not blogworthy

my boy turned 4 this week. and we celebrated simply. no designer invitations, no swarm of excited children, no elaborate games or hanging pom poms or gourmet cakes or beautifully appointed tables of treats, not even adorable party favors. not a single one. and I'm a total sucker for the party favor. No gaggle of trendy mothers swooning over my efforts and cleverness. Somebody call the blog police.

He wanted only one thing for his birthday: "cake. chocolate with frosting." So that's what I delivered.

Of course we aimed to make his day special in ways that mattered to him. Maybe I had a brief pang of regret when I realized my fun ideas (which included a live superhero. in spandex) wouldn't come to fruition and there would be nothing super cool or, dare I say, blog-worthy about his special day. But he was pleased. Nothing else matters. And it's rather great his expectations are low.

I know, I know. I should probably just give up blogging altogether. Shameful.

new outfit

the blog is trying on new outfits. i think i like this in theory better than in application...maybe too busy looking.

belated bloggy birthday

[photo via Real Simple]

In all the autumnal excitement, this little blog's birthday slipped right by me. happy belated, dear piggy says. you keep me sane.

check out petit elefant

a nice little giveaway over at petit elefant this week. go check it out!

Baby Photos

Most darling Ashley had a photo shoot with our little Nanuk. She was very patient. Photographer and subject were both very patient. For a preview of the photos, and a sampling of her many talents, not the least of which is photography, go here.

Ashley: I'm thrilled with the sneak peek! Can't wait to see more. Thanks thanks thanks!

gifts for teachers

teachers on your shopping list? sure, teachers are grateful for any little thoughtful gesture in their oft-thankless jobs, but check out this post at petit elefant for a few helps.

Need a photographer in Utah?

The ever fabulous Petit Elefant is hosting a wonderful giveaway this week: a complimentary photo session (plus a disc with all images) with the very talented Nicole Carman. Perfect for families, especially if you live in Utah, which I don't, so I can't win. Also I can't win because I'm something like a co-host over at Petit Elefant. I would so want to win this if I could. So, if you live in Utah, or will be in Utah soon, and would like some beautiful family photos (I hear she's a whiz with kiddos), I suggest you click on over and enter the giveaway! I see enviable family holiday cards in your future..."Say Cheese!"

Happy Bloggy Birthday To the Piggy

The Piggy Says is now 1 year old. They grow up so fast, don't they? Do birthday wishes come true? You tell me. 

[photo via real simple]

The little elephant...

has a darling giveaway this week (as is frequently the case), perfect if you or a friend are expecting a newborn. I'm exempt from the contest as co-editor, so get your pretty little fingers clicking on over there and enter! And if you aren't expecting a baby, but you win the giveaway, I happily volunteer to be your friend and recipient of the prize. Anybody need a new BFF? 

Click on over to petit elefant anyway, because I'm there every Wednesday and Friday. And the other 2 gals are fantastic, too. And sometimes there is a special appearance by Allison's hubby which is always very very funny.  Other guest bloggers extraordinaire abound. 

Disconnected

Life without tv is a bit of a bummer. But life without internet access is truly painful. Back in action now, and getting all caught up. 

[photo via real simple]

Goodness the whole blogosphere over

though I've never visited the nie nie dialogues, (until now--I'm always the last one to the party) I'm sending my prayers and happy thoughts to Stephanie and Christian as they struggle to recover from a plane crash.

Their needs are great and the blogosphere--their friends and loved ones and strangers-- is gathering resources to help. Thursday, click on over to the ever kind and resourceful  Design Mom and participate in the auctions she organized--proceeds to benefit Stephanie and Christian on their long and costly road to recovery. Or check out the many  other blog auctions being hosted tomorrow for this same purpose, like this one by Leslie at A Room Somewhere.

It's amazing what can be accomplished with one kind thought...and the internet. Let's toss a little more goodness out there into the universe.

Privacy?

A friend recently asked me why I don't include my child's name on our voice mail greeting. Our current greeting goes something like this: "Hi, this is B** and K**.  Sorry we missed you, please leave a message. Thanks!"   This friend has a similar greeting but her MIL insists that she include her daughter's name. I told her I have a few reasons, but mostly it's for privacy. 

1.) M isn't exactly taking calls at this age 2.) Strangers don't need to know how many kids I have and what their names are 3.) People that already know us, already know that information.  4.) A predator only needs a phone number and a name in order to learn a whole lot more about you. 

I even get a little anxious when solicitors come to my door and want to know what my husband does for a living, where he does it, my child's name and age.  Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe most people are generally honest and decent. I just don't know, and I'm not willing to risk it these days. It's the same when I'm blogging. A blogger just never knows who might look at their blog--old college roommates, former love interests, relatives, friends of friends of friends. I think it's great. But I'd rather be safe than sorry, so I don't use any full names of my family members and certainly not of any children. I know other bloggers that falsify names altogether of use strictly nicknames. I suppose I'm just a product of our times, leery of the weirdos that litter our world. I remember when it was advisable for kids to wear ID Bracelets for safety. I'm not sure I'd do that for my own child.  The less information available to the public, the better. No?

So, what's your stance? Do you name names on your blog? Do you name names on your answering machine? Am I just a teensy bit paranoid? 

I'm blushing...

because darling Kirsten over at Snippets of  Life has given me a blog award. Very kind. But I think that's just the kind of gal she is. And talented. And lovely. And uplifting. And bright. Take note of her playlist, it's awesome. 

I've hit the big time

I'm joining lovely Miss Allison and clever Miss Cicada as an official co-editor at Petit Elefant. (Yikes!) Click on over sometime for a dazzling array of fabulous ideas and goodies for fabulous mommies and kiddos (like you and yours). Oh, did I mention there are frequent fabulous giveaways to be found?

200...Memories.

 200 Posts. 

This is officially my 200th post. I am at a loss for something brilliant to commemorate #200 so I'll share this little ditty from my friend Becca for a memory lane exchange.

1. Add a comment on this post sharing a memory involving me. Any memory, directly or indirectly, whether you know me a little or know me very well. 

2. Add this post to your blog and I'll share a memory of you on your post. 

This could be interesting. Few people who've known me for a very long time read this blog. Some people who have never met me read this blog. That's ok, too. You could share a memory of your favorite post or a comment I made on your blog. Whatever. Happy strolling down memory lane. And all you family members and friends that call me about the posts rather than make a comment, I expect to see a comment!

[photo via martha]

who knew?

For the remainder of the week I'll be guest-blogging over at 

Petite Elefant, so stop by and say hello! 

Here's wishing Allison a glorious trip to NYC!

internet dating...but not really

in case you were wondering, this gal is every bit as delightful, radiant and genuine as you might expect. lucky me---I met her for lunch today since we both now call the same little town home. Lunch was fine, but the company was quite sparkling. Marta kept making me talk to myself! I loved it! ;)I instantly felt like hugging her (which I did...I hope that's not scary) and calling her a dear friend. if you haven't already, pay her a visit here or sample her creative genius here.

Marta: thanks so much for the scrumptious b-day gift, all packaged so cute and fun! 

image from marta herself. 

In my fantasy life...

While I really (truly!) love my Converse slip ons, favorite hoodie, and lunches of high-chair scraps, I'm inclined to wander off in daydreams once in a while. M, of course, accompanies me. B, too, sometimes.

click here for Fantasy Life #1

the ranch, the cowboys, the home cookin, the romance, the horses...I'll take it all! Did I mention there are cowboys?

click here for Fantasy Life #2

a gig on Broadway, fabulous hair, flawless smile, Manhattan apartment, NYC in general. I love it, love it.

mom giveaways

a shout out to modmom who has a plethora of giveaways on her blog right now...I don't know how she finds all the great stuff she posts. Anyway, hopefully she'll give me a shout out for the one I'm giving her, so go check it out! 

swap-er-roo

the lovely stephmodo (I assume she's lovely because her blog is, and she knows CV) is hosting a fun swap for the new year...check it out here. 

please don't stop looking at my bloggy because hers is ever so much nicer!

I'm off to devour my latest issue of this, with a side of cocoa, while M is napping.