Behind the Scenes

The time I spend preparing my little guy's breakfast is something I've come to covet. It's my morning meditation and reflection time. Don't get me wrong, I may pout or smash grapes if the banana doesn't bend to my whim, but in general, I love using the quiet time in the morning to create something that I know will be nourishing my little dude all day long.

Here is the process, from start to finish, which takes about 30 minutes:

Mama's nourishment is at the top of the list. Because you know. I'm the mom.

Coffee first. Always coffee first.

Then I make a quick smoothie for the little one. This is an easy way to get in some dairy and probiotics. I use an organic superfoods smoothie from the Co-op to supplement vitamins and add flavor. One bottle lasts me all week long. If you continue to follow the blog, you'll soon learn that I'm not so much for precise measurements - unless it comes to baking. So here's how I made the smoothie this morning with approximations when it comes to the measurements:

General smoothie recipe: 1/4 c yogurt, 1/4 c milk, 1/8 - 1/4 c green smoothie, powder from one probiotic capsule. Combine all ingredients in a cup and mix. 

Smoothie time!

 Coffee? Check! Smoothie? Check! Time to grab the art supplies.

Power drinks!

It's the end of the week, so we're running low on fruit. Here's what I was able to scrounge up: blueberries, grapes, pineapple, orange, apple, pear, banana and frozen buckwheat pancakes.

Gather the supplies.

What to make, what to make? I go through this every morning. I think about current events, time of year, exciting new words we've been practicing, peace in the middle east... sometimes my mind wanders.

This morning I realized I've never made a train! The train show is coming up in a few weeks, so I thought I'd give it a try. Once I have an idea, I usually try to find a picture to copy. For example, for the Harley Davidson I did last week, I google-image searched a Harley in order to get it right. Finding a picture of a train in this little boy's house was easy.

Find inspiration.

 Once I have the image in my head, the design goes fairly quick. There is a definite mess made and I eat many of the fruit scraps (I admit I need nourishment beyond a nice creamy coffee).

After the storm.

 Then I take a picture for posterity. And for you all.

Finished product.

 I set up the breakfast area and get myself ready for work.

Waiting for the little guy.

If the boys (baby and papa) are still sleeping when I leave for work, I count on a text message or e-mail to fill me in on the reception. I'm such a lucky mama!

Another (well, the only) satisfied customer!

Thanks for reading! This is a brand new blog and I'm working on my picture taking skills. Since I'm armed only with an iPhone it should be an interesting journey!