But I'm stuck in colder weather

Snow day! Getting even an inch of snow is exciting in these parts. Waking to find 4 inches is thrilling, at least for Irish Jig. After breakfast, those brave enough (it had switched over to sleeting) layered up and headed out for a quick snow ball fight.

Chasing Daddy with a snowball.  It ended badly for her :)

You'll notice Zydeco is missing.  He's smart.  He stayed inside, stayed warm, and stayed dry.  Jig started the adventure with a hat...somehow it ended up on the mini snowman.  Jig is now sporting an awesome case of eczema from the cold...

Apparently, that's how we roll.

Song lyrics from the Zac Brown Band.

Friday finally came around

While Mr. Neoclassic enjoyed a Friday evening out with a few of his good friends, I hosted Jazz and her friends for an overnight party. I'd planned to show a fun romantic, Valentine's movie (age appropriate, of course), but was outvoted. The crowd, including Irish Jig and Zydeco, voted for Despicable Me 2. We turned out the lights, hooked up the sub-woofer and covered the den in popcorn bits. After the movie and Irish Jig's bedtime, I pulled out the paints and had the girls finish a Girl Scout project for me.

Recycled Halloween tablecloth for spills.

Lower lip biting for concentration.

Cross-eyed stare for intense concentration.

The end product - painted soup cans and matching peg people:

for color sorting and for hand-eye coordination.

Kaitlyn and Hannah (my good friend Jannette's girls) are Jazz's closest friends.  They are also in our sweet little Girl Scout troop. The whole troop worked its way through a Journey book and decided their service project would be creating manipulative games for a local preschool (Irish Jig's). The troop spent a recent meeting cutting felt for a different project and we just didn't get to the painting for this matching/ sorting game. With all our lost snow days, we don't have Troop time to finish this last project and we were going to skip doing it...until I realized I had three wonderful painters at the ready.

Their commentary and conversation is always hysterical. They get into their "art" zone and start discussing events at school and church, funny stories, and the latest music, movies or good snacks. Their guards drop and I hear it all. It's great fun and very informative!

Once finished and dry, we let Irish Jig road test the game.

She had a blast picking up the correct colors for each can and then carefully placing the peg people along the can rims.  I am happy that our Troop used a bit of recycling in the project.

If you'd like to make your own set, here are some suggestions:

• Use a quality can opener.  Mine crimps the open edge to eliminate the sharp and dangerous edge. 
• Cleaning the cans well goes without saying, right?
• Apply a quick layer of spray primer.  This helps the paint adhere to the can much better.
• Use non-toxic acrylic paints.  For little people who might place something in their mouths, it pays to be safe.  We used higher-quality tube acrylics.
• Sand rough edges/ spots on the peg people first.  These were donated to the troop and weren't the highest quality, so there were some rough spots.  I didn't want little fingers to get a splinter.

The biggest hint/ reminder I must always give my OCD/ Type A self when watching smaller people create their work is to BACK OFF!  Not every spot of wood or can is perfectly covered with paint.  There are brush strokes showing.  That's okay.  These girls (and the rest of the troop that did the other projects) put their heart into creating something wonderful for someone else.  And that is the lesson no amount of badge earning can teach.

Today's post title from The Judd's Girls Night Out.

And we'll make snow angels

Taking one for the team.

Gangnam Style?  Really?

With a little help from my friends

Thanks to Zydeco, we have photographic evidence of our first winter storm.  Classic Rock kindly and selflessly headed up the outdoor playtime.  Irish Jig giggled and shrieked her way through her very first ever snow play day.  Lots of hot chocolate and cookies were consumed.  It's a requirement, I think.

Four days of school were missed and all of Classic Rock's semester exams were cancelled - not that he minded one bit!

Mr. Neoclassic and I were at work, sadly, and missed the fun.  Yes, I did say I was at work.  I started a part time, temporary position just prior to Christmas.  I am spending just a few months helping a friend's company clean up their client data bases in preparation for tax season.  I am really enjoying the opportunity to contribute to our household, but I admit to missing my lazy afternoons with my children.  All will balance out soon enough....

Last night, wave two of the storm - or maybe just another one - hit and dumped more snow.  About 6-8" inches this time and my office is shut down for the day.  The boys reluctantly headed out to shovel the driveway runners for Mr. Neoclassic.  Jazz chose to stay indoors, but Irish Jig was jumping up and down to play in the white stuff.  I dressed her as warmly as possible considering she won't wear pants.  There were many layers of stockings and leggings.  After her first face plant in the deep snow, I accepted the inevitable and dressed myself for snow.

That's me, looking like a lumberjack.  We don't own any type

of snow clothing and our hobbled together look is really quite humorous.

And sad.

Another face plant.

A parade of snow plows.  It's the closest thing to a Mardi Gras parade that we'll get.

After the snow fun, everyone gathered in front of the fire and the usual commentary of boredom began.  "Can we invite a friend over/ I'm bored/ How much tv can we watch today?"  I called my girlfriend Karen and arranged a prisoner swap.  I mean play date.  They live several blocks down the road and are willing to drive in snow, which I am not.  Our youngest three are currently at their home and will be returned in a few hours.  I'll keep their children here while both parents conduct business conference calls.  I do love good friends.


Today's post title from Sarah Hart's Snow Angels - so beautiful and fanciful!

That kind of music just soothes my soul

During my early and mid teens, my dad and sister, along with several other musical friends, formed an ensemble and provided music for weddings around the New Orleans area. Most often hired via word of mouth, the group was not professionally advertised or marketed. Rather, they simply enjoyed singing, playing, and being with one another. This weekend gig certainly wasn't going to generate their future pensions.

As a result, my family spent many Friday and Saturday evenings at wedding ceremonies and receptions. We joined in the dancing, nibbling, cake eating and drinking (those of age, of course). I cherish vivid memories of my dad attempting to teach me how to slow dance, and laughing week after week because I continued to perform horribly. For the record, my sister figured the steps out and was fantastic. Me, not so much. The band would always play Bob Seger's That Old Time Rock and Roll and, having given up on the slow dance lessons, my dad would pull my sister and I out onto the floor. Two stanza's into the song, we'd have the whole ensemble, my mother, and most of the wedding guests dancing along with us.  Laughter and hilarity ensued.

While in New Orleans several weeks ago, Classic Rock commented that he'd love to go hear live Zydeco/ Cajun music.  Given his underage status, taking him to one of the awesome clubs wasn't going to happen.  My mom suggested we all dine at Mulate's - a local restaurant that features live Cajun music and dancing, along with authentic recipes.  We arrived early in order to site right next to the dance floor.  Irish Jig found several children from another large group and they "danced" together joyfully while we waited on food to arrive.  A sweet elderly gentleman, resplendent in his crawfish themed buttondown, would escort the tiny children around the dance floor while patiently giving directions.  When their lap was complete, he presented them with official Mulate's dance cards and crawfish beads.

The Krewe waiting on dinner and enjoying the venue.

(Apologies for the blurry cell phone picture)

Jazz received her very first slow dance lesson from her Papa.

 I admit to watery eyes as I watched my sweet girl experience

a memory I hold so dear.

(Sadly, she shows no more promise at it than her mother)

I'd forgotten my camera and have only a few blurry cell phone pictures of the night.  But I will remember, in my mind's eye, getting my dad to dance again with me, Jazz up and willing to try it, Irish Jig basically running laps around the dance floor, my mom (and her weak knee) dancing with my nephew, my sister and dad making a beautiful couple, and Mr. Neoclassic and I hysterically laughing our way through a slow dance knowing we were awful.

Today's post title from Bob Seger, of course!

But the show is so unprepared now

I am supposed to be packing clothes and a van of supplies for the big OBLI-cation. It's not going so well because I keep stopping to make the clothes....

Left Top: Simplicity 2483 (again)

Left Bottom: Extra long skirt with lace hem for Jazz (simple elastic waist)

Center: See&Sew B5442 (stupid construction method, FYI)

Right top: Another simple elastic skirt with bias tape hemming

Right bottom: Simplicity 4206 (my go-to nightgown pattern)

The entire time I've been sitting at my machines, Jazz has been at my feet stitching up creations.  I taught her the blanket stitch when Jannette mentioned her girls easily mastered it.  Jazz took off running and completed the sweet doggie in no time flat.

She decided it was so much fun, she raided my wool felt stash and prepped several new shapes for car trip stitching.  I love that!

Thankfully, someone in this house is taking the trip seriously (although I think making sure the peeps have decent clothes is serious).  Classic Rock snagged the trip maps and started researching our dining options for the routes.  He's ensuring we don't get stuck eating McDonald's (a fate worse than death for me) or subs from the gas stations.  He's tracked down the Chipotle's and Panera's, as well as local dining favorites like Johnny's Pizza in Ruston.

What would I do without his need for food????

We'll try to stay in touch and post along the way!

Today's blog post title from Amy Winehouse's Procrastination.  So fitting!

Here at my side

Do anybody else sew like this?

At least this one's busy with her own project.

A needlework stocking from Nana.

After stressing the "how-to" for far too long, I jumped in and free motion quilted.

With my helper occasionally gunning down the pedal, it was an interesting adventure!

Today's post title from Tenth Avenue North's By Your Side.

Well it's my birthday too, yeah

It's true - Jazz and I have birthdays only a day apart. With Zydeco's birthday barely one week earlier, we usually dive into vats of buttercream frosting, coming up only for the occasional vegetable. This year, we decided to change things up a bit and have each birthday celebrant choose their favorite dessert for their special dinner. Actually, they choose the dinner, too.

Zydeco opted for nachos heaped with his favorite array of toppings. He followed this with Snickerdoodle cupcakes which, as he put it, were sweet without being overly sickening. Proving that he really isn't my child, he walked away with half a cupcake to go. Then again, the rest of us just dream of his abs and waistband :)

Jazz's dinner of choice was her Daddy's homemade mac-n-cheese. It was absolutely divine and was followed by a visit to the new snowball stand. They advertise "New Orleans style" snowballs and they don't disappoint.

Preparation of my dinner choice is underway. Delicious strozzapreti with sides of sauteed zucchini and glazed carrots. Yum!

After mentioning several weeks ago that I'd always wanted to try an ice cream cake, my children decided that's what my dessert should be. I can't wait! It's fun to be spoiled :)

Today's post title is still The Beatles Birthday

I'm glad it's your birthday!

It's 3:15 and I am watching the window for Jazz's arrival from school. While I am always excited to see her, today's special because it's her 9th birthday and I really want to see her expression when she finds this ready for her:

This little set up kept me occupied for hours on end as a child. My parents discovered Ginny dolls about the time I turned eight or nine and I was enamored. I'd never liked Barbie dolls, but these dolls, with their properly proportioned bodies and their little rounded tummies sparked a deep love in me. Probably because I, too, have short little legs and a rounded tummy.  I used the carrying case to transport them and their attire to my grandmother's for the weekend. She and I would sew and crochet little outfits for them and then I'd immerse myself in an imaginary world while she watched Friday's episode of Dallas!

Here's Ginny primping at her vanity.  I wonder which perfume she'll choose today?

And here is younger sister Penny, which in the South rhymes with Ginny.

When she awakens, she'll dress in her tennis whites.

See them hanging at the ready back there?

Let's hear it for 1970's fashion! 

Wait till you see the jogging shorts and striped knee socks!

I found two of the crochet dresses - ball gowns actually - that my grandmother made.  They need a bit of cleaning before an internet reveal.  My mother and I had a long conversation about cleaning vintage linens.  I think I have several posts coming with directions and suggestions for cleaning the treasures of your attic!

I must go watch the window for a sweet, freckled 9 year old :)

Today's post title from The Beatles Birthday

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

With the onset of April, we are seeing actual sun and HEAT! 

Bikes are oiled and helmet hair is now a fashion statement.

There is joy in my heart.

Do I really need to mention the artist for today's lyric????