"Beethoven's Wig" CDs

Meta, our friend and neighbor in New York, introduced us to "Beethoven's Wig". The boys have been requesting "Tchaikosky's Cannonball Song" an average of 13 times a car ride lately. Myself, I enjoy the Can-Can song.

"Beethoven's Wig" CDs are 4 volumes of famous classical symphonies and songs put to catchy, silly lyrics. Here's the cover song above put to an animated music video.

I never really anticipated talking Stravinsky with my 4-year-old, but these CDs are a really fun way to get the conversation started about classical music and composers. I really like that the tracks without lyrics are also included, so they can hear the original song. (Or part of it, each song is just a few minute clip.)

Crossing our fingers it'll inspire these littles to take up some stringed instrument! Right now, they like the idea of the trumpet (fine) and cymbals (not fine).

Our pretty gorgeous---but almost dated!---family photos

Not only did our friend Lisa from New York invite us to join them in the Outer Banks at a fantastic beach house this summer. She also suggested we do a beachy photo shoot while we were there. We kindly obliged her :). 

If you're near Rochester, New York or if you vacation at the Outer Banks in May, contact Lisa for amazing family photos.

I think these are my favorite family pictures we've ever taken. That pier at Avon, the boys, the playful authenticness, color scheme, and, vainly, my longer hair.

 With this new kiddo on the way, I had to post and appreciate these before they were outdated. (Three kids, what?!)

 Thankfully, this one will never be dated. I love this picture and this amazing guy!

Standin' Tall

This series of character building stories and music from Brite Music is making a major comeback in our household. And I kind of love it.

Set:

1--Obedience

2--Honesty

3--Forgiveness

4--Work*

5--Courage*

6--Happiness

7--Gratitude

8--Love

9--Service*

10--Cleanliness

11--Self-Esteem

12--Dependability*

*=boys' favs

My parents' graciously handed off the set I had growing up. Seth and Noah both request these as they go to bed and are driving in the car. It is oh so fun to see the boys developing the same little schema I had as a kid. 

Though, admittedly, "Cleanliness" was my favorite tape and I can't say I was cleaner than any other kid. So maybe the messages don't always hit a homerun...

I do think Seth, for one, is getting the idea though. At least about what procrastinating is and that it's no good. This message was brought to us by the "Dependability" CD, a favorite. (A no brainer, the setting is outer space and there's a bad guy.)  Recently he was pushing the limit on bedtime and coming out of his room again. 

"Mommy, can I listen to 'Dependability'?"
"No Seth, it's in the car and it's time for bed."
"Can you go get it?"
"No, shut your door."
"Mommy, are you procrastinating? I think you're procrastinating getting the CD."
"Hm, no, I think you're actually procrastinating going to bed. Is that right? "

Seth gives a knowing you-got-me smirk and eventually, sheepishly shuts the door and goes to sleep.

If trying to peg others' procrastinating is the start of his character education, so be it. We're starting somewhere.

Items I'm Eyeing

1. Must-have wall shelf for boys' room

New friend, Kailee, had the boys over for a playdate this week. You bet I walked away immediately looking up their wall shelf on IKEA's website. ($14.99!) They use it for children's books in their boys room. Kind of in love with it.

2. Fresh DIY terrarium

I bought a fantastic clear glass...jar? pot?...container at a favorite thrift store and I'm kind of dying to have it become a terrerium centerpiece for my kitchen table. Note: I'm not dying to make it, just to have it. You remember my problem.

Thankfully, there is a quick and dirty, nondaunting tutorial out there on blog Gussy Sews. (And a few others on my Decorative Touch board.) So when I get up my 9 month pregnant gumption, it'll be easy breezy.

3. Clearly adorable kitchen table runner

I'm also envisioning a cute table runner under this gorgeous flora centerpiece. Thanks to Inspired by Charm for this no-sew burlap one with gold polka dots idea and great tutorial!

4. DIY Photo Coasters

For our living room. And--sssshhhhh--possibly our Christmas gift to grandparents, : ::whispered tones:: easy DIY Coasters with Instagram pictures using, more or less, Modgepodge. Thanks Click It Up a Notch!

(Photos all from corresponding blogs that I linked too. Except for the wall shelf, which I snagged at Kailee's house, with her consent of course.)

Two Chocolatey Passions

These are not just fulfilling pregnancy cravings here. These are two treats that I'd actually consider paying the $6.99 shipping for from Amazon if there was no other way to get them--pregnant, not pregnant or post-menapausal. Thankfully, with a little Kroger and Costco just a hop down the road, I don't even need to wait (or pay) for shipping.

First, the Mark Avenue Chocolates' Chocolate Covered Coconut Almonds. Now, I am actually a fair weather coconut fan. But these little babies fulfill an inner need I never knew I had. Enough coconut and dark chocolate to render an exceptional macaroon with the additional crunch of a roasted almond(!). They're pretty fantastic. And maybe addictive. 

And then the Brookside Dark Chocolate Pomegranate balls of goodness, ah. Not actual pomegranate seeds; more like a quality pomegranate-flavored Gusher (minus juice) covered in a thick layer of quality dark chocolate. An unexpected combo, a beautiful result. Also strangely popable and perhaps addicting.

Candle Warmer

I never want a smelly house. Sometimes I worry that my smelling sense stops working in my own house after awhile, so that I'm unable to detect smells unpleasant to visitors (i.e. cooked meat, musty, diapers, what-have-you).

In fact, I want not just a non-smelly house, but a good smelling house! That's why I'm thrilled to have recently purchased a candle warmer. And for only $8.97! Right now my house smells like Chocolate Peppermint Truffles. Sigh. Smile.

Blue Sparkle

I love this smell! 

Months ago I babysat/housesat for a friend for several days. I loved the smell of their laundry, so I snooped downstairs and smelled every laundry detergent and fabric softener they had. This was it! Snuggle Blue sparkle fabric softener. I bought some shortly thereafter. I've used it ever since, and pretty sure I've felt more content with my life ever since. 

#1 Lipgloss

It's the best. Just had to say it.

I guess it's no secret because I just read on someone-er-other's blog it's the number one selling lip gloss in America. That makes me wonder who's job it is to sit and catalog each lipgloss sold in the country.

Truly though, C.O. Bigelow's minty lip shine stands head and shoulders above all other gloss.

Family Tree Book

I've been so happy with the book we printed for Seth.

He loves pulling it out, especially while sitting in church, and looking at pictures of grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-grandparents, and of course, himself. It makes me happy he can start to recognize his family when he's young, even though we live far from Oregon, Utah and California!

I've printed a few books through blurb and been happy with them, but I especially liked this one through shutterfly. Probably because of the subject. And probably because we used a coupon for a free book. :?)

Family Fun Magazine

I saw this magazine in the waiting room at the pediatrician's office. And no false advertising, it really does have so many fun ideas for families with kids 12 or younger.

I soon ordered a subscription myself. I tear out and keep the ideas I like in my "Mom Ideas" binder. I guess I could look and save them online, but I like the hard copy.

Look at the fun games, crafts, treats, and other ideas yourself here.

A few of their cute ideas:

1) Advent Forest. Put little treats under each tree and your kid(s) gets to look under one a day until Christmas.

2) Toy Organizing boxes.

3) Thanksgiving Appetizer/Craft. Something kids can make while waiting for the big meal.

(One great thing about the website if you're looking for a craft you can search by craft type: paper, nature, pipe cleaners, clay, cardboard, recyclables, etc.)

Love it!