The Train To Crazy

A Winner!

According to random.org the winner of the Ecotots Surfboard Growth Chart is....

number 18! 

Katey! 

Who said in her comment that she's never won a drawing before. Enjoy marking it up!

Snail Mail

I have a small box I've labeled "memorabilia" that I keep old letters, cards and other random things in. I'm trying to stick to the "if it doesn't fit in the box..." rule so I don't accumulate too much junk. I still need to go through a bit of my childhood junk to see what to keep and what to toss but that is a different post altogether. 

In my small box I have a few poems Arthur wrote me when we were dating. We dated long distance and most of our communication was via email or the phone but he did take the time to send me a few letters. You know what? That is what I kept. Just the letters. There is something special about letters. 

In our society we talk about going paperless and we love the efficiency of the internet in aiding our communication but I'd like to take a moment and shine a light on our long forgotten friend, the through the mail letter. Snail mail. Even though it costs money and it takes more effort, I think we can all agree that if someone takes the time to send you a letter or a card it means infinitely more than an email.

I have one friend who is exceptional at sending cards through the mail. And you know what? I love it! So, here is my apology to her, I'm sorry I have yet to send you one... yet! Go wait by your mailbox though because there just might be something coming your way!

Seriously though, is letter writing a long forgotten art? I remember receiving letters from my grandmother as a little girl and loving them. Of course, I'd give them to my mom to translate because while her writing was beautiful, I couldn't read a bit of it. Even once I could read cursive, I don't know what it was but her writing was just tough for me!! But how great is it that I can remember her handwriting? 

Who will remember your handwriting? 

Happiness

Capturing children's happiness is rather easy when they are playing.

Watch out below!!

Capturing your own happiness is a little harder, unless there is chocolate and bananas involved.

Don't forget to sign up for the Growth Chart Giveaway! 

For more pictures of "happiness", visit You Capture at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Apples!

Daphne's birthday was off to a bit of a boring start so we decided to scrap nap and go apple eating picking. Fortunately it is a bit of a drive to the orchard so naps did happen. We had a blast running around, looking at animals, working our way through mazes and picking apples. The fresh doughnuts there were good too.

Birthday girl liked her shirt too. It now has chocolate ice cream all over it so I'm off to wash it...

Growth charts and a great GIVEAWAY!

I have good memories of standing with my back against the wall in our kitchen when I was growing up. My mom would stand on her tip toes and mark my height with a pencil. We'd write my initials and the date to make a lasting memory of how tall I was at different stages. We had dozens of little marks between my brothers and me. We'd compare how tall they were when they were my age. We'd look at the marks on the wall and reminisce about our childhood. Then we moved. The marks were gone. No record of how tall I was at any age. The memories painted over. 

I suspect many of you had a similar experience. Unfortunately we move and the memories stay with the old house. I have a creative friend who came up with a great solution. A growth stick. A way to mark those heights and memories and take them with you from house to house. Thankfully she made a great tutorial so you can make your own. 

Of course, if you don't want to make your own you can always buy one. There are some really cute (and spendy) options out there! Fortunately for you, I'm giving away one of the cutest ones I've ever seen. If you need a growth chart that is less cutesy and would fit in with your modern furniture, or adult decor this is for you!

I'm giving away one Ecotots Surfboard Growth Chart. This growth chart is made from 100% formaldehyde free, FSC Certified real wood and has a non-toxic, water based finish. This eco-friendly long board hangs on the wall and also doubles as a coat hook when rotated 180 degrees. You can chose from fire red, cocoa brown, natural or leaf green.

There are 2 ways to enter this giveaway.

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me who you'd be measuring with this growth chart (or who you'd be gifting it to). 

2. Link to this giveaway on your blog, tweet about it, or put it in your facebook status. Then leave a comment with the link for your post/tweet. Sorry, just 2 entries per person.

All entries that do not meet the above requirements will be disqualified. Unfortunately, this can only be shipped within the U.S. I am so sorry for all of my international readers!! 

Comments will be open until Tuesday, September 29th at 9 p.m. EST. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, September 30th.

Good luck!

Happy Birthday little girl

(This is from her birthday party last Saturday. Rest assured, we did not eat cake for breakfast this morning. Though, we have enough left maybe we should have.)

Happy birthday to my not so little girl. Today is Daphne's 3rd birthday. She woke up asking when her friends were going to come over. I've told her at least 8 times that we had her party on Saturday so her friends aren't coming over today. Poor girl. I've tried to convince her to go out for dinner and ice cream tonight but she insists she wants tacos. I've asked 4 times just to make sure. I'm pretty sure when I serve her a taco she'll ask if we can go out to dinner. Isn't that how it works?

The twos were rough for Daphne. She really wants to be independent but some of her motor skills don't agree with her. She's also a sponge and can never get enough attention or snuggles. That is hard as a middle child. Even with all the tantrums and cries for snuggles Daphne's beautiful personality has shone through. She is very loving. She asks almost daily if we can keep Maggie because she loves her. She loves holding hands with Naomi and couldn't think of anyone she'd rather be with. She follows her everywhere but still, miraculously maintains her own distinct opinions. She has a sweet tooth. A BIG sweet tooth. I might have an idea where she got that. 

Our little birthday girl is a joy and a delight and I can't wait to see what the next year holds. 

I hope all your wishes come true.

From my bookshelf: 1-2-3 Magic

I've read my fair share of parenting and discipline books. Some have been decent. One was hideous (though quite popular). The problem I've had has been that the books are often too full of theory (which I do love) but at the expense of actually telling me WHAT TO DO. I usually turn to books when all my own sense fails. 

This book was turned to in a time when we were feeling totally deflated and ineffective in our parenting. We were irritable and threw our arms up, wondering what in the world we were going to do. Enter 1-2-3 Magic. Magic, did I say magic? YES. I can't give this book a higher recommendation.

The book starts off by telling you what to do (and why) and ends by telling you what to do. The middle is full of telling you what to do. And you know what? It works. It really works. And it is incredibly simple. Very easy to implement. We had a 2.5 year old who was defiant, a bit out of control at home and no discipline worked. We tried and tried but failed and failed. I am not exaggerating when I say that after starting this method of discipline we had a new child. Not within a week, but within a day. Really, we did.

So the moral of the story is, go out and get yourself a copy of this book. Say goodbye to yelling and tantrums. Your kids will change too.

An actual relaxing day

I don't know about you, but we don't get a lot of actual relaxing days around here. Today, we got lucky. The kids were a bit overtired but hung in there pretty well. Well enough at least. 

Maggie, the adorable 11 month old, is at a stage where she just wanders around playing. She explores and enjoys herself so well. I'm enjoying this stage before she starts getting into everything. She is starting to open cupboard doors and remove books from shelves but thankfully she listens and obeys so far. I know the day is coming though.

I had so much free time that I did a bit of a makeover on the blog. What do you think?

Finding encouragement in parenting

This week was a week of firsts for us. The first gymnastics class of the year, the first dance class of the year, the first time Maggie rode her pony, the first time Maggie rode her little push car, the first week of my moms' group, the first time I'm trying to sew from a Japanese pattern book. Lots of firsts.

Have I mentioned how much I love groups made especially for moms? I do. I love them. I have been involved in quite a few now and I have to say, they are necessary. 

The social aspect is great, but beyond that, it is always refreshing to be challenged by others to become better. To become introspective and consider your value as a mother, the impact your actions (not just you words) have on your children, and to consider how your spiritual life impacts it all. I've listened to many, many great speakers over the past 4 years and I have to say, I've taken a little bit away from all of them. I read books and blogs but there is just something refreshing about listening to someone speak about motherhood and life and then have an opportunity to talk about it with friends. When else can you have a deep discussion with friends without children interrupting?!

I was reminded today that my group was first started by 5 moms who were struggling through motherhood and just needed each other for support. From their decision to meet weekly grew a great group full of encouragement and mentorship that is now blessing over 30 women within just a matter of years. That is just beautiful. Perhaps you are lacking a supportive, encouraging environment in some aspect of your life. Have you stopped to imagine what might happen if you started something? Perhaps there are other people in your same boat that need a little support and encouragement. Everything starts somewhere. Get together with a few neighborhood moms to discuss life and motherhood and challenge each other to grow. Find yourself a mentor, someone who has gone before you and has words of wisdom to share. Search out your own group. You won't regret it.

Do you have a support system? How have you found ways to challenge yourself or find encouragement in your parenting?

For another first for me, come back next week for my first giveaway. It's a good one. Really good. I'm very excited. You'll want to win this! Have a great weekend!

I know you've all been on pins and needles so I have to get this out of the way and tell you that I found it! Relief.

Sometimes the only thing that can change a screaming kicking (insane) fit is a change of scenery. Today it was Skype to the rescue.

First, a cookie from grandpa.

Yum, that cookie looks good. Pajamas on the head also help calm a screamer.

Priceless. 

Who are these weirdos on the computer? Also, me teeth hurt.

Who me? I'd never throw a big fit! I'm so cute!

Then some grandma and grandpa talking to each other while we listen.

Thanks for the online assistance.

In other news, have you seen this? Am I insane?

The last box

I've officially opened all the boxes.  I didn't unpack them all. I have no need for my "work" books or our good dishes. There are a few things notably missing. The most notable is the foot pedal for my sewing machine. I am beyond frustrated. The problem is, movers packed it. I don't know where it could possibly be. How am I supposed to sew without it?! I guess I'll have to figure out this guy instead.

On a more positive note, I found the key to our safe, which is a relief. I did not want to pay to have that opened. I'm trying not to complain about having someone else pack for me... I'm trying.

It is definitely turning to fall around here. I'm loving it. Even though we really didn't have a whole lot of summer this year I am happy to see it go. I love this fall weather! How nice is it to be completely comfortable wearing jeans and a shirt without being too sweaty or too cold? Aaahhh. 

The oldest digital picture

Janell at Spare Pages tagged me to open my oldest photo digital photo album and tell a story about the first picture in it. I ran into a dilemma. First of all, my oldest album were pictures of my wedding which weren't actually taken by me, so I decided to skip that album and go to the albums I made with my first digital camera. Then my second dilemma was that the first picture was of my grandmother and I'm not sure it was as good of a picture as she'd want me to publish. Then I started looking through the album and realized I got my first digital camera for Christmas 2002 and all the photos were so fun to look at. I decided to highlight a few of the memory makers.

This was Christmas at my parents' house on the island. All of my nieces and nephews have changed considerably. My children are noticeably absent. Two of my grandparents pictured are no longer living. That shirt I am wearing is no longer in my closet. I'm not sure why because I really liked that shirt. This was the last Christmas my whole family, including all my grandparents and my in-laws spent together. Definitely a good one to remember! 

Getting settled

It has now been 2 weeks since we began moving. I'm all done unpacking and all the pictures are hung. Now let me take a moment to laugh at that statement! I am not close to being done! Well, I'm close. The problem is (read: this is my excuse) I only have time when the kids are asleep and Maggie is transitioning to 1 nap and Daphne is in that middle ground between no nap and 1 nap so mostly just cranky. Then add that Maggie is working on getting 4 teeth right now and hasn't been sleeping well for a month so I've been going to bed at 8:30! OK, that leaves no time for unpacking. I'm pretty OK with that. There are things that should probably get done but we are definitely living in a livable space. Just odds and ends that need to be taken care of. In fact, what is up with a whole box of bathroom stuff?! I haven't needed it for 2 weeks, should I even open it? Well, yes, of course I should, so I can move that stuff onto a new shelf to sit on!

All kidding aside, I'm planning to get as done as I can this weekend so I can hire a cleaner to come in here and clean! No, I'm not kidding!

I'm loving the new place. The neighborhood is great. Well, not your neighborhood with nice manicured yards and long driveways nice, but nice because we have a great little park a block away. If that isn't great enough, we have a bakery with great cookies (and coke) 2 blocks away! I cut out coke for quite a while but I'm back on it. Want to hear about the next few blocks? An Irish pub, Chinese food, Japanese food, Thai food, American food, 2 pizza places, a deli, a little corner store, a CVS, a dry cleaners. Oh, and even better? Within a mile one direction is a Trader Joes, and if I walk the other direction I can get to a different grocery store. I never need a car again! Well, maybe in winter. I'm a bit scared of the winters here. People keep telling me how terrible they are... I'm afraid!

So, we've been busy exploring and enjoying the fall weather while we can. While everyone else is starting preschool this week, my girls are eating cookies on a park bench! Nothing better.

Are you enjoying this time of year where you are?

So I bought a new book

I thought it only fitting that I confess I bought a new book. After all this, I bought a book. Well, 2 books. Of course one was Bend the Rules with Fabric. I couldn't resist buying it right away. I've scanned the whole thing and I must say I'm excited to try some of the techniques. Though, I probably didn't need the book for most of it. The other was Drawing with Children. I couldn't be more excited. I think I'm going to teach myself to draw. I had intended this for the kids, but considering the kids and I are on level ground when it comes to artistic abilities, I might give it a go. 

We do a tiny bit of craft/art around here. Most of it is open ended, self directed. The "purpose" of most of it is more about fine motor skills and imagination that creating anything useful or pretty. One might think I do lots of crafts with the kids, but I don't. 

We have an art cart (plastic drawers). The top drawer has plain paper. The second drawer has colored paper. The third drawer has coloring books (though they rarely use these and I'm just trying to get rid of them). the fourth drawer has water color paint, glue sticks, a hold punch and the like. The last drawer is a large drawer and is filled with random stuff like tissue paper, junk mail, feathers, pom poms, stickers, etc. These are often made into "beautiful" collages. I keep crayons and colored pencils in a container on the top of the art cart for easy use. I keep some things out of reach, of course. Like the paint cups and scissors as well as the beads and pipe cleaners. 

One of my favorite toddler/preschooler art assist materials is the clear contact paper. I cut 2 pieces the same size. Tape one down to the table, sticky side up. This makes collages easy. All they have to do is tear tissue paper and stick it to the contact paper. No trouble trying to use glue or scissors. We've also put other collage materials in them. When they are done just stick the top piece to it and you can do whatever you want with it. We like to stick them to the windows.

I do have one other art book I've used with the kids. Scribble Art has been a great resource to get my ideas flowing. It is all about open ended art and has some great ideas. I'm pretty sure I got the contact paper idea from that book. There are great craft recipes in it as well like paper mache glue and clay, etc. 

What types of craft and art projects do you do with your kids?

What I learned this week

Moving and unpacking are never pleasant. Never. Okay, maybe if you are a college student and everything you own fits into your hatchback it isn't that bad, but still not pleasant. But, just because it isn't pleasant doesn't mean it doesn't afford you lots of opportunities to learn about yourself. So, here goes. This is what I learned this week.

1. We all know I have too much stuff. This is nothing new. What I did learn is that I have a lot of stuff I am more attached to than I thought. I have never thought of myself as being too attached to things but while trying to fill my "goodwill" boxes I kept putting things in the "store in the basement" box instead. As if someday, I'll need two copies of The Confessions of St. Augustine. The problem with my attachment to books is that I haven't read half of the ones I refuse to get rid of. That wouldn't be bad in and of itself except for the fact that I've had some of them for 5, 10 years and still haven't read them. I'm thinking I might never read them. But, I kept them anyway, thinking I'd join paperback swap, someday.

And speaking of someday, I have so much fabric with plans for each piece that I will make "someday". I'm telling myself no new fabric until Spring. 

2. I've learned that I like to plan things out entirely in my head before taking action. If I'm not certain of exactly where everything will go, I'm a bit frozen. Not that I'm indecisive, I just like to do things "right." Ha ha ha. I did not learn that I like things my way. This was old news. (I'm hearing Arthur say "amen")

3. I've learned that no matter how frustrated I am or how overwhelmed I can be, just sitting on the floor with my kids is always fun. The boxes and piles and piles and piles can wait. Sometimes just stepping away from it all is the best medicine. 

4. And sometimes medicine doesn't make a teething baby feel any better. Sometimes snuggles and hugs are the best medicine. I've also learned that teething babies that don't sleep at night + unpacking = no good.

5. I've learned that showing up at Ikea at 8:30 at night when they close at 9:00 is just about enough time to wind my way through the store without actually having time to put anything into my cart. A return trip will be inevitable. 

My journey into household organization continues. I am sure there are 30 more life lessons to learn but those will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm tired.

This post is linked to the What I Learned This Week Carnival hosted by Musings of a Housewife.