.org" style="text-decoration: underline;">jparker@forestparkga.org</a> <br />
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<strong>Angela Redding, Management Analyst</strong><br />
Email address - <a href="mailto:aredding@forestparkga.org" style="text-decoration: underline;">aredding@forestparkga.org</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Jan Young, Executive Assistant</strong><br />
Email address - <a href="mailto:jyoung@forestparkga.org" style="text-decoration: underline;">jyoung@forestparkga.org</a></span>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-10721146044868119382011-05-16T08:54:00.000-07:002011-05-16T08:54:00.280-07:00Muffin Tin Monday: Hooray for Fish! Hooray for Fish!!!<br />
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Blip has recently fell in love with fish. I tgink this love affair with these shiney and scaley creatures came from watching the fish at his Mimi's house swim in her huge aquarium. We even took him to the Dallas World Aquarium last month to see the sharks and exotic fish! He will watch, point, giggle, and track with his eyes. You also have to be careful to not let him beat on the glass. <br />
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Fish are just fun for little ones. Maybe it is time for Blip to have his own tiny fish bowl, I'm sure the cats would have a ball with that.<br />
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This week we checked out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hooray-Fish-Lucy-Cousins/dp/0763627410">Hooray For Fish</a> from the library, a very colorful book about...well fish, hence all my ramblings about fish today. Shall we count how many times I have "said" fish?<br />
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Anyways, our library pick of the week inspired our weekly muffin tin lunch!<br />
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I choose my mini muffin tin with tiny compartmnets this week.<br />
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((Left to right, starting at bottom row))<br />
<ul><li>Sour creme waves tinted blue (er, with nasty blue food coloring...eek)</li>
<li>Big fish quisidilla with sour cream and dried cranberry eyes</li>
<li>Radish greens sprinkled with olive oil and pepper to mimic seaweed.</li>
<li>"Grape Octopus" swimming in applesauce! I used kitchen scissors to cut the bottom of the grape into 8 tentacles with tiny tiny granola eyes. </li>
<li>Chopped radishes</li>
<li>"Sand dollars" made from puffed kamut in applesauce</li>
<li>Orange bell pepper fish with sour creme and caper eyes. </li>
</ul>Raz went crazy over this muffin tin. My kiddo is odd, he ate up the radishes and greens before the applesauce. The only thing he really did not love was the pepper fish, he decided to feed that to me! I think he likes his bellpeppers cooked, otherwise they are too crunchy for a little guy with only a few teeth.Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-68612114316080160322011-05-13T14:35:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:35:41.435-07:00Funny Fantastical Activity Friday: Smelling Salts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ1AeTGxBbqFKHET6csLoAcC3xyge08mZjdzuK63C8rHEzDgh9htV_1nMbYiNgwi6t9uZR0nLTlYV93Ik1S62g36IDx3grJXLu3b8gvDtPXkCDy9TGc-DnXNXd5Cyxc8wNZTXS3EsNbCh/s1600/SNV31563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ1AeTGxBbqFKHET6csLoAcC3xyge08mZjdzuK63C8rHEzDgh9htV_1nMbYiNgwi6t9uZR0nLTlYV93Ik1S62g36IDx3grJXLu3b8gvDtPXkCDy9TGc-DnXNXd5Cyxc8wNZTXS3EsNbCh/s320/SNV31563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Babies and toddlers (maybe even a preschooler) all are developing the senses that help them explore the world around them. As parents we take our kids to the zoo to SEE animals, give them soft blankets to FEEL, turn on fun music to HEAR, and we give lots of yummy food to TASTE. But for the most part we assume they get enough to SMELL without our help.<br />
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But why leave it up to the environment to exercise the nose? <br />
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Spices and herbs have a strong and unique smell all contained in little jars ready to use! Nothing special required. For this game I sat a tray of 4 spices on the ground next to Blip. I have a cabinet shelf full of spices to choose from, we ended up going with mild curry powder, 5 spice, creole seasoning, and mild red pepper flakes this time around.<br />
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I think 4 is a good number, if you are doing this with a little bitty baby you could go with one or two...a preschooler 6 at most..4 is just perfect though.<br />
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A word of warning: I would recommend staying away from white pepper that may make your little one sneeze or a really strong chili pepper that could burn eyes. You want each one to be unique, a bit of a spicy smell can be good to explore, but use common since. <br />
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Now that you have a few spices all laid out it is time to take off the lids. Of course Blip was eager to grab and throw so if your kiddo is in that stage hold on tight to the bottle and keep the unused ones away from little hands and lids on tight just in case. One at a time put the bottle under little noses and have them smell. Talk about how they smell in detail!<br />
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An older child may enjoy using a blind fold and turning it in a guessing game of what spice it is! There are a lot of fun possibilities with "smelling salts".<br />
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Tip: A bowl of coffee beans on hand can help clear noses between sniffs!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMSplDEtWKENGaqpjf3AVxOR3OXtrvQeEUdgCpTzZXhUI8mp8W_cXtyRUJdLFfmJCONKy6qU_Pkw1TyB7B8bsnI25jBfmW0hcl1UePovSu65klmDBW5rlsW2wK2LNmrvmWlWO535xRtAK/s1600/CIMG6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMSplDEtWKENGaqpjf3AVxOR3OXtrvQeEUdgCpTzZXhUI8mp8W_cXtyRUJdLFfmJCONKy6qU_Pkw1TyB7B8bsnI25jBfmW0hcl1UePovSu65klmDBW5rlsW2wK2LNmrvmWlWO535xRtAK/s320/CIMG6383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-31289989720424218302011-05-12T19:05:00.000-07:002011-05-13T11:09:51.408-07:00TOT SCHOOL Thursday: Big Little, sorting Rings, Tossing Blocks, and Stair Crawling<div style="text-align: center;"><a hre="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3374153267999243555&postID=3128998972042421830"></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week on our hall shelf we explored the concept of BIG and LITTLE with help from yarn balls. We were inspired by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Leslie-Patricelli-board-books/dp/0763619515">this book </a>, which we read a few times a day since Blip really enjoys sitting in my lap and looking at pictures over and over! We also played with both balls and had a blast comparing them and rolling them around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bottom shelf has 2 bowls of rings. I showed blip how to transfer them from one bowl to another, he did great at this. Soon h decided it was much more fun to dump them out and play with the bowls and toss the rings around! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnsCq0mubzCPCMKgLMWYhRhdCT4L0SpED-8N6KwLq4W6Igpu5-UCfCBXjzG44EcRy9pE58kHf8-2hVQsAr2Hqxd6Dx6V0ERKkeCb5vluu_VNkvmkxPcY5o_r4hwbPU-sDnQABC-LJOP5S/s1600/CIMG6231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnsCq0mubzCPCMKgLMWYhRhdCT4L0SpED-8N6KwLq4W6Igpu5-UCfCBXjzG44EcRy9pE58kHf8-2hVQsAr2Hqxd6Dx6V0ERKkeCb5vluu_VNkvmkxPcY5o_r4hwbPU-sDnQABC-LJOP5S/s320/CIMG6231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blip has also found out that stairs are fun to climb! These are usually off limits and blocked off, but we are working on getting down safely. The stairs are a great place for us to practice going down feet first. We have also been practicing on our bed and the couch. Lesson learned: feet first is better then head first!<br />
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On Wednesday I pulled out Raz's "mad scientist" blocks while I folded diapers. He ended up tossing the blocks in the basket with the folded diapers. I thought this was very creative so I joined in. Soon he got tired of the game and swiped a few of the clean folded diapers from the basket to play with. Just goes to show that I can spend tons of time making elaborate games up, but sometimes the simple on the fly games are the best! <br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" border="0" height="234" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">((clicky Clicky for more tot school))</span></div></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-68628260036052524092011-05-11T05:48:00.000-07:002011-05-11T05:48:21.575-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Super Baby Plays and Plays...and saves the day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx0y9FRbVuVgElI3iDJ1xW4plR32cZ0h0aQr7fSoQuWeIHsnldcZGYzM1ycxQ6AUtBafO0eAF6jBSs3cJpf6MjaROzsZ54sMyWcai1gmDnKJP6ZJsW9NAn5qiUhoboHHwkqVXpxEYX1Su/s1600/CIMG6104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx0y9FRbVuVgElI3iDJ1xW4plR32cZ0h0aQr7fSoQuWeIHsnldcZGYzM1ycxQ6AUtBafO0eAF6jBSs3cJpf6MjaROzsZ54sMyWcai1gmDnKJP6ZJsW9NAn5qiUhoboHHwkqVXpxEYX1Su/s320/CIMG6104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPWmMGURLkrOXLANOF9Wk3EA2ueuefCXHhqf8kEvChCXFVeXXaAMPlxY7KNK_EMgckAVN_-kGrFdUkARTFQ8wKcbs67c3v_aPTjYPfwf8I4een5pIACiAyc5l3I7dyKYogo061i7b8UtD/s1600/CIMG6099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPWmMGURLkrOXLANOF9Wk3EA2ueuefCXHhqf8kEvChCXFVeXXaAMPlxY7KNK_EMgckAVN_-kGrFdUkARTFQ8wKcbs67c3v_aPTjYPfwf8I4een5pIACiAyc5l3I7dyKYogo061i7b8UtD/s320/CIMG6099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-9663559664015045172011-05-10T00:20:00.000-07:002011-05-10T16:23:11.164-07:00Gardening Smells Like Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><br />
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<b>Welcome to the May Carnival of Natural Parenting: Growing in the Outdoors</b><br />
<i>This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by <a href="http://codenamemama.com/2011/05/10/may-carnatpar/" target="_blank">Code Name: Mama</a> and <a href="http://www.hobomama.com/2011/05/may-carnival-of-natural-parenting.htm" target="_blank">Hobo Mama</a>. This month our participants have shared how they encourage their children to connect with nature and dig in the dirt. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.</i><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">It is amazing - all the <a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/search/label/Garden">lessons </a>a little plot of dirt can teach you. We are lucky enough to have a few plots of dirt: a lovely plot at the community vegetable garden, a flower bed in front of our home, little seed trays, and a table full of mismatched pots of herbs, spinach and all sorts of homegrown plants, each special to our family in some way. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Blip is young but I watch as he grows right along with our plants daily. He laughs as we water and takes delight at the way the wind brings a cool mist over him. He plays with sticks and feels grass as we plant our flowers. Some people exclaim "He gets dirty!" when I tell them he gardens with us. Maybe kids don't get dirty enough now days. After all that is what bath time is for and I have fond memories of mud pies. He helps me put harvested radishes into the basket and eats them with delight at dinner. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I think that a local farmer who we met at the farmers market summed it up best: <i>"Start them off young and they will always have a taste for it. It will become a comforting memory for them and remind them of home." </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Everyday Blip grows more and more aware of the world around him. He will appreciate that people work hard for healthy food. He will respect all the love that goes into a lovely bed of flowers. And he will learn that nothing replaces a fresh bunch of herbs. My hope is that one day soon he will be standing beside me with his mini watering can asking me to seed his own eggplant. He will learn all the lessons of patience that our garden has taught me and my husband. And best of all he will grow up associating the fun and simple times, loveliness, and yummy-ness (yes, that is now a word) that is gardening with home! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Ok6t8irD_ru2Inuo1C8m7CiUV5uVYezHSRWGt0DtDkGatqjEhPnMT33jQpsPkvvZl29bu1WY2OoMLWTkYYDv8Wcn8bgoYaz1NblyPmnVhIYJfO2RZYZMZPpzOhKW8KXPyrM_yI4u1hP/s1600/SNV31454.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Ok6t8irD_ru2Inuo1C8m7CiUV5uVYezHSRWGt0DtDkGatqjEhPnMT33jQpsPkvvZl29bu1WY2OoMLWTkYYDv8Wcn8bgoYaz1NblyPmnVhIYJfO2RZYZMZPpzOhKW8KXPyrM_yI4u1hP/s320/SNV31454.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbzwmb9WEmfPz3n0mNIBdCgpGiXa3pfi3rQHIBLShEPWRyVwHIDUxciaa-6YtvetktftdJCTu22ME9Dm2gkZ_7_ApmJ52P6iAFgArdxiRgqxfUkaTaf9NsZ6yu8U8zkGb93gYYWy6wkUj/s1600/SNV31444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbzwmb9WEmfPz3n0mNIBdCgpGiXa3pfi3rQHIBLShEPWRyVwHIDUxciaa-6YtvetktftdJCTu22ME9Dm2gkZ_7_ApmJ52P6iAFgArdxiRgqxfUkaTaf9NsZ6yu8U8zkGb93gYYWy6wkUj/s320/SNV31444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.hobomama.com/p/carnival-of-natural-parenting.html" target="_blank" title="Carnival of Natural Parenting"><img align="right" alt="Carnival of Natural Parenting -- Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama" border="0" class="alignright" src="http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee159/lintpicker/CNPnaturalparent.jpg" /></a>Visit <a href="http://codenamemama.com/carnival-of-natural-parenting/" target="_blank"><b>Code Name: Mama</b></a> and <a href="http://www.hobomama.com/p/carnival-of-natural-parenting.html" target="_blank"><b>Hobo Mama</b></a> to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!<br />
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:<br />
<ul><li><b><a href="http://mommajorje.blogspot.com/2011/05/get-out.html" target="_blank">Get Out!</a></b> — <b>Momma Jorje</b> gives reasons she doesn't think she gets outside enough and asks for your suggestions on making time for the outdoors.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://theartsymama.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-does-your-garden-grow.html" target="_blank">How Does Your Garden Grow?</a></b> — <b>The ArtsyMama</b> shares her love of nature photography.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://peace4parents.com/we-go-outside" target="_blank">We Go Outside</a></b> — Amy at <b>Peace 4 Parents</b> describes her family's simple, experiential approach to encouraging appreciation of nature.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://fabulousmamachronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-not-so-green-thumb.html" target="_blank">My Not-So-Green Thumb</a></b> — Wolfmother confesses to her lack of gardening skills but expresses hope in learning alongside her son at <b>Fabulous Mama Chronicles</b>.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://smilinglikesunshine1.blogspot.com/2011/05/enjoying-outdoors_10.html" target="_blank">Enjoying Outdoors</a></b> — Isil at <b>Smiling like Sunshine</b> describes how her children enjoy the nature.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://codenamemama.com/2011/05/10/may-carnatpar/" target="_blank">Five Ideas to Encourage the Reluctant Junior Gardener</a></b> — For the rare little ones who don't like to get their hands dirty, Dionna at <b>Code Name: Mama</b> offers tips for encouraging an early love of dirt (despite the mess).</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/05/connecting-to-nature.html" target="_blank">Connecting to Nature</a></b> — <b>Mamapoekie</b> shares how growing your own vegetable patch connects your child to nature and urges them to not take anything for granted.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://monkeybuttjunction.com/?p=784" target="_blank">The Farmer's Market Classroom</a></b> — Jenn at <b>Monkey Butt Junction</b> shares how the Farmer's Market has become her son's classroom.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://toloveeverymoment.blogspot.com/2011/05/seeds.html" target="_blank">Seeds</a></b> — Kat at <b>Loving {Almost} Every Moment</b>'s hubby Ken shares his perspective on why gardening with their kiddos is so important . . . and enjoyable!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.puginthekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/05/03/toddlers-in-the-kitchen" target="_blank">Toddlers in the Garden</a></b> — Laura at <b>A Pug in the Kitchen</b> shares her excitement as she continues to introduce her toddler and new baby to the joys of fresh veggies, straight from the garden.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.wanderwonderdiscover.com/2011/05/natures-weave.html" target="_blank">Nature's Weave</a></b> — MJ at <b>Wander Wonder Discover</b> explains how nature weaves its way into our lives naturally, magnetically, experientially, and spiritually.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://hey-red.net/365/?p=308" target="_blank">Becoming Green</a></b> — Kristina at <b>Hey Red</b> celebrates and nurtures her daughter's blossoming love of the outdoors.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://her.joshandrosemary.com/blog/little-gardener/" target="_blank">Little Gardener</a></b> — Rosemary at <b>Rosmarinus Officinalis</b> looks forward to introducing her baby girl to gardening and exploring home grown foods for the first time.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://dreamingaloudnet.blogspot.com/2011/05/cultivating-abundance.html" target="_blank">Cultivating Abundance</a></b> — You can never be poor if you have a garden! Lucy at <b>Dreaming Aloud</b> reflects on what she cultivates in her garden . . . and finds it's a lot more than seeds!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.diaryofafirstchild.com/2011/05/10/growing-in-the-outdoors-plants-and-people/" target="_blank">Growing in the Outdoors: Plants and People</a></b> — Luschka at <b>Diary of a First Child</b> reflects on how she is growing while teaching her daughter to appreciate nature, the origins of food, and the many benefits of eating home-grown.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://wildparenting.net/2011/05/10/how-not-to-grow" target="_blank">How Not to Grow</a></b> — Anna at <b>Wild Parenting</b> discusses why growing vegetables fills her with fear.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://parentingbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/05/carnival-of-natural-parenting-growing.html" target="_blank">Growing in the Outdoors</a></b> — Lily at <b>Witch Mom Blog</b> talks about how connecting to the natural world is a matter of theology for her family and the ways that they do it.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.becomingcrunchy.com/2011/05/a-garden-made-of-straw/" target="_blank">A Garden Made of Straw</a></b> — Kelly at <b>Becoming Crunchy</b> shares tips on making a straw bale garden.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://lovenotesmama.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/the-tradition-of-gardening/" target="_blank">The Tradition of Gardening</a></b> — Carrie at <b>Love Notes Mama</b> reflects on the gifts that come with the tradition of gardening.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2011/05/gardening-smells-like-home.html" target="_blank">Gardening Smells Like Home</a></b> — Bethy at <b>Bounce Me to the Moon</b> hopes that her son will associate home grown food and lovely flowers with home.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.angelbabyjazzymama.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-normal.html" target="_blank">The New Normal</a></b> — Patti at <b>Jazzy Mama</b> writes about how she hopes that growing vegetables in a big city will become totally normal for her children's generation.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.anktangle.com/2011/05/outside-with-you.html" target="_blank">Outside, With You</a></b> — Amy at <b>Anktangle</b> writes a letter to her son, a snapshot of a moment in the garden together.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://wp.me/pdES1-1uk" target="_blank">Farmer Boy</a></b> — Abbie at <b>Farmer's Daughter</b> shares how her son Joshua helps to grow and raise their family's food.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://granolacatholic.blogspot.com/2011/05/Growing-Kids-in-the-Garden.htlm" target="_blank">Growing Kids in the Garden </a></b> — Lisa at <b>Granola Catholic</b> shares easy ways to get your kids involved in the garden.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://littlegreenblog.com/green-home/gardening-and-pest-control/growing-food-without-a-garden" target="_blank">Growing Food Without a Garden</a></b> — Don't have a garden? "You can still grow food!" says Mrs Green of <b>Little Green Blog</b>. Whatever the size of your plot, she shows you how.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.gardenvarietymama.com/2011/05/growing-things.html" target="_blank">Growing Things</a></b> — Liz at <b>Garden Variety Mama</b> shares her reasons for gardening with her kids, even though she has no idea what she's doing.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://ukmummyblogger.blogspot.com/2011/05/moments.html" target="_blank">Moments</a></b> — <b>UK Mummy Blogger</b> explains how the great outdoors provides a backdrop for her family to reconnect.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.clothdiaperingmama.com/2011/05/10/condo-kid-turns-composter-and-plastic-police/" target="_blank">Condo Kid Turns Composter and Plastic Police</a></b> — Jessica from <b>Cloth Diapering Mama</b> has discovered that her young son is a true earth lover despite living in a condo with no land to call their own.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/05/gardening-with-baby.html" target="_blank">Gardening with Baby</a></b> — Sheila at <b>A Gift Universe</b> shows us how her garden and her son are growing.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://naturallynena.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-choose-your-local-farmers-market.html" target="_blank">Why to Choose Your Local Farmer's Market</a></b> — <b>Naturally Nena</b> shares why she believes it's important to teach our children the value of local farmers.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://crunchychewymama.com/index.php/unfolding-into-nature/" target="_blank">Unfolding into Nature</a></b> — At <b>Crunchy-Chewy Mama</b>, Jessica Claire shares her desire to cultivate a reverence for nature through gardening, buying local food, and just looking out the window.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.hobomama.com/2011/05/may-carnival-of-natural-parenting.html" target="_blank">Urban Gardening With Kids</a></b> — Lauren at <b>Hobo Mama</b> shares her strategies for city gardening with little helpers — without a yard but with a whole lot of enthusiasm.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://thedearmanfamily.blogspot.com/2011/05/mama-doesnt-garden.html" target="_blank">Mama Doesn't Garden</a></b> — Laura at <b>Our Messy Messy Life</b> is glad her husband is there to instill the joys of gardening in their children, while all she has to do is sit back and eat homegrown tomato sandwiches.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.almostallthetruth.com/2011/05/why-we-make-this-organic-garden-grow" target="_blank">Why We Make this Organic Garden Grow</a></b> — Brenna at <b>Almost All The Truth</b> shares her reasons for gardening with her three small children.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.ithoughtiknewmama.com/2011/05/nature-baby/" target="_blank">5 Ways to Help Your Baby Develop a Love of the Natural World</a></b> — Charise at <b>I Thought I Knew Mama</b> believes it's never too early to foster a love of the natural world in your little one.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://namammaste.com/2011/05/april-showers-bring-may-produce" target="_blank">April Showers Bring May PRODUCE</a></b> — Erika at <b>NaMammaSte</b> discusses her plans for raising a little gardener.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://thepracticaldilettante.com/2011/05/10/growing-outside/" target="_blank">Growing Outside</a></b> — Seonaid at <b>The Practical Dilettante</b> discovers how to get her kids outside after weeks of spring rain.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.my-natural-motherhood-journey.com/eating-healthier.html" target="_blank">Eating Healthier</a></b> — Chante at <b>My Natural Motherhood Journey</b> talks about how she learns to eat healthier and encourages her children to do the same.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://childorganics.blogspot.com/2011/05/beauty-of-earth-and-heavens.html" target="_blank">The Beauty of Earth and Heavens</a></b> — Inspired by Charlotte Mason, Erica at <b>ChildOrganics</b> discovers nature in her own front yard.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://letstakethemetro.blogspot.com/2011/05/seeing-garden-through-weeds.html" target="_blank">Seeing the Garden Through the Weeds</a></b> — Amanda at <b>Let's Take the Metro</b> talks about the challenges of gardening with two small children.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.intrepidmurmurings.com/2011/05/creating-a-living-playhouse/" target="_blank">Creating a Living Playhouse: Our Bean Teepee! </a></b> — Kristin at <b>Intrepid Murmurings</b> shares how her family creates a living playhouse "bean teepee" and includes tips of how to involve kids in gardening projects.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://pandamoly.blogspot.com/2011/05/grooming-tree-hugger-introducing.html" target="_blank">Grooming a Tree-Hugger: Introducing the Outdoors</a></b> — Ana at <b>Pandamoly</b> shares some of her planned strategies for making this spring and summer memorable and productive for her pre-toddler in the Outdoors.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.somuchshoutingsomuchlaughter.com/2011/05/sowing-seeds-of-life-and-love.html" target="_blank">Sowing Seeds of Life and Love</a></b> — Suzannah at <b>ShoutLaughLove</b> celebrates the simple joys of baby chicks, community gardening, and a semi-charmed country life.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/05/10/experiencing-nature-and-growing-plants-outdoors-without-a-garden/" target="_blank">Experiencing Nature and Growing Plants Outdoors Without a Garden</a></b> — Deb Chitwood at <b>Living Montessori Now</b> shares some of her favorite ways her family discovered to fully experience nature wherever they lived.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://teamkemendo.blogspot.com/2011/05/garden-day.html" target="_blank">Garden Day</a></b> — Melissa at <b>The New Mommy Files</b> is thankful to be part of community of families, some of whom can even garden!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/garden-etiquette/" target="_blank">Teaching Garden Ettiquette to the Locusts</a></b> — Tashmica from <b>Mother Flippin'</b> (guest posting at <b>Natural Parents Network</b>) allows her children to ravage her garden every year in the hopes of teaching them a greater lesson about how to treat the world.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3374153267999243555&postID=966355966401504517#" target="_blank">Why I Play with Worms.</a></b> — Megan of <b>Megadoula, Megamom and Megatired</b> shares why growing a garden and raising her children go hand in hand.</li>
</ul>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-78539095979022666182011-05-09T05:55:00.000-07:002011-05-09T05:55:32.563-07:00Muffin Tin Mondays: Wonky Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBdqLx0skfdr3_llqB5rk6ivrmSlLwt1RcI4wt1d1Vq5J_fM-xJiOjOmHDTCP0PXGv5bvGyHaPkzaBqFxDaKqNnMDthsYCdsEbgoIlv4z4Ex4q07sNH193DG2bzQXrz3KE9kzpNiwlVFg/s1600/SNV31428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBdqLx0skfdr3_llqB5rk6ivrmSlLwt1RcI4wt1d1Vq5J_fM-xJiOjOmHDTCP0PXGv5bvGyHaPkzaBqFxDaKqNnMDthsYCdsEbgoIlv4z4Ex4q07sNH193DG2bzQXrz3KE9kzpNiwlVFg/s320/SNV31428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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May has brought us a farmers market full of greens. We filled our market bag up with lettuce and arugula this week. In celebration I thought I would dedicate this muffin tin to crisp lettuce. And with all the salad we have been having I know Blip will be excited about a bit of wonkyness. <br />
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Ok, so this one is not in a muffin tin, it is a plate and ramekin combo. I just have a love affair with salads and such in ramekins. They are so cute, crisp, and white...small enough for Blip, but still a nice size for when I want him to dig into a "big bowl" of leafy greens. They are just fun to have around! It is still a fun meal with a compartment, and that ever important creativity! <br />
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<ul><li>The stars and sticks are cut from red pear. I just used my star cookie cutter on them and sliced the leftover pieces. </li>
<li>Crisp lettuce...it is a salad after all</li>
<li>Apple sauce as dressing, yea it sounds weird but Blip loves it! </li>
<li>Dried cranberry's sprinkled on</li>
<li>The sticks reminded me of the center of flowers. They are long radishes that have been sliced into sticks. I just made tiny balls from herb goat cheese to stick on top! </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUXx2scLGE42Py9FjO2NpIz_FNnEq0GYUCq6QsBx96oz0kMKZ_g_0A1fY70hTmPri5el-Nu0Bd80IpEUYwyjDR9x113qy6RnWiNBvVrCV85OJOXZrOJuxua6LGvx2sUJrCDOC7PUt7Fe0/s1600/SNV31431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUXx2scLGE42Py9FjO2NpIz_FNnEq0GYUCq6QsBx96oz0kMKZ_g_0A1fY70hTmPri5el-Nu0Bd80IpEUYwyjDR9x113qy6RnWiNBvVrCV85OJOXZrOJuxua6LGvx2sUJrCDOC7PUt7Fe0/s320/SNV31431.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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For more awesome Muffin Tin Meals visit <a href="http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/search/label/Muffin%20Tin%20Monday">The Muffin Tin Mom</a>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-30934344244761579262011-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-10T06:37:36.930-07:00Do not adjust your monitors! This blog has been dad-jacked!Yes, yes, I'm sure all my wife's subscribers are looking at this wondering, "Gee, this is quite a style shift for her!" That's because this is her husband, stealing her blog while she is sleeping in on her first Mother's Day. Now, now, I know what you're thinking - why would he do that? Doesn't seem polite. And I'm sure my wife will murder me when she finds out. But this is why - it's to let her know what I think a great mother does. Right now, me and the son are making her breakfast. We're also making this blog to let her know what she has that makes her a great mom.<br />
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The great mom is nurturing and always puts others first. Even if its annoys her, makes her want to pull her hair out and generally makes her miserable, she still puts on the happy face and does what makes others make a happy face. She makes a lot of sacrifices for us - I don't think even she has any idea how much - and I know that if I made such sacrifices I would probably keel over and start twitching. Heck, I had to watch Raz a whole day a while back, taking on the stay-at-home mom role for a day and I felt more exhausted at the end of the day than I did from coming home from work! She is, simply put, family first, always and forever.<br />
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The great mom also knows when to put her foot down. You see, if you didn't realize it from what I'm doing this morning, stealing my wife's blog at all (thank you, stored passwords) I'm a little kooky. Thankfully, my wife is there to ground me whenever my ideas get a little bit zany. Should I use sea salt AND coarse salt in those tacos? No, sweetie, but they'll still be great. Maybe I should flip my newborn son upside down - he'd love it. No, sweetie, not a good idea. Lets buy us some more collectibles because I'm bored with the ones I have. And then I get the wonderful arms-crossed meal with extra raised eyebrow that puts me in my place. Her hard head is one of the reasons I married her. All in all, a good mom knows to stand her ground, no matter what anyone, blog-jacking fruitcake husband or no, tosses her way.<br />
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Lastly, the great mom is mother always. I know this doesn't make sense in text, but perhaps an explanation is in order. Some moms I see, while out and about, don't seem like they enjoy being a mother. But my wife is always mom. There are children next door unattended and her momma-sense goes off and she's there to supervise without instruction. There's a niece or nephew running about the house about to get themselves hurt or running towards the road and she's there to swoop down and save them from danger. And yes, even dad needs mom sometimes when he cuts himself, gets sick or has "such a hard day he just needs to relax baby because he was SO stressed." Oh, by the way, how was your day, sweetheart? She even can do it while all that is happening to her, because momma superior is bulletproof.<br />
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So, maybe you're married, maybe you're 50, maybe you have one arm, maybe you're a tribeswoman wearing her child in Africa (my wife approves of that, in case you didn't know), maybe you're eco-friendly, not so eco-friendly and maybe you're a new mom who's just terrified of what's to come, but take advice from a dad and a husband - stay strong, stay persistent and stay sweet, and all of us will love you, every day, not just the first Sunday in May.Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-61643275297980780682011-05-06T06:44:00.000-07:002011-05-06T06:44:52.698-07:00Funny Fantastical Activity Friday: Blow Bubbles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjetLA_QC5YoWj14lEeDMqMLluwJxEgZkm5gIoL2eRvZtw17M_afrU0DT9XCQ8bNH5cv32AFHDwhTOGtX3yMZ_80AuZEFhzwrZuFsigBWio1qFJJ75P1n9TIV4-rWdkSXOXFTYnOZYowW/s1600/CIMG6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjetLA_QC5YoWj14lEeDMqMLluwJxEgZkm5gIoL2eRvZtw17M_afrU0DT9XCQ8bNH5cv32AFHDwhTOGtX3yMZ_80AuZEFhzwrZuFsigBWio1qFJJ75P1n9TIV4-rWdkSXOXFTYnOZYowW/s320/CIMG6285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The weather is getting warmer and the days sunnier, spring is in full swing with summer in the see-able future. The grass in our yard is getting green and begging for our family to lay on our backs and feel the itchy grass on our arms and watch bubbles sail against the blue background of the spring sky. <br />
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You are never to old to blow bubbles, and you are certainly never to young! Imagine a gentle stream of bubbles floating over your tiny baby, like a ever changing bubble mobile! And of course toddlers and preschoolers will love chasing and catching, and of course blowing them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirX11JN-Tv9SjpFkIbPmSai6KCD4BUzJt_sC3F-Q63PIT7RzzVRGHIZaNohYXm-3mH0dLfGAg2lSGh5Gn15eRyjnVEUDlWEYakZik4sQKIfbvoZCQ-e_1duOBxWR5QAriYkaS6FPcfvD4c/s1600/CIMG6279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirX11JN-Tv9SjpFkIbPmSai6KCD4BUzJt_sC3F-Q63PIT7RzzVRGHIZaNohYXm-3mH0dLfGAg2lSGh5Gn15eRyjnVEUDlWEYakZik4sQKIfbvoZCQ-e_1duOBxWR5QAriYkaS6FPcfvD4c/s320/CIMG6279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Blip is at a fun in between age. At first he just watched as they sailed by him, later he crawled into our lap to investigate the source and try to touch them. However your kiddo acts it is a great way to spend the afternoon!<br />
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You can by simple bubbles as any big box store or dollar store for a dollar or two. When you run out of solution save the bottle and wand and simply fill it back up with a <a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/craftsupplies/ht/BubbleMixture.htm">homemade bubble solution</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RlMziRndIVljWJXH53UK24c0mOO5bHNlZalUQUoZod0p52I7gXQMI-lAb5VpvbHI28Hpr3-VncGsgWgrMiOSrxoWEkBYrjBiyNQ-Os-QrcHJnTpZvYyiTwByrctBVJPwMyuMfLJkhS5c/s1600/CIMG6264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RlMziRndIVljWJXH53UK24c0mOO5bHNlZalUQUoZod0p52I7gXQMI-lAb5VpvbHI28Hpr3-VncGsgWgrMiOSrxoWEkBYrjBiyNQ-Os-QrcHJnTpZvYyiTwByrctBVJPwMyuMfLJkhS5c/s320/CIMG6264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-17405636732190973132011-05-03T19:36:00.000-07:002011-05-03T19:36:22.036-07:00Part One: Green-afy your swiffer wet jet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYB2ouAi7BoYfG4LuV8HwiwVZYHQBK5HbwmxwhValwJXTjesYRwIVJyKyyfZKTdXbxvS9wHEPZA3GychgclahjcHS7taODg6SxjLrP7htGpA2ugOnwoOIXldkEdwLcj62B8mJh88TGdf3/s1600/CIMG6258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYB2ouAi7BoYfG4LuV8HwiwVZYHQBK5HbwmxwhValwJXTjesYRwIVJyKyyfZKTdXbxvS9wHEPZA3GychgclahjcHS7taODg6SxjLrP7htGpA2ugOnwoOIXldkEdwLcj62B8mJh88TGdf3/s320/CIMG6258.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I have been naughty. First that lovely pink spot in the picture above a huge chocolate cake with pink icing, I used 6 cups of sugar in that baby. But that cake is not why we are here, it is the plastic bottle you also see above. When I was pregnant my mother in law gifted me with a Swiffer Wet Jet. She had managed to end up with an extra one and thought it would be much safer then very pregnant Bethy bouncing all over the kitchen with very wet floors, a huge stick, and a belly full of Baby Blip fullness. She was probably right.<br />
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Of course we all know how I feel about waste and chemicals. We have banned paper products such as <a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2010/12/goodbye-paper-towels-hello-stacker.html">paper towels</a> and even the thought of cleaning with tons of chemicals gives me hives. <a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-counter-top-all-purpose-spray.html">Homemade natural cleaners </a>and rags for all. So what am I doing with a big plastic contraption that showers my floors with chemicals and goes through thick and wasteful pads like none other? Well that thing is easy, I will admit that I'm a cluts and mopping is kind of a death trap for me. Imagine me zooming around on what floors ad cracking my head, now throw a cruising baby in the mix. Then you also have the huge bucket of water to be wasted. Of course when you put in next to the huge amounts of water that it takes to make the pads and chemical filled bottles that excuse does not hold up! So there goes that excuse...<br />
<br />
It left me in a predicament, I will usually happily go through the extra mile for a healthy and happy home and world. So set out to find a way to keep my Swiffer Wet Jet and still not fill the landfills with waste and our home with chemicals.<br />
<br />
If you are in the market for one I would suggest making it easy on yourself and going with <a href="http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091920">the rubbermaid reveal</a> instead. It comes with a washable pad, refillable bottles, and does not take batteries. The horrible batteries is reason enough for me to want to make the switch. I hate them. But I have had the same batteries in my wet jet FOREVER and they are going strong, maybe when I finally need to replace that batteries I will simply sell my wet jet and spend the money I would have used on batteries toward the <br />
rubbermaid. Anyways on to the greener swiffer...<br />
<br />
After tons of digging and trying many things I figured out that I can boil some water, dip the tip of the bottle in the water for a few seconds, then ask my strong husband to twist of the top. The hot water loosens it up. Then "TADA" , I just put my whatever homemade cleaner I want inside. For the record I basically use my <a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-counter-top-all-purpose-spray.html">all purpose spray</a> and then add a bit of eucalyptus oil as well.<br />
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Next I will talk about the reusable pads!Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-2874711958506308812011-05-01T06:49:00.000-07:002011-05-01T06:49:00.268-07:00Gus's French Toast- A family tradion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ECuZNk6tEQ2TMpn98dz7IfF2hYegAjPSoXULmLPOflFF2WBTH248mq1eYRJKgsJKPF_i0TYj87PotIVqadLuH4SWK6uQDxycepyRTzNslW0-5pP5y_pUdW9lCj2EPKi3lUzzJeHtIUt2/s1600/CIMG5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ECuZNk6tEQ2TMpn98dz7IfF2hYegAjPSoXULmLPOflFF2WBTH248mq1eYRJKgsJKPF_i0TYj87PotIVqadLuH4SWK6uQDxycepyRTzNslW0-5pP5y_pUdW9lCj2EPKi3lUzzJeHtIUt2/s320/CIMG5545.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
My husband is one of those guys who are effortlessly interesting. I know I'm biased, but I marvel at how at ease he is with his odd since of life. He has never been the guy who worries about "losing his man card" or how geeky and dorky he looks when he sports off the volumes of video game and history knowledge to the world. He does not like sports, but he can talk your ear off about cloth diapers. He would rather have wine at home then beer with the guys. He strives for the perfect vintage pompadour. He simply scoffs at any guy who dares tell him that it is feminine to carry a diaper bag or wear your baby, in fact he has witty comebacks for anyone who decides to do so. And his favorite historical figure is Genghis Khan, he even wrote a song about him.<br />
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Yea, I think he is really cool.... just don't tell him.We don't want it to all go to his head, now do we?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s5CCbeG38EO4EFRzZ8kTi0ZTjGSpxqswzB_jIf3YA1LjmZZq3aQg69n4ZclHu_8DpbkZgD_69iShImZemnlCSmTs48UZxnRv0_lINZntLeX9PCxvBOwh7JOyvys-IlfwmJrSpi8kwia4/s1600/CIMG5551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s5CCbeG38EO4EFRzZ8kTi0ZTjGSpxqswzB_jIf3YA1LjmZZq3aQg69n4ZclHu_8DpbkZgD_69iShImZemnlCSmTs48UZxnRv0_lINZntLeX9PCxvBOwh7JOyvys-IlfwmJrSpi8kwia4/s320/CIMG5551.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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He also is great at making great things out of the classics. His fancy grilled cheese is amazing. His macaroni and cheese is comforting. But nothing compares to his french toast.<br />
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It has took him years of perfecting, but it is now perfect. It started from humble beginnings, the days when we first moved in together and shared a very rundown house with my best friend. When Gus's hair was long and mine was purple. The days where our pantry was full of ramen and we were lucky to have milk, eggs, and bread. Yea, the typical college student days. But as we grew up so did his french toast, and now it is all grown up! <br />
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Just try it...now!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLHv1ahdn5AZ6-kq4W55hKtYB9acviAxwvAN6hlBXPTtXZvlHYttf9ItuuSbNQ9xyZiTsr5tRlKj-psV63lXX9xTRzhXfrg0EEdiTf2VL9096n3DKz5Q6cKLs9fU9udP9ep2GpzdOJ2D3/s1600/CIMG5556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLHv1ahdn5AZ6-kq4W55hKtYB9acviAxwvAN6hlBXPTtXZvlHYttf9ItuuSbNQ9xyZiTsr5tRlKj-psV63lXX9xTRzhXfrg0EEdiTf2VL9096n3DKz5Q6cKLs9fU9udP9ep2GpzdOJ2D3/s320/CIMG5556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Gus's French Toast</b><br />
<br />
One loaf of day old bread (chala, french loaf, and any homemade bread are all recommended) <br />
1 1/4 Cup Milk<br />
2 Eggs<br />
1 Tsp vanilla<br />
1/4 Tsp All Spice<br />
1/4 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1 Tsp Sugar <br />
Olive Oil<br />
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Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the 2 spices and sugar and once again whisk well.<br />
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Cut up bread into thicker slices and dip into egg-milk mixture so it is fully soaked.<br />
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Coat your skillet with olive oil and cook french toast on medium heat tell golden brown. Flip over and do the same to the other side.<br />
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We serve ours with dark amber maple syrup<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJIjnDyic13DfPj_1rHrBFq0jaXROV-H2IjqUjeoEtf00zGYa83a82bhk-egOEdHbxUWsVmAGjZJjNmTfmJqhuotGj4Y8vO43CWj50hE-bYMtDpEb5Hk00LA4LQgJmYzjcRkcrqKpRK4V/s1600/CIMG5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJIjnDyic13DfPj_1rHrBFq0jaXROV-H2IjqUjeoEtf00zGYa83a82bhk-egOEdHbxUWsVmAGjZJjNmTfmJqhuotGj4Y8vO43CWj50hE-bYMtDpEb5Hk00LA4LQgJmYzjcRkcrqKpRK4V/s320/CIMG5577.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-32670815118234535532011-04-25T07:24:00.000-07:002011-05-04T06:35:57.096-07:00Funny Fantastical Activity Friday: Treasure BasketOne of Blips favorite "stations" in our home right now is his treasure basket. Our treasure basket is a baby version of a <a href="http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/search/label/Sensory%20Tubs">sensory tub</a>. Blip is fascinated with it! <br />
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Every Monday I fill his blue felt basket with new household items for him to explore at his leisure. It is really random, I just walk around the house and pick out items. I pay close attention that they are safe and try to choose things that bring verity to his basket, and maybe promote different things. We keep our basket in the living room. <br />
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This week his basket has:<br />
Metal measuring cup<br />
A vile that is meant to store breastmilk (his favorite this week)<br />
A ring that is meant to go over the rims of a jar <br />
A big hair clip<br />
Jingle ball<br />
Silky piece of brown cloth<br />
Blue teether<br />
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He is free to have open ended fun however he chooses. Some days he simply dumps the basket out and others he empties it one object at a time.<br />
Some days he just chews, others he really focuses on fitting the objects together or other fine motor skill.<br />
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It always amazes me what our babies can do! <br />
Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-22556215278957762962011-04-09T09:24:00.000-07:002011-04-09T09:24:00.313-07:00Saturday Morning Sunshine: Staying at home<span data-jsid="text"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4d9de54c0cdb38772790531">I dread the forms I have to fill out where they ask for your career. And that moment where you meet old friends who had so much respect for you and really thought you would "go far". They look surprised when you say you are a stay at home mom, like you fell short. I never know how <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">to respond to that look. Do I tell them all the joys of spending hours with my son or do I apologize that I disappointed them. <br />
<br />
But the truth, even if it is hard to remember, is that I did not fall short. I am doing amazing things every day when raising a child. Sure my idea of what amazing is has changed since I brought Raz into this world, but that does not take away from it. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4d9de54c0cdb38772790531"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4d9de54c0cdb38772790531"><span class="text_exposed_show">There are days when I would love to be living my old life again where I went to work and people found me interesting, artistic, and looked up to me. The life where I wore heels every day and had myself so put together and sure about every step I was doing. But at the end of the day I would miss all the cuddles and I can honestly say that being a stay at home mom is the best job I've ever had. Some moms need career, that is great for them, being a working mama defiantly has it's challenges. The grass is always greener you know... </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4d9de54c0cdb38772790531"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4d9de54c0cdb38772790531"><span class="text_exposed_show">But at the end of the day I know that leaving me old life behind was best for me. And those heels still get worn on date nights and the people who matter still respect me. Even if I never catch up on laundry....which I don't...</span></div></span>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-39892977595173421602011-03-17T06:37:00.000-07:002011-04-25T06:51:37.220-07:00Breastfeeding and Co-Sleeping cartoon<a href="http://www.thefoodoflove.org/breastfeed-in-your-sleep.htm">Cosleeping rocks </a><span id="goog_1801759159"></span><span id="goog_1801759160"></span><br />
<br />
Good sketch on how most mamas find the cosleeping love. I just wish that it did not depict such unsafe methods, they need to study up on safty!Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-68173035886382830922011-03-12T08:22:00.000-08:002011-03-17T06:33:38.785-07:00Saturday Morning Sunshine: Waving and Dorks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Gm2_KVotPcWq4tX4x1jPXXt0vcBDp_kSngm7k86yENIYFvaCkvmUhimg_rid2T7tGLnxrvqBY9KaUAVNnbQ75ePsUgNneRg2oC35VgR3Osv24IMiEEMZ3xIc5WKeIeWWVbUfZfW9xfZq/s1600/CIMG5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Gm2_KVotPcWq4tX4x1jPXXt0vcBDp_kSngm7k86yENIYFvaCkvmUhimg_rid2T7tGLnxrvqBY9KaUAVNnbQ75ePsUgNneRg2oC35VgR3Osv24IMiEEMZ3xIc5WKeIeWWVbUfZfW9xfZq/s320/CIMG5731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Farmers Market Finds: </b><br />
Tomatoes, Tomatoes, and more Tomatoes<br />
Fair Trade and Local Roasted Coffee Beans<br />
Lemon Cranberry Pound Cake Bread<br />
Tamalies<br />
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The weather has been warmer. Well, I guess I should say it WAS tell this morning . We woke up to go to our bi-weekly trip to the farmers market and found it windy and chilly. I was not expecting this. So there I was in my tiny gray coat and leg exposing sundress looking like a dork next to the coat wearing vendors. That is what I get for being stubborn and refusing to change, luckily Gus had his coat and Blip was all snugly in his monkey hat, coat and back wrap! We then came home a warmed up with <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/01/breakfast-polenta-two-ways/#more-4462">savory Breakfast Polenta</a>.<br />
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This week has been great. Blip has started waving. It is so cute, he waves at us, he waves at the cats, the cars, and his spoon after he throws it on the floor.<br />
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Dork is the word of the day: Gus and I have been playing tons of Magic Cards... way to fun.<br />
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And our garden, herbs, and little seedlings are going strong!!!Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-63493640438455310212011-03-07T22:22:00.000-08:002011-05-04T06:35:57.097-07:00Top10 ways to spark interest, learn, and have fun with everyday tasks<span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><h4><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span></div><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"><b>Welcome to the March Carnival of Natural Parenting: Natural Parenting Top 10 Lists</b></span></div><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span></div><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"><i>This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by H<a href="http://www.hobomama.com/2011/03/march-carnival-of-natural-parenting.html">obo Mama</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=" nofollow="" target="_blank">Code Name: Mama</a>. This month our participants have shared Top 10 lists on a wide variety of aspects of attachment parenting and natural living. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.</i></span></div><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span></div><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;">***</span></div><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv574461672Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new',monospace;"></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><br />
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</div></h4></span></span><br />
One of the things I love about natural parenting is the focus on simple and natural learning through everyday activities. I love the idea of teachable moments happening without forcing them along. Everyday tasks and chores can be turned into great fun, learning, and spark interests! <br />
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So with no further ado I present to you:<br />
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<b>' Top10 ways to spark interest, learn, and have fun with everyday tasks! '<br />
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<b>1) </b><b>Take It Outside! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_rQXfFIbQSC3Kfs9xTxA5nJ8SoF1qmNWOa5JA8sU5QSE9vjQdi_hDihLhC-6ZxVo4fjCtKiXn1xAA0Hpdl14iICpdJpmA-Nn2ydiexBEahKpYGGCAEb5qzNQSebnNlAEpzO3Vc8cW_mF/s1600/67242_445794217143_693622143_5590873_4843759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_rQXfFIbQSC3Kfs9xTxA5nJ8SoF1qmNWOa5JA8sU5QSE9vjQdi_hDihLhC-6ZxVo4fjCtKiXn1xAA0Hpdl14iICpdJpmA-Nn2ydiexBEahKpYGGCAEb5qzNQSebnNlAEpzO3Vc8cW_mF/s200/67242_445794217143_693622143_5590873_4843759_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>I always loved the picturesque scene of shelling peas on the porch. Your kiddo will too.<br />
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When the weather is nice we take some work to the great outdoors. Maybe we sit on our porch while menu planning or on a big hand-knit blanket in the grass while pea shelling. No matter what, it makes any chore fun!<br />
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Everyone needs some sunlight and it is amazing how fast your spirits will soar when you get some fresh air. Outdoors is a great classroom to present some everyday activities! You can incorporate natural lessons such as growing veggies from seeds or let your little ones explore the grass, leaves, and bugs in the yard. They will learn their own lessons while you get some boring tasks done, such as budgeting. Babies will enjoy watching the grass move in the wind and hearing birds. Older kids will enjoy the exploration outside can bring. <br />
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The mind will be clear and more able to soak up all the great things you can teach, such as where those peas came from before you bought them at the market!<br />
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<b>2) Appeal to all 5 senses! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3utwpTufBOZNrXr8puanvSinnL4cZuOi_KmuBUI-K6Uuyfem8YF-MfTZwp8m2Ch3kBMZ7wcoKhgxWnwbhxp8eiui6buW9xmTkgwzqL2KoHt93Yja5QI0BxKO_zPgkdrIYjZ62tlN6BAZi/s1600/CIMG4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3utwpTufBOZNrXr8puanvSinnL4cZuOi_KmuBUI-K6Uuyfem8YF-MfTZwp8m2Ch3kBMZ7wcoKhgxWnwbhxp8eiui6buW9xmTkgwzqL2KoHt93Yja5QI0BxKO_zPgkdrIYjZ62tlN6BAZi/s200/CIMG4177.JPG" width="200" /></a>Let your child really experience what you are doing. Tasting, feeling, smelling, seeing, and hearing are all important parts of learning. Young babies especially love to taste everything; they experience the world with their mouth! Try to find ways to safely incorporate chances to use different senses.<br />
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Folding laundry has bloomed into a favorite game in our home. Blip loves it when we rub the different fabrics against his cheek or arms so he can feel them. I encourage him to smell the clean clothes and we flap, crinkle, and talk about the task to appeal to his need to hear. Of course, he loves watching as I fold the clothes and pile them in neat stacks and since he is so young I always try to find safe things for him to mouth and taste. A clean scarf will often go straight in his mouth. <br />
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<b>3) Use the high back carry</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SOJCvNPmtokdS6vlvG6AZhDBjsB5d8SlgYs0mYbO133IVyJmqYCt1OCCAFfD20XyVm8bNwnF8MrYwSP_hgwR-hC-lTZLzfn9i6_j25cKkWYGWkA3Ri-ODzMbdOWsQhHfdtjavTbbkprA/s1600/CIMG5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SOJCvNPmtokdS6vlvG6AZhDBjsB5d8SlgYs0mYbO133IVyJmqYCt1OCCAFfD20XyVm8bNwnF8MrYwSP_hgwR-hC-lTZLzfn9i6_j25cKkWYGWkA3Ri-ODzMbdOWsQhHfdtjavTbbkprA/s200/CIMG5192.JPG" width="200" /></a>We love a nice and high back carry in our Woven. All kids have clingy days and this is great for those days. A back carry allows you to go about your daily necessities, with both hands free, while still having your little one observe everything. Try washing dishes or clothes using a good carrier for your high back carry. Your kiddo will be able to see everything you do and easily hear your feedback on the task at hand. Best of all, they are right near your ear, so you will be able to hear all the questions or excited baby sounds. <br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4) Get them Involved</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJCs26jqh-fwAXkbcIcZTHvNubDhXsAxJrEofVIS9AywJMSi6t90jvjmBJdok-U0a7Es0g8Sl_FN8M78nOZRqqEFv-oRzR2CMyiv1Epufwf3oWKkZzvMiz4eqH39MYOvcBaBK0Ce0pX8S/s1600/CIMG5851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJCs26jqh-fwAXkbcIcZTHvNubDhXsAxJrEofVIS9AywJMSi6t90jvjmBJdok-U0a7Es0g8Sl_FN8M78nOZRqqEFv-oRzR2CMyiv1Epufwf3oWKkZzvMiz4eqH39MYOvcBaBK0Ce0pX8S/s200/CIMG5851.JPG" width="200" /></a> Babies and kids love being involved! It is no fun watching all the time.<br />
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Little babies will enjoy sitting with you and playing with the tools you are using. Help toddlers pour a teaspoon of vinegar into your homemade cleaning spray or have your preschooler help knead the bread dough. It really does not matter what you are doing, just get them involved! Simple tasks teach all sorts of great things when they get to do them along with you. Science, fine motor skills, a love for cooking, etc... <br />
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<b>5)Accidents happen: relax and learn from them </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeTNW8YmdtAu95vpDJmSPXJhKrX07wuNfdNn5O6xoc-Y48kTEAKzNsLCzbDgTeyyJyyCL6_fhai0wwmUGDcKXWf8pgXyl2P_BiuZ49FKVWgvYybZ4MnDm41MAihy3JpNGIUJWunz5QEDF/s1600/CIMG5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeTNW8YmdtAu95vpDJmSPXJhKrX07wuNfdNn5O6xoc-Y48kTEAKzNsLCzbDgTeyyJyyCL6_fhai0wwmUGDcKXWf8pgXyl2P_BiuZ49FKVWgvYybZ4MnDm41MAihy3JpNGIUJWunz5QEDF/s200/CIMG5305.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Never yell or act disappointed in your child if they accidentally mess something up, break something, or spill. Evey one has accidents, even us! When little Soya spills all the blueberries on the floor, stop and take a deep breath, and remember this is a teachable moment! <br />
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No need to scold or really even force the lesson. Just say, in a happy voice, that it is ok and show then how to fix or make the accident better.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"It's ok, why don't I help you pick up these berries! Then we can rewash them!"</i> </div><br />
Embarrassing your child or forcing a lesson will not make them eager to try again; that trying is what really teaches! <br />
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<b>6) Child size and accessible</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbiMlbcK1-IlP4plVPW6Ji8EjqMTJL-q73FAVR4TQvDy7u1qC7xSvXCIsfAv8kpSE7VHvJtR1ASQKg_iMGgLRtcWS5fNnT17p1cGf2H5qkFLzpivIhsxtp26K6WeNIW_zcLp6BtDieZk2/s1600/CIMG3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbiMlbcK1-IlP4plVPW6Ji8EjqMTJL-q73FAVR4TQvDy7u1qC7xSvXCIsfAv8kpSE7VHvJtR1ASQKg_iMGgLRtcWS5fNnT17p1cGf2H5qkFLzpivIhsxtp26K6WeNIW_zcLp6BtDieZk2/s200/CIMG3949.JPG" width="200" /></a> I love the Montessori idea of not having a child fit into a world that is too big for them. It is a great idea to have some smaller tools of the trade for tiny hands.<br />
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Smaller sponges and a broom could spark an interest in helping you clean. It is fun to act like mommy or daddy but it also teaches them valuable practical life lessons. When kids work with items that fit them, they learn real technique! Storing items in lower shelves, and finding ways for them to get eye level with the lessons, is also a great way of keeping them involved whenever their interests strike!<br />
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I love the idea of a <a href="http://www.littlepartners.com/">learning tower </a>to supply a safe place for your kid to stand while helping you bake! <br />
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<b>7) Appeal to their interests</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30x0oXza8RQ_etr_fGEinrD7-odRLPSdvMMamderFAXRK1rlPGY2kAuX6_wqXRj9ZGm3EAf4np6K0JkVOdQBvZLu1NFv77PqWCeMI4gpdtf0MUyl-l9w28qS5TerPBDc6EG4vQO_Doklu/s1600/CIMG5660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30x0oXza8RQ_etr_fGEinrD7-odRLPSdvMMamderFAXRK1rlPGY2kAuX6_wqXRj9ZGm3EAf4np6K0JkVOdQBvZLu1NFv77PqWCeMI4gpdtf0MUyl-l9w28qS5TerPBDc6EG4vQO_Doklu/s200/CIMG5660.JPG" width="150" /></a>If your baby is practicing slowly taking things out of baskets, let them help you pull out clothes from a basket while you fold. If your child is obsessed with animals, go buy eggs and milk at the farm. If it is a topic, such as space, that your kid just can't get enough of, incorporate it into your day. Read up on it together: your kid will love it, plus you will learn new things as well. Make it a theme for lunch or chat about it on the way to the store. <br />
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<b>8) Know when to let it be</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW027NXODWnqaA-htynQFMIIRonsR-uwRG5SOdY_Aa5ak53Ttqoxee1hP6RriIhFyxf_n11X7dwYqr4c_DlHXvBeMsMRBTAd1Lc9u8WNvCsajWk5YzxbEz5KwJIOickCUzty3r6-o5zmGM/s1600/CIMG5864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW027NXODWnqaA-htynQFMIIRonsR-uwRG5SOdY_Aa5ak53Ttqoxee1hP6RriIhFyxf_n11X7dwYqr4c_DlHXvBeMsMRBTAd1Lc9u8WNvCsajWk5YzxbEz5KwJIOickCUzty3r6-o5zmGM/s200/CIMG5864.JPG" width="150" /></a>There are times when Blip is just not interested in the tasks I'm doing. Maybe he would rather play with his blocks or hear a story. In cases like this, really try not to push it.<br />
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No one will have fun or learn anything if you are forcing them to participate and honestly it is a tantrum waiting to happen. Know when to let it be. <br />
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Sometimes a baby just wants to be left alone for some tummy time because they are on a crawling breakthrough! Sometimes a kid just needs time to focus on toys or a nap. Sometimes they just want to cuddle and read and we just have to remember that the vacuum will be there later! We can always come back to the task, but one day our baby will be grown up. <br />
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<b>9) Try something new</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72EqbnTv9MJhM_ToL5XFcrWsGhETZfg66_OpQMFTZjUxfqgOtQXQfRgWEiAJ6Mq49iakEJLfzJw9Uuryc7y7XqsAHBCVG9xOEnTKWIqkgKoPoOJGF-r6nVYI-Kl84vLLaILl7njiElU4f/s1600/CIMG4380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72EqbnTv9MJhM_ToL5XFcrWsGhETZfg66_OpQMFTZjUxfqgOtQXQfRgWEiAJ6Mq49iakEJLfzJw9Uuryc7y7XqsAHBCVG9xOEnTKWIqkgKoPoOJGF-r6nVYI-Kl84vLLaILl7njiElU4f/s200/CIMG4380.JPG" width="200" /></a>Little one starting to hate grocery shopping? Maybe you both just need a change in pace. A new setting can be a treasure trove of learning opportunities! Go to the farmers market for some outdoor fun, local food, and a new experience. I find it the best way to shop. Your little one will meet new people, see new things, and get interested in the task all over again!<br />
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Maybe make up a game to go with a task! Go to the library and let your child pick out a new cookbook. Give your baby a new view that they can watch from. A little change goes a long way. And sometimes it is good to fit some 100% new experiences into your day. <br />
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<b>10) Give a choice</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvOfo6v7ouZrH3809bqjVj7xtQhf86yd-4WA4wi2wpxaUkAlLAhB47lbmQnMWoF-jsxo1pXvh1VDDjPPxh05aW-18mufmUn-lMN-tGkPpKi4JIHl6Lw8FHDz10mT0cHItQIifQSOM6NKU/s1600/CIMG4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvOfo6v7ouZrH3809bqjVj7xtQhf86yd-4WA4wi2wpxaUkAlLAhB47lbmQnMWoF-jsxo1pXvh1VDDjPPxh05aW-18mufmUn-lMN-tGkPpKi4JIHl6Lw8FHDz10mT0cHItQIifQSOM6NKU/s200/CIMG4859.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> No one likes being told what to do! A few choices will take you far.<br />
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Give your baby the choice to play with the pot lids or the measuring spoons while you cook dinner. Let your kid pick the meal. Less tantrums and more excitement come with choices which means more hunger to learn! It's never too early to give the little ones the opportunity to make up their mind, that in itself is a valuable lesson!<br />
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All in all, relax and have fun watching your child soak up all sorts of information from the ordinary! Be prepared to answer questions!<br />
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<a href="http://www.hobomama.com/p/carnival-of-natural-parenting.html" target="_blank" title="Carnival of Natural Parenting"><img align="right" alt="Carnival of Natural Parenting -- Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama" border="0" class="alignright" src="http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee159/lintpicker/CNPnaturalparent.jpg" /></a>Visit <a href="http://www.hobomama.com/p/carnival-of-natural-parenting.html" target="_blank"><b>Hobo Mama</b></a> and <a href="http://codenamemama.com/carnival-of-natural-parenting/" target="_blank"><b>Code Name: Mama</b></a> to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!<br />
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:<br />
<i>(This list will be live and updated by afternoon March 8 with all the carnival links.)</i><br />
<ul><li><b><a href="http://childorganics.blogspot.com/2011/03/attachment-parenting-in-nicu.html" target="_blank">Attachment Parenting in the NICU</a></b> — Erica at <b>ChildOrganics</b> shares some strategies to help you parent naturally in some unnatural circumstances.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.diaryofafirstchild.com/2011/03/08/10-reasons-to-choose-baby-led-weaning/" target="_blank">10 Reasons to Choose Baby Led Weaning</a></b> — Luschka from <b>Diary of a First Child</b> shares ten reasons to choose Baby Led Weaning when it comes to solids. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://workingtobeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/03/choosing-to-breastfeed.html" target="_blank">Choosing to Breastfeed</a></b> — From selfishness to self-giving, CatholicMommy at <b>Working to be Worthy</b> lists reasons why breast is best for her and her family.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://theartsymama.blogspot.com/2011/03/ten-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-little.html" target="_blank">Ten Things I Wish I Knew About Before Little Man</a></b> — In this reflective post, <b>The ArstyMama</b> discusses ten things she wishes she knew more about before the birth of her son, Little Man.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://accidentalnaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-things-that-have-helped-me.html" target="_blank">10 Things That Helped Me Become a Natural Mama</a></b> — <b>The Accidental Natural Mama</b> counts down ten things that helped her find her moderately crunchy inner mama self.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.katewicker.com/2011/03/top-10-reasons-to-nurse-toddler.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Toddler</a></b> — Extended breast-feeder Kate Wicker of <b>Momopoly</b> makes her own top 10 list for why she loves nursing her 2-year-old.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/03/top-10-tips-on-authentic-grandparenting.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Tips on Authentic Grandparenting</a></b> — Mamapoekie of <b>Authentic Parenting</b> offers a list of tips to make the grandparent-parent-child relationship flow smoothly.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.bisonweb.ca/blog/?p=590" target="_blank">Top Ten "Dad" Things</a></b> — Liam at <b>In The Now</b> talks about his favourite ways to spend time with his children.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://crunchychewymama.com/index.php/natural-strategies-for-conception" target="_blank">Top 10 Natural Strategies for Conception (aka How to Get Pregnant!)</a></b> — Despite facing plenty of health issues, Jessica Claire at <b>Crunchy-Chewy Mama</b> found her way to two first-try pregnancies thanks to these natural strategies.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://dreamingaloudnet.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-reasons-why-home-birth-rocks.html%20" target="_blank">Top Ten Reasons Why Home Birth Rocks</a></b> — Lucy at Dreaming Aloud shares her passion for birthing at home - the natural place for natural birth.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://clothnappiesarefun.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-reasons-why-cloth-nappies-are.html" target="_blank">Top 10 reasons why cloth nappies are fun</a></b> — Tat at <b>Cloth Nappies Are Fun</b> shows how using cloth nappies can brighten up your day. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://innatewholeness.com/?p=4720" target="_blank">Top Ten Ways to Be Present With Family</a></b> — Amy at <b>Innate Wholeness</b> shares how to make the most of parenting and family life through being present.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://jonirae.com/top-10-things-in-my-arsenal-of-kitchen-witchy-mama-tricks/" target="_blank">Top 10 Things In My Arsenal of Kitchen Witchy Mama Tricks.</a></b> — Joni Rae at <b>Tales of A Kitchen Witch</b> shares with us the simple things she would never want to be missing from her cupboards. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://babyfingers.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-ways-im-not-very-good-at-natural.html" target="_blank">Top 10 ways I'm not very good at natural parenting (and why I keep trying anyway)</a></b> — Jenny at <b>Babyfingers</b> shares the ways she is imperfect as a natural parent, and why she embraces natural parenting anyway.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/mar-carnatpar/" target="_blank">Top 10 Ways to Know You Are a Natural Parent</a></b> — So what makes us "natural parents," anyway? A lighthearted look at the Top 10 Ways to Know You Are a Natural Parent by the editors and readers of <b>Natural Parents Network</b>.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://letstakethemetro.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-things-every-natural-household.html" target="_blank">The Top 10 Things Every Natural Household (with children) Should Have</a></b> — Amanda at <b>Let's Take the Metro</b> shares a list of the most common natural products and remedies she uses for health and cleaning.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://littlegreenblog.com/family-and-food/green-parenting/books-spiritual-children" target="_blank">Top 10 books for raising loving, spiritual children</a></b> — In her 'food for the soul' post, Mrs Green from <b>Little Green Blog</b> shares her favourite spiritual books. No matter what religion you practise, there's something for everyone!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://mommyingmyway.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-things-no-one-told-me-about.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Things No One Told Me About Natural Parenting</a></b> — Adrienne at <b>Mommying My Way</b> explains that the best things about natural parenting are things she never expected.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.mynaturebaby.ca/blog/2011/03/08/top-ten-flower-essences-for-families/" target="_blank">Top 10 Flower Essences for Families</a></b> — Kim of <b>Nature Baby Bloggings</b> lists her pick of the top ten flower essence which can help ease families through the ups and downs of life. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://little-willa-lamb.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-top-ten-parenting-tools.html" target="_blank">My Top Ten Parenting Tools</a></b> — Amyables at <b>Toddler In Tow</b> names the top ten tools that have been helpful to her while learning to parent respectfully and successfully.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://monkeybuttjunction.com/2011/03/08/ten-ways-for-families-to-enjoy-nature-for-free-or-nearly-free" target="_blank">Ten Ways Families Can Enjoy Nature (for free!)</a></b> — Spring is nearly in the air, and Jenn at <b>Monkey Butt Junction</b> is dreaming of the fun and frugal ways that her family is going to get out and enjoy nature this summer.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://angelbabyjazzymama.blogspot.com/2011/03/10-reasons-we-unschool.html" target="_blank">10 Reasons We Unschool</a></b> — Patti at <b>Jazzy Mama</b> explains why unschooling is the right choice for her family.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.anktangle.com/2011/03/must-read-natural-parenting-top-ten.html" target="_blank">Must Read: Natural Parenting Top Ten</a></b> — Amy at <b>Anktangle</b> wants you to do a little reading! She shares her top ten favorite books to help parents prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-breastfeeding-misconceptions.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Breastfeeding Misconceptions</a></b> — Sheila at <b>A Gift Universe</b> examines ten reasons women give for why they didn't breastfeed as long as they wanted, and shows how these obstacles can be overcome.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.lightsandletters.com/writing/2011/3/8/ten-reasons-to-plan-a-home-birth.html" target="_blank">Ten Reasons to Plan a Home Birth</a></b> — Since a home birth can be an incredibly empowering experience, Leslie at <b>Lights and Letters</b> outlines ten reasons why you should plan to have your baby at home.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://meganbishop.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-books-for-birth-breastfeeding.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Books for Birth, Breastfeeding and Parenting</a></b> — Megan at <b>Just Me(gan)</b> writes about the ten books that have helped her the most in her natural parenting journey.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://toloveeverymoment.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-letter-to-me.html" target="_blank">A Top Ten Letter To Me...</a></b> — Kat at <b>Loving {Almost} Every Moment</b> writes herself a letter of reflections and bits of wisdom she would have liked to know as a new mama.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://crunchyishmama.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-mama-necessities-money-cant-buy.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Mama Necessities Money Can't Buy</a></b> — Buying baby gear is fun, but Emily at <b>Crunchy(ish) Mama</b> knows real parenting must-haves can't be bought in stores (or even on Amazon).</li>
<li><b><a href="http://smilinglikesunshine1.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-books-for-natural-mum.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Books for a Natural Mum</a></b> — Isil at <b>Smiling like Sunshine</b> talks about her Top 10 Books for a Natural Mum.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.blog.mindfullifeshop.com/2011/03/ten-great-spring-activities-to-do-with.html" target="_blank">Ten Great Spring Activities To Do With Preschoolers </a></b> — Kellie at <b>Our Mindful Life</b> and her family have come up with a great list of activities to do together this spring.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://fingerpaintsuperheroes.blogspot.com/2011/03/10-ways-to-reuse-yogurt-containers.html" target="_blank">10 Ways to Reuse Yogurt Containers</a></b> — Acacia at <b>Fingerpaint & Superheroes</b> keeps the stacks of yogurt containers out of her recycling bin by reusing them in both practical and creative ways. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://hybridrastamama.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-ways-to-have-harmonious-home.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Ways To Have a Harmonious Home</a></b> — Jennifer at <b>Hybrid Rasta Mama</b> shares her natural parenting-inspired methods for maintaining a harmonious daily life with her toddler.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.ithoughtiknewmama.com/2011/03/10-natural-baby-items/" target="_blank">10 Natural Baby Items I Love</a></b> — Charise at <b>I Thought I Knew Mama</b> shares product ideas to support your natural parenting.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://pandamoly.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/the-pandas-top-five-crunch-osophies/" target="_blank">The Pandas' Top Five Crunch-osophies</a></b> — Top five crunchy philosophies, as employed at the Panda Residence by Ana at <b>Pandamoly</b>.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://wp.me/pMVLj-EB" target="_blank">Top 10 Reasons to Leave Your Son Intact</a></b> — Mandy at <b>Living Peacefully with Children</b> has shared 10 reasons why you should leave your newborn son intact.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.writeaboutbirth.com/index.php/2011/03/07/ten-things-everyone-should-know-about-unassisted-homebirth/" target="_blank">Ten things everyone should know about unassisted homebirth</a></b> — Olivia at <b>Write About Birth</b> shares practical tips for women considering an unassisted homebirth and debunks some common myths</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.my-natural-motherhood-journey.com/natural-parenting-march-2011.html" target="_blank">10 Most Popular Ways To Treat Cloth Diaper Stains</a></b> — Chante at <b>My Natural Motherhood Journey</b> gives ten easy tips to make your diapers like new.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://farmersdaughterct.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/10-lessons-in-1-year/" target="_blank">10 Lessons in 1 Year</a></b> — Abbie at <b>Farmer's Daughter</b> shares 10 parenting lessons that she has learned throughout her first year of motherhood.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://lilsnowflakes.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/breastfeeding-top-ten/" target="_blank">Top 10 Ways to Get Breastfeeding Off To a Good Start</a></b> — Sheryl at <b>Little Snowflakes</b> shares 10 effective ways to ensure breastfeeding gets off to a good start.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://codenamemama.com/2011/03/08/mar-carnatpar/" target="_blank">Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Time-Out</a></b> — If you are uncomfortable using time-outs in an attempt to control your child's behavior, try one of these gentler alternatives. Dionna at <b>Code Name: Mama</b> shares her Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Time-Out.</li>
<li><b><a _blank="" href="http://dulcefamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-top-10-parenting-scriptures.html" target="">My Top 10 Parenting Scriptures</a></b> — <b>Dulce de leche</b> is learning to integrate faith and parenting. Whether it is breastfeeding, babywearing, comforting her children, or gentle discipline, she finds that the Bible has beautiful passages to encourage her on her journey.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://bangerlm.blogspot.com/2011/03/natural-cleaning-ideas-top-10.html" target="_blank">Natural Cleaning Ideas - Top 10</a></b> — Laura at <b>Laura's Blog</b> lists the ways she keeps her house clean and clear of chemicals.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.wanderwonderdiscover.com/2011/03/my-top-ten-plus-two-life-altering-and.html" target="_blank">My Top Ten (plus two) Life Altering and Growth Inspiring Books</a></b> — A top ten list of books from MJ at <b>Wander Wonder Discover</b> that changed her life as an individual, a parent, and an earth dweller.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://mommymakescents.com/2011/03/Top-10-Ways-to-Use-Natural-Parenting-for-Children-with-Special-Needs" target="_blank">Top 10 Ways to Use Natural Parenting for Children with Special Needs</a></b> — Danielle at <b>Mommy Makes Cents</b> feeds the needs of her family and special needs child through the use of Natural Parenting.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://thepracticaldilettante.com/2011/03/08/ten-fundamentals/" target="_blank">Ten Fundamentals</a></b> — Seonaid at <b>The Practical Dilettante</b> gets philosophical with a list of the fundamentals that drive her natural parenting.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://wp.me/p17SjJ-60" target="_blank">10 reasons why I chose breast over bottles</a></b> — Becky at <b>Old New Legacy</b> writes a quick list of why she chose breast over bottles. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://beneaththerowantree.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-natural-toys-declutter-save.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Natural Tools for the Work of Play</a></b> — Lori at Beneath the Rowan Tree offers insight into 10 natural toys that will span the early years (and save you money).</li>
<li><b><a href="http://ichigomeansstrawberry.blogspot.com/2011/03/10-differences-in-pregnancy-and.html" target="_blank">10 differences between pregnancy and parenting in Japan and the US </a></b> — Megan at <b>Ichigo Means Strawberry</b> gives her impressions about differences in pregnancy and parenting in Japan and the US.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://bennyandbex.blogspot.com/2011/03/natural-parenting-benny-bex-style.html" target="_blank">Natural Parenting Benny & Bex Style</a></b> — Pecky at <b>Benny and Bex</b> explains why Natural Parenting principles work best for her boys.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://parentingbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/03/carnival-of-natural-parenting-top-10.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Reasons to Co-Sleep</a></b> — 10 practical, emotional, and completely selfish reasons to co-sleep and share a family bed from Lily, aka <b>Witch Mom</b>.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://teamkemendo.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-top-ten-new-mommy-moments.html" target="_blank">My Top Ten New Mommy Moments</a></b> — Melissa at <b>The New Mommy Files</b> recounts the ten most memorable moments of her daughter's first year.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://talesofatiredmommy.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-things-every-breastfeeding.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Things Every Breastfeeding Mother Needs to Know</a></b> — Kristen at <b>Adventures in Mommyhood</b> believes knowledge is power and wants all moms to be well informed.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://mommajorje.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-nursing-positions-situations.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Nursing Positions / Situations</a></b> — <b>Momma Jorje</b> uses her 5½ years of nursing experience to share her Top 10 Nursing Positions/Situations. She includes some adorable photos of her youngest daughter at the breast.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://onelovelivity.com/childofnatureblog/?p=1655" target="_blank">Ten Top Ways to Connect Kids with Nature </a></b> — Terri from <b>Child at the Nature Isle</b> offers 10 ways to immerse ourselves in the natural world and develop a love affair with the Earth.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://theguavaliciouslife.com/?p=47" target="_blank">Top 10 Slacker Ways to Natural Parent</a></b> — <b>Guavalicious</b> is happy to show you how to parent naturally the slacker way.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://ellabeanandco.blogspot.com/2011/02/simply-what-it-looks-like.html" target="_blank">Simply what it looks like</a></b> — Andrea!!! from <b>Ella-Bean & Co.</b> offers a glimpse into natural parenting through the eyes of mama and babe.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://wp.me/p1gc3I-8q" target="_blank">Top Ten Reasons Why Natural Parenting Dads Are So Attractive</a></b> — Nada at <b>miniMOMist</b> sure digs her husband, but it's not just his good looks -- it's his parenting!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.intrepidmurmurings.com/2011/03/10-family-systems-and-routines-that-work-for-us/" target="_blank">10 Family Systems and Routines That Work for Us</a></b> — See what routines, organizational systems, and parenting approaches work for Kristin at <b>Intrepid Murmurings</b> to help avoid conflict and maintain sanity in a family with three young children. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.hobomama.com/2011/03/march-carnival-of-natural-parenting.html" target="_blank">Top 10 reasons to choose midwifery care</a></b> — Lauren at <b>Hobo Mama</b> lists the features that drew her to midwives' care for pregnancy and birth.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.theparentvortex.com/wordpress/10-ways-to-cloth-diaper-on-a-budget/" target="_blank">10 Ways to Cloth Diaper on a Budget</a></b> — Michelle at <b>The Parent Vortex</b> shares her best thrifty cloth diapering tips.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/03/ten-reasons-it-felt-sew-good-to-make-my.html" target="_blank">Ten Reasons it Felt Sew Good To Make My Own Play Food</a></b> — Brittany at <b>Mama's Felt Cafe</b> lists her 10 (OK, 11) favorite reasons to grab a needle and start sewing your own felt play toys. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://bouncetomoon.blogspot.com/2011/03/top10-ways-to-spark-interest-learn-and.html" target="_blank">Top10 Ways to Spark Interest, Learn, and Have Fun With Everyday Tasks!</a></b> — Bethy at <b>Bounce Me to the Moon</b> gives you her top 10 ways of incorporating fun and lessons into everyday tasks and chores.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://ifoundmyfeet.blogspot.com/2011/03/postpartum-gift-ideas.html" target="_blank">Postpartum Gift Ideas</a></b> — Alicia at <b>I Found My Feet</b> suggests a top 10 list of gifts for mother's after giving birth.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://momgrooves.com/2011/03/top-ten-shows/" target="_blank">My Top Ten Shows Worthy Of Screen Time</a></b> — Tree at <b>Mom Grooves</b> shares her top ten list of shows that she believes are positive, educational, kind, joyful, and a nice way to share some downtime with your children.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://thatmamagretchen.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-10-ways-to-succeed-as-working_08.html" target="_blank">The Top 10 Ways to Succeed as an Working Attachment Parent</a></b> — <b>That Mama Gretchen</b> shares tried and true ways to succeed with attachment parenting even when working away from home during the day.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://meta-mom.com/top-10-books" target="_blank">Top Ten Books for Natural Parenting</a></b> — Pregnancy, herbs, cooking, and healthcare the ten books Asha at <b>Meta Mom</b> the most.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://propsonpalingenesis.blogspot.com/2011/03/preparing-for-hospital-vbac-my-top-10.html" target="_blank">Preparing for a Hospital VBAC: My Top 10</a></b> — Thomasin at <b>Propson Palingenesis</b> shares 10 ways she's preparing for her upcoming hospital VBAC.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://fabulousmamachronicles.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-ten-new-mom-survival-tools.html" target="_blank">Top Ten New Mom Survival Tools</a></b> — Wolfmother shares her most beloved motherhood survival tools at <b>Fabulous Mama Chronicles</b>.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/03/08/top-10-montessori-principles-for-natural-learning/" target="_blank">Top 10 Montessori Principles for Natural Learning</a></b> — Deb Chitwood at <b>Living Montessori Now</b> gives her top 10 list of Montessori principles parents can use to encourage their children s natural learning.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://mother-flippin.blogspot.com/2011/03/going-granola.html" target="_blank">Going Granola</a></b> — Tashmica from <b>The Mother Flippin' Blog</b> describes the 10 ways that natural parenting sneaked up on her. She never expected to go all granola on the world.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://veryveryfine.squarespace.com/imported-20101215221410/2011/3/8/step-away-from-the-amazon-list.html" target="_blank">Step Away From the Amazon List</a></b> — Stefanie at <b>Very, Very Fine</b> wishes she hadn't bought so much useless stuff.</li>
</ul>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-40920994927687959842011-02-26T07:21:00.000-08:002011-04-25T06:56:47.431-07:00Saturday Morning Sunshine: He is Boogying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2iI-dAw8n_ra16FGrj7VGjsakwT8MSpY7G6Ztq94vutOXq5jQIZi5Hir5czUwH5_A1DcStolU_FebkVH3ch_KF7lpDwl-9_0_N4RYMXQH1Evk0aI3P3FouBINv9WQnPg2Ivh1PxermNq/s1600/CIMG5517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2iI-dAw8n_ra16FGrj7VGjsakwT8MSpY7G6Ztq94vutOXq5jQIZi5Hir5czUwH5_A1DcStolU_FebkVH3ch_KF7lpDwl-9_0_N4RYMXQH1Evk0aI3P3FouBINv9WQnPg2Ivh1PxermNq/s320/CIMG5517.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
He is moving and a grooving!<br />
<br />
Blip has been been mobile for a bit now. He army crawls and gets into EVERYTHING! It is amazing to watch. His Montessori inspired shelves are now being put to use, as he crawls and pulls his toys out. It is crazy the stuff he finds on the floor, even right after I vacuum! Luckily the kitties love him, he loves crawling after them. I have to watch out or he will chew them. I could go on forever, I'm a proud mama!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3G86TxPm9tAgE5t6qYd9vsHa7xr3N0-rvkAepQ_oAmOwiJOMv3WSuceOREJaGdQlqYKunWDWTfChpT0CshC_ZEJhA7fsrkDv4G6K76v6EkPQdQEmTabT7hxy69dNjoE4yTapLU1WxbnM/s1600/CIMG5856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3G86TxPm9tAgE5t6qYd9vsHa7xr3N0-rvkAepQ_oAmOwiJOMv3WSuceOREJaGdQlqYKunWDWTfChpT0CshC_ZEJhA7fsrkDv4G6K76v6EkPQdQEmTabT7hxy69dNjoE4yTapLU1WxbnM/s320/CIMG5856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The best is that he now crawls into my lap. It is the best feeling ever to have your freshly mobile baby crawl into your lap for the first time. It really shows that with his new freedom you are not lost, he still needs you. I love watching as he becomes more independent and knowing I never have to push that independence, it comes naturally and in it's own time. I love being the rock he comes back to when a day of exploring becomes to rough and he needs a home.<br />
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Sappy I know...Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-52718089913257700452011-02-24T07:17:00.000-08:002011-02-26T12:14:10.066-08:00Zombie's and Babywearing = WINI'm a nerd...<br />
<br />
Babywearing + Zombies = Epic Win<br />
<br />
....Enough said.... <br />
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<a href="http://zombiecombatclub.com/index.php/2008/10/23/protecting-children-from-zombie-attack/">Hooray for slings, hooray for zombies</a>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374153267999243555.post-46823301351284169562011-02-23T08:21:00.000-08:002011-04-25T06:48:27.978-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Popsice Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPyNwop85WXteBXo7zE2U5NK7j4YkPQiohznxMaU9UW6k2t0gx_6LefUHdH9bHXzjB7wvB85hevVKCGSdao7KfSIL0DCK-lmP404D21gUYRqFXXU-i-4pi-dyzQqvfIZbHS82BNUFJWXo/s1600/CIMG5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPyNwop85WXteBXo7zE2U5NK7j4YkPQiohznxMaU9UW6k2t0gx_6LefUHdH9bHXzjB7wvB85hevVKCGSdao7KfSIL0DCK-lmP404D21gUYRqFXXU-i-4pi-dyzQqvfIZbHS82BNUFJWXo/s320/CIMG5898.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Popsicle made from purred strawberry and pineapple + organic yogurt and a squeeze of lemon </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cOzyybfz9QveKwHUehjvgEfulAzfyx0-Nc7lv88ymOjgNlshwXFIf-STUmnuwSA_jqgYROnShWYGjF4O9ZyHoJJIkC4OUiP7DQa1Mf14NwIr04yfUpWTpj_EpAoArpWDFJewlyAGqYOf/s1600/CIMG5901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cOzyybfz9QveKwHUehjvgEfulAzfyx0-Nc7lv88ymOjgNlshwXFIf-STUmnuwSA_jqgYROnShWYGjF4O9ZyHoJJIkC4OUiP7DQa1Mf14NwIr04yfUpWTpj_EpAoArpWDFJewlyAGqYOf/s320/CIMG5901.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add baby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggyydO07wbj0JAB7I4UlytIq9umaoCWkPo5UsYkw9D6kA4svbLrJJJyvSB1No8JN5EYAn9DOUN3eaYT2NG9lLnbBxQv8KKDp7uWPrctT0En16gLVIB4sMmomJd-fwKsROm8IVL1zRunEQ/s1600/CIMG5904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggyydO07wbj0JAB7I4UlytIq9umaoCWkPo5UsYkw9D6kA4svbLrJJJyvSB1No8JN5EYAn9DOUN3eaYT2NG9lLnbBxQv8KKDp7uWPrctT0En16gLVIB4sMmomJd-fwKsROm8IVL1zRunEQ/s320/CIMG5904.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay for mes baby cuteness! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bethyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04289158853632384711noreply@blogger.com0