Newness

Today was an exciting day for everyone in my house. Christian and Elijah replaced their worn out gaming system, and gave the new system several test runs. Chloe had her first bath in the kitchen sink. No, this wasn't her first bath ever. I do bathe my 5 month old occasionally. She's become way to big for her infant tub, and has now fallen in love with the sink. Chloe splashed and splashed while Mommy wished for a rain coat...an apron...or well anything to keep dry.

I wasn't left out of the Newness Celebration. In the room I share with Chloe is a nice BIG bed, and it comes with a promise of better sleep in the future. At some point in time, it will receive it's very own photo spot on this blog. Just not today, since we haven't purchased the bedding for it, and it's a mixed match of sheets and blankets.

Actually, only Chloe's experience made it here today. Enjoy our photos for Thursday, March 31, 2011.

Just be thankful you have a bed to sleep in...clothes and shoes to wear...and food to eat! ~Christian

Chloe's first bath in the kitchen sink. ~Elijah


Sitting on my end table, not getting read. I just have to figure out where my reading time is hiding! ~Sarah

Snow Day

I love days like today. When nothing goes exactly as planned, and 90% of it is even better than expected even with the chaos of veering off course!

There is one thing I could do without, the merciless snowfall that filled the better half of today and covered the ground in a thick white blanket. Give me a Spring filled with sunshine and warmth! But alas, this is Ohio and snow is what I get for making my home here.

Our lovely pictures for this frigidly, cold Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Sisters are sooooooooo much fun!!! ~Christian

My sister is so creative! ~Elijah

A surprisingly quick manifestation of the 17-second Energy Technique. Loving it! ~Sarah

Life's Loves

It's late. I'm tired. And this is so not the way to begin a blog posting. And I just did it, didn't I? It's been a long day. A good day. Of course there's been some sibling spats beckoning my reffing skills. Would you expect any less? My children are far from perfect. Perfection is not what I'd wish for them at all. Joy, happiness, acceptance, love, love, love...that is what I would wish.

Our pictures taken March 29, 2011. A wintery-cold, spring Tuesday.

This duck makes me think of Chloe. ~Elijah

Play time matters. ~Christian

Impatiently waiting for spring, for warmth, and for real flowers in bloom! ~Sarah

Heroes

There's a time in our lives when we all need someone to look up to, a hero of sorts. Then comes a time when we get the wonderful chance to be a hero for another person(s). Do we embrace that opportunity?

Here's our pictures for Monday, March 28, 2011 and yes, I know we missed yesterday. We were so busy living, we forgot to take some pictures to prove it!

The world needs more heroes. ~Christian

My sister is GREAT at DDR! ~Elijah

Chloe loves sitting with her sister. ~Sarah

Reflections

Chloe is completely fascinated with reflections. She loves to be held up to a mirror, and will play as long as you have the strength to keep her dangling in front of the looking glass. I shared an infant mirror with her today. For the first time ever, Chloe had control of how long she looked at the beautiful baby staring back. She loved it, and before long it ended up right where everything else ends...her mouth!

Mirrors aren't the only sources of reflection. People, circumstances, choices, and many other aspects of life can often give us a greater detailed reflection of who we really are. And on a less serious note, water reflects as well, though not as clearly as glass.

Our photos for Saturday (minus one since Elijah is away), March 26, 2011. Day 4.

1st submission

Water is a most glorious thing. ~Christian

2nd submission

We should have this same complete and unconditional love and acceptance for the reflection in our mirrors. Then the other reflections in life would mirror our values and be worthy of love as well. ~Sarah

Attention Grabbers

It can be funny sometimes, the little things that grab our attention. The pictures I find when unloading the camera never cease to amaze me. Even before beginning this challenge, my children captured some of the craziest shots. Photos of what appeared to be nothing often met my eyes. We can't be fooled by appearances. There's always some method to their madness, even if I don't quite understand it.

This challenge gives me a window into their thoughts. Especially as I match up photos with the descriptions they provide. So, like you, I'm often on the outside looking in...even while on the inside :o)

Photos taken Friday, March 25, 2011. Day 3.

1st submission

Each step in life takes you closer to your dreams. ~Christian

2nd submission

Vegetables are really good for your body. ~Elijah

3rd submission

I understand how the smiling monkey must feel as he lays there being completely ignored. Rolie Polie Olie has totally captivated Chloe's attention AGAIN and neither Mommy nor Mr. Smiles can break the powers her favorite cartoon possesses. ~Sarah

Creativity

Creativity seems to be a field of interest in our home at the moment. The children are learning to tap into their creative sides more and more. This new daily challenge has really brought fresh inspiration and perspective to each member of the household.

It's fun to load the pictures and read the descriptions from each person at the end of the day. Elijah nor I knew how similar our photo messages would be today until after they were recorded.

Here's our photos for Thursday, March 24, 2011. Day 2.

1st submission

Potential Creativity ~Sarah

2nd submission

Time is very important. Don't waste it on less important things. ~Christian


3rd Submission

I drew this picture to show the world, everyone has creativity! ~Elijah