All Things Buttons.

Alex and I got to experience a Mother-Son Date when we stepped out to see "Coraline". If you haven't seen it yet, seriously, run to the theater, quickly. The 3D animation is so subtle, the artistry is truly magnificent and the story line is hauntingly accurate. Besides in two weeks, it will be replaced by the Jonas Brothers in 3D movie. There is no justice in this world, is there??

For those of you who don't know the Neil Gaiman (yes, I am mentioning him again...he bears repeating...and hey, he just won a Newbery Medal so please do check him out) story, it's about a little girl, Coraline, who wants nothing more than for her parents to pay more attention to her. I mean what kid hasn't thought that especially in our crazy, online 24/7 world? I know all my children have their hands up.

After her parents move into an old, decaying house, Coraline discovers a small door that leads to an alternate world where she meets her Other Mother who is kind and thoughtful and cooks all her favorite treats. Like breakfast for dinner - hey, I do that, too. But, in my world it's called Mommy-Has-Nothing-Prepped-Let's-Eat-Pancakes kids.

Alex and I enjoyed the movie thoroughly. And I plan to take Kata to see it as well. Bella's not quite ready. It is a dark movie but so enjoyable. If your child can sit through Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and The Nightmare Before Christmas, I believe they would be fine seeing the movie. If you are a grown up - go see it by all means. And marvel at the popcorn cherry blossoms and the tiny knitted sweaters on Coraline.

It was so magical, that we had to play with our own button jar. Here's Bella's version of Coraline. And yes, we are now reading the book together as a family. Once again, thank you, Mr. Gaiman for an enchanting, dark, funny, moving tale.


Wishing you an enchantingly dark moment. Go see the movie.

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All Things Twitchy Witchy Girls.

"Oh my twitchy witchy girl, I think you are so nice, I give you bowls of
porridge, and I give you bowls of ice cream, I give you lots of kisses, and I
give you lots of hugs, but I never give you sandwiches with bugs, in. "
- Neil Gaiman, Coraline

I know I've mentioned it once or twice or even thrice...but the girls love "Coraline". Mostly Kata. It was a little too scary for Bella but having a Big Sister who is a reader helps. Kata's read the book twice. And she's seen the movie twice.

And all Kata wants is to have hair "like Coraline". So today, with the help of some Mommy Magic and Sheer Cleverness, we did it. Little Coraline-esque streaks. Aren't they lovely and glamorous?? We sure think so.


Wishing you lots of kisses and lots of hugs, but never ever sandwiches with bugs, in. Follow in our footsteps and make a small wish of yours come true today.

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All Things Party On.

As most of you know, our middle child was born on New Year's Eve. While we love the celebratory nature of our Party Girl, it's always a little tricky to schedule her actual party with all the other holiday events not to mention school break.

This year she wanted nothing more than a party at Ballocity. See that structure? That's it. That is Ballocity. It's a great place for kids to burn up excess energy especially in winter time.

She wanted a Coraline cake but settled graciously for a Tinker Bell one. I mean, can there be any more butter cream goodness??

And the grand moment. She was seven. Well, not officially.

See this little boy? He apparently has a crush on our Kata. This is what first love should be like. All smiles. No touching.

She got the chance to go into the Wind Machine and Kata, being Kata, grabbed all the coupons she could. Note Bella's wonder-filled smile.

And more of Bella's smiling self. Yes, I know, she's laying plans right now for her own 7th Birthday. Let's see if we can make it to her 5th, first.

Present time. Look at the big brothers (Alex and his friend, Ethan, upper right hand corner) glancing over everything. No doubt plotting what toys they could take over.

I've decided to go through all of our December posts in, that's right, January. It's the only way I can catch up. So thank you for bearing with me and this process. Now go out and enjoy your day and hey, add a little butter cream to it. That will only sweeten the moment, trust me.

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All Things What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Our New Year's Eve Baby turned SEVEN. We can't believe it either. Seven years of having our intelligent, book loving, ballerina around.

She loved her nano from all three of her grandparents.

And the Coraline doll, lunchbox and shirt from the rest of us.


After the lunch of her choice, Port Of Subs, we stopped by Build-A-Bear Workshop because Bella was determined to get Kata a bear for her birthday. I mean, she was determined. She even saved her allowance money. I know, she's four and a half but look at the pride on her face.


Kata also wanted to go see "The Princess and the Frog" so after the movie what is better than appropriately themed cupcakes??

I wish her many magical, princess filled moments and I know you do, too. There is nothing quite like getting a chance to celebrate your seventh birthday, at last.

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All Things Tea Party.

I admit that I just love Tim Burton so imagine my delight when I saw that he was doing a version of "Alice in Wonderland"??

Kata, as you know, adores everything that's dark fantasy (remember how much she loves Coraline?) and for months, she was begging me to take her to the movie. Well, I did and you know what?? We loved it. Absolutely LOVED it.

It paid perfect homage to the Disney original cartoon version. Johnny Depp was sad, mad and absolutely perfect for the role of Mad Hatter and oh, his relationship with Alice reminded me a little of the Scarecrow's relationship with Dorothy in "Wizard of Oz". And wow, the ending was INCREDIBLE.

If you have a little girl who is not terribly afraid of movies like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" or the original "Snow White", take her to see this version of Alice. Here's to strong girl characters everywhere! Thank you, Mr. Burton, for creating yet another masterpiece.

Oh yes, and then we had to stop and take a picture by Mommy's Movie Obsession. No further comments are needed.

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