It’s sometimes nice to take pictures of nothing. So I did.
Andrew reading to Patrick.
Our neighbor who I adore and want to keep as my own because she is so nice, and normal and polite and sweet, and is just ONE more girl around here, which makes everything…perfect. Andrew and Clare are helping frosting 60 cupcakes for a party later that night.
I am getting Halloween costume magazines in the mail already! Sheez..hold on folks! But this guy loves them. (He had a haircut the next day, just so you know.)
I picked out this for him. Isn’t this the cutest thing ever? He said no….
…his mind is set on this. What???? Maybe it’s good we have lots of time before October rolls around to make a decision.
Abbey starts school next week and her uniform pleats were…now don’t panic girls!!…STICKING OUT in a terrible fashion! I didn’t notice, but I know by now that everything with Abbey has to be just so…I don’t argue (well, not always), I have learned to just help her think of a solution. I knew these Time-Life Old West books we had growing up were good for something other than looking at gory pictures of captured fugitives and Indian scalpings.
A box came that day from UPS and I had no idea what it was. The kids all gathered around, and someone said “Maybe it’s a bomb!” and then when I saw a little bootie at the end of a chubby leg I spazzed out for the sake of the kids and screamed and ripped the box open and threw the shredded paper everywhere to make them laugh, which really just made more work for me in the end, but was worth it. I forgot I had ordered…
…my old baby doll I had growing up. I have been looking for her on Ebay and finally we meet again. Well, it’s not the exact one, obviously, but it is her…Puddin’ by Madame Alexander. Isn’t she beautiful?
Here is a little picture of Puddin’ and I one day when I stayed home sick (I am sure I was faking it) from school. When we stayed home sick we stayed in bed-my mom was smart. She was my favorite doll of all. I know from the background you might be questioning what sort of house I lived in, but my Dad had just finished building the addition with his own hands, and my yellow and green (hugely) floral wallpaper had not been hung yet.
And one more picture:
Abbey making english muffin pizzas in the background and Andrew, my dear Andrew, acting silly. Oh boy, this boy. He is on his 4,568 question of the summer. I answered them all, mostly with, “Hmmm, I don’t know”, but nonetheless, they were answered.
I wanted a family of lawn gnomes last year for Halloween but my 2 and 4 year old daughters wouldn't oblige. My husband and I pulled it off pretty well though. 🙂 And I love moments like what you described with the box opening. When I get really involved in a silly moment with my girls and make them laugh. And it just happens naturally.
I love this post. Everything about it. Especially the box opening. That is awesome that you did that.
Hi from Australia,
I'm new to Blog World. Just wanted you to know that I have stumbled onto your Blog and am enjoying reading your posts. I particularly love the fact you found a photo of yourself when you were little with your favourite dolly and then went to the trouble go finding a replica on ebay – That's something I would do and didn't think anyone else out there did.
Congrats on a great Blog!
Mel
Don't laugh, but I already ordered and received the Kiddos Halloween costumes! You never know if they'll be a run on raggedy Ann and Andy costumes… 😉 judging by the cuteness of that gnome costume an early order may be wise… 🙂
the gnome costume is hilarious : ) great pics – thanks for sharing.
Patrick holding that doll just made my heart melt. She will be a fun friend for your family.
I once ordered a Betsy-Wetsy doll just like the one I had growing up. When she came she was in the frilliest nylon tricot outfit, not in gingham! I kept her around for a week or so but I really didn't feel the same way towards her as I did towards my original. So I sent her back.
A typical day at your house looks like the perfect day for a kid to live. I love the way you've created a loving, structured environment for your kids. Children thrive when given right space in which to grow! Your family is absolutely beautiful, Sarah.
I had that exact doll from Madame Alexander—only my mom gave me mine back on my 40th Bday—with duck-taped legs and crazy hair. She also gave me my Mandy doll with all the clothes intact!!!
Such a cute post!
I love posts like this.
My nephew was the travelocity gnome a few Halloweens ago. He got a great reaction at the doors!
Sorry, but I was a little creeped out by the doll–it looks like a real baby in that picture with you!
That gnome is AWESOME.
Catching up on your blog. I love to see a normal day in your life. Such a great family!
Love that gnome outfit! You've got to work on that boy- I can see him in that!
My hubby made our son wear a lawn gnome costume last year, but he wasn't having the beard, which really just isn't the same:)
Yes, Sarah, you are right: that Halloween costume is the cutest possible! And the Madame Alexander doll is soooo sweet. I am browsing now Madame Alexander site – they have such wonderful dolls!!! Thanks for such a sweet and funny post, Sarah!
I love this post! These everyday pictures are the ones I know we will love the most once our kiddos are grown. 🙂
I love pictures of nothing! When I was in Catholic school back in the day…my mom had my pleats sewn down about 1/5 of the way down…it helped them lay flatter. We did this because I attempted to iron them down once and burned a hole in that lovely polyester (my freshman year in high school!) Whoops!
It's good to know that Andrew is talking non-stop like Ellie. My girl never stops with the ideas and questions! On and on and on…. when I'm saying good-night to her I usually just slowly walk out of her room and she is in mid sentence because it never ends!
Fun post of nothing BTW. 🙂
I love, love, love (!!) that picture of Andrew reading to Patrick. I love pictures of every day life. Nothing staged. It proves that you are really who your writing says you are. And it also makes me feel better. I really can be the kind of mom I want to be because you are and your floor is just as much of a mess with kid stuff and toys all over as mine is. I love that one of the window bench seats is sticking up because some little darling put something away in a hurry and didn't make sure it laid down flat. Sometimes I forget that just because others lives look perfect and put together in the blog world, that they aren't as neat as tidy as they really look. And that it's okay for ME not to be that neat and tidy and perfect. Sometimes I need a reminder not to reach for that ridiculous ideal. Totally unintended on your part, I'm sure, but thank you nonetheless!
I have that exact puddin' doll from my childhood, except she has the blue gingham dress. 🙂
I love all the natural light you get in your house. I had incredible windows when we lived in Florida. But my house in KY…not so much. Makes me want to take a sledge hammer to my walls and go, "oops!!! Looks like we should put a window there!"
i love to see those good ole pleats! and also love your halloween costume suggestion for Patrick. Although he and I are at very different points in our lives, my gnome costume from last year had rave reviews. If he opts out, maybe Abbey would be interested! (hehe)
Saw the same gnome costume and chuckled outloud imagining both my boys dressed up as Gnomeo. And here's a laugh. While looking through costume magazines, Eliza saw Darth Vader and said, "Mom! Look! It's Dark Mater." How's that for a blending of generations? Loved your typical day. xo