happy monday to you all! really, quick, i want to invite you all to my tip-toe thru tuesday link party tomorrow! i've got an awesome announcement and a challenge for you that could change a little girl's life!
today's guest blogger in the in {her} shoes series is Ali from at home with Ali. Ali's blog features tons of creative activities that she does with her kiddos. i always love seeing the amazing diorama-esque play sets that she makes with her girls...they've made a campsite, a unicorn garden, and an oil rig!
My name is Ali and I am a stay at home mum to my two daughters who are (almost) 4 and 18 months. I have always liked to make things from beading and crocheting to collage and painting. My 4 year old is just the same - her favorite thing to do is to 'make something'. I started my blog as a chronicle of all our creative pursuits. Her little sister is also well on her way to making her mark by getting involved in all our art and craft activities.
What is the most challenging part of being the type of mom you are?
Something I have had to work on is developing a quick reaction time. In my pre-kids days I worked as a graphic designer where there was time to think before you leaped. As a mother you have to respond immediately - whether that is catching a child before they tumble down the stairs or coming up with a creative project on the spot when my 4 year old suddenly wants to make penguins or crocodiles or a puppy house. This has been an adjustment for me and I am still working on balancing all the competing demands while still remaining calm... if that is possible!!
What is the most rewarding?
For me, there is nothing better in this world than seeing large smiles on my girls' faces. I love it when my kids really enjoy what we are doing. This can be in the park or out with friends or at home painting and drawing.
In your opinion, what’s the most important values parents can instill in their children?
Respect is an important value for us. I want my children to have respect for me and their dad, but also respect themselves and their own opinions. As a family we are trying to be more positive and to face life's little hiccups with a positive attitude rather than whinging about it. Hearing the kids whine drives me up the wall but I noticed that I was whining at them not to whine... so we are all working on this one together.
If you children could describe you in 3 words, which ones would they pick?
I am not sure what they would say! I hope they would say that I am fun - I do let them jump on the bed and I regularly chase them up and down the house. I think they would also say that I love to kiss, cuddle and tickle them. They might also say that I can be a little bit odd as sometimes I respond to them entirely in song - it does amazing things to cure a cranky mood.
And about my shoes: The gorgeous purple suede wedges were bought when I was three months pregnant with my first daughter - they have never been worn and sit in their box waiting for a time to shine! The other is a pair of flip flops which is what I wear most days at the moment (it is summer where I live).
