Stuff my Kid Says #18

Me: Logan, what do you love?

Logan: Ummmm.... Smurfs, Mickey, and figurines........ I think that's it.

Me: You don't love anything else?

Logan: No.

Me: How about people? Do you love anyone?

Logan: No..... wait. I just love Cheech (my sister's dog) and Millie. And Nana. Oh and you too, Mama.

A New Addition

This weekend we welcomed a new addition to our family. 

Meet Theodore Graham (aka Teddy Graham). 

He is our very first family dog. 

Logan is besides himself with happiness. 

He has repeatedly said, "I have wanted a dog since I was a newborn baby!" 

Snow Ice Cream

The snow finally reached us. While we had a great time playing in it, I know with such a mild winter it might be our only chance to make snow ice cream. I used a simple recipe, and added some Mickey sprinkles.

The little guy adored it. I had a bite too, and it was delicious! 

You can find the recipe here.

Turtle Sensory Bin

Our theme this week has centered around turtles. When I was at the dollar store, I saw these turtle toys and snatched them up knowing they would be perfect in sensory bin. I added just a drop of food coloring to the water. Prior to playing in this bin, I had read the book, I am a Sea Turtle, by Darlene R. Stille, to Logan. He used some of his background knowledge from the aquarium and the book and incorporated it into his play. 

I left all the items separated so that Logan could initiate this activity in any way he chose. I imagined since the turtles were the newest "toy" that he would pick those, but he surprised me.  

"I'm setting up the pond." This fall we visited the aquarium and watched the turtles sticking their heads out of the water. 

Next came our turtles. Sure they weren't realistic  colors, but I always like to say if it isn't bright it isn't right..... or something like that. Actually, I've never said written that until now, but I kind of like it. I do love adore bright colors. Either way, the kiddo was unfazed and adored those little turtles. He named each one and insisted that they were all girls. 

"They are laying eggs on the beach," he declared. This summer on our trip to Maine, we spied a snapping turtle laying eggs. He still connects that story to any turtles we happen to come across. 

It was definitely a proud mommy moment when he set up those little turtles all by himself. This little guy always amazes me with his imagination and memory. I left the bin out for most of the day so he could revisit it when he wanted. The total cost of the bin was a dollar and it was definitely well spent!

2012 Resolutions

Happy New Year, friends! Here are some of my goals for 2012:


1. Start a morning routine for after breakfast.

2. Every week focus on a theme based on Logan's interest. Logan knows some of his letters, but we haven't been consistently practicing, etc. I'm okay with that, since we spend most of our time playing, but since I am thinking of foregoing preschool, I think it's probably time I start working more intently on letters, since every attempt before hand has been mostly incidental. 

3. Share more of our open ended activities.  I love crafts as much as the next person and Logan actually enjoys them too. But the majority of the activities that we do every day are open ended.

4. Create some efficient organization solutions for our supplies and play!

5. Become more playful in 2012.


6.  As soon as Logan turned two he stopped taking naps. I would like to create different activity boxes that he can play with quietly and independently for a little while each day. I also want to start rotating his toys.


7. Spend more time kissing, hugging, and laughing with my little boy. Enjoy that he still loves to cuddle, hold hands, and kiss his mama. Love and live in every moment. 


8. Blog more. Obviously. 


Do you make resolutions each year? 

Psssss....... If you want to take a look at my personal goals for the year, you can can click here!

2011 Resolutions, Revisited

I always like to look back at last year's resolutions and see how I did. I'm sharing with you, and plan on sharing my new ones this week! Here is a blast from the past, January 2011:

1. Venture out more into blogging. This means writing more often, including some new topics that I'm passionate about, linking up to parties, and leaving comments. The last two are a little scary, cause I'm kind of shy sometimes.
Hey, I kind of did this one! When I started this year I had about five followers, and now I am super lucky to have  a bunch more. 

2. Continue our voyage into attempting to live more frugally. I want to make use of more free and wonderful resources that are available in our area. I'm contemplating making my own cleaners (which goes hand in hand with my desire for a healthier, greener living). I plan to start utilizing meal planning and coupon clipping more often. I want to save more money in order to continue to stay at home with my little boy.
I did some of this too! I make my own laundry soap and dishwasher soap. I make a great deal of more food from scratch. I tried to make my own bread. I still need to meal plan more often and be more consistent with my coupon usage. 

3. Live healthier. It's really a nicer way of saying that I want to lose weight. I'm hoping to include more new recipes that are healthy and yummy into our diets. I'm on a mission to try new fruits and vegetables, be more active, and feel happier. And I might just buy the Thirty Day Shred with some of my birthday money. I feel a little afraid after typing that last sentence.
I've incorporated new healthy recipes into our diet. My kiddo eats fruits and veggies like they are going out of style. 

4. Become an organization princess. The Martha Stewarts out there leave me in envy. I'm just like them, in believing that everything should have a place. BUT sometimes while cleaning up, I end up with stuff that doesn't have a designated place, and someone is ringing the doorbell and I will *cough*cough*cough shove said homeless stuff just anywhere it will fit for the time being. By "anywhere" I usually mean the computer armoirethat I never use. It is one of my shameful secrets. But this year I'm making up for it. In my mind this means restarting (and sticking to) my cleaning schedule, purging, and organizing even those areas that I don't often address until it is too late. Helloooooooo kitchen pantry, and closet o' mystery in the basement. I'm coming for you.
I am just started working on this one in December. I am looking forward to continuing this is 2012.

5. Make my house prettier. I've been inspired by all those in blogland who live on a budget but manage to make their houses beautiful by using their creativity and imagination. I have a couple of new things that I want to attempt. Perhaps even BY MYSELF..... WITH TOOLS.
It just didn't happen this year.

6. Be brave. Try at least one new thing every week for a whole year. It is easy for me to get stuck in a rut and have one week blend into the next. I'm going to make a conscious effort to do something that may or may not be enjoyable and may or may not make me comfortable. But I am bound to learn something. Hopefully about myself.
I started this one with a vengeance, but started to slack off as the year went on. But I did do one thing this year that was super brave, and that I thought I would never do. I entered into therapy. It hasn't been easy, but I know that in the long run, there will be a very large benefit. 

7. Continue to try and be the best possible parent that I can be. With extra kisses.

I have tried to do this every day. But it is my personal belief that there are just never enough kisses. 

Merry Christmas!!

The cookies are laid out along with a giant glass of milk. The reindeer have their magic reindeer food. The little guy is snug bed, and I don't know who is more excited this year, him or me! I'm wondering just how early I'll be getting up tomorrow, but it is the one time of year that I actually enjoy waking up early! Holidays are always a very special time. To me, they also serve as a very powerful reminder to how much I have to be thankful for and to take the time and enjoy all the special moments and those in between.


From my family to yours, I wish you a  in very Merry Christmas! I hope your day is filled with happiness and lots of love. 


~Justine