Little hands in the Kitchen

I love food.

Breakfast Lunch or Dinner. Snacks in between you name it I am all for it.

I love it even more when it is made by someone else and all I have to do is sit down and enjoy.

This got me thinking about how I was so over the top when it came to no patience in the kitchen.
When my daughter was younger I never allowed her in the kitchen for too long a period, especially when I was cooking. This went for my nieces and nephews as well. I didn't want to deal with the clean up if they got into anything.

This extreme control may have backfired now because none of my little ones which are all grown up, know how to do much of anything in the kitchen.

I don't want anyone to repeat my mistake so in this post I am sharing links to sites that encourage kids in the kitchen along with recipes and tools for small hands. Perhaps this post can help the next mom or dad get some help in the kitchen and actually enjoy a little mess.

Happy bonding time in the kitchen wink wink!!!

This site has some great tools and kits really adorable!!!
curiouschef.com

These have recipes
marthastewart.com

delish.com

pinterest.com

simplebites.net

kidspot.com.au

realsimple.com

kraftrecipes.com

parentables.howstuffworks.com

babble.com

countryliving.com

Fathers and Daughters

I am my father's only daughter. I have three brothers. My father tried to teach his very stubborn daughter to take things easy and to be nice and respectful and to listen.

My father tried to teach his very stubborn daughter patience. My father tried to teach his very stubborn daughter that her mom was just trying to do her best.

Looking back now it must have been a very difficult thing to do when you are dealing with a teenager that thinks they know it all. It could not have been easy for him to try to get through to me but he never stopped.

I have my father's complexion, his smile, his hair and when I stop and look at times even his mannerisms.
It is so funny how true the comments about Mothers and Sons and Fathers and Daughters can be.

Today I appreciate his words and his time and his smile. Today I appreciate all those great meals he cooked for me and all those great breakfast drinks he use to make from fresh fruits. Today I appreciate all those great talks, while I sat around and visited with him at his job.

In my home there is a phrase and its called "being a Fermin". It is my ex's family name. It is used whenever a gesture, action, comment or approach is taken. It has been said for the past almost nineteen (19) years. My daughter is her father's child in every sense of the word.
From the tips of her toes to the top of her head. From her words, to her interest, to her approach on life.

The reality of it is I wouldn't have it any other way because "being a Fermin" is pretty darn great!!

For all of us who have had great father moments and have great father memories, this is a sweet post.
For those of us who have not it can be sad or upsetting. I don't want it to be just one or the other. I want it to be a chance to perhaps build these moments with that special man whom you have always admired, whom you have fallen in love with and envision having children with if this is your second time around or have your significant other already be building these moments or bring it to his attention.
Remember, family is what you make it. It is not always about blood relation.

Sometimes not enough praise is expressed when it comes to fathers. I know quite a few who are doing amazing jobs with their girls and their boys. Whether single, separated, married, or divorced I appreciate the awesome things they do every day.

So here is a Thank You to you! Hope you enjoy xoxo

http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

Baby's First Library

I believe there is just something so soothing and connecting about reading. It can transport you to another place and time or it can educate you on other cultures and ways of living. You can get lost for a few days or a few hours. For this reason I wrote this post.

In no particular order these are some books I suggest should be part of a new baby’s library.

I had many of these as I started my daughter’s library before she was born. I’m an avid reader so I couldn’t even imagine not having books as part of my child’s life, let alone her own treasure of books.

Today many children have Tablets and other gadgets that they use as learning tools and entertainment but I feel that an early start for the love of an actual book never hurts.

Here are my suggestions:
-Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
-Hush, Little Baby by Brian Pinkney
-Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
-In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
-Baby Dance (Harper Growing Tree) by Ann Taylor
-Are you My Mother? By P.D. Eastman
-Peek-a-boo! By Roberta Grobel
-Time to get Dressed! By Elivia Savadier
-Wheels on the Bus by Raffi
-Curious George books by Margret Rey & H.A. Rey
-Disney Classics series by Golden Books
-Dr. Suess
-Classic Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne & Ernest H. Shepard
-Disney Baby Einstein 12 book Library series by Editors of Publications International Ltd.
-Golden Books variety of The Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, Goldie Locks etc…

Your selection can vary and will. The additions will be loads of fun once your child can pick for themselves and read on their own. My daughter’s library today ranges from some of her childhood classics to Harry Potter to Hemingway and Dickens.

Reading is fundamental and fun!!!! Start early and enjoy. Build bonds and precious memories.