{ let's all go to the movies }

Sometimes, I get things in my head. 


Silly things.


Like that it would be a fabulous idea to take a two year old to see Shrek 4 in the movie theater. 


I'll wait until your hysterical laughter subsides.


My thought process was this.


1.Turtle is obsessed with Shrek. 
2.Turtle is relatively well-behaved and has a reasonable attention span.
3. I really wanted to see Shrek 4.
4. What's the Worst That Could Happen?

I figured, if we went in the morning, on a weekday, while school was still in session, we had a really, really good chance of having the theater mostly to ourselves.


Worst case scenario, we would be in the company of other families with toddlers who may or may not understand cinema etiquette.


We didn't tell him where we were going. We simply said he was getting a surprise.

To which he responded "Ice cream!"


I don't know where he gets this stuff.


We arrived. Of course, he had no idea. Until we showed him the movie poster.

And then he got super excited and started repeating "Shrek! Moooooovie!" Super cute.


We bought our tickets and moved on to concessions.

Rule #1 of Toddlers? Always have snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.


I told MacGyver that Turtle and I could split a medium popcorn. I turned my back for approximately 18 seconds and returned to the giant bucket. (I'm not complaining. Not exactly. I have a thing for movie popcorn. A really bad thing.)

With provisions in hand, we made our way to our seats and got settled.

All told, there were about 20 children in attendance, with their assorted parents, guardians and caretakers. On the one hand, this was great, because it pretty much guaranteed a certain level of noise. On the other hand, it made me a little anxious - Turtle was in a totally new environment and had no idea what to expect. I didn't want him to be the only one misbehaving, if he did.


The previews began, and he was riveted.

He asked "Where's Shrek? Where's Fiona?" a few times, but watched the screen in amazement.


When the house lights went down, he commandeered the popcorn. We won't discuss how much he managed to actually consume. Or spill in his lap.

And he sat, pretty much without moving or incident, for about 75 minutes. 


There was a touch-and-go moment when Dragon appeared, and he squealed "Dragon!!!!" with delight and I thought there was going to be a Dragon Uprising when the kids next to us started to squeal, too. It was quelled pretty quickly by lots of parental whispers of "Shhhh! Indoor voices!" so no harm done.


He couldn't make it to the bitter end. We ran out of popcorn and we had missed naptime. When Turtle declared "all done!" I scooped him up and moved to the entryway. I watched the last ten minutes of the movie through a crack in the door. 


All in all, a success.


And the movie was far superior to Shrek 3, in my honest opinion. There were some dark moments, but nothing too awful, and there was plenty to keep me and MacGyver interested.


We had pretty much just hit the interstate when I snapped this picture (I was a passenger, ya'll. Don't worry).

He was d-o-n-e. Probably with visions of popcorn and donkeys dancing in his head.


Success!


(PS - sorry for the not-so-hot pics. I was using my iPhone, and you have to be a speedy stealth ninja to catch Turtle on it. Clearly, my speed, stealth and ninja skillz need improvement).

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{ where's george? }

We took a trip to the beach on Saturday to enjoy the new beach we had discovered a few weeks ago.

At the ranger station, MacGyver paid our parking fee with a twenty dollar bill and handed me the change. I was folding it up to slide back into his money clip, when I noticed something written on the back of the bill.


"TO TRACK THIS BILL -> VISIT WHERESGEORGE.COM"

Which sounded pretty cool.


MacGyver told me to be careful, it might be a link to a porn site or virus site, so I used my iPhone to open it. I'm less concerned about that than I am my laptop.


Never fear: wheresgeorge.com seems a legit site.


Here's the deal. You can register to login to the site, but you don't have to. Go ahead and register your bill though. You'll need to plug in the year of circulation, serial number and your zip code. You can even leave a note as to where you came into possession of said bill and the condition it's in. 


When you hit enter, you will get a list of where the bill has been and when, how far it has has traveled and how long it has taken to travel that distance, if the bill has been registered before. If it has not, you will be the first and start the list.

The benefit of logging in is that every time the bill's location is updated, you get an email, informing you of this.  


Kind of neat, right?


So I input the info, found out that I am the second person to "register" this particular bill, and unloaded it today while parking for my neighbor's daughter's dance recital. 


I'm excited to get an email letting me know the progress of the dollar.


I'm so very lame.


But you know, it might be a really fun project to do with your child. You don't have to GET a marked bill to make it legit. You can mark your own (but please pay attention to the rules and regulations that wheresgeorge.com outlines) and put it into circulation.

If you decide to participate or have some experience with this, let me know! I'd love to know what kind of results you all have.

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{ guest posting on mom-in-a-million }

Happy Friday!

If you're in the states, it's Memorial Day weekend, which means a blissful three (or four) days for rest & relaxation, beach and pool, and whatever other fun you have planned.

Living in The South means that we have been going to the pools and beaches for the past month and half, so this is really just a good excuse to fire up the grills and have some cocktails. 

I'm off on a fun mission today, so Rebekah, over at Mom-In-A-Million (only one of the most awesome blogs ever) was kind enough to let me write a guest post for her.

So swing by, check it out, leave some comment love here, there and everywhere.


And most of all, have a wonderful holiday!

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{ one and done }

So last week, I posted about Baby Fever and how I didn't have it, but that maybe MacGyver did a little, but that we weren't going there. 


This led to some statements and some questions. Which is totally cool, because I put it out there, and I love and encourage comments. And after some pondering, I thought I would really open up and address the matter.

When MacGyver and I first started tip toeing into the depths of a Serious Relationship, there were some heavy subjects to be broached.

Including How Many Children Did We Envision.


This was a tough one. At 26, an only child and fresh out of a pretty awful, long-term relationship, I was on the Child Free By Choice bandwagon. 


MacGyver was two years older, the youngest of five, and hoping for a Large Family.


We presented our respective cases. We talked, we argued, we discussed. And what it came down to was that I might not ever want children, and if I did, I was pretty sure I would only want one. I left it up to him. If having a bigger family was his dealbreaker, then it was probably best for us to part ways.


That was about six years ago.


We got married in 2006. And with the first anniversary of my 29th birthday looming, we talked about having a child.


Just one.


My non-existent biological clock had inexplicably shown up with a vengeance and was tick-tocking away in my subconscious.


We had some technical difficulties, which resulted in our Big Fat Positive being a Big Fat Surprise. I was already eight weeks along when I realized that my sudden nausea and vomiting wasn't sushi-related food poisoning as my mother suspected, but a developing baby.


About seven months later, Turtle was born. Early, beautiful, and ours.


As quickly as my biological clock had appeared, it vanished. And MacGyver, after a few weeks of interrupted sleep, admitted that having kids was not necessarily as easy as he thought it would be.


Turtle is now 25 months old. A toddler. Independent, thoughtful and cute as can be.


So of course, people are asking. When are we having another one?


The answer, as of right now, is that we're not.

We have our reasons.  Some are kind of boring and practical. Some are more personal. 


We don't see being an only child as a tragedy or a flaw. There is a lot we can do for one child that we would not be able to do for more, emotionally and financially.

Conversely, there are no guarantees that siblings will get along and be best buds. There are plenty of heartwarming stories of loving silbings. But there are other stories, less pleasant stories, as well.


We believe situations and life experiences are what we make of them. No matter what, I don't think any of us can say that everything in our life was just perfect. The grass is always greener, you know?


We have searched our hearts and our souls. We have made the decision that is right for our family at this time. No looking back. No regrets.


That being said, we never say never. If we were to conceive another child, he or she would be welcomed into this world, wanted and adored. I can't guarantee there won't be Cheez Doodle shortages during the 9 months or so of pregnancy, but hey. That's the trade off.


Ideally, we would like to adopt a child in a few years. It's another thing we've discussed and our hearts go out to those children who don't have loving families and homes. It would mean the world to us to open our home and hearts to one of those children.


Either way, determining family size is a hard decision and there is no correct answer. Whenever anyone asks me about how we arrived at our decision (and more importantly, how to be at peace with that choice), I try to be very honest, while stipulating that the thought processes that made sense to us, may not click for someone else.

And what works for our family dynamic certainly may not work for someone else's. Our views on only children vs siblings and even on adoption may not be that of another


But that's ok. Variety is the spice of life, and all.


To us, the important thing is to have a home full of love, laughter and happiness. Whether it's a small family of three (counting just the humans) or a huge family of 20 - it doesn't matter.

Of the utmost importance? Our family feels complete. And that's enough reason for us.

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{ engine engine number 9 }

Ok, actually, it was Engine #16. But that doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

We got some interesting news from our neighbor. Apparently, the fire house is pretty much always open for tours for kids.

Unless the firemen are out, fighting fires and whatnot. That's kind of why they're there. 


MacGyver was super excited to pay a visit. As a former volunteer fireman (WAY back in the day), and with Turtle's new interest in all thing fire truck and school bus, it promised to be a fun day.


Turtle was cautious, at first. As he always is. 


He wasn't particularly interested in getting too close to the truck, or to the fireman who showed us around (We'll call him Fireman Bob). 


MacGyver convinced him to sit in the cab for a few minutes.

You tell me who's more into this.

But then he started to come around.

Fireman Bob showed him the fire hose, even though he didn't really want to hold it. This time.

And he also got to play with some levers. Apparently, the engine was entirely off, so children meddling with what looked to be Very Important FireFighting Accessories was a non issue. Fireman Bob said so.

Ever the ham, Turtle struck this pose by the wheel,

and then asked Fireman Bob to go in.

Mr. Bossy-pants even told him to close the door. Please. Thank goodness for those manners.

Last but not least, a family picture. You can't tell, but it was about 1000 degrees and we were all melting. 

It was a super fun, quick little "field trip." Fireman Bob said to swing on by any time, and I'm sure Turtle would love it.


I wonder if we'll have such a warm reception at the school bus depot...

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{ diy: beribboned pencil cup }

I may not have mentioned, but I am creating a little office for myself. The desk is made from my old craft table. I brought up an extra kitchen chair to sit on. It's near an outlet. And there is a really pretty black and white damask pegboard.


And that's about it.


My sewing machine is currently sitting there, waiting for its first project (coming soon!).

I'm being pretty cheap about the whole thing. I just need a little me space, and while it's so much fun, blogging from the bar in the kitchen, this nook in the loft is a little bit better.

I found a black mesh garbage can and a black satin inbox in the Target Dollar Spot for $1 and $2.50, respectively. I couldn't really justify more than that, and so I got it in my head to make my own pencil/scissor/whatever cup.


I had a paper covered can from Turtle's birthday party dessert stands, 

tons of extra ribbon in a variety of widths and colors,

and my trusty hot glue gun. 


I started by dotting some glue on the seam at the back of the can, and wrapping the widest ribbon (a thick black grosgrain) tightly around it, adhering with glue at the back of each wrap.

I didn't worry about total coverage. I had plenty of ribbon to hide any mistakes.

When the wider ribbon was used up, I moved to the thinner black satin ribbon. 


And using the same technique of wrapping and gluing, I used that up as well.

Little note, here. If you press the can against your torso while gluing in order to help secure the ribbon, you will, most probably, glue said project to your shirt. Consider yourself forewarned.


Then it was time for the very thin blue and green ribbons. 


I tacked the blue with a dot of glue

and did a very light diagonal wrap one way, crisscrossing back the other.

Feel free to get crazy. It's your pencil cup. And don't worry about those glue blops. Those will be in the back.


I secured the end of the green ribbon with glue, just like I did with the blue ribbon.

And did an even lighter crisscross pattern.

Voila.

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{ a saturday playdate }

Saturday was one of those wonderful days.


The sun was shining, plans were made, the day stretched out ahead of us, bright and fresh.


Too bad Turtle insisted on getting up at 6am. Or something ridiculous like that. This child just refuses to sleep in!


Anyway, we planned to pick up our friends' daughter, H, for a packed morning of swimming, and then we were going to take the kids to lunch before we dropped H home.


Turtle lurves H. Honestly.


The two of them made an awesome team.

Turtle, being independent.

H, testing the water.

They played catch. As well as a pair of two year olds can.

And they tolerated being posed for me to get these pictures. H is also the child of a shutterbug. She totally knows the drill.

They splashed for about two hours and by then they had worked up quite an appetite. 


I learned a very important lesson (the princesses on the pull ups go in the front) and we headed off to...


CHICK-FIL-A!

Where else would we go?


And I have to say, Turtle and H blew us away with their excellent behavior. They sat so nicely in their high chairs. They ate without protest (not that anyone in their right mind would ever protest Chick-Fil-A, but toddlers can be tricky that way) and without incident. They were as cute as buttons.


They got some ice cream as a special treat. 

They even fed each other. Or tried to.

They showed their appreciation by being silly and making dinosaur roars. I wish I had it on video to share. It was the cutest.

When we dropped H off and pulled away, Turtle immediately hit us up with the questions.


"Where H? Where H's carseat? Where H?"

Can't wait to have another playdate in the future!

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{ i'm guest posting on remember ember }

I'm taking a little time off this Friday, but don't worry.


You can still catch my writing today in a brand new post over at Remember Ember.


It's all about Ryan Seacrest and a Jonas and that little Justin Bieber. And Sanka, too.


So Happy Friday. Check it out, leave Ember some love and have a wonderful weekend!

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{ d-listed blog party 2010 }

Welcome to my blog!


So glad to have you here.

And welcome to the D-listed Blog Party 2010.

For the long-time followers, thank you for being here. I love having you, your comments and your support through the last couple of years. 


For the new readers, let me get you caught up.


I'm a 29-again, stay at home mom to one adorable little boy, named Turtle. I will be celebrating my fourth year of marriage to the one and only MacGyver in a few months. And we have three ridiculously snorty and ornery pugs to complete our family of six.


I blog. I bake. I cook. I hot glue DIY projects to my shirt. I just got a sewing machine. And I take pictures of it all and post about it for your reading enjoyment.


I'm really good at laughing at myself and the shenanigans round our house.


Here's some great posts that sum us up:

• The one where I justified the purchase of christian louboutins
• The one where I take a stand on parenting
• The one where Google Voice almost ruined my marriage
• And the one where I shamelessly AW my child (and my biceps) in photographic form. Again.

Feel free to browse and check out three pugs & a baby. We hope you'll be here for the long haul.

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{ i've been having blogger block }

So I will distract you with Turtle's opinion on my lack of creativity.

He's so silly. 
 
I promise. Tomorrow will be good. :)

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{ baby fever }

Not me, you silly readers.


I'm like a rock.


MacGyver and Turtle are not as strong.


Traitors.


We've been helping out some friends of ours by watching their 4 month old cutie-pie a few days a week. D is an awesome little man. He's sweet and cute and a total doll. 


MacGyver is all about pulling out his full complement of silly faces and sounds when he comes across D. 


Turtle is completely enamored with D and all his baby-cessories. 


For example, when D is otherwise located, Turtle likes to use his bouncy seat for Original Monkey and Replacement Monkey.

He may have even tried to climb in the bouncy seat, himself. Just to see if he still fit. Maybe.


And he likes to "help" me with D, by watching him sleep. "Baby, go to sweep," he says.

And by tickling his toes.


And by giving him his pacifier.

Are you overwhelmed by the cute yet? 


No? 


Ok. You have no one to blame but yourself.


Turtle adores D so much that he shares Original Monkey with him. You read that correctly. ORIGINAL Monkey. I'm not even allowed to hold Original Monkey for significant periods of time. This is huge.

And, last but not least... 


And you may want to sit down for this one.

Turtle really adores his little buddy. He's definitely so sweet and gentle with him.


Not enough that he's going to have a little sibling running around any time soon (if ever), but it's still heartwarming to see. I love that they get along so well.

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{ "making lemons out of lemonade" }

We live in an area that is probably best defined as a subtropical, agricultural coast. Which means we have palm trees, an ocean and cow pastures, all rolled into one.


Which is a little weird.


Sometimes, I like a change of scenery. So when a friend and I started talking about heading out to some wildflower fields on Sunday, toting along our families and some cupcakes for the 90 minute trip to take some photos, I was all in.

I called it "Adventure Sunday."


But then things took a little detour. It was a comedy of errors. I didn't think a lot of it was funny at the time and I was really bummed when noon rolled around and it seemed like my Sunday was going to consist of sitting around in yoga pants, watching bad Sunday afternoon TV.


Without cupcakes.


I'll give a little credit to MacGyver for helping get things back on track. Not full credit, but some. 


By 2:30, we were headed to lunch at a really cool restaurant and then it was off to the State Park.


This particular state park boasts a coquina quarry and nature trails, which would have been cool, but MacGyver was having none of it. He wanted wildflowers for me, and the Park Ranger said that there were some along the beach parking areas.


And so that's where we headed.

Not exactly what I had in mind. But it's a beautiful park. And there were some gorgeous walkways.

(Check out that gun show. That's months and months of the 30 Day Shred in action. Or else, a really good picture. Whatever.)

The walkways led to the even more gorgeous beach.

Perfect, white sand. And the tide had made the most awesome wading pools. People were pulling up coolers and using them like some kind of natural hot tub.

Definitely not wildflowers, but just as good.

And now, are you ready? For the cutest photographic sequence of running toddler EVER?


Here we go.

Told you so. (PS. NFL Scouts, please note the form he already has at two. Imagine what he'll be like in high school. Just sayin'.).


No trip to the beach is complete without ice cream. This is Turtle's first experience with one of those old-school wooden ice cream paddles. Bliss.

Hope you enjoyed the results of Adventure Sunday.


And 5 points to the first commenter who can tell me from which show I quoted the title of this post.

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