The Loaded Sabbath

Up and in uniform before breakfast.  This is the day the Lord hath made.

They are locked & loaded and plan to be glad in it.

 Just gotta unload a few rounds and secure the perimeter before cleaning up for church.

Church.  You goin?  You better be.  

Happy Sunday morning!

.mac :)

{week 28: my 2 in 52}

A Designer's Eye

It's safe to say we love pretending at our home.  The boys are masterminds when it comes to this art form.  I love knowing that one day, when they are off on their own grown up adventures,  Kenny and I  will be able to look back on their creative little souls and re-read memories like this one and this one and this one too.  Seven and five years has passed by all too quickly.  Best I collect and preserve what I am quite certain is the best days of my life as mama.

The boys have always been enamored with pirate life.  There is just something so mystical and cool about being a vagabond to the sea. A life filled of mystery and adventure, of strife and stowaways.  Of dirt and swords too.

Kenny and I have caved in the progression of movie militance.  We began as parents devout in the PG theory.  PG and G would be the life for our little men until at least the early 'tween' years.  But, the story lines were so tempting and chock full of plots procured with all things little boy hopeful.  The caving began first with the Avengers on Mother's Day weekend followed by the viewing of each individual superhero movie that proceeded.  (A special thank you to the $1 video rental for each).  We, of course, extensively researched the content of each movie, finding only that violence was the real issue.  Violence being a whole lotta battles.  Language and adult content notsomuch the case.

We have loved watching these as a family.  

Then, Pirates of the Caribbean was naturally next on deck.  Eli and Casey are completely head over heels with Jack Sparrow.  They love his whimsical humor and ad hoc ways of escape.  The gory scenes have not been a problem at all.  I think the "serious mom talk" of fiction and non-fiction along with the fact that these 2 have wonderful imaginations to begin with has been most helpful.

Again, we have so enjoyed these movies together all piled up on the couch.  

And, you know what else I love?  Watching my Eli and Casey scour Goodwill bins,  make tears and tie ties and re-purpose 10 & 20 cent finds to create their very own Jack Sparrow.  On this particular day, Casey was the model and Eli was the designer.  They trade off and take turn about designing for the other.  

The jacket was their Uncle Kevin's {aka Hane Hane} from when he was a little boy.  

I am the proud mama to some really clever designing eyes.  

And, yes.  My heart doth skip a beat.

.mac :)

{week 31}

My World

Your world works inside of mine.
Or, is it mine inside of yours?

While mine keeps records, crosses off to-dos and timelines tasks, yours creates.

Story lines.

Developing characters.

Strategies for survival.

More & more I find that I'm the lucky one to inhabit your planet.

A few treads down a wooden hallway leaves me quite certain of my place.
It is here an older, well versed in pretend, reigns.

• His plots perfectly planned; his battle moves, flawless.  
• Attention to detail is mandatory. 
• Interchanging chapters devoured by curious eyes with armageddon in the final demise of the dark force, you rule.

How rude of me to interrupt your schedules so massively laden with destruction and the reinstatement of disciplines good only to put laundry away.

My world's at peace just knowing it's safe and secure inside of yours.  

Keep creating, boys.

Mama :)

Officially

There's something official about this photograph. 

Official, yes.

In between those significantly stone-faced cowboys, a binding friendship has begun.

-Eli-

A 5 year & 10 month old (to use his terms here) is official.

Officially begun his quest for friends.

Friends that meet you at the front door with a smile on their face so happy to see you.

Friends that share your passions of pretend.

Cowboy shooting

Outlaw hustlin'

Outdoor forting too.

Friends who earnestly scramble and plead with mama for "just a little more time", please.

Friends who giggle uncontrollably at the silly you both set free from your mouths.

Eli is there.

He gets it.

He gets the special-ness of having someone to his house.

The night before, Eli planned what toys he wanted out so that he and his guest could make the most of their time together.  He even asked to check the weather to see the chances of some outdoor time.

And Eli made it all the easier for his little brother too.

Casey was included each and every play of the afternoon.

Officially, he's growing.

Growing deep.

Making notes in that little mind of his on just what friendship means.
On how it plays a part in his life.
On who to call friend.
And who to share his little brother with too.

Officially, Eli is stretching out farther than my grasp.
Slowly but surely, I see him inch a little further away.
Only to come back to me for snuggles and books.

Officially, I am honored.
Honored to watch this little man of mine grow acquainted with friendship.
To see him trust and share and learn.

And officially, I am reminded.
Reminded that friends are to be intended.
For growing deep, you know.

Thank you once again, Eli Garrett.
Your lessons come in the most perfect of timing.

.mac :)

Haulin'

pretend |priˈtend|verb1 [with clause or infinitive ] speak and act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not : I closed my eyes and pretended I was asleep | she turned the pages and pretended to read.• engage in a game or fantasy that involves supposing something that is not the case to be so : children pretending to be grownups.• [ trans. ] give the appearance of feeling or possessing (an emotion or quality); simulate
One of my absolute favorite words.Where focus is fuzzy and foerver is right here and now.Dreams being delivered.Right before my very eyes.
.mac :)

Capricious

It never fails.

I am always enamored by the spirit and whimsical nature of youth.

Out in the yard playing one of their many most favorites, they decide to maintain some order.

That would totally be inherited from their father.

Yes behaving in a capricious manner, these 2 do quite often.

And that's precisely why I think they are the absolute best co-workers to have.

Nature yields happiness tenfold in little boys. It asks nothing of them but to enjoy and stick around.

Two requests my boys will gladly fulfill.

True to their personalities.

Completely unscripted.

Natural.

No poses.

I snap.

Enjoy my happiness tenfold:

{my tree hugger}

{my dirt digger}

Tree dancing.

Dirt digging.

Completely capricious.

Happiness tenfold.

My yard tools.

Like nature, I, too, hope they enjoy and stick around.

.mac :)

Tongue Tied

That's what Kacey from Chronicles of a Mommy and I have been. Tongue tied in cyberland. We have done nothing but bond over projects for her twins, photography dreams, and fashion. I can't tell you the amount of late night emails this girl and I have exchanged over shoes, girls.

This is exactly why I love blogging. I have never met Kacey. Only talked with her once on the phone to be exact, and I feel like through our words written and my help designing for the twins, we have a friendship. Just the simple comments she leaves on my blog, make me smile, perk up my day, and at times have me rollin' in the floor laughing. Blogging is a good thing.

Kacey had a problem awhile back. She found a wonderful dress for Ruby Jane that needed something. She wasn't sure what, but definitely something. So she called out for help on her blog.

One simple comment later, and she and I were in full blown tongue tied design sessions for the twins birthday party!
And gladly, k.Mac whisked Kacey off her SAHM feet and came to the rescue. Her twins, Lincoln and Ruby Jane, will celebrate their 2nd year of life this Thursday. On the hunt to plan the perfect party, Kacey inquired about k.Mac services. She wanted her twinkies to look outstanding for their Owl themed birthday party.

For Miss Ruby Jane we added a brown ribbon bow to her pink Ralph Lauren seersucker dress and finished it off with a beautiful monogram in chocolate to match. Now that. That's something. Just look at this cutie pie!

There's crinoline under that skirt. This picture makes me anxiously await the twirl I can only imagine she's about to do.

Then there's Mr. Lincoln. Debonair doesn't fully cut it for this guy at a mere almost 2, wouldn't you agree? Kacey wanted a trendy look for her little man. She opted for a k.Mac handmade tie complete with a masculine monogram to suit this guy up for the BIG 2!

Our child sized ties come in any fabrics you choose with over 60 fonts to select from. Lincoln is ready set to dive into some hooty-hoot cake come Thursday.

And these 2 are on their way. On their way to their next year of life. Loved up beyond measure, side by side along with their big brother, Ryder, they are completely fearless in living life to its maxim.

And so is their mama. The photos of the twins in this post is just the start of her big dreams. She is currently gearing up to begin her journey into photography. It is her passion; her heart's desire. As you can see, she is quickly skilled with the click of the camera. I look forward to watching her business unfold and find the success it is destined for.

And me? Well, I'm happy as punch to be able to have been a part of the twin's birthday celebration, for a new found blog friend who is guaranteed to keep this mama here hip to the game in fashion, and for the opportunity to give something away!

Yes, sisters.
You heard correctly.
In honor of the twins turning 2, I am giving away Lincoln's tie!

No, not HIS actual tie, but a replica of his with any monogram you wish on the front in your choice of color threading.

How do you enter?

1. Leave me a comment on this post letting me know who this tie will be for should you be the lucky winner. Will it be for your son, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a Christmas gift?
2. And don't forget to tell me one more thing: What's your favorite part about birthdays?
   
   

Want to be entered 3 times instead of 1?

No problem. Just follow my blog and consider it done!

I will announce a winner Friday, 9/18.

Tie sizes range from 3 months to 12 years.

Now go find someone new today in blog land to get tongue tied with!

You never know who is just a click or comment away from a connection that could last forever!

.mac :)

Quick On Her Feet

Setting: My brother's birthday celebration.

Backyard grilling, horseshoe tossin, kids playing...

It was a late night of fun.

So, of course, I brought the kids' jammies to bath it up before loading up to make the 1 1/2 hour trip home.

Plot: After bath, Eli looses it.

Eli: "Mom, my boo-boo! My Scooby band-aid is gone! I had to take it off to get my bath and now I have no band-aid! Aunt Kim, do you have a Scooby band-aid for me?"

Aunt Kim: "Ummm, let's see. {so internally panicking as Mollye Bear is not old enough to even notice that band-aids can perhaps be decorative or thematic...Kim knows she got nothing but skin themed band-aids in the house}

Elapsed time: 2 seconds.

Aunt Kim: "Oh Eli, I have a Make-Your-Own Band-Aid. Would you like to make one for your boo-boo?"

Eli: {totally intrigued, sniffling beginning to break up} "Yes, yes! I want to do that!"

Aunt Kim: {whipping through her Scrapbook supplies cool as a cucumber} How about we design your name?

Eli: "Oh yeah!" {tears immediately evaporating}



Moral of this short story: It appears Aunt Kim is "quick on her feet", don't you think?

Teacher/Mom Extraordinaire, that's her!

.mac :)

Come on, play!

Now sisters of the blog:

I have several fun followers and I do mean several that talk to me all the time about how much they enjoy reading and even how they enjoy visiting other blogs that I read daily from my list.

These ladies just don't blog themselves and don't leave comments when they do visit.

I'm down.
I'm cool.
You don't have to comment.

Seriously, you don't.

But, today...

Come on, play. PLEASE.

Just for fun.
Just for me.
I want to HEAR from you!

This'll be quick and easy, I promise.

All you have to do is:

1. click on "post a comment" at the bottom of this post.
2. type your answer in the text box.
3. publish under annonymous if you don't want to sign up or don't already have a login screen name BUT be sure to leave your name just to put a happy smile on my face, sweets!
4. Then FINALLY type in the security code provided to ensure you are a safe source.
5. Then hit publish.
6. That's it!

It's ALL SKATE as I like to call it, so everyone {blog or no blog} join in!

Follow me around the rink as I skate backwards with my pink glitter pom-poms on my purple skates. {only had that pair in my 9 year old dreams...I had to take the dingy brown rentals with the orange wheels]

My question to answer:

"What would your dream job be?"

Ready, set, go!

My dream job would be...hmmmm...I have 2.

1. A professional dancer like the girls on Dancing with the Stars. Lotsa of leg, lotsa sequins, lotsa shimmie-shaking, lotsa moving, lotsa accessories, lotsa music, lotsa high heels, lotsa twirling...right up my alley!

2. Quite a stretch from #1, but I would like to work in a bakery or arrange/deliver flowers. I think it would be so fun to design cakes and bake from scratch trying new recipes and creative techniques. And boxing up hand selected delectables knowing they are going home to be deliciously devoured would make wearing the hair net completely worth it. And for the flowers, well I am a flower junkie. The smells, the textures, the colors, the creating....and then to deliver to someone who has no idea what they are about to be given nor what is waiting for them when they open that little 2 x2 card, well, that would be just the best to watch. Surprises...I like'em.

So surprise me!

What would your dream job be?

Tell me short and sweet or tell me long with details. I don't care. Just tell me!

Come on, play!

.mac :)

G.I. Gnomes and The Diamond Cupcake Attack

Not long ago in a quaint little community nestled on the rooftop of a nearby Sewanee mountain, there was a teacher. She was rich in love with her job. Full of enthusiasm, well versed in classroom management, a near expert at organization and transitional strategies.

Yet, she lacked one thing.

Spontaneity in her 7-4 hour routine. Yes, Mrs. Casey was quite content with procedures and marking things as complete in her plan book.


Luckily for her, 2 very charming and exceedingly handsome gnomes along with their uber attractive, crafty, and quick witted fairy princess mother sensed the monotony of Mrs. Casey's regimen.

With no haste, this fairy princess mother and her 2 gnomes began planning what would become the most well thought out sidebar slaughter to Mrs. Casey's day.

Sewanee Elementary would feel the repercussions of their sheer celebrational joy when they were through.

This gnome just knew if he worked his cute and charming, not to mention sweetandlittle angle once the shock and awe of this jubilee jolt had worn away, he would, no doubt, have a mini white board in his hand and an endless supply of fresh-out-the-pack white markers.

And this quite-the-curious gnome had his eyes on performing his own skillful acts once he took the pry bar to the padlock of regularity in Mrs. Casey's room.

Yes, he would leave his mark. He had plans for his name to be forever tattooed on the day the clock of this classroom stopped.


Quick as sprites only much cuter, these 2 gnomes took inventory of their surprise attack ammunition.

paint--check
pot--check
real cute hands--check
surprise flower seeds--check
super creative fairy princess mother with a crafting plan--check

Operation Diamond Cupcake was in full prep mode...

Gnome 1: "Hurry up and get the dirt in the pot. We have not much time!"


Gnome 1 again: "Faster! Here, I'll help you. I am quick at this."
Gnome 2: "Sut-up! [mumbled aggressively under his breath] (That would be his version of "shut up".)
Fairy princess mother: "Boys. [insert stern low voice here} You...finger pointed at gnome 1...stop bossing. And you...finger pointed as gnome 2...stop saying that word. That's not a word we say in our fairy princess/gnome/really hunky handsome ogre home.
Narrator: "Fairy princess mother would like to let the audience know at this time that "Shut up" is really not a word used by members of this magical family contrary to the language used by gnome 2. She would like to interject here only to blame it on the rated G movie, Toy Story where this word is used twice as well as other unmagical words like, "idiot" and "stupid."


Gnome 2: "Bubba, don't forget the secret seeds!"

Ah yes, the secret seeds. Hearty, vibrant, and beautiful for bouquets. Sure to put a smile on any one's face as their colors are glorious and textures superb.

Narrator: Fairy princess mother would like to add that she feels the secret seeds along with the hand prints on the flower pot pushed this ammunition gift from loaded gun to heat sinking missile if you were to ask her.


Like hands of an angel, fairy princess mother made this gift grenade and had another tiny oozie package ready to be disengaged on Mrs. Casey's battlefield of structure and sticktothecourse.

Tank loaded and en route to battle, Gnome 1 talked the entire time, Gnome 2 slept as he was allowed to bring what means more to him than air, his "B" {blanket}, and Fairy Princess Mother sang at the top of her lungs and danced while driving all while attempting to converse with Mr. Chatty Kathy in the back.

Mission status: on the premises.

Target in view.
Gnome 1, Gnome 2, and FPM scale the wall to make the attack more dramatic.

Then...ready, aim, fire!

Mrs. Casey was hesitant at first, unsure of who was charging towards her only to break cadence in her routine.

Perplexed, she froze...

Then...

HUGE HUGS blasted her all around! She gushed smiles and full on squeezes as torpedoes of kisses rained down.


The missile and oozie were brought in.
Oozie first...wait for it, wait for it, NOW!!!
Knocked backwards, Mrs. Casey was completely blown away with the explosion of this gift and its aftermath.

Sparks flying, fire broke out in her classroom. Panicked and full of dismay, all children rushed to help their battered teacher relinquish the flames!


As the battle raged on, Gnome 1, Gnome 2, and Fairy Princess Mother were whippin' some major teacher tail. The classroom was evacuated and forced outside where torture equipment was placed on Mrs. Casey's head as Gnome 1 and Gnome 2 struggled to keep their prisoner in line.


The territory was almost destroyed. In the battle of math class vs. mayhem, mayhem was contemplating waving their victory flag.

The army of 3 decided for one final blow.

The heat sinking missile.
The macdaddy demolition crew.
The au revoir and peace out.

Key around her neck, like the commander of a naval submarine, fairy princess mother set detonation in motion...

POW! BAM! KABLOOEY! CRASH!

And Mrs. Casey and her regimen for higher learning was K-O'd.

All by the hands of an angel {with extremely dirty hair}...





Moral of the story:
A) You can plan, but your plans might just be 'bout to change!
B) Best to eat the handmade cream cheese icing with "diamond" sprinkles as diamonds are your birthstone when you're born in April.
C) Happy Birthday, Aunt Kim! We love you!
D) Thematic gifts revolving around a cupcake theme that include jewelry are to-die-for.
E) Handmade not Hand Grenades.
F) Who in the world mixes G.I. Joes in a fairytale setting??? A girly mother of 2 boys, that's who!!
G) Wash your stinkin' hair, Fairy Princess Mother!

.mac :)

Imprinting

So, I am taking what you see below as a compliment. You remember my favorite shoes from this post, right?

Well here they are live...


I laugh hysterically at this video each time that I see it.

Casey. My high heel black patent peep toe heels. My cell phone.

Lights. Camera. Action. Roll'em.

Yes. Those are my favorite shoes.
Yes. I talk on the phone from time to time.
No. I don't wear these shoes on a daily basis while walking around the house and talking on the phone.

Apparently in Casey's mind I do.
Not too shabby for a 19 month old in 3 inch heels, huh?

Kids. You gotta love'em!

:-) .mac

p.s. Pay no attention to the 3 year old pretending that the bath tub is his boat in the background. Shhh. Don't tell daddy.

Don't Be Fooled...

"...by the rocks that I got. I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the block."

- Jennifer Lopez

(-mini credit due to Angie Bowman's Facebook account)


Rocks. I like'em. A small confession, in fact, I used to want to eat them when I was little. Weird? Yeah, a little. But I can think of much more grotesque things that a wee one might want to nibble, can't you?

Remember this movie? I was enamored by the rock biter.

I was infatuated with this flick as a little girl. It was all things magical and make believe. It was far fetched and dramatic with adventures wrapped around mysteries and untold secrets...right up my alley.

I can remember watching this movie and trying to memorize every stage prop so that I could swiftly re-inact in my world. They were so detailed in colors from creamy whites as Falcore flew and dusky grays in the old attic; I can remember them vividly. It seemed there were lots of dark tones with only a pop of color every now and again. Being a person who is drawn to bright colors, I thought it was odd that I remember the monotone theme as a little girl. Perhaps it was the accessories in the settings that drew my memory in then. Looking back, now, it is the metaphor that this placement and use of color represents to me. Life, in general, is neutral in color. There are many details to keep us occupied, but routine and schedules dub down brights. It is with passion and an understanding of the bigger picture that one can add his/her own POP of color into the picture screen. Then, you can relish in the mundane all with your eyes fixed on the warmness and joy you get from your focus on this sweet hymn of color and exuberance. Wowzers. Didn't know I had that in me on a Monday morning!

Maybe that's why sunsets and sunrises are so inspriational. Flowers blooming, leaves falling, Christmas lights sparkling. These are all tiny examples of how color wraps us up in our happy.

Anyway, I loved to pretend.

Pretending is creating. I loved being able to step into my chosen theatre and play any given part. I loved writing the script so-to-speak. But most of all, I loved the setting. I love the crucial role it played in molding the tone for the mood. I can remember deliberating over whether or not Barbie's clothes should be lying on her bed folded as if she was planning a trip out of town with Ken or should they not be so that Ken would SURPRISE her with a trip! Oh the choices! See, those size zero clothes and 5 inch spiked heels made a HUGE inpact on the mood of this story, don't you think?? You can only imagine the intricate setting questions my mom and dad had to field when I was younger. Bless their heart.

Needless to say I played for hours on end and well into my junior high years. There, I said it. For all of you reading from the good ole junior high days...yep, I played Barbie and was even known to pick up a baby doll well into my 7th grade year. Shew. Glad I got that off my chest.

I had a really hard time playing with others that didn't appreciate the elements of story like I did. That bothered me. Like when Pamela from across the road wanted Barbie to get into her Barbie Jeep to go shopping WITHOUT her heels on...well, I lost it. This just wasn't real. It blew the mood. Geez, Pamela, could we just play Monpoly? Oh yeah, I forgot you can't count money yet. Bummer.

Moods mold our memories. Whether we like it or not, they do.

I had the pleasure of going here this Saturuday with my ole sidekick, Angie.

Her mom gets tickets and we go in cognito as one of her mom's workers. Role play. Perfect!

We had a great time. We've done this in years past. I can remember our giddiness as we filled our pockets full of wholesale jewelry. Funds drastically limited my pocket overload this year, BUT the good company and the break from the boys was much enjoyed.

The picture above is 2 treasures I nabbed up from this fun Saturday. Rocks. I love'em. Fake or real, they still sparkle to me. Sparkle is critical to my mood.

I had to be on the road by 5:00AM to get to Angie's mom's house by 7:00AM. WOW!! Didn't get to bed until 1:00AM the night before as I had random chores to tidy up after the boys when I got home from Coach Cobble's football game. He won 35-0!

SOOOOOOOOOO, really tired as my shiny black car (that's what Eli named my black accord) treked down 75N.

Radio was in full effect. Coffee in hand. I jammed out.

Which brings me to mood.

Music is a great component to the setting of life.


I love the seek button. Some people hate it. I love the element of surprise that one gets from just pressing that good ole button deemed: SEEK.

So seek I did. And oh, what I found. Man, my mood was heightened, my body was groovin', and I was taking one of the best walks down memory lane.

Here is a sampling of my walk and where it took me...


1. This one. Oh college. Getting ready for going out. What to wear? Where we goin'? Who's comin'? Man, this little ditty put me right back to my MC days. Cannot love this song anymore.

2. And this one. One of the best movies ever. I don't care how cliche and popular this movie is, it's a staple to any girl. Baby learning to dance. Johnny teaching her. Teaching her. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Just a moment there for me. Okay I'm back. It is any girl's dream: to be wanted, taken over by love, and fought for. Classic, I say.

3. Such a sweet song. So simple. So whimsical. The list of what you love. I think we should all make a song of our lists. This song, without a doubt, reminds me of the love I have for my boys. Their uniqueness, their passions for trains and balls, the reality that they are mine forever and ever amen.

4. Jam out to this one I did. Yeah, I even played air guitar and did the whole steering wheel drums too. Hyped to drain some threes and play some d. Somebody get me to a ball court. Where's the round ball?

5. Dreams. They are everything. You gotta have them. You have to reach for them and never stop until you grab'em. This song allows me to delight in hope and the one-day that will be for all if we just keep dreaming.

6. Point me to the dance floor, please. (WARNING: I could only find the unsensored version. This one is not my first preference AT ALL, but one has to provide the mood for all random samplings) This song gets my hind end IN MOTION! And it did just that in my shiny black car. I was rockin' out! Man, I LOVE to dance!!!

7. My dad and brother. The old days. Dad taught us as much about music as mom did. The love of Bruce. That's what he gave us. Any time I hear a song of his it takes me back to chocolate Yoo-Hoos on the way home from the lake in the back of dad's truck with the dogs and Bruce blaring. Adam and Dad, this one is for you.

8. Kenny. My rock. Man, it just keeps getting better. He is more the man of my dreams now than he ever has been. In love takes such new meaning every year that passes as Mrs. Howard Kenneth Cobble III. I am thankful for each and every one. Keep'em comin', Ken.

9. In His hands. That's where I am. My walk with Him grounds me and makes me so much more than I ever thought I could be. Mom loved this song. I can remember Sunday spring afternoons with the windows open, this song prancing about our house, and mom changing the sheets. Good memories. God is good.

There they are. A random sampling of my rocks. All found by just a push of that seek button. Each song moved me in a different way. My setting was molded; my mood altered.

The Never Ending Story. Perhaps, I am the rock biter, in a way.

:-) .mac