Black and White Photo Challenge

A dear friend of mine challenged me to the five day black and white photo challenge on Instagram. I enjoyed thinking about what I would post each day and thought I would share here too.

My first picture (above) was titled, "Siblings At Play". Sister dressed in her Elsa costume and Brother using the reclined chair as a cave - their imaginations never cease to amaze me.

Day Two ~ "Remembering Grandma" and "Family Treasures"

I loved how the contrast in the teacups and plates showed up in this picture.  Sister asked to color a picture for Great Grandma the other day and I teared up trying to explain to her that she was in heaven now.  Sister connected the death with the loss of our two dogs, Koda and Bailey.  Then she said, "I know - I can send my picture in the mail by praying."  Yes, Sister - you can.  I love this little girl's heart!

Day Three ~ "My Morning Routine" and "Resetting My Heart and Mind Daily"

I make it a point each morning, to wake before anyone else is up and have some quiet time. I read my devotionals, scripture and then write in my prayer journal.  The peace during this time is a perfect way to set my day - especially with teaching 7th and 8th graders and then coming home to a 4 and 2 year old.  Life is busy right now and if I don't take time to take care of myself, I'm no good to anyone else in my family.

Day Four ~ "Dinner Can Wait" and "Siblings Reading"

I went to use the restroom and came back to find the kids laying in the kitchen 'discussing' a book together. They were finding the matches and talking about what letters they saw. While I miss the infant stage at times, I sure am loving this toddler/preschool age and watching them learn something new each and every day.

Day Five ~ "Because Some Days Just Need to End this Way" 

Oh yes, a challenging meeting at work that left me emotionally drained, picked up kiddos to find out that they didn't have a very good day, Papa was going to be late because he was stuck in traffic, Brother decided to sit and scream at the bottom of the stairs for an hour because I asked him to put his coat away... need I say more - it was a beer and popcorn kind of night! 

It's been fun thinking about my world in black and white this week. 

We hope you all are doing well - love and miss you all!

Painted Sky

Oh my how the skies were amazing this week. This sunrise view is from my classroom. It was so amazing that we turned the lights off in the class and just admired the view.  Yes, we may not have completed our math lesson, but I'm hoping I shared a lesson in appreciating mother nature and created a moment to just stop and take in the view.  I did notice the next day - several of the students had the picture of the sunrise as their wallpaper on their devices.  

This week was a bit crazy with Papa preparing to be gone for his first wrestling meet as a coach and some unexpected doctor appointments for me.  We are happy to say that everything is good and we are so thankful for good health and for the opportunity for Papa to get back into coaching.  I didn't realize how much he missed coaching and how truly happy he is being involved that way.

Even though we had a busy week - we did make time to do some baking.  We had some bananas at the perfect time for making some bread! 

I love that both the kids are at an age were they can help with baking. Before, we would wait until Brother was napping so that Sister and I could bake.  It's a bit crazy and Papa thinks I'm nuts to try and cook with them, but I love it.  Our bread turned out delicious!!

Another beautiful sunrise - our sunsets have been amazing also, but I've been driving home - and well, just not safe to try and snap a photo while driving.  By the time I got home, the sunset was over.  If only I could download the images from my mind.  We Alaskans are patiently waiting for the snow to fly and I love how Mother Nature is painting our skies while we wait for some snow. 

Our Sister is becoming a little girl

Okay - this obviously isn't Sister, but I just had to post Brother's recent injury - the day after he ran into the TV stand and gave himself the goose egg and scrape on his forehead, he smacked himself in the eye with a toy giving himself a black eye.  I tell you - it must seem that I don't pay attention to my child - when really I pay extra close attention to him because he really has no fear.  Ugh... I'm sure there will be many more injuries in the future...

On to our little girl...

This week I've just been in awe of her.  She is suddenly a little girl and no longer a toddler.  My heart is a little sad, because she's growing up too fast, but I'm also excited to see the person she will become.

She's really into drawing and trying to write the word for her drawing.  No help here- she drew a polar bear and wrote the word zoo by herself.  (Yes, non-Alaska folks - we have polar bears at the zoo!)  You can frequently hear her making letter sounds as she attempts to write the word.

She also enjoys reading to her brother.  We've been encouraging her that even if she doesn't know the words, she can use the pictures to tell the story.  Brother loves when Sister will read to him.

She's not all academic - and definitely enjoys play time.  Such an imagination these days...

She was so proud of how she decorated her house. 

 Of course dressing up is one of her favorite things to do. Here she is using her Mr.  Potato Head 's microphone to sing a made up song.

She certainly growing up too fast!  And not to mention physically tall too - I was amazed that a counter that she once couldn't see on top of she now just needs her tippy-toes to see what she wants.  

Love this little girl to pieces!!

Sister really enjoys pink things since Papa rarely allows pink - so when she saw the pink clouds this morning on our way to the grocery store, she said, "Mom- YOU HAVE TO take a picture of those beautiful clouds!"  I couldn't agree more...