This has been the first full week of school for eldest. We understand her new homework routine, and it's significantly more than third grade. We were expecting that.
When eldest brought home her spelling contract on Monday, we knew she'd have a test every Friday. We were expecting that, too.
Tuesday came and suddenly there was a Religion test on Friday. She would have one every Friday, just like Spelling. This was fine.
Then came Wednesday.
We added one more test to the Friday schedule-Science.
This is what it looked like when eldest unloaded her backpack:
I'm a little tickled that the Science and Religion books happened to be open one on top of the other.
She sat and studied-mostly Science-until dinner time. And even then, she was looking over her notes. Bless her. My heart ached a little. We certainly never had nights like this until later Middle School years.
I usually wouldn't take pictures of her while she was in the middle of studying, but I couldn't resist. She looked so intense. Did you see the books?
And then she told me where I could put my camera.
Kidding, kidding. Eldest would never say such a thing. She was merely making sure I knew about the most recent weather updates. Important thing, the weather.
If y'all could, say a little prayer for my sweet girl? She'll be fine, she'll do great. I just want the adjustment to this new level of work to go smoothly.
It has to be difficult to go from summer mode right into all of these new expectations and responsibilities, but eldest, she's made of tough stuff. She'll get through this, and we'll cheer her on the entire way.
That's what parents do. And I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job these days. Sometimes I think I could be doing more, but then I see this hidden away in one of my daughter's school books.
Maybe we're all going to do great, because right now, I'm feeling pretty darn spectacular.
I'm my daughter's hero.
MacKenzie-Childs.
I know many of you may be unfamiliar with the name, so don't worry. I'm going to tell you all about it.
MacKenzie-Childs is a New York based store that sells collections of wares for the home. It's very unique, and as described by one of the artisans, "free-spirited".
If you need a more descriptive explanation for what they sell here is what the website declares about their flagship store:
"This light-filled and charming store displays the complete line of MacKenzie-Childs products and delightful gifts from around the world. Serendipities await avid collectors. Stunning furniture, lighting, rugs, and tableware will make choosing the hardest part of your visit."
In my case, that would definitely be true. I am a huge fan and avid collector of the Courtly Check enamelware. I don't have nearly as many pieces as my mother, but I have enough that I can use them daily. The tea kettle, for instance?
I use it every morning to boil the water for my coffee and when we're serving it, tea.
And the little tumblers are just the right size for quick breakfasts on school mornings. They're perfect for little hands.
Eldest loves them. I love the practicality of them. Even my husband likes them.
But right now I am a little infatuated with the wee one's frog enamelware set. It's called "Animal"ware and was a thoughtful baby gift from a family friend. Thank you, Mrs. Candy!
Each time our little butter bean sits down for a meal or snack, I hope at least part of the set is clean. I don't know, I just think it's pretty and fun. Even upside down in the dishwasher it looks great.
Mealtimes can be enjoyed at any age. He could care less, I'm sure-right now it's just about the food. But I imagine one day he'll think it's pretty neat to finish his food and find a picture of his froggie friend waiting for him at the bottom.
This morning I was lucky. His entire set was clean! Since he's been promoted to the table sans highchair tray and eating from plates and bowls, we go through them pretty quickly.
Today's breakfast was pancakes and pears. Delicious!
Apparently, the wee one thought so, too. See him reaching for more food while still holding cheekfulls from his last bite?
What can I say? The little guy loves to eat. And personally, I think the cheerful colors make the eating experience fun for him.
And is there anything sweeter than to see the joy on your child's face?
No. I don't think so either.
After yesterday's post, today's is a bit more frivolous, which I hope you'll all understand. It has to do with something that brings me secret joy.
Let's talk about guilty pleasures.
We all have them. For some it's fabulous shoes, others it's that forbidden pint of Ben & Jerry's right before bed. And let's not forget those who rock out to the boy bands when they think no one is watching. You know you're out there.
For me it's two reality television shows. You already know one of them since I wrote about it here. But the other one? It premiers tonight.
It's the second season of The Rachel Zoe Project.
Everyone's favorite over-caffeinated, vintage clothes loving, over-worked bed-headed stylist to the stars is back.
I'm sorry, what? You say you're not familiar with Ms. Zoe? My apologies. Introductions are in order then.
Everyone, meet Rachel.
Rachel, everyone.
Rachel would like you all to know two things. One, her last name rhymes with "bow", and two, she loves caftan dresses. The blousier and more obscure the designer, the better.
Rachel's obsession with caftan dresses is funny thing considering they swallow her whole, but that's what happens when your entire diet is comprised of the different sizes of coffee offered by Starbucks.
Rachel, you should know you're surrounded by coffee enablers. Yes, Brad, I'm speaking to you.
Watching The Rachel Zoe Project is so much fun. Why? Because it's like playing mental dress up in every episode. What girl doesn't love to play dress up? The clothes are amazing, and despite the numerous glitches that seem to occur in every episode, in the end Rachel and her team pull everything off flawlessly (though not always without drama).
I'll admit, watching Rachel's husband, Roger, attempt to not have an aneurysm with every rack of clothes she brings back is also more than a little amusing.
Let's face it, she likes to torture the poor man. And what does he do when she inflicts such pain on their bank accounts? He flips his artfully styled hair around, complains to a friend, then buys her vintage cars and more coffee.
Naturally.
But my main reason for watching this show are these two priceless individuals, the yin and yang of the Zoe empire:
Taylor and Brad.
They could not be more opposite if Bravo had cast it that way. And who knows? Maybe they did. Watching these two try to work together is like oil trying to make nice with vinegar: it's deliciously bad and just not going to happen.
But you just keep hoping Taylor will give Brad that hug he so desperately wants.
I can't identify with the lives of these individuals, nor would I ever want to work in an environment with antagonistic people or the frenetic pace. And that's fine. It's what makes this show a guilty pleasure. I can enjoy my blessed place in this world and appreciate it a little more after Monday nights. Plus, it makes me cling to my own clothes a little tighter-knowing I already have plenty of gems worth holding onto for my daughter.
That said, I've still been looking towards Fall fashions with an eager eye. In the spirit of tonight's premiere, I thought I'd do something I usually don't do, and share some of my favorite basic pieces that have made the cut for my Fall/Winter 2009 wish list.
Enjoy!
Shoes from Nine West
Nayla Ruffle Flat in Wild Berry from Banana Republic
Boots from Urban Outfitters
Vintage Inspired Thornbush Earrings from J. Crew
Vintage Inspired Herringbone Cap from J. Crew
Ladies Gloves from J. Crew
Dresses from J. Crew
Double-Cloth Carlin Coatin Sea Salt from J. Crew
Ruffled Jacket from Anthropologie
Sweater from Anthropologie
My current Noel Henry Bag from Kate Spade
All The Rachel Zoe Project images courtesy of Bravo.
Artwork by JP Quon, Age 14 Months
This great work of art was created by my wee butter bean. Our little Pollack in the making did have a little help. I'll admit it. Eldest made the swirls while I made that lovely yellow splotch near the corner.
We felt it necessary to show him that pretty as they were, crayons weren't meant to be eaten. They have a far better use.
And he agreed. He played with the crayons and drew for a good twenty minutes before deciding he was all colored out.
It was fun while it lasted.
I'm showing you this beautiful piece of art for two reasons. One, to celebrate the normalcy we're so blessed to have in our lives. The complete and total averageness. I spend alot of time praying for families in need or with sick children, and sometimes I overlook the simple joys in my own life. I completely take it for granted, and I know I shouldn't.
This morning I learned that one of the families I've been praying for are out of options. The Maxey's exhausted every effort to help their infant daughter with cancer, and have made the difficult decision to make her as comfortable as they can until she is called home. What makes this situation all the more tragic is that they lost their other daughter in the exact same way five years earlier. It is a hard, long road they've been placed on. In no way does it seem right or fair.
They are blessed to have a healthy son, who has been their rock and light, but it still seems unfathomable that any parent would have to endure this not once, but twice; that any child would have to experience the loss of not one, but two sisters.
But through it all, their eyes have always been focused on the Great Physician. They prayed for a miracle to heal their sweet girl, and though it was not meant to be, in their hearts they know God will be there to carry them through this time. He will reunite their daughters in a place where they are completely healed and whole once more.
They understand as parents, much as they love their children, God will love them more. That's a quite a concept to wrap your head around, isn't it? Because sometimes you have to wonder, how could anyone love my child more than me? It doesn't seem possible. But He does.
This brings me to the second reason why I put the wee one's picture up today.
This simple piece of art is an example of my children and I working together. It was a collaborative effort.
Prayer is also a collaborative effort. When we pray together, we become stronger not only in ourselves, but in our Faith. We share in others burdens when we pray together, sometimes lessening them. Prayer can also give comfort, to let others know they are not alone.
Today I'm asking you to take a moment to pray.
Pray for the Maxey family, pray for your family. Offer your praises, and unburden yourself to Him. For even if the answer is not the one we want to hear, he is always listening, always loving, always forgiving, always guiding.
Prayer can be said on the way to lunch, while you're listening to music in your car. It can be said while you're angry or when you're glad.
Prayer can be great, prayer can be tiny. Because even the smallest things, like sweet Annette Maxey, can make the biggest impact in the world.
Especially if we do it together.
Bottletree Bakery.
It's the end of the first week of school and storms are headed our way. It makes me wish we were back in Oxford to enjoy the sights and sounds of Bottletree Bakery.
It's truly one of the most unique, eclectic eateries I've ever visited that has food to back up its atmosphere. Bottletree is larger than life, delivers scrumptious eats, and is incredibly inviting.
If I were there today, I'd ask for one of these to eat,
and one of these to drink.
I'd hope if their chocolate croissants were available my plate would look like this when I was finished. It would be a high compliment! Right, eldest?
I'd be happy to see locals enjoying their morning paper before heading into work,
which they could have grabbed from here.
My heart would warm itself on the coldest day just by seeing these familiar and fantastic sights.
At the very least, I'd want to share my time at Bottletree with these wonderful people.
And this...well, this just makes me want to buy this very Barefoot Contessa-esque jar so I can bake an enormous amount of cookies to fill it with. I'm pretty sure it could provide snacks for all of the neighborhood children.
Now I ask you: If you could be anywhere today, where would that be? And with whom would you spend that time with?
With Chez Quon going on the market in the near future, we've been de-cluttering, donating, and selling.
One of our "de-cluttered" items is a familiar one to many:the refrigerator.
We plan to sell it with the house, so a new problem arose with our decision to keep the fridge clutter and drawing free: just where would eldest's works of art, and those of the butter bean, now go?
Solution: the bulletin board.
I know what many of you are thinking:brown, unattractive, cork-board. Just how does this solve a problem? Wouldn't it more likely cause one?
Not when you follow in the footsteps of many other creative bloggers and this Southern Lady. Walk with me friends, and allow me to show you how bulletin boards can be both functional and beautiful.
You can take two routes, you can buy a cork bulletin board and follow these next steps, or you can do as I did. My way was a bit more time consuming, but if you purchase a pre-made cork board, depending on the size and where you purchase it, the price will be quite a bit more.
I like to be savvy when doing projects for the family and home, so I chose to work a little more for a lot less. It all comes out the same in the end, but it's nice to know your options.
What you first need is either a pre-made cork bulletin board or a roll of cork board, fabric of your choice, and nailhead trim.
If you decide to buy the roll of cork, you'll also need a frame for your board. I recommend the pre-cut wood that you can find dirt cheap at any Home Depot or Lowe's. They're easy to handle, easy to hang, and as I said, dirt cheap.
Skip this next step if you have a pre-made cork bulletin board.
Attach your sheet of cork board to the frame with a staple gun.
Don't be shy or afraid. The staple gun is every DIY'ers friend.
Once you've stapled the cork and frame together, get your fabric ready.
As you can see, I chose a pattern. This meant I had to be careful how I lined up the fabric. After deciding just where I wanted my design to fall, I stapled the fabric to the back of the frame on one side only. Once it was complete, I pulled the fabric down and began stapling along the opposite side.
Be sure when you reach this step you pull your fabric tightly. This will prevent ripples in the fabric and make your completed project look that much more professional.
Repeat this step on the other two sides. When finished, your board should look a little something like this:
Now comes that extra detail work. It's not at all necessary, but trust me, aesthetically, it makes all the difference!
Get your nailhead trim out and prepare to attach it. It's really simple, and comes in a roll at most fabric and craft stores.
Decide how far in your want your nailhead border to be, then begin to attach. Again, depending on the size of your bulletin board, it shouldn't take too long. I spent about thirty minutes on it, and my board was 2 feet by 4 feet.
Work your way around and before you know it you're almost done. You won't believe how good how great your once plain jane board looks.
See?
Once you are finished and your project is hung in its appointed spot, grab a nice glass of iced tea-or wine if you're so inclined-and step back to take a nice look at what you did!
It's a great, easy project if you have a spare hour in the day and want a way to display your children's art, maybe pictures and recipes. If you want, you can just let it hang there and look pretty.
All I can say is as much as I like seeing my own end product, I can't wait for eldest to bring home something for me to hang.
Question: any ideas where I can find some adorable push-pins?
