Since it's all about the costume and the choice thereof

Going with the medieval theme for the third birthday party coming up next month (with the casual tie-in of pirates since most three-year olds don't have knight costumes lying about).

Very sorry to inundate you with gazillion photos in one setting but I thought it was necessary to exhibit the full force of personality to be reckoned with.


Netflix for handbags. You can actually rent handbags at Bag, Borrow or Steal. I'm not quite sure what I think of this yet -- but probably not much -- you?

We headed to the beach today on the rare everyone-in-the-entire-family-included outing. Very few pictures were taken as it was an all-hands-on-deck kind of morning. A certain five year old still runs for the hills every time he smells open space and/or sees a ball bouncing(even if he has one of his own-- and he always does). So, that makes for some excitement when your three-month old is in tow (add personality above).

But it's always worth every ounce of effort when a memory is made.

xo
gina

Trip to Daddy's Office

Somehow I don't think Daddy got much accomplished.

Headshot

Photography and a challenge in one. How could I refuse?

Thrifty and Delicious

As promised, a thrift shop post.
I've recently been reevaluating my consumer habits. Anyone can go into Nordy's and slap purchases onto a card (hello, me). But I've come to realize that it is so much more interesting and creative to shop at thrift stores.
Not to mention 101 other reasons which include:
1. Saving money for the fun things in life like traveling and good food or for the practical things like college funds, retirement or rental properties (which then have AC units nabbed but moving on);
2. Teaching the children not to be obsessed with things and wanting MORE and NEW and BETTER when gently used will do just fine, thank you;
3. Because the average American has an $8,000 balance on their 10 OR MORE credit cards;
4. Because it's an adventure!;
5. Because I feel happy rather than guilty!;
6. Because when my $6 shirt gets pooped on I'm a much more jolly mommy than if it had been a $58 one:
7. Because I bet that groovy pair of sunglasses with flowers on the side has a much more interesting story than the pair of D&Gs at South Coast Plaza;
8. Because you can't take it with you. (Matthew 6:19-21, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will you heart be also.")

So, a few of my finds this week:
Ann Taylor Loft summer fun skirt $5.99

$4.99 ~

For Luke, $1.99 ~

Gloria Vanderbuilt Jeans which fit perfectly, $7 ~
Forever 21 tee, $.50 (yes, cents)~

Practically new Gap pants in my size, $2 ~

2.99 ~

$3.99~


$2.99


$1.99 ~

$4.99 ~

There's more but you get the drift.
I think I'm hooked.

Summer Sweet and Summer Not So Very

Summer fruits including nectarines, plums and Saturn peaches were generously deposited on our doorstep by Best Neighbors on Planet. Grown in their backyard. You can't buy this kind of goodness in stores. Candy.

You are about to set your eyes on the scene of a crime...


What are you NOT looking at you may ask?

Who steals an air conditioning condenser? Apparently those folks who know there is a huge copper (the likes of which are contained inside an AC condenser) black market. Yes, that's right. Tonight there is a rental property in Little Rock that is less one AC condenser. Not so very sweet.

Someone loves trips to the library and excitedly dives in head-first, first chance.
Like so:


The library book pile for this week:


I can shop like the rest of them but recently I've been challenging myself to go a more creative route. I've been bitten by the thrift store bug. Posting pics tomorrow!

Goodnight, lovelies!
xo
g

The Mother of All Father's Day Gifts

Today Luke said his first four word sentence: "I want more tickle."

Random Eight

1. This bird was as still as a lizard, perched up in our jade tree. He was there for over ten minutes and I thought he must be dead.
2. Zero cavity dentist appointment yesterday which I was amazed by since it's a real challenge to get to all of Luke's pearlies. The bad news is there seems to be a definite orthodontist referral in the future. Luke seems to have a lot of teeth for his mouth. Right now they're perfectly straight but apparently that's not going to last.
3. We learned the backhand motion in Leila's tennis class today.
4. Rob saw Liam chuckle for the first time.
5. Our neighbors have let their delicious peach tree branches drape over our wall so that we may enjoy the sumptuous fruits. There was even an email highlighting the goodness of this fruit (pics to come).
6. I just remembered that I need to wrap and finish Rob's Father's Day gifts.
7. I like how Liam's toes curl up:

8. This is insane to me

What Matters

"Dear Jesus, you know what, God?
I think Lukie has obstacles and when he gets to heaven he can talk and say 'stars' and 'hi'. Thank you. Amen."

Leila, 2 1/2

The Story of Stuff

After watching these videos I'm suddenly proud that I spent less than $5 for an armload of clothes at the neighborhood yardsale on Saturday.

Two and a Half - LOVE

I love the cheap and short lessons given by the city park and rec. For a low price we can expose the kids to a few potential skill builders without breaking the bank. First there was ballet. Now, some tennis.


Leila was acting uncharacteristically shy (and being slightly grumpy) at first
but she got over it.

A Rare Peace

We can't figure out why this little guy cries as much as he does. He just doesn't seem like a very happy fella right now.

Adventures in...

"Few things are more important for a child than to discover the joy of reading. Give him a love of reading, and you have given him not only the most satisfying and useful of all recreations but also the key to true learning." ---Gladys Hunt, Honey for a Child's Heart

So I've been building booklist which will double as a curriculum for the children. (See the beginnings of a wish list on side bar.)

New business...what to do?