A different kind of era

I think I may have mentioned before that my mom had given me a bunch of Golden Books with Eloise Wilkin as an illustrator. It's where we got the idea for Eloise's name. We have most of the book listed on that website, which is pretty neat.

The other day Eloise picked out a few she wanted to read. When we came across this one I was cracking up the entire time. Pay special attention to Daddy. (This is Dave's dream, and it's not the chores.)

He smokes his pipe while chopping wood.

He smokes his pipe while gardening.

And even when he washes the dog.

When he needs to use both hands, little Susie holds the pipe.

However, he does know his priorities and removes the pipe for an affirming hug.

And finally for dinner. I'm sure mom doesn't allow that in the house.

BTW, this family gets alot done in one day. This is just a small sampling. Daddy was smoking his pipe the entire time they were doing their chores. I wish I was that motivated. Maybe it's the pipe?

A new kind of kitchen

With all the crummy weather we have been having, my closets seem to be thinning at a drastic rate. I'm all for it. I love to get rid of extra junk that has no purpose. If I haven't used it in a year or can't think of a creative use for it, it's gone.

I found some cute IKEA items laying around and I had the bright idea to organize a kitchen area for the girls.
It's funny how the moment you move things, they start playing with them again. I'm sure it won't last long, but at least it's cute. (the picture I took of the entire kitchen isn't working, but it really is cute!)

Favorite Link Friday

Thanks to all those who tell me they love FLF. It's been really fun for me to do and I love passing on the great ideas and articles I find throughout the week. There is so much information to be passed around, it's great!

*My friend Melinda sent me this great idea about homemade dryer balls.

*What a cute birthday cake!

*Making diapers for dolls. I may try this for Lily so she can get used to baby.

*Check out the brownie cream cheese pie

*Um....delicious!

Have a great weekend!

Swimsuit Season

This last weekend Dave and I took the girls out shopping for their swimsuits. I really wanted him to go b/c I know he has a definite opinion about what they wear. As the daddy of two girls, I can understand why he has an opinion. I love that he cares and I love that he gets to participate in this aspect of their lives. Not b/c it's a swimsuit, but b/c he really cares about how modest they are. And so do I. For some families, little girl binki's are okay, for this family, they aren't. Sure, they are adorable, but I'm a little freaked out about my 3 yr old showing more skin than she should and looking like a 16 yr old. She's only young once, I'd like to enjoy the little girl.

Don't worry, I'm not going to go this extreme.

Here's my options:
One piece: This is not helpful when your daughter has to go potty quickly or if you are potty training. I just don't want to pull off the entire suit. They are cute, just not funcitonal for us.

Two piece: This is either the t-shirt board shorts, which we love, or the small tankini/bikini which show off alot. I'm all for the tankini, if it actually hit at the waist. It does for Lily, just not Eloise. And the bikini bottoms seem a bit small for me. I don't want her bum bum hanging out. And frankly, I don't think anyone else does.

This is the one we chose for Eloise. Dave's not a huge fan b/c he wanted it more swimsuit looking on top, but it serves a few purposes. I don't have to put on as much sunscreen, she's not showing too much off, and she can go potty by herself. And the bottoms are full coverage.

I did find a few other swimsuits online that I might purchase next year.
This one from Lands End.
And this one from LL Bean

I know there are most sites out there with cute swimsuits. Share please if you know of a good one.

Now it's time to find one for mama that doesn't make me look like a beached whale. Even though I fully expect to look like one in the middle of June.

How did that get there?

Every night part of our clean up routine is to put away clothes in our laundry baskets. Each girl has a hamper in her room that they can put their clothes in. They are pretty good. In fact, they are too good.

A few weeks ago I was doing laundry and heard a weird clanking sound as I was moving the clothes to the dryer. Two Little People had mysteriously made their way into my laundry.

The next load I discovered a small little squishy ball. Thankfully I didn't dry that one or it would have been a disaster.
(I know you are all wondering how I miss these objects before I put them into the wash. I have no idea. Maybe I'm sorting too fast, who knows.)

Then today, I discovered this:

(that's Ming Ming from Wonder Pets and a few books)

I'm fairly certain I know who the tiny culprit is. She loves to put her laundry away and never puts up a stink when asked. Now I know why she spends so much time putting her dirty clothes away.

Favorite Link Friday

Have a great weekend everyone!

*I love Little Window Shoppe. And they keep coming up with great ideas. Little Fairy Crowns. Eloise is obsessed with being a fairy. She really wants to fly. I think this is where we will head for her 4th birthday party.

*For those dealing with the tooth fairy.

*This is impressive. I love her style and creativity in small places. 7 in one house!

*Just a cute design blog.

*Comparing our motherhood, especially in Christian circles. Long but encouraging.

*A clothing company similar to Down East Basics. It's called Shade. I think I may be ordering.

Where did all the TP go?

One thing I didn't realize about potty training girls is that you have to teach them about the appropriate amount of toilet paper to use.

We have a common phrase we hear from the bathroom at least twice a day, "uh oh. Mom, it's plugged." Hmm....I wonder why?

We often talk about the right amount to use. We want her to have just enough to not get pee or poo on her hands and not too much to plug the toilet. There is no 1 or 2 sheet rule in our house. It's use what you can to keep those hands clean. Maybe that's my problem, she thinks she has to use an entire roll to keep out the "ickies".

I've given up trying to find deals on TP b/c we were going through it so fast. Costco helps us out with their 40-some-odd pack of TP. It's keeps me stocked for at least 3 months. I knew Costco had my best interests in mind when it came to teaching the ladies to use the right amount.