I was lucky enough to spend the morning with my friend and take some photos of her new baby. She is adorable, but I resisted the urge to have a third child.
But if I did (not going to), I decided he would be named Wendell.
Baby love.
Marching Band Birthday Party May 16, 2010
I remember the look in my working friends eyes during the boys’ birthday parties when I was a “Stay at Home” mom. You know the look. If eyeballs could speak they would have been screaming, “Free time much?”. I get it. I was determined to not let the parties suffer now that I am back to work full time outside of the home. I also teach Kindergarten which is not one of those jobs you get to take little breaks and check your Facebook or order supplies online from your desk. Oh the stories my eyes could tell.
This year my youngest changed his party theme from “Duckie Candy Party” (he knows what he likes, my boy) to a Honk! Marching Band party. We could have made Duckie Candy work but I was so much more thrilled with the new theme!
We were watching this at bedtime on Youtube, simmer down Librarians, I’m a teacher – I got this.
And my son was inspired. He also loves the Honk! fest we go to every year which is a street marching band joyful noise kind of thing. He mixed them together and we got our Marching Band themed party.
I got this off ebay, not while at work!, and then my son designed how we hot glued the ribbons on for further finery. I should say that one of the concessions to my working, was this was a total sew-free party. I am ok with that. My co-teacher at work says that she doesn’t like eating an apple because it’s, “Too much committment for [her] mouth.” Funny, right? But I feel the same way about my sewing machine these days. Only not eating it, just using it. It feels like too much to set it up and use it these days. Maybe soon little dusty one, soon.
I ordered this decal from ebay and was really happy with the way it looked on this thrifted vase. We picked up sticks from the yard and attached ribbons and bells to use as marching batons.
The hats can be found here. And the felt hat I got for the birthday boy as well.
This poster is from etsy, I love the image and it’s something I’ll frame and hang in my little ones room as a reminder of the party.
The shirt we made using a stencil bought online, can’t find the vendor. I was going to freezer paper but then I smartened up, see my earlier comment about sewing as further proof. We added some ribbon to the sleeve to give it that drum major look. The hit of the party was the new sand box that’s an old boat we got off Craigslist, dug into our backyard and filled with sand. I’ll do another post on that one later!
The birthday Poo-bah.
Ok, about the cake. Let me explain. The sun was in my eyes…. My little Food Network Challenge watching guy asked for a “tall tall cake” that was white and had strawberries sticking out on top. We had strawberries on the side, check. Tall tall was a tall order since I baked egg free cakes. Not sure if you are aware but eggs kind of give baking it’s structure. They are super binders those little f’ers. Ok, there were other mistakes. I was super proud of myself for slipping wax paper between the cake and the cake stand. Apparently you’re supposed to just have it under the edge, not the whole thing. It makes a difference, I assure you. But let’s focus on my concept. Not to brag, BUT, I was stoked when I thought to add a vintage drum as a layer for height and interest since you can guess my piping skills are non existent. My little one decorated the top and stuck the candles in, credit where credit is due.
I may have screamed, “Get over here, the cake is about it fall!” to gather people. It was keeping with true Food Network Challenge style. Suspenseful and a little wonky.
It was delicious though. A parent asked for my recipe. Not sure if she was mocking me or was really interested because that baby was directly out of da’ box. I did add my flair with the icing, half store bought half whipped cream cheese to cut the sugary taste. Maybe it was the lack of eggs that made it so moist and yummy.
Such a fitting present. This trumpet got a lot of use after the party. Until I made my oldest stop. I was ready to donate my ears to charity by that point.
Things I did not get photos of: the instrument making table for one. I set out tubes, tin foil, bells, pipe cleaners, empty containers, corks, chopsticks and tons of duct tape so kids could make their own instruments. We also showed a video clip of the Ok Go song and a few other drumming winners from youtube.
This being my favorite:
And then there was Fishel. Poor guy has taken a bit of a beating on my porch. I plan to shellac him soon to salvage what I can of his dignity.
My little guy is 4 and will be starting pre-k next year. It amazes me that I got so lucky in the family department. Happy birthday my little drummer. May you always march to the beat of your own drum.
Eartha, Can You Hear Me? May 10, 2010
Missing you Ms Kitsch (and even Jack).
Saw this and thought of you both.
Be well and be in touch!
T
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom May 9, 2010
Thank you Mom
For all the work you have done and continue to do for our family (and now my own family).
I appreciate you.
You are beautiful.
Breath May 5, 2010
It’s the final push at work, summer vacation coming. Feeling emotional to say goodbye to a wonderful group of kiddos and feeling a little like I am swimming in all the work of wrapping up a school year.
So I am taking the time to really appreciate spring, not flash forward to summer but to really take the time to notice all the new growth at our house. This is our first spring in the new house, our first house, and it’s so exciting to mark time by what’s blooming.
I feel lucky that this beautiful mature wisteria graces our front porch.
I am taking the time to smell (and photograph) the flowers.
I’m Not One to Brag, April 20, 2010
unless I’m talking.
Feel free to join me in bragging over at my new Thrift Therapy group on Flickr!
Today was a beautiful thrift day. It was a mother/son hang out day. My oldest son, 7, has the eyes of a hawk and can spot good thrift with the best of them (so very proud). We hit 3 thrift stores and came away with some vintage love.
I plan to paint the frames pink or something, anything, other than that yucky wood.
I got the pillow for 1 dollar. 1 DOLLAR!!! The art work came from another thrift store for $4.99 a piece. More than I like to spend at the thrift store but it seemed a match with the pillow. I often find that thrifting days have an unintentional theme. Today had a yellow thread.
I have a couple pair of these skates now. I am past my skating years (ok, weight) but in the day (read: elementary school), I happen to win a speed skate contest at the local rink. So maybe it should have read, “I’m not one to brag, unless I am talking OR typing”.
That does indeed say “50 cents”. I already put it on the shelf in my kitchen. I am a sucker for anything with it’s original packaging. Bake King!
An old napkin holder that I plan to use in my craft room for holding paper. No plans for the tiny coaster yet, but I snapped it up mostly because it’s metal and cheery.
My son spotted these bowling pins. We are debating turning them into candle sticks or planting them in the garden. What do you think?
My son also spotted 2 of these for a quarter each. Seeing as how we were feeling like SUPERWINNERs, we bought them.
I think I squealed when I spotted these. Planning to use them in the garden, pot some plants in them, maybe plant them to look like mushrooms or maybe just put on kitchen shelve. Any ideas?
This tape dispenser isn’t vintage but it was cheap and it’s a perfect combination of functional and quirky. The bug was a big fan.
I had a hard time taking a good photo of this. It’s solid brass, ugly beautiful and cost 3 bucks.
I hope to spray it red or rust it out and rewire it for my craft room. I say that but I have never had anything rewired in my life. Expensive? Reasonable? I think it’s going to work in the space. Photos to follow one day.
Another day of thrift therapy, I will go to sleep happy.
7 things April 10, 2010
I have been tagged by my much more beautiful, wittier, cooler and way younger blogger friend, Potty Mouth Mama.
Blame her.
1. I have used the word SHAZAM 2 3 times recently on my blog. Note to self, stop it.
2. I was born in Thailand. On my first trip back to the United States at around 8 months or so, some lady scolded my mom for traveling with a baby who obviously had the mumps. I did not.
3. I hate socks. I almost never wear socks. I live in the Northeast. My feet are often cold.
4. I do not like the sound of teeth brushing. You would be surprised how often movies and television depict people doing it. When I encounter the horrid noise, I stick my fingers in my ears, close my eyes and sing, “I’ve been working on the railroad”. I hate teeth.
Refuse to illustrate my pain.
Ok, could not resist. Yuck, right?
5. I am kind of scared of butterflies. They always fly at you so janky, seemingly without direction.
6. I once called 911 because I heard screaming. It turned out to be my screen saver.
7. I have squirrels living in my roof. I do not think they are cute even if Etsy tells me I should. 4,229 results for squirrel. No thanks.
Notice how I dropped off the photos at the end?
It was that or never publish and since I care about what Potty Mouth thinks of me, here it is.
I forgot to tag some folks. Here goes:
1.) Green Jello, I know you are not posting much these days. Neither am I. Just do it.
2.) Visty over at The Rinrins
3.) Kelly, or Ms Kitsch when you’re thrifty (did you hear Janet Jackson?) when your blog is up and running I would be thrilled if you would do me the honors. (p.s.- miss you like crazy over at Flickr)
4.) The Hidden Library, throw your hat into the ring?
5) any and all folks who would like to join.
If I forgot you, forgive me. I am computer-saturated.
Matinee Showing March 28, 2010
We are lucky enough to have these amazing vintage puppets on loan. They are so detailed and vibrant. The boys spent at least an hour setting up plays. Not so much dialogue but apparently the puppets are Irish step dancing enthusiasts.
Moment of deep concentration.
My youngest had to ask me for a few weeks to get these down off the top shelf. I was dragging my feet but am glad I took them from decorative to functional play today. The boys were careful with them and had a great time, not to mention I got a few shots out of it!
And now for all you Beyonce fans, we’re starting them young:
Craft: March 25, 2010
Shazam! I would have cleaned up had I known you were coming!
Nothing like a little shout out from Craft, to make you feel tingly all ovah.
Question March 14, 2010
I can not remember the name of an interior design site, I know you can help.
You post your photos and people vote how they like it, give suggestions, share advice etc. It may have even been a thumbs up/thumbs down thing, can’t remember.
Any thoughts?
And while we are at it, I like Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge plus I find Flickr to be a great source for amazing home photos but where else do you find inspiration online?
Thank you ever so much.
