Carlsbad 2014

We had a big Maidename family reunion in Carlsbad, CA over the 4th and it was epic. Cheryl the Great and her husband Scott (I called him that and J corrected me, "No, he's Boss") organized and sponsored the entire thing. I know every mama who attended appreciated not having to plan and pack meals. Camping is far more pleasant one someone else does that. And Cheryl even included kid friendly fare for each meal. For 40 dad gum people. A-mazing. That alone is a logistical nightmare. And don't get me started on the hulabaloo required for getting the most perfect sites at the best beach campground in California. It was stellar my friends and we love them so much for it. Here is a bit of the magic. (And I hate that I'm missing pictures of so many family members! It isn't personal, I promise!)

I know there was a reason for this frowning version, but I can't remember what it was.

 Sometimes I pack prizes for my children to bribe them into behavior I want. I wouldn't do it if it didn't work so well. I think that $1 stackable crayon from Target bought me 1 hour of fun conversation with my cousins. Well worth it :) The super cute new swimsuit my daughter refuses to wear at any time after this picture, not worth it.

Possibly the combined influence of The Little Mermaid, Bubble Guppies, Jack and the Neverland Pirates, and a few ocean themed Backyardigans, J has asked me earnestly every week, when she is going to turn into a "nermaid." I've told her they are just pretend but she doesn't actually believe me. She was quite pleased with this :)

M didn't get the concept of what we were doing, but you better believe he was going to have a turn. He refuses to be left out.

And in case you are feeling bad for my parents for not being able to join us, you are wrong! They did manage to make it. If you have ever read Flat Stanley, you might recognize Elder and Sister Maidename!

They enjoyed the sunset with us

And if you know these two, they never miss a chance to smooch during a pretty sunset.

Mom even came with us when Cheryl the Great treated us to mani-pedis. I don't think she fully appreciated the massage chair.

I loved my 80's style pedicure.

Mom loved the colors Big Sis and I chose for our manicures.

Dad saw Big Sis eating a fig Newton and had to have a bite.

Of course they had to give baby Jace some smoochies. I mean, look at those cheeks!

Stay tuned for the adventures we had at Legoland!

Broccoli Musings

Please note and enjoy the mung bead thread stuck to his stomach as my little gourmand explores the texture of broccoli

Reading

What this picture was supposed to be was this perfect shot of him engrossed in turning the pages of a little Orson Scott Card. Instead, you get the blank look he gave me immediately after. We like to encourage reading by having a pile of books on the Green Couch, otherwise known as Haven of Other People's Stuff I Need To Return.

M's nursery

You know, I actually finished decorating his nursery when he was about 4 months old and intended on doing a pretty post where everything was styled beautifully.

And here we are after his 1st birthday and I still haven't made the time to style and photograph it beautifully. So I grabbed the camera and took pictures that aren't magazine ready. Oh well. At least they exist.

I was going for a travel sort of theme. This is the hot air balloon mobile I put together. I purposely did not google ideas because I'm afraid that pinterest has stolen my creative juices. I had J paper mache small balloons with tissue paper with me. I used decoupage as medium and thought it had the coolest texture. I almost voiced aloud that it felt just like a paper lantern. Then my librarian voice said, "Duh" and I kept the thought to myself. The baskets are an origami vase, tutorial here, attached with fishing line.



I was so proud of this map. I had looked up lots of pretty water color map inspiration and actually had a project turn out the way I had hoped. A piece of water color paper that large runs about $30 and I really didn't want to mess it up. I even did some practice experiments on other paper and finally understood how museums have "studies" of famous works. Fancy artists did practice pieces too!

And I know it is silly, but I'm proud of it because it is the first piece I'm done that involved no tracing or grid drawing. Yes, my secret to artistic endeavors- trace a photograph.

Here is the pretty display of shoes. Confession: I did tuck the shoe laces in and clear off the top of the shelf.

And the mess underneath the top shelf that I didn't touch. It is an elaborate organization system for clothes that are now too small. But you'd never know if I just showed the top picture.

The fun two-toned curtains that I meant to iron before photographing. Actually, that I meant to iron since I originally hung them to test the length. Not on the priority list for the last 10 months. The rocking horse was a garage sale find for $1!

 This globe was a goodwill score for $2.50! It is strategically turned so your can't see the brown mystery stain J added to it.

My magazine shoot had all of my Aden and Anais blankets lovingly folded and styled. Instead, here is the every day mass left out of the globe shot.

Following the origami and watercolor theme, these pretties are hung over the glider.

I like the dimension the paper gives it.

And the vintage reading books salvaged from my parents house. I was so excited to read these when I was a kid. My OCD hates that the collection is missing some, but I still love the pretty colors.

So there you go world, a mix of pretty and real photos to inspire you and make you feel better about your normal looking home.