Sunday morning learning . . .

Overheard in our kitchen:

MH: I wish I was an octopus so I could have 152 thousand (152 is her favorite number du jour) arms and legs!

Mommy: You know octopuses don't really have that many legs! Hey, how many sides does an octagon have?

MH: I don't know. Oh yeah, 8.

Mommy: So, octagon . . . octopus - how many legs does an octupus have?

MH: I don't know . . . eight.

Mommy: Right! Octo is latin (ok, not positive about that one, but I went with it) for eight. Get it, octagon, octopus - one has 8 sides, one has 8 legs.

Daddy: Oooohhhh, listen to Mommy getting all fancy this morning!

MH: OY! Oy, Oy, Oy!


Guess it's a good thing I didn't start with Octo-Mom.

And there was dancing, and singing, and movin' to the groovin'

I may have mentioned that March was a very busy month for me. Volunteer work was starting to feel like a full-time job.

I learned a lot about myself, working with others, where I excel most, and where I'm most happy giving my time.

By far, the best (and hands-down most fun) thing I worked on (for months) was a fundraiser for our Temple.

It was a huge retro Bat Mitzvah party.

Think groovy to the max and "more bar, less mitzvah".

We put in a TON of work and it was such a high to see how it paid off.

People had a blast!

The DJ jammed fab 70's music for hours. We learned the Hustle (though I have a sneaking suspicion that many attendees already knew how to do it).

When it came to the food, the caterer took groovy to a new level. Can you say mini martini-glasses filled with tomato soup with a wedge of grilled cheese (picture the lime on your cosmo)? Fluffernutter sandwiches. Cheese cut into different sized feet and placed on real patches of grass. Fondue.

It. Was. Amazing.

In all, we had over 100 attendees of all different ages, which was so cool, and we raised over $5000 that will help defray the cost of religious school expenses and other needs.

However. The best part of this event was that theme-dressing was highly encouraged. And how could I, whose name was on the invitation, not show up in some knockout gear.

For women these days, it's fairly easy to find something in a department store - so much passes for retro. But I wanted to be more "authentic".

As a novice "seamstress" I got the brilliant idea to make my own bell-bottoms out of a pair of jeans I already owned. I was pretty sure I could figure it out, but consulted my good friend Google just to be sure (you'd be amazed at how many tutorials exist on the subject). At one point I was thinking that my lofty goal was highly over-ambitious, but I managed to pull it off (luckily you can't see too closely in the pics!)

I pulled a shirt out of my closet that can only fall into the "what was I thinking when I bought this/perhaps it was post-partum psychosis" category. Yes, I carry the torch of having worn it out in public and thinking I looked cute and hip. That's another story. BUT it worked.

My recent haircut (which some of you will remember I initially hated but am now rather enjoying) lent itself perfectly to a rather Velma-ish do (please note: I do NOT wear it like this on a regular basis, and it rather worries me that I can look both the way I do on a normal day AND the way I look below).

Borrowed platform sandals with a cork bottom, some SUPER cheesy gargantuan gold earrings purchased on clearance, one of my mom's "back in the day" necklaces, and some fabulous makeup artistry finished the look.

Ta-Da!

The Mad Hatter had a ball "helping" us get ready. Check out my flares!

Hubby did not want to get dressed up and I told him he was SOL. When he finally suggested that I get him a wig, I ran with it.

I purchased the shirt from the Young Men's section at Marshalls (40% polyester, right in line with the era!), the facial hair, wig, and chest hair (not that he needed help in that department, but it came with the set) from the party store, and our neighbor who does his own comedy show hooked him up with the bling. He was quite the hit when he entered the room!

Here's our new family picture!

And a full-length shot to show off our complete and utter grooviness

I danced so much ALL night (yes, my back has been paying me back all week) that this is the only picture I have from the actual event! For their protection, I have Picniked the innocent.
We dubbed this trio the Fro Bros. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception is not complete without fun giveaways from the DJ. Along with tons of other funky loot, the Mad Hatter was the lucky recipient of the hot pink vinyl pageboy hat and glitter sunglasses (the pom-poms were a great behavior gift from one of our many trips to the party store)

Which she clearly took an immediate liking to . . .

She even insisted on wearing the glasses to preschool both days this week.

Sum it up to say, a good time was had by all.

In fact, DH and I agree, the best night out we've had in a really long time.

If volunteering can provide this much fun, sign me up for the next event!

WW - Beach in Winter

You may have read this post about our wonderful trip to the beach this weekend.

I couldn't let (almost) Wordless Wednesday go by without sharing a few more pictures from such a special day. Can you tell how much I'm enjoying using Picnik?

The Mad Hatter all bundled up and enjoying the swings

Poppy swinging alongside his favorite girl

The MH collecting "treasures"
(please forgive the quality of my cell phone pic - we all forgot our cameras!)

Sweetheart, Poppy, and MH in front of the fabulous jungle gym she spent forever playing on!

Definitely a day to remember, though we'll have to do it again now that Daddy is feeling better!

The Upside of Winter in New England

It's no secret that it's been a rough winter all-around, but this winter is one of the worst we New Englanders have seen in quite a few years.

One thing that's gotten me through each snowstorm and frigid day is the knowledge that in just a few months when the warm weather finally arrives, we'll be able to head for the beach whenever we feel like it.

Living in Rhode Island affords us the luxury of having many beaches within as little as 35-40 minutes door to door. We head for the beach on just about every nice summer day there is.

Lately, even the Mad Hatter has been talking about how she can't wait to go to the beach. She mentions it at least once a day! On the way to preschool the other day, she told me she thought it would be a great day to go to the beach because the sun was out. Yes, to her, any sunny day means that spring is here.

Sadly, I had to break the news that it was a bit cold for the beach, and alas, we were continuing on to school instead.

But today, she got her wish!

Last night, the dreaded Tummy Tornado blew through town, taking Hubby prisoner (he managed to dodge it a month ago when both MH and I got it) and I wanted to get the hell out of dodge give him a chance to rest without his faithful and uber-concerned 4 year old nurse daughter checking on him every 2 minutes.

It was sunny and the temperature was headed towards the low 50's. Even though it would be cooler by the water, I figured bundling up and getting some fresh air would be the safest thing to do a great way to spend the day. We called Sweetheart and Poppy to see what they were up to and before we knew it, the four of us were on our way.

We went to Galillee, a seaside area in Narragansett well-known for its abundance of clam shacks and seafood restaurants. We went to a yummy little place for some clamcakes and chowder ("chowda" to most Rhode Islanders). The MH was content with a hot dog.

The beach we chose was a stone's throw from the restaurant, and one I have vivid memories of from growing up. It has a great play area for kids filled with swings and a great jungle-gym. Many other families had the same idea we did, and everyone was so happy to be outdoors with the even the slightest promise of spring in the air. We chatted it up with other happy beach-goers and MH quickly joined in with all of the other kiddos running wild. (note to self: the parents with the cooler and wine glasses were genious, must remember that next trip)

First, however, she was anxious to go on the "big-girl" swings and show off her mad "pumping" skillz.

The funniest moment of the day, hands-down, was when she dropped to the ground and made "sand" angels. And then asked us to "bury" her (something she loves to have done during the summer). Even with all those winter clothes on, she didn't lose her vision of what we should do at the beach!

Finally, we decided to make our way further onto the beach. Within minutes, the MH was collecting treasures. So many, in fact, that Sweetheart quickly went back to the car to get a bag for all the goodies we were destined to take home with us. Special care was taken to find the perfect shells for Daddy that would make him feel better.

We found lots of great stuff we don't normally come across during the summer - Mommy's treasures being two perfectly intact scallop shells. We also found beautiful stones, snail shells, and brought home lots of periwinkle shells that have perfect holes for stringing onto a necklace for the MH (after I sterilize them, of course).

These days, she's usually running from her crazy mommy and the camera, but today, she begged me to take the next shot. It actually took her several minutes to find the perfect rock to sit on! (the quality is awful - I was so busy making sure DH was all set and that I had everything I needed for the day, I ran out of the house without my camera and had to use my cell phone - but hey, a captured image is still an image!)

I can't begin to describe the sheer joy I had watching my little girl this afternoon. She was carefree (as always), full of energy (as always), full of personality (as always), and full of zest for life (as always!). However, I loved watching the world through her eyes - seeing the beach of summer completely transformed into a different place. A place that is the same in the fact that there is water, sand, and lots to explore, yet so different. A place where Mommy's nose was running from the cold air and gloved-fingers were still frozen, yet the MH could have run around all.day.long. No crowds, no boundaries, no having to hold hands, no being told to slow down and stay with Mommy. Just pure freedom.

I'm always blown away by how easily she interacts with others; how quickly she makes friends with children and adults alike. And also by how happy she is to be both in the company of others or off in her own little world, exploring away.

And of course, the most special part of the day was getting to spend it with Sweetheart and Poppy. They have such strong memories of doing the same trip years ago with my brother and I, yet experiencing it with their only grandchild - their complete pride and joy - is entirely different.

I see their pride in me as a parent, and the complete joy and exhilaration they get out of spending time with their adoring granddaughter. We could not be luckier to have these amazing people as such a huge part of our daily life.

The only thing missing was Daddy (and I'd be lying if I said MH did not shed some tears on the ride down because she missed him so). However, when we returned home, both exhausted and exhilarated, Daddy was out of bed and feeling a lot better. MH helped out even more by doling out lots of kisses, gentle touches, and "treasures".

Something tells me it'll be a while before we can go back to the beach of summer as we know it, and we might just have time for another visit or two in our winter gear. Next trip, we'll be sure to have both Daddy and the real camera in tow!

The no-snow snow-day

I may be a New Englander but it does not mean that I like winter. In fact, I'd much prefer to be a snowbird.


We've already gotten enough snow if you ask me. We've already gotten enough threats of snow that haven't amounted to much more than supermarket and gas station chaos.

And yesterday/today was the absolute best - every public school in the state was cancelled last night before even a single snowflake had a chance to fall.

I might have seen a flurry or two this afternoon. As for the school cancellation? Still wondering what state officials were thinking with that one.


And the effect on this mom of one who has another year and a half before entering public school?

Our preschool follows the same vacation and school cancellation schedule as the public schools in our city.

Our preschool days come twice a week - Tuesday and Thursday, and today happens to be Thursday.

Needless to say, when I learned of the cancellation last night, I had more than a few choice words to utter.

Don't get me wrong. I adore the MH. I could love being a Mom any more.

But routine is routine. And preschool days are preschool days!

Since MH started preschool at the end of August, it has been pretty easy to adjust to jam-packing those two full days with doctor's appointments, physical therapy appointments, meetings for volunteer work, errands, and - I will not lie - some much needed, and well-earned me time.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are great for both of us - the MH is thriving at school, eager to know each morning when she gets up if it's a school day. And I, most definitely, am a better Mom for having a little time off.

However, sometimes life surprises us!

MH slept until 8:30 this morning (unheard of). When she woke up, she crawled into bed with me for one of the best kind of snuggles ever - the kind filled with a game of "I love you more than . . ." (my favorite one was I love you more than the whole bathtub filled with lots of really big duckies).

We lounged around for a bit. We got dressed and went to Sweetheart's house. We went out for lunch with Sweetheart and a friend.

When we got back, MH helped Sweetheart bake brownies. She set up a huge picnic on the kitchen floor, and made a gate out of Duplo blocks to keep the poor dog out.

We laughed, chatted, ate warm brownies, and drank tea (well, Sweetheart and I drank tea). MH insisted that we pack up some brownies to bring home to her daddy.

Sweetheart and I played with our matching new iPod Touches (Sweetheart loved mine so much that she got one for her birthday!). MH even got in on the act when I downloaded some games for her (thank you, thank you, thank you to whoever came up with the Bubble and Scribble applications - I see these being put to phenomenal use in the future).

It was a wonderful way to spend the day - 3 generations of girls just having a great time doing not much of anything.

My most current choice word regarding the cancellation of public schools today? Perfect.

Not so WW - Boo!

We went to a great family Halloween party this weekend!

DH and I could not have had more fun carving pumpkins, and MH was the hit of the party (such my little social butterfly!).

She was so well-loved that one girl insisted on carving an additional pumpkin for her, and another one was in the midst of making another one but we had to leave!

We've been trying to light them every night, but it's been so windy they keep going out!

My awesome creation - simple yes, but done completely freehand (I'm so proud).

Family of 3.

Admiring the "Mickey" pumpkin (notice Mickey had to come admire it too!)

Super M!

My favorite pumpkin of all!

Now we just need to carve our huge family pumpkin - I've got a trick up my sleeve for that one that I think will blow the MH away!

Happy Halloween!

The thing I swore I'd never buy.

I have nephews.

3 of them - 16, 12, and 8.

They are on DH's side of the family, and I love them dearly.

Every year when it comes to holidays and birthdays, I ask if there's something special they might like.

When the boys were younger, my sister in law would almost always tell me they wanted those Kidz Bop CDs.

I researched what they were on line, even listened to a sample or two.

And I refused to buy them.

10 year olds singing Top 40 hits?

It's weird.

And just plain silly.

It sounded ridiculous.

Was the music even appropriate for their young ears?

Since there was always something else they wanted, I'd politely choose something else and everyone was happy.

Then I became a mom.

For the last 3 years and (almost) 8 months, I've listened to kids' music.

Slowly, the 6 CD changer in my car has been taken over by music from Elmo Live, The Backyardigans, Gymboree, Music Together, Sesame Street, and more - you get the picture.

And slowly over the past year, we've started listening to Mommy and Daddy music in the car once in a while.

Just for a change of pace.

It's usually a big hit.

MH, being so into music, has developed a major love for The Boss.

She loves to sing the bah-dee-ah song (known to the rest of the world as Earth Wind & Fire's September).

And we can not forget her newest found love - Dee-onis Lewis.

Yep, Leona Lewis. My girl belts out Bleeding Love like nothing you've ever heard.

She sings it to family, friends, and herself, and even managed to realize on her own that the latest Leona song on the radio is in fact Leona.

Smart girl.

Back to my story.

In this house, we have major love for Dora. I DVR almost every episode and she asks for them by specific name.

Inevitably, a few commercials get captured in these recordings.

One morning a few weeks ago, I got out of the shower to hear my munchkin singing little snippets of current songs and wondering how on earth she knew them.

I popped my head out of the bathroom, and there it was - the commercial for Kidz Bop 14.

Clearly she had seen the commercial before (she has amazing auditory memory skills like her mommy, and managed to learn each and every song snippet they show).

And this particular Kidz Bop cd is special. Not only does it contain many songs she's never heard, but it's home to two of her absolute faves - the first, of course being Bleeding Love (she sings the line "my heart's crippled by the vein that I keep on closing" clear as day), and the second being Love Song by Sara Bareilles (according to MH, Uncle Dave's favorite song, as he was at our house one day when we were having an impromptu iPod dance party and he sang every word to her while showing her some rad dance moves).

Listening to her sing along with these little kids is one of the cutest things I've ever seen and heard.

My first thought was that I needed to get her this CD.

Actually, I lie.

My first thought was Oh no! It's one of those weird CDs with the odd little 10 year olds singing Top 40. Seriously, these CDs are still around, let-alone on version 14?

I can't exactly put my finger on it, but there's something that disturbs me about the music.

There's nothing wrong with it, per say.

The songs do not contain inappropriate lyrics.

As I said before, I let MH listen to some of them - we've actually enjoyed some fabulous car singalongs together with them.

But still, it's just odd. Weird. Disconcerting. Like I said, I just can't put my finger on it.

And then DH witnessed the MH reaction to the commercial. And I told him how just the other morning she told me she wanted the CD (and this, my friends, is also new to us - the viewing of a commercial and the "I want that").

And you know what DH said? Awww, we should get it for her. How cute is she?

So, dear readers, today we headed to Target for a couple of things and DH went straight to the music department. And among today's purchases was Kidz Bop 14.

We managed to hide it and I slipped it into the CD player before MH even knew we'd gotten it.

As we hit the road, I told MH we had a surprise for her, and quickly hit track 7. The car immediately filled with what sounded like 20 little munchkins singing "Closed off from love, I didn't need the pain . . ."

I looked back and her little face was incredulous. That I know I've heard this before, but huh?

And I told her. She was now the proud owner of that CD she saw on TV and really wanted.

You'd think I'd know by now, but I'm still always amazed at how such a small gesture on our part makes such a huge impact on them.

The ear to ear grin on her face paired with the dancing (such rhythm!) and perfect (in tune) singing (of every single word) along with those kids was all I needed to remember that there is nothing I won't do to make my little princess happy (when possible, of course).

She was like a kid in a candy store - Mommy, can I hear a different one? Ooh, I LOVE this one! Can we have another one now?

We sampled every song on the CD within 15 minutes. She danced, we all sang, it was one of those fun family moments we all cherish.

DH said (after he sat in the car with her listening for another 10 minutes while I was in CVS having prescriptions refilled) "this one's gonna get old fast".

And the irony is that it's in my car, and I'll likely be the one to listen to it over and over and over.

And you know what? When Kidz Bop 15, 16, and 17 come out, I'll be right there buying them for MH (as long as she likes the songs).

Why?

Because she so clearly loves music. Because watching her dance and sing fills me with joy.

Because when we got home and got out of the car this is what she said to me:

"Thank you so much for getting me dat music nyusic CD. You made me so happy. You and Daddy are my very best friends."

Does this mean I am a parent who will cater to my child's every desire and whim and purchase every item she bats an eyelash at?

Of course not.

But seriously, what she said to me when she got out of the car still hasn't left me.

Could any of you ever argue with that kind of reaction?

I challenge you.

Priceless

Tickets to Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy: $81.25
Parking: Free (we found a great spot on the streeet - $10 extra for souvenirs!)
Food: $21
Souvenirs: $20 (included Mommy getting to share delish cotton candy with MH, who was more excited about getting the adorable Flounder hat that came on top of the bag)
Mommy forgetting the small camera and having to take pics with her cell phone: Disappointing.

MH having a blast at her first Disney on Ice show: Priceless.


Side note: I adore the way my child thinks. You might remember this post, where we attended a birthday party at an ice skating rink. We decided on Friday at the last minute to buy tickets for this show, and have been talking about it ever since. On the way to the show, MH innocently asked us who would be helping her when we got there. It took us a minute, but we quickly realized that she thought she'd be skating with the Disney characters!

A great time was had by all (and if the show is coming to a location near you, GO - it was really cute! Plus, there is nothing better than watching your child's favorite characters come to life through her eyes).

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

We've been hard at work on practicing our catching skills!
On Monday, we had an impromptu visit from Uncle DKR and Shay (who was sadly not feeling well, but I am happy to report is doing 100% better now!).
MH definitely gets her athletic skills from my brother Uncle D and DH's sister Auntie P.
And Uncle DKR is always too happy to play with MH, no matter what request she throws at him. Their adoration of each other is most definitely mutual!

Here we are, ready for some action! You may notice that we are never at a lack for accessories!

Uncle DKR helps show her how to hold those arms out and close in for the big catch

Well done, Mad Hatter!

Even Shay was blessed with a little lei-action. And even feeling as lousy as she was, she handled MH's full-on affection like a total trooper!

I am still totally in love with my new camera. If only I could find the time to read the manual, I'd probably love it even more! And for those of you who have asked for details, I apologize for not getting back to you. I promise I will post about it soon - it's just been a crazy week around here!

Happiness is . . .

A leisurely family trip to our fave ice cream spot after dinner.

The kiddie size is equivalent to a large anywhere else.

The MH likes hers pink.

There is nothing better than watching her try to maneuver a huge cup/cone of melty, sticky, strawberry soft-serve and loving every last driplick of it.

Or laughing when it starts to rain and hubby gets the great idea for all of us to finish said ice cream in the car.

And on the way home, MH exclaims: "Oops! I had a little accident . . . I spilled some ice cream on my dress!"

And getting home to find that not only is it on the dress, but all over the back seat (along with the gazillion napkins I have handed her along the way now covered with ice cream and EVERYWHERE) and her carseat.

And not really caring because we had such a great time.

And feeling just a tiny built guilty because I indulged in said "kiddie size" cup of soft vanilla with hot peanut butter topping. Heaven.

But not too guilty because before we know it, summer will be over, and these impromptu trips will be a thing of the past until next summer.

And the fact that hubby had more ice cream on him than anyone (eating a cone and driving are not a great combination for him)!

OK, off to whip hubby's butt at a little Wii tennis.

That counts as exercise, right?

What's making YOU happy right now?

(Not Quite) Wordless Wednesday

Last Friday, Daddy took the day off and we went here.

After a trip there last summer, we decided this would have to be an annual visit - it blows our zoo out of the water!

All pictures are courtesy of my new birthday gift.

I am LOVING it!

And I did not even edit any of the photos yet!

A great time was had by all!

Wordless Wednesday

The Mad Hatter took to the sea for the first time ever when we visited a friend's lake house this weekend! Needless to say, she enjoyed every last second of it!