Yes, we'd like more sugar please

As a parent, does it ever drive you nuts that someone is always passing out candy and some form of sugar to your kids? After a much sugar-filled few days, I'm beginning to really resent the tasty stuff. Do I really want a very visible box of TEN CHOCOLATES from someone's birthday to come home with us from pre-school so I can listen to a fuss fest half way home about why we're not eating the whole thing? Or that I really don't think Jake needs the frosted donut AND the munchkins at the same time? Or that I can't get through the check-out line without him grabbing half the goodies (and let me tell you, if anything rips open in the struggle, we're not buying it, it's the store's fault!) Or why I don't want the bag full of candy as a goody bag after LOTS of treats at the party.

Honestly, I love candy, and think it's one of the best things about being an adult because you can have it whenever you want. BUT, there is also some common sense that comes with all that adulthood, and I can actually stop after a certain point.

Am I being an uptight mom, or do you resent all the sugar offerings a little too?

It you want to order these tempting prints, stop by boopsiedaisy.

It's kind of corny...

No major plans around here, but we made these tasty treats for Jake's buddies. Isn't it fun how excited kids get about holidays? Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it's a good one!

Just let me sleep

I came across this print by Yellow Button Studio on Etsy while looking for something else. So true, right? A co-worker of mine who also has young children and I always commiserate about why it's so hard to get a good night's sleep when there's always something, or someone, or some bad dream waking us up. And how children have the tendency to diagonally take over the bed. I also read an article recently about how it's not normal to be tired all the time. Really?

Ka Pow!

As both my super heroes have gone to bed early (my husband because he had knee surgery today, and Jake actually WANTED to go to bed), I've had a few moments to begin thinking about Jake's upcoming birthday party. I was searching for some ideas on-line, and found these funny (large) centerpieces. For some reason, I just think they're kind of hysterical. I've told Jake that the party is going to be a generic super hero party (I'm sure he knows what generic means!) because I don't want it to get too out of hand since the super hero thing can really go either way. I might be nuts.

If you DO want a specific superhero for YOUR party, you can get one of these funny centerpieces at Play Patterns.

Dinos

I've been working on a couple of dinosaur kid's activity books lately. They're really fun, and I'm looking forward to the day Jake starts to take interest in dinosaurs. (Of course, he'll probably have me making him a dinosaur costume!) I remember being VERY into dinosaurs when I was in kindergarten. The first book (above) will be a learn-to-draw dinosaur activity book with step-by-step instructions. The illustrations are by Keri Barbas Steckler. It's funny, I've worked with her for over 12 years, and because we lived in different cities and only talked on the phone, we became good friends before we'd ever met in person. Has that ever happened to you? Kindred spirits, I guess?

The other project I'm working on is a create-your-own papercraft toy dinosaur activity book. I'm working with illustrator, and paper engineer Mary Beth Cryan, and I have to say, she's been amazing. I'm thrilled with each new dinosaur she sends me. It's like opening a present every couple weeks! The book will feature 24 dinosaurs to punch out, and then assemble. Here's a sneak peek:

Have a good week!

Oh gosh!

Guess what arrived in the mail today? These are the components to make Jake's Eye Boy costume! I've hidden the box, or I'll have to begin making it the second he walks in the door. Unfortunately, there are no directions as this is uncharted super hero territory, but one thing I know is, the costume is going to be very warm! I'm really not sure polar fleece was the way to go.

Wish me luck!

For those of you who are reading for the first time...meet Eye Boy!