Makes Mama Happy

1.  I always welcome a compliment.  The two best ways to love up to me are to say that I'm either witty or out there.  It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 
2.  The next best compliment is to tell me my kids are well behaved. 
They're not.
But sometimes they fool people, like yesterday in the Pediatrician's waiting room. 
3.  I think it's so funny when FB changes one little thing and people get all wigged out and start joining groups over it. 
Seriously, it's FB, it's not a real farm.
4.  The smell of liquid Amoxicillin brings back good childhood memories.  It was the closest thing to real bubble gum my mom would let me have. 
5.  Sometimes Porter calls me Mrs. Potts.

Porter Says

"Mommy, I think you're older than Daddy,

but Daddy has a much bigger head."

Lampshade Makeover

I heart burlap,
but you already knew that.

This is how the sorry lampshade started. 
I previously covered it with this corduroy fabric and I've hated it ever since. 
Then I started to cover it with some burlap (love), but got distracted.    

Last Monday my friend came over and wanted me to hem her jeans.
I told her I would but only if she would finish covering my lampshade. 
Nothin' comes for free around here!

So then it was a burlap lampshade and it was lovely,
but it needed a little something. 
Maybe a freezer paper stenciled number? 
Nope.
Or some fabric flowers? 
Yes.
I remembered seeing a tutorial somewhere...

Linda!  Yes!

Much improved right?

From Me to my Valentines

Mmm...
I made these today.
The recipe came from the Crafting Chicks. 
Oh my word.
So good.
I licked that batter bowl clean. 
Then I remembered that the recipe called for 8 eggs.  Ew.

They're especially yummy with milk. (and/or Diet Pepsi)
(Yep, that's a bruise.  She had a minor collison with a banister.)

Boy Valentines

I had just about given up. 
My kids are definitely at the age where they have strong opinions about their beloved characters.
My homemade paper doily Valentines could never compete with Darth Vader and Dora. 
I was going to throw in the towel, but then I had a great idea (of course).

Are you sensing a theme here?
Porter could use his lame store bought character cards and I could still be Crafty Mama.

Get it?  Star Wars, Star Burst, Milky Way? 
I know, I know, genius.
I was going to get War Heads, but Nate informed me Preschool kids don't like those.  It was totally going to work for my theme though.

I found these little bags at Michael's that are for pretzel sticks.  They're the perfect size for one Valentine, two Star Bursts and one Milky Way.  I went ahead and stamped the little guy's name just in case anyone had trouble (ahem) reading his handwriting. 
Now I just have to make 23 more. 
Then I will show you the girl ones for Brooklyn's class.

On knowing what suits me

(We like to coordinate with each other.)

So my friend and I were shopping the other day (by ourselves!) and she was like,

"You know how you just know what suits you and you are attracted to those things in the store?"  And I was like, "Yeah, I do."  
A couple of years ago I came to the realization that I need to dress comfortably for my main occupation (Mommy) and appropriately for my age and body type.  The best tip I have learned from "What Not to Wear" is to dress for the body you have, not the body you want.  I don't know why nobody ever told me that before. 
This is what suits me. 
You could call it my "going out of the house and I might run into people I know" attire.  It is used for pick-ups and drop-offs, MOPS, play dates, etc. 
Let's review:
1.  collared shirt.  White is always nice (I have 4), but I like to mix it up with a stripe or polka dot too.  The one I'm wearing actually has tiny grey dots on it. 
2.  cardi.  This is my favorite staple.  I just like layers in general, and I get really excited about a cute cardigan over a collar. 
3.  good jeans.  I am SO the anti-jean snob.  I don't think I've ever spent over $40 on a pair.  I'm way too cheap.  I know so many girls that are all obsessed with their Citizens or True Religions, but I am so out of that loop.  Frankly, I'd rather spend the extra money at Gymboree, but that's another post.  The jeans I have found that are most flattering on my big booty and come in "short" are actually from Aeropostale.  I like to buy them when they are on clearance for like $9.99. 
4.  flats.  A cute pair of flats complete my whole "granny chic" look.  These ones go with everything, but I also like throwing in a bright color every now and then. 
Let's discuss.
What suits you?

Overheard during dress-up:

Jacie:  "Brooklyn, do you like this dress?"
Brooklyn:  "What?"
Jacie:  "Do you like this dress?"
Brooklyn:  "What?"
Jacie:  "Do you need to get hearing aids like Grandpa?"
Brooklyn:  "What?"