Here is my big girl.  Notice the accessories: headband, sunglasses, “pearls.”  She is becoming quite fashion-conscious in her daily clothing choices.  In this photo, she’s sitting on my neighbor’s rock, examining the smaller rocks, playing some imaginative game.  I just loved the look on her face.

*pssst – can you believe it’s been 50 days since the New Year?!?!?  Me either!

Occasionally things can get a little crazy in our house.  I don’t know about you, but after dinner, things start to go down hill.  People get tired, little ones who’ve given up naps too early become cranky, and I’ve almost come to the end of my rope.  Then, I spot a bright beacon of light named Play-Doh!  Hallelujah!  Once your kids can stop eating play-doh and start playing with it, you may have up to 45 minutes of pure quiet!  It’s true!  If I pop this stuff out, give out a few plastic knives, a rolling pin or two, I’ve got time to basically clean my whole main floor!  My girls are enamored with play-doh & they love creating with it.  And the teacher in me knows it’s good for their fine motor development, as well as their imagination.  Opening up a can of Play-doh is like opening a window to receive a cool breath of fresh air in a stuffy house…ahhhhh!

During tonight’s picture I took time to have some play-doh therapy myself.  After trying my hand at video blogging, trying to pick up the tornado that has become my living room, and figuring out what to make for dinner, I was a little drained.  Taking this time to just create & listen to Brooke was priceless.  It’s rare that she gets time with me without her older sister & you’d be amazed at how much she blossoms when it’s just her.  Thanks for letting me play with you, Brookie-boo.  Mommy needed that play-doh time.

What do you do to relax?

Photos:  Homeshade Photography.  I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned Tasha before, but she’s just really fantastic.  I am “friends” with her on Facebook & I love seeing the little sneak peeks she puts up for her clients.  I think she may be the queen of the mini session in my book.  I think what I love best about her photographs is the props she uses.  And I’m not talking about the ABC blocks they use at Picture People.  I am talking hand-made goods from Etsy, tattered yard sale chairs, headbands, clothing, and other cool accessories.  The girl knows how to get her clients to work it!