My new mommy mantra

Many of you know I am on a a mission to better myself. Many of you also know I read a new book that has really helped me out. "Even June CLeaver Would Forget the Juice Box", by Ann Dunnewold. Here is a summary of the books "mommy mantras": (you can click on the image to make them bigger)

I have a copy of this on my fridge and read it daily. Many of these ideas seem very common sense, but I was not following them. I was freaking out and feeling guilty that my kids were not eating organic strawberries or that I raised my voice at Oliver when he miss behaved. I feel like this book has really helped center me and bring me back down to earth. I am trying and for the most part succeeding at being a "perfectly good mother." I highly recommend this book.

My passion

I added two whole new gardens this year and all I bought was one grass plant. This is a bouquet made entirely of flowers that are growing in my gardens. Every single one of them were graciously given to me when friends or family divided their gardens. The Purple Cone Flower is from my friend Rena, the Hydrangea is from my sister's mother in law, Cathi, and the Hostas and Lilies are from my mom. It's a cheap gift that keeps on giving. Thanks guys! Every time I look at my garden I know I am loved. I will have some plants/love to share come fall.

Fine motor skills...check

Oliver got some bead from a garage sale for $.25 and really wanted to make a necklace. I got out some yarn and a kids plastic needle. Oliver strung two beads and was done. Amelia, on the other hand sat there for 20 minutes stinging beads. She got really into it. I think I have been so focused on large motor activities, because that's what Oliver prefers. I need to pull out crafty activities more often (which I am not against one bit).

Sculpture Gardens

We went on an outing to Loring Park and the Sculpture Gardens today. I wanted to go somewhere that the kids have never been to (or in Oliver's case remembers). The goal for the outing was for me to relax and for the kids to have fun. I have been getting really anxious in public places lately and since have been reading a lot about it. I wanted to test some of my new skills. I think I was successful and the kids seemed to really enjoy it.

So sweet and yet sour

Yep, that's Amelia eating a lemon. She loved it.