Sweet Spontaneous

How to wear orange pants

2012-02-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

So, I got these pants yesterday, and they are great pants. They are super comfortable, they fit really well, and I got a great deal on them.

They.are.orange. Like, really really orange. The color is a little intimidating, even for someone who has gone every day of her life with orange growing out of the top of her head.

So I thought I would give a few of my tips for going out on a limb, fashion-wise: whatever that means for you. I don't recommend that you indulge in a trend just for the sake of a trend, or that you buy something you know isn't right for you. But if you're just looking to stretch your comfort zone a little bit, there are some ways to make it easier.

1. Pair it with neutrals. In this case, gray and black tone down the orange (couldn't go with straight black, lest I risk looking like the very last clearanced Halloween decoration.) Shoes are neutral too. Nice and simple.

2. Alternatively, work the new item into a color combo you already know works for you. Yesterday, I doubled down on the crazy orange by pairing it with a cobalt blue top. Blue and orange are complementary colors, so while it's a very energetic combination, I knew it would work.

3. Cover it up. Ease into a new item by showcasing it in small doses to start. I considered tucking my new skinnies into boots, and yesterday wore them under a long camel coat to break up the intense color.

4. Balance the shapes. These pants are a standout color and body-conscious cut, so I went with something on top that left a little more to the imagination. These pants + shorter, tight top + really sexy shoes = not the impression I am going for.

5. Rock it. I tried on this whole outfit with black patent flats, and it looked really cute - but I just feel so much more confident and take-charge in a great pair of heels. I needed to be the alpha in the relationship (the relationship between me and my orange pants, of course) so heels it simply had to be! Your version of this might be exactly reversed from mine - the point is to rock it your way.

Have you gone out of your comfort zone lately? Did you regret it? Got any tips for me???

31

2012-02-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

I think 31 sounds ever so much older than 30, and I know I'm not the only one.

I mean, anyone could turn 30. That could be an accident. "Whoops! 30? How did I get to be 30? Better turn right back around and not go any farther down that path", etc.

But 31? Now you're doing it on purpose. You're getting older, and you know it. You're in your thirties.

Shameless.

Luckily, I don't mind. I am surrounded by people I love, and they love me, and we are in it together, for our whole lives, no matter what.

It feels beautiful.

The man I have been with for 15 Valentine's Days took me out for dinner at Tarbell's (amazing, as always). We saw a movie (the Descendents, which was excellent, and leaves us only Hugo, Midnight in Paris, and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close of the Best Picture nominees still to see.)

We got home, our children are asleep - which is when we love them the very most - and now we can ignore the dishes and the laundry just a little while longer so we can watch some nerdy TV show together, under a blanket.

It is beautiful.

* * * * *

P.S. Want to see my new coat I told you about? It was actually quite cold this evening so I thought I'd better wear it while I have the chance!

It was $4. You may be jealous now.

If you ask very nicely, I might show you my new pants in more detail tomorrow. They are Very, Very Orange. I think I like them a lot.

Progress

2012-02-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

So, I'm doing pretty well at implementing my Sanity-Saving Strategies (give me time, I'm sure to mess up big soon - it's only been a few days!)

But it occurred to me this weekend that, although things do tend to run more smoothly when I focus on what activities and routines are good for the family as a whole, I also need to remember to do some things just for me. I've been wanting to go "treasure hunting", aka thrifting, for a couple of weeks, but have been squashing the urge because I didn't want to be selfish and drag everyone along.

Turns out, I can just chuck the kids at David when he gets home and go myself! 2 hours sifting through vintage camel hair coats and pencil skirts does rather soothe the savage beast.

Tomorrow's my birthday, so I don't know if I'll be in or not. It certainly won't be cold enough to wear my new coat (stupid winter-that-wasn't) but maybe I'll put up a picture anyway, just for fun.

Happy Monday!

Bragging Rights

2012-02-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today, I gave Devlin's teachers interview forms that they will fill out this weekend so that he can apply to attend the Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies next year. His ELP teacher said that out of all the kids she has submitted paperwork for, he is the one she recommends most highly.

Eve's ballet teacher kept me after her class to tell me what excellent progress she is making. She said Eve really "gets it". I can usually only observe the last 10 minutes of class, but Eve told me that she pretends I am there the entire time, looking on, and she dances her very best for the watchful mother of her imagination.

It's a good thing Iris has strep throat again, or I might just float away with sheer happiness.

P.S. If you are sad Dressember is over and want to see more of my outfits - and so many other really well-styled, lovely, everyday women - you should come check out this fun little blog's Reader Outfits feature every Sunday. I can usually be found somewhere therein. I get so many good ideas over there!

My White Board

2012-02-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

The heart of a home is the kitchen, and the heart of my kitchen is my white board.

Whatever is on my mind, goes on the board.

This week, it is full of ideas, thoughts, and inspiration that have come to me concerning how to create and maintain an atmosphere of peace and happiness in my home.

I have felt very blessed and guided through the last few days as I turned out my pockets, held open my hands, and pleaded for something to fill them.

I started making a list of things that I could do better...but then came a corresponding, and just as helpful, list of things that I already do well, that work for our family.

In the event that it might help spark someone else who needs this too, I will share:

Things that are working

mornings - after the low point of Tuesday evening, I awoke on Wednesday morning feeling refreshed, calm, and capable. I am not a morning person. I don't do anything special in the morning to promote an atmosphere of calm. I don't get up 2 hours before everyone else to pray or meditate or work out. I get up as late as I think I can reasonably get away with, having stayed up as late as I think I can reasonably get away with, and this day was no different. I just woke up, helped the kids with their breakfast, and saw them out the door like I always do. But I did it happily, without a struggle - and as I realized that, it helped me remember that I am not a mean, grumpy person. I love my children, and I am thrilled to pieces to be their mother and to fill that role. I am only struggling with a relatively short period of each day, and I have a lot of good ground on which to build!

routines - I have struggled recently with frustrations - kids asking to watch TV every couple of minutes all day long, asking for snack after snack after snack - and at first I didn't quite know exactly why I was annoyed. After some careful thought, I realized that it was not the TV itself, or the content of the snacks, but rather the constant nagging - and the resulting repeated demands on my brain to assess that situation, make a decision, and then enforce or negotiate that decision.

So I instituted routines, or schedules, for those things: Iris watches one "show" of her choosing after the big kids are off for school and I have tidied the kitchen to my satisfaction. Then when the older two are home from school and have discharged their various duties (homework, chores, piano practice, etc) they are each allowed to choose one "show" (they usually watch separately in two different rooms), and if Iris wishes to hitch along and watch with one or the other, she may do so. But she may not choose, because she has already had "her" show for the day. It doesn't feel like too much screen time, they don't hound me, I love it!

chores as consequences - I'm a big fan of "natural consequences" too (i.e. you dawdle too much at bedtime, I don't have time to read you a long story) but when some little person pushes my buttons and I feel like yelling or throwing something, I find it to be extremely satisfying to call out "job!" and assign the offender a household task. It keeps me from losing my temper (mostly!), it keeps them from pestering each other, and I pretty much never have to unload the dishwasher or make my own bed.

don't get involved - I could still do much better on this, but I find the more I can stay out of their business, the happier we all are. If they're playing together in a way that I find irritating, inane, or just plain loud, then I just get out of earshot and read a book or something. If they're all okay with it, and they're not breaking things, who am I to argue? This works well for sibling arguments, too - after all, if I didn't see something happen, how can I make a good judgment on it? Unless someone or something is on fire, I make it their responsibility to come to a solution everyone is happy with.

(Although if they take too long or can't agree, I can usually reboot everyone with a rousing chorus of "jobs!")

Things to do better

limit computer time - I spend a lot of time on my "rectangles", as we call them in our house. Reading, socializing, recipes, grocery lists, my calendar - it's all on my phone, my iPad, or my laptop. Or all three! But Iris, at this time in her life, needs a lot of attention, and it is distressing for her when I'm plugged in. She acts out, in various unpleasant ways. And, let's face it, there are plenty of other things I can be doing. So, for the present, I am going to limit my time whenever possible to during her shows, after bedtime, and at red lights.

Just kidding about that last part.

Kind of.

do a little bit - Spots on the carpet bugging me? Clean 'em. Got the dusty dresser blues? Wipe that puppy down! Backyard an oppressive, overgrown wasteland? Take 10 minutes, whenever I have it, and go pull a few weeds. Whatever small amount of time I have, use it to knock out a thing or two, or one or two percent of a very large project. It gives me a lot of satisfaction, keeps me off the computer, and eventually, that yard will be presentable. And then I have permission, from myself, to paint a few rooms inside.

Yes, again.

(We'll come back to that later. I know this is long, but don't get distracted.)

speak up for myself sooner - I try really, really hard to do as much as I can, myself. I want to be strong, and pull my weight. Oh, I ask for help all right - usually about two hours after I have reached my ABSOLUTE LIMIT and have lost my temper with my husband, the children, or all of the above, several times. I need to see this coming much earlier, and head it off, instead of pushing myself over the edge and then backtracking.

stop trying to act like a mom of one - I used to have one child, and that child was an infant in a sling. He went wherever I did, without complaint, and all I had to do was keep him from eating the merchandise. Now I have three children - all quite opinionated, intelligent, talkative, and so much more. Things that used to be fun, and still sound fun to me in a vacuum, are often not enjoyable for Rachel And All Her Kids. I need to realistically account for my current life circumstances, and choose my activities wisely.

have friends over more often, or go to friend's houses - why am I not doing this??? I still feel "new" in this neighborhood, but my kids each have several good friends nearby that I could be doing more to cultivate relationships with - and at the same time, they would be out of my hair! Simple, simple genius.

don't be in such a hurry - There is so, so much that I want to accomplish in any given day. I want my home to be welcoming and beautiful, I want to whip my yard into shape, I want to make healthy delicious food, I want to read, I want to make music, I want the kids to fulfill their obligations and have plenty of free play time - but I still want everyone in bed at 7. Clearly, not possible. I can't do it all, all the time. I have to prioritize.

But so often, in the pursuit of productivity and efficiency - trying to maximize our positive footprint at the end of the day - I feel like we Don't Have Time. I don't have time to paint little fingernails and allow them to dry thoroughly. I don't have time to let Eve read the bedtime story, at her adorably excruciating pace. I don't have time to let the kids measure out the flour, crack the eggs, roll the cookie dough.

Where am I going in such a hurry? Why am I rushing through my life? Because all this stuff that I Don't Have Time for is my life.

Tonight, my wonderful mother-in-law watched the kids while David and I were at choir rehearsal. Tonight's setup was not our usual routine, and by the time we came to pick them up, it was almost 8 pm. I value an early bedtime for the children very highly, and my instinct was to collect everyone and their belongings as quickly as we could manage and, if possible, throw them into bed from Granny's house, 3 ZIP codes away.

But they had been peacefully watching Wall-E in a sea of pillows and blankets on the living room floor, and there were only 5 minutes left until the ending. They begged to be able to finish the movie. So I took a deep breath, scooped up Iris, and said "sure, let's stay to the end".

What's 5 minutes later to bed in exchange for happy kids, seeing a great movie all the way to the closing credits, and the feeling of generosity? Giving myself permission to not rush to accomplish as much as possible, as quickly as possible? Declining the exhausting race to arrive at the end of the day with the absolute maximum amount of leisure time?

That habit might be hardest of all to break, but it sure felt good to give it a try.

Grace

2012-02-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Today was so, so much better.

I have lots of ideas, made a lot of mental progress today. Much to tell.

But not tonight.

I just got home from work (yes, really) and I am not spending my last precious hour here!

For now, I leave you with a kairos moment from my life today:

my first child - my son - so grown up in so many ways, and yet asleep in a superhero cape

reminding me how sweet, wonderful, and amazing these children are,

and my life is,

and how very fortunate I am.

Finding My Bliss

2012-02-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

I don't have a lot of time tonight.

(I feel like I never have a lot of time. Is it just me?)

But I have a request of all of you, dear readers. This isn't just for the parents - I would love to hear advice from teachers, aunts, grandparents, anyone who has worked with children on any kind of regular basis.

I am struggling right now to be happy. I start off every day well, with good intentions, in it for the long haul. But by the time my big kids have been home for, well, anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the day, I am out of gas. I'm a grouch, feeling selfish and defensive and fiercely protective of my sanity, which seem to be attacked from all sides.

Even if I did find the energy to paint Iris's fingernails today.

I found myself nearly in tears tonight at a restaurant, because the waitress was ready to take our order and, between Eve repeatedly wanting me to validate her page for the coloring contest, Devlin needing to use the bathroom - twice - from his position against the wall in a very deep booth, and Iris leaping down from her bench every few seconds to pirouette in front of the hostess stand, I hadn't even had a chance to process what restaurant we were at, let alone read the menu and make my selection.

It seems like everything fun that I try to do backfires. If I tell a joke, they laugh obnoxiously at wildly inappropriate volume, and tell it back to each other and me so many times that I wish I hadn't said it.

If I try to make something into a game, they turn it into a cutthroat competition.

The only thing that works, strangely, is to forbid all audible sound from all of them. They will do it, and it is absolutely HEAVENLY. But a vow of silence seems like it's going too far, even for me.

Iris has dropped her last nap, so she's ready for bed around 6 pm, but with two older siblings and a father who usually arrives home from work no earlier than that, it simply isn't possible. When Devlin was a baby, if he was ready for bed at 5 o'clock, we just put him to bed then. He got all the sleep he needed, we got plenty of downtime, life was good.

Those days are loooooong gone.

Iris doesn't want to ride in the cart, but is so busy, impulsive, and determined that I absolutely cannot allow her to free-range. Watching her brother and sister have the run of the toy area at Target while she is captive is an intolerable injustice, and she makes sure everyone knows it.

This post is so disorganized. Just like my brain.

The thing that works the best is to never, ever, ever try to leave the house between the time Devlin and Eve get home from school, and bedtime, and to keep everyone so busy with chores that they don't have time to interact or become destructive. But I can't swing that every single day, and the more fun I try to have, the worse it goes.

So, gentle readers, I am here begging for your best tips, tricks, games, follies, mantras - whatever works for you to keep your spirits up. Because, like it or not (and I don't like it) if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. I know I am responsible for setting the tone and the mood of this household, and I am failing miserably.

(Get it? Miserably? Like, we're miserable?)

I'll give you an example. I was on the way home from picking up my CSA bag tonight. It was a huge brown paper grocery sack, with all the fruit and vegetables stuffed inside, and the kids were very eager to know what was inside. I stuck my arm way down to the bottom and rummaged around by feel, calling out "sweet potatoes!" "tangelos!" "hmmm, feels like kale!"

After bedtime, it occurred to me that I should have the kids play this game next week: each take a turn trying to guess, by feel, what our produce roulette had dealt us. It will be fun, teach them to become more familiar with these foods, and hopefully even make them more excited to eat the, over the coming week.

And I don't think they could turn it into a competition, but I've been wrong before.

Do you have any better ideas? What are your tried-and-true ways to keep things fun and lively, but not out of control? I need some new tools in my toolbox, because the ones I have are feeling mighty dull.

One of each

2012-02-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

As a mother of two very different daughters, I hope they grow up in a world that has room for all kinds of beauty:

slim, blonde, misty-eyed, dimpled, quiet beauty

and

wild, brash, curly, stomping, gap-toothed beauty

both so impossibly lovely

I could never, ever choose

The Offspring

2012-02-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

Oh, these kids made me laugh today!

It's amazing: when things are a little bit crazy (and let's face it, they're almost always at least a little bit crazy) and I feel myself building up steam, if I can somehow manage to laugh at something instead of scold, the entire situation is instantly Not A Problem.

Easy, right? Surely laughing is better than scolding, for all concerned, and it's not like my scolding has any effect anyway, right? So why is it so hard for me to do, in the moment?

I realized today that I think the responsibility I feel to teach these little people how to be good humans has somehow tricked me into thinking that no less-than-ideal word or action must go uncorrected. That if I make light of something, instead of use it as a teaching moment, that they will never learn or they won't grow up to be respectful and kind or I'm not doing my job.

But, I realized today, what will actually happen if I forget entirely how to laugh, as I am well on the way to doing, is that they will grow up thinking - and indeed knowing - that their mom is a dud.

I can't scold them into nice.

But I think I might just be able to laugh us all there.

* * * * *

If you want to laugh more, you should definitely see if you can get a five-year-old and have him or her write you something out of their very own brain every single day.

"Swiming in the oshone I see a dolfin Chassing after me. hongc hongc."

(Swimming in the ocean, I see a dolphin chasing after me. Honk honk!)

"I like to have hot choclit with marshmeloes. I like to swing well I bringk it. I like to woch a show aftr."

(I like to have hot chocolate with marshmallows. I like to swing while I drink it. I like to watch a show after.)

I will now allow you to recover yourselves. I myself very nearly died over "hongc hongc".

When your five-year-old has exhausted her writing energies, she should be given free reign over someone's hair:

More is, as it turns out, better.

She got new footwear today, and I never spent 40 more well-placed dollars than on these boots: sparing me two more years of the Sock Argument and the Rubbing Of The Sandal Bits.

Devlin had a haircut (not by me - I don't do that anymore since I gave him a combo Dumb-and-Dumber bang with mullet a week before family pictures last time. No, not on purpose.):

He watches Mythbusters and imagines his future career as a scientist, or something:

And Iris, while walking to our car on Camelback Road after shopping this afternoon, saw a dog (on a leash, with his owner) run toward traffic. She perceived the situation to be very grave indeed and boldly held out her hand and said "Hey buddy, there's cars out there!"

Letters

2012-02-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Everyone In the Whole Wide World,

Did you know that I got my first CSA share today? And that I processed everything this afternoon? As in identified, washed, dried, removed greens if applicable, and stored it? I did not throw away a single scrap - even the radish greens are going to make veggie broth or to be hidden in green smoothies. Feeling excited, proud of my efforts, and deeply grateful to be able to feed my family so well.

Bragging just a little bit, if you don't mind,

This Little Foodie

* * * * *

Dear Beth,

So...what on earth do I do with beets again?

With trepidation,

We're Not In Corn, Carrots, and Potato Land Anymore

* * * * *

Dear Goth Girl,

I kind of make excuses to be out and about in my neighborhood before dinner every day, hoping that I will see you out walking your dogs, at 4 in the afternoon in the respectable suburb of Mesa, Arizona, looking like a full-on crazy vampire Harajuku girl - complete with parasol. I am torn between thinking you are way too old to be dressing like that, and wanting to run up and high-five you for turning it up to 11...

whatever "it" is.

Don't let the bastards drag you down!

Subversive on the inside,

A Mormon mom of three

* * * * *

To That Guy I Married,

Some people marry for looks. Some marry for money. I married you because you do things like name your longest, most wiry gray hair "Robert E. Lee" because it is "leading the Confederacy".

P.S. The Confederacy lost, but I think that hair is going to have the last laugh.

It works for Sean Connery,

Your Wifey

* * * * *

Dear, dear, darling children,

Why is it that on school mornings, I have to force you out of bed with a red-hot poker, but on the weekends you are all bounding around my bedroom like three evil pinballs at 6 am?

Yes, that's 0600 - in the morning,

Your night-owl mother

* * * * *

Dear Auntie Em,

Thanks for coming to visit, and bringing your Jasper baby, so that I got the honor of witnessing this. Iris wants the chance to love on a little baby too!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww,

Auntie Rachel

* * * * *

Dear Heidi,

Thank you so much for alerting me to the existence of this "letters" format. These entries are pretty much the only blog posts into which I can be bothered to put any thought whatsoever these days!

I'm sure all my other readers thank you too,

Lazybones

Pin this

2012-01-31T20:25:00.000-08:00

Pinterest gets a lot of bad press: time suck, stealing the days and nights of many a lonely housewife.

But I just counted, and I have made, done, or implemented 35 projects, meals, or ideas since I started using it. (Mostly meals, let's be honest.)

I think that's pretty awesome.

5 things

2012-01-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

I could go on and on, but David is out of town, and really all I want to do is curl up, watch a movie, and go to sleep. So...

5 things that were great today, short and simple.

1. I posted on Facebook, but it deserves to be noted everywhere I have the option to do so: haircut day! I got a little update, and it's so awesome. Not many happier ways to spend $35 that I can think of.

2. I cleaned out the girls' crayon rolls (thanks, Angie, we STILL love them!) and put in new crayons that are not an inch long and all brown. 5 minutes, no cost, and what a quality of life improvement!

3. I made a new dish for dinner, and everyone loved it. That never happens. Although I have to mention, where it says to cook the sausage etc and "drain if necessary"? Let me just spare you the wondering: it is necessary, unless you use some kind of magical sausage that doesn't leave a nice oily layer of fat floating on the top of your soup.

4. Iris's imagination. Behold:

(Uncle Jake, you told me to do videos in landscape, and just look! This is your fault. Fix it!)

5. Devlin made the Variety Show. Hooray!

Not so much

2012-01-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

Final weep-fest tally for today: 24

(Now, in fairness, I did have a night out with some friends, so I was not present for the final hour before bedtime, which in this brave new era of No Naps, was sure to hold at least a few humdingers.)

I only counted actual sobs, not the similar but less-disruptive voice breaking/trembling lip combo. And to count each new incident, there had to be either a complete cessation of crying from the time before, or a new and separate trigger event.

The number was actually much less than I thought it would be, and I rather perversely enjoyed each fresh burst of tears, because it was all part of my little project.

I thought I would be able to get a couple of funny pictures of the curly one in full meltdown mode, but at the end of the day, this was the only shot I had.

Smiling, lovely, a stolen yellow flower in each hand.

Shows you how much I know.

Dum dum dum

2012-01-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

(That was supposed to be menacing theme music.)

I know she's three years old. It must be very, very, very hard to be three. I can deduce this from her behavior.

I also realize she isn't feeling her best this week. But this has been going on since before Christmas.

I'll just come out and say it: tomorrow, I am going to keep track of how many times Iris bursts into tears. I won't count whining, only full-on crying.

I am actually pretty excited about this, because she's going to cry anyway, and I think the number is going to be absolutely spectacularly impressive. I will amaze my friends and delight my enemies, if I have any!

Anyone care to place a bet on the final tally?

A poet, and he knows it

2012-01-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

Remember the Hale Elementary variety show last year?

(I know I'm his mom and everything, but I think that is one awesome kid right there.)

Tomorrow Devlin is auditioning for this year's show, which is themed "The Wild West".

I was able to talk him out of a lasso demonstration (he prefers to practice with a shoelace he found on the ground at a bus stop in Santa Barbara around the neck of our outdoor chiminea fireplace), and some kind of epileptic style of line dance that he has developed, and steer him toward something in which he has proven, demonstrable skill: poetry recitation.

His biggest problem is the fact that he has lost three of his front top teeth since Christmas, resulting in a formidable lisp.

I've got my fingers crossed, but I don't think he'll need it.

Misstep

2012-01-24T21:18:00.000-08:00

I did a lot of good things today.

I had oatmeal raisin cookies ready for my kids when they got home from school.

I folded laundry.

I ran.

I let Iris nap with her sweaty, dark-shadowed head on my lap.

I made my family a nice healthy dinner (using homemade vegetable broth!), even though I worked this evening.

I taught a room full of moms- and dads-to-be about breastfeeding.

But the thing that sticks out in my mind is that today was the day I broke my first New Year's resolution.

I lost control of my temper, and I yelled at Eve. It doesn't even matter why. She was being a stinker, and I was awoken from a catnap to referee a disagreement that was the exact same as one I had mediated the previous afternoon - but I am responsible for my own actions.

And I did bad.

Trying to put it behind me, and start fresh tomorrow.

I can do that, right?

Mama Bear

2012-01-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today, I am grateful for our health.

I have been thinking about this a lot over the last few months, actually, but haven't gotten around to actually composing a post about it until today.

(I actually think "composing" is much too grand a word for what I do here, lately. But we can revisit that another time.)

I have never been faced with serious health issues in my immediate family - myself, my husband, my kids - but I have seen enough, close enough, that I think as much as any healthy person can be, I am mindful of this very great blessing.

We run.

We stretch.

We dance.

We leap for joy.

We eat what we like.

We sleep peacefully.

We do not have to plan our lives around what our physical bodies will, or will not, allow us to do. That is a very great luxury, and I know it.

Iris has been feeling "off" since Thursday night. She wasn't sleeping well, she was extra emotional and irritable (even for a 3-year-old), her nose was snotty. But I could write off all those things easily: she's just having a rough night, she's going through a difficult phase, it's just that snotty-nose time of year.

"Devlin, will you snuggle with me?"

But today, she was sick. Really sick. I took a video of her breathing - and I use the term "breathing" loosely - while she was asleep, to show to the doctor. Her looked in her throat, looked at me, and looked in her throat again. Then he winced.

She's fine. She probably has strep, and possibly a secondary infection in her throat, which may or may not require surgery to drain if it develops an abcess, which he seemed to think it might. If that happens, I will be very, very sad, and a little scared, but she will be fine.

But the pit in my stomach today, and the feeling of dull panic as I rushed from one pharmacy to another, trying to get someone to fill our prescription before bedtime, making calls, checking and double-checking - making sure the seemingly dozens of indifferent people upon who my youngest daughter's care depended did what they said they would do -

I multiplied that feeling by the hundreds, thousands, infinite times that I would feel if she was really, really sick, the way some children - children of friends of mine - have been sick.

If she had cancer.

If she had Down Syndrome.

If she had autism.

If she had a hole in her heart.

To feel this, amplified, for months, years, or the rest of my child's life?

I'll take strep throat and bow my head, grateful.

Tough Guy

2012-01-20T18:47:00.001-08:00

Devlin lost his other front tooth today, just a couple of weeks after the first. Those teeth have been ground down to little nubs for years - I'm so glad to see them go!

We are going to have a BIG problem when the permanent teeth try to find their place - but until then, wheeeeeeeee!

Dev is such a champ. He has never made one peep of complaint about having a tooth pulled, and he actually got this one out himself! Then he put it in a Hexbug test tube because he is concerned it will get lost under his pillow.

That tooth fairy is a pretty smart broad. I bet she figures it out.

NOW it is finished

2012-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

It used to look like this:

Now, it looks like this:

Which looks, in these two particular photos, almost exactly the same. But I promise it is not.

I'm so tired and ready for a break in the "project" momentum that I don't even feel like talking about what I did, but the short version is that I spray painted it Heirloom White, repainted the chalkboard side with Rustoleum chalkboard paint to make sure it was really, really chalkboard-y, and Mod Podged some cute paper down in the storage tray.

Can't have an ugly easel with a tacky red tray messing up my chi, now, can we?

The girls have already made some very nice artwork that is hanging from their display wire, and tomorrow I will show you.

Tonight, I am clocking out.

It is finished

2012-01-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, not quite. I went back to IKEA to return something this afternoon, and I found just the absolute perfect thing to go on the "empty" wall (you'll see it in a minute). So I'm painting this easel cream to go with, well, everything else, and it definitely won't be done tonight.

But unless I find some other way to make things complicated for myself, it is finished.

Do you want to see?

*dramatic pause*

Okay, remember before? It was fun, but it was a lot going on.

This room began in my mind, at our old house, as a nursery for my first child, whose sex I did not yet know. We painted it yellow, because I thought that seemed nice and versatile and happy.

It was.

Then Devlin was born, and grew up a little, and he moved into another room to make way for Eve. She was The Baby, in the yellow nursery, and then she moved in with her brother so Iris could have the little yellow room when she invaded our lives.

Then when Iris was about a year old, Eve moved back in with her (because Devlin didn't like her chattering at bedtime. Now Eve doesn't like Iris's chattering at bedtime, but that's for another post.) So the yellow room was now the girls' room, and as soon as Eve could talk she made it very clear that her favorite color was yellow.

It was great.

I changed things up over the years, going from a soft yellow-and-sage scheme to a more vibrant yellow-orange-lime-sky blue one. A little of this, a little of that. Just whatever I had already, or found for cheap. No real plan. Just collecting.

Oh, and the tutus. Did I mention the tutus? Two girls in one room will create a tutu explosion that would rival nuclear fission. We could power the neighborhood!

Looking at this picture, it looks rather whimsical and charming. But I assure you, it was starting to feel oppressive. And seizure-inducing.

There were other issues, too. The sheets on Iris's bed were literally threadbare, and the quilt is an heirloom that I adore and was hoping to use, but is just too delicate.

It was time.

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh.

Basically, what I had to do was edit, edit, edit. Putting two people - with two different favorite colors, two times the interests, treasures, toys, books, and clothes - into one room, means a lot of editing. Devlin's room is like an explosion of Devlin. Everywhere you look, it's him. The girls' room has to be more subtle. They're still in there, I just turned down the volume a few notches.

Let me take you on a tour!

The view as you walk in the door:

Iris's side:

Her letters - sweet little birdies with pink bellies, among other things:

That wall straight-on:

Incidentally, this nightstand was painted by a professional last summer, and it has nary a scratch, ding, or nick.

Iris's bed was painted by me last summer, and it looks heavily distressed. Not on purpose. If you need something painted, don't bring it to me. Call Natalie. Okay? Okay.

Above the nightstand are some photos we had taken this summer, framed in the famous IKEA Ribba frames:

Next is Eve's side of the room (see the yellow sheets?):

And her letters. Her favorite is the sassy French lady on the first "e":

The next wall has the window, and on the other side of it the dress-up area. I already had that trash can. Doesn't it go perfectly?

And on the next wall, the reason we can have such a tidy-looking room. An entire wall of deep closets. I just adore the way the gray walls look with the dark woodwork! I wouldn't love it nearly as much without that:

Then back around, the wall to your right as you come in the door now looks like this:

The silver wire is to hang artwork, which Eve especially produces in mass quantities. The easel I bought today folds and will lean against the wall under the intercom box (which no, sadly, does not work). It luckily fits under the wire (literally!) which is a miracle because this morning, when I hung that wire using 6!!! drywall anchors, I had no idea I would be putting an easel there too.

I'm taking a big risk putting art supplies in their room, because Eve has a tendency to write and draw on walls and furniture (I painted over a few of her masterpieces this weekend) and Iris has a tendency to destroy things just for the sheer joy of it.

If you're interested, here's a breakdown of everything I did:

Took everything off the walls, filled holes, sanded, painted new color (Martha Stewart Cobblestone from Home Depot): $24

Painted ceiling white (it was just unpainted drywall texture from when we had the popcorn taken down, oh, a year ago or so): free - we already had the paint

Sanded and repainted wall letters and shelves using 3 cans of spray paint, one of which was black and I quickly painted over with Heirloom White: $12 for the paint - I already had the letters

Papered letters using Mod Podge and papers from the always-awesome Scrapbooks Etc: $9

Replaced all 30-year-old almond outlet and light switch covers with fresh white ones: $2

Framed and hung family pictures: $6

Box spring for Iris, so she's not sleeping 4 inches off the ground anymore: free from a friend (thanks Em!)

Completely new bedding for both girls: $95

Two feather pillows (yes, a luxury maybe, but I could tell the difference and loved my feather pillow when I was a very young child): $20

Fixed broken closet door: free

Fixed broken doll cradle: free

Fixed Eve's "100 things" artwork (Iris picked off all the embellishments): free

Art display wire and clips: $15

Easel (not finished, hence not pictured), including spray paint, chalkboard paint, and roll of paper: $35

Total: $218 (and 3 days)

Absolutely worth it. I want to move into this room now!

One Day More

2012-01-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

I worked really, really hard to have the girls' room ready for unveiling in time for tonight's post.

But it isn't.

It's sooooooo close, and I could put the girls to sleep in my bed again tonight, finish hanging and organizing everything, and take terrible flash photos at 11:59, just for technicality's sake.

But I think instead, I'll just post a few things I have learned during this project, a "before" picture, and you can see the fruits of my labors on the morrow.

(This is just one narrow angle of the crazy explosion that was my previous decor scheme. I know I have a more recent, more comprehensive shot, but I'm having a hard time laying my hands on it.)

1. Any room that children use needs to be painted about once a year, even if you don't change colors. As I painted my way around the room (which I originally did less than 2 years ago, and have touched up since then) I couldn't believe how filthy and dinged up the walls were. No wonder I was feeling twitchy!

2. Neutrals are actually kind of awesome. (On the walls, not in my wardrobe.) I literally can hardly believe I'm saying this, but I am totally loving the very quiet color I chose for their room. It almost makes me want to go back through my insane rainbow house and tone it down a little - or a lot.

3. It really helps to have a goal in mind from the beginning. I usually don't get the opportunity to do a room "all at once" - I have to do it piecemeal, over the course of years, due to budget constraints and whatever else.

Mostly budget constraints, let's be honest.

But boy howdy, it sure does come together better when you have a vision from the get-go, and choose everything to support to that vision, instead of just using whatever you happen across and hoping it all adds up to something awesome.

4. I do a lot of work around the house. And I haven't done any of it for 4 days. It's looking pretty scary around here.

5. I hate drywall anchors. Like, I would rather throw myself into the Colorado River than ever, ever, EVER try to use one again. At least not in this house, where the drywall is made with powdered dragon scales mixed with the blood of 1975's World's Strongest Man finalists. It breaks 60% of what I try to hammer into it, yet allows the remainder to randomly fall out of the wall and onto my children's heads.

I am so excited to show you guys all the changes! Until tomorrow...

Wifey-do

2012-01-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

You know, I had quite enough items on my self-assigned "wifey-do" list already.

Then yesterday, I was in IKEA and I suddenly decided that my girls' room was due for a redesign.

(It totally is. Two girls in one room is a lot going on, especially when one of them dresses like this. Every day. Before she even comes in to tell us she is awake in the morning, she is dressed like a ballerina. Or a warrior princess. Or both.

Tutus, stuffed animals, dolls, doll clothes, pillows, pillow pets, blankets upon blankets, priceless treasures like rocks and shells and sticks and dried leaves, you get the idea. Combined with trying to incorporate both girls' respective favorite colors of yellow and pink, it was way too much even for me.)

So now I'm neck deep in the redecoration. I'm keeping furniture, flooring, and curtains. Everything else is changing. If I'm extremely lucky, I will have pictures on Monday.

Do you feel lucky? Do ya?

I think it must be getting time for another "Day In The Life" post

2012-01-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

...because I seem to keep gravitating toward that narrative framework! In chronological order:

I'd say, without question, that I needed a pedicure more than I needed yoga today. Alas!

I went to more than one store, spent more than one hour, and, eventually, 25 of my hard-earned dollars, on hand soap today. And I ended up with exactly what I had before. I just thought that insanity deserved a picture.

We really, really like bananas.

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon seasoning the cast iron pans I bought off Craigslist several months ago, so that I can get to the business of actually using them instead of just tetris-ing them around in my cupboard to get to another pan. I used these instructions, and I am now the befuddled owner of four black, but very sticky, pans. Wonderful.

While that mess was happening, I tried hard-boiling eggs in these contraptions that David procured for me after watching me spend the better part of an hour (badly) peeling 8 of the little buggers awhile back. The verdict?

Fascinating. Luckily Eve will eat them here, there, or anywhere. Even if they are shaped like igloos.

It wasn't all Kitchen Fail today, though. No, I also managed to bake a loaf of bread and make double batches of both sweet and spicy meatballs and chocolate chip cookies. That all somehow amounted to a quadruple batch of dirty dishes.

I do not beat my middle child. If I did, I wouldn't beat her on the shins. I swear I do not know where all those bumps, cuts, and bruises came from!

Devlin helping his daddy mount outdoor speakers on our patio in his footie pajamas and sneakers is a lovely distraction from Mt. Disherest.

Good night, fair citizens! May your eggs be round, your piggies painted, and your children, if you have them, fleece-clad and sleeping!

Suburbinanity

2012-01-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

Today was a productive little day.

Got kids off to school on time, with good breakfast and lunches and a chapter of 1 Nephi

Ran 2.5 miles

Showered (very luxurious - does NOT always happen, as we know)

Got dressed/makeup/etc (separate than, and happens even less often than, showering - except during Dressember)

Library storytime and lunch with a friend!!!!

A little thrifting, during which I splurged for a waffle iron at $14.99 - I have been wanting one, and picked the sturdiest one I could find. I figured anything this heavy had to have been built to last. I think it weighs more than Iris, and that is really saying something.

Turns out it is quite a popular, well-regarded specimen from the 50's - the Sunbeam CG-1 - and I actually got a great deal! (If anyone has the flat grill plates that interchange with the waffle plates and isn't using them, and would take less than $60 for them, I'll be your new best friend. And I'll make you waffles.)

Got a (tiny, like 5-6 minute) nap

Helped kids with homework, cleaning out lunchboxes, not killing each other - every day is a blank slate on this stuff, apparently

Had the opportunity to fulfill part of one of my resolutions by declining any involvement in the school carnival fundraiser beyond attending - and loved it

Attended 3 glowing parent-teacher conferences (Devlin had one for his regular class and one for his ELP teacher)

Went out for Wendy's to celebrate glowing conferences (since when did it cost $35 to take my family out for fast food?)

finished folding and put away all laundry (it was 6 days worth - no campfires or stomach flu or significant blood spatter, yet still just SO MUCH LAUNDRY HOW DOES IT HAPPEN)

working on a little project for my dining room, to be completed with a trip to IKEA on Thursday

Attended a meeting for a church responsibility that I foolishly accepted but didn't go as badly as I feared

Am now sitting down to watch the season premiere of Downton Abbey that I stupidly missed on Sunday, and iron my tea towels

A perfect end to any day, if you ask me.

Random thoughts

2012-01-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Just a few little bits and bobs rattling around my head today.

* * * * *

We finished Season 4 of Breaking Bad yesterday. NOW WHAT??? I am literally dying waiting here. Hasn't been this bad since the end of the first season of 24.

* * * * *

Dots are deceptively high in calories. And they come in a huge box. It's a conspiracy.

* * * * *

I got these amazing, beautiful blocks from a swap yesterday, and Eve is absolutely in heaven. She's currently using them with our smallest nativity set, who are sometimes Jesus and the wise men, sometimes Clara and Drosselmeyer and the Mouse King, and sometimes the Faerie People.

So far.

* * * * *

I'm no expert on What Is Cool For the Population At Large, but I'm thinking that if there are Ed Hardy neoprene beverage holders sold at the Speed Smart, that moment has passed.

* * * * *

And speaking of the Speed Smart and its wide array of upscale products, I used to love those Hostess Fruit Pies. I kind of want to eat one now, just to know what they really taste like.

* * * * *

Today at the Farmer's Market, Eve was reading aloud the signs (since she is a newly minted confident solo reader!) and took a minute getting through "Davy Jones Seafood". Once she figured it out, she made a face and said "I hate fish! I only like gummy fish in a bag."

* * * * *

I now regularly wash windows, steam clean carpets, do yardwork, cook dinner, and work out. I never, or rarely, used to do any of those things. And I now have more children than ever before.

What was I doing with my time all those years???

Dude, it's already the 10th.

2012-01-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

(Name that movie.)

So, it's not the 10th exactly, but I feel like I'm a little late to the New Year's resolution party.

Luckily, I don't care. And having a few extra days to think about my goals for this beautiful, freshly minted year has only been a good thing.

Yes, I could have used the last week of December to think it over, and have had them all ready to go bright and shiny the morning of January 1, but then, well, I just wouldn't be me.

Since my resolutions do not include a personality transplant, let us begin right where we are.

January 4, 2012.

Deep breath.

Shoulders down, neck relaxed.

There, that's better.

* * * * *

In 2012, I will run 500 miles. I didn't keep track last year, but this comes out to about 10 miles a week, which will happen very easily if I keep to my current schedule. It's totally attainable, but doesn't allow for me to fall off the wagon or skip weeks very often. Perfect.

Plus, there is this song.

In 2012, I will run a 10K...and a half marathon. The first is not a stretch. The second definitely is. Wish me luck.

In 2012, I will travel with my whole family, and just with That Guy I Married. I love going places, and 2011 reminded me how much I love my husband, and being his wifey, so I definitely think that needs to happen lots more. But I also want to take my kids places and not piss and moan so much about the stress of traveling with kids. Yes, it's stressful. But it's fun too. Get over it, self.

In 2012, I will end the year using the same water bottle I just purchased in Santa Barbara. This is probably the resolution that is least likely to happen. Water bottles in this house are cursed.

In 2012, I will learn the Chopin etude in E major. All of it. Not just the beginning and the end, which I have been playing very nicely for about 2 years. That bit in the middle is scary, but it is going down.

In 2012, I will not lose my voice yelling at my kids or break anything in anger. I was trying to think of a way that I could really measure how I was doing in this area, since "never raising my voice" is definitely not going to happen, and I know for myself that measurable goals stick with me a lot better than nebulous, undefinable ones. I realized, after thinking about it for awhile, that when I yell and I lose control, which is what I am wanting to eliminate, I let everything go and I do actually make myself hoarse.

(Do you have my Mother of the Year medal all ready to go? Shiny and polished?)

So I thought - if, when I need to raise my voice, I can keep my wits about me, remember to breathe deeply first and use my voice deliberately, even though it's loud, or stern, or both - then I think that will accomplish what I want to do.

And the other part? Seriously, Wizzle, you are 30 years old. Stop having tantrums and breaking doors and whatnot.

You're welcome.

Here's to me, and you, and all of us in this magical year ahead!

Dressember 30: Life's a beach

2011-12-31T14:10:00.001-08:00

If there is a way to choose the order in which my pictures show up in the Blogger app, I haven't yet found it.

Yesterday, That Guy I Married was "Rob" on our vacation. So he was golfing all afternoon, and I knew these kids had to get to the beach on this trip. Since I didn't know what else to do with them, I loaded them on the downtown-waterfront shuttle and let them play in the sand and surf for a couple of hours.

I was scared. I was pretty sure it was a bad idea. One of me, three of them, plus the Treacherous Ocean Currents.

But it went perfectly. We had a lovely time, and they were much less trouble at the beach than they are contained in a house. Their energy levels are just much better suited to the great outdoors!

So I present to you, in no particular order:

Devlin building an elaborate trench-and-retaining-wall system

Iris looking mischievous

Eve playing very happily approximately a mile away from the water line

All three kids in one frame: Devlin and Iris frolicking in the waves and throwing rocks, and Eve screeching in terror every time the water came in contact with anyone's toes

The seagulls, which Eve called "eagles"

Three kids and their treats outside the Anderson bakery on State Street, which is where I have spent more money than any other establishment in Santa Barbara. I thought we all earned a yummy reward on the way home from our successful beach trip!

My Dressember outfit, which we not a dress, because I was at the beach alone with three children. I was dressed for action! And on day 3 with no shower. Yay hats.

Hat: Banana Republic, thrifted
Cardigan: Anthro
Striped top: Bailey 44, Anthro
Bracelet: So Good Jewelry
Pants: Level 99, Anthro
Flip flops, not pictured: OluKai

Dressember 29: Supah Cazh

2011-12-29T16:14:00.001-08:00

I don't know. How do you spell the shortening of "casual?" I'm completely at a loss.

Today, I was "in charge" in Santa Barbara, along with my sister. This meant the day began with a yoga class, then moved on to a visit to Yves Delorme for tea towel shopping, Indian buffet for lunch, and a lot of walking outside.

And a chocolate croissant to replenish my energy.

Earrings: So Good Jewelry
Cardigan: Target via a clothing swap
Top: Talbots (yes, I also wore it yesterday. Very efficient).
Bracelet: Urban Yoga boutique
Skirt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Converse

Dressember 28: Mixing patterns 401

2011-12-28T12:42:00.001-08:00

So I bought this skirt yesterday (50% off the sale price!) and I challenged myself to wear it on this trip, using only the items I brought with me.

What do you think? This spotted top probably wouldn't have been the very first thing I tried if I had access to my entire closet, but out of what I had to work with, it was the clear winner.

I like it, and I decided to double down on the crazy print thing and throw on the zebra belt. Why not? I don't know any of these people!

Earrings: So Good Jewelry
Cardigan: Anthro
Top: Talbot's
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Anthro
Tights: Last Chance
Shoes: Exchange by Charles David, also from Last Chance

Dressember 27: Arriving somewhere but not here

2011-12-27T16:20:00.001-08:00

I didn't quite get around to the Christmas post yet, obviously.

And now I'm in Santa Barbara for the week, trying very hard to enjoy the beautiful scenery, wear some cute clothes, avoid making a single bed, and bonus points for keeping some or all of my children from being run over or drowned.

So it's not happening until next week. But trust me, Christmas was beautiful. Devlin says his top four gifts were Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (which he is too scared to watch for more than a few seconds), his Pillow Pet, his electric toothbrush, and his wind-up robot that walks to the edge of the table and then changes direction.

I think we should get the boy a Roomba.

Today's outfit:
Earrings: Target via Aunt Holly
Bracelet: So Good Jewelry (when you're here in SB you really have to check it out - its like being inside a disco ball)
Gray cashmere sweater: thrifted
Cream tee underneath: Downeast Basics
Skirt: Banana Republic
Socks: Target
Boots: Report

Dressember 25: Just the facts

2011-12-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

No, I am not only going to post about what I wore on Christmas. Christmas is for the children, silly! I will be back later tonight, when we have finished part three of our ongoing festivities (our immediate family, my family, and his family) and I have pictures of everything.

But for now, allow me to present my Very Last Dress, the only one in my possession that I haven't yet worn. I showed up to my parent's house (after we opened our own presents) at 9 am this morning in this getup, thank you very much, because that was just what had to happen so we could go straight back to our church choir rehearsal (I'm the pianist) and services at 11.

So I figured as long as I was there and dressed, I might as well document it, so that I could come straight home and change into my pajamas and have a proper lazy Christmas like a normal person!

And good grief, are my legs really that color? Why didn't someone tell me?!

Earrings: Target

Sequin bolero: thrifted for $5, people! I love the little bohemian ruffle detail, makes it very "me". It had a shoestring tie, but I cut it off and added a hook and eye because I thought it looked tidier that way.

Dress: Adrianna Papell, Nordstrom Rack

Watch: Kenneth Cole

Shoes: Steve Madden. I thrifted these as a teenager - less than 15 years ago, but more than 10. If you look up close they do show their age, but I mostly just don't look close.

Dressember 24: Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:17:00.000-08:00

At the 11th Annual Dalton-Dixon Christmas Eve Extravaganza (see my festive red and green?) I've worn it all before, but I haven't worn it all *together* before - that's the key!

The party was absolutely lovely, in case you were wondering. (Almost) all of my favorite people were there. I am so blessed to have my family! There really is nothing else that matters much at all.

I really think I'm starting to see a little bit of extra muscle in my legs from the running - I'm so excited for this!

Earrings: seen 'em - they're small and gold, what can I say? I think maybe i need some new ones.
Top: Anthropologie
Skirt: Banana Republic
Watch: Kenneth Cole
Belt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Michael Kors

Then we came home and opened our traditional Christmas Eve jammies (would you believe I found a ballet dancing pig set for Eve?)

Then we put the kids down as quickly as humanly possible, because we still had a LOT of wrapping to do. More than wrapping, actually - I had some finishing touches for the doll clothes, and David aka "Father of the Year" scrubbed Eve's secondhand bicycle with Simple Green and a toothbrush to get it looking brand-spanking-new.

This year is "brown paper packages tied up with strings" - except Eve's bike, which got the old tried-and-true blanket treatment:

Then Mr. Claus and I made sure that Santa's cookies were duly nibbled, milk drunk, and Rudolph's water tinged pink (from his red nose, obviously).

The trash and recycle bins are emptied so no observant 8-year-olds-who-still-believe-we-THINK-anyway spot the evidence and put two and two together. (He locked himself in his room tonight, I have no idea why. I'm thinking he must still think something magical is going on, though.)

I think something magical is about to happen - my bed is going to feel pretty magical after all this hard work!

Warmest, loveliest, most joyous, magical Christmas to each and every one of you.

Dressember 23: Goes with everything

2011-12-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

This top was supposed to be my concert attire for last night. The neckline is very open and wide, so I added some lace to the neckline of an undershirt I already had to fill it in without taking away too much from the beautiful design. I think it works!

Then, just to be fun, I wore these black lace leggings to tie the whole thing together. And yes, I went to the park this morning looking exactly like this. I felt a tiny bit silly in black lace on the kickball field at 10 am, but that's just how it works out sometimes.

Plus, whether tonight's activities involve a nice dinner out, opera tickets, or the Rocky Horror Picture Show, all I will need to change is my shoes!

Sunglasses: Sean John
Earrings: Target
Top: Anthropologie
Lace undershirt: jerryrigged by me
Skirt: Anthro
Lace leggings: Last Chance
Boots: Report

Dressember 22: Sans Photo

2011-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today, I wore a purple polka dot dress with purple striped over-the-knee socks and my brown boots.

I wore my open green cardigan (sorry, I know you must be so sick of it, but it is just so snuggly) and a scarf my friend Kim made for me.

But between a morning date with friends, a visit to Santa, a couple of hours of sewing, a hundred other errands, feeling sorry for myself because I've lost my voice and won't be able to perform tonight, little daylight and an 8-year-old wobbly photographer, I just don't have the mojo left for a picture.

Maybe tomorrow I'll show you the shirt I spent all afternoon altering in the hopes that I could wear it to the concert?

Dressember 21: The Secret Garden

2011-12-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

I've been at the park all morning, and working in the yard all afternoon, so I thought when I finally got dressed at 5 pm, I would don my most favorite, beautiful flower skirt (with pockets!) in honor of this beautiful December day.

I actually don't mind raking leaves a bit - they're a nice, minimally intrusive souvenir of those things other people call "seasons". Since we only have two (Hot and Gorgeous) and the leaves fall in Gorgeous, I am happy to participate.

Earrings: you've seen them
Top, skirt, and belt: Anthropologie (yes, it's one of those days)
Socks: Sock Dreams
Shoes: Miz Mooz

Dressember 20: Grubbies

2011-12-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

I was in charge of the craft station at Devlin's third-grade class Christmas party this morning.

In other words, "wear something you wouldn't be heartbroken to get a big Sharpie mark on."

So I present my oldest denim skirt, a bunch of t-shirts, and my least-favorite pair of tights (they're green, but sheer, so it looks like my legs are just green. weird.) I put the sweater on later in the afternoon when tut tut, it looked like rain.

When I was a kid, my best friend was my cousin Caleb. His favorite color was green, and mine was purple, but out of loyalty to each other, we each adopted the other's favorite as our own second-favorite. It kind of stuck, and I still think they look good together.

Earrings: Nordstrom Rack
Purple long-sleeved T (underneath): Jessie May, from this really cute store in downtown Mesa called Closet A La Mode that closed a few years ago
Green short-sleeved T: thrifted
Cardigan: Anthro
Necklace: Target
Green tights: Nordstrom
Purple argyle socks, tragically not visible: Last Chance
Boots: Born

Dressember 19: Love At Home

2011-12-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Eve went to play at a friend's house.

Her friend, not my friend.

(Usually I am the kind of mom who gets together with my own friends who have children, ostensibly so our offspring can play together, but mostly so I can have at least the promise of adult conversation.)

So it was kind of a big deal to arrange a time specifically so Eve and Rhiannon could roast marshmallows and pretend to be ponies and play in a tent in the backyard.

When I picked Eve up, she miraculously did not protest, and instead made her goodbyes with several rounds of hugs and kisses. When we got to the car, I asked Eve if Rhiannon was her best friend at school.

She put her head to the side. "She is a good friend in my class, but not my best friend at school."

"Is it Ryan then?" I asked, thinking of our next-door neighbors' granddaughter.

"No, not Ryan either. My best friend at school", she said quietly, "is Devlin".

I think I am going to put that one in the bank so it can gather interest, and I can pull it out some time when I need to be reminded that this whole parenting thing is really going to turn out okay in the end.

* * * * *

I am ashamed to even put this next picture in the same post, but a promise is a promise. It's so terrible because I didn't change out of my gym clothes until 4 pm (did you know that as long as you actually do break a sweat at some point in the day, it's totally okay to stay in your yoga attire as long as you want? True story.) By the time I had a spare moment for a photograph, it was pitch dark and I had to take it myself in my filthy mirror while my daughters were (hopefully not drowning) in the bathtub.

(And no, I didn't shower today either. Not that you were probably even wondering at this point. Pretty much unless I announce otherwise with skywriting or a billboard, I didn't shower.)

C'est la vie.

Dressember 19: This is how I like to do black-and-white: with a pop of color (or two, or three).

Earrings: You've seen them twice already. They are still lovely.
Necklace: Target
Top: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Target via a clothing swap, so FREE
Watch: Kenneth Cole (I only have one, it's always on)
Skirt: Anthro
Tights: Spanx
Boots: Report, from Last Chance

Dressember 18: Fake it 'til you make it

2011-12-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

Rachel's Daily Epiphany: There may come a point in one's life when "simplifying" by merely not volunteering for things isn't enough. You may find that you have to actively decline when people hunt you down and ask/request/invite you. Even if they're all lovely, worthy, wonderful things.

If you, like me, should realize this after it is too late and you have already said yes to everything - and literally the only thing you have control over is the way you look - then you should definitely wear something that makes you very happy.

It really does help.

(A tiny bit.)

Earrings: no idea
Necklace: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Anthro Cashmere Swing
Top: Anthro Gathering Blossoms
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Michael Kors

Dressember 17, and an Eve Funny

2011-12-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since we had a funny from Eve, don't you think?

Earlier this week, Eve came home wearing clothes that I did not send her to school in. Clothes that don't belong to us, in fact.

This could only mean one thing.

Me: Eve, did you have an accident at school?

Eve: No.

Me: Um, okay. Where did you get those clothes?

Eve: I peed in my pants.

*mystified silence*

(Sounds like "an accident" to me, kiddo.)

Eve: It wasn't an accident though.

*curiouser and curiouser*

Eve: It wasn't one of the times to go to the bathroom, and I knew if I asked, I would get my apple tipped, and I didn't want to get my apple tipped. But I had to go really, really bad. So I peed in my pants.

And there you have it. Each child in her class has an apple, representing their behavior. Poor choices get your apple "tipped", and if it tips too much, it falls off, and then presumably you are in Big Trouble. Eve tipped her apple a couple of times the first week of school, and has solemnly vowed not to ever do it again.

It seems she is very, very serious about that.

(Now, I have since talked to her teacher, and Ms. Etzen is actually very nice, and not in the habit of using small people's bodily functions as punishment against them. Eve has since been informed that if she REALLY REALLY REALLY needs to go, she is free to do so without fear of botanical repercussions.)

And now for Dressember 17 - "Spots and Stripes Day"!

Earrings: a gift from a lovely friend
Cardigan: Maggy London, via Last Chance
Spotty top: Banana Republic
Spotty skirt: Vintage, "made in West Germany", so it's old enough that they had to specify. Pretty cool, I think!
Tights: Last Chance
Booties: J Shoes

Dressember 15: Runner Up

2011-12-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

That Guy I Married is doing much, much better today, thank you. <3

So well, in fact, that he was able to snap this photo of me wearing a dress that I have been putting off wearing. I saved it for last of all my dresses, because last year it was a component of my favorite Dressember outfit, and I was feeling pressure to top that one this year.

Necklace and earrings: gift from Granhopper
Sweater coat: Anthropologie
Dress: Max and Cleo, via Nordstrom Rack
Tights: DKNY
Shoes: XChange by Charles David, from Last Chance

I don't think I've done it. But I still think it was a good look. I'm really feeling the monochromatic purple legs right now, apparently. They seem to go with everything!

And I'm going to make you a deal right here, right now: with today's offering, I have officially exhausted my supply of dresses (well, I am saving one last showstopper for Christmas Day church attendance). I really don't want to restrict myself to just the clothes I have already worn for the rest of the month, and I think I've already expanded my perception from last year by sticking to true dresses thus far (last year I included skirts from the get-go).

So from here to the end of the month, I will continue the *spirit*
of Dressember, but I will include dresses *and* skirts in my allowable wardrobe options. Okay? Okay.

It's so nice that my blog always agrees with me. Very supportive, this blog.

So, what random trend are you rocking right now? Are purple legs even a trend outside my private domicile, or is that just me?

Day Off

2011-12-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

I'm taking today off of documenting my Dressember journey. I've got more important things to do today.

Because this guy had surgery this morning to fix the inside of his nose - partly non-functioning because he broke his nose as a young boy, and partly non-functioning due to bad genes.

I sure do love him.

Either way, it didn't work so good. He's looking forward to being able to breathe through it, and perhaps smell things as well.

(He's lucky it wasn't fixed in time for him to smell the patient next to us in recovery defecate in his or her bed. David escaped nausea as a complication of the anesthesia, but my nose works great and I had plenty of stomach churning for both of us over that little incident.)

In the meantime, I'm busy making sure he has enough pillows, popsicles, and Percocet.

See you tomorrow?

Dressember (unlucky) 13

2011-12-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

I hate all the photos of today's outfit.

Probably because I hated my outfit.

Earrings: who knows?
Scarf: London souvenir, mmmmm cashmere
Sweater: J. Crew, thrifted
Dress: Target
Tights: Last Chance
Boots: Born

"Hate" is too strong. It was cold and gray and rainy today, and the only dresses I own but haven't yet worn are a) a slinky cocktail dress (yes, I have one more!) and a synthetic jersey dress that also has a very cold feel. I wanted something snuggly, so I thought I would layer over this one and try it a different way.

Spirit of Dressember and all.

But this stupid sweater always makes me feel dumpy. The neckline just does me no favors. Every time I put it on, I feel like it have to break up the vast expanse of horizontal woolen stripes with a necklace, or a scarf. I wanted to give it a fair shot before I alter it, or upcycle it, and I think I've reached the point where I'm ready to move on. Maybe I'll make it into a cardigan?

Or maybe...I'll make it into fingerless gloves!

I made those for the kids out of old felted wool sweaters, and I lined them with, respectively, a Hanna Andersson long john top from Goodwill, and a pair of tights whose waist elastic had given out.

I'm going all Little House On the Prairie on you guys. Next I'll be churning my own butter and weaving hats out of straw left over from the threshing, or whatever.

Anyway, laugh if you want, but they love them (Devlin sleeps in his). I'll tell you this much: making a pair of gloves that Eve will wear without complaint all day is a feat of crafting that anyone should be proud to claim.

P.S. That same Hanna long john top has also been the source material for not one, but TWO hats. And I still have a whole sleeve left to work with!

If you ask very nicely, I might let you take a peek...

Dressember 12:Blue/Orange

2011-12-12T15:08:00.001-08:00

When I was 19, I spend a summer studying abroad in the UK and Ireland. While in London, we went to see a play called Blue/Orange, which was a commentary on the nationalized healthcare system there, British classism, racial tensions, etc etc.

I thought the coolest thing about it was seeing Gillian Anderson in the back of the audience. Keep in mind, I was 20, at which time I was not yet very smart. Maybe you fared better than I did.

Anyway, I always did like blue and orange together. This dress was an easy excuse to continue yesterday's theme, and I'm nice and warm because this is my one and only long-sleeved dress.

Earrings: Lia Sophia, thrifted
Sweater coat: Anthropologie
Dress: Boden (this is the dress I was wearing this day, under the coat)
Tights: Spanx, via Last Chance
Booties: J Shoes

Dressember 11: Wild and Crazy

2011-12-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Before I left for church this morning, I had to stop and ask David for a sanity check - because this outfit was feeling like A Lot Going On, even for me.

But I'm feeling fun today, so I'm just rolling with it. Besides, I've got these new completely fabulous shoes, and I am working them into my wardrobe, bit by bit.

Earrings: a gift from Marta, one of our exchange students, when I was probably 12
Necklace: Sora Designs, which I won in a giveaway from this fun blog
Jacket: Anthropologie
Dress: Boden
Tights: Spanx via Last Chance
Shoes: Michael Kors

Yes, indeed, I am feeling like such a Fun Mom today that our dinner plans are eating Lucky Charms and Crunch Berries on the floor in front of a movie, and then eating our gingerbread house which we constructed...yesterday.

I helped, but I honestly think it would have looked better if the kids had done it entirely by themselves. I have no talent for, or interest in, decorating gingerbread houses.

I have to say, it feels very light and refreshing to not have a strong opinion about something! I think maybe I should try it more often.

Dressember 10: Sparkling Saturday

2011-12-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Just to dispel some of the mystique that may or may not be forming around me, my wardrobe, and this whole Dressember process:

- I did not wear this outfit to go to Beads Galore, Basha's, the park, or the Dollar Tree today.

- If you look closely, I'm sure you can still see lines on my legs from where my skinny jeans were tucked into my boots until 3 minutes before this photo was taken.

- I did not shower today. Or yesterday. And I went to an insanely sweaty 2-hour yoga workshop last night too, which means I still have all that sweat in my hair at this very moment. I didn't think that through until just now. That is really pretty disgusting.

That said, here is me, posed as if I were on the red carpet (because that is kind of how I felt!) with all my sparkliest sparkly things, standing in front of the Christmas tree just for good measure:

Earrings: So Good Jewelry (in Santa Barbara)
Dress: Ralph Lauren via Ross
Brooch: NY and Company
Shoes: Poetic Licence

Dressember 8 and 9: Two for One

2011-12-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am way too tired to post anything but outfits today. Maybe tomorrow I'll take pictures of my kids kneeling angelically in front of the Christmas tree praying or something, to make up for an entire straight month of nothing but me-me-me fashion posts!

Dressember 8: some tried-and-true favorites:

Necklace and earrings: gift from Granny D (my mother-in-law)
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Dress: Boden
Socks: Sock Dreams
Boots: Last Chance

Dressember 9: trying this dress a little different way, which I think was very successful:

Earrings: gift from Aunt Holly
Red top: Anthropologie
Dress: Maggy London via Nordstrom Rack
Tights: Spanx (Iris put a huge run in these today, so kiss them goodbye!)
Boot socks: Target
Boots: Last Chance
(piggy watering can: Tuesday Morning!)

A Brief Departure

2011-12-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

I ran 6 miles this morning.

(Just let that sink in for a bit. It's still sinking in for me.)

The last time I remember "running", on purpose, before I started this adventure a few months ago, was in ninth grade. We had to run a mile for PE, and I didn't actually think I would die, but I was virtually certain I was going to toss my cookies. My friend Nica insisted that I go to the nurse's office when I finished because my face was so red.

Today, I ran and ran and ran.

I ran through water breaks.

I ran through unfamiliar, rocky terrain.

I ran through a lengthy conversation with first one animal control, then another, then the police department (non-emergency) about a brown lab who had fallen in the canal and needed rescue.

I ran past landmark after landmark where I used to have to stop and walk to catch my breath.

I never thought I could do it.

But I can.

And I know I can do more.

* * * * *

Your free tip for the day is: for an additional, inadvertent arm workout while running, have your child lock the front stroller wheel and try to push it normally. One-handed, while you are on the phone for 20 minutes about the dog in the canal.

Dressember 7: Whirling Wednesday (minus the dress)

2011-12-07T19:41:00.001-08:00

Today was Whirling Wednesday for Dressember, which I thoroughly enjoyed last year.

I do love a good twirl, for no reason at all.

But since I do not currently own a dress that is remotely satisfying for whirling purposes, I decided I would wear Eve's pink pettiskirt - for the photo op only, don't get all excited. And I dressed however I pleased for the rest of the day.

Call it cheating if you like.

I documented my (non-dress) outfit this morning for another purpose, and intended to do the big pink Dresember switcharoo in the afternoon sometime.

Then I ran over a GIANT staple on Dobson road. Seriously the biggest staple I have ever seen, like a 10-gauge, 6 inch long staple that would hold shut a crate containing three rabid elephants. And you would not even worry for one second that they would escape.

And the rest of my daylight was pretty much sacrificed resolving that little situation. But now I totally know how to change a tire - and I could do it in a pink pettiskirt, too.

Earrings: a gift from my mom
Scarf: hand-knit by my lovely friend Kim (I seem to have a scarf for every occasion, don't I?)
Cardigan, top, and pants: Anthropologie
Boots: Born

Dressember 6: Won't Get Fooled Again

2011-12-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I froze my fashionable fanny off.

Today, I wised up in wooly goodness.

Sunglasses: Sean John (Rx)
Earrings: a gift from my mom
Scarf: Chico's (I told the sales ladies it was a gift for my grandmother *wink wink*)
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Dress: BCBG Max Azria (my mom just handed this down to me yesterday - for now, it is safety pinned up 2 inches at each shoulder until I get time to take it in. Extra fabric in the top half = story of my life.)
Tights: Last Chance
Socks: Sock Dreams
Boots: Born

Dressember 5: Old Faithful

2011-12-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

I got this dress for Eve's blessing day.

Just as a reminder, Eve will be 6 years old in not so very long.

Because of its flexible fabric and kind and generous cut, this dress was one of the last things I grew out of when I was pregnant, and one of the first items to fit again post-birth.

It has seen a lot of action.

For better or for worse, it still looks brand new, so while I might be sick of the sight of it, it still has a lot of life left, and I resolved to find a new, winterized way to wear it today.

My feet were freezing, but it was worth it.

Earrings: a gift from That Guy I Married, some where in Etsyland
Sweater coat: Anthropologie
Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Brown cami: Shade Clothing
Leggings: Last Chance
Shoes: Steve Madden

Dressember 4: Who Says Red and Purple Don't Match?

2011-12-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my kids were magical, spritely beings, and I was a Mother Goddess.

Today, I'm thinking if they gift me another precious piece piece of artwork, or leaf, or if Devlin asks me one more time, with a roll of his eyes, if I can "make Iris put a sock in it", we're all going to be on the evening news.

My cup floweth over, and it's a little bit more than I can swallow just at the moment.

However, the only photo I have of today is my outfit, which was pretty awesome, so hopefully that will be all I remember.

Turns out I didn't get a shot of the dress under my coat, which I guess means I get to dust it off for some other Dressember day and pretend I haven't worn it yet. Bonus!

Earrings: Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: a gift from this sweet lady
Trench: Banana Republic, thrifted about 15 years ago
Dress That You Can't See: Boden
Tights: DKNY
Shoes: Exchange by Charles David (from Last Chance)

Dressember 3: The Magical Edition

2011-12-03T20:12:00.001-08:00

For Dressember 3rd, I spent the morning at the Desert Marigold School Winter Faire.

I have often said that it is a waste of time to cart your kids all over town to go to a "special" school. Education is what you make it, and I still think a person's home life and their personal commitment and attitude toward learning make more difference than anything else.

But Desert Marigold is the kind of place that makes me seriously rethink that philosophy.

It was amazing. I don't know if any of you locals know anything about this place - it was my first time there - but it has seriously good juju. It's a large, sprawling campus with a ton of beautiful outbuildings, hidden play cottages, a pond, gardens, livestock, and just such a magical feeling.

I'm someone who normally feels content to be in the minority. I just sort of think what I think, and I don't feel weird if everyone else thinks differently. I don't require my friends, or anyone around me, to mirror my beliefs in order to feel comfortable. But spending time at this school this morning, I felt surrounded by kindred spirits, and I have to tell you it was really, really awesome.

I felt like the way I talk to my kids was normal. I felt like the way my kids talk to other adults was normal. All the mothers - not just one or two - caring for their babies the same way I do. The activities were ones I would have chosen myself, the prizes were things I was glad to take home, and the food was food that I would eat in my own home. Everything was so clearly designed to allow children to be their best selves.

It was just...comforting.

So when I saw this big tall stump and thought "that, my friends, is where I am going to take today's Dressember photo", I just hopped right up and handed Dev the camera.

I didn't feel like anyone was staring at me strangely.

I just felt free, and happy, and beautiful.

Hat: Banana Republic, thrifted about 100 years ago
Earrings: a gift from this lovely lady
Scarf: cashmere, another souvenir from London last year (I got THREE scarves. I definitely have a problem.)
Dress and t-shirt: Target
Tights: Last Chance
Boot socks: Target
Boots: Born (yes, I still wear them that much)

Dressember 2: Autumn

2011-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

When I was 12, I was obsessed with Color Me Beautiful.

(Who am I kidding, I still kind of am!)

I take those quizzes every time I find a new one, and the same thing always, always, always comes up. No doubt about it: autumn.

When you're colored like me, it's a sure bet that if there are costumes to be distributed, everyone knows who is getting the pea green, poop brown, or pumpkin orange number. And don't get me wrong - I love those colors, and I do look good in them. But there comes a point when a person decides she doesn't want to go through her entire life looking like a suite of 1970's appliances.

So I kind of stayed away from those typical "autumnal" colors for a while.

Then today, I felt like wearing them all at once.

I look, as That Guy I Married would say, "seasonal". I think that's what he says when he wants to say something about my outfit, but isn't quite sure which direction to go.

(I just realized, this very moment, that it looks like I was photographed from a stepladder of a certain height. That is actually just my very tall, wonderful wonderful friend Kim holding the camera!)

Earrings: Target, I think, via Aunt Holly
Scarf: handmade by this amazing, wonderful lady
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Top: Anthropologie
Bracelet: Urban Yoga boutique
Dress, worn as skirt: (I like it, I love it, I bought it at) Ross
Leggings and boot socks not seen, but felt - it was chilly today!
Boots: Born

Dressember 1: The Red and the Black

2011-12-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Les Miz reference, anyone? Anyone?

* * * * *

Right then. Dressember the first. Let's get to it!

To kick things off with a challenge, I wore a dress, and a color combination, that is not really a slam-dunk for me. It was such a lovely cloudy day that I wanted some strong color - and some snuggly layers!

It is hard to take a photo of your entire outfit yourself:

Harder still to photograph your own awesome legwear:

But I try.

Cardigan - Banana Republic (merino wool, I swear this thing wears like iron. I bought it three years ago, wear the daylights out of it, and it looks brand new. I wish I could buy three more).
Dress: Boden
Earrings: Target
Scarf: some souvenir shop in London last year - all the British men are, or were, wearing them like this
Leggings, socks, and boots: Last Chance

Dressember Eve

2011-11-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

Remember, remember, last year's Dressember?

It's happening again, people. Some of my newer followers from Effortless Anthropologie (yes, there are entire blogs devoted to My Favorite Store, and yes, I read some of them. You either think I am even cooler now than I was 5 minutes ago, or you have closed this tab) will be glad to know that the entire month of December, I will be blogging my outfits darn near every day.

Dressember is about rediscovering and reinventing the items in your closet, embracing femininity and creativity, and hoisting yourself out of the Schlump Slump, should you happen to feel you are lodged in one.

Sound fun?

(I'll give you a hint: it IS fun.)

If you want to join in, grab a frock (official word is "dresses only" - I say if a skirt is way out of your comfortable rut already, then it's good enough for me) and link your blog post or Flickr or Tumblr or whatever the blue blazes people are using nowadays to post photos in the comments.

If I get enough interest, maybe I will even do a Sweet Spontaneous Dressember Reader Roundup on Fridays or something.

I haven't really thought it through that far.

Just ditch your jeans, and climb aboard!

Doll Junkie

2011-11-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm all done.

Well, almost. I still have to do a few buttons and buttonholes, a snap or two, and a couple of grosgrain bows. Finishing touches.

But all told, I have made two dresses (with bloomers), two footed rompers, two hats, two jackets, and two knit jogging suits (let the record show that I am never EVER sewing with furry, shiny, slippery synthetic knit fabric EVER AGAIN. Soooooo many cuss words.)

As I plowed through the Fuzzy Yellow Beast this afternoon, I could feel my sewing mojo slipping away. It's been so fun, but I'm ready to hit the pause button. I have spent every free moment working on this stuff for the last two weeks, striking while the iron was hot, as it were - and it's a good thing too, because Christmas is December 25th whether my mojo fizzles out or not.

I've done enough that I can take a break for a little while - perhaps to tend to this publication more regularly, or to chase the fruit flies out of my filthy neglected kitchen - and still have time to finish everything up in time for Santa to put it under the tree.

(Who am I kidding? There's no way I'm letting that nice fat man take credit for all my hard work!)

Sleepless

2011-11-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

David is out of town until tomorrow.

Iris has a terrible, nasty cough that just won't leave her alone.

Looks like somebody is going to be (not) sleeping on the couch tonight.

Sparkly Friday

2011-11-25T22:18:00.001-08:00

I never, ever go shopping on Black Friday if I can help it.

I didn't mean to go today, exactly...

...but somehow I did end up with these shoes. For me.

(Don't worry, I didn't pay nearly that much).

I think I'm going to wear them to the grocery store tomorrow, because they are just that awesome.

What's your weakness? Sparkle? Color? Ruffles? Feathers? Bows?

*raises hand five times*

Grateful

2011-11-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

"It's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world.

Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much; my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst.

And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain...

...and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life."

- American Beauty

Focus

2011-11-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Remember how I said "you can do anything, but you can't do everything"?

Right now, I am making doll clothes for my girls for Christmas. I have three more outfits to make, and then I think I will be done. There may not be much blogging happening until next week, unless one of my small people does something especially hilarious, picturesque, or life-endangering.

Anyone else in a crafting frenzy?

What I've learned from running, part 1

2011-11-17T19:12:00.001-08:00

I say part one, because I only started 6 months ago. I am sure there is much, much more to learn. But on my long run on Tuesday, I had a few bullet points float up to the top of the pile.

It doesn't matter if you run. It doesn't matter if you never leave your couch, or your office, or your pajamas. Apply to any aspect of your life, it all works.

1. You can't do everything.

I have been loving yoga for the last 3 years. LOVE. Can't get enough. But while I'm focusing on running, no matter how much I love yoga, I can't do it 6 days a week. Usually 2. Someone very, very wise once said "You can do anything. You can't do everything." We can love lots of awesome things, but we can't make them all first priority all the time. A season to every thing.

2. Be open to obstacles.

I used to think it would be way more fun to run if I didn't have to push a kid in a stroller while I did it. But I actually find that I run better when I have Iris with me, because it forces me to run a bit slower, and much steadier. I can go farther, I enjoy it more, and it's more sustainable. Sometimes things that we think will hinder us actually make us better. Give it a chance.

3. Equip yourself.

If your feet hurt, get better shoes. If you're overheating, get smaller clothes. :) Make sure you have what you need to meet your goals, and to do it joyfully. It doesn't matter your budget, you can get what you need. (I find tons of great workout clothes at Goodwill.) You just need to allow yourself to take care of yourself. You are important, and it's okay to make room in your life for the things that feed your soul.

More than okay.

4. It's okay to be uncomfortable for awhile.

I did not learn this dancing, probably because I was so young. I did learn it having two babies at home in my bathtub, though, and I have learned it again and again running. Some things that are good things, worthy things, are painful in the moment.

You won't die. No one ever died from being uncomfortable. Keep going.

That stitch in your side, or pain in your ribs, or ache in your leg? You can stop or you can press on - either way, it will pass in a minute or two. Might as well keep going.

5. If you have the mojo, DON'T STOP!

Once you find a groove, a stride - do not allow yourself to be sidetracked. It is much, much harder to start again than to just keep going. Ride the wave you caught.

6. If it's not working, drop it like a hot potato.

I don't care how awesome everybody else says it is - if it's not serving you, throw it overboard and don't look back. You can't fake running. In the end, you can't fake life. At some point, the truth will out and you just need to do what works for you - otherwise, you can't keep moving forward.

7. Finish with inward honor.

There is not an award or a medal waiting for us at the end of every run, or every race, or every stage or moment in our lives. But if we are lucky, there will be someone we love at the finish line, screaming our name, arms open, waiting to welcome us.

And that, my friends, is pretty friggin fantastic.

Interruption

2011-11-16T19:06:00.001-08:00

Your motivation running post is once again delayed - this time, by my fanciful, capricious, mysterious, impulsive, confounding middle child.

And her scissors.

I think the rest blew all around the cul-de-sac.

You see, this afternoon, Eve needed some scissors for a perfectly harmless project. She couldn't find them, because Devlin hoards them all, but I happened to have a seen a pair in the back seat of the van that morning, so I sent her out to retrieve them.

(Also, scissors in my car? We can revisit that later, I suppose.)

When she returned, I was at my sewing machine with my back to the garage door. She came in and proceeded to putter about, humming to herself.

Then I heard a sniffle.

"Mom, I did something really bad".

I stopped, afraid to turn around.

But I did anyway...

...and beheld the most pitiful sight that I ever did see: my Eve, whose beautiful blonde locks I had trimmed just that weekend, with her braids lopped straight across the bottom (except for the piece on her right side that she missed).

And a more wretched, sorrowful countenance you never laid eyes on. (As sad as it was to see her like this, I was secretly delighted at her quick change of heart. If I'm lucky, this will be the only time I write a post like this).

So we trimmed off the errant bit, revoked scissor privileges from all children until further notice (yes, Devlin, even you - if you put the darn things away when you were done, this probably wouldn't have happened!), and I hugged her and told her how proud I was for owning up to her misdeed, even though she knew it was wrong and she knew I wouldn't be happy.

(Please, karma, repay me this Good Mothering Moment when this child is a teenager and does something much more serious than cut her own hair).

Apparently, Eve's "friend" at school, who is not in her class, and whose name she does not know, but who "smiles at me every day at lunch, so she must be my friend!" had her hair cut last week, and Eve has been pining for a windblown short cut ever since. It seems my waiting period had grown tiresome to her.

Family pictures are this weekend, for both sides, and I don't know if I want to send her in front of the camera with short hair like she wants, a hairstyle so radically different from the flowing-locks girl I have always known.

I'm sure I'll get used to it in a couple of days. But seriously, I just got done grieving Iris's lost tooth. Can I just have one quiet month here with no sudden changes in the appearance of my beautiful children?

Who's in charge around here, anyway?!

"Little" Detour

2011-11-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

I have a post all ready for you. I wrote it in my head this morning on my long run.

(It's about running).

But you'll have to wait until tomorrow for it, because today, I am kind of addicted to sewing little doll clothes.

Santa, baby!

Letters

2011-11-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Amazon.com,

Last night, while I was perusing your vast collection of potential Christmas gifts, I saw a new DVD copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 listed for sale at $3.99. I pay twice that for a used copy at Bookman's! I put it in my cart, paid, and just received notice that it has shipped. I triple-checked, but it still seems too good to be true. In any case, I have told the children to look for it in the mail. They know it's coming, so if it shows up and is actually a bomb, or a carton of rotten eggs...well, they have wands. And they know how to use them.

Accio movie!

Mrs. Weasley

* * * * *

Dearest, darling, messy, messy, messy children,

Would it help if implanted a chip in the back of your necks, and then electronically sent you a list of GPS coordinates of every individual item you have strewn about the house, and that I would now like you to pick up and put away?

I'll try anything,

Housekeeping

* * * * *

A letter to my carpet:

You are white. There are lots of brown spots. I have been meaning to get out the big steam cleaner, but as a short-term measure, I did some spot-cleaning this weekend. Now, instead of dirty spots, I have very visible "clean spots". And now I really do have to do the whole job properly, because that's just embarrassing.

I'm SO annoyed,

Housekeeping

* * * * *
Dear John and Connie, previous residents of this address,

Why the &$*&# ^(#(* %&#($ did you install WHITE CARPETING?

Just...grrrrrrrrrrrrr,

Housekeeping

* * * * *

My dearest, darling, whiny whiny whiny children,

You know that thing you are trying to say to me? The thing I have to ask you to repeat 3 times? If you think you need to say it in a barely audible, tiny, whiny, whispering voice, you probably already know what the answer is going to be, and are better off not saying it at all.

(No, you cannot eat cookies and watch Mythbusters in your pajamas, all day, every day).

I love you,

Housekeeping

* * * * *

Dear 12-year-old Rachel,

Remember when you were a ballerina, all those years ago? And you were so in awe of the older dancers? Those tall, glamorous, impossibly beautiful, intimidating creatures?

I went to an event this weekend featuring the ballet company of your youth, and I saw those "principal" dancers up close and personal. And I'm here to tell you, 20 years too late, that they are nothing to be scared of. They have zits. And they are tiny! They are little girls, just like you were. Not apprentice-crushing monsters.

It's all gonna work out fine,

30-year-old Rachel

* * * * *

Dear 30-year-old Rachel,

When you get to be a mom, and you have girls in ballet, please don't forget how I felt as a young ballerina all those years ago. I wasn't savvy enough to be one of the cool kids, but I was savvy enough to sense the gap, and feel it very keenly. They may look like little girls, but there is a lot of hidden cruelty happening already. It's not easy to be a teenager, and it's even harder to be a dancer.

P.S. Pay attention to what shoes and leotards the other girls have, and if you can afford them, make sure your daughters have the same. It was important to me, and it will be important to them. Every little bit helps when you're fighting for acceptance.

Never a party girl, always a mouse,

12-year-old Rachel

Little Red Robin Hood

2011-11-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

I warn you: do not be fooled by this angelic, peaceful exterior.

Attention, scientist types:

I created a Perpetual Motion Machine.

I would like to claim my winnings now plz.

Guest of Honor

2011-11-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

Meh.

Today was just one of those days.

On paper, it was a FANTASTIC day, and anyone anywhere in the world would count themselves lucky to have that day.

But for whatever reason, I was just kind of crabby.

No big deal, though. Nothing a little family picnic-in-front-of-a-movie-breakfast-for-dinner couldn't cure.

By the way, if you want, you can check out my guest post today at Fun On A Dime. Michelle is a friend of mine from high school, and now she has this really snappy little blog about family activities, crafts, recipes, and just general good times on a budget (and who isn't on a budget, seriously?)

Anyway, it's my first guest post anywhere, so I'm feeling pretty fancy. And it truly is one of my very favorite stories, that I love to share again and again.

Now I'm headed off for a nice hot bath and some quality time with the long-dead Mr. Thomas Hardy.

(Don't worry, I won't let him try any funny business in there. My heart belongs to That Guy I Married.)

The Rock

2011-11-08T13:49:00.001-08:00

This post isn't about spanking, or yelling, or any specific discipline method. It's just a story about parents and children that I read today, and it hit me really hard.

It made me really pause, and think, and want to just take a moment and breathe one extra breath so I can decide what I really want to do and say to my children, instead of just reacting, and lashing out from behind the 8-ball (where we always seem to be, yes?)

It was so powerful to me that I wanted to share it, and this seemed like the best forum.

"When I was about twenty years old, I met an old pastor's wife who told me that when she was young and had her first child, she didn't believe in striking children, although spanking kids with a switch pulled from a tree was standard punishment at the time.

But one day when her son was four or five, he did something that she felt warranted a spanking--the first in his life. And she told him he would have to go outside and find a switch for her to hit him with. The boy was gone a long time. And when he came back in, he was crying. He said to her, 'Mama, I couldn't find a switch, but here's a rock you can throw at me.'

All of the sudden a mother understood how the situation felt from the child's point of view: that if my mother wants to hurt me, it makes no difference what she does it with; she might as well do it with a stone. The mother took the boy onto her lap and they both cried. Then she laid the rock on a shelf in the kitchen to remind herself forever: never violence. Because violence begins in the nursery--one can raise children into violence."

~From a peace prize acceptance speech given by Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking

Faker

2011-11-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

Today I ran 4 miles.

I think, just maybe, I might be becoming a runner. Will I feel like one for sure after my 10K? If I do a half marathon? A full one? (I doubt that will ever happen, by the way, so please don't say that's what it will take).

How long does it take you, and what level do you have to attain, before you feel like you're not "pretending" to be something any more?

I'm going to be a millionaire!

2011-11-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

You guys, you guys.

I always said that I just needed to think of a genius idea and invent something so I could make a million dollars and just have that whole aspect of my life sorted out once and for all.

Tonight, I thought of it.

I have an invention.

Actually, I have an idea. But it's going to be an invention. And no one has made it yet (that I know about), and it is a GREAT one, and I am seriously incredibly excited.

But I can't tell you what it is, because you guys are awesome and all, but I don't trust you not to steal my genius idea.

You can all buy one though, once I make it, because trust me - you don't have this yet. And you need it.

See you Monday!

Little Magics

2011-11-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

I didn't mean for the "magic" in the title of this post to be literally magic, like with a wand. I was thinking more along the lines of "the magic of childhood", or "the magic of wide-open perception".

But in my house, it seems that a lot of that all comes back around to wands and whatnot.

Just a few sweet little moments from my last couple of days:

If you were Devlin, and you were reading Harry Potter , and you needed to mark your place, you might just use a wand to do it. I just love his sweet little bed, with all his space paraphernalia, and his book, and his Lambeys...it's just his personality and this moment of his life all wrapped up in one beautiful scene.

And then Eve at her kindergarten Halloween party, at which I was a shepherd/costume repairperson/parent helper. I tied her tie, and took out her braids and fluffed her Hermione hair, and then had to break the news to her that her stick-wand was not allowed in class as it was considered a weapon. (A stick is definitely a weapon in her hands, by the way. That was totally the right call).

I could see her face start to crumple, and turn red, and I knew I had to act fast, or there was going to be Eve-brains all over the ceiling when her head exploded. My mind raced just ahead of hers, and I blurted out "Hermione's wand needed repairs, so it's in Mr. Ollivander's shop until tonight!"

She bit.

Crisis averted.

And tonight, Devlin playing Scrabble with his daddy and me. Let's just say that Dev had some help, and I'm not quite losing. But it's close.

And luckily, Dev wasn't paying too much attention, so we narrowly avoided having to explain the definition of "whore" when David played it for 45 points.

The Very Day Itself

2011-10-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

'Tis Halloween, at long last!

I thought, for the holiday, I would dress up as A Nice, Fun Mom Who Does Nice, Fun Kid Things For Her Kids.

You know, just the once. To try it out.

I made a special Halloween dinner complete with mummy dogs, "apple grins", "witches brew", and a hummus graveyard.

And of course, we used our new (old) green goblets. Despite all the kids' enthusiastic toasting of this, that, and the other, none were broken. I think that's a pretty ringing endorsement.

The graveyard was a particular favorite, although we couldn't eat the marked gravestones due to the fact that I wrote on them in Sharpie. (I may have been dressed up as a Nice Mom, but on no holiday ever am I Nice enough to make a special trip to Michael's for an edible marker, although I hear tell of such wonders from other people).

So we ate our dinner, during which I was proclaimed The Best Mom Ever more than once. Then we trick-or-treated, which took literally half the time it did last year (Iris is a year older and evidently much faster). The kids (mostly) had good manners, saying "thank you" and "happy Halloween!"

Iris took it a step farther and bowed low and graciously after receiving candy at every house.

Oh, and special bonus photo of my van decorated for the ward trunk-or-treat, which was Saturday night. This picture in NO WAY accurately depicts how insanely awesome my car looked. I stole the idea from some genius lady on Pinterest:

Today's joy: getting a nice early start, and finishing trick-or-treating in time to get the girls in bed by 7:30. Now that is magical!

Run For Your Life

2011-10-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my very first race since I started running 6 months ago. I ran a 5K, which is 3.1 miles. It's about the shortest race there is, and it probably doesn't seem like a big deal to some people, but it was a big deal for me.

I ran it in 32:59, so well under my goal of 35:00. I was delighted, but I expected to meet my goal.

What I didn't expect was the overwhelming emotions that I would experience as I ran. That's because I didn't know that 12 hours before the race began, I would receive the news that a friend in my ward - a wife, a mother of 4 children, and only 5 years older than I am - who has been fighting cancer for a year and a half, was placed in hospice care and was not expected to survive the weekend.

I didn't know Leah very well. She was already sick when we moved into this house, so I never knew her as a well person. She was often hospitalized, and when she was home she was immunocompromised and so was not able to have visitors or attend social activities. But she lived around the corner from me, and her youngest child is the same age as my oldest.

I wanted to know her.

But there is only so much you can do.

I brought meals, I prayed and fasted for her, I checked in on Facebook. I gave her a big hug when she came to church one week, even though I'm sure I wasn't supposed to because of the risk of infection. She didn't seem to mind.

She has been declining steadily for a few weeks, so it wasn't really a surprise when I found out that her time was so short. But I was angry. Cancer has taken a lot of people from my life, and the lives of people that I love.

My grandfather died of cancer, leaving my grandmother with eight children to raise, including my mom. She was 14.

Then my mom lost her brother to the same disease. It was Easter Sunday. He was 45 years old.

I would say "it's not fair", but I need something much stronger. And I don't have those words.

So I took that fire, and I ran instead.

I ran this race for Leah, who was dying while I was running.

While I saw the brilliant rays of sunlight break over the orange trees as I ran to the east, she was seeing her light, and trying to find the strength to let go and walk toward it.

While I felt my adrenaline rise and my heart pound, her breath was slowing and her heart was going quiet.

While I felt the wind rush over my face, and heard beautiful music in my ears, and saw my husband and my children waiting for me at the finish line, her family was trying to prepare to live the rest of their lives without her.

It's not fair.

But life isn't fair.

What it is, is beautiful. It's beautiful, and it's a gift, and you just never know how much you have left.

I ran with my face to the sky, and a song in my heart. And when I was done, I took that song to Leah. I sang for her and her family, and I held her hand, and I hugged her kids.

An hour later, she was gone.

* * * * *

Devlin wants to become a scientist now, so that he can cure cancer.

I'll keep running, and I'll keep living.

And maybe together, we'll figure it out.

* * * * *

Yesterday's joy: timing the music on my iPod so that I finished the race to the song I have always thought would be perfect for that moment. It was just like a movie!

Today's joy: Senior Primary actually liked the Singing Time activity I prepared! Those big kids are a tough crowd.

Pre-pre-pre Halloween and pre-pre Halloween

2011-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

You already saw pre-pre-pre-pre Halloween (the Palmer Family costume carnival). Now I may I present the next two installments:

Iris's ballet class dressed up yesterday, and everyone was encouraged/ordered to bring treats. You know, because a dance class full of three-year-olds isn't insane enough without introducing costumes. And candy. That poor teacher.

And then today was the Dixon Family Pumpkin Carving Party. I hate carving pumpkins, so I was very grateful to be able to do it in the company of lots of friends and family! Everything is more fun when you have fun people to do it with. And I think I really, really would have enjoyed it a lot more if it hadn't been at the end of Today.

Today was, for your reference, the kind of day where I buy my kids a medium Icee at Target, and they complain because they wanted a *small*. I have no words.

But regardless, the pumpkins are carved, and I even did two of them and I think they turned out all right. Iris's is the small one, and we carved it with a tooth missing just like hers. And I accidentally gave it a cleft lip, but that's because I am not good at carving pumpkins.

Chloe had the genius idea to give prizes for the most superlative pumpkins, and Granny had the even more genius idea to make sure everyone got a prize. Eve got the prize for "biggest jack-o-lantern" (guess which one is hers), and she was as proud as any Pumpkin Mama you ever saw.

Tomorrow I am running a 5K with David. I will do a very special post on it so you'll want to make a special stop in tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Today's joy: I am so, so grateful for my family. Death and loss have been close by today, and I treasure every second with these people I am so privileged to live with and love. Even when they drive me crazy.

I love them.

I love them.

I love them.

Simple pleasures

2011-10-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today's joys:

- the beautiful, glorious, amazing weather (boots, people! boots!)

- Iris at dance class

- sweeping off the back patio

- pleasant soreness from a great yoga class last night

- making a dinner that everybody liked (frozen meatballs are my friends)

- my pretty new skirt

- kids sharing their pre-pre-Halloween candy

- Devlin watching Game 6 go to extra innings with his Daddy

- a clean kitchen

- singing beautiful music

- cookies

Crisp, cool, and pajama clad

2011-10-26T20:58:00.001-07:00

I just went in to say goodnight to Devlin after I got home from yoga, and found him all ready for Wear Your Pajamas To School Day tomorrow - as in, sound asleep in his PJs of choice, his glasses, his watch, and his shoes.

Bless his silly heart.

Today's joy: the very first time this season that I haven't had a sweater, but wished I did!

Playin' Hooky

2011-10-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

(How do you spell "hooky" anyway? Nothing I try looks right.)

Today's joy: Not blogging - because I had a DATE! An out-of-the-house, go-somewhere-together-but-not-with-kids date. And it was free, except for the babysitter. That's a good deal right there.

Kicking off Halloween Week

2011-10-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

As of last year, I started getting pretty Scrooge-y about Halloween.

I used to love dressing up, and eating candy, and all the wild Halloween behavior. It was one night of mayhem and costume and excess. It was awesome.

Now, I have 3 kids to dress, and Halloween has ballooned to an entire week of festivities: at home, at church, at school. Every person and organization I know, it seems, is throwing a Halloween party. So now, I have to keep the kids' costumes in wearable condition for 5 or 6 different occasions, all of which involve eating and playing outside. I have to have Eve's Hermione frizz-hair properly frizzed for all of these events. Devlin's wand has to be charged and at the ready. And while I can let them go hog-wild on the treats for one night, I somehow feel if it's going to be a week's worth of gluttony, I have to hold them off a little bit.

And that is not an easy task.

I am going to try to view it in a more positive light this year, as my cousin pointed out to me tonight: at least we get our money's worth out of their costumes!

The clear highlight of tonight's Palmer Family Costume Carnival?

My brother and his girlfriend Audrey, dressed as some kind of 80's rock star fabulosity. Made.of.win.

Today's joy: I took three children to a Halloween party, alone, AND I brought soup and bread. And I did it all with a smile on my face! This is a Huge Victory.

And now, all I have to look forward to is my very own little loaf of blueberry streusel bread (thanks Kim!) and the sound of Tim Gunn's melodious voice serenading me from my laptop. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

Mr. Fix-It

2011-10-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today's joy: David.

He did everything I just couldn't face doing. Which was pretty much everything.

It was just one of those days when I felt like, no matter how much I cook and clean and tidy and shepherd and remind, the best I can say about my productivity is that we haven't starved to death, and no one has fleas.

(At least, I think no one has fleas. I haven't had time to really check properly.)

David put away laundry, did dishes, made dinner, ran errands, dressed children, and insisted that I take a nap.

Which I did, literally hiding under the covers.

Better luck tomorrow!

Burning calories, then undoing it all

2011-10-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

Today's joys: I ran a practice 5K this morning in preparation for real thing next weekend. It looks like my goal time is realistic (barely) and I am almost certain to survive.

And for an equal and opposite caloric reaction, the inaugural Phoenix Food Truck Festival was officially a success.

Jackrabbit Pride

2011-10-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

Homecoming weekend at Mesa High. Good old Mesa High!

David's youngest sister Holly is student body president, so I officially have more connections and appearance of popularity now, 12 years out of high school, than I ever did while I was actually there! She asked if I would be one of the alumni speakers at the annual Traditions Assembly, so this morning I brought Iris on stage with me (which was mostly pretty smooth, and very entertaining). I spoke a little bit about the lessons I took away from Mesa High, where my grandparents, parents, myself, and my high-school sweetheart/now my husband all went.

I did leave out the part about how my kids will go to Mountain View, the sworn rival of Mesa High. That seemed prudent.

The big football game was tonight:

Eve was chosen to be a crown bearer for the homecoming royalty, along with her cousin Chloe:

She has been wearing that Mona Lisa smile ever since. I would give a million dollars to be able to spend a few minutes in her head and see all the floridly spectacular imaginings that must be swirling around in there. I imagine that carrying that velvet pillow with a crown resting atop, and handing it off to a Real Life King, has kicked off a good week's worth of fantasy.

One enigmatic dreamer, one toothless social butterfly. I love it:

Today's joy: At my children's elementary school, the students and teachers can send "Hale mail" to each other each week. Today, Eve brought home a little blue slip of Hale mail, from her brother. It read: "Dear Eve, Hi! Hopeing you the best! Have fun!"

Then he drew of picture of himself and Eve holding hands.

Then I died of happiness.

Joy joy joy

2011-10-20T22:20:00.001-07:00

Since I don't have an actual post today (I sang in a concert instead!), how about a few extra joys?

(How about you take what I give you and like it, since it's my blog and you have no say in it anyway? Okay!)

Today's joys: Iris finally had dance class. She had last week off for fall break and was bitterly disappointed. Three-year-olds also have no frame of reference for "Thursday" so she's been asking 30 or 40 times every day, just in case. Glad that's over.

My mom and my sister watched my kids while I sang, and they Cleaned My Kitchen. Like, I think they swept the floor too. SO awesome.

Five words: Lunch. Shrimp taco. Crab taco.

Treasure Hunting

2011-10-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, when I mentioned that I was at a truly wretched outlet mall, I neglected to say that something very lovely did come out of it.

A couple of somethings.

One of them I can't tell you, because it's a gift for a friend and I don't like to spoil surprises.

But the other one I can, and will, share!

I took all three children into...

...an antique store.

Alone.

Just let that sink in for a moment.

* * * * *

If your heart has resumed beating, I'll tell you it was actually okay. I wouldn't do it on purpose again, but it was okay. The older two did actually manage to internalize the "look with your EYES" message, with reminders every 20 seconds or so, and the small one could be physically restrained.

And the shop was great. Lots of nice things, not too huge but big enough to be interesting, and really good prices. Hardly more expensive than a thrift store.

Because I am always breaking my glassware, and I am a sucker for anything green, I had to come home with these:

I think, when David said "you should replace our everyday glasses" (of which we only have 2 left), he probably didn't mean "with antique green hobnail goblets".

But I'm sure he'll learn to love them.

The set of 12 was only $16, and they are nice and heavy. So if you're ever up for a treasure hunt, let me know and I would love to go again!

(After I get a babysitter.)

Today's joy: David is home, my sister is in town, and kids eat free at Waldo's BBQ. What's not to like?

Pigtails

2011-10-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Honestly, what am I supposed to do with such a beautiful child?

Her hair is long enough for legit pigtails now, and it looks darling.

But it also kind of freaks me out, because it makes her look so grown up.

At least Devlin is still little boy enough to sit down on the floor and push tractors around.

Today's Joy: Besides the pigtails? I unexpectedly ran into my mother-in-law this afternoon (this is a joy for me, yes - sorry about your mother-in-law if you're scratching your head right now!) at an absolutely Godforsaken outlet mall that is not very close to either one of our houses, and which neither one of us frequents with any regularity. What are the odds? It was so fun!

Roasted Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

David works for a great company. Every year, they host a family-friendly activity for everyone to bring their little peeps and come and really enjoy. They have done it at the Phoenix Zoo in the past, but this year they took us to Schnepf Farms for the Pumpkin Patch festival!

They do it up right too - we got VIP wristbands and there was no haggling about the price of a roller coaster vs. a caramel apple. Huge weight off my mind - times 5.

I traditionally kind of hate pumpkin patches, actually. That is because, in Arizona, we have beautiful weather in October about half the time. You would think, then, that statistically at least some of the time I would get a nice day when I go to pick a pumpkin.

You would be wrong. So very wrong.

It never fails to be in the upper 90's, no matter how late I push the adventure into the month. Tragically, this day was no exception and the mercury just kept going up, and up, and up. And this little English rose does not do well in the heat.

It took me until the next day to fully recover, actually. But it was worth it. The kids had a fabulous time, and despite the brutal sun it was the best time I have ever had at a pumpkin patch here in The Land That Fall Forgot.

The first thing everyone chose to do was ride the train. Iris was all bravada:

Until we took off and the conductor blew the horn. Apparently, some children like that kind of thing. Iris did not scream in terror, but she did opt out of that experience to the best of her ability:

(Side note: does anyone else feel like their arms look always freakishly HUGE in photos? They catch me off guard every stinking time. ARM! Aaaaaahhhhh!)

Devlin rode with his Daddy, and I don't think I have ever seen a more contented little face:

We did some other awesomely fun things, including watching dogs catch Frisbees, riding a giant slide, attending a BMX demonstration, and, you know, choosing pumpkins. In my heat-induced haze, I didn't take many photos - but I kept my metaphorical cool, which is a much greater victory for me.

Face painting was the only activity we paid for, and it was well worth it as always:

P.S. Want to see something hilarious? Try to get three children to remember what side their face is painted on, then all show that cheek to the camera, then smile. So not happening.

Saturday's joy: All three children chose their own pumpkins, and no one argued about whose was biggest, orangest, or superlative in any other aspect. I cannot overstate how surprising and wonderful this was!

Sunday's joy: When I sent an email from my dearly beloved new mobile phone this weekend, I saw that David had set my signature to read "Sent from the iPhone my wonderful husband bought me". I am leaving it because it made me laugh so hard!

Today's joy: Guess how many toilet boxes I have in my house right now? Zero! ZERO TOILET BOXES! Wahoooooooo!

Pulled This Way and That

2011-10-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

I think I might be crazy.

But I didn't used to be crazy. I used to be very nice, and fun, and funny, and I didn't wonder aloud if I was losing my mind on a daily basis.

I didn't grind my teeth.

I didn't eat whole packages of Oreos in one sitting for stress relief.

I didn't view "going to the dentist" or "working nights" as priceless opportunities for alone time.

Then I had children. And they are alternately, and simultaneously, the most gut-achingly wonderful and completely infuriating children in the Universe.

They don't actually hear me talk at all, and hear everything I say as "Carry on, dear children, do whatever you please with no regard for situation appropriateness or my mental state".

Until I finally get to "SHUT UP or I am most likely going to hurt someone." Then they do, in fact, shut up for a while.

For which I am extremely grateful.

I just wish we didn't have to get there.

But seriously, aren't they just beautiful?

Today's joy: The chicken tikka masala I started marinating tonight smells awesome. And I remembered to start marinating it tonight. And I think I imbued it with a certain extra Polish-Parisian flair because I was listening to Chopin while I made it.

Tiny Dancer

2011-10-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Today's joy: We always go to check in on the kids after they are asleep, before we go to bed. Mostly, they are stone cold passed out and we can't even get a smile out of them. Tonight, Iris seemed a little coherent, so we asked her if she was dreaming about something nice.

She smiled and nodded.

I asked her if she was dreaming about being a ballerina.

She nodded vigorously.

I asked her if she would bow for me, like she does when she imitates the dancers on her "Nutcracker Show" that she loves so much.

She pressed her hands together in front of her chest, sat up in bed, and bowed deeply and graciously.

Then she laid back down and went right back to sleep.

Beautiful Randomness

2011-10-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful day.

This whole week off school has actually been just lovely, really. (Perhaps I have just jinxed tomorrow and Friday.)

Today, we:

went to the dentist - for the third consecutive day - so that Devlin could get "ninjas" (sealants) put on his back teeth to fight off cavities

danced in a surprisingly-terrifying-yet-super-awesome babywearing flash mob (I run into the frame on the right side at about 0:25 - the one wearing a "baby" who is bigger than me)

had pretzels for lunch

took a nice long nap

peeled hundred of crayon fragments for this project

learned all about Norway (Devlin's current favorite author is of Norwegian parentage)

Iris watched the entire Royal Ballet production of The Nutcracker and danced along in costume (she does this every day)

And, perhaps my favorite of all: Eve colored picture after picture so she could have a "gallery" like Rapunzel in Tangled. (Only she kept saying "galaxy").

They all appear to be signed and numbered, but I don't think she's interested in selling yet.

Today's joy: David is going to train with me for the races I mentioned yesterday. How fun is that?

Run Away!

2011-10-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am now *officially* in training for a 10K run in December.

I will run a 5K the last weekend of this month.

This is as surprising to me as anyone else, I am sure!

I can do it I can do it I can do it.

Today's joy: all children declared cavity-free.

Round peg in a skinny hole

2011-10-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, it came to my attention that no jeans in Iris's size had survived the hand-me-down process. I thought she should probably have a pair, so today when I found myself driving by Once Upon A Child, I thought we'd pop in and pick some out.

She's a girl, after all: there were sure to be racks and racks to choose from!

And there were. Skinny jeans, bootcut jeans, jeans with pink polka dots, sparkly purple corduroys...

...but not a one of them would go over her luscious, athletic thighs.

Well, one pair went over, but her eyes got big and she looked down and said "Mom, those pants hurt me". Then I couldn't button them. And then I very nearly couldn't get them off. That was awesome.

I was mystified. Eve was always more willowy, so we never ran into this. Devlin may be a sack of bones now, but when he was younger, he was quite fleshy - and yet I NEVER had any trouble getting jeans on him. Boy's clothes are cut so roomy that it would take a very strapping specimen indeed to exceed the proportions allowed by the pattern.

But girl's clothes are a different story.

Right from toddlerhood, it seems, they are cut slim and trim and restrictive. Does my barely-three-year-old really need to be learning this particular life lesson right now? Is it already time for her to see that she, literally, doesn't fit in?

We joke that Iris could pull a plow.

She has some serious back end.

But I think that the makers of size 4T pants could cut her a little slack. (Slack, get it?)

After huffing and puffing her way out of yet another rejected pair, she surveyed the rack and her pudgy little hand lit upon a nice, soft dark blue item hidden amongst the denim.

I could hardly believe my eyes, but they were definitely tiny Pajama Jeans. Thick, soft knit pants - felt like sweats, looked like jeans! You know, almost like jeans.

We grabbed those suckers and before you could say Jack Robinson, Iris was preening down the aisle, with her pride and her belly fat intact.

"Hey! Mom! These pants fit me!"

They did. So we bought two pairs.

People, it's not about making yourself fit into whatever is out there. You've got to find what fits you - even if it is Pajama Jeans - and rock it just as hard as you can.

Today's joy: David will be home in about 2 hours!!!

International Babywearing Week

2011-10-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

You guys know that I love carrying my babies.

A good carrier, and the knowledge to use it safely, is a tool that I think no parent should be without. Not everyone finds it as integral to their parenting as I do, and that's cool.

But for me?

Devlin, 2004

It has been my favorite thing about babies.

Eve, 2006

And now that we're mostly moved on from this stage, I look back on it so fondly, and treasure every chance I get to hold my "babies" close.

("I not a BABY, Mom!" "I know you're not, Iris. Believe me, I know.")

Iris, 2008

So, in the interest of spreading the love once again, I invite anyone local to me to participate in any or all of the festivities for International Babywearing Week, which begins tomorrow. I'll definitely be making an appearance at some of them. I'm hoping, in particular, to have some nice photos taken on Friday with my last little sling baby.

Today's joy: After I put the girls to bed, I told Devlin I would play one game of Uno with him and then I needed to get him to bed so I could fold laundry. He begged to be allowed to stay up and help, and then offered me one of his marvelous hugs: free of charge, available from midnight to midnight, every day, forever.

The Giveaway Revealed!

2011-10-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Cristina, don't take this the wrong way - but when I saw who won my giveaway, I just knew it had to be food.

(Some people eat because they'll die if they don't. And some people love food. I am one of those people, and so is Cristina.)

She's a kind, loving, busy mom of three little ones just like me, and I know how it is to be running here and there, taking care of everyone else. So I made a little prize full of simple, divine things just for her to enjoy, after everyone else is in bed, or first thing in the morning with the cool crisp autumn air coming in through the open window.

It took me a little longer than I anticipated to get everything together, because I wanted it to be Just So. And it was.

2 oz. of Sel Gris from Go lb. Salt - seriously, this stuff makes literally anything taste like an angelic morsel

One pound of Spring Clover honey from Made By Bees - I could eat this stuff by the spoon! Oh, wait. I already do that.

One package of insanely delicious salted caramels from Nuts 4 Brittle - and you bet your last shiny nickel I got a package of these for myself too!

And a loaf of my homemade bread - because a little bird told me that if you put butter, honey and a little sprinkle of salt on good quality toast, it's like 1+1+1=thisonegoesto11. Which I will absolutely be personally researching tomorrow morning. Or possibly in about 2 hours.

All purchased at the Gilbert Farmer's Market this very morning, although all these vendors can also be found at the SuperFarm Market.

So congratulations Cristina, and thanks for letting us come play with your chickens this afternoon!

(Ah, the perks of living local to your blogger-who-is-small-enough-to-pay-house-calls.)

Today's joy: Eve caught in rare in-the-wild footage, singing a tasty little bit from Sweeney Todd. It's only one line, and maybe only I can even tell what it is, but I think any recorded history of one's 5-year-old singing in her tiny Minnie Mouse voice about a deranged barber who decapitates people and then bakes them into meat pies is worth watching, don't you?

(P.S. Translation: "I would hear the city bells ring, whatever I would do - no, there's no place like London! I feel home again!")

How to Shop

2011-10-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of shopping this week.

(Probably because as of tonight, my husband, parents, and in-laws are all out of town. And my kids have school off next week. Some people eat, I shop. It's not good, but it could be worse, I guess. If I ate, I would still have to buy the food, and then eat it.)

Anyway.

So I found this great blouse (pictured!) at Goodwill, and took this photo to send to my sister, who is also genetically predisposed to shop. As I was telling her about my find, I thought of all the reasons it was a great one, and I thought I might just write out all the things I think about when I'm bringing something new into my closet.

I have expensive taste. I like nice things. And sometimes, if I have birthday money, or a treat coming, I splurge: buy things at full-service shops or at full price. But more often, I have to get creative to satisfy my wardrobe deficiencies. A large portion of my closet is from thrift stores or Last Chance.

But the truth is, I shop exactly the same way at Barney's and Goodwill. I'm really, really, really picky. So I think it makes a lot more sense to buy items that can last you a long time, because otherwise they're not worth the time and effort you put into choosing them in the first place.

Now, I'm not touching on how to dress for your figure, or how to find your own personal style, or how to mix patterns, or anything like that. This is just knowing what you like, and what looks good on you, and just how to shop with a critical eye - no matter what your budget!

So, how do I do it?

1. Do I like this? Duh. First step, always.

2. Do I need it? This is subjective, of course. Did I need another pair of boots today? No. But did the pair I bought fill a hole in my wardrobe? Absolutely. Keep a rough mental (or physical!) list of items that would help fill out your closet and give you more options. Then you'll be on the lookout for them, and be less likely to buy the same things over and over.

3. Is the fabric good quality? As soon as you pick something up, you can tell if it feels nice or not. The fabric should feel beautiful, drape well, not be pilly or faded, and not crackle or itch. If I like the way it feels to my hand, I check the label. Silk, wool, cotton - good. Polyester, acrylic, nylon - bad.

4. Does it fit into my wardrobe? I don't want a whole closet full of one color, but if I can't think of at least 2 outfits that could be made with a given item, I don't even try it on.

5. Does it fit me? This doesn't mean "it doesn't fall off". It means it makes you look awesome. Don't be lazy! There are clothes out there that will show you to your best advantage, and if you try enough on, you will figure out what they are. Then don't settle for anything less!

6. Can it be made to fit? If you have a particular figure quirk, like short legs, or a large chest, or a big round backside, you will get used to having things tailored. Always buy to fit your largest feature. For example: when I buy pants, I count on having the waist taken in to allow room for my curvy hips and, um, athletic thighs and rear end. When I buy a dress, I assume I will need the shoulders taken up because my upper half is significantly more dainty than my lower. If I find an item, or better yet a whole brand, that I can wear "as is" in these areas, then I keep a special eye out for it. Buying quality items in the first place makes having them tailored worth the investment, and I promise you will like the results!

7. What is the care of the item going to be? I don't mind having to have an item dry-cleaned, but because of the nature of my life, these need to be the exception and not the rule. Even if an item can be cleaned at home, does it have a lot of fiddly pleats and ruffles that will make it impossible for me to press? If an item needs dry-cleaning, a darker color or especially a print will help me squeak out a couple of extra wearings in between.

8. Think value, not just price. Of course, everyone has a budget. But there is more to consider than simply the number on the tag. Think of it in terms of "cost per wear". Buy the best quality you can, and buy wisely for your own life. I tried on a gorgeous black blazer this morning - perfect fit, high quality, amazing price. But how often would I wear a suit jacket? Even though it was a great bargain, it wasn't a good buy for me personally at that moment, so I left it behind. On the other hand, I will pay a lot of money for a great printed jersey dress, or a pair of jeans, that will hide dirty fingerprints, take me to lunches out and the playground with equal aplomb, and last me for years.

Today's joy: Talking to my sister. A lot. She's just great.

Good, Better, Best

2011-10-06T21:20:00.001-07:00

My homemade bread is delicious.

It is even better as buttered toast.

But sliced and fried in butter is far and away the best of all.

Today's joy: the amazing, beautiful, glorious weather. That's all I've got. That, and bread fried in butter.

Try again tomorrow.

It's Fall, Ya'll!

2011-10-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a beautiful day! It's the first day of the season when you think to yourself "we're gonna pull through after all."

Do I need boots? No.

But can I get away with them?

Today I can. So I did.

Today's joy: The children's librarian believed me when I said that the book binding just broke of its own accord. (Sometimes it's our fault. But not this time.) We can keep our "frequant flier" status. Whew!

Overload

2011-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

My kids make a lot of noise.

Sure, they yell, and squeal, and shriek - just like every kid. And that kind of noise is fine. I just tell them to take it outside. Mother Nature can handle a little shrieking.

The noise that I have bigger problems with is when all three of them are taking it in turns (or worse, all over top of each other!) to tell me - in their most fervent stage voices - about every sand in their proverbial hourglass of time, and every precious thought that goes through their heads.

These kids need an editor. And it needs to not be me.

Eve will be singing at a nice mezzo-forte in a range somewhere on the upper third of the piano keyboard, Devlin is explaining in excrutiating detail about "capturing in passing", which is apparently a chess move, but I still don't understand it because Iris is also shouting (you know, to be heard over everyone else - because that is clearly superior to waiting your dang turn) about how she is going to be Dobby for Halloween.

Which, of course, I already know, because I made her costume. In July. That, and she told me 572 times today already.

They all have a viewpoint on everything. And that viewpoint is enthusiastic, and LOUD, and lengthy, and it absolutely cannot wait one blessed moment to be aired before the court of public opinion.

One time, a couple of weeks ago, I had to run some paperwork by Devlin's ELP classroom after school with all three children in tow. This would not be something I would look forward to in any case, and the unpleasantness was magnified because it was the ELP teacher. Devlin wanted to show off his rarified surroundings to his younger, less-worldly sisters, and the girls were desperate to demonstrate their powers of deductive reasoning, their ample vocabularies, and their general knowledge of all things great and small.

After listening intently to about 5 minutes of unceasing, three-deep, full-throttle chatter, Mrs. Knappenberger looked over their heads at me with a knowing smile and said:

"Does it make you tired to have three such smart kids?"

I had never thought about it like that.

(Probably because my ears and my brain are full of lively treble discussion regarding the air speed velocity of an unladen European swallow.)

But ever since, when I start reaching my limit, I remember Mrs. Knappenberger's insightful take on their eager, overflowing minds...

...and it buys me about 10 more seconds before I start the next round of The Quiet Game.

Today's joy: Tonight at dinner, while I was trying to ignore the benign-but-infuriating noise level, Iris managed to make herself heard over her siblings so that she could ask me if Sirius Black had ears. That pushed things right over the hump from annoying to hilarious, which is a leap that is often hard for me to make. I laughed and laughed and laughed, and the home stretch to bedtime became much more enjoyable.

Simple Gifts

2011-10-03T21:33:00.001-07:00

Honestly. Could he be any more wonderful? I have entitled this picture "Devlin's Many Bookmarks". I think there are probably a couple more hiding in there that are not visible from this angle.

At least none of the bookmarks are Legos or toy soldiers. (This time.)

P.S. See my new button, over on the right there? 31 days of joy in the journey? All month, I am going to be posting a little joy every day. I'm real keen on little joys anyway, seeing as it gets awfully boring waiting for the "big" ones!

I saw the idea first here, and she in turn found it here, from whence it originated. If you want to join in, grab the button or just start posting! Finding something beautiful in every day doesn't make all the other stuff go away, and it's not self-delusion or gloating. Just a conscious effort to find, and share, a little piece of happiness.

The world can use a lot, lot more finding and sharing of the happiness, if you ask me.

My joy for today? There were *exactly* three huge sheets of bubble wrap in my Pampered Chef order. I have *exactly* three children. Fate is, indeed, kind!

Problem, meet Solution

2011-09-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

I love to bake. And cook. And try new recipes. (I might have mentioned this.) For reference, over the last few weeks, I have made 20 new recipes I have found on Pinterest, and I have the ingredients for 3 more this next week.

This is a Good Thing.

However, I am also often in a hurry to get everything done. And when that happens, this happens.

(Those burns are two weeks and one week old, respectively. And you can't see the healing blister on my right palm.)

But I figured it out! And in true Wizzle fashion, I scoured every website of every oven mitt purveyor in the continental United States, until I found just the right one.

Hopefully this will cut down on people asking me if I have a very aggressive cat.

Kid funny

2011-09-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Background: Devlin and Eve, 8 and 5 respectively, are responsible for cleaning the bathrooms in our house. Do they do a great job? Absolutely not. But it's just good enough that I only touch them up if we are having guests or something. And it's a damn sight better than me doing it myself.

More background: David and I have not had a working toilet, or indeed any toilet at all, in our master bathroom for about 6 months. We finally received the new commode yesterday, where the children discovered it in our entryway when they arrived home from school.

(Yes, we have a toilet. In our foyer. It's in a box, so you wouldn't know, unless I told you. Which I now have. So you can marvel at how classy we are next time you're over, unless by some miracle we get it installed first.)

Eve, walking in the door and clearly hoping the Giant Box contains Many Barbies or something similarly beneficial to her personally: Mom, what's in that big box?

Me: It's the new potty! So Daddy and I don't have to walk down the hallway in the dark anymore. Won't that be nice?

Eve: heaving sobs

Me: mystified silence

Eve, barely regaining the power of coherent speech: But MOM, I hate this potty! Now there's just one more I have to clean!

Eve, there's no point in trying to sugarcoat the situation. That is exactly the long and short of it. But you'll only have to do it until your own kids are old enough to take over!

Aaaaaahhhhhh

2011-09-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Haircut day is my very most favorite of all the days.