Gallery Wall Refreshened

Revision.

Refreshen. 

Update.

Enhance.

I enjoy changing things up, especially in the house. Sometimes it's super easy --as with throw pillows on the couches and cushions on the porch rockers. Depending on the season, things go from bright and cheerful to warm and cozy. Even art pieces, books, plants, and candles are fairly easy to manipulate --giving our spaces an economical freshening up. 

After going through pictures from our recent trip to Paris and London, I knew I wanted to incorporate some personal reminders of this family time together into our everyday living. There were so many great shots to choose from and I had a lot of ideas. Ultimately, I decided to make some edits to the Gallery Wall in our living room. (A little peek from when it first came together in 2015.) I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. 

The lower left corner and upper right corner now feature two of my favorite photos from our adventure: P daydreaming in front of a beautiful navy lacquered door and G writing in her travel journal on the windowsill of our apartment in Paris. So sweet. 

Read More

Argentina

Geneva's Kindergarten class did oral reports on Latin American countries this month. Geneva chose Argentina. Here is her presentation. We are extremely proud of her hard work and even more impressed (once again) by her school and her teachers. 

If you have young children, I would encourage you to consider a language immersion education. We believe that choosing to expose our children to the Spanish language and culture in this way is one of the greatest gifts we have been able to give them.

Read More

I Love Her Sense of Self

Geneva: Do you know what's so special about me, Mom?

Me: What's that, Honey?

Geneva: When I blow air out of my mouth--it's always warm.

What can I say? The kid is super special!

Read More

El Esqueleto (The Skeleton)

Geneva and Piper attend a Spanish Immersion school. They started last year at 3 days per week for 4 hours a day. This year, as a Kindergartener, Geneva attends Monday through Friday. Actually, they both go Monday through Friday (I'm a lucky mom {wink}.)

Since beginning school this year, Geneva's language acquisition has been huge. We could not be more delighted with her school, her beloved teacher, Maestra Laura, or her expressed pleasure each morning when she wakes up and realizes that she gets to go to school.

This month, she's been studying the bones of the human body.

I hope you enjoy the video.

Read More

A Sister's Wisdom

It's quite endearing and also very entertaining when these two try to figure things out on their own.

At lunch today, Piper was picking the sesame seeds off her cheeseburger bun and making a neat pile on her plate. "Geneva, we could plant these in the dirt and grow lunch," she announced.

"What would we grow?" Geneva asked.

"Cheeseburgers. These are cheeseburger seeds," she replied simply.

"Piper, cheeseburgers do not grow from seeds," informed Geneva.

"Where do they come from then?" Piper wanted to know.

"Mom, where do cheeseburgers come from?" Geneva inquired.

(Hmm... What to do...?)

"Cows," I said busying myself with some unimportant task.

... {thoughtful silence} ... 

"Cheeseburgers come from cows?" asked Piper.

"Yes," answered Geneva matter-of-factly. "Cows are chefs."

(Good enough for now? I hope so.)

Read More

Geneva's Fifth Birthday

It's been such a long time since my last update, I thought I would hit y'all with a BIGGIE.

We had a fabulous time celebrating Geneva's fifth birthday on July 11th at Tualatin Country Club.

We started the day with presents and love...

New bathing suits... (hint hint)

It was the perfect day for a pool party!

(Thank goodness--'cuz that's what we had planned!)

Garrin and Greg sharing a beer and some serious discussion.

Auntie Jessica and Grandma Lulu

Little Sister

Miffy and Michele

(our neighborhood Blonde Beauties)

Evan being embarrassed because I just told him how cute I think he is.

(I'm fairly certain that's not his beer.)

Big Bobby and BabyBobby (it's one word in our household) showing off some tough-guy tats and some tough-guy swim trunks.

Auntie Jenn and Me

Greg and a gaggle of girlies

Jessica and Cortney

Michele and Nana with Piper

Geneva was a big fan of her beautiful birthday cake.

Bella with the Jones Girls

The "other" Jones siblings

"Cheese," it's a party!

Water Ballet

She's listening to us sing to her:

Cake cutting

By the end of the party, we were all feeling a little like this:

"Thanks for helping me splash into FIVE!"

xxoo

Geneva "The Whole Hand" Simone

Read More

Uh Oh...

Greg and I are just back from our annual trip to Cancun. It was a ton of fun and we are both worn out. We spent all day Sunday with the girls, trying to catch up and shed some guilt.

We cuddled in bed for about an hour, played games, read the paper, sipped coffee and stayed in our pj's until 10:00 am. We went out for a late breakfast and then went to the theater to see the "Chipmunks' Squeakquel."

Last night between 6:30 and 7:30 we sat together on the couch and watched some DVR'd "American Idol" audition episodes. Admittedly, it wasn't the best "family time" we've ever spent together. In our defense, we don't make a habit out of watching television programs with the girls and calling it "family time" either.

At bedtime, I read the girls their books and tucked them both in. While we were away, Auntie Jessica had the responsibility of putting the girls down at night. Geneva requested that her Auntie come in and say goodnight when I was finished.

Auntie came out of Geneva's room with some exciting news. Apparently, and according to Geneva herself, she is going to be "the next American Idol."

Geneva: "Titi (that's Jonespeak for "auntie"), would you like to hear the song that's going to get me to Hollywood?"

Jessica: "Um, sure Honey."

Geneva proceeded to belt out a tune that incorporated a creative mix of Corrinne Bailey Rae's "Girls Put Your Records On" and the punch-line to her favorite joke: "Brownchicken-browncow" (sorry if you haven't heard that one).

So, you heard it here first.

Here she is,

the next American Idol:

Geneva Simone Jones

Read More

What Can I Say? She Appreciates Poetry.

Sometimes in the morning, on the way to drop the girls off at preschool, we listen to NPR. We can usually catch The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor. Not only do I love this man's voice, but the facts and the selected poem are typically thought-provoking--at a minimum, interesting.

Last week the selected poem was "i like my body" by E. E. Cummings:

i like my body when it is with your
body. It is so quite a new thing.
Muscles better and nerves more.
i like your body. i like what it does,
i like its hows. i like to feel the spine
of your body and its bones, and the trembling
-firm-smooth ness and which I will
again and again and again
kiss, i like kissing this and that of you,
i like, slowly stroking the, shocking fuzz
of your electric fur, and what-is-it comes
over parting flesh...And eyes big love-crumbs,

and possibly i like the thrill
of under me you quite so new

As I was listening, I thought, "Well this is a bit provocative... I wonder if the girls are even paying attention..." Then, when Mr. Keillor finished the poem and closed out the segment, Geneva reported (loudly) from the backseat: "That was a GREAT story Mom!" I just smiled and agreed.

Read More

Four Year-Old Theater

Geneva is learning the script; however, the plot may be lost on her.

She just solemnly declared, after making a big mess, "I'm so sorry Mom. I forgive you."

Hmm. Thanks?

Read More

National Geographic (through the eyes of a 4 year-old)

Geneva has a book:

It's a really sweet story about a lonely spider who tries to invite some other insects to tea.

Yesterday, she discovered these spiders through the window.

"Mom! Come see; these spiders are going to have a tea party."

She had no idea they were battling for a coveted web-building spot. I had no idea how it might all end. We watched for a while and then it was time for lunch. During lunch, while the kids ate, I kept my eye on the arachnids. They were definitely attacking each other.

After lunch, Geneva checked her tea party friends.

"Look Momma! They are hugging. They're married."

There was definitely an "embrace" happening. I wasn't sure which one was going to survive. I wasn't sure how I was going to get out of this...

Me: "Ok Hon. Time to get ready for your nap."

After she went to the bathroom she wanted to check on her "married spiders" once more.

"Where's the orange one?"

Me: "Shhh... sleeping. See? The Daddy spider tucked her in for nap time. It's your nap time too. Let's go."

"Okay."

Sweet dreams!

Read More

One of "Those" Days

Wow.

Geneva and I had an episode today.

It was public--in a place I visit often and will have to return.

She went ballistic.

I was mortified.

There was hitting...

It was on her part, though I was so close...

Kicking...

Screaming.

I managed to get her to the car (and Piper too).

I called Greg and broke down.

She didn't stop screaming the whole way home.

My adorable husband talked me down from the ledge.

I turned up the radio.

Piper in the house with a snack.

Geneva remained in the car for several more minutes.

I was letting her in on the plan and explaining what was going to happen if she hit, kicked, or pinched me again.

Once we understood each other I took her from the car and put her in bed.

She told me she hated me and started screaming for her lunch.

Two minutes later she fell silent.

Exhausted.

Sleeping.

Two and a half hours later, I had stopped asking myself how I had failed so completely and a fully-rested Geneva emerged from her bedroom.

We survived.

And yes, she is dealing well with her consequences... so far.

She also wrote this song to remind me, I think, that maybe I'm not such a failure at this after all.

If you're concerned you can't understand what she's singing about... stop. She's not singing most of it in English. I'm not sure what language it is.

Read More

I'm Going "Buggy" with Ideas!

I know you will not believe it; but it's true!

My little big girl is turning 4 on Saturday!

I swear sometimes it feels like I just squeezed that little Monkeygirl out the other day... And here it's been four years. Wow. All the cliches are true.

Now I am planning her 4th birthday party. She wants a "Bug Party." I made the invitations and sent them out a few weeks ago. We are expecting 12 kids between the ages of 24-months (youngest siblings of a friend on her guest list) and 8 years (oldest girl on our street--who my daughter idolizes). In any event, I've been struggling to plan a party that might be entertaining for children within that age span.

So far, the menu includes:

Butterfly and Flower shaped PB&J Sandwiches

Ants on a Log (celery, peanut butter, raisins)

Caterpillar Fruit Sticks (melon-balled fruit and grapes on a wooden skewers)

Lady Bug Pizza (pepperoni and black olives)

Bug Juice (lemonade, green food coloring, frozen berries)

Cup 'O Dirt (clear cup, chocolate pudding, gummi worms, oreo cookie crumbs)

Flower and Ladybug Cupcakes

As for games and activities, I have a lot of ideas I'm considering. I want the children to play some games, but it's tricky with little ones, as no one at that age enjoys "not winning." 

Spider Hats (instead of birthday hats, I've lifted this project from my daughter's preschool Halloween activity: black construction paper, plastic eyes)

Pin the Bug on the Flower (no donkey--and the kids get to decorate their paper bug cut-out as a project before we start the game)

Squash That Bug (blown up balloons with plastic bugs inside--children sit on the balloons and pop/collect as many bugs as possible) 

Water Bug Balloon Toss (green balloons decorated like bugs)

Face Painting (butterflies, bees, worms--keeping it simple here folks!)

Decorate Your Bug House (As a party favor, I bought clear plastic containers with lids I've poked holes in. We will have stickers, paint pens, glitter (?), and bug cutouts for the kids to decorate the outside of their "bug houses."

Bug Hunt (Plastic bugs scattered throughout the yard--the kids can use their freshly decorated bug houses to collect the bugs. Afterward they can trade with one another and take home whatever they've found.) 

Of course, I would love any feedback, ideas, suggested modifications to what I've listed above... HELP!!!

I will post the "results" sometime after Saturday!

Read More

Soccer!

Well, we're finally here... Geneva started soccer yesterday. She is so excited.

With hand-me-down shin guards and hand-me-down cleats... she was ready to get her drills underway. (Have I mentioned previously that she is all about dressing herself these days--note the striped shorts and striped tank.)

Chloe lives 4 houses down the street and is only 5 weeks older than Geneva. They are on the same team.

"It's really important to listen to our coaches because they will tell us when it's time to make some goals," reported Geneva.

Here she is keeping up with the boys.

She is a soccer player.

She is really cool.

Read More

Balance

As you know (if you've been reading) we had an amazing weekend. I loved nearly every moment of it. Of course the universe believes in balance... Hence, my week so far.

Sunday, late, Avery started feeling pretty fussy. She's usually quite the pistol and she just seemed to sputter out. At first, I attributed it to her eventful weekend, then Monday morning came along and she was no better. Her cough was lingering, the nose running went from clear to cloudy (then green) and her eyes started producing green boogies too (sorry if that's TMI). I was certain she had a sinus infection so I took her to the pediatrician's office after we dropped NeeNee off at school.

Turns out she has a double ear infection and some fluid in her lung.

Wow. She's SICK.

Needless to say she's on antibiotics (her "meds" as she calls them). They're PINK. This is very exciting. Geneva wants some too. "No," I say. "Sissy is really sick. These are special meds for her. She has an ear infection. Sorry." The pink meds are not easily forgotten.

Monday afternoon is hot and Piper is feeling a bit better. We bust out the sprinkler in the driveway and have an impromptu neighborhood kid party.

Everyone has a great time...

... especially Geneva. She feels great.

Though, that night she asks for some of Sissy's pink meds because she's "sick."

"No," I say. "No meds for you."

Tuesday Greg leaves for Baltimore. We skip swim lessons because the doctor thinks that would be best. We have a mellow day. Geneva is not as "high strung" as she usually is... I attribute this to our quiet day.

She certainly hadn't lost her sense of humor. Here she is "reading" my book. Apparently, I must look like this a lot of the time? Funny. She actually laid there flipping pages for about 4-5 minutes. Good thing she can't actually read (since that's one of my "trashy" vampire novels--Sookie Stackhouse anyone?).

Today she woke up at 5:15 am rather than her usual 6:45 and did not manage to fall back to sleep. I took her to school and went to the gym. When I finished my workout, I retrieved my phone from the locker room and noticed (with alarm) that I had missed a call from her school (they have NEVER called before), a call from Greg (in Baltimore), and a text from Greg as well. 

Turns out Miss Geneva is complaining that her ear hurts and has had a huge crying fit over it at school. Her teacher is so alarmed (because Geneva "just doesn't DO that") she called to have us come get her (though she has no fever). By the time I got the message and called back, Geneva was curled up, sound asleep in the "kitchen" at school. It was 11:30 am. Nap time is typically at 1:00 pm after she gets home from school. 

I rushed over with Avery and collected my very sleepy girl. As soon as she opened her eyes she pointed to her right ear and started whimpering. She asked if she could have some pink meds because her ear hurt.

"No Honey." I said, "I think you need a nap first." Because obviously she's not really sick--she's just VERY tired and obsessed with her sister's pink medicine.

"Can you take me to the doctor's?" she asked.

"Let's see how you feel after your nap," I reasoned.

"Ok Mom."

She slept for 3 hours at home and while she slept I agonized over whether I would "waste" the money taking her to the doctor's when I knew she didn't really have an ear infection. I made an appointment anyway.

When she woke up she looked WAY better. I asked her how she was feeling and she indicated that her ear was still hurting. Funny thing is, she was tugging at her LEFT ear.

"Honey, it costs a lot of money to go to the doctor's office," I told her. She just looked at me. "If you're really feeling bad and you think you need to see the doctor, then I think I'm going to take some money from your piggy bank to pay for the appointment. Do you feel like you still need to go--even if Mommy uses your money?"

She asked, "But what about my college?"

"We have lots of time to save for that. I wont have to use all of your money for the appointment (of course I'm not serious... I just want to hear her reaction). Do you NEED to go to the doctor? Do you feel really bad?"

"Yes," she reports soberly.

So we went... even though I knew it was a waste of time and money.

Here she was "playing it up" on the exam table before Dr. Cooley came in.

Doesn't she look pathetically sweet? Oh, and sooo very sick. (Yea, right.)

Well...

(Any you knew this was coming.)

... turns out Geneva has a double ear infection as well.

Seriously.

I'm not joking.

It's not as bad as Piper's because we (I mean Geneva) caught it earlier. It seems they've both been fighting another virus (the family cough we've been struggling with for almost 2 weeks now) and as the virus moved on the bacteria moved in.

Wonderful.

In case you're wondering, Yes... I am choking on my shoe right now!

Awesome.

Read More

The Proposal

I knew when Geneva said, "Here's the deal, Mom..." I ought to grab the camera.

Her reasoning skills are pretty decent. The "proposal" continued after I stopped recording (as I'm sure you can imagine). In the end, I let her play in the back yard by herself until her sister woke up from her nap and we could join her outside.

Read More

A Very Close Call

This is our staircase. 

It's a straight shot with a hardwood floor landing.

Saturday afternoon Geneva tumbled head over feet from the third step from the top to the floor below. I was standing in the kitchen when it happened. I heard her get up from her nap and call a greeting to me. Then I heard the "thump" when she initially lost her footing. 

It just...

 kept...

 going.

 It was the most awful sound. By the time I ran the 30 feet from counter to landing she was laying on her back at the bottom. The last "thump" was her head making contact with the floor. She stared at me for a silent (heart-stopping) moment before she reacted with a giant wail. My foolish reaction was to scoop her up and pull her into my lap. Thankfully she didn't have any broken bones that my abrupt movement could have made worse! In fact, after we both calmed down we were able to ascertain that aside from rug-burns all over her back, shoulders, arms and ankles, she was FINE.

Two days later and all she has to show for her crazy tumble is a lingering rug-burn on her right shoulder blade.

We are so lucky.

Read More

Advice?

Three-year-old Geneva has the flu. She needs a good nap. She's decided it's not in the plan today. Here's our 2pm conversation; she is laying in bed and I'm knelt beside the bed. 

Me: Geneva, you need to have a nap. Especially today because you're a little bit sick.

Geneva: But I'm not sleepy.

Me: If you lay still and close your eyes and your mouth then the medicine will work better.

Geneva: That's not true.

Me: Yes it is.

Geneva: Mom, that is not true.

Me: Yes, honey... it's true. Medicine works better if you have rest too. You can't fall asleep if your singing and playing in your bed. Please close your eyes and your mouth and take a nap.

Geneva: But I'm having a problem with my ankles.

Me: Really? Your ankles are giving you some trouble?

Geneva: Yes. My ankles are rubbing and it's making me feel the throw-ups are coming.

Me: I see. Well, be still and quiet and you might feel better.

Geneva: What are you going to do about my ankles?

Me: I'm not sure. Let's talk about it after your nap.

So, what do I tell her now???

Read More

Beautification

Someone you know has never had a haircut... Granted, she didn't even have hair until she was nearly 2! It has been growing and is incredibly long when it's wet (like down to her shoulder blades). The "problem" with it is illustrated pretty well in this picture:

It's been growing unevenly. The hair on the crown is much longer than the hair at the nape of her neck. The sides are longer than the center. It's basically a big curly mop of a "mess" that I LOVE!

However, it was time. So my big-girl saddled up for her FIRST haircut on Wednesday.

My fabulous neighbor (I know what you're thinking... "Which one??? You have sooo many fabulous neighbors!") Michelle told me about the salon she takes Sweet Abby to: Sit Still Salon just around the corner... 

NeeNee chose the pink cadillac and the adventure began.

 

Obviously, I was nervous... curly hair is tricky. We had invested three and a half years into these curls... we just mastered the pig-tail look... Geneva has been known to remark, "Mom, everyone loves my curls" on more than one occasion... These curls are part of her identity.

I could not have been more pleased with the outcome:

My sweet girl has the most precious curly "bob" you have ever seen!!! 

(Yes, I do say so myself!)

Everything is "uniform" and cleaned up. Her curls are really showcased now--especially because I got suckered into the mousse ("That's a weird name Mom... like reindeer...").

Note: This has added a good 10 minutes to our morning routine (which honestly never before included a brush) with the water spray-down, mousse application, brush-through, and scrunching/finger curling... but it's worth it!

Read More

Happy Saturday... Some Random Catching-Up and My Big Idea

We've been keeping ourselves busy, busy these days. My three-year old is becoming such a big girl in ways that make me both delighted and frustrated (depending on the situation). She loves to dress herself. I'm the mom who tries not to care too much about this. Most of the time I do fine in celebrating with her how independent she is becoming; however, there is also a big downside. She is so fascinated by this new freedom that she wakes up every night and changes her pajamas at least once. For example, last night she went to bed wearing her "bow" pajamas. When Greg and I went up to bed we checked on the girls. Geneva was now wearing pink thermals with white polka-dots. Then this morning when she came in to let us know she was awake she was wearing a flower set! The contents of her pajama drawer are strewn about the entire room--it's crazy.

Grandma Lulu took the little monkey down to Willamette Park in Portland this morning for her walk on the riverfront. They really enjoy their time together.

Avery has decided she's too old to need a nap. In the past two weeks, the kid has actually napped only two times. The other 12 days she just stands in her crib and cries. She is so stubborn. Instead of getting frustrated and upset, like I used to do, I've had to reframe my reaction. Now I accept that she will be unhappy for this time (90 minutes) but I also know that she has to stay in her crib until the time is up because I need this time for myself. So, Avery can choose to spend her hour and a half crying or sleeping and I'm ok with her decision. I use this time having a quiet lunch, showering, and spending the remaining 45 minutes relaxing with a DVR'd show or getting crafty. I really think that her feeling upset for this block of time is a good tradeoff for having a happy Mommy the rest of the day.

Thankfully, when she does get up from her nap, she snaps out of her sadness immediately. Her evenings are manageable... she's a little tired and would prefer to just be held from 6pm to 8pm (haha--I wish I were kidding) but we have been getting through it and she's been sleeping great at night. Here she is trying on Daddy's new socks:

Instead of getting started on all the Holiday gifts (crafty-crafty) I want to make for my family this year, I've been reading blogs and making stuff for ME when I see something that is inspiring! Here's a picture of the notecards I just made for myself. 

I started another blog some time ago. It's a space I've been using to keep track of all the stationary designs I've made.

Because I've been reading other crafty blogs and leaving my comments all over the World Wide Web, I've connected to some other crafty moms. As a result, I've begun doing what I've been thinking about for ages and just hadn't figured out how to start yet... until now. 

BARTERING

(no, not bartending... bartering--trading, yep)

It all started with this cute little acorn necklace that Molly made. Long story - short, she made me a couple and I wanted to make her a thank-you gift. I sent her some cards...

... Next thing you know, I'm designing some business/calling cards for her and I get these fabulous gloves (love them) in return.

I really think I'm onto something here. I wold much rather trade creations than sell them. In this economy I think we should get creative with our Holidays... Don't you? I'm considering challenging myself to giving only homemade or bartered gifts this year. For example, I know my brothers are not into handmade stationary sets, but I know they love fudge and I think my younger brother might find some appreciation in a hand knitted scarf... who knows, I would be happy to make someone else's holiday cards this year if they wanted to make a scarf for me to give my brother...? I think this could work.

What about you? What do you create? Beautiful photographs, jewelry, jam, knit hats or scarves, cupcakes, websites, candles, soap, recipes? What skills or services could you barter? Do you babysit, decorate, bake, cook, entertain, clean, sew, garden, cut hair?

Wanna trade?

;)

Read More