Creative Corner

As I mentioned before in a previous post I used to teach preschool and we did a different art or craft everyday. I had so much fun doing the Thanksgiving art wth Harper that I have decided I am going to try to do a couple different arts and crafs activities with her every month. 

I changed things up on part of the wall above the dresser in her room and am going to hang up the different crafts for the month. She already love looking at the pictures tht I have hung there and I want her to be excited to see things that she has made on the wall too.

This morning we made her snowman footprint craft. It's a cute and easy craft and it doesn't take many supplies. 

-construction paper

-white paint (washable) 

-markers 

When I made the thanksgiving handprint craft with Harper I had a really hard time getting her to put her hand flat in the paper. I was hoping that it would be easier with this one since it was with the footprint. I was able to get a couple pretty decent footprints, however she did NOT like the feeling of the paint on her foot. 

I felt kind of bad, she was fine when I painted the bottom of her foot but as soon as I stood her up to do the footprint, and she felt the slimy paint she started screaming like she was scared. I just kept saying, we're almost done, we're almost done- but we had come that far I wasn't going to wipe it off till I had a couple footprints. 

As soon as I say her down and started wiping the paint off all was well and she even tried to clean the footprints of the paper that we had just painted. 

As soon as the paint was dry I just drew on the footprints to make them into the snowmen. 

Later on we did the simple reindeer fingerprint craft too since I had all the supplies out- and now she has the beginnings of her own little creative corner on her bedroom wall. 

Committing to Communication

Communication: it's something that every living person has in common, we may not all communicate in the same way, there are different languages, a smile, a wave, laughter, a look on the face, but it is something that we all learn at a young age. 

When Kyle and I first started dating I learned right away that he was an EXCELLENT communicator, something I definitely lucked out on; we all know that communication tends to be a part of the relationship that guys lack in. However, for us, Kyle was an even better communicator than was. I attribute his great skills to his awesome parents and the fact that he was the only boy and had THREE sister- he had to learn how to communicate or he probably would have gone crazy! 

As we got to know each other more we learned more efficient ways to communicate with each other and without communication no relationship would ever last. 

Before we got married we took a pre-married class with our pastor and what do you think was one of the hot topics up for discussion? That's right-COMMUNICATION. We talked about things in our relationship that would change and grow and how communication was a big part of that after we got married. 

After Harper was born, we now had something new to learn, how to communicate with an infant who doesn't have any idea what you are saying. As a new parent you communicate with your child through touch; you hold them, snuggle them, feed them, make them feel safe. And as your child grows these ways of communication mature and grow. 

Before Harper could talk, I taught her sign language, this was a new and exciting experience as my child was actually communicating back to me! Sometimes though there are not even a need for words. All parents out there know what I am talking about, there is that "look" you give to your child to make them freeze in their tracks, the occasional snap of the fingers to get their attention, or even a smile or laugh that they will copy. 

We communicate to our kids in so many ways we don't even realize, by reading to them, singing to them, dancing, playing, tickling; every little thing you do communicates a message to your child in some way. 

There are so many important and different ways that we, as adults, learn to communicate. We then will pass down these things to our children. The more I think about it the more I hope that my ways of communication are nothing but love, kind and encouraging words and things that Harper will one day pass down to her children. 

Little Cali Girl

I have been seeing so many people on Instagram posting pictures of crazy amounts of snow already. When I see photos it looks so pretty and I am somewhat jealous, but then I think of all the hassel that can come along with living in lots of snow and I am thankful for our great Southern California weather. 

Today the high was in the low 70's perfect day for a walk around the neighborhood with Harper. I know she is getting tuns of new clothes for Christmas so I am trying to get some outfit poss done before all te new clothes arrive and I forget about all these clothes. Haha 

My grandparents just got these tights for her a couple weeks ago when they were out here visiting from Texas. I love them so much, they are a perfect color and look so cute with some many things! I love how kids can look cute in just about anything. 

Sweater: H&M 

Shorts: hand-me-down 

Tights: Carter's 

Shoes: Crazy 8

How to make an Indian hat for your Thanksgiving celebration.

I taught preschool for 3.5 years and worked with after school kids for many years before that- one thing in common that all jobs with children have are lots and lots of arts and crafts! 

This is something I loved doing as a kid and through all my years working the children I learned more and more crafts that I couldn't wait to do with my own kids. 

I have started our new tradition this year! Harper and I (mostly I) made an Indian hat for her to wear for thanksgiving tomorrow. I also made one for my nephew so he and Harper can wear them together. It's so fun and easy and Harper actually really liked it!  

What you will need:

-construction paper (brown for head piece and then whatever color for feathers) 

-scissors 

-stapler or tape 

-pencil 

-ruler 

-glitter (just to add something extra to it) 

-markers (to decorate) 

Measure your child's head, decorate headband then staple it into a circle. 

Cut and decorate feather, glue or staple onto the head piece. (If you used glue or glitter make sure it is all dry first) 

Enjoy! 

Happy Hikers

Kyle usually has Mondays off work so when we can we try and make these our fun family days. The weather has been gorgeous the last few days so we took a fun 2 mile hike up some beautiful mountains that are not far from out house. 

This was the first time we have had Harper walk for part of a hike. She is just as adventurous and a lover of the outdoors as her daddy and I are. She was running through the tall grass and down pretty steep hills without a worry in the world. 

The Girl in the Pink Beret

Today our weather finally feels like fall again. Dark skies, wind, and light rain this morning; I am throughly enjoying it! 

Hat: Gap- this beret was mine when I was a kid and my mom has saved it all these years, we just had to throw it on her today to see how it fit.

Coat: Target- my mom bought this coat for Harper before she was even born, it's still a tad bit big but I couldn't wait any longer for her to wear it! 

Jeggings: Target

Thinking Thankful

Today is one of those days where I just feel extra blessed and honored to be the mom of such an amazing child. 

Maybe it's because of all the thankfulness posts I have been seeing in honor of the month of November, or maybe it's just because I had an extra good and fun morning with my sweetheart for no specific reason at all. 

I am lucky enough to nanny part time but mostly get to stay home with Harper. I get to be there for her silly moments, her naps, bedtimes, as she learns new things, and also the tantrums, hysterical crying, stubborn behavior, poop explosions and all those other "tough" mommy moments. 

It is easy to get caught up in the daily routine of things with your little one and forget to be thankful for some of those little moments you don't think of. My hubby, Kyle, is a wildland firefighter and during fire season (which can get pretty crazy here in SoCal) he stays at work 3/4 nights a week. I know it is so hard for him to go those days without seeing Harper and I, to not be able to tuck Harper in every night or be there ever morning when she gets up. Though sometimes being a mom can be hard I am SO thankful to be able to do it and spend all the time with Harper that I am able to, especially when I think of Kyle and how he doesn't get to see her as much as he wants.

I am totally, utterly and completely thankful for this amazing family God has blessed me with. Kyle, whose strength, determination and hard work is an inspiration to me everyday and for the beautiful daughter we have. 

This morning I was lucky enough to wake up to face another day. To laugh, play, cuddle and hold my Harper- being a mom is the most wonderful thing and I need to remember to be thankful for all those teeny, tiny moments I get with her. 

We spent part of the afternoon walking around an exploring. Harper loves to climb things. I couldn't believe she was able to get up that big rock and balance herself! 

Shirt: The Children's Place

Denim Top: H&M boys section 

Jeggings: Target

Shoes: Pink converse (we just bought these used coverse from a friend that I used to work with and I absolutely LOVE them)