Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Haggard Unicorn *18*
I've had bangs for a long time. I rarely wear them down and when I do they're swept to the side. I always think that maybe some day I'll style them and pull off the quirky, adorable, it-suits-me-even-though-it-shouldn't style ala Zooey Deschanel. So I keep them around. Yesterday started out like - Ooh yea, I can pull this off. I didn't hit the quirky cute mark like Zooey but still, not bad! I had saucy bangs and felt mighty fine.
Then
The bathroom flooded and flooded and flooded.
Every pipe in the house started rumbling and then the water heater and every drain in the house bubbled and gurgled - not good.
My car wouldn't start (and probably wont ever again. She made horrible death rattle sounds and coughed blue smoke.)
My mother had a really rough recovery day.
It began to rain outside but not a downpour, more like gentle constant spitting with a cold breeze. The perfect weather cocktail for some really bad hair.
So the day took a fast turn and my bangs were a great indicator of our mental state as a family; frazzled, out of wack and plonked. Yerp we plonked.
My "Hot Mama Saucy Fringe" quickly turned to "Old Hag Wearing a 14 Year Old's Haircut circa 1997." Complete with cowlicks.
In the vlog my bangs had recovered a tad. I did my best since I knew we'd be out in public getting plumbing supplies. If you look closely in the video, you'll see I have a few new silvery friends that have joined the rest of my mop up top. I saw them when I was editing the footage and actually, I don't mind them. They're totally battle scars from the stress of this past year but I looked at them closely when I got home and ya know, they're kinda pretty! They're like sparkly threads from a unicorn's mane.
I spose I'll end it with that. I'm a sparkly old unicorn who had a good hair day, turned bad, turned good again. All's well that ends well, right?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Come Along With Us - *Day 4*
2013 must be shakin' in it's boots from the threats posted 3 days ago.
So far it's been on it's best behavior and I'm quite impressed. Today was awesome. Ry and I were able to set down all deadlines, distractions and dumb stuff and take Scarlet out on the town. As if the happy family day at the aquarium weren't enough, everything magical happened to us while we were there. We got to see nearly every exhibit at feeding time. A diver played peek-a-boo with Scarlet. The giant octopus (my favorite) was so fascinated with the Beeble that it followed her around it's tank and they practically danced together. The adorable sea otters were changing exhibits while theirs was getting cleaned so we got to see them all trot from one aquarium to another aaaaaaaaand one diver even talked to Scarlet over the intercom while he was underwater! He said he discovered "an adorable bit of pink coral reef running around the aquarium". As we were leaving we stopped to take a picture with a waterfall and Ryan noticed that a baby sea otter was sleeping right next to us, snuggled up in a ball and sucking on his tail. Perfect cap on a super day. Breath of fresh air #1.
So far it's been on it's best behavior and I'm quite impressed. Today was awesome. Ry and I were able to set down all deadlines, distractions and dumb stuff and take Scarlet out on the town. As if the happy family day at the aquarium weren't enough, everything magical happened to us while we were there. We got to see nearly every exhibit at feeding time. A diver played peek-a-boo with Scarlet. The giant octopus (my favorite) was so fascinated with the Beeble that it followed her around it's tank and they practically danced together. The adorable sea otters were changing exhibits while theirs was getting cleaned so we got to see them all trot from one aquarium to another aaaaaaaaand one diver even talked to Scarlet over the intercom while he was underwater! He said he discovered "an adorable bit of pink coral reef running around the aquarium". As we were leaving we stopped to take a picture with a waterfall and Ryan noticed that a baby sea otter was sleeping right next to us, snuggled up in a ball and sucking on his tail. Perfect cap on a super day. Breath of fresh air #1.
You've done well 2013, let's be buds.
I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story...
Some of you may remember Scarlet standing in this same place when she was 8 months old.
Here's a wee flashback pic.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Petticoat Power! - *Day 3*
Scarlet is a splash in the mud, get back up if you fall down, trucks are cool kinda chick. She's has yet to swoon over sparkles, bobbles or books like Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious. She's never cared what I dress her in, so we haven't really dabbled in the dress-up stuff I've collected for her. Yesterday I pulled out the stash of tutus that I purchased when I was still pregnant and boy oh boy - Scarlet was in awe. Not only did she immediately start asking to "put on! put on!" but once it was on, the "pwintheth" skirt wasn't coming off again. It went on over her outfit and then again over her pjs at bed time. Like any obsession, things escalated from there. It started with her going to each door and telling all occupants of the house "Eyen a pwintheth!" while doing an o-so-dainty (read awkward and nobby) tippy toe princess dance. By bed time she had two tutus and a tea party goin' on. I attempted to take them off before I put her in her crib and was met with a Beeble banshee screech that is apparently some sort of parent diverting super power gained whilst wearing the tutu. I laid my darling, angel-face (newly diva-esque) girl down and let her sleep with the frills. Picked my battle there and that sound wasn't worth the fight, or the heart ache for her.
This is the beginning, of what I'm not sure. But it's up to Scarlet to use her
petticoat power for good or evil.
This is the beginning, of what I'm not sure. But it's up to Scarlet to use her
petticoat power for good or evil.
PS - How is it that ALL little spunky girls like to pair their tutus with golashes? Scarlet insisted on trying on her rain boots with every tutu enhanced outfit.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Sometimes, in the middle of an ordinary day...
Scarlet and I were in her room playing with a puzzle when all of a sudden we heard
"Teeeeaaaaa Tiiiiimmmmmeee!"
loudly from the living room. We came out and low and behold! The dining room table had been transformed into a tea palace and Scarlet had an exclusive ticket.
It was quite posh, as you could imagine.
"Teeeeaaaaa Tiiiiimmmmmeee!"
loudly from the living room. We came out and low and behold! The dining room table had been transformed into a tea palace and Scarlet had an exclusive ticket.
It was quite posh, as you could imagine.
Scarlet made sure all of her guests (Abbey, Elmo, Pommajama Monkey and a wooden aligator puzzle piece, ya know, the usual crowd) each had a taste of the tea. She'd sllllluuuuurp it up and then declare it "Deeeeelish!" after every sip. Eventually some menacing ducks came along and tried to ruin the whole event!
Don't worry though, Daddy and Beeble scolded them,
shooed them away and replaced the table settings.
There was a bit too much cute to handle, soooo don't worry - I vlogged it!
Watch your sub boxes. :)
Watch your sub boxes. :)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A new piece of me
It's easy to relate to those less than perfect moments that make up this entire world, especially in parenting. I know I didn't expect to float around in white linens with my plump, pink, cooing baby like Johnson & Johnson commercials portray. I expected weird smells, weird sounds and weird things coming out of every open end of that bundle of delight. I expected stuggle, sacrifice and a whole lot of "learning opportunities" for me and my daughter.
But to my delight, there are soooo many picture perfect-how-could-this-exist-in-real-life-moments in parenthood! Ya never hear about those. I was completely taken aback at how often and how many, fairytale moments I get to experience as a new momma.
They're actual, literal precious moments. Get away from the visual of pastel, porcelain dolls with those weird tear drop eyes if you can - and think of that actual phrase: precious moment.
They're actual, literal precious moments. Get away from the visual of pastel, porcelain dolls with those weird tear drop eyes if you can - and think of that actual phrase: precious moment.
I had one of those tonight. I can't just let these moments slip away. So here I am, documenting in an attempt to reclaim it away from time distancing me from this feeling.
Tonight around 9pm I asked Scarlet if she was ready for bed. She darted toward her room, cheerfully saying "Ni-nigh, yet's go!" I followed her in, closed the door, dimmed the lights and scooped her up. Scarlet snuggled into my neck and in the tiniest most precious voice I've ever heard her use, she started to repeat: "I yuv you" over and over again. That voice, I can't even describe it. So tiny and sweet. It struck me fast and silent tears rolled down my cheeks. I rocked her slowly, holding tight. My tiny baby that is growing out of my arms so quickly. How is this my life? How did I get this? Surreal. I rocked and listened to that little voice "I yuuuv youuuu. I yuuuuv youuuu."
Then we sat in her glider. "Book?" she asked. We read Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom and she spelled portions of her name each time she saw a letter "elle, ee, tee!" We sang Skiddamarink-a-Dink-a-Dink, doing the hand motions together and then I sang the lullaby that I made up for her when she was new. I stood back up, hugged her tight, took a deep breath and laid her down in her crib. "Ni-night love" I said. She stared up at me, blinked and said "thank you mama".
Completely perfect. Now a memory, and new piece of me. I don't think there is anything more incredible than these gifts.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Costume Prep + Details
My costume crafting this year was so minimal I had everything done in about 30 min!
My favorite part was the bedskirt re-purposed as my apron front. It was a great base piece that could be used for so many different costumes! It can be changed to any length, added layers or a bustle. I could even see a bedskirt being a great base for a mermaid or peacock costume! They come in just about every color or pattern you could imagine and the thrift stores are filled with them! So many possibilities.
What would you do with it?
Price of the bedskirt $3.99
This shirt was a great find. I was on the hunt for a top that could be cut into a corset/vest shape, so when I found this embroidered blouse, I snatched it up. I knew it wasn't my true size but it wasn't till I got home that I realized it was actually a PETITE XXS. The tiny size made my lace up ribbon corset work perfectly so it all worked out well. Turning it into part of my Drindl was as simple as tucking in the frilly collar (that reminded me more of an evil Disney queen than it did a milkmaid) cutting off the buttons and adding little snips to lace the ribbon through.
White top: $3.29
Lastly I put the cute skirt I got from Good Will on top of the bed skirt, pinned it up on either side (which meansI just have to pop the pins out and I can wear it again later), tossed a bonnet on my head and the look was complete!
Skirt: $2.98 on half price day!
Please enjoy my saucy milkmaidy pose
Total Cost: Just Under $10! Total time? 30 min!
Not baad, not baaad
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Fall-la-la-la! Easy Autumn Bucket List Link Up!
Autumn is here!!! Eep! Eeep! Scarlet and I have been secretly celebrating for weeks now. Even though the sky is blue and the sun is shining bright I couldn't resist dressing up in our cozy duds, indulging in a warm drink and snuggling with a million pillows and a movie. 
When I was pregnant and dreaming about the someday adventures with my soon-to-be daughter, the idea of having a toddler join us in our harvest season traditions delighted me to no end. Just think of the leaf crunching, hay riding, wool coat wearing, pumpkin carving, puddle jumping wonderment! And again, I must eeep! That someday is here and I'm utterly giddy with excitement. Maaaaybe the giddy is fueled slightly from the highly caffeinated and highly caloried pumpkin spice lattes I've been downing. Whateva it's from, I don't mind! Eeep!
The caffeine buzz got me thinkin', wouldn't it be fun to have a bucket list we can do together in Internetland? I've noticed others out there but I wanted something simple. I've created an easy link up list for anyone who'd like to get involved. Read below the pic for the details. If you have a blog and want in on the fun, let me know and I'll link it in this post so we can follow you as well. :) If you aren't a blogger but would like to participate, you can join us on the GABI (Grin And Bear It) Facebook page to post your pics there. This challenge can be done little by little or all at once, it's up to you! If you live in part of the world that is currently celebrating Spring, you can still participate! I think seeing the same items on the same timeline from a world perceptive would only add to the fun!
See the picture above?
The words in white are the list of challenge items. I want to see pictures of everyone's favorite Fall drink, meal, outfit, activity, make up (think Autumn inspired looks or products) and decor.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
NEW PARTICIPANT LINKS WILL BE ADDED
HERE UNTIL OCT 31ST
AFTER THAT I'LL JUST BE ADDING COMPLETED POSTS FROM THOSE ALREADY PARTICIPATING
Bloggers here's how to get involved:
- Whenever you do one of the six things on the list, blog about it with a photo and a little explanation as to why it's your favorite. Share the recipe or info about the item.
- Use the picture above and link it back it to this original post.
- Let me know in the comments that you're participating and send me your post URL each time you complete an item. I'll link it in this post and we'll all be linked together!
- You can do it all in one blog post or whenever you cross each thing off your list. Your blog will be linked with each item you complete!
- Pin the picture above so others can join in on the link up as well.
Not a blogger? That's ok!
You can post your pics in the GABI FB page, your youtube channel or twitter account!
Simple as that!
All pictures need to be completed by November 30th.
I'd also love to see any other traditions celebrate in the Fall as well. But that's extra credit.
Here's our Fall family bucket list
(this is not part of the link up challenge. It's just our annual list)
(this is not part of the link up challenge. It's just our annual list)
- Cracking open our fall wardrobe - boots boots boots!
- Photos in the changing leaves (see my first ever blog post for those)
- Crafting Halloween costumes
- Trip to a pumpkin patch
- Hike through a corn maze
- Go to a haunted forest
- Breakfast at our favorite country breakfast pancake house with all our friends
- Carving pumpkins
- Giant Halloween party at our friend Pete's house
- Induldging in Caramel Apple Cider, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pie and strawberry rhubarb pie
- Baking Fall treats
- Make a hearty freezable soup
That's it for us!
I'll post pictures of each thing as we check the items off the list.
All Bucklister blogs will be listed here!
Participating:
www.youtube.com/user/luvablemae (vlog style!)
Completed Posts:
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Savoring Summer
Today was another spent entirely outside. It started with a baseball game and ended with a backyard filled with bubbles, giggles and grandmas. Autumn officially started today (yay!) and I'm completely ready to put my wellies on and crunch leaves in the crisp air. But for now, I'm resisting that urge and embracing the lingering bits of summer.
This afternoon we toasted it farewell with fresh berries and bubbles.
This afternoon we toasted it farewell with fresh berries and bubbles.
The season change means the days are getting shorter,
so it's easy for little beebles to outlast the day light.
so it's easy for little beebles to outlast the day light.
I always sleep so well when I've spent the whole day out in the fresh air. Hopefully the same goes for Scarlet. We came in for bed and waved "buh-byeee" to the sunshine.
So long Summer!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Poor Strawberella! A Very Berry Emergency
Scarlet just woke up screaming with tears streaming down her face (which is super rare for her). When I asked what was wrong, she started sadly singing the straw-ba-ba-ba-berry shortcake theme song (a midst the tears) and saying "movie! movie!" over and over again. Hearing that tiny voice plead, cry and sing all at once was too much. She was so distraught I caved and brought her back out to the living room. Ryan and I feverishly raced through the DVD's looking for the video while she wept and sang "Straw-ba-ba-ba-buh-bewwy *sniffle* straw-ba-ba-ba-bewweeeey shouwt cake".
Finally, a flustered Daddy found it and Scarlet spotted it in his hand.
"Der dee is!" Immediately the crying was replaced with dancing.
Up and down, down and up, bop bop bop, on her tippiest toes.
"'Ere eee commmes" she sang.
As the theme song started a little girl and her adoring daddy sang it together. <3
Finally, a flustered Daddy found it and Scarlet spotted it in his hand.
"Der dee is!" Immediately the crying was replaced with dancing.
Up and down, down and up, bop bop bop, on her tippiest toes.
"'Ere eee commmes" she sang.
As the theme song started a little girl and her adoring daddy sang it together. <3
So now here she sits, perched on Daddy's lap, with her little tear stained cheeks. She's preemptively smiling at her favorite part. Lucky little first born.
If you saw the wee 'lil video here, you may have seen S had her hand in her mouth. Me thinks teething be the culprit of tonight's events.
***Psssst - Not every post will be baby related, I promise!
I have my give away picture coming soon and then our home management binder update!*** :)
If you saw the wee 'lil video here, you may have seen S had her hand in her mouth. Me thinks teething be the culprit of tonight's events.
***Psssst - Not every post will be baby related, I promise!
I have my give away picture coming soon and then our home management binder update!*** :)
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Not cool Nana, not cool
My mom's conversation with Scarlet about her Sesame Street
coloring book and stickers:
coloring book and stickers:
"Who's that Scarlet? Annie Spaghetti? (Abbey Cadabby)
Oh, and is that her friend Kuhlumpadumpalus?" (Snuffleupagus)
Nice Try Nana, but I don't think you're earning your street cred with the 3 and under crowd.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Run Awaaaay!
Let's pretend you're me for a second, ok? I'll set the scene:
You want to send out a semi-important email so you set yourself up and crack open your laptop. You take a breath, gather your thoughts and juuuust as you begin to clickity clack on the keyboard the three ring circus begins.
The baby purposefully squishes her entire puree pouch out onto the freshly changed bed sheets. At that same time, your husband appears from around the corner and starts to give you a history lesson on the French Revolution. Whhhaaa? Is he new? Has he met me? Why would he think I care about this right now? Whatever, you just go with it and pretend to listen while you separate the baby from the sweet potato goo oozing on the bed, which launches her into a long winded squeel/whine. Is Ryan still talking? Yes. Does squealy whiny baby deter him from the lesson? Nah, he's good. Just as he wraps up what he's talking about and you've pacified the squealing beeble with a new snack, you hear your name called from your mother's room. "Maaaaarrriiiiieeeeeeeeeeee". Good Grief.
You just need five uninterrupted minutes.
What's the solution?
What's the solution?
Email sent and I snuck a little pinterest retreat in there too.
Thanks to parenthood, I've got a new perspective on the term 'restroom'.
Thanks to parenthood, I've got a new perspective on the term 'restroom'.
Now I'm off to change the sheets, again.
Anyone else find themselves hiding behind the water heater or in the coat closet
just to have an undemanded moment?
just to have an undemanded moment?
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Hold my hand, I'm jumping in! Eeeep!
I feel like we all just stepped into a brand new building.
Smell the fresh, stark white paint with me and think of the possibilites... Eeep! I'm nervous.
Smell the fresh, stark white paint with me and think of the possibilites... Eeep! I'm nervous.
It's the beginning. :)
First things first, let's get aquainted.
Meet my people.
Technically, that's my people last Autumn, but I promise they're just as cute nearly a year later. Ryan is the husband and Scarlet is our 18 month old Beeble girl. What's a beeble? Well, Scarlet is. The only other living Beeble on record might be Cee Lo Green. They're a rare breed of bald-headed delight packaged in a huggable bundle.
What's simmering in the bloggy pot?
Sneak peek into my end of the year "Favorites Things Giveaway".
The "Ten Things You Don't Know About Me" tag with a bit of a twist
Sharing the "GABI Domestics" challenges we're all doing here.
The "Ten Things You Don't Know About Me" tag with a bit of a twist
Sharing the "GABI Domestics" challenges we're all doing here.
Ryan will be a semi-regular guest blogger.
A picture or a blog post every day in 2013? What do you think about that? Gimmie a yay or nay
Crafty bits and pinnings, easy recipes and tutorials.
Flashbacks from the blog I wrote in 2008!
------------------
Crafty bits and pinnings, easy recipes and tutorials.
Flashbacks from the blog I wrote in 2008!
------------------
If you're reading this then you're jumping in right at beginning with me. Thank you!
At the moment, I just hear my own voice echoing in this big ole' blank space. Speak up if you're here too! Let's pour a cocktail and start putting some color on the walls.
Are you wondering what the "Picklebeanbooks" title is all about? Picklebean is one of the nicknames that Scarlet seemed to be born with (you may have heard it in the vlogs now and then). I have big plans in the works and my youtube vloggy name just didn't suit those big plans as well as I'd like. So here we are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)