Snips & Snails.....

Some of my favorite conversations with my children take place while we are in the car. I am usually listening to the newest song my daughter has invented in her brain, or the biggest adventure of the day through the eyes of my six year old son. I will confess that I often tune them out, while trying to listen to the radio and spend a lot of time giving the odd "Hmmm, interesting", and "wow, that sounds great", and "Mmmm hmmm, I bet". However this conversation grabbed my attention, and I thought it was a perfect moment to see life through my 4 year old's eyes, and possibly teach a lesson.....or have what's left of my self esteem kicked in the crotch. You know, whatever, either one sounds great.
Miss C is a lover of all bugs. Especially snails. She collects them, names them, feeds them, takes them for wagon rides. In general, is a big fan. So from the back seat when I start to hear "snail chatter" I hummed and hawed along with her little notations about her pets.
"Mommy, I collected all my snails and lined them up. I had fat ones and skinny ones. I put all the skinny ones together so they could visit, because they are the mommy's. Mommy's like to visit."
Now she has caught my attention. The skinny ones are mommy's? Hmmm. So I calmly ask, "Oh, how do you know the skinny ones are mommy's"? 
She replies "because all mommy's are skinny".
So here's my chance. I figure, why not see what she thinks. 
"Oh....hmmm, is your mommy skinny?"  I ask cautiously. There proceeds to be a very long pause from the back seat. Ah crap. She has to think about it? This is not going to end well for me. Quietly, she literally says "ummm.....no mommy. I don't think that you're very skinny...I think you're a bit big mommy."
Oh awesome. My four year old thinks I'm a fat ass. So quick thinking on my part, I quickly try to throw a life lesson in there. 
"Do you think that mommy's come in all different shapes and sizes, just like your snails?"  To which she says,
"Oh yes mommy. There are skinny snails, medium snails and then there are very big ones like you mommy"! 
I honestly laughed for a split second, which was quickly replaced by the feeling of wanting to crawl under a rock. Go ahead, rob me of what's left of my flailing self esteem and hit me over the head with it. Typically, I would like to try to find the happiness in any situation. This time however, I am going to admit defeat. I'm going to go outside and counsel all the "fat" snails and make sure that they don't feel judged and criticized by the skinny ones. Perhaps I'll bring some brownies, or maybe a bag of chips. It seems fitting. I think we might start a club. Maybe? 
The good news is, whether she thinks I'm a "very big mommy" or not, she still loves me through it all. I suppose there is just more of me to love. This of course is not the first time that my children have notified me of my weight. In a public rest room, my son loudly announced what a "big bum" I have. Nothing motivates a person to lose the weight like having your children inform you that you're fat. So the lesson of the day is that snails and mommy's come in different sizes. We don't fit into a specific mould. We can't always be on the outside what we dream to be, from the inside. We struggle. We have insecurities. We all carry the weight of our home on our shoulders at one time or another. 
So the next time I criticize myself in the mirror. Or get mad because "I look fat" in something. I will be reminded of our conversation.  I will remember that little ears are listening to my words and learning how to be a mommy herself one day. So big bums, or saggy tummy's....we must love our faults, if not for us, but for our children. After all, if she can love her snails, why can't I love myself? 

A Vintage-y Day

Today I helped out my good friend Elisa, from www.homesweetnest.blogspot.ca run her booth at the Scout market here in Abbotsford. I was so honored to be asked! It was an amazingly beautiful day, here on the west coast, and I must admit that I was slightly overwhelmed by the women that poured through our booth all day long. Especially considering that it was a rare, but welcoming break in the rain that has plagued us in recent days. It was the most amazing experience to meet the incredible women that flowed through the doors today. And I was shocked to see how many of us share a love affair with furniture. It made me inspired and left me in awe at some of the art that people brought to decorate their booths. I was so happy to meet new faces, share in an abundance of stories, and see some familiar faces. Diana, of  vintagecovegirl.blogspot.ca  did an AMAZING job of her booth. Di is from my hometown, and I have yet to see in person, her beautiful pieces. She is highly talented, and her booth was so beautiful, I didn't want to disturb it! 

It was so much fun to put some faces to the names of the blogs that I myself have stumbled upon. Meeting Leanne from www.becauseithinkican.com  today was a joy! Great conversation with a fellow mommy. Let's face it, any chance we can find some sanctuary among friends, is a blessing! Besides the fact that she is super talented, she has some fun and unique ideas. I'm always up for some inspiration.

I picked up the cutest handmade girly items for Miss C at  www.crystalclearboutique.com Honestly, I could have bought one of everything she had! The girls from  www.etsy.com/shop/bookas were just awesome to talk to, and had some really incredible items. Then at one point, I made my way over to  kitcheningwithcarly.com and tried her macarons. I can honestly say, that I have never tried any macaron as good as what that girl puts out! I wish I had met her before Miss C's party! Hello....DELICIOUS!!! 

I fell completely in love with the girls from Red Wicker. www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Wicker/ Her items were really rustic and earthy, and I just LOVE that! 

I only had a few minutes to stop by raggygirlvintage.blogspot.ca, but since I had seen her booth last fall at another market, I have been in love with her style. I have a weakness for anything with font.

Although I didn't have time at this market to stop by and drool over whateverlolawantslolagets.ca  I must admit that I have a serious obsession with her jewelry! It is true vintage, recreated. Her style has my name all over it. I honestly can't get enough of her work. It makes me a little weak in the knees...

Today I felt in my element. I think as I have matured and (gasp) begun to age.....I have started to find myself shifting in my own shoes. Today, I didn't care about what I looked like, or what people really thought of me. I was able to socialize, laugh, joke around and be my loud, dorky self! The best part, was that when I left today, I felt completely, and entirely embraced by an incredible community of women. Let's be really honest here.....that is really tough to come by. Especially coming out of an industry that is geared towards criticism. The beauty industry is not glamorous. It is not kind. It is not forgiving. Today I saw something I haven't seen in  a very long time. Women, coming together to talk, laugh, embrace one another. They came out with their mothers, their children, their sisters and friends.....and more than a few husbands, to celebrate all things vintage-y, and junky. Items that people have discarded because they were no longer shiny and new. Things that have acquired dents, bangs and bruises, and more than enough tarnished silver! When you think about it, isn't that too often how we view the world? We so often over look people who maybe aren't wearing the most fashionable clothes, or trendy hair. We don't take the time to invest in people.  Who hasn't had their share of dents and bruises in life? What if we looked past a persons past? What if we appreciated the dents that we have all acquired? We all have them. That's what has made us all the amazing people we have become. 

So tonight, as I exhale with an humble sense of gratefulness, and an inspiration for my future, I wonder aloud....what makes you fulfilled? What about the imperfections in your life? Are they an overlooked source of happiness? 

This journey that I have set out on, just a few short months ago, has turned me down a path, I never thought I would find. Slowly but surely, I am embracing my authentic self. I am finding my kindness, my gratitude, my blessings, my honesty. But more importantly....my happiness. And that is something that does not have a price tag. It can not be bought at a store. Unless it's a thrift store....

A Mothers Wish

I stumbled upon this quote last week. The honesty of these words brought me to an abrupt halt. It brought to light for me all the times that I have passed over my children's words, too busy to stop and listen to the the unimportant story that they have to tell. Too often I have caught myself "checking out" of a conversation too quickly. It forced me to question myself. My answer from my heart said "no". That is the amazing power of words. They are honest, if you let them be. The can be the motivation for change. So today on this 6th Mothers Day for me, I have taken the time to pause and reflect.

From the moment that test says "positive", it is impossible to know the momentum or magnitude that your life will change forever. It changes "who" we are as women, and becomes "what" we do as mothers. We spend every moment focused on the lives and safety of these small people. And each day when we go to sleep, we worry about what the next stage will bring. We are trying to raise great members of society, who give back and change the world. We pray they are not ax wielding murderers or nut jobs that hurt children or animals. I know that we will forfeit sleep, food, showers, and almost anything else to ensure that our children are happy and taken care of. That is the true plight of a mother. 

Today I was happy to spend my time in the yard. Soaking up the sun-shine and planting our small garden. My hubby surprised me with a tent for our patio, so we can enjoy the yard a bit more this summer. The topping on the cake for me however was the hand made necklace that my little man made for me at school. I adore it. Even my hubby went all out, and gave me the book I have been dreaming of. Anyone who knows me, knows I have an adoration for Tori Spelling. Sometimes I watch her show and laugh my ass off at how similar we are. Well today I got my little hands on "celebraTORI." That's right! A party planning book! Could it be any more perfect? 

So on this Mother's Day, I hope that all you hard working, kind, generous, amazing....but tired mommies out there are counting your blessings, and loving the job you have been blessed with. Is it always sunshine and rainbows? Surely not. But of all the jobs, in all the world, I can't imagine a more important one. We are being given the chance to change the world by sharing conscious words, honest answers and love in our hearts. Tonight when you put your little ones...or big ones to bed, let them know that they are loved. The most amazing quote that I share with my children the most, is from a book.

You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” 

― Kathryn Stockett, The Help

Dr. Phil once said, that every night before he went to bed, he would tell his sons "of all the little boys, in all the world, how did I get so lucky to get you?" 

I do this regularly. I am always amazed by how my little man's face lights up. It reminds me again, the value that words have on our children. 

I try to count my blessings as often as possible. I am going to be more conscious of the words I say to my children, and the way I listen to them. That's the mommy I want to be. That's the legacy I hope to leave. I want my words to have value. I want my children's words to have value. So if nothing else changes, perhaps the kindness that we speak will linger with someone, and change their world. The words I shared with you today changed mine. I hope they impact you to do the same. I send a huge thank you to all you mommies out there. With out you, this world of ours would be a sad and lonely place. 

Well, a mother, a real mother is the most wonderful person in the world. She's the angel voice... that bids you good night, kisses your cheek, whispers "sleep tight"

-Wendy Darling, Peter Pan

Pink Poodle Party -Part Deux

Well, the party was a success! There are few things better in life, than a hot sunny day, shared with friends, and cake. It's day's like this, that make me realize how blessed I am by the women I share my life with. I am so grateful for the friendships I have made over the years. My girlfriend Tracy brought her amazing camera and documented the day for me.  How lucky am I? 

I wanted to find something to build the party around. This is the Dessert Menu. The French are known for their amazing pastry's and desserts, so I thought it was fitting to create the party around that, and of course it had to be pink!

I had a vision of a chalk board. I just love these old frames. You've probably seen 100 of them. They're always gold, and usually housing a hideous oil painting of flowers or fruit. A fresh coat of Annie Sloan's Old White, and some MDF board painted with chalkboard paint, did the trick. In total, it cost me around $10. My girlfriend Elisa actually stumbled upon the cardboard Eiffel tower, and I cut the poodle out of card stock with my Cricut. It was a replica of what I did on her invites.

 I happened to find the little white poodles at Micheals, and I picked up the sequins for the leashes at Fabricland. $10.50. I had made the Cake pop stands last year for her Garden party, and just re-used them. They are painted Styrafoam blocks with picket fences from Micheal, hot glued to the front. I think it cost me $6. I wanted the cupcakes to look like flowers.

 I made the banner from card stock, and again used my Cricut. The fabric on the table I picked up for a steal for $20. Since I am using it to recover a chair, I guess it's just re-junking! The Pom-Pom's hanging from the tent were from Martha Stewart's website. I used Dollar Store tissue. It totaled $4. Next time I would spend a bit more on quality. Cheap tissue tears really easily when you try to puff them up. 

 This was the cupcake stand I made. The chandelier was free. I paid $5.50 for spray paint and spent $18 on crystals from Micheals. This is going to be well used! The French Macaroons were my biggest challenge. I was hell bent to master them. We live in a high humidity location, and it was very tricky to keep them from cracking. However, after several batches, I must admit that I was pretty impressed at how great they turned out. Of course, anything tastes good with chocolate ganache and lemon butter cream in it!

Miss C was such a joy to watch open her gifts. She is such a grateful little girl, and is always so happy about the small things. This year, she was incredibly spoiled by our friends and family. Bubbles! We love our bubbles!

 Every little girl loves her Doughnuts! Her Auntie Leesh came through again with an amazing wooden set from Melissa and Doug. I just love the wooden toys! 

 What little lady doesn't need a Pink Poodle Pillow and matching Pajama's! What do you think she's wearing to bed tonight? Her little "boy friends" know her well! 

 She loves her girly toys! 

 A very happy girl. A very special day. A very thankful mommy. 
These moments are the threads that stitch together a wonderful life. When I look around at the friends and family that make our lives special,  I am truly grateful. I am thankful that my children are loved by so many. Love is the most amazing part of life. So as I turn the calendar on my little girl and realize, that all to quickly, she is becoming a little lady, I am happy knowing that we celebrated another fabulous birthday, and I pray for many more to come. Thank you so much to everyone who came out today to share her special day with us. You are all SO special to us, and for you we are grateful.

Pink Poodle Party- Part One

I am one of those people who tends to go a little over the top when it comes to my children's parties. I LOVE me a good party, and there are so few occasions to have an excuse to throw one.  Other than milestone birthdays, weddings, showers and graduation, when else do we really get to do it? Since having children, I have decided that this is one of those reasons to throw a party. Now I realize that this is more for me, than it is for them.  There is something really satisfying for me, in putting together a theme and creating an event around it.  I think I have an illness.... But honestly, more than anything, I really just want to have a great reason to get my friends and loved ones together, because with the craziness of life, more often than not, we will always schedule in a good party!

Quite a few months ago, I asked Miss C, what she wanted her birthday party theme to be.  In her 3 year old voice, she announced...."doggies".  Ummm? Doggies? What am I suppose to do with that? So I started putting my brain to work. I was on the computer, when I pink poodle appeared. I thought she was going to jump out of her skin. "That one! That doggy right there! I want that for my party".  And so the Pink Poodle Party Planning began. I myself, have always had a love affair with Paris. It is one of my "dream" travel places, and my mom has been, in recent years. So with my "google" in hand, I began to research. The food, the decor, the style, the color scheme.....and here we are, less than a week away and I am almost ready!

Now I am well aware that I probably look like a total nut job. I've had people exclaim with excitement, "Oh, you're daughters party...is it her sweet 16?" The look on peoples face when I say, "no...4", is priceless. 

Do I go overboard? Yes. Do I appear to be mentally unstable? Yes. Is it ridiculous for a child's birthday party? To some, I would say yes. To me, it is moments and memories I am making. When I was little, my mom was the most amazing party person ever. I always had the best birthdays. Those memories are some of my favorite. The birthday that always stands out the most, is when she didn't make a cake at all. She scooped out Vanilla Ice Cream onto a platter, covered one third in Caramel, one third in Chocolate, and one third in Marshmallow, then poured sprinkles all over.....and handed us each a spoon. To this day, it is my favorite birthday memory. And don't think for a second, that I'm not going to pull an all out, Vintage Ice Cream Social, in years to come. Oh hell ya I am! 

As I have gotten older, I have discovered that the creative side of me needs an outlet. Sometimes it's scrap booking, sometimes it's refinishing furniture or creating beauty from junk. Sometimes, it's an over the top birthday party for my children. I'm not trying to brag, or out do other mom's. I'm not searching for recognition, or applause. I am hoping that on that special (all be it, coordinated) day, that the people I love the most are there to eat, laugh and share in the joy of friendship and family. Because one day, when my little girl is all grown up, and she is planning a party for her child, I hope that she looks back with fondness and love and remembers..... "my mom knew how to throw one hell of a party".

Stay tuned for next week's part two!