I was totally surprised when we received this sweet little package from humbleBea.com .  It included two onesies, one short sleeve one and one long sleeve, a matching flower pin and these super sweet little booties.   I love love love the colors and those booties – I could eat them they are so sweet.  All from Daddy – Emma is SO lucky to have John as a Dad.

I know you want to see those booties again…

John grew up differently – every holiday requires one or two cards.  A humorous one and a sentimental card.  A couple of years ago, we spent $65 on just Mother’s Day cards.  This included mine, grandmothers and great grandmothers; then each got one from the grand kids and the son, or from John and the boys and then sometimes one funny and one sentimental.  I don’t get it.

What I especially don’t get is when people cry at cards. I know this may sound harsh, but they didn’t write the card– why are you crying?  I’m going to stop there, b/c I know who you are that do cry — I’m not judging you – I just don’t get it.

Between me and John though, it has changed gift giving over the years now that we know each others feelings about cards.  He doesn’t give me as many cards as he used to – and I’m glad, I really hope that it is somehow freeing for him.  (:  And on my end, I have taken the boys to pick out a card for his birthday or other occasion and I don’t mind as much because I know he appreciates it.

HOWEVER, there has been a Hallmark card that has spoken to me given to me by John. (i always have exceptions ot my rules)   Here’s the words:

Picture This:

You and I, years and

years from now,

cruising along some coastal

highway with the top down,

stereo blasting,

the wind whipping our hair.

Whatever we want to do,

we do it.

No agenda, no schedule,

nobody else to worry about.

We travel the country,

buying silly T-shirts

ans sending postcards,

stopping at tiny roadside cafes

in search of the

world’s best

blueberry pie.

No hurry. No rush.

Relaxing in the comfort of a lifetime of companionship.

You and I…

lovers, friends, partners

on this road of life.

Happy Birthday.

Yeah – it gets me every time I read it.  It’s in my jewelry drawer and I can’t help reading it every time I open the drawer.  I really do love the season of life (chaos) we’re in now, but do so yearn for the season that looks like this card with just me and my man…and I don’t even like blueberry pie.

First of all, my definition for a “favorite gift” for a little person usually includes these parameters:

• Around $10: Unless its a niece, I try to stick to a $10-$15 budget.  You can find lots of great gifts for this amount and it keeps me from going overboard.
• Preferably something consumable.  Kids usually have a lot of toy “clutter” to begin with and I don’t want to add to the clutter.
• Some ideas of consumable gifts: Crayons, Passes to The Magic House, Movie Tickets, Craft Kits, etc.

My friend Greta gives a ColorWonder Coloring Book with markers – I love this idea b/c it’s consumable, it’s not something I would buy for ourselves and its usually unisex so you can stock up if there is a sale.

So back to the purpose of this post, my fave gift to give lil’ girls right now is a crayon apron.  It’s great for girls from 2-5 (although the safety says 3yo), it’s easy to take on and off, you can get it monogrammed across the band if you want.  Amazon has them for $16.99; so yes it totally negates my gift parameters – BUT I’ve tested it and its totally worth it and they will get several years of mileage from it.

You can check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/5bt3n3