I just learned of Noah's secret stash of Tootsie Rolls from the bank and fortune cookies from dinner last night... he is saving them for when his friend comes to stay tomorrow night.
And Gray, well, the last three nights he has gone to bed with a glove on one hand. The night before, it was a camouflage fleece mitten. Last night was a red stretchy glove. Just on one hand. Okaaaay.
We're off to the park now (Tuesdays are park days around here) where Carter will no doubt charm all the moms with his sweet smiles and fascinating stories.
Ok- back from the park and oh yes did Carter do some charming... here he is with his new "lady" Allison!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
My Kids, They Have Quirks
Monday, July 30, 2007
Jump Into This Chittypulga Giveaway! *Updated With Winner!
*Updated with winner below!
Just what is a Chittypulga? Chittypulga is the finest children's boutique and magazine on the web today. The word chittypulga means little flea, and you can read the sweetest story about it here. You can also style your own little fleas the Chittypulga way in the coolest duds and fill their playroom with the most imaginative toys- I secretly wish I had these Woodkins Dolls (think paper dolls, but sturdier) just for myself!
This Pluto tee for Gray is so soft and so fitting, what with the germs and worms and all! I love this one if we needed to make that kind of announcement (which we don't and won't anytime soon!) There's one for big sisters, too, and finally a cute girly guitar tee! And right now all Pluto tees are 25% off!
Chittypulga's got a sitewide Super Sale ending August 1st- these deals you don't wanna miss! On Thursday, August 2nd you'll want to check out the big Back To School event at Chittypulga with the cutest backpacks, lunch boxes, crayons, notebooks, and the beginning of their fall collection.
Join the email list and save $10 off your first purchase!
And... wouldn't a $75 gift certificate to Chittypulga be just what you need? Someone will win one here this week!
Here's how to enter:
1. Leave a comment here saying you'd like to win!
2. Sign the Mr. Linky by this Friday August 3rd, no later than 9 PM (CST.)
3. Link to this contest and also to Chittypulga in a post on your blog and/or put the button in your blog's sidebar by Friday August 3rd, no later than 9 PM (CST.)
Winner will be drawn at random from the Mr. Linky list sometime this Friday after 9 PM (CST.)
*The winner is Lisa at Heaven Sent! Yay! I am excited- she will put this to good use, I know! Have fun shopping!
My Mom Has A Blog (P.S.)
My mom has a blog. Sometimes I am not sure if I should declare this too loudly because I never know what she's going to post about!! She's crazy. You remember the swimsuit in the snow? My boys call her Mimi and she is such a Mimi. She is youthful and happy and her blog is named Mimi's Toes. How cute is that?
Today is her 51st birthday and you know what, just like any other blogger, she just lurves comments. My brother and I celebrated her birthday early with her last weekend in Chicago. It was the most beautiful day.
She's spending her birthday this year in Florida with her best friend- her sister- my Aunt Diane. (Aunt Diane is also who came up with Gray's name- I posted about that before somewhere...)
So, I'd love for my Mom to have a zillion birthday wishes waiting for her when she gets back. It would just tickle Mimi's Toes pink, and she loves pink.
P.S. I just had a thought that if we can get at least 51 commenters on her blog before the end of her birthday today, that would be awesome. So hop on over and wish her a happy bershday if you'd be so kind to spread the love!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Yeah Right Like I Could Stay Away
So much for a blogging vacation. But I realized that blogland still goes on without me and I don't want to miss out!
Today you can...
win my very favorite tee by Havins Originals over at Mama Speaks
enter to win a 37" Flat Panel LCD HDTV (what what?!) -thanks to Best Buy- from 5 Minutes For Mom
guess the weight, gender, & time you think that Christine's baby will be born, over at From Dates To Diapers.
enter to win $250 from Gymboree over at Love Shak Baby
grab a free $20 gift certificate over at Skimbaco
enter to win some Monkey Toes from Mom4Life
win prizes and join in the 2nd Annual World Breastfeeding Week Book Release Challenge at My Baby & More
enter Modish Mom's "Fun in the Sun" Ultimate Giveaway and thanks to Modish Mom for declaring me a Blogging Mama With Style. (Blushing.)
win movie tickets from Lille Punkin' Reviews
read an important message from Toddler Planet and join Team WhyMommy
sign up for Ideal Bite Tips to win a $129 designer Lily purse from HER design
mend broken hearts and win prizes at Mamanista
listen to a great new CD by Monk & Neagle and take their poll
send support and prayers to Parker via Slurping Life
shop the summer sale at Barefoot Books
check out the Blogathon at Crazy Hip Blog Mamas
see what you missed at BlogHer by checking out the Chicago Moms Blog
read what Musings Of A Domestic Goddess wants you to share and check out
Nell from Casual Friday Everyday is looking for fellow Kansas City Moms... anyone out there?
Did I miss anything? I'll update throughout the day!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Almost BloggedHer
I'm not at BlogHer.
I did get to go to an awesome event Thursday night, sponsored by Yahoo! (thanks, Yahoo!) with the bloggers of the Silicon Valley Moms Blog and Chicago Moms Blog (I write over there sometimes!) We partied it up at Viand in downtown Chicago and from the moment I drove my car up to the complimentary valet and was escorted into the restaurant "I'm with the Chicago Moms Blog" - I was taken to a roped off area and ushered in... so very V.I.P., I tell you!
(Ok, I'll admit that from the moment I got in my car and had an hour + to spend alone on my way downtown felt very V.I.P., too. It was heavenly!)
There was delicious food, fabulous chatter, and lots of great swag! I got to see my gal pals- the "original batch" of Chicago Mom Bloggers- Amy (she's live-blogging this weekend), Me, MJ, Sara (also live-blogging this weekend!), Danielle, & Jessica; and I met many more fantastic, creative, & super-smart Moms that I hope to see again! Jill and Beth from Silicon Valley Moms are awesome and I feel privileged to work with those two!
Some swag (see the full list and big thanks here!)...
...Amy & I take a picture of our cute selves
After that great evening, I was really wishing I could attend the conference this weekend, but next year will be much easier for me to sneak away for a couple days... I'm really hoping it's somewhere awesome- like California or Hawaii!
Now, with all these parties about blogging, and blogging about blogging, I think I need a blogging vacation! Who knew!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Miracles On The Horizon
In Chicago last weekend, Carter asked when we were going to see Noah's doctor. He has associated our trips to Chicago with our trips to the Children's hospital there. It's been almost a year now since our last visit. Almost a year now then, that Noah has been off his special diet.
I am excited for the day that the beautiful city of Chicago will only have good memories and reminders of healthy, happy times. The zoo will become a place to visit just because and not only promised for after doctor appointments. We're getting there, because last weekend as we were taking in the city, I felt like something very new and very good was on the horizon. Like, we've finally made it.
If I had this blog a few years ago, you better believe I would be telling everyone about Noah and asking for prayers. Sheesh- I'm still telling everyone about Noah, and Praise God that I can tell about his healing. But there is a little boy in blogland that can really use your prayers right now, and I know how his Mommy's heart is hurting right now. Will you please take a moment to pray for Tammy & little Parker, and their whole family?
Ending tomorrow is a big ol' bloggy contest to help Parker and his family. Please click here and check it out. See if there is something you can do to help, whether it is sending your support of a few dollars or a few prayers. Or you can make it lots & lots of dollars and prayers! Whatever you can do. I know you can at least pray for Parker.
Miracles do happen. I've seen a few in person.
Babywearing Tip of the Week- The Best Accessory
There are so many awesome benefits to babywearing- for both baby and Mom. So a very nice perk, aside from all those great rewards, is that your sweet baby gets to be the best accessory of all.
DivasNBabes is calling all Moms to find your inner Diva and start accessorizing! With a celeb Mom themed line of ring slings and mei tais, Diva Babe Couture by DivasNBabes is exquisite and luxurious, yet so functional with such a reasonable price tag!
I am quite impressed with my Tori mei tai by Diva Babe Couture. It is very lightweight but sturdy and constructed with the finest fabrics and style, which is a babywearer's dream. Can you tell Gray and I love it?
You have to check out the Haute Mama line of chic shirts for Mom- I love this summer tank! The Cool Babe line for baby has the best sayings like Been There Broke That. They even have coordinating tees for Mom & Baby! DivasNBabes lets you style yourself & baby like Hollywood Moms without leaving your handbag empty!
Share your ideas for an upcoming DivasNBabes couture shirt and you can save 25% off your purchase at DivasNBabes! And if they choose your idea, you also could be featured in a special section of their homepage. I know you sassy Moms have got to have some great ideas...
Join the DivasNBabes Virtual Playgroup for great discounts, special invitations, & more. Check out their Seasonal Sale with items up to 60% off! Save 15% off your total purchase by entering code AIB15 at checkout. You'll definitely feel like you're on the A-list with DivasNBabes.
Win a Haute Mama tee for YOU!
Email me (jsprecourt@yahoo.com) the answer to the following question: Other than the Tori, name two celeb inspired sling names at DivasNBabes. You could win a Divas Wear Their Most Valuable Accessory tee! Enter by this Sunday 9 PM (CST.)
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
In Which I Used The Kate Spade Fancy Soap
I was supposed to go to a Mom's Night Out with a blogging friend and others last night but it ended up just being another Mom's Night In with three very loud and messy boys. After everyone was pajama-ed and in bed, I was thisclose to collapsing from exhaustion. But the quiet house and my achy back and head led me to take a nice, hot bath.
First I had to clear the entire tub area of all reminders of children. You know, to set my mood. Then as I was looking for some bubbles (preferably not of the kid-kind) or bath salts, I picked up my frou-frou box of Kate Spade soaps. They were a gift from when I was in my friend Jen's wedding, almost 3 years ago. But they were wrapped so perfect and snug in a pretty green and white box. I even still have the matching pretty green and white gift bag that looks like a real Kate Spade handbag, only it's a gift bag. But it's a Kate Spade gift bag.
Anyway.
After the night I had, these lily-flowered-couture-smelling soaps longed to be used and not left just for show, tucked away in their pretty box forever. If any an occasion, twas now. I surely would not smell of little children after using my fancy soaps.
And after my hot bath I felt much better. Almost like a getaway. Still tired Mommy, but fancy smelling now.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Any Dream Will Do
The other day, in the Target checkout line, Carter began a conversation with a very tall, big-bearded, truck-driver-ish man. I watched as he talked to this man directly and, not knowing this large stranger, placed both his tiny hands in Mr. Truck Driver's hands, gathering his full attention and telling him how one day he was going to be a fire fighter and a basketball star. He even already had the basketball shoes.
I started to suggest Carter leave this man alone to finish paying for his King Size candy bars. But the man was deep into Carter's story and admiring his shoes, and I could see his heart soften right there before me.
Mr. Truck Driver paid and then stopped to tell me a story about his own two little boys that are now in their twenties. I could even see a mist in his smiling eyes. An exchange that I would have missed if I had tried to control the situation myself. I watched my little boy, wide-eyed and filled with promise and dreams. So many possibilities. It doesn't only have to be that way just for children. We, too, can and should still dream and believe it can come true.
The shoes Carter spoke of were his new Converse Kids Wade 2.0 created by Converse and basketball star Dwayne Wade to reflect his style on the court. As a father of two young sons and recently honored as Father Of The Year by The National Father's Day Commitee, Dwayne wanted all generations to feel like a star.
Ever since these shoes arrived at our house, Carter certainly has felt like a star on the courts. The Converse Kids Wade 2.0 comes in kid's and infant sizes one through six and are available online and at sporting goods stores & urban independent retailers for $40-$75.
Dream big- no matter how young or old you may be...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Got Boo?
The Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog is having a Carnival of Breastfeeding: The Things They Say.
I absolutely love nursing my toddler. Gray is 21 and a half months old now and he calls it Boo. I don't know why he calls it that, but it's what he came up with and oh, does he love his Boo. He's lately been more social and in a sharing mood, so often he'll ask if he can give the "guck Boo?" (Gucks are geese but he thinks they are ducks.) Or "dog Boo?" I just tell him that's sweet he wants to share his Boo, but it's just for Gray.
We went to the county fair tonight. Upon this sweet sight, Gray yelled "Boo!" quite excitedly. I whispered "I feel ya, sister" to the Mama pig. Although I've never had 5 nurslings at the same time, there have been moments I've felt just like this.
Conservation Inspiration
Logo tees are all the rage. From Daddy to baby, you'll find them anywhere and everywhere. But eco-friendly messages such as Conserve and Stop Global Warming... they can only be found at My Conservation Baby.
We've got to start them out young- every little bit helps! Our little ones could be the environmental leaders of tomorrow!
Word is getting around about My Conservation Baby and soon you'll be seeing Celebrity parents styling their babes in the logo onesies and toddler tees. Adult tees are available, too. Get 15 % off your purchase at My Conservation Baby by using code: BABYWEAR through July 31!
Win an organic cotton My Conservation Baby Logo Tee! Choose size 2T or 4T. Just email me (jsprecourt@yahoo.com) by Tuesday 9 AM (CST) the answer to this question: Where does My Conservation Baby donate 1% of their profits?
Big 'Ol Bloggy Giveaway! *Updated With Winner!
*Updated with winner and a new giveaway below!
It's been my summer of giveaways, so of course I'm joining in on Shannon's Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway at Rocks In My Dryer! This time, the giveaway here is something from my own closet.
I have the cutest Vera Bradley Tweed Cinch Tote that I used one time (it matched a dress I had! I know you can relate!) I'd love to give this bag a home- to someone that will really use it. What a cute bag for fall!
If you wanna win it, just leave a comment and let me know! I'll ship it to anywhere! Make sure I can find you via your email or blog, in case you win. Sometime after 8 AM (CST) this Friday I'll randomly pick a winner from the comments! I'll have more giveaways here all summer long!
The Winner is... Miranda at Sweetest Cherry In An Apple Pie!
And check out my latest giveaway from DivasNBabes!
Enter by this Sunday night!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Free
Guess where we spent the most beautiful day ever?
Yes, that's Carter chasing the birds. So carefree. The best.
God In A Blue Shirt
On the way home from church the other night, Carter asked me where God is. I told him how God is a Spirit and is everywhere, in every place, all the time.
He then asked if I was talking to God in church that night. And I said, "Well, yes. In Praise & Worship I was singing praises to Him. And in prayer, I was talking to Him, too."
"No, who was the guy in the blue shirt that you were talking to?" He asks.
I think for a moment and realize he must be thinking of our Pastor. "Pastor?"
"Yeah," he says. "I thought that guy was God."