Roll Over...

Lately Ruby has become obsessed with reading. I love cuddling up in our rocking chair and getting lost with her in a good book. Over the past couple of weeks she has been loving the book Roll Over: A Counting Song. We probably read/sing this book at least five times a day and every time she loves it more than before. Yesterday morning instead of yelling her typical "MOM!" when she wakes up in the morning, she yelled "roll over!" I couldn't stop smiling!

Ruby's Favorite!

The Traveling Toddler

Here is a little list I put together for Ruby's top five must-have travel accessories:

1.) The classic Magna-Doodle. This was by far Ruby's favorite travel toy. This entertained her the entire plane ride and was great to have when we went out to eat while vacationing. Plus, it's all the fun of drawing with out the mess.

2.) Sugarbooger Peek-a-Boo Bags. Ruby loved trying to find all of the miniature toys and animals in each bag. This was also great on the plane and it fits so nicely in any carry-on bag. 

3.) Gigglebellies DVD (An award winning one too!). Since we were out of town, I thought I would bring something familiar that Ruby sees often at home. She watched this before bed in the hotel and loves to dance to the fun music and see the bright colors. This would also be great for a plane or car ride with a portable dvd player.

4.) Wikki Stix. These foldable, bendable, and twistable creations were given to us by a restaurant in San Diego. I had always used them in my classroom but never thought about taking them on a trip with us. These are another great tool for kids who like to create and they don't make a mess. Ruby loved exploring with them!

5.) Last but not least, when all of the above fail (which they shouldn't) I packed a secret stash of Ruby's favorite: Mini M and M's. Now I don't let her eat junk food often, but I made some exceptions on vacation.

All of these items are small, convenient and under $15. They all fit in Ruby's backpack nicely and I would recommend all of them for anyone traveling with toddlers. Happy Trails To You!

Ruby's Skip Hop Mouse backpack

Fourth of July in Pictures...

"My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue." ~Author Unknown

A perfect day!

Happy Birthday America!!!

USA, USA, USA!!!

Patriotic Flair...

Here are some new pieces I created to celebrate Independence Day:

Fireworks yo yo flower for Ruby

Red, white, and blue yo yo for Ruby

Frayed, braided, and hand sewn patriotic flower #1

Frayed, braided and hand sewn patriotic flower #2

Proud Mommy...

Recent Ramblings courtesy of Ruby: "Papa," "car," "book," "bird," "Daddy," "Mommy," "Kiki," "puppy," "kitty," "milk," "Winnie," "Josh," "Why mommy?"

New Foods: tortilla chips, hummus, yogurt covered raisins, risotto, strawberry milk

Exciting Experiences: playing with the garden hose, trying to catch lightning bugs, running barefoot through the grass, swimming in grandma's pool (she doesn't remember it from last year), picking flowers, going to church, throwing a frisbee, touching a walking stick bug at the zoo, knowing the parts of the body, playing with a rabbit and pug at the humane society, sitting in a booster seat

On another note, I have come to the conclusion that Ruby is going to turn into a pretty good kid. I present you with 10 things that make me incredibly proud to be her mommy:

1.) She loves to share. You would see this daily at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack when she gladly shares her food with her dogs. She just can't help herself and they don't mind either. 

2.) She uses manners. Every night when we read books together, she will run over to the rocking chair and say, "Up please!" 

3.) She helps pick up her toys. Sometimes I don't even have to ask her.

4.) She doesn't talk to strangers. Some might think it is just her being shy, which it could be, but it's never too early to teach this.

5.) She loves reading. She has a room full of toys but all she wants to do while in her room is read book after book, which is fine by me.

6.) She doesn't give up. If this little girl wants something bad enough, she will find a way to get it. 

7.) She loves animals. This is a borderline obsession. There is nothing cuter than seeing her give our furry friends a big smooch.

8.) She accepts responsibility. Whenever Ruby gets in trouble, she will sit in time out for a minute, then come over to me and give me the biggest kiss. 

9.) She comforts people when they're sad. 

10.) She has the best sense of humor! This little girl loves to laugh and to make other people laugh. 

There are a million things that make me proud to be Ruby's mommy, but these were just a few I thought I would share. 

Fill in the Blanks Friday...

1. The best news I ever received was finding out I was pregnant with my sweet baby girl.

2. Something I'm looking forward to is marrying the love of my life someday.

3. Something I would never do is sky dive or bungee jump... way too afraid of heights.

4. If I could choose someone to be my life coach (famous or not, living or dead), I'd chose my mom, she always knows what to say to make me feel better about things.

5. If I had to put a label on my style it would be simple, casual, and relaxed. I usually don't ever wear prints. I once heard a quote about how solid colors never look out of style when you look back at old pictures and ever since then, I never wear prints.

6. One should always do the things that make them happy.

7. I want to go to the seven wonders of the world some day...