We Said "Cheese!"

Or in L's case: "PASTA!"

We're not quite sure where that derived from outside of the photo shoots he so gracefully poses for on school picture day, but if it means he'll crack a smile for the camera, we'll take it.

Though that was not so much the case on this sweltering morning where we attempted to take our first professional family photo, we're still pretty pumped with the results. Check them out here by clicking on "access gallery" and enter "Choate" for the password. For most enjoyable viewing, select "click to view a slide show of these images."And do it soon - they'll only be available for another week.

Finally, to our rockin' photographer Melissa: thank you. Thank you for understanding it's necessary to walk a half a mile when your preschooler needs a snack, that much of your photo opps are spent correcting and answering questions from a curious learner, that little boys require rolls in the mud and near falls into ponds and that when Mama begins to sweat, it all starts to go downhill. You made the most of it, and for that, we appreciate you.

Thanks for making us say "cheese!" They are memories we'll cherish for a lifetime.

    

Nutso for Nordys

One intense work day later and in an effort to completely avoid packing, I found myself at none other than Nordys, the land of utopia when one needs a little retail therapy. Better yet, it's the half-yearly sale for women and kids. So despite having no business being there whatsoever, I found myself with three packages in the crook of my elbow this evening, including:

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Megan on Pinterest

Ok, so these weren't on the sale rack, but come on...the new TOMS ballet flats that just arrived this morning? Sign.me.up.

These items may have landed in my bag as well:

Whoops.

I anticipate being in BIG trouble lately with the hubs, thereby receiving a lecture on Dave Ramsey and how this doesn't align with our "get rid of all our stuff" plan. But I can't help it:

I'm nutso for Nordys.

Hit the sale this week! You will be too.

And grab a pomegranate lemonade while you're there too, won't you?

Dance Like No One Is Watching

So much love, joy...and killer moves. Even better?

It all goes down in his undies.

Rock on, little man, rock on. May the spirit you feel in your heart in this very moment live on with you forever and may you always dance like no one is watching.

Not even Mommy with her spycam...

Sip 'N See for Ms. Maggie

"What the heck is a 'sip 'n see'?” my Mom asked, her eyebrows furrowing as she helped me balance a preschooler on one hip and a load of GAP baby clothes on the other.

“It’s a light party with libations and delicious food after a friend’s baby is born so you can check out the darling bundle of joy and provide well wishes to the new Mama,” I said, waiting for her response of how “in her day we didn’t do all this over the top stuff like weddings, buying potty watches to train our children, etc.”

Perfect for the gal who delivered before the shower was put into motion or perhaps a Momma welcoming her second, sip n’ sees are a delight. Plus, who doesn’t want their new baby doted on for their infinite levels of cuteness?

Take a look at this fine group of gals enjoying their friend Maggie’s sip 'n see for new baby Colin:

Don’t they look like they were just having fun over the choo-choo cookies, yummy lemonade, Sunday sandwishes and hugs among friends?

It’s because they were.

Congratulations to Maggie and her new baby boy and for their amazing journey ahead.

Now go plan that sip n’ see for your Mama friend that deserves it…it’s sure to bring you and her glee! 

Nearly Bronzed

“Girls – we gotta get some bling. This gal loves metal around her neck!” I said, working to lighten the mood as we stood with our hands on our hips, rotating our aching knees and toweling off two hours of sweat from our brow.

As our team captains shouted game plans, we dove ball after leather white ball, flinging our over-30 bodies into formations they hadn’t seen in quite some time. We laughed, apologized, used profanity, wrangled perfect strangers into being line judges and laughed again as we struggled our way to the top. Saturday evening we forged our way to the championship games and tonight…

We were nearly bronzed.

No, not the “slip into Celsius tannery” type, but the Olympic medal type. But for Corporate Challenge.

Another great season under our belt and only four points from the victory.

So will we really retire?

Not me. I’m holding out for that bronze around my neck and my picture snapped just like the ol’ glory days. We 30 and 40 somethings don’t have many of those moments anymore you know. Instead it's mostly about the sprained wrists, bruised knees and barrels of ice to indulge in when we return home. There's a reason M packs the first aid kit...

So ya, I’m still holding out for the gold, silver or bronze.

Meanwhile, I’ll take the other kind if you have some. My legs are looking pretty pale to be sporting summer attire. Good thing I won’t be able to move them for a few days anyway after these volleyball shenanigans. 

But it was totally worth it to be nearly bronzed.

Go team CHA!

Wish I Would've Thought of That!: The Expanding Your Family Version

First there was this.

Now this.

Tears. Laughter. Anticipation. Artistry. And so much love.

Swoon! Congratulations Penney family and thanks for reminding us what life is really about...

Now if only I had half the talent, creativity and brains Mrs. Lindsey does - this is EXACTLY what I would adore to do when expanding my family and sharing it with the world.

Precious. Fun. Wish I would've thought of that!

This Mother's Wish List for the Upcoming Day

Source: formiadesign.com via Megan on Pinterest

What's on your wish list, Mama?