tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88151988121913875402024-03-04T20:03:38.549-08:00damestarbabyMrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-28895303650138677862011-05-13T18:25:00.001-07:002011-05-13T19:30:49.392-07:00No Matter What<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3zydfMiM7H2eOWQnqc7dp7Kar6_rItbt6-Fz0CgwjWZlVTNyDMGtre57YE8JqD1QoG5LnIaNrU56U0JZFgPFMAlgDPIoFbxHsMyWQm8h5hJWM0bWm1Kg0W4skzRdY6nnnlEhE7cKY8-6/s1600/IMG_9019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3zydfMiM7H2eOWQnqc7dp7Kar6_rItbt6-Fz0CgwjWZlVTNyDMGtre57YE8JqD1QoG5LnIaNrU56U0JZFgPFMAlgDPIoFbxHsMyWQm8h5hJWM0bWm1Kg0W4skzRdY6nnnlEhE7cKY8-6/s400/IMG_9019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606377104572101634" /></a><br /><br />Allow me to explain.<br /><br />It happened like so many times before: from afar I heard the sound from my youngest that tells me she's been physically assaulted by my oldest. It's a specific sound, and way too familiar. My temper flares as soon as that sound hits my ears. Every time. <br /><br />This time, though, I make my way to the scene to find my little one shrieking about injustice, but the offender is nowhere to be seen. My temper rises, and I search, calling. No sign, no answer when I call her name. I am nothing short of livid at this point, clinching my jaw and muttering, rehearsing the words I'm going to scream at her once I find where she's hiding. They go something like, "<em>I don't care what she did, YOU CANNOT HIT HER!</em>" and "I KNOW you know better than that because it seems I have to tell you this <em>every single day</em>!!" and "God #@*&it, child, you best answer me when I call you!!!!"<br /><br />It's clear why she's hiding, I realize, as she sheepishly rises up from behind a rock outside our front door. My purple face tells her all she needs to know, but I manage to responsibly suggest that she stay at least an arm's length away from me while I deliver the verbal onslaught. (It's no wonder to me why she has trouble controlling her temper, by the way.)<br /><br />She wisely spent a whole bunch of time in her room before she tried to make her testimony. We were all much calmer and more rational at this point, though my anti-violence lecture still lasted about ten minutes. <br /><br />"Maybe if I wrote it down, it would help me remember," she suggested. "Perfect," I say, having forgotten the brilliance of assigning sentences as punishment. It's writing practice and discipline all in one!<br /><br />I line the paper and explain that these sentences are to be done in her very neatest handwriting or she'll have to start all over, that she's still in trouble and the words on the page are meant to sink deep into her head, and so on. She says, "<em>I get it</em>, mom, you can go now." Another wise move.<br /><br />The above picture is what I found when I checked in on her about five minutes later.<br /><br />A little dismayed, I ask why her letters go all crooked at the end of each sentence, and she answers, "Because it says, 'I will not hit my sister, <em><strong>no matter what</strong></em>.' You know, like you say when you really mean it."<br /><br />It's italics!! She wrote the emphasis words in italics. <br /><br />And just like magic, I'm not mad anymore.Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-27680302439454576022011-04-02T09:36:00.000-07:002011-04-02T11:15:18.088-07:00A Perfect CircleA Disclaimer: If you are unmoved by or uninterested in the amazing and often hilarious things that come out of the mouths and minds of children, this blog may not be for you. <br /><br />For the rest of you, here's a story written and read for you by my very own Mazzy, inspired by the <A href="http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?r=1&store=book&sid=365473&cm_mmc=Google-_-Children's%20Books-_-Laura%20Numeroff%20-%20If%20You%20Give%20Series-_-If%20You%20Give%20Books&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=if+you+give+books&utm_campaign=Children's%20Books&cm_mmca1=0652b578-77e1-60a9-6388-0000683f1b46" target=new>If you Give...</A> series by Laura Numeroff.<br /><br />Of particular brilliance are the illustrations.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/p7h7gEtU_1E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Atta girl, Maz.<br /><br /><br /><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like href="" show_faces="false" width="450" font="arial"></fb:like>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-62886839061363990672011-03-15T22:04:00.000-07:002011-03-24T17:33:52.076-07:00Mid-Week Music VideoI'm not too proud to admit that my family watches our fair share of YouTube videos. Some because they're funny, some because they're informational, and some because they're viral. My favorite ones, though, tend to be of the music variety. The old late-nineties MTv lover in me never died, I suppose, though the bands (read: the videos) I'd choose to tune into now would never have made it to premium cable.<br /><br />So, I think it's high time to fulfill an early teenage dream of being a VJ. If only once a week. Move over, Martha Quinn. <br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fnIwzZDOOQM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like href="" show_faces="false" width="450" font="arial"></fb:like>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-38499876846505921772011-03-12T13:51:00.000-08:002011-03-14T21:28:51.350-07:00Gifts For My Girls<div>I wanted to share some gifts I recently made for the girls. At our house, Mama-made gifts come when inspiration strikes, so they are specially cherished because they are one of a kind, designed so specifically with each child in mind, and filled with love.<br />First, for Scarlett, I made a little lady tool belt.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9RLI-esvSzcm8D0lA__y__B6YzRXEDYHWgROolFKGNXEwp6Y93t6eaDZjTS5lZDfhzGSY0ckqXNEQJHLsRpu5AY6cY0RrZByFV8gfgzr61wAShQg-yaAVPJ5o7HJWaAcWqypWNawtQs/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 354px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583316625023588322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9RLI-esvSzcm8D0lA__y__B6YzRXEDYHWgROolFKGNXEwp6Y93t6eaDZjTS5lZDfhzGSY0ckqXNEQJHLsRpu5AY6cY0RrZByFV8gfgzr61wAShQg-yaAVPJ5o7HJWaAcWqypWNawtQs/s400/IMG_0500.JPG" /></a> It was inspired by the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62363575/custom-ordermore-colors-leather-deerskin" target="new">stash belts</a> that can be seen in abundance at summer festivals. I salvaged the leather from an old coat that was begging to be repurposed. The leather was great, but the jacket was hideous. The butterfly clasp came from a flea market years ago and has been patiently waiting for me to put it to the perfect use.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 368px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583319316654946994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNi5Z8AggzNI6_5wNMFmZIquoZFRvCnRDHXuWafK-iiWUX-WBg_LzCEizzs02Pq5onpwHJl9cIGrMogN7q1X6yAcZzP_y6xPHeJ53TDzFQycGP6zuHgoC4zLN78J30L-Iolss8RKv9po/s400/IMG_0503.JPG" />This particular eight-year-old's utility belt features plenty of pockets for treasure collecting and little custom compartments to hold all of her essential tools: a pocket knife, a flashlight, a pair of scissors, a large purple whistle and (on special occasions) a hammer. Now those things she always seems to need are always within reach and her hands are free for climbing trees and riding her bike. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiG2K3HWyKnQ7uW_p4mQk17oLh0zm5YNQppGOZzhE220XCRtV0B_e0UDm0exg3oL3L24eGZ4-rjBji118Ggphx3TpPI-HrZfgtucNcv4K-vrCAH3Gg0efPxxCsu_lnXbUbvk0u7LdQqA/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 349px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583338498990878402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiG2K3HWyKnQ7uW_p4mQk17oLh0zm5YNQppGOZzhE220XCRtV0B_e0UDm0exg3oL3L24eGZ4-rjBji118Ggphx3TpPI-HrZfgtucNcv4K-vrCAH3Gg0efPxxCsu_lnXbUbvk0u7LdQqA/s400/IMG_0504.JPG" /></a>Next came Tallulah, who just had her first birthday. I wanted to make her something to help us remember this important milestone, something that would last, that would withstand being chewed on and dragged around and loved and still be around for her when she has a one-year-old in need of a Mama-made gift. And it had to be a doll.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz27O7V7JH9XPfitHUKmP_ypnb6v0kJT8zpVMxlBXZwpLoAJTYHS9hMEbBFG40eqDQnXv7c7vMn_G278i9ZHBeFiM4YvnR9HKfG3X1OPCEBVbE_dHzVvVxPyD5zjr3wnkaEexQ-P-0BM/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 329px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583342381204488514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz27O7V7JH9XPfitHUKmP_ypnb6v0kJT8zpVMxlBXZwpLoAJTYHS9hMEbBFG40eqDQnXv7c7vMn_G278i9ZHBeFiM4YvnR9HKfG3X1OPCEBVbE_dHzVvVxPyD5zjr3wnkaEexQ-P-0BM/s400/IMG_2278.JPG" /></a>She has red hair and blue eyes to match Tallulah's own, and I stuffed her with the sweetest smelling <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/soulyluna" target="new">wool bits</a> to avoid using polyfill. She fits right in with the rest of our <a href="http://damestarbaby.blogspot.com/2009/01/it-all-began-one-morning-in-october.html" target="new">doll family</a>, and most importantly, she fits just right in those loving little hands.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOkcgnHEIzLcOUuF0Xg6TaJ1qIkEd704ZrAJx6ujM-bVqr99tQNu5h1TUisBzQ6VqV1EWjk3b9Y2L0dh4od0_8Msrg3a7Io3E6Iwn6iF0Er6EQ8JoKN7m1CFTczMmtCslJWk5I7P5TFE/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583342924522228866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOkcgnHEIzLcOUuF0Xg6TaJ1qIkEd704ZrAJx6ujM-bVqr99tQNu5h1TUisBzQ6VqV1EWjk3b9Y2L0dh4od0_8Msrg3a7Io3E6Iwn6iF0Er6EQ8JoKN7m1CFTczMmtCslJWk5I7P5TFE/s400/IMG_2276.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ENu7LXIIJU-jPbEUfPNwEsVJTWe2vep1lT_DvI_kZd0dr15TV-h7GhXdsbTYkAm_qY8Eoq7ySXxVfwvF-5-jpAt5XufmxHT14FCDqAEPYbQ3KWVn1qzHvaMvx9HTUXHp_NuDeESFgug/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583344087641329938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ENu7LXIIJU-jPbEUfPNwEsVJTWe2vep1lT_DvI_kZd0dr15TV-h7GhXdsbTYkAm_qY8Eoq7ySXxVfwvF-5-jpAt5XufmxHT14FCDqAEPYbQ3KWVn1qzHvaMvx9HTUXHp_NuDeESFgug/s400/IMG_2279.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Me0FR_jjfZwYc_W_sdc9SFxU7EGmdwDen9VMpUewGJD-iinfeQ8G0QIGRGprSbuRVaQ0LWQMVBEthK0D6CjSSE2eEDMDsS5JfsV-fOC9k4ovqeL5pNTKaZ6CUSdqCEauYCnaNf3F54M/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583344091666134994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Me0FR_jjfZwYc_W_sdc9SFxU7EGmdwDen9VMpUewGJD-iinfeQ8G0QIGRGprSbuRVaQ0LWQMVBEthK0D6CjSSE2eEDMDsS5JfsV-fOC9k4ovqeL5pNTKaZ6CUSdqCEauYCnaNf3F54M/s400/IMG_2294.JPG" /></a>I get such a feeling of satisfaction from creating something with my own two hands for the ones I love. I hope you feel a little inspiration to make something for yours. </div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-76020286675385224722011-03-05T15:36:00.000-08:002011-03-05T15:52:13.609-08:00Drums, Please...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">A list:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(for those of you looking closely, this was only one of two pages of names)</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX0vM85pH9Vtl2_jNBD69r1hfOUBNDd9lVjJRDdVAIFiC55YwDT2368VoGVIGNkW7DrZW9rDVwxQwfhc7VccZ8lTaDG9AFQYdmkaevIUQg746KZwQ12SboiOpOmUq76pWRibF5YOWI_RW/s1600/IMG_8975.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580744217353999026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX0vM85pH9Vtl2_jNBD69r1hfOUBNDd9lVjJRDdVAIFiC55YwDT2368VoGVIGNkW7DrZW9rDVwxQwfhc7VccZ8lTaDG9AFQYdmkaevIUQg746KZwQ12SboiOpOmUq76pWRibF5YOWI_RW/s400/IMG_8975.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A hat:</span> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EN9dOc4qJTP1HPhE8olM-fMFMmfAInbTS4VtOxE0aKBsCmOkk5k8qhA-ke6n3g9wn3CPS0V77JlJJ2NxJXxENzM0A2QPrGlu4d-kj42hWybhGD46oWg4acKQD_tjAYgt774eXcvGL9rO/s1600/IMG_8977.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580744224294149202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EN9dOc4qJTP1HPhE8olM-fMFMmfAInbTS4VtOxE0aKBsCmOkk5k8qhA-ke6n3g9wn3CPS0V77JlJJ2NxJXxENzM0A2QPrGlu4d-kj42hWybhGD46oWg4acKQD_tjAYgt774eXcvGL9rO/s400/IMG_8977.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A hand:</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUbWgCqUIlDDjNsb9VMlvhtX3764YVzmHtvcSeyqEVp3xOne4IoYgrW_p3WfSYxEYUTrP1JFhuxPs8owvyZjatrAVBvPt5F-UoOt1zxKsUGihtapJ1ySdJShys12Ye_L7_ANpmyhESKkW/s1600/IMG_8978.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580744225171799378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUbWgCqUIlDDjNsb9VMlvhtX3764YVzmHtvcSeyqEVp3xOne4IoYgrW_p3WfSYxEYUTrP1JFhuxPs8owvyZjatrAVBvPt5F-UoOt1zxKsUGihtapJ1ySdJShys12Ye_L7_ANpmyhESKkW/s400/IMG_8978.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A winner!:</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj55R5bERpIden79DrPEmhH8rEdMmDY-ugxpjJAubzmSlGWFTj1jjF0mCK-g7QaQ8M9meyoeIyD_gKmLtQf9TAVv_DLh4nVQKp6pKrljF40hGsI7rcez-0EgVcDJR6h9rZgcWd2xG-dq7/s1600/IMG_8982.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580744232871869394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj55R5bERpIden79DrPEmhH8rEdMmDY-ugxpjJAubzmSlGWFTj1jjF0mCK-g7QaQ8M9meyoeIyD_gKmLtQf9TAVv_DLh4nVQKp6pKrljF40hGsI7rcez-0EgVcDJR6h9rZgcWd2xG-dq7/s400/IMG_8982.jpg" /></a>Congratulations, Mrs. Hunter.<br /><br />Thank you to ALL of you who commented, liked, joined, shared and tweeted!<br />We're happy to have you. </div>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-53816785634386918612011-03-02T13:34:00.000-08:002011-03-02T22:57:08.100-08:00An Ordinary Average DayWe are:
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<br />~Building a small scale Cherokee Indian longhouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EFKGz1BMYL7cF2gapqfzz4q3fbOZLlSWZNk3V2wM3Lnt-0V94d6lHZXWfk1sQ-5XMuA2C1j0FEdJuLHh5HYOo_5_3kQA4fO1-rYmNDTmJu7TBc22SzCwYT9JeJWoI8SVwvAB1k-KaLc/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG">
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EFKGz1BMYL7cF2gapqfzz4q3fbOZLlSWZNk3V2wM3Lnt-0V94d6lHZXWfk1sQ-5XMuA2C1j0FEdJuLHh5HYOo_5_3kQA4fO1-rYmNDTmJu7TBc22SzCwYT9JeJWoI8SVwvAB1k-KaLc/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG"><p></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EFKGz1BMYL7cF2gapqfzz4q3fbOZLlSWZNk3V2wM3Lnt-0V94d6lHZXWfk1sQ-5XMuA2C1j0FEdJuLHh5HYOo_5_3kQA4fO1-rYmNDTmJu7TBc22SzCwYT9JeJWoI8SVwvAB1k-KaLc/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579606130327977250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EFKGz1BMYL7cF2gapqfzz4q3fbOZLlSWZNk3V2wM3Lnt-0V94d6lHZXWfk1sQ-5XMuA2C1j0FEdJuLHh5HYOo_5_3kQA4fO1-rYmNDTmJu7TBc22SzCwYT9JeJWoI8SVwvAB1k-KaLc/s400/IMG_2306.JPG" /></a>~Getting a little carried away and making elaborate furniture to go in the Cherokee Indian longhouse
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLFFG1iK_aeiPeLMpWTfv-7dUSQ8-CZDV-2EroEiJgQiKrLO17Ii2xT2qdUAjLiDX6oAu8R0LOOlKMUG3Yu8bGdfZxR_K50ZL8fSlDOvz8erLsmTFpLtKQCaRzOVpVeyOQNM4nkCr4MI/s1600/IMG_2305.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 365px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579606129268721458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLFFG1iK_aeiPeLMpWTfv-7dUSQ8-CZDV-2EroEiJgQiKrLO17Ii2xT2qdUAjLiDX6oAu8R0LOOlKMUG3Yu8bGdfZxR_K50ZL8fSlDOvz8erLsmTFpLtKQCaRzOVpVeyOQNM4nkCr4MI/s400/IMG_2305.JPG" /></a> ~Wearing big girl panties and filling <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everyone's</span> boots with goodies from Mama's basket
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtAigccPKUtFcvphC68FMmYweossZCh-tCmeqC60p07SOhCMJMm7B0SPnUXTutUIrUc9w3btpffAvRD46TzwVc__j2hxE3edjSz-AbtfMs7NsOVkmWsu-v0onok2jooxTqlvVRM6PRDs/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579606122891543474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtAigccPKUtFcvphC68FMmYweossZCh-tCmeqC60p07SOhCMJMm7B0SPnUXTutUIrUc9w3btpffAvRD46TzwVc__j2hxE3edjSz-AbtfMs7NsOVkmWsu-v0onok2jooxTqlvVRM6PRDs/s400/IMG_2144.JPG" /></a>~Drinking Carrot-Orange-Lemon juice with a side of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Wheat grass</span>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWvY3zNq38ojEqSgmXo7f58WEYbYpVR8bK5lMtjbehQfHW3PpGWGGpr5j9Klodcu9jNDyI2rACAMTEHe6WWpZ30B1znuumTRmSd_IcrMGjyztMbrUZbii-6Ap-Yq6RsF6D2SWeHyn5YQ/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579606116195882450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWvY3zNq38ojEqSgmXo7f58WEYbYpVR8bK5lMtjbehQfHW3PpGWGGpr5j9Klodcu9jNDyI2rACAMTEHe6WWpZ30B1znuumTRmSd_IcrMGjyztMbrUZbii-6Ap-Yq6RsF6D2SWeHyn5YQ/s400/IMG_2316.JPG" /></a> ~Working on novel #2
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb27eya9OA9mshfgFXGP_5cPwlPddLYByB5Q6bKnrQ0S7fZ3rLJ0nsPbMZOv4YK_R0s4yvkxsy9EIR2BH5aB6blwEMUAcjiT4ZOzRADEOsrX-buRswoHl0SfMudSbphM2SR4wOIGKLoA/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579606111110415842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb27eya9OA9mshfgFXGP_5cPwlPddLYByB5Q6bKnrQ0S7fZ3rLJ0nsPbMZOv4YK_R0s4yvkxsy9EIR2BH5aB6blwEMUAcjiT4ZOzRADEOsrX-buRswoHl0SfMudSbphM2SR4wOIGKLoA/s400/IMG_2314.JPG" /></a> ~Dropping one kid off <a href="http://nimbusarts.org/">here</a></div>
<br /><div>~Meeting my best<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5316937953/"> girl </a>for afternoon coffee <a href="http://www.themodelbakery.com/">here</a></div>
<br /><div>~Eating veggie burgers for dinner <a href="http://gottsroadside.com/">here</a></div>
<br /><div>~Heading back home for a little American Idol with the girls.</div><div>
<br />~Then off to bed to read a little bit of <a href="http://content.markbittman.com/books/food-matters">this </a>before I doze off to a good nights sleep so I can wake up and start it all over again.
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<br />How did you spend your day?
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-57987219790302662662011-02-26T14:22:00.000-08:002011-02-26T23:16:49.705-08:00Our First-Ever Giveaway!!<div align="center">You may have noticed, and you may have <em>not</em>, that we haven't blogged in some time.<br /><br />There are many, many reasons for this: Winter boredom, laziness, a sharp decrease in desire to spend any more time than absolutely necessary in front of the computer, particularly with a willfull button-slamming toddler on the scene, and a sharp increase in desire to cook and read and snuggle with our real babies. The most important reason, though, is that DamestarBaby (and all that comes with it) has always been second to our ever-evolving families. We mother first, and sew second. We're super grateful to have the option of ignoring our business when we need to, and so are our kids.<br /><br />That said, we still sort of feel bad, and we're ready to start paying attention again. What better way to celebrate than with a giveaway?!<br /><br />So, here's the deal: the winner will receive two shirts of their choice in any size they'd like. TWO SHIRTS. For example,<br /><br /></div><div align="center">a Chakra shirt for your daughter<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfu2nfYqViEj9D9NZ8pODDA5uH46Fo8ruuTI9nqU0iJSLWct2n1LV6Bj3HvJ-3D-eqA7WdRWDCe08w6MlTm0djw2nqhWfRzkRQc5hggepcG9lVMid9bCNKm_xSiiuUYkrrMGKPG0SK22o/s1600/P1110267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578142965419549554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfu2nfYqViEj9D9NZ8pODDA5uH46Fo8ruuTI9nqU0iJSLWct2n1LV6Bj3HvJ-3D-eqA7WdRWDCe08w6MlTm0djw2nqhWfRzkRQc5hggepcG9lVMid9bCNKm_xSiiuUYkrrMGKPG0SK22o/s400/P1110267.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>and a Guitar for the little man in your life.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijn3c1OFEkn6LFYrdBLHEXQDxjuY_6XENjMGrA4T7JlBJWs9uFpcXBrQo2_irQsWHySq6wf3NBuPEmodt9G9r3ULFvJyjI7cvzeO3wO68uvIlRil-3DN0fo0XZ6MuWukYhZxQwKPRHjNKm/s1600/Guitars+in+Black+front.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 367px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578142954170286514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijn3c1OFEkn6LFYrdBLHEXQDxjuY_6XENjMGrA4T7JlBJWs9uFpcXBrQo2_irQsWHySq6wf3NBuPEmodt9G9r3ULFvJyjI7cvzeO3wO68uvIlRil-3DN0fo0XZ6MuWukYhZxQwKPRHjNKm/s400/Guitars+in+Black+front.JPG" /></a>Perhaps a gift for a birthday party,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEFC-TeRUx20a4AUreC6JCGX6k17h9uq-gxfPBcHZeBbv12p5CDt3lKGBrx18_QTVLnxVIjiVTWftFNTs50OKdR7muH8dhWle8ocKhH2aQiR7lh1ehwX2sdJe4RpUd7k4lf4fc1mokAA0/s1600/PICT1458.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578142963232453938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEFC-TeRUx20a4AUreC6JCGX6k17h9uq-gxfPBcHZeBbv12p5CDt3lKGBrx18_QTVLnxVIjiVTWftFNTs50OKdR7muH8dhWle8ocKhH2aQiR7lh1ehwX2sdJe4RpUd7k4lf4fc1mokAA0/s400/PICT1458.JPG" /></a>or just a little wardrobe lift.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhVaiz1Eq009r5crppEE0TZZsSkKoj951M1zjXt3UCiTu8z99kw2K-rNN1EFlJDVvTrTtaWCfK4LbcfZAKD1NpBN6uyP1cHsuW_H_aPt5G4pvSKfFH9B087Rz8N7tejiC7s5KbHuwsrpO/s1600/P1110346.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578142960078947650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhVaiz1Eq009r5crppEE0TZZsSkKoj951M1zjXt3UCiTu8z99kw2K-rNN1EFlJDVvTrTtaWCfK4LbcfZAKD1NpBN6uyP1cHsuW_H_aPt5G4pvSKfFH9B087Rz8N7tejiC7s5KbHuwsrpO/s400/P1110346.JPG" /></a></p><p align="left">These are just a few examples, peep the rest of our shirt options in <a href="http://www.damestarbaby.etsy.com/">our shop</a>.</p><p align="left">No matter how you slice it, you win two of our shirts, for free. Well<em>, almost</em>.</p><p align="left">It is a contest, and there are rules. It's like this, to enter you can:</p><p align="left">1)<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/DamestarBaby/86254152484?ref=ts">Become a Fan</a> of DamestarBaby on Facebook</p><p align="left">2)<a href="http://www.damestarbaby.blogspot.com/">Follow</a> the DamestarBaby blog</p><p align="left">3)Link back to this post on your own blog or Facebook wall or Twitter feed</p><p align="left">If you are already a fan and a follower, just comment so and you'll be entered. If you do more than one of the above, leave a separate comment for each action and you'll have twice (or thrice!) the chance of winning.</p><p align="left">We're procrastinators ourselves, so we'll give you a whole week. This giveaway ends Saturday, March 5 at 3 p.m. The winner will be chosen at random, because we couldn't possibly choose which one of you we like best.</p>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-34693380573222904232011-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:002011-01-04T19:07:08.105-08:00OK GoHere's a brilliant, worthwhile way to spend seven spare minutes: watch these two videos and tell us which is your favorite. <br /><br />Grab your kids first, they'll want to see this, too.<br /><br /><object width="448" height="272"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UJKythlXAIY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UJKythlXAIY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="448" height="272"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="448" height="272"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qybUFnY7Y8w?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qybUFnY7Y8w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="448" height="272"></embed></object><br /><br />AWESOME, right?!Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-29058580365173676072011-01-02T22:44:00.000-08:002011-01-02T23:46:53.814-08:00Ringing InIf the quality of our coming year is in any way connected to the quality of our New Year's Celebration, then 2011 is sure to be a year to remember.<br /><br /><a title="Untitled by DamestarBaby, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5316936341/"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5316936341_783c312e62.jpg" width="500" height="479" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Untitled by DamestarBaby, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5316935513/"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5316935513_5c26cf5a9d.jpg" width="497" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Untitled by DamestarBaby, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5316936859/"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5316936859_fda11c77a9.jpg" width="500" height="411" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Untitled by DamestarBaby, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5317532762/"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5317532762_b807dc0b5b.jpg" width="500" height="467" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Untitled by DamestarBaby, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5316937953/"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5316937953_e55a5af0a9.jpg" width="406" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Untitled by DamestarBaby, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damestarbaby/5317533944/"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5317533944_364286a8b1.jpg" width="500" height="368" /></a><br /><br />Our annual NYE Christmas Tree Burn was gathered 'round by our closest friends, and sparks flew higher than ever. The kids all made it to midnight, which is good, because if they hadn't, they'd have missed the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13075164@N02/5313264290/" target="new">snow</a>. <br /><br />The Midnight Moment turned magnificently surreal when our bonfire sparks rose to meet huge flakes of snow, falling silently onto our squealing children. Magical, truly.<br /><br />Back in the warmth of the house, we indulged in a little friendly boys v. girls <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WjRrVIf5uY" target="new">Just Dance</a> competition. Those pictures, however, are best left to the imagination.<br /><br />We rung it in right, and can't wait to see what we get back.<br /><br />Cheers, all, to 2011!Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-69835350152997754232010-09-26T22:18:00.000-07:002010-09-26T23:00:33.151-07:00A Match Made<div align="center"> <em>"How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em."<br />— Shel Silverstein</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521461405289166546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ddc2TRDkU5_0OjkoEoLg0mTOD71bswwJzemqPerDPu55BdetiLgxyHvsFCpFmF3ldoznBdcV-VLZSoENIYqKBUWDDpyhToCwcc-iDw8kE2SLNIdR_aZ_kp-YG3EFY2PaBI0nNP7oEo1L/s400/T+%26+B.JPG" /></p><p>Yesterday one of my oldest friends and one of my newest friends became wife and husband. People came from miles, from hundreds and thousands of miles, and across states and seas to watch. Everyone contributed. Some curled hair, some pitched tents, some arranged flowers, made dresses, took photos, baked cookies, danced, spoke, sang. The creative energy was palpable. Two worlds collided, and the explosion was breathtaking.</p><p>Yesterday I watched one of my best friends have the best day of her life. A day where she could look out and see all of her best friends gathered in one place - in a beautiful place on a perfect day - smiling and radiating love. </p><p>How much love inside a friend?</p><p>So much. SO much.</p>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-25407478492859121712010-09-22T08:54:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:08:27.064-07:00The Papa ChairIn our family we have what is called the "Papa chair". It is the most coveted place to be. Warm and safe and perfect for snuggling. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC7odNoIEJ17E_-tgDsVpyrDFlnc1ZqAODobwsbTr5QMjnzWU0ckC2bhS2Khl_OS9Aj_fmuo-Y8OO3JtAxAJIpyvo1DulpkVTnBTZHopees3jaFtvKDpWnvu2dPlgO_0STvG_HqCVXMI/s1600/P1160061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519767815371152882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC7odNoIEJ17E_-tgDsVpyrDFlnc1ZqAODobwsbTr5QMjnzWU0ckC2bhS2Khl_OS9Aj_fmuo-Y8OO3JtAxAJIpyvo1DulpkVTnBTZHopees3jaFtvKDpWnvu2dPlgO_0STvG_HqCVXMI/s400/P1160061.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHREeBiXrPKp8_HlU2Hix-L1pMrcIDgmTPcpJYckz9Li1OeWWkwLmTMRpc6Xn-MAOW1jYTUYogFcoxkCwCkVaValoIPX2sofz1GpCuhHAR3XmjrwuPBKQMChkt3ajmUMW6scSHCMS41aU/s1600/P1160065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519767812636487634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHREeBiXrPKp8_HlU2Hix-L1pMrcIDgmTPcpJYckz9Li1OeWWkwLmTMRpc6Xn-MAOW1jYTUYogFcoxkCwCkVaValoIPX2sofz1GpCuhHAR3XmjrwuPBKQMChkt3ajmUMW6scSHCMS41aU/s400/P1160065.JPG" /></a></div><br />The girls usually win this spot, but every so often I get my turn too.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-49966827868936927362010-09-02T13:01:00.000-07:002010-09-02T13:33:38.274-07:00Planets and Horses and Babies, Oh My!!<div><div>We're back from Summer break with some new goods in the <a href="http://www.damestarbaby.etsy.com/">shop</a>. </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(Oh, did we not tell you we were taking a break? Our bad.)</span></div><div></div><br /><div>First, the horse shirt Scarlett's been asking for since she was three has finally come to life. It's a good thing we spent all that time thinking about it, because it came out just right.</div><div></div><div align="center">The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55356854/dream-of-horses">Dream of Horses</a></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55356854/dream-of-horses" target="new"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512411426898377778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5jrRmb-7DgIpnsFyYSYSiIVIcUCfEncvy43Qf9rQOxc_yo46ZaUyFxvnqGskOPDzMVpmzYJoUIQfwtKzlH2B2NgWm_05gz5axjBRM6I5Y4w-4kaF8PhV4xCKGLPa_n93JL8CkaTnkAEZ/s400/Copy+of+P1150130.JPG" /></a></div></div><br />Next, we tip our hats to third graders everywhere with our own model of the Solar System. Only ours isn't made out of styrofoam and wire hangers. <br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55359438/intergalactic-planetary">Intergalactic Planetary</a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55359438/intergalactic-planetary" target="new"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512411442318610146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYqRdkFBOgaz9lEUzDaNVBzb3-vprTSyERJTdb4g8Ru89NnuPFuuIF0qDd_fDL117wOJHDR38zIVFjr5DxImdawJRyj1cLwBOvB4SwFPZ9JUt6gyJN4VToKzDhMJvQcAaB7A5xUoiLVzS/s400/P1150589.JPG" /></a> <p align="left">And last but not least, Tallulah makes her official Etsy debut today. She'll be popping up more and more now that she sits and stands (!), putting the baby back in DamestarBaby. </p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55364866/baby-chakras">Baby Chakras</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55364866/baby-chakras" target="new"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512411453715164482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEMzhOfbnrbJmChVj978nOR31rPsKQMDNqEQcDi3j0XrWJ9fiXf0PyipVdo4A1t_It1UjtClIbIXH1OMeDIZjtv5ZbfnL9hGf_7r59VmTDz_3omlYCJ8EZpCXyhg5KF4_ARcXEsG_k9hA/s400/P1150456.JPG" /></a></p>Going back to school in style!Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-91010951142128201542010-08-30T08:45:00.000-07:002010-08-30T10:03:42.462-07:00My Summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAG2bKS-x50dyc9dqpH2J2obseHUNKW1Z2IJh8FhWxi8xE8C3FqIHZoShfne2ighzR8PMRoJBFXCZTBy1kFkmurB5F7jMAffNX0Vye1WV0u0v-eIbZ0FvdI9HZ7HGkq6Kyg31GKvGbAk/s1600/P1150210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506777816725830690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_lCvC96cvtbdilY8mdcUGglG-ySmkhBPg0SBiVGTNekKRmDN14TV1vRVj5c05p7UmE96ZJJtba3BWJt6iU2l2sqSotyFLv9t-PkWNw80L2V71KMlQZvv0Ayc88HohQBcKDK5zxZ0OIQ/s400/P1150010.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCbotY8zUlbaSBTMT3aS8ZkU98z2ctOwhFtDuUebH6-gbE8Mr9WPAbBym4AJoh13b7EgdgbJyMKSIydfgH8y9Egx5hdKPPB5-xVQ2tvLdYxwu6hbsUpv-3femMxf_50dri45vk_pdDF0/s1600/P1140560.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506777810685662610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCbotY8zUlbaSBTMT3aS8ZkU98z2ctOwhFtDuUebH6-gbE8Mr9WPAbBym4AJoh13b7EgdgbJyMKSIydfgH8y9Egx5hdKPPB5-xVQ2tvLdYxwu6hbsUpv-3femMxf_50dri45vk_pdDF0/s400/P1140560.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt38_y6okE6C2NPOwUfdfyANecwAVezQYcTaiZcgm7g9tBaZa9p2TMk0xhdTy2MW9q7tIGsHpcgx4sMjnxSD7L3gXLYtaXDrQHGIMSgiYoBa8iVvUPq2vtePmbT9T2pL7NegpRW3WYieE/s1600/P1140420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506777806676622354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt38_y6okE6C2NPOwUfdfyANecwAVezQYcTaiZcgm7g9tBaZa9p2TMk0xhdTy2MW9q7tIGsHpcgx4sMjnxSD7L3gXLYtaXDrQHGIMSgiYoBa8iVvUPq2vtePmbT9T2pL7NegpRW3WYieE/s400/P1140420.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0nfYIpV09L_0a8ky5gZxzAVYGqhmsP56Ivzn2a5bKhs1MvedOuuPjL2DP-qv0MN4JU47PeHKDAvfmHXjwPQtXiIZTnkWYgGX8iinVOVHZmuEFXXexBPtJr2fLmQwqRMYDwqp4rxRqnA/s1600/P1150029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506777796764496322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0nfYIpV09L_0a8ky5gZxzAVYGqhmsP56Ivzn2a5bKhs1MvedOuuPjL2DP-qv0MN4JU47PeHKDAvfmHXjwPQtXiIZTnkWYgGX8iinVOVHZmuEFXXexBPtJr2fLmQwqRMYDwqp4rxRqnA/s400/P1150029.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOmDtl0u81CFM9kJnpjRVxXy8mNHcqc0nCjMkCfNZD-Mt89CxA_Hohe9FyEMj__uyv2GHsr1ULsV3AoZSWpfxzUEj_Q2r3X1J_IxU6ZTavJZJrVm3Y0GcmGoNSG3u7SsRPYFTvY2ANFQ/s1600/P1150040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506777790680365938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOmDtl0u81CFM9kJnpjRVxXy8mNHcqc0nCjMkCfNZD-Mt89CxA_Hohe9FyEMj__uyv2GHsr1ULsV3AoZSWpfxzUEj_Q2r3X1J_IxU6ZTavJZJrVm3Y0GcmGoNSG3u7SsRPYFTvY2ANFQ/s400/P1150040.JPG" /></a> </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-42144219466255646032010-07-06T17:06:00.000-07:002010-07-08T14:21:42.857-07:00High Times<div align="left">This past weekend found the JLF high up in the California mountains at <a href="http://www.highsierramusic.com/">High Sierra Music Festival</a>. Four days of music, sun, trees, dirt, skin and smiles all around. I was far too busy merrymaking to take pictures, which is probably best for all parties involved.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491647255953073618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGZlFeGU6AP2lzm_3mkep5sGLz7qN1qrBT3yVQIUM9_L7PlWZSSkCub79Os2b99Z207MhByohuUxWjS-GLpjvZpiZAWgi5YsHqUqPj56k3mZdJ8J8OpGF8fw0cApX3GPNHLiYrl1v4y8p/s400/hsmf.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">**this photo here was taken by </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/1yen/sets/72157606577173890/"><span style="font-size:85%;">1yen</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> at flickr.com**<br /></span>My words, as well as any still picture I could have snapped, fall short of describing the scene at High Sierra: the energy, the constant movement, the colors, the feeling. Since it only comes but once a year, everyone's more than happy to let it all hang out, which I suppose is why I hesitate to take photos. You know, "What happens at High Sierra stays at High Sierra."<br />Here's a little video tour of the most memorable moments from this year's freakiness. Again, nowhere near the same as being there, but at least not as hot.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HyFZdHj6MaM&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HyFZdHj6MaM&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />These parades happen daily, providing the recommended daily dose of booty-shaking.<br />My favorite night of the Festival was the one my husband and I spent watching this band, <a href="http://www.drdogmusic.com/">Dr. Dog</a>, tear it apart until 4 in the morning. I am now obsessed.<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gF2OvHJBS5w&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gF2OvHJBS5w&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />The Carolina Chocolate Drops, blending hip hop and old time like it's that easy.<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1XBw3KRFlSk&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1XBw3KRFlSk&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />The ever-present hoopers and spinners decorate the festival in circles.<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5WlLYudrVQ&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5WlLYudrVQ&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />And last but not least, <a href="http://www.theavettbrothers.com/us/home">my favorite pair of brothers</a> performed this same version of my favorite song they sing. I think they might have even been wearing the same clothes. Mmmmm.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YO9n-dX2H6U&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YO9n-dX2H6U&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />I relish the yearly opportunity to revive the freak in me, but it's also lovely to come home to a peaceful, clean, shaded space.<br />Until next year.</p>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-54384929607454910912010-06-13T12:22:00.000-07:002010-06-13T12:23:49.635-07:00Scarlett's BlogHi my name is Scarlett and I am seven.Last night I cooked dinner.My mom told me how to cook it.Icooked greanbeans.And I cooked pasta.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzp_ZEApihuiOZBis4QuwDsLwRFa8dv7glmz6umCrbSa0DWenY6tp3K_ZIhsCLN4vB0SbKex78_CMnNztuM_UoOvTHQtkpe8mjMNUeao83TrQYFtdPG39slFaDkxW2F38RGm1riiQljU/s1600/P1130684.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464558824453127698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzp_ZEApihuiOZBis4QuwDsLwRFa8dv7glmz6umCrbSa0DWenY6tp3K_ZIhsCLN4vB0SbKex78_CMnNztuM_UoOvTHQtkpe8mjMNUeao83TrQYFtdPG39slFaDkxW2F38RGm1riiQljU/s400/P1130684.JPG" /></a> I diced tamatose.I found a holapaneo in the greanbeans.While we were eating dinner we played my favoret game.UNO.I love that game.My Daddy won two games and Mommy also won two games.I only won one game.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV23G8_h5T29Wv2wx4D_HOt6Riivv9_6j4mmziO9Wil4VWFrgaSQ9kjY9UT4-ZAC14viSZfGdUX9bpBKidEqQ0cgh3PKerP64L4V17drtctsH-LgFtQyg79HW7wKgOIQeGAH0ctwIcwl8/s1600/P1130688.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464558816843359890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV23G8_h5T29Wv2wx4D_HOt6Riivv9_6j4mmziO9Wil4VWFrgaSQ9kjY9UT4-ZAC14viSZfGdUX9bpBKidEqQ0cgh3PKerP64L4V17drtctsH-LgFtQyg79HW7wKgOIQeGAH0ctwIcwl8/s400/P1130688.JPG" /></a> I love to cook!It makes me feel importent.I like contribute to the family espesely when people like the food that you cooked!Sometimes I cook<br />whith yarn in my bedroom !I folow a cookbook called BILLS OPEN KITCHEN!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRA1npufKTIJ3MEEYNOpDv5GQBTDjrXHhJNxV_JmMK1vj8OetY9NfLM49rph6YF3lokCWQrY9sP4lwQ828S_UuoeVh6jSlcPBjLtUfhXYWpgcgG3AE4iZLrbGllry9H_Tpu2T-QEVhu0/s1600/P1130686.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464558804021879682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRA1npufKTIJ3MEEYNOpDv5GQBTDjrXHhJNxV_JmMK1vj8OetY9NfLM49rph6YF3lokCWQrY9sP4lwQ828S_UuoeVh6jSlcPBjLtUfhXYWpgcgG3AE4iZLrbGllry9H_Tpu2T-QEVhu0/s400/P1130686.JPG" /></a>I have a baby sister!I love her she lahfs!<br /><div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-54273099861309058782010-06-11T14:03:00.000-07:002010-06-12T13:48:30.138-07:00Dreams Made Real<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I'm a very left-brain person. When it comes to creating things, I like to follow instructions. In the kitchen, I'm all about measuring cups and recipes. I'd really rather trace than draw free-handed. My favorite thing about Legos is the little step-by-step book that tells you what to make & how to make it. I love trying out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaimita/3405720379/in/set-72157616177892951/">complicated knitting patterns</a>, but I can't even begin to imagine how a person could make such a pattern up.<br /><br />The same goes for sewing, for the most part, which is why I leave most of the designing to my right-brained artistic partner. She has the vision, makes it into a pattern, and then I follow it. It's always worked well.<br /><br />This year, though, I found myself determined to <a href="http://damestarbaby.blogspot.com/2010/03/dreaming-up-dresses.html">make some dresses</a> on my own. I couldn't jump completely out of my comfort zone, so I followed (sometimes quite closely) a few different inspirations.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">The first came from the cover of an old Cookie magazine.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481633320502533282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3UH64AmZSt-KZ5OsNy8bqOBFPmDGgQKkCn3saaLNfOZ2uG4gfvAZy1h4b2lKl_fCtJyygo_n_eFo0wSQByxjw_z6T_3sLsd_oaIbAtCWARP3rBC-1jZf0MxBPI2og8i8ru3yz5hpgM_l/s400/IMG_8471.jpg" /> <p align="center">The dress just spoke to me, so I made my own version, fresh for Spring:<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV24nhFoQGF0cQGkN1isouf8kIY_V9Y7r5FjxMy-z7tUPTUQ0SwKge1OM0HcHOieKxkluMkogy0jqDVDU2ASOcWHNfPz3RrOfpeahzmpzreXJdJpWxyIeAVi4j2Q2acFamwUrmXDqguAr/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_8453.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481635145712829234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV24nhFoQGF0cQGkN1isouf8kIY_V9Y7r5FjxMy-z7tUPTUQ0SwKge1OM0HcHOieKxkluMkogy0jqDVDU2ASOcWHNfPz3RrOfpeahzmpzreXJdJpWxyIeAVi4j2Q2acFamwUrmXDqguAr/s400/Copy+of+IMG_8453.jpg" /></a>The second and third are sixties-style shift dresses, a la <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%3E%3Ca%20href=%22https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOc4-Yj5LlQ1NfeeTt2nkTHXKeOqBH8N5gFwwvds6O8npj7dB_Dno0vHtZ1LN-Mj8nuDKRWvtKvvU4tIeurTK_lGmMYKskT0Y7kjRhrbiRX5LCjQ2ijAjiERz1TSe0gZLvN-bMCedwnlX/s1600/Twiggy.jpg%22%3E%3Cimg%20style=%22TEXT-ALIGN:%20center;%20MARGIN:%200px%20auto%2010px;%20WIDTH:%20250px;%20DISPLAY:%20block;%20HEIGHT:%20400px;%20CURSOR:%20hand%22%20id=%22BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481633330868633682%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20src=%22https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOc4-Yj5LlQ1NfeeTt2nkTHXKeOqBH8N5gFwwvds6O8npj7dB_Dno0vHtZ1LN-Mj8nuDKRWvtKvvU4tIeurTK_lGmMYKskT0Y7kjRhrbiRX5LCjQ2ijAjiERz1TSe0gZLvN-bMCedwnlX/s400/Twiggy.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E">Twiggy</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOc4-Yj5LlQ1NfeeTt2nkTHXKeOqBH8N5gFwwvds6O8npj7dB_Dno0vHtZ1LN-Mj8nuDKRWvtKvvU4tIeurTK_lGmMYKskT0Y7kjRhrbiRX5LCjQ2ijAjiERz1TSe0gZLvN-bMCedwnlX/s1600/Twiggy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481633330868633682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOc4-Yj5LlQ1NfeeTt2nkTHXKeOqBH8N5gFwwvds6O8npj7dB_Dno0vHtZ1LN-Mj8nuDKRWvtKvvU4tIeurTK_lGmMYKskT0Y7kjRhrbiRX5LCjQ2ijAjiERz1TSe0gZLvN-bMCedwnlX/s400/Twiggy.jpg" /></a> She rocked a shift dress like no other, but I thought I'd try my hand at a couple of girl-sized<br />numbers. No pattern, just a picture of a pattern (baby steps).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici10-4px7w3YBnxzRWMZxKc4KmBflvuuQGziGpf_ZEDNmjuBCnB18hSfpFnN97-FwoPhIZRtW1MnfZ2ETDfkcqem9qdPvy5zB07J8JsDrzJyLEAA7Nz1BelYNzn4MMKow3nQQIxGXtq8j/s1600/shift+dress+pattern+pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481642231005908466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici10-4px7w3YBnxzRWMZxKc4KmBflvuuQGziGpf_ZEDNmjuBCnB18hSfpFnN97-FwoPhIZRtW1MnfZ2ETDfkcqem9qdPvy5zB07J8JsDrzJyLEAA7Nz1BelYNzn4MMKow3nQQIxGXtq8j/s400/shift+dress+pattern+pic.jpg" /></a> This one turned out quite Twiggy-ish if I do say so myself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2IEufae0sRtwQAsMKrBS1Dqgb4OpWHViaDOGLjgVWxwS4mbXMWnQ1nOFWFy2ateqeTxftpApQoiyyvgXBpJ2ZUeNX0RXe2MMD-WSxlmM5GqJHKU9mn_A4vTUGI6oQnvBrOSR5TdMZtSX/s1600/IMG_8474.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481643608814971890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2IEufae0sRtwQAsMKrBS1Dqgb4OpWHViaDOGLjgVWxwS4mbXMWnQ1nOFWFy2ateqeTxftpApQoiyyvgXBpJ2ZUeNX0RXe2MMD-WSxlmM5GqJHKU9mn_A4vTUGI6oQnvBrOSR5TdMZtSX/s400/IMG_8474.jpg" /></a>These first two will be available this Summer at our booth at the St. Helena Farmer's Market.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The third, my favorite (which I'm keeping for my own little style icon) was born when I saw this on <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">modcloth.com</a>:</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl_79fbzfGgEv1SvkSoNkS0B9QQLBH7-7PJwecR0Z37t2O_BhmLUO1Vyp8-rlqVNAKuyfbQzDj9XudxqWIE3CkBmycLGyq_vqe_WmVaihyRFksU1qw21DPATjAReSAQ2RzUBylEDR-Sij/s1600/The+Freida+Dress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481644611026250978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl_79fbzfGgEv1SvkSoNkS0B9QQLBH7-7PJwecR0Z37t2O_BhmLUO1Vyp8-rlqVNAKuyfbQzDj9XudxqWIE3CkBmycLGyq_vqe_WmVaihyRFksU1qw21DPATjAReSAQ2RzUBylEDR-Sij/s400/The+Freida+Dress.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"></a></p><p align="center">I upcycled a ruffly dress I picked up at a thrift store and...<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa5zHqno9qEFuOxURYinHy8fGsGOzXy7OkxoYVkhrlxlys-YwyWEdXyATX43JvybnP6m9iIe3zxpKWEVOHoLEg9y-5yiTfCl36cwb9eY-z7K5kwZDhVW3A-n3B1Aec72PGGj6nH2b6OXY/s1600/IMG_8407.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481646853542227058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa5zHqno9qEFuOxURYinHy8fGsGOzXy7OkxoYVkhrlxlys-YwyWEdXyATX43JvybnP6m9iIe3zxpKWEVOHoLEg9y-5yiTfCl36cwb9eY-z7K5kwZDhVW3A-n3B1Aec72PGGj6nH2b6OXY/s400/IMG_8407.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Now Mazzy has her own shift dress to rock at a certain <a href="http://soulyluna-tchotchkes.blogspot.com/2010/05/sneaky-peaky.html">highly anticipated wedding</a> we're attending in September.<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/The+Freida+Dress" target="new"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481635155016408722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB34F2naWluyP4zci8QZxkSdLOUq5TimARd20cv1gN3tvt0Y0w1hKd-ZiZT_18ulUyUWKSCq7MUnCQL81MCEDB-ns-32XJCkX69zU0Jk2Khg8kxVBdBadUH3DrbrNEV0ZjDfo5AtGDDn_/s400/IMG_8413.jpg" /></a> Plus, I made a new limited edition of our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49246832/polka-dot-traveling-dress">Traveling Dress</a>, which is available now in our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49246832/polka-dot-traveling-dress">shop</a>!!<br /></p><p align="center">The itch has been officially scratched.</p>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-32348474823572897102010-05-25T13:27:00.000-07:002010-06-03T14:39:02.311-07:00A Dull Moment, Please.<div align="center"><em><strong>Accident: (n.) </strong>a specific, unexpected, unusual and unintended external action </em></div><div align="center"><em>which occurs in a particular time and place, with no apparent and </em></div><div align="center"><em>deliberate cause but with marked, generally negative, effects.</em></div><br /><div align="left">We're two down on accidents here in the Jones household, and if karma comes in threes, I suppose I should lock my kids inside a padded room. Okay, separate padded rooms.</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Accident #1: Hokey Pokey Head Trauma</strong></div><br /><div align="left">Last week, at a small birthday gathering for a dear friend, my husband was at the piano playing a round of "Hokey Pokey" with an enthusiastic (this was <em>after</em> birthday cookies) group of our collective kids. Eden, my 3-year-old, turned herself around with a little too much gusto and slammed head-first into the piano bench, with markedly negative effects.</div><br /><div align="left">She cried (loudly), it bled (a lot), I had a little shock seizure (?!), and then it was over. We avoided the emergency room only because there was already a doctor in the house. Once the trauma subsided, Eden was just the same as before: laughing and singing. Except now she had this</div><div align="left"></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV3hPoNJdhsUjBdjJ_BfJi89AxLSjCLmpDFulfStD5H0hKt8prlU8ZMcSLQZcvCY97yPnQJaJmWSwC6JJjYkKU8qvEm3jLoDeNsQbQ8STDFN_Rvde6MgWhUbUZW23ApyKRcWzHDF-iptN/s1600/IMG_8379.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478651786474822898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV3hPoNJdhsUjBdjJ_BfJi89AxLSjCLmpDFulfStD5H0hKt8prlU8ZMcSLQZcvCY97yPnQJaJmWSwC6JJjYkKU8qvEm3jLoDeNsQbQ8STDFN_Rvde6MgWhUbUZW23ApyKRcWzHDF-iptN/s400/IMG_8379.jpg" /></a>But <em>before</em> the trauma had subsided, there was definitely a few moments where I thought that she (and we) would never be the same. Hence the seizure, I suppose.<br />But while I was beside myself, her resilience just amazed me. Five minutes (or maybe ten) of painfully intense crying and it was all over. Like, what's next? Why are you all standing there staring at me? Let's move on.</p><p>So we did. And then, a mere two days later...</p><p align="center"><strong>Accident #2: Surrounded by Bees</strong></p><p align="left">My two girls were out playing in the woods, where they often play and where we'd just had a birthday party a week before, when Eden was stung by a bee. </p><p align="left">It was a yellow jacket, actually, but a sting is a sting.</p><p align="left">Daddy ran to her rescue and by the time he got back to the house with her, I heard Mazzy out there screaming. I mean <em>screaming</em>. I ran out there as fast as I could, which was nowhere near fast enough, and by the time I got to her there were still about six bees going after her.</p><p align="left">So she's screaming, I'm crying, batting bees and ripping her clothes off, we're running back to the house, (a distance of about fifty yards) and all I could think was, "This is why people exercise." </p><p align="left">Let me say here that I have <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prattsville/2766406543/in/photostream/">lots</a> of <a href="http://soulyluna-tchotchkes.blogspot.com/2010/03/gold-medal-week.html">friends who run</a> for fun, and I never have understood what's fun about it. But after running across a field carrying my six-year-old, I was beyond out of breath and it occurred to me in a new way why running (when it's not an emergency) could be useful. </p><p align="left">Back to the point.</p><p align="left">Safe back at the house, Mazzy explained what happened, which was this: Eden started crying, saying she'd been bit by a bug and Mazzy was trying to figure out what was wrong when she saw a bee. Then she saw more bees and finally she discovered their hive in the ground. Feeling fierce and protective, she grabbed a stick and started whacking away at the hive. She got stung ten times and was scared half to death when I met her in the field.</p><p align="left">Again, her resilience was amazing. I've been stung plenty of times, and it <em>hurts. </em>But I've never been stung multiple times at once. Mazzy got stung TEN times, and she was over it in about five (or maybe ten) minutes.</p><p align="left">I think we've all learned something here. But is Eden going to stop dancing? Or are my girls going to stop playing in the woods? We'll just have to cross our fingers and hope for our luck to change. </p><p align="left">And, armed with Mazzy's map, we're going to get even with those bees.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhTsXAoTGDQxpxeltk-cAmMGG6JpT1zWiUFxZt-ZW-qwl1j_1TCyFrE-bhOdHaUjsT271sx4dkk0fkczH0QTdpiiVkhCN7B8Mxs3kE_8OO-Rydnx4x6vMm3iSC6zBi2HV8rQ2o4BrNUrA/s1600/IMG_8380.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478664546943095282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhTsXAoTGDQxpxeltk-cAmMGG6JpT1zWiUFxZt-ZW-qwl1j_1TCyFrE-bhOdHaUjsT271sx4dkk0fkczH0QTdpiiVkhCN7B8Mxs3kE_8OO-Rydnx4x6vMm3iSC6zBi2HV8rQ2o4BrNUrA/s400/IMG_8380.jpg" /></a><br /><p></p>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-78700374309823282992010-05-09T09:39:00.000-07:002010-05-09T11:04:33.648-07:00It Takes A Village<div>It's hard to pin Mother's Day down, because every year it's different. First it's Kindergarten crafts you bring home to your own mom, then it's phone calls to her from your college apartment. Eventually it becomes your own: first when you're pregnant and anticipating what motherhood will be, and finally when you're in it, when motherhood is your reality. </div><br /><div>No matter where we are along this evolution, as women, we can't help but be a bit sentimental on Mother's Day. Sentimental and appreciative. So today, this Mother's Day, I'm going to gush like only a mother can. </div><br /><div>I am joined on this path of child-raising by five very close friends, and it's them who I want to pause and appreciate this year. (If you're reading this, you're probably one of them, but if not, please forgive the personalness of this post, I simply can't help myself.) </div><div> </div><div>It's so easy to take your friends and family for granted. They're always there, a short car ride or phone call away. You see them all the time. But really, to have this close-knit circle of six such different women, who've all arrived at this place and time by their own circumstance, who've become so like family, is truly magical.</div><div></div><br /><div>They are amazing women, each of them in their own way, and amazing mothers.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNBtNlwCfBvk8PZQQmyz9EYfG2Ce7X2o-BULd0JUP-KidMeQRBr1OmEHl_8v0-Fcg9hFaU4h4hOQbahjTrXii9fBbromi2fICARp1Rnp49PoCp0r-65s45DME_r7TRA9OEDA3rO63KZyx/s1600/Maz+B-day+party+1st.+051.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469311363602439218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNBtNlwCfBvk8PZQQmyz9EYfG2Ce7X2o-BULd0JUP-KidMeQRBr1OmEHl_8v0-Fcg9hFaU4h4hOQbahjTrXii9fBbromi2fICARp1Rnp49PoCp0r-65s45DME_r7TRA9OEDA3rO63KZyx/s400/Maz+B-day+party+1st.+051.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzZMeEiLGdwUok_CxPT6Z8ufOvej1laAtOAcpXu6FFuqEdxAlZBhvResEhq6n21c2LVNZ9EC0NqlV_GquNPUSAUcoJKxHVye7jhzq0AlQFcX4Hz1K5Qv_Y8pOJ16fvTx6e1Q1D6ggCQBq/s1600/teg+%26+loma.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469311371702384146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzZMeEiLGdwUok_CxPT6Z8ufOvej1laAtOAcpXu6FFuqEdxAlZBhvResEhq6n21c2LVNZ9EC0NqlV_GquNPUSAUcoJKxHVye7jhzq0AlQFcX4Hz1K5Qv_Y8pOJ16fvTx6e1Q1D6ggCQBq/s400/teg+%26+loma.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOGrAWrr9dBWcTOfUFs2xgz2-1eMu3oLDWyZp0wQMmJy3A23vLBz2mQKnMWcwA4TUEIdng-s_RKPCHqgcKfal0ahXQwcjpoMAHapxA6imdtZvqPVkulddt7LjnWutNdaZbPzKdiY-J4lI/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469311362625001202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOGrAWrr9dBWcTOfUFs2xgz2-1eMu3oLDWyZp0wQMmJy3A23vLBz2mQKnMWcwA4TUEIdng-s_RKPCHqgcKfal0ahXQwcjpoMAHapxA6imdtZvqPVkulddt7LjnWutNdaZbPzKdiY-J4lI/s400/IMG_4171.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVF2nAZ6Yd7h3pUTAr6nMb_4jMKmZuQbj1NsJbCSFg2ilpglNmLPjrnUvh-95MrgFvXuNGTQKHP7dh8kpoDibwiDe0T3qQ5ng1pTn8fiS6SFE9mdeNQwHEA9VLupGlEiHP5yO43JeQIy4/s1600/IMG_6792.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469311351914652530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVF2nAZ6Yd7h3pUTAr6nMb_4jMKmZuQbj1NsJbCSFg2ilpglNmLPjrnUvh-95MrgFvXuNGTQKHP7dh8kpoDibwiDe0T3qQ5ng1pTn8fiS6SFE9mdeNQwHEA9VLupGlEiHP5yO43JeQIy4/s400/IMG_6792.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-P7XZg0HaW-M4YjwiWkWTUYBvfBwLgb7Ih0BumglmC8kip8iS-YXcKORo3d4aycsTHn_TbEAzx3m_E2hIf0-C0cIMxiTjEJfBNZDpXVsuftckWVtl2sx9R5d65cfZnRx2xZ9Uhdkm_Ba/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 331px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469311340247818130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-P7XZg0HaW-M4YjwiWkWTUYBvfBwLgb7Ih0BumglmC8kip8iS-YXcKORo3d4aycsTHn_TbEAzx3m_E2hIf0-C0cIMxiTjEJfBNZDpXVsuftckWVtl2sx9R5d65cfZnRx2xZ9Uhdkm_Ba/s400/IMG_0814.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNBwUWlsHnXs1o1WlPWWpiS7A5lTUKWB67q2SStiVA0auCVgqcT5_govXrcHAhWZcF8ERYoul_tpA-JrJZz9WGlD0LstUFoWWqCOUvwMsdvU93WruVCgUpWfP2tt8cjgMekTYESslrzaf/s1600/Maz+B-day+party+1st.+137.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318030216252754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNBwUWlsHnXs1o1WlPWWpiS7A5lTUKWB67q2SStiVA0auCVgqcT5_govXrcHAhWZcF8ERYoul_tpA-JrJZz9WGlD0LstUFoWWqCOUvwMsdvU93WruVCgUpWfP2tt8cjgMekTYESslrzaf/s400/Maz+B-day+party+1st.+137.jpg" /></a> Raising and nurturing not only their own children, but all the others' as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTIJ6ND7g1rTjczEIIAtojmldIh922lzDSIZo4XnyJXLW8z9QPPSIrgGFtxpdgwWOAPhyphenhyphenaYGIj4SXCWl6cJ3mrNln46CYDRJl6FnRcbSGByGAGRhmPXLUX2JL_l1cPTnoA5CC3OqPQPBt/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469319111868659874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTIJ6ND7g1rTjczEIIAtojmldIh922lzDSIZo4XnyJXLW8z9QPPSIrgGFtxpdgwWOAPhyphenhyphenaYGIj4SXCWl6cJ3mrNln46CYDRJl6FnRcbSGByGAGRhmPXLUX2JL_l1cPTnoA5CC3OqPQPBt/s400/IMG_0899.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUHjRG7YaIpWyMd27PDTJkTGkJPi3Xn1s-7_NneAfNb3OoEeLgf_RiJwauQUimqfGRZ9A8zyElmlxTmKIFHfPmjx_F9TvmK6Vt0c9QN42YoDUdjhuvC4ltSBRlZpnXgSQoYawKoIxUefU/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318035866398290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUHjRG7YaIpWyMd27PDTJkTGkJPi3Xn1s-7_NneAfNb3OoEeLgf_RiJwauQUimqfGRZ9A8zyElmlxTmKIFHfPmjx_F9TvmK6Vt0c9QN42YoDUdjhuvC4ltSBRlZpnXgSQoYawKoIxUefU/s400/IMG_5162.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKlzyEj4QA8cvy5oYYUsvkcrrBpC-_fsuwzlxfzRX3MKdqP7raMza_pbtiTjUKLcj3qk_uoB0uVLOME_nFSgAMD71aS87NnM3W2_AJqD_iE7W7ZUPJHjlTYdwLb1RhukyrBn0i2KaaBt-/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318055486484210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKlzyEj4QA8cvy5oYYUsvkcrrBpC-_fsuwzlxfzRX3MKdqP7raMza_pbtiTjUKLcj3qk_uoB0uVLOME_nFSgAMD71aS87NnM3W2_AJqD_iE7W7ZUPJHjlTYdwLb1RhukyrBn0i2KaaBt-/s400/IMG_7132.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP-Wf9zQWEC9iV1kEx1SthRGJbOOC5iVYo3hkk-QqDakQB2FTnt8_jXxrjQKayfdID8zrzCE4AMgLEjbqg11ZTV5aKvVf3nIe0plvrrUJmRkUBz47Yv649aF5K3u58__cDMbpU6ZMIHpv/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318045470150866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP-Wf9zQWEC9iV1kEx1SthRGJbOOC5iVYo3hkk-QqDakQB2FTnt8_jXxrjQKayfdID8zrzCE4AMgLEjbqg11ZTV5aKvVf3nIe0plvrrUJmRkUBz47Yv649aF5K3u58__cDMbpU6ZMIHpv/s400/IMG_2433.JPG" /></a> As we weave this web of friendship and family, we teach our kids the value of community.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDkmNy8DCgmoGHYCPNNiejE_KnPJZmmcrpGRR4GmoWh_3u-YfmluHx5IzbFHKv-ev6CVBpu99NI5lBH-J1lsndfwueHrkRFdfYnTZQn-XcnQlpVLymYcNRa5UFzEEr3tu691aizqQGP30/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469329909696426834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDkmNy8DCgmoGHYCPNNiejE_KnPJZmmcrpGRR4GmoWh_3u-YfmluHx5IzbFHKv-ev6CVBpu99NI5lBH-J1lsndfwueHrkRFdfYnTZQn-XcnQlpVLymYcNRa5UFzEEr3tu691aizqQGP30/s400/IMG_2275.JPG" /></a> That burdens are always lighter when shared, joys are so much greater when multiplied, and that smiles are the best kind of contagious.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaBsYDqJCew_wANdIA4kdHwPPNCgPuVpaeGDXJzJF7TqSknEn3wIZO57gpVbnoUaIwpOFM4zb8qkvGAR-NX310jTmbR9xkSQN1G6OUq5nA5JinQaQIfYwybulhTbXeufXKjszqaGWbs2c/s1600/IMG_7347.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318498103527746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaBsYDqJCew_wANdIA4kdHwPPNCgPuVpaeGDXJzJF7TqSknEn3wIZO57gpVbnoUaIwpOFM4zb8qkvGAR-NX310jTmbR9xkSQN1G6OUq5nA5JinQaQIfYwybulhTbXeufXKjszqaGWbs2c/s400/IMG_7347.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwcgHnUCcTFKMh6KJmZ6mLUyZqAsmTSOGWZ2xlyy3toGUN8msJoumLGJAPgC5GtuqZMdwypJmtrbDDtia7dJ-iKSTlenMkzFa-2-J1UZhxukggztLeKEcDB1Z_3FNf0jYT0mHbvLvVUd7/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318495783459954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwcgHnUCcTFKMh6KJmZ6mLUyZqAsmTSOGWZ2xlyy3toGUN8msJoumLGJAPgC5GtuqZMdwypJmtrbDDtia7dJ-iKSTlenMkzFa-2-J1UZhxukggztLeKEcDB1Z_3FNf0jYT0mHbvLvVUd7/s400/IMG_7217.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBDm8Nt-Bw639nuZ8mNnSB5MzdrZpvleVp0hsshnoFTEfu3uXtag8P4kh_BRCrDbvoh6D92NRRfN6WdtToYqNcew5Ov3b4zyVKGX_oap1uyO46iNPjCK4DeOt3Xi4WPiQlSH5NjyA6ZAX/s1600/IMG_7321.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318491509225362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBDm8Nt-Bw639nuZ8mNnSB5MzdrZpvleVp0hsshnoFTEfu3uXtag8P4kh_BRCrDbvoh6D92NRRfN6WdtToYqNcew5Ov3b4zyVKGX_oap1uyO46iNPjCK4DeOt3Xi4WPiQlSH5NjyA6ZAX/s400/IMG_7321.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NdT_G8nhJX_1lq3siFvLCt6IkKRf-qijInMVnwemrSYUHA_bNxnsbJUWbvGzAPuTut2lTNJ6nDPlEHsEpbCS2c0RMN1xia3uBw1YX3ep72_qdP6ftlAc3P8mBJShHXDYwYv2Y50oNaWX/s1600/IMG_6785.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469318481568145218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NdT_G8nhJX_1lq3siFvLCt6IkKRf-qijInMVnwemrSYUHA_bNxnsbJUWbvGzAPuTut2lTNJ6nDPlEHsEpbCS2c0RMN1xia3uBw1YX3ep72_qdP6ftlAc3P8mBJShHXDYwYv2Y50oNaWX/s400/IMG_6785.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>I think they're catching on.</p><p>So, thank you, my people, my girls, for all your love and support, for sharing your kids with me, and for taking such good care of mine. I love you all dearly.</p><p>And a Happy Mother's Day to you and yours.</p>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-31914573736226564152010-04-29T21:35:00.000-07:002010-04-30T09:43:34.437-07:00Portrait of a PhaseIf you're a parent you know (and if you're not yet, you'll find out) that your kids' lives move along in phases, undulating like really slow tide changes: they're sick, they're well; they're toothless, they're teething, their teeth fall out; they're chubby babies and then they're tall, lanky kids. But more generally, there's kind of an overarching ebb and flow that lasts anywhere from two to six months per cycle. For a couple months they fascinate you, amaze you and fill you with pride. Then that phase passes and for the next few months they defy understanding, amazing you in less positive ways, adding gray hairs to your head and causing you to question your abilities as a parent.<br /><br />Lucky for me, I'm enjoying the former with my five-(almost six!)-year-old. She's in the best phase yet, really, because the good stuff keeps getting better as they get older.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465963307380800306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTQq2Bu4uT3DVBuTbc12p7i9Vq1jAEOmlMsJKQyvqY6sVFxsRf2Lc4H8mmq-ZoTDtI6M8xjllLXAeopAG2hJYThiHszOBNDAbN8wsZawJo0OvMRqx-1ND_kQiAmK9fLfi8fsVkT_3ytXF/s400/IMG_8274.jpg" />I am just soaking her up right now because she's so much fun to hang out with. Brevity (you might have noticed) is not exactly my thing, suffice it to say that she's turning out even cooler than I hoped. I'll resist the urge to wax on and keep it to a short list.<br /><br />Here's a Top Five list of Mazzy's recent obsessions, which all contribute to the increased level of coolness:<br /><div align="center">1. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMKT0gGEBJQ&feature=related">Jem</a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Jon opened up this can of worms, and Mazzy has found her kindred spirit. They watch a full episode on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz4QRB25DSI&feature=related">YouTube</a> every Saturday morning. Now all she wants for her birthday is "Jem stuff:" glitzy fabric for Jem outfits, hair spray (which really means hair dye), and face paint. It's truly outrageous, indeed.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">2. Horse Kisses<br /></div><br /><div align="center">She made up a new kiss that puts Eskimo and Butterfly Kisses to shame. It's awesome.</div><div align="center">Here's what you do:</div><div align="center">Grab your child or anyone else you're in the mood to love on and tell them you want to give them a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD3nEBdMe0A&feature=related">horse kiss</a> (best to let them know what's coming). Rub your cheek against their cheek, then forehead to forehead, then the other cheek. Repeat until your heart is full.<br /></div><br /><div align="center">3. Unsolicited chores<br /></div><br /><div align="center">All kids "help" at times, but at five, she's old enough to <em>actually help</em> me around the house. Sure, she wants money in return, but emptying the dishwasher without being asked is well worth a quarter. She also likes to separate the laundry and set the table, but she draws the line at sweeping.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaimita/4565404559/" target="new"><http:><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465966369569549538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbgtfcvjHS-JiV-pVedep-fjt_z8i8I7_y9f1unD-sp-1QJJWmQVOHUL31DI4GLnY2G6srJdwPAvpqTZ0PqAtQY9cJcieYUnNiEJ_bKlRjsjEnbGfals20xHtZYxwiOCMSR3Jp3iN4OiM/s400/IMG_8276.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">*click note for translation*</span><br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">4. <a href="http://www.littlehousebooks.com/girls/laura.cfm">Little House</a><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I'm <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13075164@N02/3355773778/">not the first</a> to dive into Laura's world, but we've finally arrived. I've tried a few different chapter books with Maz, but she usually only lasts four or five chapters before she's over it. I wised up and got <a href="http://www.littlehousebooks.com/books/bookdetail.cfm?ISBN13=9780064400015">Little House in the Big Woods</a> on tape from the library. The effect was immediate: Mazzy was doing needlepoint before we got to the second tape.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">5. Pictures</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Now that she can read, Mazzy pronounces a few words differently. My favorite is "picture," which she pronounces with a T sound (pick-ter instead of pick-shur). "That's how you spell it, that's how I'm saying it," she insists.</div><div align="center">She's also taken to a bit of photojournalism. With my camera, she documented two recent outings:<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.napairis.com/">The Iris Garden</a></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5-qi66-s4-CaFgpTqqzXLjM_rCyNIsF8o4NSpz2wuUv8CgHrj3x95LpiqeRkGaBQZnMSvXVxppsx7CBE47jLw36jlJDKbo_-ylkTmeFJuVoYGmQxBuZKd2L6DmGaPtI4AsHijSn2xlCj/s1600/IMG_8170.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465825318081712754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5-qi66-s4-CaFgpTqqzXLjM_rCyNIsF8o4NSpz2wuUv8CgHrj3x95LpiqeRkGaBQZnMSvXVxppsx7CBE47jLw36jlJDKbo_-ylkTmeFJuVoYGmQxBuZKd2L6DmGaPtI4AsHijSn2xlCj/s400/IMG_8170.jpg" /></a> She took a picture of just about every flower on the property, and there are hundreds... the beauty of digital.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzY5rj8__isoXKMDE5UoHvtq8NYhd445yxRR4GVVqMJ3Z5ROozBamkjmLwQUxNnQZ_XtGXddrwdUmNxODJhn7tsHRTWgaaXccT1Pnqd7n02fP0RE2Y3QdP9AOHIjfh0XfSuoTq6J78dC9/s1600/IMG_8169.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465825324540987058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzY5rj8__isoXKMDE5UoHvtq8NYhd445yxRR4GVVqMJ3Z5ROozBamkjmLwQUxNnQZ_XtGXddrwdUmNxODJhn7tsHRTWgaaXccT1Pnqd7n02fP0RE2Y3QdP9AOHIjfh0XfSuoTq6J78dC9/s400/IMG_8169.jpg" /></a>She had Eden pose for her.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE2LHACFdNF2xQd2DAP2UUdU2nbJXy2PWDIYg16Hspc_OQnMNGKmzI5bdUprSV6l5bXHImFlqetU3GdIQAdAl46ySim4HKSOh4-NKDmPkGndsEnE0Bi78BmdGwGalxTn8HXT53dLTpKSJ/s1600/IMG_8119.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465825328753154066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE2LHACFdNF2xQd2DAP2UUdU2nbJXy2PWDIYg16Hspc_OQnMNGKmzI5bdUprSV6l5bXHImFlqetU3GdIQAdAl46ySim4HKSOh4-NKDmPkGndsEnE0Bi78BmdGwGalxTn8HXT53dLTpKSJ/s400/IMG_8119.jpg" /></a>She even shot from a tree she climbed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64HQmfzInKF6ZXjusm8DAiVAHd9FonfusUZCN2f9WKoe9ENEx658QMHCmB89QlmgrSd8UlR67UwtEgSvUYYd64V_nHcUShUg9GGUKhBS2y48xlc_oMUETKtHRi9WVZi3-5pUTmJJufu2n/s1600/IMG_8142.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465825336700885522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64HQmfzInKF6ZXjusm8DAiVAHd9FonfusUZCN2f9WKoe9ENEx658QMHCmB89QlmgrSd8UlR67UwtEgSvUYYd64V_nHcUShUg9GGUKhBS2y48xlc_oMUETKtHRi9WVZi3-5pUTmJJufu2n/s400/IMG_8142.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSmn7mMY1La6hbKMizRcsLpSiC_nxCyijyEq5yxoupDnQbJHKKdLdT1-RMuNxLlviRDEEY7aJadEC0hzrLLFTYjr8UCh6tlTQQRWtMuHfNc2miHei8TNrd77ub3zVDIyKi-zhoZEEaBwF/s1600/IMG_8198.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465828559116059842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSmn7mMY1La6hbKMizRcsLpSiC_nxCyijyEq5yxoupDnQbJHKKdLdT1-RMuNxLlviRDEEY7aJadEC0hzrLLFTYjr8UCh6tlTQQRWtMuHfNc2miHei8TNrd77ub3zVDIyKi-zhoZEEaBwF/s400/IMG_8198.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5Cz3VwE57uQB6iDxhNL0DRMPlgdaD4lZmyvyqgTDhxmyEa6qBw2GpXd54KU0YUnZDyKOQ5RITV38fsIqKjjjY6CjNfR8dxXneegFTW9xflMrVhxWylVckC5TWpQQmb-axBfOHPDgXNar/s1600/IMG_8197.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465828562577631538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5Cz3VwE57uQB6iDxhNL0DRMPlgdaD4lZmyvyqgTDhxmyEa6qBw2GpXd54KU0YUnZDyKOQ5RITV38fsIqKjjjY6CjNfR8dxXneegFTW9xflMrVhxWylVckC5TWpQQmb-axBfOHPDgXNar/s400/IMG_8197.jpg" /></a></div><div>Not bad for a Kindergartner.</div><div></div><br /><div>Then there was our annual Spring trip to <a href="http://www.iheartnapa.com/2008/04/garden-forni-brown-welsh-gardens.html">Forni Brown</a> for garden goodies<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKatj-EARWcLjyPzvQZHk9GWhDMTY7he2DKmhTJCxn-MIhrKBULKwPawvRKYzireTjWlLPi1wlbbl0pqw-rgReIjAiTBMOmljhHS6zmQ_DErsp8eWzNQFA9-StHzOwvTj6-PtplNWzN8PN/s1600/IMG_8255.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465828569602598434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKatj-EARWcLjyPzvQZHk9GWhDMTY7he2DKmhTJCxn-MIhrKBULKwPawvRKYzireTjWlLPi1wlbbl0pqw-rgReIjAiTBMOmljhHS6zmQ_DErsp8eWzNQFA9-StHzOwvTj6-PtplNWzN8PN/s400/IMG_8255.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEB0O1Zm5qsZEeUUs-Js8McfQAbi3-wdj4c6AMRnmYxPiWZjA6kcJvoS6cwmtt4SW2_b8_xBvsKKHBEFdKlgnRVOKAn4t5rl2wldTo_eyszV970Xlx5ndFxLc5b1K19UMu-x_KDFoblp3/s1600/IMG_8266.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465828576022237346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEB0O1Zm5qsZEeUUs-Js8McfQAbi3-wdj4c6AMRnmYxPiWZjA6kcJvoS6cwmtt4SW2_b8_xBvsKKHBEFdKlgnRVOKAn4t5rl2wldTo_eyszV970Xlx5ndFxLc5b1K19UMu-x_KDFoblp3/s400/IMG_8266.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAy4tR2jVFt1JD2TBUZt5lDqeq5H0RUZzQQb0r_6iHyZXPF1Zo2S0DQ_kd3GHdrIlfwJ1ouOAbHQULRo7QAYBbRbCPjwlN50P2_YvayPOyE5cgbJEHmHbSvFWi08m0vAYRShEG-vgYBy_/s1600/IMG_8251.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465830119819966802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAy4tR2jVFt1JD2TBUZt5lDqeq5H0RUZzQQb0r_6iHyZXPF1Zo2S0DQ_kd3GHdrIlfwJ1ouOAbHQULRo7QAYBbRbCPjwlN50P2_YvayPOyE5cgbJEHmHbSvFWi08m0vAYRShEG-vgYBy_/s400/IMG_8251.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bG3YSVq5EPrD-4nRl92O5Ab4xmqx3qap9Y5G8ZCY45YPyAM8hgkyjWi3vwe8MIpZQS1cnxrLElnm_Vf-r-frtKX6eZgWe0mH2TYuIFWa3AcD4ykkKYYMDthXpnRGVdsZaTioziTLiIJa/s1600/IMG_8272.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465828581317698482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bG3YSVq5EPrD-4nRl92O5Ab4xmqx3qap9Y5G8ZCY45YPyAM8hgkyjWi3vwe8MIpZQS1cnxrLElnm_Vf-r-frtKX6eZgWe0mH2TYuIFWa3AcD4ykkKYYMDthXpnRGVdsZaTioziTLiIJa/s400/IMG_8272.jpg" /></a>Seeing things from a child's perspective is one of the great rewards of parenting, after all.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Particularly when that child is a total bad-ass. </div></div></div></div></div>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-81312252610742248592010-04-24T10:07:00.000-07:002010-04-24T10:22:18.487-07:00Found!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hVGX-PVPTXb8TasWJvk2Q6G4oPImyR2QpfT2_Q5DfE5J-cPI5RSivVUy4muLJeo_wFM9BdGokmZ_BK6anLB-VdGzA39NMkZSa4xad5FAhD522ZiVLNBgewlCex-sn6Lct2B6DDGh7tbg/s1600/IMG_4499.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463754050011671074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hVGX-PVPTXb8TasWJvk2Q6G4oPImyR2QpfT2_Q5DfE5J-cPI5RSivVUy4muLJeo_wFM9BdGokmZ_BK6anLB-VdGzA39NMkZSa4xad5FAhD522ZiVLNBgewlCex-sn6Lct2B6DDGh7tbg/s400/IMG_4499.JPG" /></a><br /><div>A Happy Saturday morning to us, for our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39364743/jewel-beetle?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_042410&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_042410">Jewel Beetle</a>'s been featured in today's <a href="http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=12675&id=cthhphgtw0fhfjw4stktf259nlmsp&id2=2cy09khmdzx9gznyxrh903fp3xpyz&subscriber_id=aolhhowabsunvpnaukzgvtyjhvlhbfn&messageversion_id=caobyfkpqfffocgmmvwuxekpgjdjbnk&delivery_id=azpziczewhyyuowrlxlfceldyzxbbaf">Etsy Finds</a>, among some other scientific specimens.<br /></div><div><a href="http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=12675&id=cthhphgtw0fhfjw4stktf259nlmsp&id2=2cy09khmdzx9gznyxrh903fp3xpyz&subscriber_id=aolhhowabsunvpnaukzgvtyjhvlhbfn&messageversion_id=caobyfkpqfffocgmmvwuxekpgjdjbnk&delivery_id=azpziczewhyyuowrlxlfceldyzxbbaf">Click here</a> to check out the full story.</div><div> </div><div>Thanks to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/matt?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_042410&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_042410">Matt</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/emilybidwell">Emily</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/">Etsy</a>!<br /><br /></div>Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-12668105339241115962010-04-22T11:45:00.000-07:002010-04-22T13:50:44.130-07:00A Little ReflectionYesterday marked three months that Tallulah has been with us. Since we are always looking for an excuse to make a cake, we decided to have a little celebration. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitErerRUK2To8NHZbxKV80Eb9tb3bKHgoluA7kg-wuwtRZyZHwRH6Y2t6oV-Lk-7FKx5Uuq2UH0FY4cP77a8Mry-TV8-lAWyvUcFP9pzTjZr4k3c8UvX8qtSEIQnwNHqV4SwXNJDqIquY/s1600/P1130472.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463035690894828402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitErerRUK2To8NHZbxKV80Eb9tb3bKHgoluA7kg-wuwtRZyZHwRH6Y2t6oV-Lk-7FKx5Uuq2UH0FY4cP77a8Mry-TV8-lAWyvUcFP9pzTjZr4k3c8UvX8qtSEIQnwNHqV4SwXNJDqIquY/s400/P1130472.JPG" /></a> We sat down with a big piece of cake and a game of Scrabble to reflect on all the things we've learned the past three months.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgDCHV8l0fM4L6IbURyegZNQUwERNF1KLojbdlHiQ9BFwXFw1ljgfQBggsuW6ljdmxvZae17aAmpcN8UHBE6KzmzcnUcaqUqMPJy0K3yzfHZ6E2BaEKgdazkt-hQNT9tJLYqS3bj7SdI/s1600/P1130486.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463035684943015154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgDCHV8l0fM4L6IbURyegZNQUwERNF1KLojbdlHiQ9BFwXFw1ljgfQBggsuW6ljdmxvZae17aAmpcN8UHBE6KzmzcnUcaqUqMPJy0K3yzfHZ6E2BaEKgdazkt-hQNT9tJLYqS3bj7SdI/s400/P1130486.JPG" /></a> Tallulah has learned to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13075164@N02/4524351651/">smile</a>, put her hand in her mouth, grab things, splash in the water, that night time is for sleeping and that with one little grunt she can summons one of three adoring big people to scoop her up and shower her with kisses.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDJQ4flNYp0IlzaDu7M4mHiANbb_sAsEps1MCV4vKdP_4knxQqAgUWkBQ_cwsdXLmVE8IKVGZZLihafSCtRVMDDNy46OuNSrEXVYteJwLkXOYQUZb08bHIzIW0J_bPtQuig6HRX-P87k/s1600/P1130492.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463035674036336210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDJQ4flNYp0IlzaDu7M4mHiANbb_sAsEps1MCV4vKdP_4knxQqAgUWkBQ_cwsdXLmVE8IKVGZZLihafSCtRVMDDNy46OuNSrEXVYteJwLkXOYQUZb08bHIzIW0J_bPtQuig6HRX-P87k/s400/P1130492.JPG" /></a> Scarlett has learned to share her parents, to walk on the hardwood floors in cowgirl boots very quietly, to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13075164@N02/4483327354/">change diapers</a>, that there is nothing better than smooching big fat baby cheeks and that babies <strong>do not</strong> like it when you pick their nose.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR0K2t9yARMn30b6laUXoxYJnlroBjW6sO_CkulZ8y-iJsSzv_9fkHPcYXOgPyASRE7hzI9XmU3Rk_62KDfuhpx1hVTilAu219BD6OHvJ8t2mhPvYUqcd2wUCzftriEQwbzjjSnwXLnc/s1600/P1130503.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463035666061013186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR0K2t9yARMn30b6laUXoxYJnlroBjW6sO_CkulZ8y-iJsSzv_9fkHPcYXOgPyASRE7hzI9XmU3Rk_62KDfuhpx1hVTilAu219BD6OHvJ8t2mhPvYUqcd2wUCzftriEQwbzjjSnwXLnc/s400/P1130503.JPG" /></a> I have learned the balance of giving to two children and a husband, but still keeping some for myself, how to eat standing up and breastfeeding at the same time, to surrender to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13075164@N02/4483245138/in/photostream/">chaos</a> instead of resisting it, and that what gives me the most satisfaction and fills my soul and makes me want to burst with love is my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13075164@N02/4483246128/">family</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJuycUgeTI3_TD88hjFMCOFZJ-ZuO7QKSBZTsxLnSEYSuqmMyT7FVde-aQ8J3vMsdDgK2so_WyVr7eU1fiEGyZrJWHK-nDaTi0k3LonXmOSw3n9KzBkHKQ48PPE1vWXqmuUHhgSaxf-U/s1600/P1130499.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463035657396144290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJuycUgeTI3_TD88hjFMCOFZJ-ZuO7QKSBZTsxLnSEYSuqmMyT7FVde-aQ8J3vMsdDgK2so_WyVr7eU1fiEGyZrJWHK-nDaTi0k3LonXmOSw3n9KzBkHKQ48PPE1vWXqmuUHhgSaxf-U/s400/P1130499.JPG" /></a> In the past three months our family has grown so much closer, we've all banded together to make the necessary adjustments that a new baby requires. We've become a strong unit. All because of this little girl. She has filled all of our hearts more than we thought possible.<br />Happy 3 month Birthday little one! Thank you for choosing us to be your family. </div></div></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-43330946907902286492010-04-17T09:14:00.000-07:002010-04-17T11:40:39.190-07:00Learning to Read, American-styleMy daughter brought home a list of "Instant Words" from her Kindergarten teacher yesterday. An unassuming four pages of the 500 most common words in English, ranked in frequency order. You know: "the, of, and, to, in, is, that" and so on. Innocent enough, right?<br /><br />Not quite. (This may be the right time to mention that I'd just watched the new <a href="http://www.michaelmoore.com/books-films/capitalism-love-story">Michael Moore movie</a> the night before.) I read throught the first 100 words, thinking proudly about how well my Kindergartener can read. Then the word "oil" popped out at me. <br /><br />Oil: word number 88, among other benign words like "we, your, can, said, day, now, find, make" and such. It sticks out like a sore thumb. I've asked three other people to look at the list and pick out the word that doesn't belong and they all spotted it, too. These first hundred words make up about half of all printed material. But I can't think of one book I've read to my kids that has the word "oil" in it, so think about how frequently it must be printed in newspapers and adults' books. Is this crazy to anyone else? <br /><br />Let's take a closer look at the rest of the list, shall we?<br /><br />The word "boy" is number 141, "girl" is way down at 288. <br /><br />"No" made the top 100, coming in at 77, but you don't find "yes" until the bottom of the fourth page at number 471, four words before "government." <br /><br />Both "man" (124) and "men" (168) are there, but neither "woman" nor "women" made the top 500 at all.<br /><br />"Take" (104) comes before "give" (114), but at least these two are close.<br /><br />Thankfully, though, "tree" (215) comes before "building" (431). "Make" and "made" are both in the top 100, and "buy" isn't on the list. "Scientists" (438) is the only profession on the list, "Indian" (283) is the only nationality, and "English" (402) is the only language.<br /><br />Public school is a system, it's true, but thankfully parenting isn't. I wish I didn't feel like I have to work against the system to keep my kids' minds outside the box, but I've seen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bvT-DGcWw" target="new">The Wall</a>, and I'm moved by <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/82124911_365e8cc812.jpg" target="new">bumper stickers</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g9PiEgYYUU" target="new">sixties protest music</a> is very near and dear to my heart.<br /><br />Nothing excites me more than the potential of my girls. They were born into a crowded land, and will have to carry forward the legacy of our complicated history. But their reality is brand new, and that brings me the responsibility -- the opportunity -- to help them see what's most important in life. Words that aren't in the top 500, like compassion, respect, understanding, peace, and love. <br /><br />And (ahem) women.Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-8261095569103692652010-03-31T16:02:00.000-07:002010-04-01T08:55:04.820-07:00Get What You GiveWe've surely said it before, but we love what we do and where we do it for so many reasons. Spring is beginning to show its face and warm us right down to our souls. It also gives us warm fuzzies to hear <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/damestarbaby/feedback">feedback</a> from our customers.<br /><br />Better still is to see kids in our clothes. <br /><a href="http://www.brianamariephotography.com/" target="new"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4de4YUqP8kS5W6ztmpfVIXm1lKWOWjaUMCtL929yL9hOcR-M1ZYaabyXOf51vxHvSA2UcZZVZ8l1SUB6qnaukGRGd6yjH3x6rFFyAYTdmUYPxi3BuRKMZ_yAtrgbUp1qgUes7Hk8sybk/s400/Trevor+Beetle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454950450348457922" /></a><br /><br />Living in a small (and sweetly supportive) community affords us this opportunity somewhat often, but it never fails to make our hearts go pitter-pat. Particularly when they're captured on film in the Spring sunshine by one of the <a href="http://brianamariephotography.wordpress.com/">most talented photographers we know</a>.<br /><br />Thanks for the warm fuzzies, <a href="http://www.brianamariephotography.com/">Briana</a>.Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-54489148546616960062010-03-28T17:46:00.000-07:002010-03-28T18:17:58.419-07:00Beauty in the GapWhen I first became pregnant with Tallulah I got a lot of comments about having another baby seven years after the first one. Some were positive but the majority seemed to focus on the negatives, like "they won't be close to each other because they'll be into different things" - "you'll have one in high school and one in first grade" - " the baby will just get into her stuff and annoy her" - " when the first one finally leaves the nest, you will still have an 11 year old" blah, blah, blah. Personally, I think with enough effort put forth <strong><em>any</em></strong> family situation can work. Where all members feel close and connected.<br />So to all the skeptics out there (none of you guys of course) here are just a few bonuses of having a large gap in ages.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD0l0caySxhyphenhyphenh7MMBCukjkKKGr5FGmNjCao8A1zH9oT4G6iNOEnTtsCOvFKFW_-yJudY5NnuLI2Xe1OVZTPzXo-EDZ8_Rq4pWpkTTk_CO7KiXr2qMZe1WwP9mZpo8h4sQsqsjqiYMoQ8/s1600/P1130272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453851889909343234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD0l0caySxhyphenhyphenh7MMBCukjkKKGr5FGmNjCao8A1zH9oT4G6iNOEnTtsCOvFKFW_-yJudY5NnuLI2Xe1OVZTPzXo-EDZ8_Rq4pWpkTTk_CO7KiXr2qMZe1WwP9mZpo8h4sQsqsjqiYMoQ8/s400/P1130272.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKemwal6houhO7WnjmUt5o2sVrRX53f7WDdn9xJ9JMS90cnTpiaf2zaZIY9NY4dgmUaukWbIkdqvIShXqmHv89Log31rDJfcF25TY6xbe0vWa3OObSNs398WTFSR_NLYC9yyScm9BEAAo/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453851885376348594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKemwal6houhO7WnjmUt5o2sVrRX53f7WDdn9xJ9JMS90cnTpiaf2zaZIY9NY4dgmUaukWbIkdqvIShXqmHv89Log31rDJfcF25TY6xbe0vWa3OObSNs398WTFSR_NLYC9yyScm9BEAAo/s400/IMG_2736.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenZ2JUVVKannvUcRugyuhQhq_Py4dBcwy1RyRPW5SYbkaflLDhwS4dQ6unVBiGYOqTXnVS9b03hCGJ96EkK-DhPPTtNVgxKAi5X4az6TwxIF66bVyj46t0ATjddhyphenhyphenpdCrLpJZj4g5uzY/s1600/P1130243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453851873761668162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenZ2JUVVKannvUcRugyuhQhq_Py4dBcwy1RyRPW5SYbkaflLDhwS4dQ6unVBiGYOqTXnVS9b03hCGJ96EkK-DhPPTtNVgxKAi5X4az6TwxIF66bVyj46t0ATjddhyphenhyphenpdCrLpJZj4g5uzY/s400/P1130243.JPG" /></a> The girls don't seem to mind a bit, and I love it so much I may just wait seven more years until the next one.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00579739333805071671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815198812191387540.post-55836106491802497412010-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:002010-03-24T11:51:21.719-07:00For the Everyday WomanA few well-placed words of encouragement for those who don't (get to?) spend a whole bunch of time in front of a mirror every day. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FFwJMdeWqlw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FFwJMdeWqlw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />And well performed, I might add.Mrs. Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768085834094358783noreply@blogger.com0