'Tis The Season!

I know what you're thinking "ugh...its not even Thanksgiving yet!"...."I bet she says Happy Holidays too"...Well, guess what my cyber friends...I'm a bitter bitch at Thanksgiving time.  I need this holiday to pass...don't judge me yet, read first...or skip the next two paragraphs and read about our new Christmas tradition.

I am a very thankful person, and feel incredibly blessed.  But its difficult to feel thankful on a day you are obligated too, especially when its either the birthday or the death date of your first born. You see, I had a beautiful little boy named David, on Nov. 24, 2002.  I was suppose to take him home.  His room was ready, we were ready...but instead two days later, my little guy died.  For the past 10 years Thanksgiving has landed on Davids birthday, his death date, and in between.  It's a punch in the gut each and everytime.

This year, you would think I would be thankful that Thanksgiving is actually before my cryfest...nope, still sucks.  So when you see someone who isn't really jolly this holiday season, cut them some slack.  It ain't all rainbows and lollipops for everyone during this time.

So to help me keep my sanity during this bitter pill of a holiday I have devised a plan...A Christmas shopping spree for our first annual Chrismas tradition...Ugly Christmas sweaters and sweatshirts for all!

I do find that I prefer the Christmas sweatshirts, they have a certain elegance that the sweater just doesn't have.  Something about the elastic waist just makes me smile.  And if I don't think it has enough pizazz, I have a well stocked supply of fabric puff paint and glitter to make everyone jealous!  I also think a very lovely christmas tree, or reindeer turtleneck underneath will make an excellent addition to the ensemble.  OH! Don't forget the wreath brooch that lights up! 

The rest of my family is in on it too...siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews .  Oh, this is gonna be good.  Competition fierce.  But I promise you, God as my witness...I will prevail.  I have a whole list of thrift stores, that I will be canvasing...I will succeed in this mission. 

I have to admit, I've been stumped on men's sweaters.  Can't find one quite right.  But I will...and my husband will wear it.  I am not above withholding gifts to get what I want.  I may supply him with drinks before we get this party started just to make sure he will submit to my shenanigans. 

Another tradition that we are dabbling in this year, is the white elephant gift exchange. I've done this in the office, and everyone is so nice.  Lottery tickets, Fannie May melt-aways, pretty little trinkets...me, I want to be mean.  I want someone to unwrap this beauty and pretend to love it...

My family is a mixed about this. They want to go nice, but me...I'm going naughty.  I'm not afraid of coal in my stocking.  Well, maybe a little bit...I may find something more like these crafty kitties...

I'm positive Etsy will have a great selection, if not the overflowing chrismas selection at at my local second hand store will suffice.  It's gonna be good.  And I will take pictures.

 And yes, I do say Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings with a sprinkle of Merry Christmas. 

Why? 

Because thats the all inclusive bitch I am.

Winter Greetings, Everyone!

Size doesn't matter

I think this picture describes my daughter perfectly.  I will make this quote artwork for her room.  With the constant thumping on our heads about how us women are never enough, I want my daughter to be reminded that she is enough...no matter what size.

My girl has it socially easy in the respect that she is naturally very petite.  Much easier than those girls who are naturally larger.  I get that.  I truly do.  I think back on my own childhood, I was average, but since I had other quirks, and bullies LOVE to just be mean...I was called fat, ugly, anything that could degrade my body image.  I look back at those years...I wasn't fat, or ugly.  I was a kid.  And truthfully, even if I was "fat" who the hell cares.  No one, let me repeat NO ONE should critique another person on how they look.  And as much as I believe its whats in the inside that counts, the media, bullies, and other asshats...will tell us otherwise.

Even those amazing Olympians who we just watched on TV are not immune to the body policing that us women endure.  Really - a conversation about Gabby Douglas's hair?  That makes me physically ill inside.  The weight lifting gals...those women are mighty!  But the crap they get, makes me want to punch someone.

Not sure what everyone else got to watch during the Olympics...but here at my house, with no cable I saw a lot of beach volleyball.  Now, those women are athletes by all accounts, but I would also like to see some women boxing, weightlifting, or just about anything else too.  But since those women aren't what media considers ideal, I guess my son gets to watch what NBC forces on us...the ideal 5'10, no fat, all muscle body.  Well, not really, I get to turn off the TV, and I do.

We watched swimming, more swimming, gymnastics and a little track/field.  I wanted more of a variety, but NBC wasn't really into variety this Olympics.  They were into half naked athletes, and creating soft porn commercials.  Even my husband was taken back by all the exposure beach volleyball got...but the comment that made me laugh was his anger at a camera man who was on the court taking an upshot of these athletes.  He said "that should be illegal, he should NOT be on the court, whats he trying to do? Get a closeup of her ass?"  why, yes dear, that's exactly what he's doing.  Didn't you know, women athletes are only worth watching if their jumping in a bikini.

Ok...off my "women are constantly sexualized" soapbox.  Back to my daughter. Her size, even if it socially acceptable, is still against her.  She is unusually short for her age.  So she gets treated like a baby.  People pick her up, talk down to her, and my favorite is when people do baby talk to her.  The child is six years old.  I don't care how short she is, you can tell she is older than 3 by the way she carry's herself, along with the fact that she has a pretty strong grasp on the English language.

So this quote is perfect.  My daughter is small but mighty, and people who try to prove otherwise, are in for a world of hurt!

Like the boys who tried to imitate her after she did her handstand...it was awesome watching these boys, who were all bigger than her...keep trying but basically kept doing "head" stands and falling.

Here the deal...

it's summer.  Hot, and 100 degrees with two kids and a hubby that sleeps during the day...so I am always trying to figure out something to do...either very quietly in my home, or outside.  So I have had very little time to work on the blog.

Plus...we are hoping to move, and I have been told I am not allowed to purchase another item for this house.  Hehehe....I find it cute that my hubby thinks using the word "allowed" works for me.  Normally that word would make me go on a shopping frenzy...but I have to admit...he's right.  I came to this conclusion yesterday as I was cleaning my home for a showing.  I realized...I have too much shit.  I have a happy home overfilled with toys.  Toys in the living room, dining room, kids room, my room, attic and basement...and the yard too.

I have a sentimental attachment to every piece of paper my children have drawn on...I need to get cold-hearted.  I need to throw some things away.  I need to give some things away, and I need to resale some stuff pronto!

So bare with me as a purge my house, and I will post about that...but on a day that is not beautiful and I'm enjoying my kids for what could be my last stay at home mom summer.

I was trying to make this blog strictly thrifting...but I may branch out a bit with things that we are doing as a family...we'll see, maybe if I'm not exhausted from doing things as a family I'll post about it.

Don't worry...Kids Closet consignment sale is around the corner...and I have many of things to sell, I'm sure that will be an adventure in itself.  I've already gathered 2 boxes of books that I will be selling....and I'm still left with a small library...sigh...this is gonna take some time!

Until then....we will be enjoying our summer!  Hope you are too!

Fashionably Late

Little late for the party...but its summer...so things move a little slow around here...
Junes Blog hop!






Rules!!!  I copied from While Wearing Heels...super cool Blog!

***These are the complete instructions for sign up, so skip to the rules if you already have Bloglovin'***

In order to participate in this hop you need to sign up for Bloglovin’.  Go to Bloglovin'.   Hit the green sign up button in the right hand corner.  Next enter an email address and create your password.  You will get a confirmation eamil that you will need to follow a link back to Bloglovin' to continue the process.  Once you click on the link you will be brought to a page where it says to choose blogs to follow.  You don't need to do this.  Click next in the bottom right hand corner.  The next screen let’s you know about the mobile app so just click next again.  This screen will show that you are not following any blogs.  Click on Account in the upper right hand corner and toggle down to widget.  Choose the widget you want displayed on your page.  Put your url into the search query and it should pull up your site.  Click on your site and it will say display this icon.  The next page should bring you to a screen that has you display it into your layout.   Once you hit publish you’re done!  If you view your blog you should see the icon and now your followers can add you to their Bloglovin’ feed.  Seriously, so simple.  So let’s get to the blog hop.  This is a party so make sure to have some fun and mingle.


 There’s only a couple of rules:

1.       Please follow your host – The NY Melrose Family 
&
Your co-hosts Two Sasters, While Wearing Heels, The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife, Pamela's Heavenly Treats, Becoming Martha, Second Chance to Dream, The Princess Diaries and My Simple Messterpiece

2.      Add Bloglovin' to your blog.
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Thrifty Thursday!

You see that boy in the picture?  He doesn't listen.  

It doesn't matter how many times I tell that boy to stop growing...he just won't listen!!

So last weekend, when I noticed that his toes were almost appearing through his gym shoes, I decided it was time to go shoe shopping.  The first place I stopped - Once Upon A Child.  I had little hope.  Because finding anything for boys - specifically shoes for an 8 yr old...is almost non-existent.  I can find dainty little dresses for Moo girl all day long - but a decent shirt without a stain or rip in a size 8... that's always questionable.

I am so glad I went!

Someone else must have just outgrown their barely worn Air Jordans...because I hit the motherload!

 My boys favorite pair was the Nike black and yellow ones...they are a size too large.  But, fall will be here before you know it.  I got Moo girl a pair of black Air Jordans...how cute is that?  I got that boy 7 pairs of shoes, in a variety of sizes, Nike and Air Jordans.

After experiencing this happiness...I decided to press my luck in the boy clothes department...so glad I did!

I want the I Rock t-shirt!

After going through the boys I decided Moo girl needed shorts.  Again, I pat myself on the back...it was clearance day or something at Once Upon...because I did good!

This is a reminder of why I do resale! See that shirt?!  So glad I didn't pay full price.

UPDATE: Dream Catcher

Remember my hope for the dream catcher?  It was going to change lives...allow sleep in my household.  Yea, the only thing that 1/8 Cherokee Indian blood is doing in Moo girl, is giving her a FABULOUS tan!

I'd say she is in my bed 5 out of 7 nights, usually sneaks in anytime between midnight and 5am.  How do I say no to "mama...can I sleep with you" in her sweet squeaky voice?  I can't. I. just. can't.  So when she wandered into my room, to sleep with my new comfy blanket...I didn't think twice about it.

When I could no longer pretend to be asleep I couldn't help but stare at her sweet little face.  She is so peaceful to look at until she decides to talk.  Out of nowhere as I gaze mommaish at her little face she starts to whisper..."mama...COFFEE!!"  she then jabs out her hand grabs a fistful of my hair and pulls me to her.  Confused and dazed...it took everything I had not to bust into hysterics.  I didn't want to wake her out of her slumber, Lord only knows what she would do to me then!

And this is why she doesn't do sleepovers.  

This peacefulness...is deceiving.

Birthday Celebrations!

If you've been reading then you know my love of birthday parties!  I love celebrating my children, its just one of those things us moms like to do.

Well, those birthday party's also add up.  Not just monetarily, but also in toy clutter.  My children have been blessed with a mom who loves toys almost as much as they do..so we have plenty of them, not just at birthday times, but at all times.

So this year, I simplified things a little bit.  It was still a crazy birthday season, with family and some close friends coming over on a Saturday to celebrate both kids birthday,

but then we also celebrated them on the individual dates too.

Thankfully we have Haunted Trails less than 10 minutes from my house.  No need for a big backyard blowout, when we can have good buddies and laser tag for four hours!   

Now onto my Maddie Moo Girls birthday...

By her day, I was kinda done with cake, and toys.  So we did something a little different.  I'm very lucky that I have a wonderful sister who is also the owner and operator of my daughters Montessori school.  So on Maddies birthday she got to go to summer camp and spend the day with her friends.

I know, I know...what a birthday party...she got to spend it in school!  But really she had a blast.  This way she got to see all of her friends, pass out those delicious marshmallow pops...and again, I had no clean up - and no added toys!  I think that was the best part for me.

But don't you worry about Moo girl...she still got plenty of toys from mom and dad!






She recently has a new obsession...My Little Pony.  She decided she wanted a My Little Pony Birthday Party...so while she was at school...guess where I went?  


Yep, I went thrifting.  Because, any good thrift store - will always have a bag of My Little Pony's.  

 And even though I was all caked out...I did make some awesome cupcakes!

  

Easy Peasy

I would like to thank Pinterest for this Easy Peasy Summertime treat.  I have two birthday children in June, and I was getting really tired of cake, so I wanted something simple...and this was it!  We made these delicious marshmallow treats for moo girls summer camp class.

Get yourself some marshmallows...any size will do - but the Jumbo ones are really fun!  

Melt some chocolate, and dip those babies in it!  

Then have the kids decorate with sprinkles...SO MUCH FUN!  So much mess too - but completely worth it!  

At the time all I had was straws for sticks...and it worked.   

Kid approved!!!

For my next batch I made smores - I liked these the best!  Make sure you wait for the chocolate to harden.  I liked them better the next day after the marshmallow toughened up a bit.

  

Thrifty Thursday...Quirky Shirt Edition

What can I say,  I'm addicted.  But then you should know that by now.  Just happened to be in the vicinity of a Goodwill Store yesterday...had to go take a look around.

Nothing really catching my eye...I needed a good chuckle, so I went to the T-Shirt aisle...never fails!

I could almost see me wearing this...but honestly, it would only cover one of my troubles...so...it stayed on the hanger.  Plus, I think my shirt should say something like "these give me a back ache"  They're not really trouble makers anymore.

I remember when this saying was popular...back in 1999...not so much anymore.  Think it would scream "I bought this at good will"  so, another shirt to stay on the hanger - But the message is still a strong and relevant message, even in 2012.

But I couldn't go home empty handed.  I grew up in the 80's...and I love me some CHEERS!  The shirt dates me...but thats ok.  It is so worth it!

 


You're welcome - I know you'll be singing this song for the rest of the day!




Wanted to add a link to Library adventures...she does a lot of thrift store and vintage finds...she has some really nice stuff.  I link to her page, so I want to give her a shout out!
Also...Apron Thrift Girl

Memories of Birthday Past

I'm gonna share a little personal information with you...but not TMI, so don't worry.  Growing up, we didn't celebrate birthdays for religious reasons.  Now, before you get all sad on me...I didn't really know what I was missing, so I wasn't ever too upset about the whole thing.  It was what it was.

Now, I celebrate birthdays.  Not so much mine, it just makes me uncomfortable.  Not saying I didn't try...but my first attempt was my 21st, and basically I messed that party up something awful, sent everyone to a hole in the wall bar, which was the wrong bar.  This was before people used cell phones, so yea, it was a giant mess.  I still had my tequila, but, a few people short.  So I kinda gave up on my own birthdays.

My kids...are an entirely different story.  Matthew's 1st birthday was months in the making.  This was all before Pinterest so really, I was roughing it with the ideas.  Thank goodness for good ol' Disney Family magazine, and Martha Stewart.

I planned a Safari themed birthday...I sent these oh so crafty invites to family, friends, you name it - if I knew you at one time in my life, you were celebrating my boys birthday!

I had several people error-check this invite before I sent it to a bazillion people...and no one caught the "oops" well, of course my smart assiest friend found the error..and loves to bring it to my attention every year during Matthew's birthday season...can you spot the error?  Well, his mother should have!



Martha Stewart...she helped...look at these awesome cakes!  I did good my friends, I did real good!

And since...Matthew's first birthday was a huge event, my girl had to have a huge first birthday event too.

Luau Time!
Oriental Trading was my friend, decorations, candy, goody bags, flip flop pinata...SO MUCH FUN!

Do you see that cake?!

That is one fabulous flip flop cake standing in graham cracker sand!  Yea, I did it, and yes, I am one PROUD Momma!

(Remember, when having the date on the picture was so cool?!  I HATE it now, why did I do that to so many pictures?!  Plus the wrong damn date to boot!)







And you know what - Martha Stewart can kiss my ever lovin' ass!  I'm sure some of you have seen those easy, and just so fabulous jello fishbowls, that Martha makes look so easy.

Do you see that look of disgust on that girls face?  I don't blame her...my fish looked bloated.  And those pretty little cupcakes with the strawberry on them?  Thankfully, no one cracked a tooth on them.  Thanks Martha.

But I did have that fabulous flip flop cake that saved the day! Damn, I loved that thing!

I'm bringing up such fond memories because its that time of year again.  My big guy is turning 8, and my little lady is turning 6.  The parties have calmed down some.  Well, a little bit.  Not really.  I try not to make a big deal out of them, then before I know it...well, I make it a big deal.  I can't help it.  I am so blessed to have these kids in my life, and that they are happy, healthy, and I get to hug them everyday.  I want to celebrate it!  I want it perfect...bloated fish and all!