oats.

I found this idea at a local playgroup. I had bought oats instead of instant oatmeal for a recipe, and I didn't know what I was I going to use the oats for. When I saw this, I thought this would work out great since I have a whole container of oats in the pantry. I didn't use a lot of oats that today because it was suppose to rain. Not only is it fun for the little ones, the oats give them a different texture to feel.

Mud Puddles.

It has been a rainy Fourth of July. The rain stopped for a little while this afternoon. We decided to take Mason outside so he could push his little lion around. As we were all walking, Mason spotted the mud puddles. His little legs went as fast as they could...he stepped in the water...stopped...then STOMP, STOMP, STOMP. He loved it. I stood there watching our little baby boy...then I just realized how he was looking more like a little boy than a baby. Where has the time went? He is already a year old. Did I take enough pictures? (don't laugh for those who know me) Did I miss writing about something he has done? Did I make the most out of every moment?

 I am learning that children can teach us so much. Mason didn't realize while he was stomping in the water, mommy was learning a lesson. Mason will never know all that he has taught us. Today, I may have not felt like going outside. I may have not wanted to take a walk. Then I would have missed out on a great lesson from Mason. As he stomped around in the water, I began to think how we have to make the most out of every moment. We have to immerse ourselves in the moments. We have to stop and enjoy these moments....See if the rain stops tonight, there is a chance that mud puddle will not be there tomorrow. Mason may not get another chance to enjoy stomping in that exact mud puddle.

 I am just realizing more and more how precious every day is....how precious every moment is.

I am excited about the new adventures & milestones in Mason's life, but I just don't want to loose focus on taking in every moment today.

Books.

I love children's books. Most of the time the books are expensive. I keep books laying around for Mason to play with, and when he picks one up I read it to him. Plus I try to read to him other times. Yesterday, I went to Manhattan, Kansas with Heath for a meeting. I walked around the mall with Mason while Heath was at the meeting. There was a bookstore in the mall, so I went in to look around. The bookstore had great prices on books for Mason in the bargain section. I don't want to spend a ton on books...Mason likes to chew, tear pages, and just drop the books as he is walking. I was super excited about  finding the "Wee Sing book and CD collection." I had this book and cassette tapes (sounds werid, huh?) when I was little and I loved it.

I purchased 5 Number books with stacking blocks, ABC learning center with 8 books, Learn the 50 States Book for when he is older, 2 Finger Puppet books, and the (4)Wee Sing books with 4 CDs. Total of  20 books, 4 CDs and stacking blocks....for $35.44! Little things like this make me sooo happy.
...and I did not purchase anything else at the Mall!

Lesson: Shop around before buying anything. ALWAYS CHECK THE SALE RACKS.