CrumbBums – Page 98

Weekend Shenanigans

Family, by lauren, March 2, 2015, 4 Replies

Snow, snow, and more snow! In St. Louis it feels like winter decided to come a couple months late this season. It is officially March (and despite it being the birthday month of some of my very favorite people, it is my wariest, most unlucky month). We make plans for spring travels with friends and family, we gaze into the snow-covered dormant garden and wonder how in the world it will be overflowing with fruit and vegetables in a few short months. We play Monopoly and Sorry again, and try to shake away the winter blues by making plans with friends (and then having to cancel them at the last minute because of the roads).

Friday night we did get to hang out with some of our friends and their kids over at our house — it was a fun time as always and full of laughter and shenanigans. The kids snuck ice cream upstairs when we weren’t paying attention, built with blocks, and roughhoused on the couch while we planted ourselves next to the fire. It was such a cold night!

And the next day the snow started coming down again and didn’t stop until sometime long after we went to bed that night. We awoke on Sunday morning to plenty of it. But really, I don’t mind the snow! It’s so pretty and our house is always brighter than any sunny summer day, so there’s that.

Looking forward to seeing more of my people this week — it seems like everyone is craving extra friend time to get through this last winter push! Hope you have a lovely day.

And Jamie & Brian, we’re sorry we missed you!

How Often Should We Bathe Our Kids?

Family, by lauren, February 27, 2015, 11 Replies

Ah, remembering this day last October reminds me that spring and summer are real seasons — seasons of dirt and mud and warm sunshine, days we spend outdoors from sun-up to sun-down. Days when a good hose-off at the end of the day will suffice before the boys collapse into bed, sun-kissed and exhausted. Which begs the question… how often do you bathe your kids?

Read more here, in a Washington Post article that went up yesterday. And have a lovely weekend.

Reading…

Books, by lauren, February 26, 2015, 6 Replies

Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book, Johanna Basford

We’re not technically reading this book, but as it is a book of sorts, I wanted to share the awesome beauty of Johanna Basford’s nature-inspired coloring book. My mom found a whole slew of great coloring books for the boys for Christmas. This one is our favorite.

My favorite activity with Milo this winter has been lying side-by-side on our bellies in front of the fireplace, feet warmed by the flames, listening to good music, and coloring together in this book. Usually it results in some pretty interesting discussions, as he always tends to open up when we are busy doing something like this — something non-confrontational and calm and almost meditative.
This coloring book is also full of hidden creatures throughout for you to find (16 bees, 2 frogs, 116 butterflies, 7 slugs, 1 squirrel, 1 hedgehog, 13 owls, and 3 mice, along with many many others). A perfect treat for all ages.

And when we’re through with this one, we intend to order her newest: Enchanted Forest!

Dress That Mama

Style, by lauren, February 25, 2015, 10 Replies

I know it’s time to add a bit more color into my wardrobe because when I wore this, it was apparently such a shock to my boys, they each exclaimed something along the lines of “Wow, Mama! What pretty colors on your dress!” And that includes Andrew. What caught my eye about this dress were the colors— the jewel tones on a neutral black and the so-interesting hand print which goes up the center of the back and front of the dress. It looks so pretty with red lipstick.

The dress I snatched up during LaGarconne‘s extra 20% off winter sale so it was (finally) a reasonable price. I’m looking forward to wearing it all spring and summer! But for now, it’s perfect with a sweater and leggings.

Dress: Carven; leggings: Hue; boots: Rachel Comey (sold out): similar here and here. Sweater: similar here (the most similar color here is timber wolf).

How about you? Are you “hugging all the colors” like Milla, or more of a neutrals gal like Anne? Have a lovely day!

Milo, 7 1/2

Family, by lauren, February 24, 2015, 8 Replies

It’s so interesting to me, genetics. I look at Milo, his coloring like peaches and cream, eyes sea foam green, hair blond as the hills of dry grass in the winter. His eyes are all Andrew, but his lightness is a mystery — a beautiful surprise that stands in such contrast to his dark-eyed and dark-haired brothers. And at seven-and-a-half, his body is continually stretching upward into long, lean muscles. I didn’t know his softness would go away so soon! That his chubby little cheeks and belly would be replaced by solid muscle! Holding him on my lap, he is all angles and edges.

As is the tradition, I decided to ask him a few questions to mark this time in his life.

How old are you today? Seven-and-a-half years old.

What is your favorite time of day? Right after lunch. Recess!

And your favorite color? Green!

Favorite food? Peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches.

Best memory from this past winter? Going to circus class.

Who is your best friend? Malachi, Cora, and Max!

What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist, same as last time.

What do you do when you are feeling sad? Cry. Pretty obvious.

Favorite book? The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

What is your favorite movie? Princess Bride and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

What is your favorite thing to do in school? Recess, kickball, dodgeball, usually kick the can.

Most embarrassing moment? When I broke the garage window with the bucket. That was soooooo embarrassing!

Favorite joke? The “stand on one foot” joke. So, you’re walking home from school and you bet your friend a dollar if they cannot stand on one foot for three whole minutes without talking or falling. That’s step one. Then, you knock real loud on some crabby neighbor’s door. That’s step two… and then you run. I got the idea from a book.

How does it feel to be seven-and-a-half? Sometimes if feels strange and kind of embarrassing. There are hurtful moments in my life. And I get really frustrated with Oliver.

See Milo’s answers to similar questions a year ago, and at four-and-three-quarters, and three-and-a-half. So great.