Nana's Playhouse: 2015

Thursday, December 10, 2015

FUN FUN FUN

The Brown truck came. YES that's right, our magical brown truck guy delivered wonderful new toys and boy are we excited. OH YEAH and more is on the way.....

I was sitting in a small child size chair taking pictures of the children and Molly our beagle dog comes over and just sits staring at me. It was like she was saying "take my picture", So I did. I always choose rescue dogs because, well because they need to be rescued. However, in the end I think it is we that are rescued by their absolute devotion and love. Molly is just 1 out of 3 of our dogs and each and everyone is a form of rescue, and I am so grateful that they have rescued my heart. Who better to watch a sappy movie with and cry over the ending sniffling away and then these big brown eyes lift up as if to say "it's ok" then promptly insist a belly rub because you so rudely woke her from a wonderful nap.

Big brown eyed Beauty

excuse me it is NOT time to get up

DIVA

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

My Challenge to you

I came across an interesting video on Facebook and realized that I could not only use this is my life I needed it my life. It will be a challenge, and some days maybe even a struggle, but I WILL do it and I I will SUCCEED. I will take a picture of something I am grateful for every day and I will document why I am grateful for whatever it is I took the picture of regardless of how silly. I will do this for 365 days, and my challenge to you is this....... Will you do it with me..... on the internet or in a private book, either way I am sure it will change your life. check out the link http://365grateful.com/
The stories are uplifting and joyful.
Day 1
My husband, My best friend, my world. What would I do without him? He keeps me grounded, and he is my rock in any storm. I love him more than any words could describe.

Mel and Val

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

What's Up? So Much is happening.

First and Foremost I want to thank everyone for being there for me and my family when I had to take Mel to the ER because we thought he was having a heart attack. Being alone in the ER with your spouse of 25 years and thinking this is the day I have to say good bye was the most scariest day of my life. One quick text to my sister in law and I knew I wouldn't be alone for long. Some good things came out of that harrowing experience though. Mel did not have a heart attack but is preemptive of one because of high blood pressure and other factors, and because of those early signs we are able to do whatever we can to counter act or lessen the chances of a heart attack.
I want to share a poem that I came across during all the chaos of the last 3 months and then again when I brought Mel home from the hospital. It's title is "The Dash" by Linda Ellis

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates of her tombstone

From beginning to end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the following date with tears.

But he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For the dash represents all the time

That she spent alive here on earth.

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own,

The cars, the house, the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.

Are there things you would like to change?

For you never know how much time you have left,

That still can be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what is true and real.

And always try to understand

the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we have never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile

Remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

For my own reasons after reading this again when I was home again with Mel I sat and just sobbed. You go through life thinking you have all the answers and no matter what through thick or thin you stand tall and strong. I realized I do not have all the answers that life throws my way, but I do have experience to guide me and Faith that leads me. Nor am I strong, but again Faith, Family and Love will be there.

My advice to all is this..... You have but one chance, there are no do overs. Love life and all it offers. Love and listen to the wonders of your children, laugh at the silliness of nothing, forgive the mess on the wall as a memory. Because as Linda Ellis said "Would you be proud on how you spent your dash?"

Making joyful music

Sierra on the gathering drum

Sierra taking a snack break

Talin on the large Croking Frog

Sierra Beckett Brennon Drum roll please

Brennon showing Sierra more drum moves

Brielle on the Pan flute

Monday, November 23, 2015

OOOEY GOOOEY AND SO MUCH FUN

I am sure I could go oN and on and on about all the fun we are having but I think I will just let the pictures do the talking

Developmental Skills

Instead of reinventing the wheel, here are some of my most popular posts on the benefits of sensory play- be sure to check them out!

The Science of Slime

Although we used this activity as sensory play rather than a science lesson, making slime is actually a pretty amazing demonstration of how polymers work. If you are looking for more hands-on STEM activities for preschool- and elementary-school-aged kids, I wholeheartedly recommend The Curious Kid’s Science Book by Asia Citro (author of the Fun At Home With Kids blog). I love this book because, unlike most other science books I have come across, Asia focuses on the inquiry process and helping children design and test their own experiments, which is great for problem solving, higher level thinking, and most importantly keeping that wonderful curiosity and love of learning alive.