Things We have been obsessed with recently:

 Macie has switched from Spring dresses to bathing suits.  And yes, I let her wear it to Chic Fil A today.  And today of course was the day I ran into a college roommate, who was on a totally random vacation in Mesa. She lives in California and I have not seen her for ...holy crap, 12 years.  How twilight zone is that that we meet in a Chic Fil A at 2 in the afternoon, and she had no reason to be in Mesa other than they wanted to go to a sunny place for a couple's getaway!  Well at any rate, I still can't get over the coincidence.  Oh, and I hardly ever go to Chic Fil A.   You know you don't really realize how weird some of the things you do are, until you run into someone that you haven't seen in years, and then realize wow, I brought my child out in public in a bathing suit.  But I give myself kudos.  I actually was wearing make up AND jeans, not my usual maxi skirt.  So, I think I was pretty high class, don't you?

 My girls are also obsessed with the current Happy Meal Ballet Barbies.  In fact, they fought so much about who got to play with it, that I went to McDonalds and bought another happy meal for the sole purpose of getting another one.  And it was well worth it.  And I also bought 2 cherry pies, and I think I might go buy some more today.  They are so delicious.  I don't care what anyone else says, McDonalds is delicious. There, I said it.  Macie carries her little barbie around 24/7 and tells me all about it.  Well I am pretty sure she is...I can understand the "wina" part, not quite sure what she is telling  about the "wina" but I think it is along the lines of "I love her, she is so pretty, look she has pretty shoes, and look I can dance like her." Something like that.

Melissa Makes a Duvet: Update

After looking at my room, I decided it definitely needed something. So I went shopping around my house, made another throw pillow, added some other nic nacs, and I think now, it doesn't look quite so sterile.  That is all.

Melissa Makes A Duvet

Hello!  So I decided to take on a little sewing project.  I needed a project to lift my spirits.  I decided to sew a duvet for my bed. 

Above was my inspiration.  It's from West Elm but is not available anymore.  I love the little black polka dots against the white.  These polka dots are actually sewn in (swiss dot).  I couldn't find the exact fabric, and I even comtemplated actually sewing in the dots by hand.  Then I realized that was insane. 

 I found a polka dot fabric at my local fabric store and well, I made it.  And it doesn't look very impressive in the pictures now does it? Oh well, my project served my purpose: It makes me happy, and it was a good stress relief.

 Chloe doing her Tai Chi. Actually it is her Arabesque.  Two totally different countries. 

I have also decided that my room needs something more...lamps...and a bigger, more colorful piece of art over the bed.  I am sure Don will be happy to hear this. 

Oh and I also made this earring holder.  Got the idea from Pinterest. Not as pretty as the ones from Pinterest (is anything?) but  I was so sick of never being able to find matching earrings in my mess of a jewelry box. 

This blog post is so boring, I almost fell asleep.

I took Chelsey with me to the fabric store. She said to me, "argh!! Why do people like coming to the fabric store. If they run out of clothes, why don't they just get a paper bag and paint it any color they Want. Pfft.

 

Chloe made my day today.  She got herself up, got dressed, and packed her lunch without any supervision.  It was her "surprise" to me.  It was indeed an amazing gift to not have the usual morning prodding and frantic pushing out the door.  And she stayed true to her word, no skirt today.  I hope her friends wear skirts again to school so she will want to start wearing them again. 

 

Last week we had a "Valentine's Party."  Chloe is obsessed with Valentine's Day.  So we had a party last week.  Basically a few of her little friends came over and frosted some heart shaped brownies.  And they made some paper chains to count down to Valentine's Day.  I have to say, I was pretty proud of myself for coming up with those party plans without 1. having to look on pinterest or 2. having to go to the store.  Okay, well I did have to buy some baking ingredients, but still...  I am glad that 5 year olds have very low party expectations, and I would like to keep it that way.

 

 Also, Macie loves 1. swinging and 2. shoes.  Those are probably her favorite things right now.

 Her birthday was very low key.  We just had dinner as a family, but Don bought us some red paper plates, balloons, a bubble maker, and just what we always need more of (not)- junk food.  Macie loved the balloons.  But she didn't even care about the cake that I slaved over.  But I have to be honest, the cake was rather disappointing. I have come to realize that I am not good at baking, nor presentation.  My cakes are always lopsided and ugly, and sometimes they don't even taste that great.  I think I don't make cakes enough.  They are not my favorite dessert, so I don't bother making them unless I have a specific reason too. I would much rather have brownies, or a chocolate chip cookie, or a delicious apple crisp with ice cream.  Cake is usually so bland.  Except for texas sheetcake.  That is manna from heaven.

 I love the papers that come home from the school counselor.  Every once in awhile she must have to come in and give a presentation to the class.  I like reading the advice to parents. You know like, talk to your kids about not hitting other children and other helpful parenting advice.  This is the drawing Chloe drew for their discussion on what to do if they feel angry.  Chloe drew herself sleeping...under a rainbow fan.  I also love that every worksheet that Chloe brings home, is decorated like a rainbow.  Every. Single. One.  So I guess if Chloe gets angry with one of her friends at school, she can just go find a bed on the playground and take a nap.  Like I said, the school counselor is proving to be very helpful.

And more on Chloe's obsession with Valentine's day.  Here is a list of things to do with Valentine's Day.  I don't know what she intends to do with it.  Maybe she just wanted to make a list of gift ideas.  I hope she gives me a Valentine's Pie.

Speaking of gifts, I finally understand the purpose of Pinterest! It is my Gift list for Don!  and I know how much he loves those!  No need to post them on here anymore!  ; )

Chloe told me tonight that she didn't want to wear skirts anymore, just pants because all her friends only wear pants and they look a lot prettier than her. It made me feel very sad because the truth is I love that she wears skirts every day. I also wish we could avoid the whole, I have to be like everyone else thing, a world view that probably won't be matured out of for another fifteen years. I wouldn't mind if she would wear pants once in awhile, but of course it is all or nothing for Chloe. We'll see if she sticks to her guns.

Happy Birthday Macie!

 Happy 2nd birthday to my Macie Moo.  Who provides us with endless joy...

 and a few pouts...

 We can't imagine life without you.  I am privileged to be your Mommy.  We love you, little doll!