Filed under: Stores and shopping, Working from home, Working moms, Photography

I've had rotten luck with formal family portraits, but I do love to pop into a photo booth with the kids every now and then. Now I can frame those little strips of photos with awesome, custom, stained-glass frames.

Deborah Stauder's online shop, Whispering Willow, has all sorts of lovely frames for your pics, including the photo booth ones. Starting next week, she's once again taking orders for frames to hold one, two, or four photo strips, and you can pick the color and decoration if you don't see just what you've got in mind.

Also available are 4x5, 5x7, and panoramic frames.

As always, I love to direct my shopping dollars toward independent artists.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Sleepover

I have just spent a lovely week in St. John's, Newfoundland, celebrating my sister-in-law's marriage to one helluva guy. My new brother-in-law was born and raised in Newfoundland, and truth be told I've never met a Newfie I didn't like. Growing up in mainland Canada, we knew little of the easternmost province in North America, save for some tasteless jokes that we ignorantly told in the schoolyard. For those who are unfamiliar, Newfoundland is home to some of the prettiest landscape I've seen and the most hospitable citizens on the planet.

So tonight, I surf around, hunting the trademark Newfie sense of humor, the pride, and the what-you-see-is what-you-get no frills attitude. Here's what I found:

MzPenny at The Wandering Newfie made the move our West like many Newfies (there is much work in Alberta due to the black gold rush) and is making the move to Texas next. She drives a school bus, loves to scrapbook and adores her two sons, as well as her home province.

Newfoundland is nothing short of inspiring, so it's no surprise that it's home to many artists. Trudy J Morgan-Cole of Hypergraffiti is a published author and mom of two. She's also a Seventh Day Adventist and takes Christmas pretty seriously. It must be de rigeur as St. John's was the most decorated city I have ever seen! (My inner Christmas freak rejoiced at all the colorful homes.)

Another Newfie author (and stay-at-home mom) is Tina Chaulk whose book and blog are both titled This Much is True. And although I have never met Chris at The Smartmouth Mombie, (yes, another writer) I did have the pleasure of eating her cookies at a Toronto Mom Blogger meetup once. She was kind enough to mail us -- complete strangers -- some of her lovely baking. Now if that isn't a prime example of downhome hospitality I don't know what is.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Health and Safety, Adventures in Parenting, Road trip, Car Seats

I remember it distinctly... it was during the Vintage Computer Festival in 2005. Jared, Uncle Hans, and I had been sent off to Fry's electronics for some cable or doohickey that was needed for one of the speakers. It was a hot day, so we had the windows rolled down. As we got on the freeway, I rolled them up from the driver's seat, only to hear yelps of pain from the back. I looked back and saw Jared with his fingers caught in the closed window.

I rolled it down immediately and pulled over to make sure he was okay. A few kisses and he was all right again. Still, it scared the dickens out of me -- and him too, probably. Now I always check for fingers and make sure he knows I'm going to roll up the windows before I do it. We both learned our lesson.

According to Ask Patty, however, there are folks who don't want kids to have to learn that lesson. She points to an article about a proposed mandate to prevent power windows from closing if there is an obstruction, such as fingers. Opponents claim it's a safety issue -- such a feature would prevent someone from closing a window to keep out a carjacker or other intruder.

I think I have to go with Patty on this -- I'd rather be responsible for my kids then have another gadget that will break added to the cost of the car.

Thanks to Joel for the tip!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Moms, Momwear, Tees, Maternity clothing

We have a Land Rover which means we have a personal relationship with our mechanic. Heck, I've spent many a night at my old mechanic's house, until he moved to Indiana just to get away from me. My current mechanic, I think, is going to stick around a while. You see, he's got triplets so he needs the money. His three girls are just about a month younger than Jared, and, of course, cute as a button.

I'm thinking I'll point him to Multiple Moms Rock, a website offering t-shirts for moms of twins, triplets, and so on. They've got shirts for Dads coming in the spring too. Even parents of singles can appreciate their shirt that asks "Why can't I have a timeout?" If you're still working on yours, the "Body by Twins/Triplets" maternity shirts are pretty clever. Their signature "Raising Twins/Triplets is an Extreme Sport!" shirts are very apropos too.

The company was started by a mom who was looking for shirts to celebrate her status as the mother of twin boys and came up empty. I do like the designs; if you or someone you know has multiples, you might want to check them out.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Vacations

One of these days, I'm going to plan a little family get away at a place like this. No one will be allowed to bring a computer, cell phone, game boy, iPod, or anything other than sandals, a good hat for the sun, and maybe a fishing pole.

Yep. I feel more relaxed already.

I really crave hours of unplugged time with my kids. It seems to me that when we do get away from things -- on hikes or visits to the local farm we love so much -- they fight less, laugh more, and are more here, more part of things.

I can just see us all falling asleep on the floor of one of these treehouses, worn out from a long day of exploring the river, maybe marveling at the fireflies and talking about all the things we'd like to be and do when we grow up.

Tell us about your best family vacations.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Media, Teenager

You would think that any motorist who hits and kills a child would be judged and punished by the strong arms of the law, right? Well, perhaps not in this case.

A motorcyclist who hit and killed a 12-year old boy is claiming compensation for his injuries, and it's not as absurd as it sounds. The 12-year old boy had been playing "chicken" with his friends, daring each other to cross a busy road in reckless defiance of impending danger.

The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the boy, and hit him full impact. He is now claiming that the boy committed a "violent act" by running into the road.

It's just so tragic all around. I cannot imagine that the man will ever be the same - killing a child, no matter what the circumstance, would be a life-altering and devastating circumstance. And I don't understand the appeal of the reckless, scary games some children insist on playing - that choking game comes to my mind, too. It's terrifying.

I wish peace for both the motorcyclist and the family of the boy.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Aunts and Uncles, Books, Sophia

Sophia is lucky. She's got an uncle who really knows his books and always gives her, and all the kids, great books as gifts. The most recent score was Pirate Girl, by Cornelia Funke.

Cornelia Funke also wrote the well-loved Inkheart series, as well as The Thief Lord, Dragon Rider, and others.

Pirate Girl is such a fun read, and is an especially good fit for my Soph; like the main character, Molly, she'd be able to have the pirates shining shoes and scrubbing the deck before all was said and done.

The illustrations by Kerstin Meyer are charming and full of funny little details. I especially love the way she drew Molly's mom, and the flowery sails on Molly's little boat.

And, what Uncle Greg didn't even know, was that Santa brought these lunch boxes for the girls, along with some pirate bandages. Arrrrrrrrr.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Media, Pregnancy and Birth

Sometimes, birth has its privileges.

A baby born on a train in Portugal will receive free travel for life on the nation's railway company.

Wee baby Mariana was born to her 21-year-old Mother en route to Oporto, Portugal. She was born with the assistance of a male nurse in the restaurant car of the train, and then taken by ambulance to a hospital at an unscheduled stop in a nearby town.

The railway also sent the new Mom flowers. Both Mom and baby are doing well. Hopefully Mariana will grow up with a special zest for travel.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Blogs, Crafts

January is almost here, and I'm giving a little thought to next year's holiday season. I fondly remember that one year when I got all my gift buying done in November, and spent December baking and wrapping and not feeling so stressed out. I need to aim for that again.

I like to knit and sew gifts for others, and occasionally myself, when there's time. I have more appreciation than actual talent, but I cut myself lots of slack and try to make it a relaxing experience. I think in January I'll try and make a felt garland. If it looks good enough, I may make a few more and stash them away to give as gifts at the year's end. Or, I could go for a pink, red, and white one for Valentine's Day.

This looks like a great project for young sewers, as well. As far as I'm concerned anything that keeps little hands busy when it's too cold to go out and run around much is A-Okay.

I found this linked from Thimble. Moms who are able to make such beautiful things while balancing kids impress me to no end.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here

Filed under: Video Games, Crafts

This is awesome! Here are patterns and directions for printing out and folding up mini arcade games. They can go in the dollhouse, make the Barbie pool party way cooler, or go up on a bookshelf with your vintage Smurf dolls.

Making these is a little challenging, but, c'mon -- you've got kids, you have craft experience! Choose from Defender, Gauntlet, Gravitar, Pac-Man, Robotron, and Tempest.

If you can write small enough, you could even have the permanent high-score.

Cool.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read the Full Story Here