No, I am not pregnant.
No, it is not my husband.
It is beautiful.
It is 6'4" (again, NOT my husband).
It is polished black.
It has 88 keys and no locks.
And, it plays beautifully.
Yup - we are looking at pianos. I haven't had one in my home (aka college, apartment or homes with the hubby)since heading to Cornell in 1996. And now, the time has come.
I fell in love with one today. A 6'4" Boston. Yummmm...
The sound was magical. The base rumbled. And the tune hummed.
The house would be lovely with another baby.
And this one won't cry or keep us up at night.
Nice.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Girls' Dresses
My girls LOVE dresses - like most girls.
They love them so much, they change MANY times a day.
Again, like most girls.
So, I have taken to making their dresses.
And I finally hit a stride.
I have made these beautiful dresses out of the sweetest fabrics. And I put their names on them. Now - they NEVER want to wear anything else or take them off.
Check them out. They will be on the LG site soon - personalized, sweet dresses for sweet girls...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Happy Birthday
Last night, at bedtime, I told a story.
Not a book, but a story.
A princess story...about Princess Ashley.
About how she arrived in our hearts and home 2 days early. About how she had her dad driving 80 miles an hour to the hospital before I told him "it doesn't happen like the movies. This baby isn't going to slide out."
About how dad wanted to "revisit" the names on the way to the hospital.
About how they said "it's a girl" at about 4:54 in the morning.
And about how she has been absolutely precious - albeit sometimes a turkey - ever since.
Princess Ashley arrived 3 years ago today in our house.
Happy Birthday Ashley.
In our house, you get to choose the dinner on your birthday. For example, my 5 year old recently chose salad, buttermilk pancakes and mac 'n cheese.And that is what we all had. Friends too.
Ashley wants rice. And quesadillas.
Maybe she will learn Spanish when she grows up? That would be cool.
And a heart cake too. Not sure why it has to be in the shape of a heart, but I think I can manage that.
I hope.
Not a book, but a story.
A princess story...about Princess Ashley.
About how she arrived in our hearts and home 2 days early. About how she had her dad driving 80 miles an hour to the hospital before I told him "it doesn't happen like the movies. This baby isn't going to slide out."
About how dad wanted to "revisit" the names on the way to the hospital.
About how they said "it's a girl" at about 4:54 in the morning.
And about how she has been absolutely precious - albeit sometimes a turkey - ever since.
Princess Ashley arrived 3 years ago today in our house.
Happy Birthday Ashley.
In our house, you get to choose the dinner on your birthday. For example, my 5 year old recently chose salad, buttermilk pancakes and mac 'n cheese.And that is what we all had. Friends too.
Ashley wants rice. And quesadillas.
Maybe she will learn Spanish when she grows up? That would be cool.
And a heart cake too. Not sure why it has to be in the shape of a heart, but I think I can manage that.
I hope.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Being a single parent...
Being a single parent - well, that I am not.
When my husband travels, and I am home alone with the kids, and someone gets sick on the day the sitter is coming because I need to be at a meeting or at school, well..life just gets tougher.
Being a single parent - I am not.
I am not good at it. I am exhausted by 9. I work hard at keeping my composure.
Where would there be time for myself? And dating? Forget about it.
But to all those that are single parents - I admire you. I appreciate your hard work and your sacrifices. It is amazingly tough with a partner. I can't even imagine what it is like without one.
You are the parents to admire. Your children may not appreciate you now, but they will someday.
Now THAT is the toughest job of all.
When my husband travels, and I am home alone with the kids, and someone gets sick on the day the sitter is coming because I need to be at a meeting or at school, well..life just gets tougher.
Being a single parent - I am not.
I am not good at it. I am exhausted by 9. I work hard at keeping my composure.
Where would there be time for myself? And dating? Forget about it.
But to all those that are single parents - I admire you. I appreciate your hard work and your sacrifices. It is amazingly tough with a partner. I can't even imagine what it is like without one.
You are the parents to admire. Your children may not appreciate you now, but they will someday.
Now THAT is the toughest job of all.
Monday, February 22, 2010
When your heart stops...
Today in Costco I lost my daughter. Ashley. Age 3.
Yes, I did.
Sign me up for "Worst Mother in the World".
I was looking through something to find a size. Probably had my head down for about 20 seconds. When I looked up, I had only 2 kids instead of 3.
I looked around.
I called her name.
Nothing.
Panic sets in.
I run to the front and ask them to watch for a little girl in a purple dress.
They call out to all employees to find the little girl in the purple dress.
I run around some more.
We find her.
Playing in the toy playhouse.
Happy.
The whole episode lasted about 5 minutes tops.
Longest 5 minutes of my life.
After getting cinched in the shopping cart and being subjected to her baby brother's incessant pulling of her hair, we talked. And talked.
Did she get it?
We have talked before. We have had consequences before for not staying "with mommy".
Did she get it?
Probably not.
To her, everyone in the world is nice. Sweet. Kind and awesome.
Especially the Costco employees.
So we need to keep talking.
Too bad this world isn't as sweet as a child imagines it.
Yes, I did.
Sign me up for "Worst Mother in the World".
I was looking through something to find a size. Probably had my head down for about 20 seconds. When I looked up, I had only 2 kids instead of 3.
I looked around.
I called her name.
Nothing.
Panic sets in.
I run to the front and ask them to watch for a little girl in a purple dress.
They call out to all employees to find the little girl in the purple dress.
I run around some more.
We find her.
Playing in the toy playhouse.
Happy.
The whole episode lasted about 5 minutes tops.
Longest 5 minutes of my life.
After getting cinched in the shopping cart and being subjected to her baby brother's incessant pulling of her hair, we talked. And talked.
Did she get it?
We have talked before. We have had consequences before for not staying "with mommy".
Did she get it?
Probably not.
To her, everyone in the world is nice. Sweet. Kind and awesome.
Especially the Costco employees.
So we need to keep talking.
Too bad this world isn't as sweet as a child imagines it.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Safety and Kids
Our newest offering is ALMOST ready - Play it Safe...
What is that, you ask?
An activity book design to help children learn safety through discussion with parents/caregivers and practice (through repetitive writing).
Let me give you an example....
How many children can recite their phone number? Address? Doctor's name? Who they should call in case their parents ARE NOT available???
Each page asks these important questions, provides a space for the answer, and several rows for the child to practice writing the answer.
The result?
1) Children who know important information about themselves
2) Children how learn through discussion and writing
3) Important discussions that take place between parents/caregivers and children to better protect children
WOW!
Play it Safe will be available by March 1 at www.thelookingglassonline.com.
What is that, you ask?
An activity book design to help children learn safety through discussion with parents/caregivers and practice (through repetitive writing).
Let me give you an example....
How many children can recite their phone number? Address? Doctor's name? Who they should call in case their parents ARE NOT available???
Each page asks these important questions, provides a space for the answer, and several rows for the child to practice writing the answer.
The result?
1) Children who know important information about themselves
2) Children how learn through discussion and writing
3) Important discussions that take place between parents/caregivers and children to better protect children
WOW!
Play it Safe will be available by March 1 at www.thelookingglassonline.com.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Boys vs. Girls
I started with 2 girls.
My furniture survived fine.
My doctor visits were about well-checks and minor infections.
The blood spilled was relatively minor at best.
Then I had a boy.
He climbs EVERYTHING.
He has NO FEAR.
My furniture is complaining.
My doctor visits are not about loose teeth and split lips.
I am cleaning blood out of clothing and off the floor.
But he is still sooooooooooo sweet and gives great kisses. And he LOVES his sisters too. And they love him.
We'll keep him.
We'll just get new furniture...=)
My furniture survived fine.
My doctor visits were about well-checks and minor infections.
The blood spilled was relatively minor at best.
Then I had a boy.
He climbs EVERYTHING.
He has NO FEAR.
My furniture is complaining.
My doctor visits are not about loose teeth and split lips.
I am cleaning blood out of clothing and off the floor.
But he is still sooooooooooo sweet and gives great kisses. And he LOVES his sisters too. And they love him.
We'll keep him.
We'll just get new furniture...=)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Baby hair...
Is hair an issue in your house? Well, it is in mine.
Child #1 - age 5 - "NOOO! Don't EVER cut my hair. I want it to be LOOOOONG."
Child #2 - age 3 - Bangs were in her eyes. So she cut her OWN hair. Will take a few months to grow back.
Child #3 - age 1 - Please child #2 - Don't cut his hair. It is beautiful strawberry blond locks and curls that mom wants to cherish forever. I don't care if he can't see and is walking into everything. DON'T CUT HIS HAIR!
And that is how it goes at my house. Trying to keep the scissors out of child #'2's hands is an all-day affair. She is a do-it-yourself-er after all - a real problem solver. The other day, on the way to school, her hands were cold. So she took off her socks, put her shoes back on her bare feet, and put her socks on her hands.
Problem solved.
I am going to be reading a birth order book a friend recommended. But right now, I seem to have 3 of the same - very independent, very outspoken.
No wallflowers here.
Must be like mom and dad, no?
Minus the hair of course.
Child #1 - age 5 - "NOOO! Don't EVER cut my hair. I want it to be LOOOOONG."
Child #2 - age 3 - Bangs were in her eyes. So she cut her OWN hair. Will take a few months to grow back.
Child #3 - age 1 - Please child #2 - Don't cut his hair. It is beautiful strawberry blond locks and curls that mom wants to cherish forever. I don't care if he can't see and is walking into everything. DON'T CUT HIS HAIR!
And that is how it goes at my house. Trying to keep the scissors out of child #'2's hands is an all-day affair. She is a do-it-yourself-er after all - a real problem solver. The other day, on the way to school, her hands were cold. So she took off her socks, put her shoes back on her bare feet, and put her socks on her hands.
Problem solved.
I am going to be reading a birth order book a friend recommended. But right now, I seem to have 3 of the same - very independent, very outspoken.
No wallflowers here.
Must be like mom and dad, no?
Minus the hair of course.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Olympics at our house
What is it like watching the Olympics with kids at your house? At our house, my girls LOVE ice skating. They think the women are so pretty...
Pretty like Princesses.
So, as you can imagine, skiing isn't as exciting to them. The clothing is different.
But they do like the downhill skiing - they think that is fast and exciting. They keep asking if Daddy can do that?
They know better than to ask if mommy can...
But they do ask to watch it everyday.
We try to explain the different countries. What is neat, to me at least, is that they DON'T get it. There are no differences to them.
Everyone LOOKS the same...
Everyone SEEMS the same...
Everyone IS the same...
No differences at all.
How sweet.
Now THAT'S the Olympics to me.
Pretty like Princesses.
So, as you can imagine, skiing isn't as exciting to them. The clothing is different.
But they do like the downhill skiing - they think that is fast and exciting. They keep asking if Daddy can do that?
They know better than to ask if mommy can...
But they do ask to watch it everyday.
We try to explain the different countries. What is neat, to me at least, is that they DON'T get it. There are no differences to them.
Everyone LOOKS the same...
Everyone SEEMS the same...
Everyone IS the same...
No differences at all.
How sweet.
Now THAT'S the Olympics to me.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Morning Routine
How is it that some mom's look perfect when they drop their kids off at school? How is it they had time to workout, make 5 lunches, get all dolled up, have their kids look clean and adorable AND aren't late?
I don't think they sleep.
At all.
I was up at 6:15. We leave here in 10 minutes for school. The kids look clean and adorable (of course). They have lunch. They even have their snow gear in case they go sledding.
But a workout for mom?
Not yet.
A shower for mom?
Not yet.
Maybe someday....
I don't think they sleep.
At all.
I was up at 6:15. We leave here in 10 minutes for school. The kids look clean and adorable (of course). They have lunch. They even have their snow gear in case they go sledding.
But a workout for mom?
Not yet.
A shower for mom?
Not yet.
Maybe someday....
Monday, February 15, 2010
Vote for US!!!
Love our business and help us launch. Please vote for us.
This January and February, one business a month will win a small business grant worth $35,000. Each Grand Prize small business grant includes $25,000 worth of local radio advertising on the Westwood One network, $9,500 cash, plus $500 in Intuit products and services. Plus, four other monthly winners will win small business grants, too - each worth $5,000.
This January and February, one business a month will win a small business grant worth $35,000. Each Grand Prize small business grant includes $25,000 worth of local radio advertising on the Westwood One network, $9,500 cash, plus $500 in Intuit products and services. Plus, four other monthly winners will win small business grants, too - each worth $5,000.
Down Time
Do you ever wish for a little down time? you know, NO activities...NO errands...No cleaning...No nothing?!?!?
I tried for that today. Down time in our house is comprised of LESS. Not nothing...just less. Only 1 errand - Costco (took 2 hours but hey, better than multiple errands) and 1 activity for the kids this afternoon. In between, cleaning and cleaning.
Ok, so it isn't exactly nothing. It is more like SOMETHING. But, not A LOT. Know what I mean.
It's still down time.
And it's nice.
I tried for that today. Down time in our house is comprised of LESS. Not nothing...just less. Only 1 errand - Costco (took 2 hours but hey, better than multiple errands) and 1 activity for the kids this afternoon. In between, cleaning and cleaning.
Ok, so it isn't exactly nothing. It is more like SOMETHING. But, not A LOT. Know what I mean.
It's still down time.
And it's nice.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Baby and Wedding Showers
After a great weekend of skiing, it is time to get back into the swing of things - the swing of life, that is. It's time for showers!
Baby showers!
Bridal Showers!
Gifts galore!
For bridal showers, we love love love our towels for home. Get them personalized for the happy couple - something to cherish forever.
For baby showers, we love love love our collections. Especially Angel Dear - soft, cuddly and cherished by babies the world over.
Check it out.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Skiing and Kids
We're in Winter Park with the family having a wonderful time. Both my 5 year old and 3 year old are skiing! And doing great. The 3 year old is fearless (as you would expect) and just bombs down the mountain. Really, she just hasn't figured out turning yet. But she loves it. We were concerned but one thing I have learned from my children - these fears are mine.
Not their's.
Kids are resilient. Fearless. And adaptable.
Sometimes, as parents, we project are fears and can unwillingly or unknowingly minimize these admirable traits. We impose our fears (sometimes justly, based on our knowledge of the world) in a way that can inhibit their experience - cloud it for them, so to speak.
For example, I am the one concerned they will kill themselves, run into people, run into trees, cry, throw a temper tantrum, hate the snow, etc. But what do they do? Make snowballs! Eat the snow. And love it.
Awesome.
I certainly have a lot to learn. Good thing they are here to teach me.
Not their's.
Kids are resilient. Fearless. And adaptable.
Sometimes, as parents, we project are fears and can unwillingly or unknowingly minimize these admirable traits. We impose our fears (sometimes justly, based on our knowledge of the world) in a way that can inhibit their experience - cloud it for them, so to speak.
For example, I am the one concerned they will kill themselves, run into people, run into trees, cry, throw a temper tantrum, hate the snow, etc. But what do they do? Make snowballs! Eat the snow. And love it.
Awesome.
I certainly have a lot to learn. Good thing they are here to teach me.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Valentine's Day and Kids
We instill Valentine's Day in our children very early on. As I plan my week (and start to hyperventilate at the number of valentine's dards the "kids" need to create), I realize it is one constant celebration.
First - a party with our mom's club
Second - a party at preschool
Third - a party with playgroups
Fourth - my oldest asked if I had gotten them presents yet..
It's like a birthday!
The good news is that - in addition to writing a gazillion V-day cards - they do learn the spirit of kindness and giving. At the same time they ask for presents, they are making gifts for their siblings and parents. I already got a lovely 16 x 20 inch painted heart that is up in the kitchen. And I will tresure that for a long long time.
More than a Picassos.
Really.
Even if it is due to some mass marketing and, well, let's face it...it's a reason to have a party. But, nonetheless, it is sweet. Without the candy.
First - a party with our mom's club
Second - a party at preschool
Third - a party with playgroups
Fourth - my oldest asked if I had gotten them presents yet..
It's like a birthday!
The good news is that - in addition to writing a gazillion V-day cards - they do learn the spirit of kindness and giving. At the same time they ask for presents, they are making gifts for their siblings and parents. I already got a lovely 16 x 20 inch painted heart that is up in the kitchen. And I will tresure that for a long long time.
More than a Picassos.
Really.
Even if it is due to some mass marketing and, well, let's face it...it's a reason to have a party. But, nonetheless, it is sweet. Without the candy.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The middle child
Being the middle child has its advantages...and disadvantages.
ONE - you miss the boat on being THE first born - the attention, the parades down Main Street USA and all the NEW stuff
TWO - Your parents no longer rush to every cry, scream, wimper, beck and call
THREE - You have an automatic playmate - sibling #1 is anxious to play with you
FOUR - Your reign as the NEW baby is short lived - IF number 3 isn't far behind
FIVE - You can be a BIG sibling AND a little SIBLING
SIX - You usually have a wonderful personality full of fun, love and general good-naturedness
SEVEN - You get the benefit of less anxious parents - they don't turn you into a worry-worty early on
EIGHT - You have more of a laissez-faire attitude towards life
NINE - The toys are ALREADY there - no need to wait until they arrive for the next holiday or birthday
TEN - I am sure there is more - I am just drawing a blank. I was NUMBER ONE after all - not the middle child
And sometimes, just sometimes, you get NEW stuff. Today my middle child got a brand-new PURPLE DORA ski helmet. And number 1 was JEALOUS. Usually, number 2 gets the hand-me-downs and NEVER complains. It was nice to see her be number ONE for today...
ONE - you miss the boat on being THE first born - the attention, the parades down Main Street USA and all the NEW stuff
TWO - Your parents no longer rush to every cry, scream, wimper, beck and call
THREE - You have an automatic playmate - sibling #1 is anxious to play with you
FOUR - Your reign as the NEW baby is short lived - IF number 3 isn't far behind
FIVE - You can be a BIG sibling AND a little SIBLING
SIX - You usually have a wonderful personality full of fun, love and general good-naturedness
SEVEN - You get the benefit of less anxious parents - they don't turn you into a worry-worty early on
EIGHT - You have more of a laissez-faire attitude towards life
NINE - The toys are ALREADY there - no need to wait until they arrive for the next holiday or birthday
TEN - I am sure there is more - I am just drawing a blank. I was NUMBER ONE after all - not the middle child
And sometimes, just sometimes, you get NEW stuff. Today my middle child got a brand-new PURPLE DORA ski helmet. And number 1 was JEALOUS. Usually, number 2 gets the hand-me-downs and NEVER complains. It was nice to see her be number ONE for today...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Acting out...
Yesterday, the girls jumped on the couches and landed on a lamp - proceeding to break it. Of course, that qualified for some quality time in the bedroom. But my middle one was soooooo angry at having a consequence, that she pulled her decorative giraffe (about $80) off the wall - with some paint along with it. That resulted in an early bedtime, as I was now getting worn down. While the girls were "quietly" going to bed, they were actually pouring water all over their beds.
But they were asleep by 8.
After the house was REALLY quiet, I had a candy bar. Three. One for each transgression.
It was a full moon - do you think that was it?
I hope so.
I am sure today will go much better.
But they were asleep by 8.
After the house was REALLY quiet, I had a candy bar. Three. One for each transgression.
It was a full moon - do you think that was it?
I hope so.
I am sure today will go much better.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Realizing What's Important...
Six times a year, I have the dubious distinction of being the "teacher helper" in the pre-K class. Today just happens to be one of those days. In order to make it to school by 9 (not good to be late when you are the teacher helper), the alarm banged me on the head at 5:55. After getting showered and dress, child #1 woke, then 2 and then 3. It is not 8 am and I need to leave in 15 minutes. I am not sure where the past two hours escaped? Could be breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed, laundry, taking dinner out or, obviously, writing blogs. So instead of being happy I am stressed. I am stressed that I have 15 million things to do and I am losing 5 hours today to school. I need to clean, shop, run errands, etc. And I know I should be happy.
But child #1 - Katelyn (in pre-k) asked to dress the exact same (jeans. uggs and a fleece), do our hair the same and bring the same lunch. Then she just exclaimed that we would DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER today in class. Now how can I be stressed about that? How did I get so lucky to have such a great kid? What a great lesson.
I am happy.
But child #1 - Katelyn (in pre-k) asked to dress the exact same (jeans. uggs and a fleece), do our hair the same and bring the same lunch. Then she just exclaimed that we would DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER today in class. Now how can I be stressed about that? How did I get so lucky to have such a great kid? What a great lesson.
I am happy.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sleepless in Denver
My oldest child - age 5 - gets up at least two times a night. We have exhausted every idea in the "parenting 101 books". But the child needs sleep! And so do I! Although she is up only for a few short moments - to go potty and ask me to tuck her back in, or to tell me she had a bad dream (and ask me to tuck her back in) or tell me there is something scary in the hallway (and ask me to tuck her back in), I am up for quite a bit longer after that. Short of drugging her, I need a few more ideas. I am going to re institute nap time for her. School makes it tough but the child needs her sleep. Small bumps during the day become major calamities (for her and me). Anyone else experiencing this issue?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Well intentioned kids
Earlier today (before lunch), my oldest - now a BIG 5 - said, "Mom, sit on the couch. I will be the waiter today and take care of you." First I thought - how sweet, she wants to take care of her mom and let me rest. But upon further consideration, I reflected up on the word "waiter". Someone who waits on others for little pay and tips. That is how she perceives my role? I furrowed my brow until I remembered what she wrote at school - she wants to be a MOMMY when she grows up. So that job can't seem all bad. Plus, the tips (hugs, kisses and laughs) are wonderful. Despite that fact that it is not dinnertime and I have yet to sit on the couch, I don't mind being the waiter...
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