There is Beauty All Around

So I try, emphasis on try, to do some kind of school type activity with Ellie every day. Monday is a color, letter or number for the week; Tuesday is our science day; Wednesday our emphasis on reading and art day; Thursday is history day; and Friday is music and have fun day.

Today we did a little nature walk through our backyard. I got the idea from here.

I'm grateful for such a beautiful world that reminds us of all we have to be thankful for. Sometimes the monotony of the every day is hard to get through, but these little simple pleasures are wonderful reminders. And I am very thankful for a backyard to play in and have so much beauty in! So many different colored flowers right in our own backyard.

Motherhood

I originally had this post titled Parenthood, but with Mother's Day this weekend and rocking my sweet girl to sleep I changed my thoughts and reflections to being a mother rather than a parent. Being a mom is hard.

Most of the time I'm just ok at it.

Some days, like this past Tuesday, I really stink at it. (A certain baby may have fallen off the couch...)

In need of my help and I take the picture first instead.

And occasionally I'm hoping my kids think I'm great at it.

Picnic at the park with mom.

But every night I get the chance to rock my sweet children to sleep and I can't help but feel so blessed to have them in my life. I have two of the sweetest angels who are patient as I'm learning, who love me unconditionally. Being a mom is overwhelming when they look at you with their perfectly trusting, beautiful, eyes. But there is nothing else I would rather do or be. This Mother's Day I'll most likely wake up at 5 or 6 because my babies love to be up early, but I will have a smile on my face because they are greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

You're My Best Friend

I did not realize how close my kids would be so quick. Ellie loves to try and play with Jack, and Jack loves to stare and watch everything Ellie does. It's even more fun to watch now that Jack is getting older because he laughs and giggles at the things Ellie does. I'm sure they will have fights every now and then as they get older, but I sure hope they keep up this bond and friendship. They are so cute together.

I need to figure out collages.