Old Friend

Ran into* an old friend on his lunch break today...

* We were actually aware that Santa would be in the neighborhood. So aware, in fact, that we had an appointment to meet him for portraits at a nearby location. We just didn't expect to see him hanging out on a sidewalk bench between sessions.

Tutus for Sale

Remember these?

I love tutus! Perfect for pictures and twirling (and in my case, decorating my daughters' room). I add my own little touches, with patterned ribbons and ric-rac and a big flower with a sparkly rhinestone in the middle. Girls love this stuff.

You know I normally create them exclusively as gifts or costumes for Sophie. People have asked me to sell them, but I've always declined. However, I went a little nuts with the tulle last week so I'm opening this up... for the holidays, I'm selling some tutus. I give you my word, I will never do this again.

If you've got a Fancy Nancy or Fancy Sophie or Fancy Gertrude, heads up:

Itty Bitty (up to 12/18 months): $28*

Girls (probably up to 5/6): $32*

I've got Christmas (red/green or red/white), Angel White (with accents of silver and/or blue), Pastel Multicolored, and Sugary Pink (our fave). Just a couple of each.

Send me an email if you're interested (allisonhansen@gmail.com). Spread the word, too.

* To save you the trouble of price comparisons, smaller tutus go for as little as $19 online but they're pretty basic, without the ribbon and bling. Then again, Gina and I saw some at a boutique last week for (gulp) $83.

Sophie-Mommy Time

With the new baby invasion at our house, my mommy arms are often full with nursing and diapering and soothing. So Big Sister doesn't feel completely ignored, I have taken my pediatrician's wise advice to spend some Sophie-Mommy time, just her and I.

While Daddy was away at a scout overnighter and Baby was asleep, we had a "Girls Night." We got Nielson's Chocolate Malted Almond Frozen Custard, rented the Hannah Montana movie, and made this silly craft we saw on a kids show (not really sure what it was supposed to be).

Last week, I took my princess to Disney's Princesses on Ice show downtown. She wanted to dress like Tinkerbell, of course.

When we arrived, the energy and anticipation were palpable.

Right away, I had a "must be a mom" moment. As the show began, I caught myself clapping with delight and wiping away a little mist around the eyes. The real revelation was that I wasn't even watching the show... I was watching my kid watch the show! The joy and wonder was just too much.

There was a lot of this...

And per Daddy's request, Sophie waved "hello" to...

... these guys. Hi-ho!

I promised her a treat. Didn't realize that meant I would be spending THIRTEEN dollars on a snow cone. But, hey, it came with a cool cup and spoon straw. Sigh.

Inspired by the "skating princesses," she twirled and skipped outside the arena. Fun night!

And I failed to post these pics from our other Sophie-Mommy outing earlier this year at the Downtown Farmers Market.

We love the buckwheat pancakes with granola and bananas with apple cider syrup. My finicky eater just gobbles it up!

She also loves to taste the farmers' samples, particularly peaches. Totally unprovoked from me, she doesn't dig the tomatoes.

The morning was so much fun, we didn't want it to end! So we went to the drive-through car wash. She loves the "monster fingers."

Many more fun Sophie-Mommy moments to come!

Auntie Boo and Uncle Chris Visit

After a surprisingly successful antelope hunt in Montana, my sister and Chris had an extra day to, um, kill. So, lucky us... they stopped by for an overnight visit! Auntie Boo is like a celebrity to Sophie. She was also enamored with Chris (who isn't?), snuggling up next to him during bedtime story and showing him all her toys in the playroom.

I love hunting season, because it means there's a very slight chance my sister will drive through town. Plus, this year, I think we'll inherit some free range buffalo meat from one of Chris's hunts in Wyoming. I've only occasionally eaten game meat, but I'm excited to try the bison because it is so lean and doesn't have all of the hormones that feedlot beef contains.

Don't Hate Me

Don't hate me because I now own "The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook."

Don't hate me because I'm going to make Hummingbird Cake this weekend...

... and this next week.

Oh, and of course, don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

How Great Photos are Made

I recently ran across this gem from a photo shoot in May at Gardner Village with Jenni (www.jennihowellphotography.com). I think it may be my favorite photo of Sophie in 2009... her hair is slightly imperfect, she's got bandaids on three nubby sweet fingers, and I love that light little lick on the corner of her lip. This photo embodies "sugar and spice and everything nice."

I shoot with Jenni a lot, and not just because I think she has an amazing eye and is constantly improving through practice and classes. She's also one of my BFFs (ironically, her sassy sweet college-aged daughter Megan is another BFF), and we're "slightly related." She and my mom are cousins technically, but untechnically she's the older, skinnier, more popular big sister I wish I could be. Honestly, people can't help being friends with her... nearly freaky. I also quote her wisdom a lot. If you know me, you know this is true.

Yesterday we shot Sophie and Millie and their cousin Ri for my MIL's Christmas card. Sorry you won't see the results yet. Jenni's 3-year old daughter, Allie, joined us (yes, Jenni has a college-aged daughter and a toddler. From the same babbydaddy and everything, they just celebrated 20 years of wedded bliss. And yes, Allie is an Allison). SuperViv assisted and Gina played kid wrangler. We laughed, we wept (just me), we almost swore (just me). But we got the goods.

First, we scout the location and set up shop...

... while the kids find ways to entertain themselves. Oooo, long dry grass.

As Allie, Sophie and Ririe tell ridiculously hilarious jokes (not funny at all)...

... Jenni snappysnaps. (baby sleeps in the carrier behind her)

The kids belt slightly-butchered Disney tunes in an old shed...

... and Jenni saw that it was good.

The baby, now awake and dumped on a blanket in the middle of a field, uses her toes for entertainment...

... while Viv and Jenni clean up. "Uh, how do you fold these things up?" Viv says.

"No, seriously. How does this work?"

For the record, when you're an actual client of Jenni's the whole process is much more professional but still just as fun. If you're lucky, you might get slightly-butchered Disney tunes.

Once Upon a Halloween

Happy Halloween!

... from the Princess and

the pea!

Sophie decided just last week (after I had already gathered the perfect Alice/White Rabbit ensemble) that she wanted to be a princess. Naturally. Frantic sometimes pays off... from the picked over mess at Target on Thursday afternoon, I dug out this red princess dress and even got 30% off! I'm sick about not making her costume. I never took myself for a premade-costume-from-Target mom. But, whaddayado? So Millie ended up in a pea, fashioned from a pair of Gap pajamas and a repurposed green pillow I fiddled with. Ta-stinkin-da.

On Friday, I was lucky to drive the costume cavalry carpool to preschool.

My parent volunteer assignment at the school was helping out at the kids carnival during the day. It was so much fun! I had to dress up, but with a busy week and knowing I had somewhere dignified to be after, I ended up just throwing on my old cheer uniform. And if you think I hadn't dusted it off since '97, nope... last time I wore it was also 4 months postpartum, when Sophie was a football for her first Halloween and Michael was a football player. Let's just say I had to suck it in a little to get that button fastened!

Sophie's class pleasured us parent helpers with a few songs. I snap-snap-snapped my camera and in every picture, my kid is singing her blessed little heart out! (We're now planning a move to Hollywood) Apparently she's been making out with that kid on her right. Punk. At least, she says, they're married. I suppose an astronaut with cute dimples is a catch...

The kids circulated through the makeshift booths: ring toss, temporary tattoos, bowling, beanbag toss (I was in charge of that one), fishing...

I love this shot of Lucy. I asked her to show me her tattoo. Looks like she's flashing a gang sign. Whaddup, punkinyo...

On Halloween Day, we trick-or-treated to the Great Grandmas. First, Michael's...

... then, mine.

We stopped at Michael's parents' place.

Our neighborhood has a chili/hotdog/potato feed at the church each year. It is always packed! The best part is the young families are starting to really get into the dressing up spirit: one family was the cast of Toy Story, Little Kate and crew were the Peter Pan ensemble. The best may have been the family that showed up as Napoleon Dynamite (the mom!), Pedro, Side Ponytail Girl and Rex Kwon Do. The punch line: the husband/wife actually wrote and directed the film. It was hilarious!

Michael had a football game at the U (for the record: BOO to the U for planning a night game on Halloween). So, mommy and girls headed down to Howells for the annual scone night.

For Marianne (sorry for the icky exposure)...

Stephinanny was a hit with Millie. Honestly, she is magic with the kiddos. The beginning of a beautiful friendship...

Remember when you did this as a kid? Megan and Kaylie and some college boys desperate for their affection took Allie (Mulan) and Soph trick or treating. Cause my kid seriously needs more candy in her life.

Autumn Leaves

Be still, my beating heart...

Ready, set...

... THROW!
Time to clean up...

"Wait a second," she says. "I got a great idea."

"It tickles," she giggles.

"Surprise, Zeddie!" she shouts.

"Time to go inside, Bug," I say. Sad.

What Mommy Says...

You learn a lot about yourself and your parenting techniques when your kid is playing "Mommy" with her toys in the backseat. First, when she plays "Mommy," her toys do not become "Baby" or "Daughter," they are all her "Sweethearts." So I got a hit and a miss this week:

HIT: "Sweetheart, you wanna go home and plant some bulbs? Ok, let's go plant bulbs." (awww)
MISS: "Sweetheart, I tell you twenty times... stay. by. me." (after a frustrating trip to Target)

WINNER!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

6 

Timestamp: 2009-10-22 04:31:16 UTC

CONGRATULATIONS to lucky #6, JenSwen! Yippee to my cute friend who lives just up the street (so I save on postage... I ask: who's the real winner here?!), who said:

"I know I read that book when I was a kid but I can't remember what it was about. My favorite memory is when you got me addicted to Spoon Me when we were both in our first trimesters of pregnancy. It tasted so great at the time but I can't eat it anymore because it reminds me of pregnancy nausea!"

THANK YOU to all 16 of you (don't the rest of you wish you commented?!) who entered my silly little giveaway. I thought by asking for memories, I was setting myself up for really random embarrassment. Instead, your messages were actually very touching. Funny thing is, I think without realizing it I really needed each one of your sweet messages.

And so, in short and unworthy response:

JONI: I was so thrilled to introduce you to the world of luxurious relaxation!

LAURA: I can shut my eyes and still imagine you doubled over whimpering as our prisoner escaped. You are my childhood.

LANEY: That night definitely sticks out to me. Seems so long ago! Michael loved the reminder of his "chick" comment. We're so happy you've found your way to UT.

TAMMY: Oh my gosh, why were you even friends with me at all?!

KELLY: I know who not to tell my secrets to... (just kidding). Thank you for inspiring me.

JEN: Thanks for going to Spoon Me with me, even though I'm old. That smell, that taste, also reminds me of early pregnancy!

KING LADY: Let's be dear friends. If you are in any way connected to Annie, I admire you. And my husband doesn't do Olive Garden, either.

JANIE: A Mormon Mom acting more drunk than the guys at the hotel bar... that's a winner of a memory.

MEGAN: Go and make me cry, why don't you?! You, my sweet little girl, have a special piece of my heart. A big ol' chunk, actually. Sometime soon, we need to dress you and Sophie in matching overalls and take your picture by the bell tower.

GINA: Ri can have my juice any time. Thanks for letting us take naked pictures of you (for other readers... it really wasn't like that). Lucky to have you. Loves.

MARIANNE: How come you're good at, like, everything? And you do it with such flair, such style. I want your skills.

ANDREW: First, the opposite sex flirting with me? Um, you're ridiculous. And second, you're absolutely right... nobody stood a chance next to my all-star. So glad we could share that time of our lives together, and have continued to make memories with our families, from girls weekend to Sophie's first date!

KATIE: You know those friends that are just meant to be somehow? You're mine. And I love you. Hope you don't mind.

JENNY: Why don't we do more sporadic hangouts? That day felt so good! You've been just what I needed to adjust to a new life in Utah. Thank you for your friendship, and celeb tidbits.

LAURA AGAIN: I don't remember your relatives, but honestly... I will NEVER forget "I Saw the Sign!"

Love,

AL

Giveaway: Happy 100 to Me!

100 is my favorite number. Oh, wait... besides 7, which I consider lucky. And 14, my junior high soccer number. But today we're talking about 100.

Why the love for 100? If you want to start with my childhood, my nerdy self (I'm bragging, not apologizing) would settle for nothing less on my spelling tests in elementary school. In fact, I can remember the one time I did not get 100%: in the 2nd grade, I misspelled "tomorrow." I hate tomorrow.

More recently, Millie weighed in at 100% ideal weight for her height at her 4 month appointment. I'm so proud of my little rollie-pollie! Wait, how do you spell rollie-pollie?

And even more recently, this is my 100th blog post. I know, I know. This is a big deal. I actually stuck with it this long. I've only ever dated one guy this long... and I married him.

In celebration of my centennial blog post, I'm doing something I've never done before... something my friend Katie says everyone must do at some point on their blog. I'm hosting a giveaway.

Here's the loot:

A $25 gift card to Olive Garden. Also valid at Red Lobster and Bahama Breeze.

A copy of my favorite childhood book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.

A bag of my favorite candy, Peanut M&Ms. I eat them for my conscience, cause peanuts have protein. Don't they?

TO ENTER:

I'm curious who actually reads my blog. So if you leave a comment on this post, whether you've ever commented before or if you even know me, you're entered. BUT, let's see... in your comment you have to include something witty, like your favorite memory of us. And if we don't have any memories together (cause you don't know me... or hey, don't like me), then tell me how you got here. If you went by my past "comments," you've got some pretty darn good odds. I mean, I'm averaging, like, 2.

The contest ends on or about Wednesday, October 21. Cause if 7 and 14 were a series, 21 would be next. Winner chosen randomly. Friends and family of moi are absolutely eligible to win. Be sure to include some way to contact you in case you win.

Smooches.

Spooks at Gardner Village

The Good: Friends. The Bad: Crowds. The Ugly: Gardner Village Witches.

Is there more to the witches at Gardner Village, other than weird stuffed ladies perched here and there? Maybe I'm missing something. Sophie's observation: "She have big boom-booms," promptly followed by a poke.

I'm laughing at how long Allie's legs are compared to Sophie's!

Apparently, someone was shocked by the witches (or maybe just the big boom-booms)...

The lineup of friends: Gina and Ri...

Myra with Millie (recovered from the shock)...

Marianne and little smoochable Eleanor...

Uh-oh. A black cat crossed our path. Spooky.

So we had to chase it.

And pet it. Until it got annoyed and ran off.

No matter. Turns out we had our own little kitties.