I have a new habit. At the end of the day, when all is said and stick-a-fork-in-me done, I’ve taken to walking around my house and reflecting. It’s much better than lying awake in my bed reflecting in the dark (Hello, deep scary thoughts of motherhood!). I like the visuals of a house well lived-in. Looking past the messes and toys that weren’t put away, I discover evidence of four lives rich with imagination, creativity and humor. I never have to look far. It’s always underfoot, which is quite painful if I’m not looking where I step (I’m talking to you, Legos!).
Here are 10 recent snapshots that made me smile, laugh or just stand there in a tired, confused stupor. The makers of Toy Story need look no further for inspiration.
Went to clip my hair up and wash my face for the night. Found this little guy.
I always wanted to know how much an abelone shell, toy figure, mason jar, toothbrush, 2 toothpaste tubes and a pumpkin weighed. 
Just realized the first 3 pics here are all from my bathroom. You could say Barbie’s seen better days. On the other hand, that’s a pretty comfy bed made with ALL our clean face towels.
How can you not smile at this? Plus, baby sock monkey has an extra blanket compliments of Kleenex.
No, this picture does not need to be rotated. Makes me wonder where my kids get their inspiration for pretend house play.
Leah and Lando clearly don’t have kids.
I see an overloaded electric socket. My kids see a helicopter landing pad.
Hey kid…outta my chair! This Lazy Boy with massage and heat is hands down my favorite piece of parenting equipment at the end of the day. 
Found this poor little guy in the morning. I would’ve set him free had I known!
I would love to see snapshots from your life with kids. Please feel free to post one on my Facebook page, or send me a link if you write a similar post.









{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
So needed this right now. The aumies are the BEST.
We Tsunamis miss y’all.
xoxox
The Aumies bring up the Tsunamis at least once a day. Usually while we’re eating. And we always end up laughing. Miss you, too.
These are awesome.
Right now I have a fireplace full of babies. If I lit a fire it would be a crematorium.
Jessica recently posted..Pucker Up, Buttercup. It’s been 21 days.
We have to document this stuff that just can’t be made up.
our aumies are so clever…this grandma couldn’t stop laughing!
love it! Many similar finds over at my house. Glad you can smile and enjoy them. Someday they’ll be very missed.
Leah Mastilock recently posted..If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Fun Early Math and Art Projects and Activities
I enjoy them best when the kids are asleep, lol.
I love these! I am looking around the room with new eyes right now. Thank you for helping me realize the beauty in the play that is around me every day.

Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted..Visiting The Mommy Mess Today!
You’re welcome. I’m sure you’ll find some goodies among the messes.
So stinkin’ funny. I especially like the doll in the mixer. Clearly you have a house where the TV isn’t on all day and imaginations run wild. Love it.
christine recently posted..Run-Ons Are Hereditary
“A house where the TV isn’t on all day and imaginations run wild.” <—That snippet makes me happy. Thanks for writing it.
Love all those sweet characters. Makes me feel a reminisant about those days. (a little). Now we have electronics scattered about with the occasional Lego pile.
Jamie@SouthMainMuse recently posted..Ordinary Good.
Ah, yes, Legos. I could probably do a picture series on the Legos alone.
Those are great! I have toys all over my house. I’m trying to keep them out of my bedroom, but good luck with 4 kids there just is going to be a surprise around every corner! Love the action figure with the tacks!
Caren with a C recently posted..Where to Stash All that Clutter?
That one was my favorite, too. I believe it’s the picture that started my crusade to capture the little things that often get overlooked.
Your kids are so creative!
Yup…have to agree with you there
My youngest moved out last month. Enjoy these precious moments! Your pictures brought back memories of the crazy things I used to find left by my younguns – even the 22 year old!
Happy Sharefest Saturday!
Cathy
http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/
Precious moments indeed. Thanks for stopping by, Cathy!
Ha! I love the army guy with the thumb tacks!! And the sock monkeys…made me smile

Runnermom-jen recently posted..I Believe…
Yeah, he’s my personal have too. Those sock monkeys were tucked in by my younger son and that makes me smile, too.