the perfect winter day

We had heard about a chance of snow coming - and I was thrilled at the opportunity for the kids to see it once more - but no one could have ever anticipated 6 inches of heaven's floor falling into our backyard....



I've always had such a pure fondness of the white stuff. When I was younger, a snow day in Queens, NY felt like I had just won the powerball lottery - in other words - schools closed. Mom stayed home from work with us and bought us chocolates (it was the little things I suppose, but they meant so much) and we played, stomped, and floated on the clouds the entire day - until our fingers froze off...



... But that's how it was for us - days and days of mountainous snow leaving me suspended in all its wonder... trying to figure out what happened to the life beneath our feet, and why everything, for once, looked the same in NYC.



I had forgotten how lovely this weather could be.... and yummy, because that's the first thing Ava wanted to do...



Aaron and I started working on a snowman right away, and the kids helped shovel snow into piles... well, almost. Noah found it more intriguing to watch it plop, drop, and melt away in the pool....



The three of us were so cold (and whiny) by the time our snowman's head was formed, that we bolted straight for the door - leaving Aaron to finish dressing up our new visitor... buttons, sticks, a carrot nose and all...



Thank you mother nature! I had forgotten so quickly (in these 20 years I've been hibernating down South) how simply beautiful you carry yourself this time of year. Please come back again next winter - Ava and Noah are anxiously waiting...

grandpa & ava celebrate

Dad turned um 70-something this year - and we couldn't believe how incredibly fast another birthday approached. I guess we tend to say that about every birthday - but still... it really does feel like it. Every annual celebration seems to remind me, "hey, we were just here weren't we?" And then I quickly count my blessings for all the celebrations we have shared in between.

Since half of my family was traveling overseas on Ava's Birthday in January, and they missed seeing her "turn 4" - we celebrated both Grandpa and Ava's birthday tonight.

Since it was Dad's birthday, we sang our usual "Happy Birthday" chant first for him, and without notice, Dad puffed all the candles out in one breath! [Which as you can see, I wasn't able to capture on camera]. We marveled at his lungs and at the same time, Ava's priceless expression - as she watched the candles extinguish into smoke. We all laughed so hard at this episode, but quickly realized Ava wasn't laughing - Which made Ava's comic dilema into something really hilarious for us all - that even Ava eventually turned her grin into a laughing spell - and we lit the candles again - just for her...

Ava was so ecstatic about the whole ordeal, it was like having another birthday! Chocolate cake - her favorite! And those she loves around her... that she actually thought she turned 5 when she blew out her candles... [smile]







When my sister Roshana was little and had birthday parties - it was always too cold to be outside - so they mostly consisted of indoor festivities. And because we lived in an apartment at the time, we didn't have a tree to hang the beloved game of swinging at a pinata. Except when my little sister turned 7, when my Dad unwillingly held a pinata up for her and her "Macarena-crazed" friends to beat up with a wooden spoon. He didn't realize he was suppose to stand still - and instead, had fun swinging and raising the pinata - challenging and frustrating the little girls to no end... And in return, they instead swatted at my Dad's shins - making him shriek after every swing - and making us cry watching in sheer laughter.

So we asked Dad again - for old times sake - and being the best Dad that he is - he did - and he swung the candy-filled paper mache until we cried with laughter once again... for old times sake...




After they collected all their goodies, we did what Ava loves best - painting...





And the whole family got involved. Because art has a way of bringing everyone to the table with messy creativity...

It was a special day - not just because we laughed a lot that we cried - but because occasions like these are not to be missed - even if you have to throw another party again [thanks to Mom who did all the honors - thank you Mom!] It's just nice to be able to re-create memories for our children so that they have their loved ones around - for moments like these and the everyday.

working space for the kids

Working from home the past three years has been for the most part - a chance to be a part of two worlds. In the beginning, the kids were confused as to when and how often they could come in and be with "mommy" - Noah would waltz right in to inform me which of his cars had a flat tire, and Ava would want to type on my computer or spin in my chair...

Last Fall, Ava started to pout when Aaron would put on her coat. Noah would wait by the door (he loves to be outdoors) while Ava agonized over the idea of having to go outside. "You've got to be kidding me!" she'd say with arms in the air and curly hair flopping over her face.


We've tried different approaches to this design, from locking the door to even hiding in my office - But I realized that Ava yearned for a place of her own at home - aside from her bedroom where she dreams, reads, and has tea parties - she wanted a place, at home, where she could "work" and create "like Mommy" - so we let her be a part of this transition and help bring her vision to life...





You've probably seen some of Ava's recent art studio pictures from previous posts like this one- but I forgot to post this one, where Ava was so excited to receive my old computer, she fell asleep at her desk waiting for Aaron to finish setting up her "account." This desk was Noah's changing pad table - which I found at a flea market for $10 painted already in nursery colors of yellow and blue. So we pulled it out of storage and bought a quart of high-glossy red for the new art studio's table. After Aaron stripped it down to the grain, I fell in love with it the way it was (even with the remnants of the pale yellow), and shelved the red for another project...



At first I was hesitant to hand down my old computer to her at this age, but we gave it a try, and I'm happy to report that this was another way for her to secure some independence - challenge herself in a fun way, and even learn how to manage her time responsibly.



Ava and Noah's studio gives them a place to get messy, creative, and even escape- the kids are masterminding treasure hunts, winning computer games, and assembling wheels to rocket drills. (Thanks Daddy!)

But what I love the most about this change last fall, is that I get surprises like these - waiting on my desk...



now, onto finding a bigger office space for me than this desk....

article featured on Savvy - "happiness & parenting"

A parent of two who loves to write - are ingredients for one thing: writing about parenting. This month on Savvysource, child experts, writers (and parents) talk about "life is what we make it: happiness & parenting" - and I was privileged to be asked to join the discussion with my own piece. If you have an extra moment, the article can be found here. Please chime in at Savvy or here on The Art of Family, and share what happiness and parenting is like for you... Enjoy!

take the parent quiz!

There's a new widget on the site (see left) from SavvySource, an online parenting website where parents can talk, ask questions, track their child's developmental stages and more. You can personalize your membership, share photos and tips on favorite toys, books, and places to visit locally.

Take the quiz by clicking the widget on left - or join by visiting SavvySource.com today.

And to my local Moms, the Dallas group needs you! We're a big town - with lots of parenting choices (best playgrounds, restaurants, what to do when my kids throws a tantrum at the library... that sort of thing). So join us. Add your friends. Talk - and let's share the wealth of wisdom we are learning through this crazy thing called parenting!

ava's 4th birthday

The big day has arrived! Last night I asked Ava how she felt about no longer being 3 - but the real question was daunting for Aaron and I - how do we feel about Ava turning 4! Everyday she seems to be enlightened with new wisdom and character - and it's a hard process to watch as a parent. I know, I know - she's just 4 - but still, she was a baby in my arms not so long ago.

Our morning started quickly - and Ava found her surprise birthday presents in her room from us and my family (who couldn't be here today because of travel). Rather than getting ready, we sat with her and let her open each box at a time. And an extra special gift (Thanks Aunt Wagma and Uncle Masaud) - Noah received a special brother-of-the-birthday-girl present of his own...





The party kicked off at 11 am, and the guests arrived promptly to get started.













Bobby made some pinwheels while Ava started to make masks. After a few were done, the air-dry sculpting clay came out - and both little and big kids got their hands dirty rolling, shaping, and creating masterpieces of their own...





For lunch, we included some of Ava's favorites - tuna fish sandwhichs, fruit bowls using waffle cone cups, and a large lollipop centerpiece display (arranged on foam inserted into a paint bucket). Silverware were wrapped into napkins and tied with strings of colorful twizzlers.



After lunch, we brought out the cake from our favorite bakery shop (same baker I've used since my 16th birthday), and surrounded the birthday girl with her best friends, Noah, Bobby and Taylor to sing Happy Birthday. Ava always enjoys this moment - and I can tell because she always makes the same bashful face - smiling wide, making eye contact with everyone in the room...



Blowing out the candles felt like a ribbon cutting - she was officially 4 and she knew exactly what to do- including covering Noah's mouth so he wouldn't blow out her candles first.





Ava had a lot of fun and enjoyed the morning the way she wanted. And I found myself refraining from redirecting her to finish a project, sit down, or eat her lunch. It was her day - and she did what she wanted to do. Including making all of us wait while she dashed back to her room, and dash back only to trip into the dining room. I looked at her amazed - "Ava what are you doing?" And then realized with such humility, that she wanted to wear her pink feathery birthday hat - a keepsake from her 1st birthday. [smile].

As the day wrapped up, she continued to revel in her new 4 year old suit. And it is within her choices, conversations, laughter, compassion for people, free spirit to be happy - and make others happy - that makes us so blessed to watch her grow so miraculously before us.



Happy Birthday baby girl...

art party - memorable take home favors

I have a soft spot for party favors. From baby showers to weddings, favors are those little gems that guests take home as a memento from the wonderful occasion. I can still remember the party favor I received from the first birthday party I ever attended as a child. I think it's such a wonderful way to make every child feel special and included to receive a gift at a birthday party - and not just the birthday girl.

It was inevitable that the container to use for the favors had to be paint cans. I found these clear ones online, and ordered a box set - for under $2 a piece. Fill the bottom with shredded color paper, add candy and trinkets you find at your local party store. I included a stamp set and jar of bubbles.





I was exceptionally ecstatic to find Pop Rocks candy with actual paint rollers for dipping - that I went to two stores to get enough for the favors.



For the "thank you" message, I picked up some fun colorful paint sample chips (Home Depot) and glued them together to create a paint deck of 4 colors- then clipped them to the side of the handle. To prop the handle up so that the kids could grab the container, I inserted foam paint rollers (in the center and tied it with streamers.



And of course, while I don't mind sending kids home with more sugar and candy - I thought it would be fair to also send them home with a trousseu of art supplies to create master pieces of their own.




Art Party Guest Favors - Our Tips
1. Favors are no doubt an extra expense. A simple notebook with watercolors wrapped together with a beautiful bow would be fantastic giveaway too! Depending on the amount of children you are hosting, splurge on what you feel is right. But don't forget to include something nonperishable too - like a paint brush, or personalized apron.

And if you shop throughout the year and collect some pieces during sales, you'll find yourself inspired to create memorable guest favors long after the party is over. Except for the candy - every thing can be reused - which parents love!

Our favors ran approx $10 each, but we planned ahead for that - since we only had 6 to make.

Have a favor idea? Please share your ideas here...

planning a preschooler art party

For Ava's fourth birthday, we decided to do an Art Party theme. It was an easy choice - considering my former home office was turned into the children's art studio - and our home decor is filled with masterpieces the kids created since they could hold a brush. Ava has always embraced art, and a few years ago, she even painted canvases and gave them away as party favors. So we took this idea and ran with it...

The invitations went out, and I had fun making this just using the home computer and card stock. A new paintbrush taped to the side quickly turned this dull card into something fun for the kids receiving them in the mail...



Once the theme was finalized, we set to work on finding age-appropriate art activities the children could have fun with. Online shopping at Oriental Trading proved fun - including purchasing loots of jewels, clear paint cans for favors, foam paint brushes to embellish the favors, child-size aprons for each guest to use and take home, and crafty activities to keep the tiny artists busy - including canvas painting, making pinwheels, masks, and tote bags...

Each child had a seat at the art table - noted by these wonderful chalkboard labels I found at Pottery Barn Kids.



Square canvases were then propped on miniature easels, along with acrylic paint trays for for each to use...





I brought in a fold up table and covered it with a washable tablecloth to set the stage for the art supplies... using a lot of what we already had at home. I even used one of Ava's pottery sculptures to house scissors, and tin baskets to contain each art activity...





I used quart and gallon sized paint cans to hold the art supplies and even an arrangement of flowers as the centerpiece for the table. There are a lot of wonderful ideas available - but I knew for a 2-hour party, we had to select just a few, while providing a variety for the 2 boys and 2 girls attending the party...

Planning an Art Party - Our Tips
1. Craft stores sometimes run specials on canvases - pick some up throughout the year for just under $4 a piece - to use with the kids anytime of the year - or for an art party! (Tip: Michaels and Joann's run 40% coupons weekly)

2. Use easels to mount the canvas, and make the artist feel as if they were painting in a gallery of the vatican. I scored these great finds in the frame section of Wal-Mart for under $7 a piece.

3. We normally reuse egg cartons to pour paint for the kids - but then I discovered white washable plastic trays - also at Wal-Mart - for just under $1 each. We also purchased 8 jars of acrylic paints ($2 each) to fill their palettes with.

4. Aprons - although we asked our guest to "come dressed messy" - it's still a sweet touch to provide aprons for the kids they can reuse over and over again. These can also be personalized with names, or draped over their chairs. You can pick up a pack of 6 for $17 from Oriental Trading.

5. Use what you have - more than likely you have glue, crayons, markers, and stickers to help spark creativity at the art table. Bring these out and display them with quart and gallon sized paint cans ($4 each from Home Depot).

Christmas 2009

Last night, as I gave the kids their stockings to hang by the fireplace, I found myself saying, "you have to hang them up if you want to get treats from Santa." I'm not sure why I came up with that after my "there's no such thing as Santa" speech- but I did. And this morning the kids found their stockings filled with small toys and candy from "Santa" and wrapped presents under the tree from Mommy and Daddy...







Presents were opened one at a time, and it quickly became clear how the joy of unwrapping a "surprise" was more thrilling than the actual gift itself. Still - they gathered their toys and started playing.









Every year, Aaron takes first prize for creatively wrapping his gifts for me. This one being a jewelry box inside a balloon - which was wrapped and actually pinned to the ceiling...



and this one - where he put his carpentry skills to work and concealed another jewelry box inside this box he made from scrap wood screwed shut, with hand painted lettering, and then double-chained shut. [smile]



The kids helped him pick out the jewelry and paint this box - and as I put them on and started the morning routine, Ava asked me, "Mom, did you get everything you wanted from Santa?"

Surprised - I answered with a happy yes and asked the same of her.

She didn't respond and I repeated my question to her several more times before I got this:

"Santa didn't bring me the Jasmine doll I wanted."

Yes - Aaron and I were crushed. The very single thing I was afraid of - happened. Ava's expectation from "Santa" failed her - we failed her. And I regretted not doing a better job of reinforcing what Christmas presents were all about.

Looking back, some of my most favorable moments of the holidays was when we first brought home our tree and decorated the house... sat around and made gifts for our family members - and then watching their faces light up bashfully as the kids gave them away. I loved how we ate snow... and sipped on hot cocoa overloaded with marshmallows. Made christmas trees out of toilet paper rolls, and painted ornaments... It is all of these moments that resonate best the joy of the holidays - and not what was inside a wrapped box. We've learned a lot this year - thanks to Ava and Noah who have helped us sort through this flurry and realize that we're so blessed - and the greatest way we can show our appreciation for one another - is the gift of time...

So we baked cookies... and ate more freezing snow by the fire... [smile].





After all the anxiety that went into planning a traditional holiday for the kids - everything followed its own course today - simplified - and simply beautiful...