Withdrawal

My computer is broken and at the computer hospital.

I spilled hot tea on it (and myself) the other night.

Now certain keys (like e and a) don't work.

I don't know how long it will be gone.

And I might have to get a new one anyway.

I'm going through withdrawal.

I don't know how I will blog (I'm on my mom's computer right now).

I'll try to take lots of pictures and notes of all the sweet things the kid does and says.

Like today with his new watch and "target" pig (I'll explain when I have pictures).

In the meantime, I'll miss you all.

Don't forget to comment so I know you still love me :)

xoxo,
AHC

Melt

(photo: scottrudkin)

Allen spent the day with Nana and Papa today. He went with Papa to run an errand in Bluffton, and he said,

Papa, will you take me to Target? Is that a deal?

Heart Melt number one. He totally got toys. Papa is such a sucker.

Tonight after dinner we were sitting on the sofa, when Allen climbed up and hugged me and said,

Awww Mommy. I'm so glad you're here.

Heart Melt number two. He totally got lots of kisses.

I love him till my heart hurts.

xoxo,

AHC

Humpty Dumpty and Backyardigans

Pajama Day

I'm a bad mommy. I'm totally ill-prepared for Allen's first school break. We've spent the past two days home all day watching Nick Jr. and snuggling and playing with cars. I wish that I would have prepared better and made some plans for us to do some fun activities, but alas, I'm at a loss.

In my defense, yesterday I had a major allergy attack and was miserable for most of the day (I'm a little better today, but still sneezing). And today Allen was a little under the weather, so we couldn't really be away from home much. But the point is that I had nothing planned. Tell me, wonderful Moms, what do you do with your kids on break? Do you plan special activities, or do you wing it?

Anyway, today was a pajama day. As I said, Allen was a little under the weather, so I was really not able to leave his side for much time. Everytime I told him I was going to take a shower, he whined that he wanted me to stay with him. So I did. Until 3:30. Then I finally showered and got dressed (but didn't do my hair or makeup).

Allen, on the other hand, is still in his pajamas.

He was not inclined to get out of them. He never is, really. We have a daily fight with him to get dressed. Today, I was not up for the fight. Do you ever stay in your pajamas all day? How about your kids? Do you ever let them stay in their PJs instead of getting dressed? Sometimes I wish Allen had Pajama Day at school like my friend H just had (loved that picture, P, by the way).

Not only did we not get dressed today, but we didn't keep the house too neat either.

 

(Allen took this picture)

With all my energy spent on being patient with my kiddo since he was pawing me all day (I'm a human lovey), I didn't have any left over to clean up or even to take pictures. Except for these:

 

In the first picture, he's begging for the camera, and he's saying, "Say fine, Mommy. Say fine." (I hate hearing myself in him). I don't know what he's doing in the second one, but doesn't it look like he's praying?

Well, that's it for today, my friends. Don't forget to enter my giveaway over at the shop blog!

xoxo,

AHC

Stories

(photo: abakedcreation)

Allen and I had a great day at home together today. He was in a particularly good mood, which made me in a good mood (except for the fact that I sneezed 50 million times today).

This morning he counted to "fiveteen."

This afternoon he told Nana and me a story. It was really long, and I don't remember all of it, but I know he borrowed some of it from Backyardigans. Here's what I remember ...

A princess had a gweaming (gleaming) jewel that she brought to the sphinx, but then a dinosaur came and ate me so I couldn't help her.

He went on about the gweaming jewel and the dinosaur for quite awhile, and then this is how the story ended:

Then I pulled my pants down, and I peed.

It was great.

Nana came over after field service, and Allen wanted to know about her day. The conversation went like this:

Allen: So how'd it go?

Nana: Good. I placed a book.

Allen: Ohhhh ... That's so gweat! 

I think he might have told her he was proud of her or happy for her too. He's too much.

On a different note, did you watch the finale of Sing-Off? Did you guess the winner? Was it who you wanted?

Also, visit the shop blog and check out our giveaway. Enter to win (we'll ship anywhere in the United States). Time is running out ... you only have until Thursday at noon to enter.

xoxo,
AHC

Goodbye Brittany

I can't believe she's gone! I've followed her career since she appeared in one of my all-time favorite movies, Clueless. So sad ...

The promised school pictures

What do you think?? Which one is your favorite??

xoxo,

AHC

Bad day

(photo by Doggy Wishbone)

Today wasn't the greatest day.

Allen threw two tantrums this morning. He screamed in my face. I screamed back. It was ugly.

Brian was sad about something, and I didn't comfort him the way I wanted to or should have. It was sad.

I cried, and Brian comforted me. It was sweet.

I didn't get to scan Allen's school pictures, but I will try to do it tomorrow.

Tell me, friends, what do you do when you have a bad day? What makes you feel better?

Hope you have a smashing weekend!

xoxo,

AHC

Allen's Latest Photography

This is me last night at bedtime. Once again, I helped out a bit, by moving myself into the frame, but other than that, Allen snapped the picture on his own. I'm telling you, he's got an eye.

Speaking of pictures, we got his first school pictures today. I'll scan them in tomorrow and show them off to you. They're gorgeous, as all photos of him are. Can't wait to share them with you.

Did you guys take good school pictures, or did you dread that time of year? I always dreaded it, and I think my pictures were good only about 50% of the time. What about you??

xoxo,
AHC

Books and other amusements

I missed my kid a lot today, since after I dropped him off at school, I didn't see him again (really) until after 5:00. Plus the shop was so quiet today! I only had four customers the entire day, and three of them were at the shop between 4:30 and 5:30. So I was very lonely.

Once I did finally get to see Allen and spend some time with him, he climbed into my lap, put his arms around my neck and his head on my shoulder, and said, "I missed you." It was so sweet.

For some reason, Allen is a little obsessed with the wolf in the story of the Three Little Pigs. He likes to say,

I'm gonna puff ... I'm gonna puff ... I'm gonna blow your house away!

And then he gasps twice and blows ("fffffffffffff"), and we "blow" backwards. So we had to do this like a million times tonight before bed. It was a rollicking good time (can you see my sarcasm dripping off the screen?)

In other news, Kristen and I are happy to announce that we are resurrecting the "Book(s) I Read" blog! Click on the link over there to the right to take a look at the newest post. Read it, and then let us know what your favorite children's books are.

In the meantime, have you watched Sing-Off? If so, who do you want to win? If not, you're missing out. It's a really fun show. Plus Ben Folds is adorable.

xoxo,

AHC

Back in the groove

allen's back to school ... and happy about it. really happy about it. makes it really easy for me, which makes me happy.


had some time home alone today. first this morning as i waited for the heating guy to come, and then this afternoon when O took allen to the park. it was great having time to myself to get a little bit done.


i had my first merchant council board meeting this afternoon, so allen was at the shop with mom for a bit. turns out he went upstairs to hang out with his "girlfriends" (H, O, and P live above the shop now ... three girls from the hall who allen adores). while he was up there, he had to go potty and peed a little in his underpants. they took off his wet underpants and put an old pair of P's underwear on him. so allen wore flowered underwear for the rest of the day. should i be disturbed?


so we're watching that show Sing-Off right now. i'm totally smitten with Ben Folds (he's a judge). he's just the most adorable thing with his glasses and his cheesy grin. he's one of my new famous crushes. poor Brian. he's having a hard time keeping up with all of them. i have some pretty strange ones too, like Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs and Mo Rocca. who are your crushes? anyone weird?


xoxo,
AHC

Happy

We tagged along with my parents today, and visited Hilton Head congregation where Dad gave the talk.

Allen was dapper in grey pin-striped pants and matching vest.

And he was over-the-top good for the entire meeting.  Sat down, got his "Bible Book" out, and found his favorite pictures (Jonah and the Big Fish and the story of David killing the bear and saving the lamb).

We accepted hospitality and had a scrumptious lunch at Truffles (side note: I totally typed scrumptious before I even looked at the Truffles homepage ... weird, eh?). I had the Portabella sandwich which was heavenly.

Allen was alternately amusing and atrocious at lunch ... he entertained himself by talking to himself in the mirror behind us, wielding the fork dangerously (and trying to get the steak knife), and "waiting" under the table. He also announced that he had "pink eyes," but that he was all better now. He agreed that Mommy took good care of him while he was sick.

Since we were in the Bluffton area (shopping mecca for us Beaufortonians), we had plans to go to Target, Kroger, and World Market. As we discussed where to go first, I said, "We'd better go to Target first to make the kid happy." To which Allen replied:

I am happy.

Jehovah [God] makes me happy.

Hearts immediately melted. He made out like a bandit at Target.

In the car on the way home, Nana was cleaning off his hands (he had been eating Funions ... he has a strange love-hate relationship with them), and when she was done, he said:

Now I'm good to go.

Too much. Just too much.

Now I sit in bed in a Benadryl haze with the Eagles game on, and my husband next to me watching very animatedly (he talks to the television almost non-stop, and occasionally gestures or dances around ... depends on how well the game is going).

I'm going to go to bed now because I'm getting up to workout with my personal trainer at 6:00 a.m. (yes, I am that crazy).

xoxo,

AHC

Meandering Thoughts

I finally finally finally saw Julie and Julia tonight. Love love love it! Have you seen it? Did you love it too? I thought it was a wonderfully sweet little story, and loved learning more about Julia Child and her husband. What a fabulous marriage they must have had. As a wanna-be writer, though, it made me a little sad to know that I'm not influencing thousands with some fabulous blog that I've thought up. Oh well, I'm entertaining 11 people with the amusing antics of my 3-year-old. I guess that's something too :)

Speaking of the kid, he's still under the weather. Poor little guy. He's been sick for a whole week. Friday to Friday. I hope he starts feeling better soon because I'm getting a little worried about him. The fever is gone, and the Pink Eye nearly cleared up, but he remains quiet, clingy, sleepy, and grumpy. And he has no appetite. He barely eats all day. I'm beginning to miss his normal personality and his funny comments throughout the day.

I've been thinking about starting another blog ... I don't know what it would be about though. Thoughts, anyone? Or maybe Kristen and I should just resurrect the "Books I Read" blog. I don't know ... I'm just feeling the need to write more. What do ya'll think? Your thoughts are appreciated.

What are ya'll up to this weekend? Not much for us ... I have off tomorrow, so we'll probably just spend time as a family. I think dinner is at Mom and Dad's tomorrow night. Then Sunday, Dad has a talk in the Hilton Head congregation, so we'll be going there. After that we'll shop in Bluffton. Target and World Market, here I come!

Hope you all have lovely weekends, and I'm looking forward to your thoughts on my new blog questions.

xoxo,
AHC

Cutest Video Ever

This is the cutest video ever! One of my blog world faves, Leigh over at Marvelous Kiddo, created this video with some help from her friends, and I love it. It totally cheered me up on this miserable day. Thanks Leigh!



xoxo,
AHC

*Sigh*

I don't have a lot to say. I'm too mentally exhausted.

Allen's sick.

He's no longer napping.

We had a shady-looking man behind our house tonight.

First, Allen had some sort of intestinal bug and a fever. Then his right eye got a little red and goopy. His fever broke today, but by tonight, his left eye was really nasty.  So, he won't be going to school tomorrow.

We've discovered that Allen sleeps better (and in his own bed) if he doesn't nap during the day. But that means he doesn't nap during the day. Which means Mommy has no downtime. Which has been difficult for Mommy to get used to. So Mommy is a little grumpy.

Tonight Brian and I went to hear Paul Epstein, PhD -- a Montessori expert -- speak at Allen's school. H & O babysat. He was thrilled. We arrived home to Allen's eye completely filled with goop. Brian took the girls home while I tried to clean up Allen's eye.

Brian walked in the front door (odd, since we park behind the house), and said, "Is the back door locked?" And then said that there was a strange man walking in the alley behind our house. He freaked Brian out enough that he though it unwise to park in back (and make himself a target), so I called 911. Spent a half-hour on the phone with a 911 operator while the police came out and searched around our property. (They didn't find anyone.) And while Allen screamed that he didn't want to get his eye cleaned.

As we walked upstairs, Allen said to me, "Are you sure you don't want me in your bed?" Sweet of him to check.

xoxo,

AHC

PS the picture above is of Allen watching "the video" (Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody).

Sweet boy

I had a rough day today. Between the tedious task of bill-paying (not to mention stressful) and the kid being particularly ornery, my nerves were shot.

Sadly, when I have days like this I tend to take it out on my boys ... well, more specifically on Brian. I don't mean to, but sometimes it happens. 

So tonight, my voice was raised slightly, and Allen immediately came over to me and reached up for me to pick him up. Then he snuggled me, and stayed close to me.

When a few tears were shed. He said, 

"Don't cry Mommy. You're not sad. I want a happy girl. I want a happy Mommy."

And then he gave me a hug. He also patted me on the back during one of those great hugs he gave me.

It made me realize how fortunate I am to have this little guy in my life ... no matter how difficult he can be sometimes.

xoxo,

AHC

P.S. I apologize to my boys for being so grouchy tonight. I love you both like you wouldn't believe.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Kristen shared this video with us the other day. I showed Allen, and now he is obsessed with it.

I wanted to share a video of Allen watching the above, but it's taking forever to upload, so it's not going to happen tonight. But, some highlights ...

He "bocks" like the chickens.

He goes crazy when Animal sings "Mama" and does a pretty good imitation of him.

He sings "gut gwah" at the end instead of "but moi"

I apologize for the lack of video, but I'll keep trying to upload it. We'll see what happens.

xoxo,

AHC

The show

The title of the post doesn't really have anything to do with the topic ... I just really like the song by Lenka, and it was playing on Pandora when I started typing.

Anywho ... didn't my kid look dapper tonight for the meeting? We discovered this awesome store while in Illinois. It's called Zara, and it has some rockin' kids clothes. Sadly, online purchasing is not an option, so I will have to shop while in Illinois visiting my sister, or while in Atlanta during Market (because I have so much spare time then).

So tonight at meeting, Allen wanted to answer. So, during the part on using Good News for People of All Nations (paragraph 2 to be exact), I suggested he say, "We love everyone." (The paragraph was discussing how we imitate Jehovah's impartiality). Allen was called on, and he said (quietly, but not whispering):

"I love everybody. "

 How cute is that???? Boy do I love my kid and all of his sweetness. Frequently I wonder how I was so fortunate to be given this fabulous child. You better believe I thank Jehovah every day for that little man ...

That would be beautiful

Allen has come out with some real gems lately. Like last night, when Nana asked him if he wanted to go potty with her. He replied,

Oh yes! That would be beautiful!

And tonight. We were talking about a box my dad needed to fix. He told my mom he couldn't find the missing piece. In the midst of their exchange, Allen started talking ...

Allen: Well, it's in my butt. 

Mommy: What's in your butt?

Allen: The missing piece.

No idea where that came from.

I also wanted to post a video of Allen "talking" on the phone tonight, but I can't make it work. Anyone able to help me?

xoxo,

leggy

New and improved

Now that the weather is cooler, I decided to darken my hair color. I do this every fall/winter, but this time we went more dramatic. You see, I have this thing about my hair. I call it "Hair ADD." And I'm trying really hard not to cut it short, so that means getting creative with hair color and style.

So last week I went to my stylist for an appointment, and we decided to go edgy -- which means dark and dramatic. I'm pretty sure this is darker than my natural color, though I have no idea what my natural color is since I've been coloring my hair since I was like 15 or something.

Anyway ... here are a couple pictures of it that were taken tonight (after curling it with a curling iron this morning).

A self portrait

A portrait by Allen

I'm not sure you can really get the full impact of how dramatic a change the color is since the background of the pictures are dark, but let me tell you, it's a huge difference. I'm curious to know what ya'll think of it ....

So, now that I have an office, I have modified my morning and evening habits a little bit. Basically, I spend both the morning before the boys wake up and the evening before I go to bed, in the office.

And I'm drinking Sleepytime tea ...

And I listen to Pandora. Which is incredibly soothing and enlightening. I love having the time to myself. I use the time to catch up with friends on Facebook; to write; and to relax.

I feel like I need this time to myself because I've been feeling awfully restless lately ... like I need to expend creative energy. This time alone allows me to explore my writing and to be productive with my work; but in an environment that relaxes me. It's fabulous!

Well, that's all on this topic. Hope ya'll have a fabulous week.

xoxo,

Leggy

Completed masterpiece

The office is complete! Wanna see some pictures??

From the doorway

Reading nook

Bookcase and awesome lamp

Desk

File boxes and bulletin board

Closeup of one of my great lamps, taken by the talented Allen (seriously)

My beautiful owl lamp, also taken by Allen. I love my owl lamp!!

So what do ya'll think? I'm totally smitten with it. I don't ever want to leave. It is becoming my solace.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Next to come ... my hair makeover. Let's just say I look like a different person. Hopefully I'll be able to post tomorrow if I'm feeling better (yes, I'm sick AGAIN!).

xoxo,

Leggy

Allen's room

I've neglected to post photos of Allen's "big boy" room (still not being slept in at night).This has been for two reasons:
1) I keep forgetting to take the pictures
2) I am trying to figure out if we're going to rearrange any of the furniture


I guess Allen was tired of waiting, because he took this gorgeous picture tonight, while I was in my office. You can see both the bed (well, part of it at least) and the rug (well, part of it at least). What do you think?

xoxo,
leggy

I choose life

Allen's latest gem:

Mommy: Allen, do you need to go potty?

Allen: No thanks. I choose life. 

This has been his response several times, and for different things he does not want to do. He's borrowed it from Sid the Sloth in Ice Age.

xoxo,

leggy

Murphy's New Look

As some of you know, Brian is not a fan of paying to get his hair cut. Or his dog's hair cut. He's of the mind that if he can do it himself, he should. That's fine with me because it frees up more hair-cutting-dollars for my own locks (autumn reds here I come!).

He cut Murphy's hair once before with his own hair clippers (we won't get into the hygiene aspect of that right now), but human hair and dog hair are very different ... well, animals. So, last night we finally invested in some dog clippers. And Murphy got a brand new look ...

He looks adorable and he's so soft. I do miss his reddish brown coloring though. Hopefully, as his hair grows in, we'll take better care of it and it won't get as matted as it was before.

So anyone want Brian to cut his/her hair? He's taking appointments ...

xoxo,

leggy

Devotion

This is how I blogged for much of the evening. Now that's devotion!

Love ya'll!

xoxo,
me

We should too

Today was a big day. And it was a good day, too.
Allen answered at the meeting. He said, 

"We should pray too." (the small font indicates whispering).

He was very proud of himself. We were too.

He also went pee-pee in the potty twice today. He was proud of that too. And so were we.

We went to Disney On Ice Finding Nemo (the subject of another post), and Allen made out like a bandit. Five over-priced gifts.

For dinner, we went to Dockside. Allen had "yucky fish." I'm still not sure what makes it yucky.


On the way home, he started whining and crying ... he kept saying, "but but but" when we told him we were not going to Walmart to purchase yet another toy for him. So I started to sing, 

"I like big butts and I cannot lie ..."

He told me to stop, and then he said, 

"Mommy and Nana are big butts."

Gotta love him.

xoxo,
me
 

 

Excessive

So, I was a little bit excessive today. When we went to Disney On Ice Finding Nemo, I took um, well ... uh ... about 140 pictures. So I'm busy trying to narrow those down into something that's not ridiculously boring to ya'll. I promise to do a great recap, but it's not going to be tonight.

However, lest you be totally disappointed, I'll post a preview picture ...

xoxo,

Me

Blog Makeover

So, ya'll, what do you think of my new template? I figured since my guest room was getting a makeover, my blog should too ....

xoxo
me
 

Wood Violet gets some friends

Now you get to see the inspiration behind the color I chose for the new office. These curtains from Pier 1. Don't they look lovely with the Wood Violet walls? I think it's a match made in heaven.

First, a view from the doorway, and then a focus on the window  ... 

Next, let's take a look at the file carts that I got. They match the desk which is yet to arrive. Which is why the room looks so incomplete ... we're not sure how to arrange it until we get the desk.

And my reading nook, with my awesome pink lamp ...

And finally, my rockin' rug that I purchased at Pier 1 for $29.99 on clearance. Yay for sales!

The rug is Allen's favorite part of the room, followed closely by the pink lamp.

We also bought this air mattress, which is awesome because it unfolds itself as it inflates, and folds itself back up as it deflates. We'll just do some simple rearranging when guests come, and my office will convert back to a guest room. Thanks in large part to the awesome air mattress.

Can't wait until my desk comes and I can complete my office. Hopefully it will arrive on Monday and we can wrap this up by Monday night.

And stay tuned for a recap of tomorrow afternoon, when we go see Disney on Ice Finding Nemo! Shh ... don't say anything to Allen ... it's a surprise!

xoxo,

Wood Violet

That's the name of the paint color we painted my soon-to-be office tonight. Wood violet. Sounds like a delicious color, doesn't it? And it is ... would you like to see?

Gorgeous, isn't it? I simply adore it. I had planned on only doing a big reveal once the office was finished, but my brother-in-law and sister requested an in-progress post. So here it is ...

Mom and Dad kept Allen for us so we could knock this out tonight. So we did adult painting, complete with adult beverages. Because really, how can you paint without beer?

Sadly, we had a little accident, while cleaning up, and we now only have one of those cute glass lamps left. Oh well ...

Once I was finished and all that was left was the up-high stuff, I had to go retrieve the kiddo. Despite Nana and Papa's attempts, Allen refused to spend the night. As soon as we arrived home, he grabbed the camera to snap a few pics. Here's his best one ...

OK, so Mom helped a little bit with it, but still ... I think he's a budding photographer (like his Aunt and his Papa).

I'm now finally resting in bed with a glass of red wine, so I bid you all adieu. More stories soon!

xoxo,

Foreign

We went to the "Cookie Club" (Publix, our local grocery store) yesterday after school, with Nana. Allen was very good even when the power went out in the store (I think I was more scared than he was). He cooperated and didn't squirm in the cart.

Anywho ... when we were on our way home, the following conversation occured:
Mom: I'm so hungry.
Nana: I know, I'm famished.
Allen: No you're not. You're not Spanished!
Nana: (chuckling, along with Mom) You're right. I'm not Spanish.

Today we had to go to Pier 1 to pick up some curtains for my latest project (to be posted soon, along with the just-finished toddler bed project). Allen used up all of his good and cute genes yesterday, apparently, because the experience was far from pleasant.

First, about three minutes into the visit, he announced that he was, "letting the poopy out." And then screamed and ran away when I tried to grab him to go to the bathroom. Then he ran around the shop touching everything. He nearly broke at least four things. I thought I was going to have a huge bill, but fortunately nothing actually broke (even though he was pulling and bending the branches of a wreath, and pushing a huge glass vase).

This afternoon, he played at the pirate ship with his friend Sara. Sara is from Serbia, and knows only a few English words. She was saying something in Serbian, and Allen thought he understood, and starting saying, "My knees. My knees." It was hilarious!

Those are the highlights from our week so far. I will post pictures of Allen's big boy room and of the progress of my guest room conversion (to a home office) soon.

xoxo,

Joli's first giveaway!

Hey ya'll! Did you know that our shop is hosting it's first giveaway in conjunction with Devine Designs? Stop on over and check it out. Maybe you can win an awesome gift!!!

xoxo,

Sleepy afternoons

Naps are becoming a haphazard thing in this household. Allen tends to sleep a really long time when he naps, and then he ends up going to bed too late. So we have been trying a combination of shorter naps or no naps. Sometimes he freaks out when I try to get him to take a nap, and sometimes I don't fight him. Like when I'm already sick with the cold he gave me. Like I am this week.

So Tuesday, he argued that he did not want to take a nap, and I just did not feel like arguing. He was wearing a new sweater that kept falling off his shoulder. I caught him rubbing his cheek against his shoulder. I guess he liked the way it felt.

Somtimes, Allen likes to lay down on the floor and "just lay there." He did this Tuesday. After taking his arm out of his sweater so he could feel his shoulder. Here's how I found him a short while later.

Yes, he's asleep. With his arm out of his sweater. On the floor. In the dining room. After taking the picture I covered him with a blanket and he slept for over an hour.

We had a repeat of this today. Exactly the same, but with a different shirt. That wasn't falling off his shoulder, so I'm sure he had a more difficult time extracting his arm. He fell asleep in the same spot, and I covered him with a blanket again. He slept there for awhile, and then sat up, looked around, and called for me to help him get his arm back into his shirt.

Then we sat on the chair together. He fell asleep again ...

He slept here for about two hours. He must be overtired. I let him because I was working on my oral review and preparing for the rest of the meeting. And working on stuff for the shop. And still feeling sick.

Isn't he the cutest kid ever?

xoxo,

Alice in the pumpkin patch

Today was Allen's first field trip -- to go see Alice in Wonderland presented by the Children's Theatre of Beaufort. He was very excited. Excited to see his kids; excited that Mommy was going with him; excited about everything.

Since I have the minivan, I was able to take three children with me: Z, T, and M (Allen's special friend). Allen was giddy that these kids got to ride in the car with them. And they were all thrilled that we had the Backyardigans CD playing.

Everyone was very good on the ride there. They spoke very nicely to each other, sang along with the CD, and Allen started to tell them about "Bebby Hills Chihuahua."

When we were in line to go in, M saw her big brother J (who goes to the same school, but is older and in a different class). She ran to him and hugged him as Allen watched. J waved him over to join in the love ...

Once inside, Allen sat very quietly and patiently waited for the play to begin. Once the show started, Allen was riveted.

All four kids said they enjoyed the show. Allen liked the rabbit, and I forget who everyone else liked. I liked the caterpillar.

I thought Allen would want to leave with me right away, but instead I had to watch him in his classroom and then watch him play on the playground until I finally convinced him it was time to go to .... the pumpkin patch!

That's right. We were off to the pumpkin patch to get 50 -- yes 50 -- pumpkins. For the Harvest Festival on Saturday.

The pumpkin patch is on the site of Lowcountry Produce (which we carry in our shop), which has a little restaurant and some animals that you can visit with. Allen was very excited about all of it ...

And here are all the pumpkins ...

In other, more personal news, Joli launched its website last night. Please take a look and let me know what you think!

xoxo,