Category Archives: Kids

09.16.11

I Don’t Know How She Does It.

Along with the millions of other working mothers out there, I am SO excited for the release of SJP’s new movie, I Don’t Know How She Does It today. This film, adapted from the British Novel written by Allison Pearson seems like it could so easily be any of us.   Often you will see the trials and tribulations of this working mother in my A Motherly Moment posts.  This scene was eerily similar to our lice outbreak last summer.  Now that it is behind me, I can laugh about it, and plan to when sitting in the theater.
One thing is for sure, motherhood is not glamorous, whether you stay at home or work outside of the home.  Dirty diapers, runny noses and of course the uber-gross bathroom moments are all part of the job.  I think we will all get a good chuckle out of these comedic gems.  Again, much funnier when you are looking in the rear view mirror.
I have friends that stay at home with their children, as well as friends that work to provide for their family.  Is there a right choice?  Of course not.  Being a mother is not an easy job for anyone.  Rewarding?  Yes.  But not easy.  I receive many emails from readers asking me how I maintain a family, a full time job, this blog and several other projects.  The fact is that something does have to give.   On a constant basis I feel the guilt of not being there for my children.  As many of you know, E started first grade this year and the fact that I have to hire a babysitter to pick her up at the bus stop each day does NOT sit well with me.  To add to the mounting pile of guilt,  I had to put her on a bus for her very first day of school, then hopped on a flight to California for five days.  I took the red eye home on Friday to spend “quality” time with my family, but was so exhausted that I couldn’t even keep my eyes open when I returned.
We all have goals in life and I can tell you that nobody can keep up this pace for long.  At some point we all have to set our limits.  I am so fortunate to have had the success that I have had professionally as well as the fulfillment and opportunities that this blog brings.  I (like every other mother) will have to make a choice, but rest assured that no matter what I choose, the one thing that will not give is my kids.

09.12.11

Baby G’s ABC’s.

This is Rachel.  She is expecting a baby boy next month
Remember that post about ABC’s?
Well I am happy to report that Rachel has received and hung letters for her baby boy’s nursery, and couldn’t be happier!  She was able to customize her letters, and the quality is great.  Here they are in all of their glory:
Buy them here.

09.09.11

Not Optimal.

So, things have not exactly been working in my favor lately.  It has seriously been raining for 500 days here in NoVa.  We have had major flooding, and a lot of the local schools are closed.   E’s birthday party is tomorrow and here is the weather forecast:
Despite the rain cloud and accompanying thunderbolt in this forecast, there is only a 30% chance of rain tomorrow, which is 70% more optimistically dry that it has been in a week.
A few weeks ago I ordered 100 guitar picks online (originally black) and they won’t be ready for another week. The company shipped me 100 picks in this white material at a 50% discount and overnighted them.  Mike was at the house today when they arrived and sent me this pic… They look a little blurry to me.  
Did I mention that I couldn’t cancel the other order?… So I will have 200 guitar picks.  If you have a little guitar player, let me know!
Lastly I spent an hour cutting and putting together these back stage passes for E to hand out to her guests as they arrive.
See anything that is wrong?  The date at the top says September 10 (correct date) and the date at the bottom says 9/1 (incorrect date.)  I know what you are thinking– nobody will notice (at least that’s what Mike tells me) but the perfectionist in me cannot let it go.  Back to the drawing board on that project.  
My darling husband always seems to keep me grounded in my neuroses.  As he would tell me “it’s just a party, and the most important thing is that we are all together and having fun…” and he is right!  So to all of you party people, bring your galoshes- this party will go on!

09.08.11

Back To School Party

It’s that time of year again.  While searching for inspiration for another party, I stumbled upon this Back To School Soiree.  This party was created by Leoni of Just Call Me Martha.  Isn’t it unbelievable!  I love all of the colors.  

Leoni used free printables from Bird’s Party for the tags.

These pops of color are giving me some serious inspiration….

08.29.11

It Was a Little Misty…

At the bus stop this morning.  My E Burger started FIRST GRADE!!!  No more drop offs at daycare, today I put my baby on a bus and let her go. New school, new friends, new teacher, new everything…  Ugh.
 She has to be at the bus stop at 7:15, so needless to say, it is going to be an adjustment for her (and us.)  It took me 20 minutes to wake her up today.  Mike asked if she was breathing.
There was quite a sendoff.
I am feeling so incredibly guilty, because I have to go to California all week.  I literally cried when I found out about this trip.  I was able to postpone my departure for this afternoon, but I won’t be able to talk to her until tomorrow because my flight leaves right before she gets home, and I’ll be in the air for six hours.
 Thank God for Grandpa and Helen who came to help out for the week.
The nerves subsided as she met some friends at the bus stop— there are seven first grade classes at her new school– 2005 was a baby boom in our community.
And off she goes.
My heart melted as she turned to blow a kiss.
This is the part where Mommy cries. Good luck today, my girl.  I love you.

08.26.11

Beaded Heaven.

That’s what she’s been named by her creator, Lindsey Hamlin of Simply Salvage. who tirelessly worked to create a perfect replica of my vision.  She hand painted and strung over 4,000 beads (twice the amount that we originally estimated.)  Lindsey dealt with my incessant questions about parts, colors and finishes.  She made this baby with love, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. 

Beaded Heaven is on her way home to Virginia as we speak.  I know a three year old who is anxiously awaiting her arrival.

08.18.11

Instagram.

I am officially obsessed with Instagram.  I downloaded it a few weeks ago, but didn’t really have the time to play around with it until our 2.5 hour trip to Dutch Wonderland last weekend.  For those of you that are unaware of this addictive (free) iPhone App, do not hesitate,  download now.  It allows you to take your standard picture and turn in into a gem.

You can turn this average iPhone pic:
 Into this:

I just love the vintage feel that this app brings to any picture.  Here are some more shots from our weekend:

You can also follow other users and get a running feed of their photos, much like Facebook or Twitter.  My username is klnsalmon if you want to follow me.