one word... simple

Not often enough, the simple things capture our attention. We often tend to get caught up with what is flashy and loud. This can definitely be true when it comes to children. There are so many toys that fit that description on the market today - you know the ones that squeak, honk, bang and clang.. the ones you want to rip the batteries out of and then stomp on it until it is in a million pieces... if you are a parent, you know the ones I am talking about. I especially love my friends and family for gifting my children the loudest most annoying toys ever - that's why we love all of you!

These days, Little Miss L. has chose to take the more simple route. She is absolutely drawn to a food strainer and pipe cleaners. Countless times, I will glance over to see what she is up to and she is quietly sitting at the table working on her pipe cleaner creation. The other day she thought it would best suit her as a hat. I love love love moments like these - love watching her imagination run wild.

Remember, sometimes simple is better :)

time to get the sheets out and build a fort

Let's start off by saying that my fort-making skills are to be desired! When was the last time you remember gathering a bunch of sheets and building your very own oasis somewhere in your home? If I had to lay money on it, I would say I was about 10 years old. I use to love love love constructing my fortress and allowing my imagination to run wild - I would spend hours under those sheets.

The kiddies are still fighting off that awful cold and both did not have the desire to use up much of their energy. Yesterday, was an indoor kinda day and I was trying to figure out something to keep them busy for more than five minutes. It finally dawned on me, it was time to build a fort. Our living room was transformed into a fortress where Little Miss L. had a tea party, then turned it into a zoo, and then our fort ended up as a barn. I love love loved watching her imagination run free, and Baby D thought it was pretty cool too. Plus, this momma didn't mind having a few extra moments to herself.

Welcome, to our fortress.

Little Miss L. was mere minutes from tears streaming down her face because I lifted the sheet up to take a picture.

Baby D was having a good time too.

Time for a tea party.

I love watching my two babies playing together

time to pull out the sensory bin!

I woke up this morning to a dreary day. As the day began, I was trying to decide what to do with the little ones. I quickly learned that I did not have the energy to get the children all bundled up and head outside. Instead, I pulled out the good ol' sensory bin to keep Little Miss L. occupied. What is a sensory bin you might ask? A sensory bin is exactly that: a bin which contains items that require you to use your senses. Today we went with uncooked pasta noodles, spoons, containers, bowls, and a few figurines. Little Miss L. will usually spend countless hours filling and pouring out the noodles. If you find yourself in a rut and need an idea to keep the kids busy, pull out a bin and fill it with whatever you have around the house: rice, water, sand, noodles, flour, kidney beans, buttons, marbles - the possibilities are endless.

What are you putting in your bin these days? I am always looking for new ideas for our bin - I love love love watching a child's imagination run wild.

Note: Please be aware that small items can be choking hazards for young children. Always remember to use age-appropriate items in your bin.

Great way for children to experience different textures.

Helps children with their hand-eye coordination.. 

Look Momma, a noodle!