Refashion Truths.

In preparation for the toys Santa was bound to bring, I asked the kids to go through their rooms and remove the things they no longer wanted or played with. In the middle of the big clean, Blake shyly comes up to me with the cake costume in her hand.

B: "Mom, is it okay if I tell you I don't want this".

V: "Sure honey....But you don't want it for dress up?"

B: "Is it okay if I say that I don't like it?"

V: "Oh my gosh! Did you not like it at Halloween?"

B: "No, I felt silly."

V: "So...you wore it for me?"

B: "I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

[big hugs]

So after I explained to her that it was okay to tell me how she feels about things, we went back to finishing her room. We came across two dresses that she didn't want. Feeling inspired to get my craft on, I decided to do a few refashions...

I took a 4T dress


removed the bodice and added elastic to make a skirt.


I then did the same thing to this dress:


And added some mesh to make it poofy

It didn't take long and when i was done I asked Blake what she thought.

B: "I'm sorry mom but I don't like them."

shoot. Well, at least I've learned my lesson. My daughter has a definite sense of what she likes and what she doesn't. Perhaps the next time I feel inspired, I should just ask what she thinks BEFORE I buy or refashion anything.

Cinnamon Bear

A few nights ago I came home to find Chris and Blake totally enamored with "The Cinnamon Bear". It's a twenty-six chapter holiday radio program originally broadcast in 1937. Blake was amazed that radio was the main entertainment for a family back in the day. She fell in love with Cinnamon Bear and the magical world of Maybeland.

In the days since we've turned on the radio program (thanks internet!), turned off the main lights snuggled on the couch and listened while watching the Christmas tree lights twinkle. It's really been magical and I feel positive this will become part of our holiday family tradition.

So when Chris saw that the Portland Spirit had a "Cinnamon Bear" cruise he had to take Blake! So while I was at work they had a fancy-pants time!

There was, of course Cinnamon Bear:


This picture is dark but we were able to buy a professional shot which seconded as an autograph book.


A few characters were on hand to sign autographs and pose for cute photo ops.


The cost of the ticket included food, drink, and a magic show!


And the view rocked! When all was said and done, Blake said it was the best time ever.

Holiday treats.

It's awesome when kids bring home treats.


Ranen made this at school. So AWESOME!

BTW. Blake's illness only lasted 24 hours. She is doing great and both kids are very excited for Santa's impending visit!