Yeah, I know it’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog. I have no good excuse – I’ve just been lazy. However, we’ve been stuck inside for three days now (stupid ice storm) and I figured now would be a good time to update.
We got struck with ice, snow, sleet, rain, and some record low temperatures early Tuesday morning. Our backyard is white, our front yard is white, and our driveway is a thick sheet of ice. There are rolling blackouts happening. All of the schools in the area are closed. North Texas has shut down. Yep, just in time for the Supe… I mean, National Football League Championship Game. Being stuck inside with an (almost) 18 month old who loves to be outside – yeah, it’s tough. So what have we been doing?
OutsideWell, Emily begged and begged and begged to go outside, so we let her. She played outside in the white mix for a little while and was very happy. However, a few minutes later she took off her hat. Then, she demanded that Brad take off her jacket. Brad decided this was a good time to “teach her a lesson” about being cold. So, he took off her jacket. About fifteen seconds later she came running inside screaming cause she was so cold.
Lesson learned?
PaintingI set up the kitchen table, put an oversized shirt on, and let Emily paint away. Emily picked out the colors: pink, purple, and blue. She was so happy and very focused on what she was doing. She painted two pictures and is very proud of them. She’ll pick one up and bring it to me with a big smile on her face. It’s so cute.
Taking Banjo for a WalkEmily loves to hold Banjo’s leash. She found it laying around yesterday and brought it to me. I figured why not, I put the leash on and let Emily take Banjo for a “walk” around the house. Banjo wasn’t too thrilled, but Emily loved it. She walked Banjo all around the house.
Bike RidingEmily received a trike from her uncle for Christmas. We put it together and let Emily play with it around the living room. She loves riding it and pushing her stuffed animals around. She loves it so much that we have to hide the trike. If we didn’t all we would hear is, “Ride, ride, ride.”
Play doughI found a very simple homemade play dough recipe and made a batch (with some help) for Emily. When I asked her what color she wanted, she answered, “purple”. So, purple play dough it was. Emily wasn’t sure about the play dough at first, but with the help of some Christmas cookie cutters, she had some fun.
In case you are interested, here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
1 TBS cream of tartar
1 TBS oil
food coloring
Directions: Heat all ingredients in a saucepan, slow to medium heat. Stir continuously. Once dough is at the consistency you want, remove from heat. Cool before using.
Sitting on the CounterEmily loves the sit on the kitchen counter. That’s where she eats her breakfast every morning. Yes, I know it’s not the safest place, but oh well. The drying rack for all of her cups is right next to her spot on the counter. She loves to take apart her cups and put them back. It keeps her busy long enough for me to unload the dishwasher.
SweepingThe little one loves the play with the broom and dustpan. Heck, if she wants to clean under her table, I’ll let her.
That’s what we’ve been doing around here these past few days. I’ve loved being home with Emily. It’s been a very nice break and unexpected week at home. I wish I would have been a little more productive, but I’ve had a ton of fun playing with our little girl.
I’m going to try to update on a more regular basis.
