A New Bio

Every year our family photos are taken at the beach by the incredibly talented Pam & Jensen Bell.

It seems our bios change as life evolves. One would think it would be the same, but then we move, have more kids, start drinking coffee, quit drinking coffee, consider starting on coffee again (its been that sort of year...). As relationships ripen, knowledge grows, and interests change, so naturally do our biographies. But what about those autobiographies we read? What would their lives look like at snapshot intervals? Mild mannered, extremely spirited, a quiet listener, can over the course of a lifetime someone hold all of these traits, given different stages and circumstances?

This is the thought process over the summer as I have slowly worked on a new bio. I am not sure I can ever call it finished, but for now lets just say published, it seems both permanent while being not yet final, there are always revised editions, no?

My imperfect bio:

I'm Shannon, married to best friend Mark. Together we are navigating the crazy world of parenting two boys. We call ourselves accidental urbanites, never having imagined we would be raising our family in the heart of a city. Our sons, Behr and Hudson love to be loud and on the go, just like most of Washington, DC. They fit right in. 

I have a list of ever evolving passions, most recently creating a healthier home, eating local, reducing the use of chemicals, and fostering positive conversations. I aim to wake up first, do some yoga and read my bible. This is a goal, not yet a committed practice. This past year I quit coffee, started and ebook (coming soon!), learned to bake and began painting again. I never quite know how to foster my creative outlets, but I love to help others foster theirs.

This little blog began after a big move away from friends and family.  It started as a place to journal, keep up to date with friends afar, and store my inspirations (before pinterest!).  Today, this blog is all that and more, becoming an incredible community of friends across the world. I blog about the bits of life that inspire me and I hope inspire you as well.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you'll say hello and stay a while!

Also, I really hope to get a chance to chat with those of you who are going to The Influence Conference. I am very excited to hear Ellen speak and wouldn't ever consider leaving the house without multiple pens in various colors. I process by writing things down. At the moment, these are my favorite.

If you are going to Influence this year, will you link up with us?

Disclaimer: compensated affiliate links may be used in this post.

The Girl Behind the Blog, I Vlogged...again!

I think that this blog world can be a huge encouragement, I have made friends along the way, and I deeply miss connecting with women online when life gets crazy and I have been away from my computer for days. Here is my mini vlog, but seriously, hop over and join Ashley or Nadine on their blogs to find more women sharing why they find blogging to be an encouragement in their lives too!

Our Life Lately, and questions for you!

Sometimes I get bogged down with what to blog about because there is so much I want to share and so few coherent thoughts. This is one of the million reasons I love Blair from Wild and Precious. Guys, "Life Lately" might be my most favorite blog link up ever.

Here is what has been going on in our house.

This Space
I am getting back into blogging again and realizing how much I missed connecting with all of you. One of my main goals is to get the #bloggerbookclub going again. Here is my plan for the next few months. Will you join me?

pssst. CSA season started and I have a bunch of new recipes to share over the next few weeks AND a seasonal eating shopping list coming to my etsy shop soon. I can't wait to show you!

I yell. 
A lot. At my kids. Even Hudson.
This post is convicting and reminding me that I need to find alternative outlets. I can already see how my yelling at Behr is changing him, and it has only been three weeks since he finished daycare and started spending the full day with me.

Parks
We have been spending most of our days at parks recently. The sea-saw or teeter totter (what is it actually called anyway?) is our favorite, but climbing obstacles are a close second. Everything is higher and faster for Behr these days.

I never imagined how many lessons there would be on playground equipment. We are all learning together as a family from how to share and take turns, to why some parks have completely different demographics at different times of the week. Mostly we are learning how to love and care for our friends, even new ones. I am learning how to have meaningful conversations with other moms and nannies, a huge challenge for me that I never anticipated. And we are learning the times of days that are best for playing and best for sleeping. Because going all day surely leads to meltdowns for all of us.

We are not sleeping.
Hudson is a champ. I won't say any more for fear that his sleep will change. But Behr is a never tiring ball of energy. We literally crash hard mid-afternoon which results in a harried evening. How do you handle nap time with a child who has abundant energy? I am at a loss and desperately seeking a schedule that serves us all better.

Little Days
This is a Thursday link up that I have been hosting. The goal was to pick up where Morgan was with Small Style - a weekly sharing of our kids. I also wanted a regular outlet to talk about the simple and sweet moments of my week that aren't always "blog-worthy" but that I know I want captured for our family to remember. Give me feedback. I would love to know your thoughts on this...should I drop it? will you join me? should I bring in co-hosts? what do you think about link ups? comment away!

Do you know me?
I have quite a few readers {dare I say lurkers} who I don't really know. Do you feel like you know me? Is there more you want to see or have me share? What do you want to know?

Very First Vlog

Hudson is now two months old. Today! Clarity is just beginning to return. There have been moments when I felt like we were out of the woods, but really, the past week has been incredibly different than the previous seven. I can't quite identify why things are different, but I attribute most of it to Hudson being more interactive and eating not quite as frequently as his previous panic feeding pace.

I am so excited to be getting back to this blog, and kicking it off with my very first vlog. Its a bit awkward, but ultimately, I think it actually might be as close to sitting across from me having coffee as you can possibly get when you are recording yourself.

I mentioned I am linking up in two places: #SheReadsTruth (Happy One Year!) and with Blair at Wild and Precious. Guys, seriously, check out these ladies. They make the online community worth investing in.

The boys are eager to get out to the park now that they are both awake. You might come back later and see this last paragraphed switched out for more real writing if bedtime goes smoothly tonight. A mom can hope, right?

Thanks for sticking with me through the silence. Happy to be back.

An Influence Meet Up + a bit about me

My mom snapped some photos while we were out and about this weekend. They might be the best maternity photos I have from this pregnancy. Plus, I was super excited because my non-maternity stitchfix top actually fit!

I am super excited about today's post - a chance for the women of The Influence Network to meet up and get to know one another better! If you haven't heard about it, read more here.  We would love to have you be part of our meet up/link up. Here are the rules:

1. you must be (or become!) a member of the Influence Network. 
2. one you link up, visit the person before you and share the love in their comment section (and a few others while you are at it!)
3.  in your post, include the following things: A photo of yourself that you love. Three get-to-know-me things. One valuable thing you've gained from The Influence Network. 

Here it goes...

Three things about me:

// I am 37.5 weeks pregnant and oh, so ready to welcome my second son into our itty bitty DC apartment. My family will literally be living on top of each other but we wouldn't have it any other way. We are so grateful that God has blessed us with two boys. Now we just can't wait to get to meet the little guy!

// I am an organized hoarder. I like everything meticulously sorted and yet I cringe when considering throwing things away. I have photos from high school and middle school in our closet, every christmas card we've received since 2006, and all of Behr's art projects from daycare. Each of these items is organized by date or size accordingly.

// When it comes to food I have an identity crisis. I visit markets, have participated in a CSA for years, and try my best to eat fresh and local. But I love the greasy beef tacos my work cafeteria sells, keep chocolate stashed away, and favorite condiment is sour cream. And yet, I research where my beef grazed, eat all of the crazy veggies that most people shy away from, and prefer to make food from scratch to avoid processed ingredients. For as healthy as I eat, I also spent most of my first pregnancy (with Behr) noshing on microwavable ez-mac. Question for the more experienced moms out there, how do you eat cookies without your kids catching you? :)

The most favorite thing I have learned on the influence network: 

// When you start a tweet with @twittername only people who follow you and that person see the tweet. This is just a tiny tip in the grand scheme of strategy points I have learned about twitter, pinterest, and ebooks along the way. And yet, it has liberated my tweets a bit. So now a few people get to see tweets between me and my sisters like this:

Yes, this seems crazy trivial. But the point is, I likely would have never figured out this small bit of info about twitter that changes the way I use the social media platform. Every time I turn around, The Influence Network is chock full of more tidbits that potential game changers. Now...go sign up and join the fun! I'd love to know you more through this link up! (psst...you can see all of the hosts of the link up on The Influence Blog)

Sharing the love...

My thoughts are all a jumble recently. I have been reflective on family, values, and memories these past few days and then suddenly jolted into reality with a fall down a flight of stairs that landed me in Labor and Delivery (see here and here). So now my brain is foggy and looks something like this:

baby is coming next month

long check list...can I assign it all to Mark?

almost my birthday

what about Behr, does he feel neglected?

I want comfort food

I don't want to cook

coffee

baby is coming next month

doesn't baby deserve new things? not just hand me downs?

my birthday is next month

I wonder what I want for my birthday

I really like gifts

coffee

rest

sleep

birthday gifts?

two babies, two and under

can't wait for summer

did you know that gifts are my love language? snail mail is a close second.

So clearly, there isn't a whole lot of solid though for forming blog posts...thus I am going to simply share the love today.

First, a round up of some of my most favorite things from etsy from shops I have been loving recently. 

top: Little Hip Squeaks // Simply Adoravle // wee Stitchery // bottom: Ross Lab // RLPco // ARMINHO

One of each please. Well, maybe a few extras from each, especially the fab cards from Red Letter Paper Co.

Second, my favorite blogs*, nominated for "The Homies" on Apartment Therapy. Jump on over and vote (you have to sign in, but it's worth it.) *actually these are some of my friends and favorite people who also happen to blog. The pretty much rock all around!

Best Home Design and Inspiration - vote for Migonis Home
Best Home Projects and DIY - vote for Two Twenty One
Best Family & Kids - vote for two blogs: Tales of Me and the Husband and E Tells Tales
Best Healthy Cooking - vote for Peas and Thank You
Best Food Photography - vote for Cookie Monster Cooking

you can find links to all of these blogs in my side bar under "reading" along with a bunch more of my faves >>>

Thanks for taking a few minutes today and sharing the love. 

I would love to help share the love back...tell me your faves!

Are any of your favorite blogs nominated for The Homies? 

How about etsy? What are you loving these days?

I can't wait to hear what you are loving in the comments!

A round up.

Spending time at home with a sick kid while also trying to get a full work day in is no fun, no fun at all. But let me tell you. While we were home together, Behr was certainly my little buddy. Here are a few things from this week.

1. We spent a lot of time flipping through our blurb books. Behr loves looking at pictures of himself. His new phrase is "see me please" which means either on my phone, or the stack of books on our coffee table. Needless to say, we passed hours looking at Behr in print while he was sick. Now I need to go and order a new book from this past winter before my instagram overflows. I might even have to order a second of each just so they last through the years. The good news is Blurb is offering 20% off now through 2/14 with code MYBOOKLOVE.

2. I am creating a monster to do list before the baby comes....NEXT month! Happy February = almost baby time. Wahoo.

3. February also means Super Bowl time. Our house will be cheering for the Ravens. If you are throwing a party or simply watching the game these links should help you out.

4. After the Super Bowl, Alex and I are relaunching our Monday Nine to Five Feature showcasing some of our favorite bloggers. If you would like to be featured, or know a great blogger who would, email me.

5. Before the Super Bowl, I am hosting my first every pop-up shop on instagram. Follow @shopthescribbepad to join in the fun and snag some Valentine's for a special someone!

6. #bloggerbookclub just keeps getting better and better. We read all about Mindy this past month and will be reading Unbroken for February. Curl up on this blustery weekend and get a jump start on your reading. p.s. there is still time to comment on, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?"

7. Wow...I am totally starting to plug my blog here. Welp, let's just do it again. I am loving the #littledays link up. And would be thrilled if you would join me. That picture up there is one of my favorites. I love that the series kicks my but into capturing family moments. (link up with us, every Thursday)

8. If every day was like the morning of snuggles we had there, I would be in heaven. But some days are really challenging, and this week was full of them. This lady keeps being a huge encouragement towards mothering well. I look forward to learning from her each day.

9. I will be transitioning home on maternity leave in a few short weeks. Any tips for those early days? They seem like so long ago!

10. One tip I have for you is to jump on a farm share. It is about that time of year and for our family, the number one way we eat healthy - filling out house with produce each week! Here is the info on our farm share if you live in the DC area. But you can find one near you here.

Disclaimer: compensated affiliate links may be used in this post.

Updates + Updates

I have a few things I have been excited to share with you, but not sure if I should double post, how to string them together, make a impact and BAM Nicole from The Style Hatch (love that girl) hosted a link up for 5 random things. So here are mine...

1. I set some goals and I am sticking with them. It feels great! One of these goals was to finally post the invitations I have designed on etsy so more people can buy them. Throughout December, they will be added in batches (as I gussy up the pictures and ensure I had the original editable files...) Here is a snapshot of a few that were posted this week:

2. I have taken ZERO official pregnancy bump pictures this time around. There have been some shots on instagram. But mostly I am just feeling large and uncomfortable. I am pretty sure my second child is going to feel neglected and have serious life issues because of this. Or maybe just be grateful they don't have to weed through so many crazy pictures of their mom when looking for a baby picture for their high school year book.

3. My favorite part of Christmas is seeing the lights. This is one of my least favorite parts of living in a city. While my area of DC is fairly residential, it is nothing like driving through suburbia and admiring house after house decorated a la National Lampoons. So, I am teaming up with some of my favorite bloggers to host a Sharing Christmas link up on December 19th. Share your decorations, traditions, recipes, whatever floats your boat! Here are the details:

p.s. this is also why this made me especially happy on our walk home last night. 

4. I am a wanna be fashionista. I actually sometimes dream I have a fashion blog...erkkkk... (sound of record scratching) The glitch is I don't actually like being in front of the camera. Do you like getting your picture taken? I am living my fashion blogger dreams through a blog I co-founded with my friend Alex:

5. I newly love sending video iMessages to my sisters instead of texts or emails. Have you tried it? This girl got me hooked.

Weekend of Festivities

The holidays are around the corner! Thanksgiving totally snuck up on my this year and I cannot believe it is next week...just a few short days away. As we prepare to be out of town, there are a few items getting crossed off my to-do list.

I finally sat down and ordered our Christmas cards. Boom.  But I haven't stopped oogeling the pictures we had taken when we were in Florida in September. (psst...the Christmas card picture isn't in this bunch...you will just have to wait and see for that one) They make me miss the beach, surprises me by how adorable Behr can be (as if I was ever in doubt) and I ache for the summer sunshine terribly.

If that weren't bad enough, I am also sorting through pictures and video clips from our recently trip to Puerto Rico...that was so secret I didn't even blog about it! I am pulling the trip together in a video as a keepsake of Karlene's fabulous 30th birthday. I promise, I will share them soon. Brilliant blue oceans, and lots of bare shoulders in these pictures people!

So to get in the Christmas spirit as we begin decorating, I created two boards on Minted.com to capture the feel I want for our Christmas this year. I am craving the classic red and white, but also want to make it whimsical and relatable for Behr to enjoy.

whimsy + bright board by Shannon. See more Minted photo holiday cards

classic christmas board by Shannon. See more holiday photo cards

What do you think? Do you go traditional when decorating? Or shake things up a bit? 

I would love to hear about your favorite part

stringing lights (white or colored),

wrapping gifts, 

belting our Mariah Carey Christmas tunes,

sending and receiving cards,

and what do you do with them? On the fridge? Or something else?

Tell me all about your Christmas spirit.

 Disclaimer: compensated affiliate links may be used in this post.

Rest and Trust

I have vacation pictures to share with you. Loads of pictures and stories and maybe even a video or two that I can't wait to put on this blog. I set aside last night for editting photos. Instead I watched two episodes of Dr. Who. (did you all know that this is my guilty pleasure? brittish sci-fy?)

I have a mounting to-do list, getting ready an alumni lacrosse game I am helping to coordinate, finishing making cards to sell at The Influence Conference a week after that, and settling after vacation. We have no milk, bread, or produce in our house. Thank goodness it is CSA day today, so at the very least we will have some apples and fall veggies. I feel like there is too much to do, and not enough time to finish. A break from blogging makes sense, but I already did that and was lazy instead of productive. Instead, I am going to keep chipping away at the thing on my to-do list that are important, cooking meals for my family, editting pictures from our vacation so we can cherish the memories, and reconnecting with good friends.

And while I do these things, and take time to rest, I will also be reflecting on this verse.

I am holding it tight.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart ~ Proverbs 3:5

It is just the reminder I need right now.

Tomato Saga

We had ourselves a bit of a tomato saga this summer. If you follow on instagram, you are likely all too familiar!

It went something like this:


Shannon buys two tomato plants requiring full sun for her mostly shaded balcony.

Mark shakes his head and obliges to plant them anyway.

Shannon tells CSA family she is going to make her tomato plants bear red fruit.

CSA family also shake their head.

Tomatoes grow...and develop bottom rot.

Shannon learns all about lime, but never adds any to her soil.

New batch of tomatoes grow, also with bottom rot.

Shannon sees renewed hope.

New batch of tomatoes grow and begin to turn red. No bottom rot!

September rolls around.

Shannon has harvested four beautiful tomatoes from two plants.

Success.

Shannon adds them to soup.


If you enjoy city living, then you will understand that the greatest accomplishment was keeping squirrels, birds, and even raccoons away from the ripening tomatoes. And if you have followed my blog from back when it first started, you will remember how many times I have fought this battle. Who would have ever thought that four tiny tomatoes would having me doing a victory dance?

August is for...

Vacations.

Family Time.

Slowing Down.

Rest.

Finding time to look for rainbows.

In our home, August is for all of these things. My camera is getting less use these days, nights of computer time have been replaced by family snuggle time. This month, blogging will be lighter than usual.  Blogging Book Club will continue. Join us to read Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda if you haven't started already. {pssst. mark your calendar for our discussion on August 23rd!} Nine to Five is on hiatus this month, as well all soak up the remaining bits of summer sunshine.

But take heart, there are some exciting things in store for September. I am changing the way I do sponsorships, more on that to come later. The layout here will be going through a bit of streamlining.And Saturday Shoes and Small Style may both be making a comeback...

Of course, you can always find me on instagram! 

What does August look like in your house? Are you slowing down, or have you already started gearing back up?

News from the Shop | Summer 2012

the scribble pad on etsy

Summer 2012 Newsletter

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skippack, pa

The Scribble Pad has landed in PA! Our cards are now being sold in an adorable brick and mortar shop right on the main drag of Historic Skippack Village. If you are in the Philadelphia/Lehigh Valley area and have not spent an afternoon strolling through Skippack, you are missing out. When you go, be sure to checkout Stitchwell Fabric.

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and! Not only am I going to Influence, but so is my shop! I am thrilled to announce that I am part of a group of handmade shop oweners that will make up the marketplace, hosted by Sashes to the Merchants.  We are so honored to be able to join this group of Christian women.

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#bloggerblitzchicago

Hand selected cards from our Modern Girl line will be given as gifts to all of this weekend's Blogger Blitz Chicago attendees. A huge thanks to Alison {AV} from Long Distance Loving for the collaboration.

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Finally, there are a few giveaways being lined up across the blog-o-sphere. But they are still a secret. Be sure to follow us on twitter to catch when and where to enter. @TheScribblePad

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Things have been busy, busy, busy for our etsy shop. New styles have been added and ideas are bubbling to make The Sashes Market a grand success. We are bowled over with excitement, and hope you are too!

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Calling July Sponsors

Since you all asked for more pictures of Behr, he decided to take it upon himself to begin asking people to sponsor our blog. Here is a funny picture of Behr that otherwise would not have made it to the blog.  He and the Mr. Ducky, (other aliases include, giant chew toy, teething toy, bath buddy, and rubber ducky) had a lengthy conversation in my parents front yard. It was too hilarious not to capture. If only we had it on video.

So what do you say?

We would love to have you as a sponsor. There are a limited number of spots available, and giveaways are offered on a first come first serve basis. I accept new sponsors any day of the month, but spots are filling up. If you are interested, email me.

p.s. don't forget to answer the asparagus questions!

Bits of Random

I have lots of posts ideas.

Very little motivation to pull them together.

I just want to snuggle with this little guy.

photos that otherwise never would have made a blog post. find me on instagram @TheScribblePad

But...I've been tagged (twice!) and totally slacked on carrying my end of the deal. So here it goes, bits of Random for your Thursday. Morgan tagged me ens ago to share 7 things no one else knows...and Whitney tagged me this week to answer 10 questions. Fortunately, most of the answers to these questions are things no one knows...so here is one big blogger tag post:

1. What is your Secret Single Behavior?
My poor husband has to deal with most of what would normally be classified as "secret single behavior." You know, peanut butter or icing on a spoon straight from the jar and then a double dip, leaving the bathroom door wide open (yes, girls do it to) but my most offensive is likely teeth brushing.

I am a full supporter of dental hygene. I floss on the regular, mouthwash is my friend, but late at night, I have a strong aversion to brushing my teeth. When I am tired, I literally hate brushing my teeth. It is painful to force myself to do it. So there you have it.

2. What book are you reading right now (be honest!)?
Coastal Living? When you become a mom can a magazine count as a book? I also read the magazines Whole Living and Working Mother. Three "books" a month? I am pretty proud of myself.

3. What are three books on your "to read" list?
I do have a few good books on my nightstand. Bloom, Honey for a Child's Heart, and on my wish list, Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches.

4. If you could go on a Blogger Friend Date with any blogger, who would you pick? (Besides me, of course)
I would really love to explore Gasparilla Island with Sarah Tucker...or follow/asist her for one of her weddings. We both love that little island, Florida, Weddings, al fresco dining, and traveling, so I think it would be a blast. She has such a great, and positive, out look on life, it would be great to spend some time seeing things through her eyes.

5. What is your most used Android/iPhone/iPad App?
My most used ap is likely Drop7, a game that I am addicted to. I also spend too much time on instagram or playing Words with Friends.

The apps I recommend the most are: Red Stamp, Left to Spend (simple budgeting tool), and the You Version Bible where I am currently doing the Soul Detox study along with #SheReadsTruth

6. What is a favorite memory of yours that is not related to your marriage and/or child(ren)?
Growing up my grandfather owned a jewelry store and my grandmother owned a florist shop in the same plaza. I would help them both by running their cash registeres, cleaning up, and heading down the sidewalk to order pizza for lunch for us all. My very first internship, and I was only in elementry school. Looking back, I probably was there while my parents were at the hospital with my brother, or for some other less than positive reason. But to me and my little mind, it was the most exciting place to be in the world.

7. What songs do you dance in the kitchen to?
I dance to pretty much anything, but we are not a huge music family {gasp!}. We have to remember to plug in the iPod. It is not second nature, and I will likely never own a record player, no matter how trendy they get.

I tend to sing songs to Behr that my Dad would sing while we were growing up, a lot of Bruce Springsteen and Dean Martin.

8. What is something you have learned about yourself through blogging?
I learned that I care more about graphic design, photo editting, and telling a good story than I ever thought I would. Too bad my college major was international affairs and economics.

9. What are your comfort foods?
Hands down, Philly Cheese Steak, every single time. My dad even sent me one for my birthday a few years ago. Let's just say my waist is glad I live in DC. I also love fresh fruit, bread with dipping oil, mac and cheese, and ice cream sandwiches.

10. What is the last song you purchased?
I completely forget. It was a few weeks ago. See question 7.




And because I am still in my lack of creativity rut, I tag the following people to answer the same questions, or to make up your own random question to answer:

Alex - the saga of a twenty-something
Brhea - no place lyke home
Susan - ava grace's closet
Julie - green eggs and hammes
Emily - tales for karina marie

One of those weekends.

We dropped off a lamp to be rewired.

Picked up some hardwood charcoal, the nice weather is begging us to break out the grill.

Went to the dry cleaners. It is only two blocks away, but never convenient.

Behr discovered peanut butter when he woke up early from his nap, interrupting my snack time.

I tried on nearly every piece of clothing in my closet, even my shoes.

Piles of clothes found new homes with friends, neighbors, and my sisters. The rest await a future clothing swap or consignment store run.

We replaced our shower curtain on a trip to the suburbs. The shower curtain was $9.99 but somehow target got over $200 from us.

Behr's easter basket is now full, a whole month early! Thank you target, thank you suburbs. Maybe you aren't that bad after all.

I stayed away from my computer and completely ignored my etsy shop. This weekend was spent enjoying downtime with my little family. We walked the city. Took care a few odds and ends. And simply enjoyed time together. It was perfect. How was your weekend?

News + A Giveaway | CLOSED

We couldn't resist sharing the news. Behr is using the big boy potty these days. We have no idea how potty training started in our house. It caught me completely off guard, but we are running with it! And to celebrate, we are offering a special deal on sponsor spots...right now!

If you want to get in on the "potty time!" sponsorship action, email me shannon.angelos{at}gmail.com with a bathroom worthy subject line. In addition to your paid sponsorship spot, I will post your ad right now and give you an extra month on the back end. Let's just say I am a little over excited about saving money on diapers!!

Let me break it down for you:

you email me with a funny potty subject line and ask to be a sponsor.

please include your paypal email address for invoicing and your 200x80 ad

let me know which option you would like: one month (April) or three months (April-June) or alternative option, because hey, it never hurts to ask!

your sponsorship ad will go live within 24 hours of receipt of payment in the month of March

plus, when your paid ad slot runs out, you will get an extra bonus month!

wait, there is more!

a giveaway:

win a free ad spot for April

all you have to do is leave a comment

for a second chance to win, tweet about the giveaway and leave a second comment

Offer and giveaway both end Monday, March 26

update

winner announced:

Congratulations to Brhea of No Place Lyke Home for winning the April ad spot!

A week in Pennsylvania, by the iPhone

We arrived late Friday night to get ready for Behr's birthday party. It was an airplane theme, complete with airplane shaped grill cheese, two cakes, and lots of red and blue accents. Behr's first cake didn't go quite as planned, but that is a story for another day!

The main feature of the party was a moon bounce, inside! I once wrote a post about how Angelos family parties are always over the top, but an indoor moon bounce may take the cake. The best part was, my incredibly generous friend Faith owns it and lent it to us for the party. It is a toddler moon bounce, so slightly smaller than your average. You can get an idea of the scale from the first picture. We had eight kids under the age of 5 and they all played very well together. Friends drove from all over Pennsylvania and Maryland, and we were so grateful to have everyone together!

Some of the boys of the party. The first picture is of Behr, taken and uploaded to instagram by my 4 year old cousin Liam. That boy is a wiz with the iPhone! In the middle we have Levi {you may recognize him as Julie's son}, the sweetest boy. He was so excited about the piano! And on the right we have Noah. He is a the best big brother and was very helpful when it was time to open pressents. His momma, Faith, is expecting number three, and I am certain Noah will be a big help!

On Sunday, we hopped in the car and drove to Fairfield, CT to watch Brookie play basketball. We were all so excited to see her! Behr loved watching the game, and kept an eye on the ball with intensity. He even raised his hands up in the air or hollered at the right times. He is clearly his momma's son. On the way home, we completely accidentally found a shake shack, on our way to a five guys. And I must say, my first experience with this burger join was pure perfection. Why have I never been to the one in DC?

Monday, we had brunch with Auntie Karlene who was only in town for a few hours! Julie and Levi joined us too! Karlene was kind enough to get Behr a drum set for his birthday. And now everyone who sees it laughs and smirks about how Karlene, "did that on purpose!" We will be laughing about this gift for a long time. The morning was a time of sweet fellowship and the boys played very well together.

The rest of our week was a lot of time around the house, or sleeping in the car on our way to visit more friends and family. We learned how to sweep the floor, implemented the cage, and even found some old toys in the basement to keep us occupied.

I was once again reminded by the luxuries of suburbia. We met up with Mark's cousin Rebecca and her son Sam at a Barnes and Noble that had a story time area, train table, and lego table! It was like an indoor activity center for kids. Why doesn't the city have book stores like this? At the train table, the big attraction were the kid sized adirondack chairs. Over at the lego table, Behr had more fun knocking things down off shelves while Sam built towers. It was a great time catching up with family!

Last but not least, we had a blast with Aunt Julia and Uncle Mike. Behr has some new favorite people in his life. No one makes him smile like Julia or laugh like Mike, they even tucker him out. He is one well loved little dude.

And finally, on Saturday, reuniting with Daddy after his final residency in grad school. We cannot wait for graduation in May!

A bowl of fruit or a mixed bag.

More like a round up with a lot of fruit references. Here are ten things:

1. Behr loves a whole piece of fruit. He is over things being sliced and diced. He prefers his citrus round. Punching a thumb through to reach the squishy inside is the ultimate satisfaction. But taking a bite out of the bitter rind elicits looks of horror from strangers and giggles from Behr.

2. The manipulation has begun. This week we were out to lunch with my brother when Behr accidentally hit his head on the table. To calm the immediate screaming, I handed him an apple. He calmed right down. When he resumed eating, I slipped the apple back in my bag for use later. A few minutes later, Behr gently lowered his head, banged it on the table and then reached out for the apple. He did this a few more times throughout lunch. He faked hurt to get what he wanted. Pure manipulation. 

3. I have been using Springpad to stay organized recently and I love it. But I have to be honest. Going completely paperless scares me. Like if there isn't a sticky note in my life, then something isn't getting done. I love online magazines, and ecards, but life without postal mail would mean one less evening joy. I crave the organization that my electronic devices allow, but may never make it fully paperless. 

4. I guess that is part of why I am so passionate about my etsy shop. Making simple note cards that encourage people to express themselves on paper brings me joy. Writing a letter is an art. Even if it is simple, the words are awkward, and the handwriting is scrawly or slanted. Putting pen to paper is an expression of love. So I would like to encourage you. Love big, write often.

5. There are new items in the shop, just in time for Valentine's Day. Imagine that!

6. Speaking of Valentine's Day. I am looking forward to a 2012 full of dates with my husband. He is at his final residency for his MBA program and I could not be more excited for his graduation! This weekend we are joining him for a special evening event celebrating the closing of his cohort. Behr and I even get to dress up for the occasion. Even after this weekend, there are a few more projects and papers to submit, but the end is near. The day he submits his final deliverable and says, "I am finished!" will be one of rejoicing. Mark will be able to help with the house and Behr and not travel away from us as often, but what I am most looking forward to are the dates. Hint, hint, Mark, you better start thinking of some stellar date nights!

7. Did I mention I was proud of Mark, or did I make that last point all about me? Seriously, I am very, very proud. Mark has been incredibly dedicated to his program and learning. I could not imagine a more avid independent learner. Mark, has done well and set quite an inspiring example for our entire family.

8. I have been having nightmares about where Behr will sleep next. Not next nap time, but once he grows out of his modestly sized Bloom Alma Mini. We don't even have room for a full sized crib mattress. What will we do? Images of cots or worse, animal beds, have been haunting my dreams. Where will my child sleep? This is an irrational fear, because when the time comes, we will figure something out, I just need to get these darn images out of my head!

9. Is instagram the new Canon Rebel? Silly question, but serious thoughts. Being home this week with family, I have hardly picked up my camera, let alone my mom's fancy drool-worthy camera that I typically hoard. There is something about the ease of my phone that has me completely smitten. Plus the pictures are shared with the world with second. Who wouldn't want that?! (did you pick up on that bit of snark there?)

10. Which leads me to my most recent thoughts on the pictures I post on my blog. I admire the blogs that have made it big time with their professionally crafted and edited pictures. I long to create simply beautiful things. But sometimes it doesn't always work out that way. I don't always get to capture "blog-worthy" pictures, and yet I still post away. At the end of this day, I want this blog to be a means of communicating with friends and family. So pardon the poor lighting or occasional blur. The aunts and uncles and grandparents don't mind that stuff, and this blog brings them joy. So when it comes to sharing our life, I will continue to share, even when we are as fuzzy as a kiwi if that is all we have.

I am joining Elizabeth today.