November 04, 2009
November 03, 2009
Mommy Needs a Time Out
Actually, I need some time OFF.
It's been a banner day at Chez Michellany. My three year old told me she hates me.
Nothing shocking there, I suppose. Since time immemorial kids have been scoring direct, catastrophic hits by tossing this verbal grenade at their parents' un-kevlared hearts. Did Shakespeare have kids? Because he sure nailed it when he penned that "sharper than a serpent's tooth" bit.
And what have I done today to deserve my preschooler's unfettered contempt? I requested that she ask for, rather than demand, a banana.
I 'get' that I am my kids' "safe space." With me, they can let it all hang out - the proverbial good, bad and the ugly - because I love them unconditionally, and they are secure in the knowledge that I always will. They feel safe and confident that I will always be here for them. (Goodness knows that I am always here with them!)
And I recognize that's a measure of my success as a mom. I want my kids to feel loved and secure. And now that I've had a while this afternoon to 'process' my feelings, I also realize that it's probable my three year old has not one iota of an inkling of the significance I import to her words.
But here's the thing: I'm just tired - oh, SO tired - of being the receptacle for my kids' emotional upchucks on a daily basis. Yes, graphic and ugly. Do you have the sudden urge for a long, hot shower to wash away the unpleasant juju that conjures up?
Yeah. Me too...
October 31, 2009
Wicked Good!
My "babies"... posing dutifully for the annual Halloween front porch photo:
OK, so maybe this first one's a little stiff...we'll try another...
And in this one, Batman looks a little exasperated...or constipated...we're not sure which...
Now everybody's losing it...let's go trick or treating, already!
Finally! With Hugh looking up to Heaven in gratitude, it's CANDY TIME!
Hope you all had a SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN!!!
October 28, 2009
Wordless Wednesday, 10.28.09
Well, almost wordless, anyway...
Recently, I've been working with Mia of JTM Photography to update the product images of my monogrammed jewelry at A Gracious Plenty. A couple of days ago, Mia sent the beautiful shots below. I'll be adding these shots to A Gracious Plenty soon, but in the meantime, I just had to share Mia's beautiful work with you! (And if you live in the Atlanta area, Mia does wonderful portraits of children and families, so be sure to look her up!)
Single-strand Freshwater Pearl Bracelet with Monogrammed Sterling Charm
Double-strand Freshwater Pearl Bracelet with Monogrammed Sterling Charm
Sterling Silver Square Monogrammed Charm on a Black Satin Cord Necklace
Thank you, Mia!
October 24, 2009
'Dumb Things' and Other Delicacies
We had Chinese food delivered tonight for dinner. You can imagine our surprise when Hugh told us he wanted to eat the 'Stupid Things'.
We were surprised at first because we discourage the use of the word 'stupid' in our house. But we were further surprised, or better said, puzzled, when we realized that our four year old wasn't referring to Chinese food in its entirety as 'stupid' - he was looking for a specific item in our delivery bag, and he seemed pretty enthusiastic about it...like he really didn't opine it was something stupid, but rather, something desirable. So as we tried to tease it out, the conversation went something like this:
Us: Hugh! What do you mean, the 'stupid things'? Chinese food isn't stupid. Mommy and Daddy don't ask you to eat stupid things...
Hugh: No, no...I mean the dummies...the dumb things...the white things.
Us: You mean the dumplings?
Hugh: Yes! The dumblings! I love those!
....................
Ahh, Hugh...we love YOU, too!
October 23, 2009
Notice Anything New...?
So have you noticed any changes around here recently? I got a facelift! No not me, personally, but michellany, my blog! I want to give a shout of thanks to Nicole at The Pixel Boutique, who provided a little nip here and a little tuck there, and came up with all of the lovely improvements you see (including my new swirly, girly signature below). If you're in the market for a little 'lift' in the blog department, give Nicole a shout, too! She's a busy gal, but a hoot to work with, and I highly recommend her!
October 19, 2009
Sweetness, Part Deux
So I had sooo much fun posting a couple of days ago about ME and MY birthday celebration that I left out a lot of other fun stuff we did as a family that didn't necessarily focus on, uh, ME. But in the spirit of FAMILY and all that, and because I love posting cute pix of my kids, I wanted to share a bit with y'all about other happenings this past weekend.
For the most part, we ushered in the fall season by attending a couple of outdoor events. The first was the annual 'pumpkin patch' fundraiser at my oldest son's elementary school. This was our third year there, and to be candid, it was mostly a couple of hours of been there, done that. The fire trucks were parked in the same place as last year - and the year before - and our three kids did not even give them a passing glance. And the pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting table...also, all in the same place, and frankly, all so last year, as well.... Now forgive me if you are one of the many parent volunteers who worked hard, long hours to make this year's pumpkin patch come to fruition (no pun-kin intended...well, maybe...). You did a *lovely* job, and forgive me for being cavalier since I did absolutely NOTHING to contribute. (But in my defense, did you know it was my birthday?) It's just that, maybe next year you could rearrange the locations of the booths and activities a bit...or get really crazy and bring in a new attraction! Flamethrowers, anyone? Now that'd liven things up! I mean, we know the firetrucks will be there at the ready, so the safety angle is covered...but I digress...so getting back to what I know best, here are The Pix:
Now, the second event we had the good sense to check out was the First Annual Chastain Park Arts Festival. Since it was the 'First Annual' festival, it didn't have that pesky little burden of measuring up to, much less surpassing, last year's festival...so for us it was a winner right off the bat! We spent a couple of hours strolling the path along the artists' tents and exhibits, noshed on a few snacks (the kids' favorite part of the day!) and found some unique gifts for upcoming birthdays and Christmas.
One of my favorite discoveries at the Festival was the work of Ronnie Phillips. I admire his use of color and mixed media, and would love to have one of his paintings to brighten my home. It was wonderful to hear him tell the stories behind each of his works.... You can visit his website at www.RonPhillipsArt.com. I also was really keen on the serene sepia and vibrant color photographs of Alan Mogensen. Please check out his works at his website, www.alanmogensen.com. My last newfound delight was the ceramic artistry of Julie Sewell. Sadly, I couldn't find a website for her works so that I could share them with you, but luckily, she is based locally, in Roswell, in case I need to look her up for a future purchase!
How could such a wonderful weekend have ended? I think this picture shows it best:
Yes, all in all, it was a sweet weekend indeed!
October 17, 2009
How Sweet It Is
Today I celebrated the 13th anniversary of my 29th birthday. Or, if you insist, my 42nd birthday.
And I will sum it up in this way: 42 is off to a very sweet start!
(Hmm - Can you pick out the 'wild child' in this bunch?)
All the kids - and I'm including Hubby in that category! - gave me awesome handmade cards. Precious!
This full-color beauty is from Gil. He apologized for giving me such a long neck - I told him I was too grateful for the loooong legs he also bestowed!
Hugh gave me looong legs and WINGS! Who wouldn't love that?!
Hubbalicious was much more realistic in his portrayal of my legs...and I considered kvetching about my football player shoulders... until I also noticed my whittled waist! (Thanks Babe!)
Last, but certainly NOT LEAST, Genna drew one of her trademark smiley faces...minus a few of the facial features . She swears they are there...and I know my eyesight isn't what it used to be...do YOU see them?
And as if these sweet little missives AND LUSCIOUS CHOCOLATE CAKE weren't enough - there were other gifts, too!
The kiddos gave me one of my favorite candles...which may not seem like much, unless you are familiar with this candle company. I'm sure this one candle strained the piggy banks of all 3 of my little angels...although I'm guessing the Bank of Dad provided a little subsidy here and there...
My mother and father in law dropped off a lovely bouquet of yellow sweetheart roses, and will be treating my sis-in-law (also an October baby), our respective hubbies, and moi to see Cavalia. (As a former equestrienne and lifelong horse nut, I can't wait!)
My brother and sister in law brought me a fabulous planter from none other than Boxwoods! For those of you not familiar with this Buckhead boutique, they arrange beautiful, lush flowers and foliage in elegant pots and planters. For my budget, these heavenly arrangements are an indulgence - and though I love to give them to special people, I have never gotten one for myself. So this divine little slice of Eden is truly a treat!
GP made the trek up from Florida to spend a few days with us, and took care of the kids while Gil & I celebrated in style at the soiree of my October 17th birthday twin, Natasha. And here I must say a few words about dear Natasha...
This October 17th was special for Natasha - the BIG 40 - and she ROCKED IT, looking effortlessly glam in a divine little black dress. Sweetest of all, she made sure everyone there to celebrate HER special day also knew it was my birthday, too! Gorgeous and gracious, as always! (Thank you Natasha, and Christopher, for a delightful time! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!)
And there is one final gift I've received... This one isn't quite ready for prime time - it's still in the works - but I'll share it with you all soon! Anyone care to guess what it might be? If so, leave a comment... Out of the goodness of my heart, I'll end a certain amount of suspense right now: it is NOT a baby! Not the human kind, anyway...but like my 42nd year...it is off to a very sweet start!
October 03, 2009
September 29, 2009
Holy Mackeyroe!
Where does the time go?!
Didn't I just share some nuggets of wisdom and sparkles of sunshine here a day or two ago?
You know how sometimes you think of something you want to say to someone you are with at the moment...then a while later you wonder if you ever actually said it out loud to them, or just thought about it and forgot to do the speaking part? (This does happen to you, at least on occasion, doesn't it? It's not just me, right?)
At this point, are you beginning to wonder if this entire post will be composed of questions?
NO. I wouldn't do that to you. Not today anyway.
So, I've been a blogging maniac in my mind for the past week and a half...and I've had lots of excellent material to share, natch...it's just the actual blogging out loud part (so to speak) that got lost in the daily muddle...
For example, I wanted to share how my three year old, Genna, came into the kitchen one day last week with a wadded up piece of paper, presented it to me with a grand flourish, and exclaimed joyfully, "Happy Wednesday!!!" It didn't matter at all that when I gingerly peeled open the tightly balled up wad of paper the smiley face she had drawn stared back at me with three eyes instead of the usual two, or that it was really Monday, not Wednesday. I was reduced to a puddle of mush.
(The title of this post, by the way, is Genna-speak for 'Holy Mackerel!', which she learned from my grandfather on his last visit with us. Thankfully, she did not pick up any of his more colorful exclamations...)
Then, last Wednesday, I wanted to share this beautiful scene with you for a Wordless Wednesday post:
But I realized I was incapable of sharing it without at least a few choice words...since it was the view from my husband's hotel room, where he was all last week, while I was at home with the not-so-delightful view below and three wigged-out, school-is-cancelled-so-we're-home-ALL-day-and-can't-even-go-outside kids as the Atlanta area experienced historical levels of rainfall and flooding:
(And though that may look like one big puddle or perhaps a shallow pond, don't be fooled - that's a spot in Chastain Park where the Nancy Creek overflowed and overtook a significant chunk of the golf course. The creekbed itself lies about 20 to 30 feet to the left of this photo, and the water around the oak tree at the left of the photo was several feet deep. My paltry photography skills do not capture the impressive nature of, well, Nature.)
In other Genna news, I thought her successful first visit to the dentist deserved some dedicated blog coverage. Genna did great! We made it through the entire visit, and the dentist wasn't traumatized at all! No, I'm not getting that backwards. The pediatrician routinely calls in not one but two bouncers nurses to defend assist him when Genna goes in for checkups. But just check out this scene of dental zen:
See, all smiles - even Dr. Lee! Seriously, Dr. Lee, you ROCK!
*********************
Well, all that? That only gets us through last week. This past weekend I walked a 5K, joined by my dear sister-friends Lou and Mindy (and my awesome niece & nephews) to raise money for and awareness of the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. It was an emotional way to begin the weekend, especially at the memorial balloon release at the beginning of the walk.
For the remainder of the weekend, we enjoyed a visit from my other sister-friend Fidelma and her son Owen, who came all the way from Buffalo. It was mostly a moms & boys weekend...Saturday, we toured the Georgia Aquarium, then went home to watch the boys wow us with their own aquatic prowess in our pool; Sunday, we took the boys to see "Walking with Dinosaurs" at the Gwinnett Arena. In the meantime, Genna and Daddy got lots of Father-Daughter bonding time! (Good thing, too...I think Genna might have intimidated the T-Rex had she tagged along!)
Phew! That's my week (and then some) in review...and, seriously, I can't figure out why I didn't get any blog posts published along the way...
