Rain Gutter Shelves

I'm interested in having O build some front facing bookshelves in the new playroom, so the kiddos (PLURAL - almost!) can choose their own books. I am sure O will be full of creative ways to make this happen, but this post (on this blog which I am loving lately) sure was good and timely.

Full project tutorial is available here.

BryGuy, maybe this is something you want to take on while on Grandpa duty?

Petanque

The family is still here, and the boys had a blast playing some Petanque down at Jamison Square. There is a very active Petanque community here in Portland, we were lucky to get the courts to ourselves yesterday.

I really doubt they are called courts...

The boys played until dusk...so fun to be down there with the twinkle lights. WKF is loving his grandpere.

Apres Petanque, we grubbed some sushi...it was a great night.

Photos du Jour

Parlez Vous Bro?

This guide (part I and part II), which was published in the December issue of Portland Monthly, would have been really handy about 13 years ago when I first met O.

85% of these words are part of the everyday lingo of O and his friends.

If I'd had this guide 6 years ago I would have printed it out for my wedding...it would have helped translate for my Ohio friends...who still giggle when quoting Tahoe lingo.

Sweet Apple Pie Girls

These sweet twins belong to my highschool bf, AB. They are brilliant and adorable, just like their mom and dad. And, they baked their own apple pie for tomorrow.

K&B, I wish I could have a slice! Good work sweet little ladies, good work!

Thanksgiving Week

O's family arrived Monday and will be here until Monday. Blogging will be light because enjoying their visit will be the priority around here.

Unrelated...

I think these rugs are too cool.

I can't stop looking at this 100x100 Michael Wolf photo series that was posted on AT. 100sq ft flats in Hong Kong. Wow. Amazing photos and don't we all have so much to be thankful for...

Gobble gobble. Enjoy the holiday week!

A Few Belly Shots - These are for you CN

My due date tells me I have 5 weeks to go. My body says "any day now mama!". We'll see...

Photo du Jour

I love this shot.

Me: too big to move too much

WKF: buzzing all around me

Girly Weekend, Starts Now!

So excited for this weekend! 2 big girly events here in PDX.

Ce soir, we are going to have a fete to honor everyones dear friend RG...she is moving...we are all sad, but we are going to make it a happy occasion and have a celebration with all the ladies! RG! RG! We love RG!

And in the morning, this sweet friend is throwing me a baby bump brunch, at mother's (natch). My bump is dancing around just thinking about how special our brunch will be! I can't wait to let everyone rub the belly!

Mimi, merci merci for coordinating...can't wait for morning! xoxo

Celebrating life events with dear friends is the very best...isn't it!?!?! I hope you have a great weekend too!

New Room!

I know I have posted enough about his new room...but WKF really wanted me to post a few more shots...which include him. Why didn't I think of that on my own?

He loves to check his mailbox,

He spends some time reading to this large rabit on this small couch...

Sometimes he reads in his chair...

Come on over and play.

Go Cats Go

Fellow Catamounts (or fans of Issa),

Did you catch the great article in the VQ about Issa? Total stud.

My favorite line from the article, "Sawabini, a thirty-two-year-old with a large presence, shaved head, and soul patch, exudes credibility, confidence, and, yes, cool that personify his firm’s ability to move with equal authority in the worlds of shaggy teenagers or button-down corporate types."

In addition to all the good stuff in the article, Issa is such a true friend. Issa and O were roommates throughout college and he was in our wedding. We are so glad he is in our lives!

Keep up the good work uncle Issa...and keep finding reasons to come to Portland...

Homemade Toys

I spotted this sweet and simple balance beam in a "back to basics toys" catalog which came to our mailbox today...and it reminded me so much of the one my dad built for us back in the day. Ours was just like this one...but we colored all over it with crayons. We loved it.

The same catalog also had these stilts. BryGuy used to make these for us as well. If I recall we had a bunch - all different sizes, so that we always had enough for friends to play with too.

If any of you are as handy as BryGuy, these toys can be made at home and will be a big hit under the tree...

If you aren't handy, buy them, or call BryGuy and place your order...they'll still be a big hit.

Buche de Noel

I know we get to celebrate Thanksgiving first...and I can't wait for that holiday, it is my fav. ONE more week!

But...I started day dreaming about xmas today when I fell in love with this buche de noel from Martha's december magazine...isn't it pretty??

As you may recall from last year, I heart a pretty buche de noel.

Birdie...maybe we could whip one up (or buy one) over the holidays...??

The Lion & the Mouse

WKF is blessed to have wonderful grandparents from both sides of the family that love on him as much as they possibly can.

In addition to his grandparents, he has an extra set of "grandparents" that live in New Jersey. Out of the blue, they sent him the most gorgeous book the other day. It was a great surprise, and we are really enjoying it. WKF is very into animals, and he is pretty good at making lion sounds. This book has no words, just pictures...and wow are they gorgeous...below is the cover.

The Lion & the Mouse is based on the famous Aesop's fable. The illustrations are done by Jerry Pinkney, a talented dude.

If our NJ "family" is out there reading the blog these days - MERCI! A proper note will be in the mail when I get my act together...xoxo

Working From Home

I am working from the dining room table this afternoon. I look up and see this. Sorry I post so many view shots, it just doesn't get old to me...and its different every single day.

Big Bro Room

As promised, here are some pix of WKF's new room and playroom. This used to be one big, long, thin, room...but we decided to divide up the space a bit. I am very happy with the results!

This first photo was taken from the playroom...looking at his new room. Don't you just love his special mini door (merci Papa!) and his mailbox (send him mail!) and his window? Me too!

Here is how the room looks when you come in through the little door. Be sure to use the knocker before you just barge in...

And here is a shot from his room, looking out into the playroom. He is loving that mini couch, which converts to a fold out bed.

Well, what do you think?! Do you love it as much as me?

Petit Chou

Our little family had a lovely market date with RG on Saturday. I was in love with these cabbage bouquets. I am still questioning why in the world I didn't drop the $8 to bring one home with me. Next weekend this is a must have.

The market (or the rest of PDX) will NOT be the same after RG moves to Boston next month. Sigh. Look out Beantown, you are getting a good one...

Photos du Jour

Sometimes when WKF and I come out to Nike for a mid-day swim...Papa plays a bit of hooky and meets us at the pool for a quick dip. Such a treat!

For Sale

I'm sad to say...we have to sell this fab antique armoire. We no longer have a space for her. I really want her in a good home. Need an armoire? Know someone that does? Talk to me.

16in deep, 54 in high, 36in wide

I have it on craigslist for $450...I'm happy to make a deal to a blog friend.

This Room Is Gonna Be Awesome!

The nest fest continues around here!

We (esp O) have been working very hard pulling together WKF's new room and little playspace. It is turning out soooooooo cute!

It is by far my favorite room(s) in the house these days! I know you are gonna just LOVE it, WKF will too I hope!

Soon (hopefully after this weekend) it will be post-worthy...but here are some teaser photos...

More Bright Red

I completely agree with Jordan Ferny, I want to paint something (everything) red after seeing this inspiring DIY office makeover.

The inspiring post also makes me want to use some wipe on poly and some spray enamel (with a trigger thing).

Red Light District

I thought I loved my red chandelier more than any other...

And then, this morning I spied this one over here. Now I think I am in love with it as well...

Can you be in love with 2 red chandeliers at once? Can you "need" a new red chandelier if you already have one? Sometimes the want/need line is just a blur to me...

Good Luck MWaz

We are thinking about the lovely Mama MWaz today...she heads back to work after some lovely time off for #2. Good luck MW, you'll find your groove and your balance...and then you'll inspire the rest of us. xoxo

Toys!

Sometimes, during a playdate, we take out ALL the toys at once...

Love For The Carts

It seems like PDX's love for the foodcart is at an all time high - and increasing all the time. I need to recommit to my plans to explore these local gems.

Hey local buds, which is your favorite? Mama is hungry...

Our Mayor is hyping them up, the Mayor of NYC gives us a shout out, even msnbc is talking about these carts...check out this video...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Sunset

I'm always yapping about that sunrise...sometimes I forget to gush about the sunset. These pix are from the October Harvest Moon nights. So pretty.

Sophisticated Bebe

Sometimes French people can have a subtle sophistication about them. It must start early...maybe its because they decorate nurseries like this one, a Paris. Ohh la la. J'adore this chambre...

That painting is so grown up...and it totally works in that space. Love it.

Fresh Snow on the Mountain!

I took some pictures (through the bedroom window...it was early and cold) in case you missed the epic sunrise this morning...