Picture of the Moment

My Shopping Companion

You know what? I like to shop. It's true and I don't deny it. And while I largely limit myself to window shopping I don't consider that a handicap. Gazing at all the lovely and new products on the market. Diving into a deep state of bliss eyeing up the new seasons prints and colors. Soaking in that feeling of self-satisfaction finding that elusive item that everyone will be talking about. Yeah, shopping for me is an escape from the everyday dealings with poop and reality.

Of course, shopping is always better with a buddy. My buddy is Dave. And I freely admit, he is a terrific shopper. Now he does not enjoy the traditional shopping experience as much as me (looking through racks of clothes, digging in piles of bins for a great item at a total bargin). Nor does he get all tingly when he sees a Sale sign. But aside from these minor defects, he still retains the status of: the friend I call when I want to do a little shopping.

So last night as we were doing a little online shopping for some tees for him and the kids, I had to smile at that glimmer of delight spread across his face when he found Ramones tee-shirts for the kids. Yeah, that's my guy and I wouldn't have it any other way.

A Daddy and His Boy

Sleeping Beauty -or- Disney Wins Again

Ellie was adamant that she be Sleeping Beauty for Halloween this year. We tried talking her into something else, but it was a battle I could not win. Instead I caved and made her this costume. It's the first dress I've ever made. And since I don't know how to follow pattern instructions, it was quite a labor intensive task. Actually, I don't know if it's that I can't follow the pattern instructions (although they make them darn near impossible to figure out) or that I have a mild form of ADD so I'm super impatient with instructions. Erm, probably a little of both.

So this is what I did, which by the way is complete and utter insanity and I don't recommend trying it at home: I drew a picture, took some measurements, drafted patterns based on the measurements (and how I thought they should go together), re-drafted the patterns because the pieces didn't fit the first time, sewed the material together (note: that satiny stuff is a nightmare because all it wants to do is fray and slip all over the place) and re-sewed it because I didn't do it right the first time.

I still have to hem it and put a collar around the top, but I have some time. I learned my lesson (which was to pace myself) from last year's pirate costume—I was up for 2 nights straight making that thing.

Now it's off to Jonah-boy's costume. We'll have to wait to see how that one turns out. Frankly, I'm sure it will be great—store bought stuff is always nice!

The Big Four

Well, it's happened. Ellie is about to turn four. She has grown up. Sob, sob, WAAAAAIL, sob.

—Sigh—

I am an emotional wreck. And frankly so is she right now. We're going through a crying jag that I hope is just a stage. But I know happier days are right around the corner because, yes that's right—we're having a big 'ol birthday party! Yipee!

This year it's a farm party (thank goodness I talked her out of that ice skating princess party). We're visiting a local petting zoo, taking a hayride, picking some pumpkins and riding a pony. Now, I've scheduled this all kind of late so I still have some invites to go out. In the meantime, lots of people have been asking what to get the little darling. So I've crafted this list of hot items:

Art Folio
Good Habits Chart
Christi J Silver Tag Necklace
Yoga Kids DVD
Kitchen Play Set
Elefun
Hello Kitty Charm Bracelet
Baby Legs
Global Fund for Children Tee
Kenji Canvas Rose Pants
PJs
The Little Mermaid DVD
The Little Mermaid II
World Playground CD
French Bull Kitty Cat Set, Dot Set or the Ring Set
Either of the Backyardigans CDs

Hmmm....that looks like a pretty good start.

And for those of you who've asked, Ellie wears a size 4T and her shoe is a 7 1/2. Which is only 2 sizes larger than her 16 month old bro. Go figure?

Picture of the Moment

Free Family Shows

Hey all you Baltimore, DC, central MD and northern VA dwellers, this was just sent to me by a friend:

The National Theatre hosts free family shows every Saturday morning at 9:30 and 11:00. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to the show. So if you're looking for a little adventure head on over to Pennsylvania Avenue and take in a show with the kids.

My Favorite Stationery

Lauren Goessling is my kind of gal. She is a girl who loves paper, the idea of writing sweet little notes to friends and fresh, clean, pretty design. It's no wonder she has turned this love into a successful career as a designer of stationery. Stationery that will compel you to write notes to everyone you know. You'll find yourself raiding your address book just to show off your wickedly good tastes in fine paper. Now what you find to write about? Well, that's up to you.

Lauren Goessling Designs offers a wide arrange of styles to choose from. Each is a bit of whimsy and class. The color combinations are fresh and more than enough to make you grin like a school girl.

Lauren has even gone so far as to offer designs for your little man or little woman. I have to confess, Ellie and Jonah are now the proud owners of their own personalized stationery. To be fair, it is my duty as their mother to begin encouraging a sense of propriety in these kids. And I suppose it wouldn't hurt if they cultivated their own love of fine paper as well. Not that I'm pushing or anything...wink, wink.

Just Another Load

When I think of the chores I do on a daily basis, they don't amount to very much. Well, at least they don't seem to because after I get something finished, one of my little (and highly active) shadows goes behind me and undoes all my work. This has put a serious damper on my productivity. Sigh...

Anyway, back to my point. So one of my favorite chores is actually doing laundry. Let's face it; I'm no Suzy Homemaker when it comes to it though. Stains stay in. I wait too long to fold so everything is wrinkled. I sometimes mix whites with colors. I don't know when to use hot water and when to use cold.

Here is where you might ask yourself, "What then is so attractive about doing laundry?" Well there are two things...

Slackin' II

Okay, so let's assume I haven't had time to post lately shall we? I said I'd try but as typical with me and these types of things, I've fallen behind. Ah, c'est la vie!