Mother's Day Pictures

Sensory Bag

Since becoming a say at home mom and leaving the classroom for awhile, all my creative teacherness has been focused on finding and creating learning activities for C. I have spend hours researching, planning, dreaming, shopping and organizing. Today I finished my first project for little man. I saw this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to try it.

Here is the finished product!

Step 1: You will need a gallon size Ziploc bag, hair gel, small items (I used silly bands, erasers and wooden letters. Don't use anything too pointy or sharp so it doesn't puncture the bag!)

Tips:

* If you can't find colored hair gel, just add a few drops of food coloring!

* To take off the Ziploc logo on the bag, wipe it with nail polish remover- it comes right off... genius!

 Step 2: Add the hair gel and items to the bag. I didn't include all the pieces because it would be too crowded. I added 7 letters, 4 erasers and 4-5 silly bands.

Step 3: Cover the edges with tape. I used painters tape but you could also use duct tape. This will help keep the edges sealed and all the gooey gel inside :) 

I plan to start using this with C this month. I think it will be great for tummy time to keep him interested and entertained. I also want to make another smaller one in a sandwich bag to keep in the car. I will probably double bag it since they are thinner. 

Off to go play!

Christian's Dedication and Mother's Day

What an amazing first Mother's Day! Last year on Mother's Day we found out that we were pregnant so we celebrated in secret. :) This year I had the absolute joy of celebrating my sweet little man and new role as mom by having Christian dedicated at church. Kerry woke me up that morning with Starbucks and breakfast in bed. He also helped Christian make me an amazing gift which I'll post later. (It deserves its own! :) )

What a treat to have both sides of our family come and be apart of our commitment to raise Christian in a godly home and to raise him up to know who God is and the abounding love of Christ. They are very much apart of this commitment as well to come alongside us in this journey and to support us. Grayson kept saying that Christian was being "medicated to God" that day! :) So sweet!

After church the whole gang headed over to our house for a yummy brunch and celebration! I of course had to decorate for the party! I loved the bright colors and how it made the house feel so cheerful for such a joyous day!

 I love this picture because it truly shows how much they love this little guy!

 That afternoon we enjoyed some family time with a nap, corn hole, playing in the sun and pizza. Perfection.

Getting Crafty with Mason Jars!

My most recent craft project was a decoration for Christian's dedication/Mother's Day. It was so simple and turned out wonderfully!

Step 1: Gather some mason jars of various shapes and sizes or any glass container or vase will do! You will also need Mod Podge, food coloring and a brush.

Step 2: Mix together Mod Podge and the food coloring to create the colors you wish. I made a blue, green, purple, raspberry and orange/yellow. On the back of my food coloring box there were some great "recipes" to make various colors.

Step 3: Use a brush to apply the colored Mod Podge to the inside of each jar. You can also just pour it in and swirl it around to avoid brush marks. You might want to add a bit of water if you choose this method. Here are what my jars looked like initially.

 Step 4: Wait... A few hours later...

It took about 24 hours to completely dry so that you can see through the glass again. Here they are on my table for the party. They can be used just to set out, put a tea light in them to use as a candle holder or use as a vase!

I can't wait to make more and use these again!

Let's Meet at the Park!

I love being a stay at home mom. I feel so blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to spend the whole day with C and being there for each little moment. One of my favorite things about being home is the added time I get to spend with Kyla and G. It is so fun to be able to meet up mid week in the middle of the day to play! Last week we took the boys on a walk at Bothell Landing and played at the park. I am looking forward to when Christian is a bit older and can play on the toys too!

Mama and baby ducks

Cousins!

March of Dimes

Last Saturday was the March of Dimes Walk. The March of Dimes raises awareness and helps fund research of the causes behind premature birth and birth defects. With our little preemie in tow, we knew that we wanted to be a part of this walk!

Kyla, Adam and Grayson were able to join us for the 5K as well. It was a beautiful walk through a gorgeous neighborhood in Everett. THis is definitely an event I hope to make a yearly family event! 

Christian wanted to be walking too!

The gang 

It was so sweet that G wanted to hold Uncle Kerry's hand the whole time :)

 

One of our many stops to rearrange, get snacks, find a burp rag...we were definitely one of the last people to finish!

What a great turn out!

The pinwheels at the end were a fun treat. Ours has become a new lifesaver in the car!

Thanks for coming Lewis family! Can't wait for next year!