yes i give my child knives

Some would argue about the safety of giving an almost three year old a knife.  Some might be gasping as they scroll through these pictures.  Right.  I hear your concern, but what about teaching our children practical skills that help them become independent human beings?  Isn't that our main goal as parents?  Besides, look how engaged Abby is in this activity.  I couldn't distract her if I tried.  I really appreciated many parts of this book and many parts of the Montessori philosophy, especially those concerning what I call adaptive skills, what Montessori calls practical life skills.  When we give our children the "tools" (knives  in my case - haha) to become independent - to do things ALL BY MYSELF - they are happier, we are happier, and days run smoother.  

Cutting the strawberry tops off

 Placing tops in a bowl to throw in the trash

Pouring herself a drink of water from her own special pitcher.  Fancy.

And at the end of the day she wants to sit in her baby sister's bebepod. So much for independence!

 "That's better," says the one learning to sit up.

phipps visit

I think I've said before that Phipps is one of my favorite Pittsburgh places to visit.  I could argue that it is hands down the best membership to have in Pittsburgh - whether you have children or not.  We usually go on a weekly basis to see how "our" butterflies are progressing (see photos below).  To check on the purple flowers.  To to see if the trains are back.  There is also a weekly story time with a craft or planting project.  Our weekly visits are another way to expose our girls to beauty - something desperately important to use.  As we live in the city with a tiny not too functional outdoor space, the outdoor gardens now serve as our backyard... with no maintenance!

Running to get to story time

The case of chrysalides (Yes, I did check the plural form of chrysalis on wikipedia)

All Monarch butterflies are fondly referred to as Nima in our house...  there is a great reason and I will share when I have permission from the Mister.  

Trying to pull carrots.  No, they were not carrots and I did not advise.  

A quiet moment reading Peter Rabbit

Weeping trees make the best little houses.  

The necessary cuddle time

Eleanor quite pleased to feel the grass... for the first time!!!  

Collecting dandelions and sticks on the walk home

my kind of saturday

Homemade sticky buns 

Craft time while one little babe was sleeping and the other was running errands with Josh

All while watching The Royal Wedding on youtube.  I must say that Kate is the height of elegance.  And William in uniform did my heart good.  I could go on and on about the music, the church, the flowers/tree, the homily... just beautiful. 

  

The crafty project I finished for my nephew's birthday present.  I think I will post more about this one later this week.  Caitlin, it will be for you and the hurricane boys!  

this moment

joining soulemama in - 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Painting with Bubble Wrap

Some good things have been happening around here.  

1) I received some packages in the mail.  

2)  The packages were wrapped in really nice paper and bubble wrap (in small, medium, and large bubbles!).    

Needless to say, I was elated.  So we did a mom blog/preschool favorite - bubble wrap painting. 

Taping the bubble wrap to the table is a good way to start.  

Perhaps a little hesitant at first.

 And then she dives right in.  I tried it as well.  It feels amazing.

Painting with Abby always turns into mixing mixing mixing.  It makes her so happy.  

 Making the prints.

Trying it with her feet.

spiderwebs

A little picture of independent play while I was getting ready for the day:

I love the ant and grasshopper tangled in the web!  

this moment

joining soulemama in - 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.