Wordless Wednesday - Very First Family Portrait

Better Late Than Never - Dear Kid Saturday

Yeah, I know it's Tuesday. As usual, I'm running a bit behind on my blogging. Obviously, I was supposed to (or had planned to at least) do this on Saturday, and henceforward, I promise to do my level best to get this posted WEEKLY and ON TIME.

I've been in love with this "dear kid" concept ever since I first discovered Cutest Kid Ever. The first post I read was a week-end roundup and I hope to follow that format here. Of course, that will require me to a) exercise my ever-deteriorating memory and b) write things down all week, so I can't make you any promises, but here's what I've got for this week. I don't think it's too shabby.


Dear Princess Ariel (Or is it Tinkerbell today? Sorry - you know I do my best to keep up...),

First and foremost, allow me to say what a super cool kid you are and how proud I am of you each and every day. You're going through what boring adults like me might call a "rapid development" phase, which means that you're learning lots and lots of new stuff really quickly. You forever amaze me and Daddy with your observations about the world around you and your awesome sense of humor.

On Monday, you and I got to hang out with your baby cousin all day. I know, I know - she's not much of a baby anymore, and you're starting to get a little concerned that she might steal all the attention and toys around here. Don't worry - you're still my best girl and I appreciate your help with the little one so very much. She absolutely adores you and wants to be just like you, and soon you'll be very good friends. (We need to come up with a pretend name for her too, actually. You'll have to help me with that one...)

Tuesday was preschool day and, as usual, you let me know in no uncertain terms that I'm not allowed to know what happens when I'm not with you. You silly thing. But you did let it slip that you chased your "boyfriend" on the playground and that he is "feeling better," which I'm very glad to hear since I know you were worried about his recent hospital stay... or did you make that up?

On Wednesday, we were babysitters again and we kept it super low-key. The babykins was sort of grumpy and missed her mommy, so you made up a funny game and the two of you chased the dog in circles for what seemed like hours. You had lots of things you wanted to talk about and lots of questions that day. I was distracted by the baby's crying and feeling impatient, and I snapped at you. You informed me that I was being "rude." You know what? You were right. Mommy's not perfect and I appreciate it when you tell me how you feel about the things I do and say. I hope we can always admit to each other when we're wrong and learn together from our mistakes.

Thursday you had school in the morning and your cousin was soooo happy to see you when we came to pick you up! Once again, your lips were sealed, but I did happen to notice that you came skipping out the door holding hands with a new friend. When we went to the indoor playground, you took such great care of the baby, rolling a ball back and forth with her and making sure the bigger kids didn't run her over. I loved the way you introduced yourself to the boys there - with your first, middle and last name, and your age - very thorough. You also did an awesome job of putting together a game of hide-and-seek and counting all the way to 100 before you went to find the other kids. Maybe next time, if you only count to 10 or so, the other kids will still be hiding when you're ready to start looking. We can always count to 100 later.

Friday was "Girls' Day" and we had a blast. At gymnastics class, you did a somersault and straddle roll all by yourself for the very first time! Back at home, we had a tea party, and this time you made the peanut butter "finger sandwiches" with only a teensy bit of assistance. Mmmmmm... raspberry tea. We discovered the "Tinkerbell" movie and you're officially hooked. Later, you and I went for a virtual run with your very favorite thing, the Wii Fit. I love watching you run around like crazy, laughing like a loon 'cause your character runs faster than mine. You tried some yoga too, but we collapsed in a fit of giggles after every pose made you toot. Tooting is apparently the most hilarious thing in the world right now.

You got to spend Friday evening with Grandma, you lucky girl. When she came to pick you up, you were still napping. She found you sleeping in your tent with your fairy wings on, your tiara, your high-heeled princess shoes, and your purse on your arm. You just like to be ready, right?

Know what? You rock. And I love you. Can't wait to see what adventures you have in store for us this week.

Sincerely,
Mommy

Join me in Wonderland at noon EST today!

Yep, just two hours from now! Join me today at noon in the Wonderland Holiday Boutique for some awesome savings on just a few of my most popular notecard sets - perfect for teacher gifts, secret Santa gift exchanges, the office white elephant exchange or as stocking stuffers. All are gift-wrapped and ready to give at no additional cost. Only one set of each design is available at this price, so be there at noon or you'll miss out! Plus, enter to win these pretty handstamped hang tags.


If you haven't been to Wonderland yet this season, you're in for a treat. This great community of work-at-home moms offer a wide variety of unique handmade gift options for your eco-friendly family.

Wordless Wednesday - "I Can Do It All By Myself"

Skwigga-zine Blog Ring -- Blog of the Week

As usual, I'm behind schedule on this one. Once again, I present LAST week's blog of the week. Just pretend you didn't notice, ok?

This week's featured blogger is Corinne of Daydream Art Studio. Artist, teacher, and curator of The Grid, Corinne describes her work as follows:

I paint my life, working mainly in bright, vivid colors. I adore experimenting and playing in mixed media, working from my daydreams and memories. I get my inspiration from the everyday beauty around me rather than trying hard to be "clever." I also love vases and sculpture, using things like found materials, glass, and polymer clay. I dance while I work, and hope the fun I have creating my art is contagious.

As for the nitty-gritty, I primarily paint in oil on canvas. Using a pre-gessoed canvas in easily framed sizes, I start with an underpainting in one color. I slowly build up layer after layer of glazing to create a luminosity that plays with lighting. I use vivid, pure colors, mixing as little as possible to avoid a dirty look. I use black as little as possible- instead I try to put detail in and focus on the many colors that lie in shadows.

A selection of Corinne's work is available in her Etsy shop. The Daydream Art Studios blog offers a peek into Corinne's creative process and includes lovely insights into her family and personal life. Please take a moment to check out both and leave a little love!

Black Friday Specials -- Today's Super Saver Events

It's the most wonderful time of the year and the best day of the year to save on our holiday cards as well as our boxed blank note sets - perfect stocking stuffers or teacher gifts! Here's where to find the best deals on Macaroni and Glue paper goods today.


All weekend: Macaroni and Glue on Etsy -- Take $2 off any boxed holiday card set and get FREE shipping when you add any blank note set to your holiday card order


Today at noon EST: Wonderland Congo - Limited-edition items and some HUGE savings on Macaroni and Glue favorites to the first few customers. Be on time or you'll miss out!




Today only: Artiste Congo - Only one set left of these super cute Santa mini cards/gift enclosures with handmade envelopes!



Today only: 1000 Markets - First three holiday card customers get a second set FREE!


Happy shopping everyone!

November Featured EtsyBlogger -- Storybeader

Congrats to Deb of Storybeader and Stroll Through Storyland - she has the distinct honor of being this month's featured EtsyBlogger! A museum curator by day, Deb finds time to create lovely beaded jewelry and gifts that perfectly capture the tradition and spirit of Southwestern Oklahoma. In her own words:

I love words and colors, reading and making unique jewelry. I write a haiki poem for each necklace that I make - usually something I'm thinking about as I'm creating the piece.

Deb's blog is an eclectic blend of artisan profiles, family stories, works in progress, and even book reviews. Congrats, Deb, and enjoy your month of EtsyBloggers fame!