Some of our Turkey Decorations

I was thrilled on Thanksgiving when my aunt and uncle, with their family in tow, joined our small family at my parent’s house.  My husband and I were hoping for the ‘big family’ feeling for the holiday – knowing that Lilah is at an age when memories might become permanent.  I am not the ‘chief cook’ in these holiday scenarios – so I focused on the handmade decorations.  In preparation for the event Lilah and I made the hand/foot turkeys and a couple of other Thanksgiving crafts for the table – it’s amazing how long these craft projects sometimes take but she really enjoyed the process! 

Kelly and Lilah

Our small family (I’m an only child and so is Lilah) relishes the holidays because we see more of our family.  I had the opportunity to visit with my cousin and her children – Kelly (2yrs) and Erin (newborn). They are the only other part of our family with babies in the Bay Area. Lilah and Kelly took an hour or so to warm up to each other but midway through the party they 

Baby Erin

were jumping on beds and feeding the pond fish together – so cute!  I loved seeing them interact as they ran, jumped, giggled and demanded to be tickled. I can’t wait until all three of the cousins are able to play together. It’s not too far away!  What better holiday memory than realizing that you have cousins to share turkey and fun! 

  

There are no Pajama’s like the Carter’s footsie pajama’s! I just do not know what we would do without them. Thank goodness Costco has yet to let me down. They always have about 4-5 styles in and for $6.97 they cannot be beat! With 0-T5 sizes Costco will have Ava sleeping warm and cozy for years!  They are even great for some cat snuggling…

Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!

The ‘official’ holiday season is upon us, and for many it means looking back at the year that will soon draw to a close.  I know that this has been a year of change – and a year that has gone by very quickly.  We could think about changes that made this a very ‘challenging’ year for many – but I would rather pause to reflect on the many blessings that have touched our lives.  We at le•top do not have to look far to know that we have so much to be thankful for! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends – we hope your day is also full of reasons to be thankful!

Some of our reasons to be thankful!

Kinsey had a tough morning today. Which is too bad because nobody was more excited about this week as her. Maybe me. But its close. Its Thanksgiving Week. You get two Fridays and a holiday that revolves around football. That’s not a bad week. Plus it’s officially Christmas season starting Friday.

The girls only have school Monday and Tuesday. To take advantage of that, we’re taking them all to their first Cyclone basketball game this evening. If they’re good, they can have a Cyclone swirl cone. Which is cardinal and gold colored soft serve ice cream. I’m bringing lots of wipes.

Yesterday Kinsey pops out of bed and comes into the bathroom while I’m brushing my teeth. And Kinsey popping out of bed on a school day happens about as often as I wake up saying, “Woo hoo! Sex and City marathon on TV today!”

Anyway, I’m brushing away and Kinz says, “Dad this is going to be the best week ever. We only have to go to school for two days, we going to our first Cyclone basketball game and get ice cream and we get to go to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.” Except she said it without taking a breath or any of the normal pauses you would anticipate.

Anyway, ever since Kinz was about three she’s had this aversion to wearing shirts that have “things” on them. It’s weird. For example, if a shirt has any lettering or design that is located within an area that Kinsey believes is the center of the shirt, she won’t wear it. But if the entire shirt has a pattern like stripes or polka dots or a design that isn’t located in the center but off to the side or located on both the left and right lapel areas, she’ll wear it. She’s corporate America’s worst nightmare.

Solid color shirt? No problem. Nike logo in the middle of the shirt? No can do amigo. It’s taken time but we’re pretty clear on what she’ll wear and what she won’t. The amount of resistance likely to occur and the amount of time before I need to be at work are key determinants in picking out her clothes for the day.

Today, however, Mom decided to prove a point. Proving a point for no other reason other than we’re the parents and they are the kids is a perfectly acceptable thing for parents to do. It’s a proven technique. Parents, coaches and dictators have been doing for years. Why did Ditka put in the Fridge in Super Bowl 20 to score a touchdown when it was already 37-3? Because he was proving a point. Why did the Germans take the Sudetenland in 1938? Because they could.

Mom and I have employed this technique separately and jointly over the years. I, however, have chosen not to employ this strategy in the morning. Its not a battle I’m willing to fight before 7 a.m. on a weekday. Any other time, except for the obvious exceptions involving the period of time right before a Steelers game, I’m willing to utilize blitzkrieg and/or shock and awe techniques to end any disagreements.

Mom, on the other hand, has no such aversion to fighting this battle at any point during the day.

Today she decided that Kinz was going to wear this shirt. It’s nice. But, as you can plainly see, it has an argyle pattern that goes right down the middle. Now this really isn’t a cut and dried case. It’s possible that the three diamonds in the argyle design constitute enough of a consistent pattern that covers enough of the shirt that Kinz will deem it wearable without crying. And screaming. And whining. It is also possible that it is included in the “shirts with stuff on them” group that Kinz isn’t going to wear. And she has decided this firmly. Its like she’s decided its just part of who she is. Like irrelevance to Chris Matthews.

But Mom is like Grant at Vicksburg and resistance eventually collapses save a few muted whines.

“Daddy, I really didn’t want to wear this shirt.”

“Too bad kiddo. Whining is always the wrong decision. And that’s what you did. If we let you wear a different shirt now, you’d think that all it took to get your way was lots of whining and crying.”

“No I wouldn’t.”

Did you see that? She seamlessly, almost effortlessly, went from the whining and crying routine right into the sweetness and charm method.

Who is dreading the teen years? This guy…

Our le•top elves with some of their gift filled boxes - clockwise from the back Daryle, Brenda, Linda, Diana, Robyn, Kristin

The Holiday Season brings thoughts of shopping, food and family – as we use every free moment to prepare for Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanza.  Unfortunately there are many reminders that not everyone has the essentials to make the holiday a true celebration – and in the spirit of the holiday we want to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.

For the past eight years I have participated in a program through the Samaritan’s Purse Organization named ‘Operation Christmas Child.’  This charity strives to send gifts to children throughout the world, as well as in our own backyard – children who would not be fortunate enough to receive gifts during the holiday season.

This year fellow le•top co-workers Linda, Brenda, Diana, Daryle, Robyn and I participated in this program to assist Santa to make a happy holiday for children in need.  Our mission was to choose a boy or girl (ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14) and then to fill a decorated shoebox as full as possible with toys, school items, hygiene essentials, hard candy or other desired items.  We had great fun posing as elves – shopping with local retailers to pick out the perfect gifts for these children.  le•top also donated plush toys and purses to the organization!

This wonderful charity gives us the option to track our shoe box gifts.  Several of the ‘elves’ decided they would love to find out the destinations of their boxes.  Check back and we will post an update on our gifts as the move around the world.

*National collection week for the Operation Christmas Child program, ends this Monday, November 23^rd.  There is still time to participate in this wonderful program.  For more information and a drop-off location near you, please check www.samaritanspurse.org/occ for details.

source: bhg.com

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Paper towel tubes
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Construction paper
• Craft glue
• Craft supplies (markers, paint, paintbrush, ribbon, beads, feathers, etc.)

Measure and cut the tubes so each ring measures 2 inches in length. Be sure to make enough so everyone coming to dinner has a napkin ring. Cut the same number of 2-inch-wide colored paper strips. Glue the paper strips to the tubes.Now decide how you want to decorate your napkin rings. You could make each different or create a variety of looks. Use markers, paint, ribbon, beads, and feathers to decorate the rings. Here is a great chance to be really creative and fanciful.

DECORATING IDEAS:

source: familyfun.go.com

• Draw a turkey, autumn leaves, pumpkins, pilgrims, Native American headdresses or something fanciful on construction paper, then cut it out and glue it to the ring.
• Draw pictures of each family member to create their own personalized napkin ring or use a photo of each person attending and use it as the face of a turkey, pumpkin or pilgrim that you have glued to the ring.
• Leave a space on your design for names and you’ve turned it into a place card.  

 

Haven Bella looking like a Sweet little Flower

Our family finally has its first baby girl!  My niece, Haven Bella, was born on July 8^th of this year – a great birthday date to remember – 7-8-9!  We are excited to have a girl join the ‘boys club’ we had going.

Four months have now passed since the glorious date that we all ooo’d and awww’d over little Haven.  She is growing bigger by the day, and although still a ‘little baby’ her mom and dad were ready to take the big step and go out for some much needed time together – without children!

Friday was the first night that Mike and Joslyn took a breather from the kiddos and headed out for a nice relaxing dinner for two.  My nephew Justice was spending some quality time with Grandpa – and little Haven came to spend the evening in Aunt KK’s arms (that’s me!!!)  I have to admit that Aunt KK is not 100% confident with tiny babies.  Maybe I am just not completely comfortable, but at 4 months old…I thought I could handle it!  The evening (to say the least) had its ups and downs – here is how it unfolded:

6:30
Bye Bye Mommy and Daddy – Hello child that is (supposedly) about to fall asleep…

7:10
40 minutes later – after walking around the house, rocking and singing lullabies to Little Miss Haven, she FINALLY falls asleep

7:11
Carefully laying her on the couch next to me I pop in a movie – ready for an hour and half of quiet bliss

7:53
Haven is awake….Cry….Cry….Cry….

7:53:30
Aunt KK picks up Haven and tries to sooth her – more walking, rocking and singing (did I mention that I am NOT a singer?)

8:00
Dinner Time (Haven is a ‘Baby Wise Baby’ and she knows when it’s time to eat!) I pull out the Dr. Brown’s Bottle and warm the milk… 

8:05
Haven is NOT having it!  Try as I might this little girl does not love her bottle – go back to walking…

8:12
Haven is still clearly upset and not eating – I am at my wit’s end and praying for Joslyn to walk through that door…

8:13
Haven and Aunt KK say in unison:  HELLOOO MOMMY!  THANK GOD YOU ARE HERE!

Of course we all survived…and I am sure every parent (and every babysitter!) has experienced nights like this.  What are some of the tips you give your sitters – I could really use some!!!!

My little Dancing Queen

My daughter LOVES to dance!  Lilah at 3 years old really responds to ‘the beat.’  Spurred on by the dance reality shows and a new wave of musical television shows she is responding with typical toddler energy.  Our recent favorite – ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ on the Fox network – launches our routine of dancing with each other while the dancers perform. I started this as a distraction when I wanted to watch the show and she wanted to change the channel to ‘her show.’  Now she insists that I drop everything to lift and spin her or shake our ‘booties’ to the music. It’s really fun, and great exercise for me, but the focus is now on our performance rather than the great dancers on the show!

Lilah dancing so fast she is just a blur

On Wednesday night she decided that she wanted to watch ‘Glee’ (the antics of underdog high school kids struggling in glee club.)  I must confess to giving in to her demands – since I enjoy the shows as well!  They are filled with music, new and old, plenty of dancing and in the musical comedy Glee, a good lesson or two (although the themes are beyond her years, since it is a biting comedy.) Who knows…maybe she’ll end up dancing and singing on TV someday!  Isn’t ‘Fame’ making a comeback?

i-Dare underwear for big boys

No more boring white slips or been there seen it Batman boxer shorts! This is just the coolest and most comfortable underwear you have ever seen… I dare you to wear these! (9,95 €)

Supervette boxers voor boys!

Weg met die lelijke witte slips of flauwe Batman-boxers! Eindelijk is er echt leuk ondergoed voor stoere jongens! Lekker comfortabel bovendien. Wedden dat zoonlief nooit meer een andere onderbroek aan wil? Enne… niet verklappen hoor, maar de Sint is vast van plan om er een paar in zijn schoen te stoppen…
(€9,95)

Hello Everyone,  I hope you had a good weekend.  Mine was restful – I actually took a nap after church on Sunday!  I guess I have been pushing myself a little too hard in the past few weeks.   But I did get my Twilight Trails Quilt finish.  It is already on its way to the editor’s desk.  I will have some pictures for you later this week.

You know I have a knack for getting carried away!  Such is my Christmas dresses project for baby.  I am attempting to improvise on a pattern that involves picture smocking.  I have never done picture smocking in my life, and I am a little uncertain – but I shall try my best.  Don’t you just love the gingerbread fabric?

You also know of my clumsy sewing skills.  And of course I have never attempted to improvise on a pattern either, but I got carried away.  I hope this crazy scheme of mine would work out, and I can actually have something to show for by the end of the week.  Wish me luck.  Meanwhile, this is what (Gingerbear by Little Memories) I am hoping to smock to go on this little outfit for baby:

I wish you a happy and productive Monday!  Thank you for stopping by.

From today through Sunday (November 12-15), you can receive 30% off any in-store purchase at the GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy.

You’ll be doing good at the same time — the GAP will give 5% of what you spend to high-need classrooms through DonorsChoose.org.

Print the 30% off coupon and take it to the store with you.

We hope you’ll share this coupon URL with friends:
http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/donorschoose

Happy shopping!
The DonorsChoose.org Team

>> Forward this email to your friends
>> Spread the word on Facebook

Kid's Klothesline Holiday window featuring le•top

In 1996 Tania Yoder, pregnant with her first child, attended a family reunion.  As conversations swirled around her she overheard one of her cousins trying to convince another cousin to take over her children’s shop.  She whispered to herself “I would like to do that.”  Once Tania voiced her inner feelings there was a chorus of support – and her dream moved towards becoming reality.  The original owner helped Tania relocate the store to Perrysburg Ohio, Tania’s home.  Her son Grant was born in September of 1996 and in February of 1997 Kid’s Klothesline of Perrysburg Ohio opened and became an instant hit! 

Over the past 13 years Kid’s Klothesline has evolved in many ways – starting with the variety of collections that Tania chooses.  She feels that one of her boutique’s strengths is providing a wide assortment that ranges from classic and traditional looks that appeal to her favorite customers (‘Grandmas, Grandmas, Grandmas!’) to clothes that keep her girl’s 7-14 regulars coming back until they have ‘outgrown’ the store! 

Kid’s Klothesline’s style has evolved, but its ‘family’ has expanded!  The true secret to Tania’s success is her staff – a caring and loving group that ‘works and plays together!’  Tania cherishes her store manager, Teresa Gagnon Meredith, a treasured fixture since the store opened.  Loyal customers complete Tania’s ‘family’ – and bring her the satisfaction of sharing important occasions and milestones with the members of her community.  She loves seeing the photographs of christenings, 1^st birthdays and first days of school – in special outfits that she helped choose.  “There is nothing better than helping a new grandma select baby’s first outfit!”

Perrysburg Ohio is a beautiful area with a rich history, dating back to the early 1800’s.  The historic shopping district provides a safe and comfortable shopping experience that has an old fashioned feel that does not need to be manufactured.  Tania loves being a part of this supportive and close knit community.  Her favorite time is during the holidays when families come back to town to visit and always stop in to shop and share photos of the extended ‘family.’

Thirteen years ago Tania’s life changed – and as she relates “It’s like being locked into a roller coaster and hanging on for the ride, but loving what I do so much!”  We know everyone loves what you do Tania – keep it up!

If you are near Perrysburg stop in and say hello to Tania and her family!

Kids Klothesline
111 Louisiana Ave
Perrysburg, OH 43551
419-874-5437

Thanksgiving is approaching – construct some really cute decorations and create excitement by making your children part of the preparations.  Kids love creating art – and what better way to ‘Give Thanks” than to be surrounded by your little darling’s masterpieces! 

This idea is quick, easy and fun!

SUPPLIES:

• Construction paper in Fall colors (brown, red, orange, yellow)
• Pencil or Pen
• Scissors
• Glue
• Googly eyes and orange pipe cleaners (optional – but really fun)
• Most importantly…Your kids!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Trace around you child’s feet using brown construction paper and cut them out. The two pieces will be the turkey’s body.
2. Trace around your child’s hands using red, orange, and yellow construction paper and cut them out. These 6 pieces will be the turkey’s feathers.
3. Glue the two footprints together to make the turkey’s body by overlapping the heels (forming the head) and the balls of the footprints spread out (forming the body) – think ‘triangle.’
4. Cut out a round red wattle (small circle) and orange beak (smaller triangle.) Glue the wattle, beak (triangle in the circle facing down,) and googly (or paper) eyes to the turkey’s head.
5. Make two legs from paper and glue them to the back of the body (or use the pipe cleaners and tape them to the back of the body.)
6. Glue the handprint “feathers” to the back of the turkey (spreading them from the base to the top and back down the other side.)
7. Decorate your house with these adorable turkeys!  Make sure to put your child’s name and age on the back of the turkey for a fabulous keepsake.  Gobble – Gobble!!!

Lilah in le•top Kaleidoscope pants and pink top at one of our recent park outings

I realized last night that my daughter and I would be changing our ‘after school’ routine of the past months.  I normally pick up my daughter at daycare after work and head for the park to give the swings a little workout before heading home.  When I picked Lilah up around 6 pm last night she exclaimed ‘It’s dark!’  Indeed it was.  I had promised the park when I dropped her off at school, forgetting that the time had changed.  I could not keep my promise, since the park is not open after dark.  Luckily she understood that going to the park in the dark would not be much fun, and seemed to want to head towards our comfortable house as much as I did!

I love this time of year.  It makes me want to put some cider on the stove and snuggle up with my little girl and read a book.  Granted that is not what usually happens, since preparing dinner and doing the usual chores beckon.  Hopefully we can fit some of these cozy moments into our routine – bringing a different reward than the sunny days of swinging and climbing on the play structures.  “Once upon a time…”

If you kids are anything like mine they’ll just love these quick herb-battered chicken nuggets as an appetizer or a main dish.

Serves 4 people

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Trim any fat from chicken and cut into 1 inch cubes.
3. In a bowl beat the eggs with the water and add the chicken.
4. Combine the parsley, thyme, red pepper, bread crumbs, wheat germ, basil and ground pepper. Stir in the oil with a fork and mix well to distribute evenly. Pour seasoning mixture into a resealable plastic bag and the chicken pieces to coat.
5. Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 10 minutes, turn the pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

source: kaboose.com

When: Saturday, November 7
Where: Saugatuck Congregational Church at 245 Post Road East, Westport
How much?: Pre – Admission $5 from 9 – 10 am, General Admission $1 from 10 am-4 pm

Proceeds to benefit the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School

The sale will feature all gently used KIDS ITEMS including clothing from infant-size 12 (some designer and with tags attached), toys, books, baby gear, furniture, decor, maternity wear and other treasures!

Please contact Rachel Manners at racheldmanners@yahoo.com for further information

Source: This M2M was submitted by Lyn M.

Uh-Oh!  Here we go again…but it’s only puppy love!  We were all reminded of the soft spot we hold in our hearts for puppies when Calvin, a longtime member of our terrific warehouse staff brought in his new Pekinese-Chihuahua puppy Lucy to ‘meet the family!’  Lucy has brought smiles of joy to the office over the past few days – her little bark beckons us, and we pick her up before that sad little bark tears our hearts apart!  She is just so darn cute!

Calvin and little Lucy

This little girl has a big presence, although I am not quite sure she knows her real size.  Cengx’s dog Charmie (the little Pomeranian that has shown off his le•top ‘couture’ outfits in the blog) towers over Lucy – but backs away from her playful paws when she invites him to play.  Lucy then proceeds to chase poor Charmie around the warehouse – totally in charge of this game.  Awww…puppy love!

• Storytime at Barnes & Noble in Westport – Saturday, Oct. 24th
• Halloween events in Connecticut
• More Halloween fun
• Wicked fun at Stepping Stones
• Zoooooo
• Weston Historical Society’s Halloween Fair – 10/24 (rain date 10/25)
• Weston Women’s League Ragamuffin Parade - 10/31
• Westport Halloween Parade – 10/28
• Trick-or-treating in Weston – Joanne Lane

2. Projects

• How to save on Halloween supplies – Real Simple tips
• Halloween-themed snacks from the Picky Palate
• Candy corn recipe
• Kaboose costumes and other projects
• Disney family fun

Call for Comments: What are your favorite Halloween traditions?

Our Accounting Supervisor Tiffany shared her photos from Halloween past.  Tiffany is really a ‘doll’ – and her Halloween ideas just confirmed what we already knew!

Counting through the photos:

• Tiffany as a real little princess
• Tiffany channeling her Holly Hobby doll
• This is why she loves dolls!
• Her parents dressed as Raggedy Ann and Andy!
• And she never grew up…as a baby doll with her son Josh!

If you’re looking for a cute le•top costume to dress your little one, try Riley the Puppy with a barking sound. It’s a soft faux fur coverall with hood.

Actually, maybe they are the a-team?

I guess black face is okay when you’re a midget.

source: usmagazine.com

Supermodel Heidi Klum and her singer husband Seal have welcomed a new baby girl to their family. The new member of their expanding household was named Lou Sulola Samuel.  The couple already have three other children; Johan 2 ½, Henry 4, and Leni 5.  The very happy new dad released a charming statement:

“It’s difficult to imagine loving another child as much as you love your existing children,” Seal writes. “Anyone who has a family will tell you this. Where will one find that extra love? If you love your existing children with all of your heart, how then can one possibly find more heart with which to love another?”. “On Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at 7:46 p.m., the answer to this question came in the form of our fourth child and second daughter,” he continues. “Lou Sulola Samuel was born, and from the moment she looked into both of our eyes, it was endless love at first sight. She is beautiful beyond words and we are happy that she chose us to watch her grow over the coming years.”

Everyone at le•top sends their congratulations to these loving parents!

Every year, like most families, we head out to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin. Once my husband and I started having children, we didn’t care about the perfect pumpkin anymore. It’s all about taking a thousand pictures and capturing the perfect shot!

For Miranda’s first pumpkin patch photo, I found the biggest pumpkin and leaned her against it since she was only 4 months old. This year, for Paulo, now that he has a big sister to lean on, I made sure to find a cluster of pumpkins and positioned both my little darlings right smack in the center. I love it!

Usually, I prefer both kids wearing their Halloween costumes, but I couldn’t resist putting this adorable green and brown striped coverall from le•top’s 2009 Halloween Fun collection. The best part is the Halloween cat hood with pointy ears. It’s the cat’s meow!

Kristin, age 3 as Rainbow Brite

When I was born Rainbow Brite was all the rage (now you can guess my age!)  My dad thought I looked like her, orange hair and all, and he lovingly nicknamed me “Rainbow Brite.”  To this day he still calls me Rainbow Brite in that affectionate father voice – when he walked me down the aisle at my wedding he said “My Rainbow Brite is all grown up!”

My mom quickly adopted my dad’s nickname for me and decided that for my first true Trick Or Treating adventure she would make me a Rainbow Brite costume.  She did an impeccable job!  Although I may not look too happy in the picture I can assure you that I LOVED that costume and everything Rainbow Brite – from my sheets, to my wallpaper and especially my prized doll.  I believe my mom was able to squeeze me into my ‘perfect costume’ for two years!

For another le•top costume idea try sweet ‘Sophie the poodle’. Keira models the soft pink faux fur coverall with a hood and barking sound.

le•top baby: Toy Pony overalls from 2009 Fall/Winter Collection

Barely six months and my little guy has already started to crawl. Now he’s getting into everything! I cannot leave him for one second because if I do, I will find him playing with something other than his toys. His current favorites are: shoes, newspapers and electrical cords. Ugh! I miss the days when I can lay him on his blanket and know he’s not going to roll over anywhere.