A Day for the Mama's
Click on each photo above to be taken back to it’s place of origin.
No image touches me more than a mother with her child. Wishing all the Mama’s out there a Happy Mother’s Day.
Special love going out to my own mom, who has led me more by example than with advice. Mom, it may be true that you spent camping trips washing the dirty dishes under a shitty spicket but, because of it, I love the smell of the mountains.
Special love also going out to Willy’s mom, you raised one fine man. And to my sister-in-law and dearest friend, who are both celebrating their first Mother’s Day.
Dear Hooper & Van, there is nothing I am more proud of than being your mom.
As a side note, my Mother’s Day was made last night when I learned Kelly nominated me for The Dairy Queen award. I had received a mysterious email a while back and had honestly forgotten all about until last night, when another mysterious email appeared with a link. Kelly is the mom I have been donating my extra breast milk to. Well, I haven’t donated it to her, but rather to her son who is just a few months younger than Van. Kelly, my heart is all kinds of warm. Thank you.
For All the Mamas
♥ ♥ ♥
ONE TWO THREE FOUR
♥ ♥ ♥
one + two + three + four + five
Oh dear, I blinked and all the sudden it’s February. How I long for the day to come when I can send the boys off to school with their little Valentine’s in their backpacks… I ought to add that to my list of “cant waits”… Happy February! Rabbit, Rabbit.
2013
I wrote some resolutions last year around this time. I had just started this blog and they were kinda silly and arguably cliche. Upon reading them, I thought, yeah yeah, I resolve to do that again this year. Turns out things like “eat better” require a complete lifestyle change. And well, making ten lifestyle changes is a hard thing to do. Since becoming a mom, I’ve realized the importance in setting small goals. If you don’t, you’ll spend every day beating yourself up for being such a loser.
So I’m keeping the resolutions to a minimum this year.
Last year, I resolved to work out. Do some yoga. That sorta thing. I did prenatal yoga throughout my pregnancy with Hooper. I did none with Van. Time wouldn’t allow. So, this resolution was a total flunk. I’m recycling this resolution again this year but am altering it. I have something planned later in the year that I’m not ready to talk about but it requires that I strengthen my abdominal and leg muscles. Considering my abdominal muscles are still separated from carrying my second over nine pound baby, this is no easy feat. Wish me luck.
I almost burst into a full blown giggle when I read that I resolved to buy a bigger home last year. Granted, we did look. We even put an offer down for one home and it didn’t work out. Ultimately we decided it would be more financially responsible to stay where we are. So I’m resolving to love the home I’m in. There are a few things I’m excited to change in the interior, so there’s that to look forward to. Which reminds me of the kitchen remodel tour I promised way back when and room tours of the boys’ rooms. Yes, yes, yes, I resolve to share those too.
I kept my resolution last year to continue blogging and I’m glad I did. The blogging community continuously inspires me. Building this blog has helped me grow too and part of me feels overcome with the same creative spirit that carried my wandering soul in my early 20’s. Errr ::scratches head:: That comment makes me feel kinda old. Scratch that early 20’s shit and lets leave it at I love the creative energy this blog brings me on a personal level.
Hope everyone had a fancy dance New Years. Feel free to share your resolutions as well, I’d love to hear.
Then & Now
I struggle with Christmas. It’s not so much of the hustle and bustle during a time that’s supposed to be relaxing, I can handle that; It’s the gift giving and consumerism part of it I have a hard time with. When it comes down to it, I don’t want to raise my children to be greedy little bitches. And shit, I don’t want all the praise going to some fake fat bearded guy when I was the one who worked hard to put Thomas the god damn train under the tree. Okay, I joke about the latter but I’m not joking about the greedy little bitches. The reality of it all is that family is the greatest gift of all. I know, because I was young and dumb, that muchkins or even teenagers for that matter can’t quite grasp the maturity that’s behind that statement. I’m wondering how to start instilling the gift of love and family early on. Willy and I have always been kinda scrougey during the holidays. We never celebrate Valentine’s Day. And it’s not because we don’t love each other. I love Willy with my entire heart. He’s my best friend. We’ve always felt Christmas and Valentine’s Day were centered around consumerism instead of actual love. So how do you replace the gifts with love?
Before we had kids, Willy and I would travel during Christmas time. It worked out best because it was the only time we would have off work or school. We spent one year in the Dominican Republic and another year in Nicaragua. It’s interesting to compare Christmas here to Christmas in countries where greed and consumerism hasn’t taken over. In the Dominican, there was one celebration and everyone in the town was there. They played music and danced, but there were no gifts. In fact, we were the only ones handing out baseball cards and little trinkets to the kids that we had brought from the states.
I’m wondering if we should start a family tradition of traveling for Christmas. Going through old pictures is watering a seed that has been sitting there for sometime. It sounds dreamy. And I’ve been itching to put a backpack on these rusty shoulders of mine. But I don’t want to ruin it either. What kid doesn’t have the fondest memories of waking up to find out Santa had been there the night before.
Your thoughts?
In any event, we had a nice Christmas. Hooper slept on our drive up to Santa Barbara (he’s such a trooper in the car) and Van greeted everyone with smiles and the occasional spit up. Hooper has yet to catch on to the whole present idea anyway so I figure we have another year to figure it all out. We didn’t buy the boys anything this year. Hooper had a good time opening his “prizes” from the advent calendar and he opened a few gifts from our very generous relatives. He woke up the morning after and went straight back to his cars anyhow. 
I can’t begin to tell you what these photos, these memories, do to my soul.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
♥
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday.
To my loving family, you guys are the greatest gift of all.
Bits + Pieces
Elf on the shelf // I love getting Christmas cards in the mail // Hoop rockin’ the Christmas jammies and sunglasses // We bought a little tree. Hooper like to sniff it. So do I // Reindeer Van // Hoop in his Christmas sweater // Been spinnin’ Christmas tunes all week // “Vanta”, part Van, part Santa // Cinnamon rolls? Yes, please // It’s been 30 to 40 degrees here in the morning. By California standards, this is freezing and we’re all complaining because that’s what we do // The boys had their pic taken with Santa. Hoop has his finger in his mouth and Van looks like Elmer Fudd, but whatever. We bought it anyway // Present wrapping. I need some elves to come help. If you know any, send em’ my way // Hoop and his beloved Mickey.
Happy Friday!
Twelve Days O’ Fun
1 toy gun // 2 christmas record // 3 dum dums // 4 tattooes // 5 cars // 6 stickers // 7 harmonica // 8 plane // 9 crayons // 10 pocky // 11 animal figurines // 12 book
This year is the first year Hooper kinda gets Christmas. He doesn’t grasp the concept of Santa or reindeer or lights, but this boy is catching on quick to the concept of prizes. I did a modified version of the advent calender this year and it’s proven to be just as much fun for Willy and I as it is for Hooper. Each day we put a little prize in a decorated, easy to open, paper bag under the tree. The boys eyes light up when he notices that little green bag under the tree. Last night, he squealed, “new pie-z” (new prize)! His favorites thus far have been the lollipops (he is my child after all) and the little animal figurines. I’m short on prizes, so I even wrapped up some toys he’s forgotten about. He’s two and not the genius he will be one day, so whatever.
Did you do an advent calendar? I’m already looking forward to doing something more elaborate next year!
Side note: Special congrats to Janine for winning the giveaway from Little Foot Boutique. For those that are still interested in making a purchase, you can use promo code STORK15 for 15% off.
A Christmas Story
We went the other evening to pick out our Christmas tree. It was there, in the lot of pre-cut trees with fake frosting that it dawned on me: Hooper is growing up. And fast. I watched as he weaved in and out of the aisles, hiding quickly behind one tree and then behind the next, popping out every now and again to say “boo” with the sneakiest little smirk on his face. It seems like just yesterday that I was swooning over his pitter patter. Pitter patter; you know, the sound toddlers make when they’re running. Only they don’t run so much as they gallop and they practically lose all self control with each step as if they’re running down hill only there is no hill, only a hallway.
I had Van in the front carrier and my camera, eager to catch every significant and insignificant moment, slung over my shoulder. I called out to Hooper every now and again to remind him that I was close by. Only he didn’t care. He was one amongst the Christmas trees. Every now and again, he’d pop out only run away once again. And I watched as he ran. And there was no pitter patter. Instead there was a well executed stride. Quick, deliberate, coordinated steps in quick succession. He was like an arrow darting away from me. I suppose that is how life will be from this point forward.
Side note: I saw someone on instagram post this quote from Gandhi and it’s been in my head ever since: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
My thoughts are with everyone in this time of sorrow.
‘Tis The Season
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15
Rabbit Rabbit
It’s December 1st and I don’t know about you, but Christmas has been looming over my head for the past week or so. It’s like a whole separate to do list: think of what to get people, go out and get it or order it online, wrap it, drop it off at the post office, think of what I want, think of what the kids need, decide on a Christmas card to send out, send out Christmas cards, buy a Christmas tree, decorate a Christmas tree. My mind is spinning, can you tell? Anyway, I’ve thrown out quite a few discount codes over the past month or so and I thought it’d be helpful to compile them all in one place to make online shopping a little easier. I hope these discounts are useful and that you can check a few people off your list from these awesome stores/companies below. There are some really cool people behind these stores/companies and I’m happy to support each and every one of them. So with no further adieu, get to shopping. And check some peeps off your list. It will feel so good, won’t it? I love putting that line through things. Or that check in the box. I’m really not a type A, but that sure makes me sound like one doesn’t it?
15% off from etsy seller Truly Sanctuary with coupon code STORKANDTHEBEANSTALK
25% off from etsy seller Peppermint & Cocoa with coupon code STORK25
15% of with coupon code STORK15 from etsy seller Little Foot Boutique (giveaway coming soon)
25% off from Cuddle Smart with coupon code STORK25 (expires on December 26th)
25% off from etsy seller Lishyloo with coupon code Lishyloo25
25% off from Sweet Threads with coupon code STORK
50% off a portrait session at Viera Photographics when you mention The Stork & The Beanstalk (see more details here)
15% off from etsy seller Craft Goblin with coupon code STORKSAVINGS (you can still enter the giveaway here)
20% off from etsy seller Olivers Forest with coupon code STORK20
$30 off My Own Art with coupon code THESTORK (giveaway coming soon)
20% off from etsy seller Sarah Dyer with coupon code XMASSTORK
20% off from etsy seller Threading Marigolds with coupon code storkandthebeanstalk
15% off from Peppercorn Kids with coupon code S&B15 + free standard shipping
20% off from etsy seller 3 Ring Circus with coupon code Holiday20 (expires December 15th)
Hope these discounts are helpful. Enjoy your weekend.
Happy Birthday, Hooper
I shared video from his birthday last week, but here’s some photos from the party.
Before:
For the record, in the photos above he had no pants on. Shirt, tie, and diaper. That’s how 2 year olds roll.
And, here’s some from the par-tay:
(That’s Hooper’s great grandma. She’s 95. I’m just sayin’.)
(Great g’ma numero dos. Not 94.)
Is the polite thing to do to apologize for the photo overload? If so, I’m sorry.
I spent a lot of time stressing over Hooper’s birthday. Everything from where to have it, who to invite, and what to eat was decided last minute. And by last minute I mean we bought and put together an outdoor heater the morning of the party. In the end, it was great. We invited some family, some friends, and ordered pizza. We contemplated inviting people we knew that had kids for the sake of having kids at his party, but in the end we decided he’s not going to remember his party anyway and opted to stick to our friends only. As it turned out, when we put all the children of our friends in one room, we had a baseball team minus the outfielders anyway. And lets face it, outfielders don’t do anything other than pick grass. I digress. It was a fun day and we checked off a lot of the home to do list the day before with the help of my in-laws. In any case, I’m making a mental note to be more organized next year to alleviate some of the last minute hustle and bustle.
Seven Hundred & Thirty Days of Life
Dear Hooper,
There’s a lot to be said about becoming a mom. For me, it happened two years ago. I vaguely remember who I was before that day and part of that girl still burns deep inside me. But today, I’m mom. Your mom. And I couldn’t be more proud. But today is not about me, it’s about you. Happy Birthday, Hoop. This sure is a fun journey. Thanks for the ride.
I love you,
Mama
Here Lies Good Times.
my sister and I. that’s me on the left.
Having kids does funny things to you. They seem to bridge the gap over remember when that was so fun and who the hell cares. When I was a kid, I lived for Halloween. I even remember bringing an extra pillow case one year and getting double the candy by saying I was collecting candy for my sister who was sick at home. Then there were the years I spent arguing that dressing up was overrated and I let the festivities fall to the wayside. Now that I’m a mom, I’ve come full circle. Candy corn rocks my world and I bought pumpkins for the first time in years. I even made a special Halloween cake. Who am I? And somehow it’s all even more fun than it was when I was a child to watch my own kids celebrate the holiday. Is it even a holiday? (Rhetorical question)
We went trick or treating to a few homes in neighborhood, which Hoop thoroughly enjoyed. Then we came home and Hoop organized his loot into neat piles and then rearranged his piles over and over again. He ate a lollipop and was probably one of the happiest kids on earth. We handed out candy, ate a nice dinner, and then I enjoyed my cake. Can’t wait til’ next year, when both of my members will be knockin’ on neighbor’s doors. Hope everyone had a fun night! Feel free to share your links, would love to see your little ones all dolled up!
Boo
Somehow in the chaos that has been the last week or so, I managed to make Hooper’s Halloween costume in time for his little party at the gym. I use the term “make”, but rest assured there was no spinning wheel involved. Shit, there wasn’t even any thread involved. That little Fred Flinestone getup was constructed out of pure felt and glue goodness. Possibly the most easy and inexpensive thing I can brag about making. I spent around 7 bucks on material and when all was said and done, about 45 minutes cutting, gluing, and measuring.
Van was a sheriff. I scored his little vintage getup at the Topanga Vintage Market a few months ago for 5 bucks with tags attached. Tonight, he’ll be a dinosaur because I honestly don’t think he can fit into the sheriff costume again. That’s one big growing boy, thanks to that dreadful three month growth spurt I keep bitching about.
Anyway, we’ll probably do a little trick or treatin’ tonight and then hunker down and hope some trick or treaters come to our door. I think Hooper will really enjoy handing out candy. And eating the candy. Because that’s a must. Have I mentioned I’m addicted to candy corn. Because I am.
What are you doing?
Side note: My first day back to work was long, but relatively seamless. I wish all days as a nurse could go so smoothly. Thanks to everyone who offered words of encouragement and support, it means a lot. Thank you also to those who continue voting on TBB, we’ve jumped up quite a few spots over the last few days, so that’s always cool to see. Much love.
Fall Fever
I love fairs and festivals. We went to the Ventura fair and had a blast. We tried the LA fair and swore, as in cussed our brains out, and then swore, as in promised, never to go back. The little pumpkin patch at Pierce College, now that is where it’s at. If you live locally, you must check it out. We’ve been twice already; once on the weekend and once mid-week. There is a $5 entrance fee on the weekends, but it’s free during the week. They have everything you would get at the county fairs minus the crowd and cost. I’m talking bumper boats, slides, mining for gold, pony rides, petting zoo, trampoline, moon bounces, hay rides, a carousel, corn maze, funnel cake, and the best strawberry lemonade in all the land to boot. I think we just started a yearly tradition. Looking forward to next year when Van can participate in the pumpkin picking. This year, he slept the whole time.
Side note: Today is the last day to enter Monday’s giveaway from Truly Sanctuary. You can enter by simply leaving a comment on Monday’s post. I will be announcing the winner on Monday.
Birthday Preparations
1 scooter // 2 teepee (no longer listed, but more coming tomorrow I’m told) // 3 truckers hat // 4 vintage tank // 5 helmet // 6 vintage shorts // 7 Ingela Arrhenius plates // 8 guitar
I’m so undecided about how to celebrate Hooper’s birthday. I’m not sure whether to do a friends party and a family party or just a family party. I had the same debate last year and we opted to have a very small family gathering. There’s not a lot of time to schedule two parties as Thanksgiving is just after his birthday and combining friends with family makes for a bigger celebration than our little home could handle. So the debate continues…
What I’m not debating is what to get him for his birthday. We’re not generally into the filling the toy chest game, but there are a few things he’s shown interest in and a few things I like for him. Above are some things we’re contemplating buying the little guy for his big day. The teepee is at the top of my list… seriously, how cool is that thing?
Bits + Pieces, Father’s Day edition
I’m behind in sharing some snippets from our Father’s Day weekend. Actually, I’m behind in a lot of things lately due to the fact we have not been living in our house. We’ve been a bit discombobulated this week, but construction on our kitchen is nearing an end and soon things will be back to normal… Until Van arrives, that is. Anyway, here’s some bits and pieces from our Father’s Day weekend.
There was card reading in bed.
Followed by book reading in bed. 
Some cinnabons were consumed.
Cartoons were watched. 
Afternoon beers were had.
We played in the pool.
Hooper played with janitorial items.
Hooper opened and closed the fence. Over and over. 
Sarah played fetch.
Helicopters and airplanes flew overhead. Hooper pointed each and every one out.
Someone gave an abundance of daddy day hugs during his bath. Okay, he was really holding on for dear life as he suddenly hates the water poured over his head. But someone else (aka. Papa) ate it all up. So did I, hence all the photos.
