Tom and I headed out to the Detroit Institute of Art last month and saw the Monet exhibit. I love the DIA and this trip to see Monet’s paintings was well worth it. We not only saw some of Monet’s originals, but among his paintings were those of his close friend Renoir’s. This was a real bonus because I have always loved his paintings also. We got a glimpse into their lives, and I could picture them talking about art, sharing many of their favorite “plein-air” sights, and basically loving art and their surroundings. Monet painted many pictures with his wife among gardens, fields, etc. I love to know the stories behind the paintings and also about the Artist. I began to listen to some YouTube videos about him – very interesting and surprising too. His work is very inspiring.
We saw many other paintings at the DIA that were very interesting and beautiful. This is our third trip to the DIA since we’ve been living in Michigan, twenty seven years now. Here are a few of the many beautiful paintings they have there:
The one stop at the DIA I looked forward to was our lunch at the Cafe. I remember the really good salad bar. I took way too much food. I had a bit of a scratchy throat that day and cold, so I brought my favorite tea that I take when I start feeling that way. I have that tea everyday when I get a cold and it really helps and feels good going down and soothes the throat.
Salad Bar & Tea at the DIA
I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favorite things I used to take care of the twins, my daughter’s children. They are 7 months old now. I started taking care of them when they were 3 months old in January. My last day to take care of them is May 4th actually.
Play mat for tummy time and hanging toys that they learned to reach on their backs
Double boppy for twins
Rubber ducky bath
Bottle holder & blender to mix formula with wire ball to help mix it
I also read them many wonderful books. I started to sit them in a baby’s chair and they would hold a book. I had two CD’s of children’s songs we would listen to daily and learn hand signs. I also bought a double stroller at a multiple’s moms to moms sale and gave them a ride often in our home – circling our entire main floor several times (it was too cold to go out). All this and more kept me busy between feedings and nap time. If I had one word to describe my time with them it would be “joy” (and the second word would be exhausted!)
Tom started to cook dinner a few months after I started watching them which made a huge difference. Many times “Grandpa” would make them laugh and he would spend time with them.
I’ve lost 4 pounds and 2½” around my waist since I started watching them – yes – just what I needed! My doctor calls it “the twin diet.” I have 11 more pounds to go before I reach my goal weight. I now have lost 47 pounds. When I lose 11 more pounds I will share my weight loss journey with you.
I think Spring is finally here in Michigan. What a relief! Hope you are having nice weather.
Enjoy your days, hope all is well with you all and hope you have time to enjoy a little bit of nature.
Happy Creating,
Vicki