Lola

For Kids by Kids <3

Where have I been? Apparently, this is not new news but it may be news to you. Gap has launched a line of children's clothing for kids, made by kids. 

Children seem to be bitten by the consumer bug and at least from what you'll see below, seem very much in support of Gap's new venture. And truly, with the economy in the tank and many unemployed, it may be time to put your six year old to work.

 Just saying.....

Gap Unveils New 'For Kids By Kids' Clothing Line

Didja miss the VP debate?

Here's your chance to see it!

Two Peas in a Pod

No. Not Lola and Dahl. Me. And this weatherman. Just watch. I don't know how he went back after the first trauma. Is he made of steel? I just think STOIC when I see him. LD

And they say they don't come with instructions....

Technically they are right (I don't know how I feel about they, they come across as knowitalls, but sometimes, just sometimes, I want to be one of the theys....) but I've found a mighty good set I think every parent should have!

While many of you may think these are not very comprehensive, ie, the feeding of the breastfed baby, mum or dad, where they don't include bottle fed babies, to me it's clear. They're saying it's best if Mum breastfeeds but before a bottle, give Dad a go.

Got it?

Aight then. Get your thinking caps on, pen and paper, whatever and get ready to be amazed.

Oh yes, but before you go finish that glass of milk. No need to have it come out your nose now.

I have to say that some of the don'ts have worked wonders for me. When J, Lola or Dahl refused to calm down, a bit o whiskey and placing one finger in each corner of their mouths and lifting into a smile certainly calmed me down. And made me smile.                                                                           

Bonding with baby, or your child over a hot cup of coffee is a FABULOUS idea.

I have, on numerous occasions, tested my children milk bottles by sticking my tongue in to them. This method works incredibly well. In fact, I do it when serving coffee to a friend, or dinner to a dinner guest. Can't be too safe these days with all of those lawsuits flying left and right! 

While this is a beginning please do not allow the donts to disuade you from trying them. Only you know your baby, and let's face it, with desperate times come desperate measures. 

Honey! It's dinner time, whip out that man nipple!

Love, peace and we've hit the gold mine in parenting answers!

LD

Notice*****LD is not advocating use of any of these parenting techniques. Merely displaying them for your viewing pleasure. ( Those attorneys make me say that. Soooo don't do the donts. Okay? Unless you have and it's work, then leave me a message because I've got to hear this.)

Choosing just one

I've never been good at choosing just one. 

Ice cream flavors, coffee mugs, shoes.

Even children.

Did the one child thing once. Loved him so much I decided the next time I would take two.

Now I am trying to choose just one out of four silhouettes.

I have purchased five from a talented artist, Miss Crowland, on Etsy.  

So impressed was I with her work, I asked her to make my daughters' silhouettes in color. She came back with too many for me to choose from. So here I am. Asking for your help. Any thoughts? I believe this is Dahl.

Awaiting your thoughts and wishing you stillness in the chaos,

LD

Inspired

I woke this morning early. The house was silent and everyone was snug in their beds. The sky was just beginning to take on the first rays of light. It was so serene. I decided to stay awake though the thought of crawling back into my warm inviting bed and resting my eyes (as my son calls it when he's being told to wake up for the 4th time) did cross my mind.

I went to the kitchen and saw the remnants of last night's living. Some cookie crumbs.  A milk glass. Not too bad. Oh, the cookie tin. Left open. That's more like my girlie. Lola loves these vanilla animal crackers. They're organic and so my children mistakingly believe they can eat as many as they want because as my son, ever the informer, well, informs, ' They're healthy and so good for you'

I'd better clarify this for them. Like, yesterday.

I put on a pot of coffee. The house is cool compared to my toasty bed and I'm feeling a bit chilled and looking forward to drinking this.

Mr. LD is showering now. He's already given son the first call

I gathered the girls' birthday party invitations in preparation for school delivery. I stop by Son's room.

'Good Morning J. Let's wake up and have a quiet morning before Lola and Dahl join us.'

Son replies,' I'm awake, just moving slowly'

Ahhh...Life is still good. That was 2nd call.

Mr. LD is out and meets me in the kitchen. He's bothered by the fact that Son J doesn't get up and get going. Doesn't like that we have to keep on nudging him. He needs to get to bed earlier. He just called him for the 2nd time.

Um, that was 3rd call but I don't say anything.

We split the dressing of the sleeping dolls and get done as Son's eyes have been well rested and he is dressed. ( Thank You God)

Quick breakfast. Lunches and Mr. LD takes the gaggle out the door. Whoosh. Whew. Whoa. I look around and the house is one again silent. The soft sunlight is streaming in rays through our French doors. Wow. I see dust particles, or is it fairy dust in these rays? Is this a dream? It's wonderful.

Time for that coffee. Yes I still have not had that first cup.

I sat down and realized I feel inspired. For what. There are so many possibilities. I could make a laundry list but am revisiting a list I made last summer. I chose 10 things I wanted to accomplish in the next 10 years. Sounds doable. And if those get done earlier than expected I can add more. Or not.

1. Learn to play the piano

2. pare down

3. make time for reading ( I can devour books)

4. Learn something new and interesting

5. Learn. Share. Give. Expect nothing.

6. Learn to swim

7. Renew my vows

8. Learn to roll my Rs

9. Travel 

10. learn to sew

I have done 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. These were the most important to do and now I can continue 2,3,4, and 5 while I tackle the other items.

So with this list in mind I went to look at fabrics.I bought this child's learn to sew kit back in December? And two of my closet friends are seamstresses. Time to tackle number 10.

Do yo have a list? Short, doable, and Life enhancing was my requisite.

What's yours?

Until next time, LD

How much do you appreciate?

Life.

Do you see it through the eyes of your four year old self?
For a year or so now I've been making myself more involved in Life. Yes with a capital L.
Not online as much as I once was. Stopping to admire Life. The silence. The stillness. All of it.

Main Entry:
ap·pre·ci·ate
Pronunciation:
\ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt, -ˈpri- also -ˈprē-sē-\
Function:
verb

1 a: to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of b: to value or admire highly c: to judge with heightened perception or understanding : be fully aware of d: to recognize with gratitude
2: to increase the value of

So it's a verb. An action. Something we have to conciously do to truly do it.

I have begun to truly appreciate what I once believed I understood and valued. I hold so much in high regard. I don't know exactly where this sanctity is coming from, or I do, it has been here all along but the noise and static of life (not capitalized- this is the mundane auto pilot life) were making it impossible to feel and connect with.

It's difficult to articulate where I am coming from or what I want to say yet here I am. Real short and sweet: if life is bogging you down with too many commitments, things that when you stop and take stock really are not necessary, you can pare down. I liken it to a flowering bush. It needs to be pruned to produce beautiful flowers, if not things get messy, the plant's sysem is taxed and the newer flowers aren't as lush, and of lesser quality. Each of us can sometimes become an overgrown flower garden. One that needs tending. Nurturing. A good sharp pair of pruning sheers and a willingness to foresake the wildly overgrown and pare down to something simplistic, but so much more the beautiful.

It has made a difference to me. I have seen that with true tending my own tiny garden is ethereal, a place where I can come and share my joys with my three flowers, and see the joy spill forth from within them. Where my husband and I can share in this cup of abundant goodness given to us by just being. Together.

I like computers. They allow us to meet many people with similar interests and this is why I am sharing this. Yet they are touted as connecting the world. Really, are they connecting anyone?
Turn it off. Right now if you'd like I don't mind and I welcome it. Beyond this screen, within yourself, within those you love, within the world community, person to person, where neighbor becomes life-long friend, that's being connected.

- Until we meet again, go sit outside for a few minutes, be connected with yourself. I can tell you that you'll like that person when you get to know them. LD

Facebook - A Dr. Phil's Personality Test

Hmmmm....

This seems to be accurate. Try it and tell me if you get a description you feel is accurate too.
I don't know who actually created this 'test' but it was short and sweet. Because I let just a few people into my circle, I have pasted my results so you, yes you, can read them. Hush. They're between you, me and the big guy. Oh yes and Dr. Phil.

I scored 38 on Dr. Phil's personality test
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

Dr. Phil will see you now. Go ahead. Yes. A HEAD. His head. It's a link. Click it. See what he thinks. Short post. LD

My Cleaning Lady....

Mrs. Meyers.
I can't do it alone. And she smells wonderful.
She lifts my spirits and she's very natural.

She's like me. Uncomplicated. Her words, not mine.
Mmmmm. Cleaning machine. If only it could stay like this......in about 45 minutes it will be as if Mrs.Meyers and I did nothing but sit on our bums and play on facebook all day. And we didn't. What's the use if you don't get praise?

I only have a moment but I have to sing her praises! She will make your counters sparkle! Very worth whatever the price, I don't remember. Tell me Mrs. Meyers helps you too. Let's all drop the veil. We're all human and need help with the chores. For me it's Mrs. Meyer's clean day.

Oh yes and a cleaning lady once in a while......hush. She's not here nearly enough to keep up!
LD

A dream is a wish your heart makes

I've always thought a long married couple should leave this Earth together.
It's what I hope for myself and Mr. LD. And for my children and their spouses. Someday. No suffering. A long life, well lived. Clean living. And look at the type of legacy you leave behind.....

Happiness for this couple is what I am feeling.
Happy Tuesday. Go and give love, LD