Holiday Ideas

So, I keep getting asked what the kids need for Christmas, or even what they want for Christmas, and where to send it.

And I am at a loss.

They need love, food, shelter and clothing.

And that is about it.

They want candy, playtime, and whatever some other kid is playing with. It is just their nature.

I read a quote on a blog site today that really sums up the considerations I wish all toy buyers would think about before purchasing plastic stuff that does little else but turn on and make noise.

**********

Will this toy help her embrace creativity?
Will it stimulate her imagination?
Will it help her learn to be generous?
For this is the beauty-filled youth I know we all want to give our little ones…
the childhood that will teach them
to think beyond themselves and make a difference.
**********

When I packed the RV I brought puzzles, books, puppets and dress up clothes - things that make Madee play with them, instead of just watching them play themselves. And I find that already it has made a difference with her playground friendships, and confused her during indoor playgroups spilling over with plastic toys to fight over.

And that is a good thing.

I know I sound like a hippie. HELLO I live outside for the most part and do my dishes by hand. Today I smell like a hippie, so I don't really care how I sound, but I am trying to get my kids to a simpler place without all the whistles and bells and encourage them to be generous, kind and creative.

And if that makes me a hippie, pass the granola and some blocks made from a sawed up 2X4, ya'll.

A Few from Birthday Weekend

Auntie Teri came to visit for Birthday Weekend. Her birthday is the 26th, so we gfot to have some fun celebrating together.

I got some really great shots of her when we went out for a shoot.

I am posting a few of my faves.


Happy Feet
Happy Lady



We manifested this little karmannghia...it couldn't have been more perfect.

Auntie reading things to babies...

The coolest girl I know. She talks so much now I am just reeling. She knows an A and a B when she sees one, and knows that 2 comes after 1. And she can say Bela.

She is such a fun little companion.

I chased her around the house cutting her hair for 2 days. She ducks her head and goes, "OWOWOWOWOWOW"

It's very Michelle Williams, no?


Charlie's out painting the RV and it is friggin' freezing out there!
brrrrr.....it's snowing!

On Memories, Mammaries and Diapers...

Oh my sweet little 6 week old boo. You were so tiny and scrum-diddly-umptious.

It is almost hard to remember that little limp baby...


So this is my favorite daily thing today.
My parents bought it for me for my first Mother's Day.
I just love the way this makes me feel. Like someone understands that sometimes this amazing love is all about her and me and sharing DNA and flesh and family and memories and every other special thing we share.


For the past few weeks we have been going through weaning, not by either of our choice, but with her increase in appetite for solid food, and the very nature of things, it is just happening.

It is the first big event of letting go, and it is hard for both of us. There are moments when I feel like I am failing her, and I fear that our bond that is so special just won't be the same.

I am afraid that the most obvious thing that separated me from anyone else in her life is gone. And now I am just another person to her.

It just isn't easy to let go of her babyhood.

I am just so grateful that I was able (and willing!) to nurse at all, and that this transition comes naturally. Charlie keeps reminding me how hard it would be 6 months from now, when she understands more, or how awful it would be if I had to cut her off or wean her forcefully due to another pregnancy.

And he is right.

That would be way more devastating. But this still hurts.

I just always want to do what is the very best for her. And it is hard to face the reality that sometimes, despite my best intentions, I might not be able to.

It is hard to be a parent sometimes.

I've seen these Seventh Generation diapers all the time at the store, but I guess I thought they were generic.

Then I saw Nicole Ritchie buying them for her celebrity baby, and after a little research I realized they aren't generic, they are hippie diapers.

I bought a pack to try, simply because they don't have any stupid cartoons on them, and are a beautiful linen color. What can I say? I am a sucker for pretty things...

But there is really more to these diapers than the pretty outward appearance. They are chlorine free diapers. Did you know leading brand diapers have chlorine packs in them, to mask the odor of urine? (heebs!)

I was kind of shocked. I am sure my diapers had chlorine, and so many babies live long fruitful lives despite the fact that some noxious gas is rubbing against their precious little hoo-hoo.

But it just sounded knuckleheaded terrible to be strapping some chemical used in enemy warfare to my baby's perfect little butt.

We are all a little happier around here for doing good things for hoo-hoos and the environment!


I know it is a little out of focus, but just look at that silly little puss. I miss my lip kisses. No lip kisses when Mommy is sick.

So yummy...

So serious...

So cute.
Yes sir, that's my baby...


I love you baby, you are the most colorful memory I own.