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Besides this blog I also have an early childhood education blog where I post various activities and crafts I do with my girls. Before I became a stay-at-home mom I was an early childhood teacher for many years. I love to share the activities I used to do in the classroom with my own children now.

Here's the link if interested. www.imprintsfromtricia.com

Today we did a fun activity with all materials bought at the dollar store. I love the dollar store almost as much as I love Target! The girls had a blast using the tweezers to sort the cotton balls. (excellent fine motor skill use)

Seriously this entire activity (that they can play with over and over again) cost $6!

Shadow of Self

One of my favorite photography blogs to read is shuttersisters.com.  I recently discovered them and I can't describe the wave of inspiration I feel from their photos and blog posts.  The writing is just as beautiful as the photos you will find on their site.  A recent post was entitled Shadow of Self (check it out here.. http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/3/29/a-shadow-of-self.html) and it talks about finding the courage to turn the camera on yourself.  One of the challenges was to take of photo of your own shadow.  I was too chicken to post on the blog but I did try it out and will post it here.  It's a weak effort at best but none the less...a shadow of myself. 

Words of inspiration from shuttersisters regarding self portraits...."It is the ultimate study of self. It is the space between here and there. Then and now. You and me. Us and them......These photographs are the solitude and stillness of wind. The reminder that life is blooming, that growth moves us forward with joy and anticipation. This project is my practice in remembering it is ok to sit with the silence. And that through it all, life is still beautiful."  ~Meredith Winn

Our roots say we're sisters, our hearts say we're friends. ~Author Unknown

I am so thrilled and overjoyed to see Mallory and Jillian playing together as Jilly gets older!  At one time not so long ago the 20 month age difference made them seem worlds and worlds apart.  Now, that gap seems to be closing in more and more and they are becoming playmates and friends.  As a parent there just is no better feeling than seeing their relationship grow!  I caught some pictures of them recently playing on the bean bag.  Mallory was tickling Jillian and of course Jilly was enjoying every moment! 

Every Child is an Artist....

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso

Brought out the finger paints for the first time today!! Mallory had a blast and I had fun watching her enjoy it so much!! 

I'm taking a photoshop class over at clickinmoms and learning a ton!  I created this storyboard that I received from Beth on the clickinmoms blog. If you're interested there's a fabulous tutorial from Beth and you can download the storyboard for free, check it out here: http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/

On the move...

Jillian is crawling all over the place these days!  Today I found her as she was about to crawl up the stairs! Yikes, I guess it's time for baby gates! 

The Blizzard of 2011

The great blizzard of 2011 has arrived and it certainly did not disappoint! Here are some photos from inside and out of our home on this epic day in Chicago weather history!

Our Backyard



Our sunroom door!



Not going outside!

 

Watching the blizzard from inside!





Bringing outside in....

Today I pulled out an old activity from my teaching preschool years.  In the winter time we used to bring snow into the water/sand table and the kids loved it!  I thought I would try it with Mallory and it provided a full 7 minutes of joy... typical 2 year old attention span!  She did however seem to enjoy the activity and talked about it all day long!

Of course I used one of these shots for my project 365 photo of the day!  

Behind the door...

Already grateful for my 365 project, without it I would have never captured this moment!  Since taking on this project my camera is ready at any given moment in the event I run across a good photo opportunity. As I'm going through the day, in the back of my mind I'm always on the look out for that special moment. Some days I have to search a little harder but on this particular day it easily fell into my hands!  I peeked behind the door and found Tony and the girls reading the new favorite book A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats...given to the girls by my dear friend Naomi!  Thanks again Naomi, they love it!  I know I will forever cherish this photo...

When you photograph people in colour you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in B&W, you photograph their souls! ~Ted Grant

     

Old Hat

Pulled out this hat from the summer today for the girls to model!!  Originally bought it for Mallory but Jillian is now big enough for it as well!  Nothing like a bright summer hat to cheer us up on a cold dreary day!

I used Jillian's photo for my project365 today!! 

So much inspiration....

Wow, since I decided to do project 365 I have been searching through all the other blogs/projects of fellow photographers who are beginning this journey as well and I am overwhelmed with all the inspiration I am finding....not to mention the unbelievable talent of so many women photographers who continue to blow me away!!  I stumbled upon this fabulous blog and had to share this article also written about 365!!  Good golly does this inspire me beyond belief!!  Simply beautiful sentiments.... http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/1/4/a-day-in-the-life-of-365.html 

In keeping with the 365 discussion, I thought I'd share a photo that is a runner up for today's 365 shot....

Mallory had her first "All By Myself" class today, where she was in a park district class without me for much of the time.  She did fabulous and seemed to enjoy it!! This shot was taken right before we left for the class...
my baby is growing up so fast...