Field Trips Take 3

Every time I go on a field trip, I come back with renewed appreciation for my kid's teachers. Oh my, their job is demanding. I know field trips are more stressful and crazy than a normal classroom day, but still. Taking care of a huge group of students isn't easy even on the most mellow of days. It's a daily production!

Just the kid's untied shoe laces would be enough set me over the top. One time before we got on the bus, I looked down and found around 5 kids with shoe laces flapping in the wind. Down the line I went fixing every one's shoes. It's the small stuff that I'm amazed the teachers have the patience to keep up with.  I don't even want to get into actually teaching a kid how to read! Yikes. 

While I was on Owen's class trip to the Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Exhibit last week, I took some pictures. Much like this post, it in noway captures the essence of the field trip. But who cares. Look at their beautiful wings. It's so peaceful and lovely. Try not to imagine 35+ preschoolers and their crazy shenanigans happening in the background . . . 

And other field trips (with a positive spin!) here and here. 

Ella: The Dress That Makes Her Do A Giant Spin!

pic taken in chelsea market

A few weekends ago I met Joanna Goddard's twin sister Lucy and the subject of clothes/fashion came up.  She mentioned Joanna once said that everything you wear should make you want to do a little dance. I just searched the phrase "a little dance" on Joanna's blog and sure enough I found her post about it from two years ago. Still--it was fresh content to me! I love this idea and plan on using it from here out.

The thing is, with out realizing it, this phrase has been the reason why I keep buying Ella this dress by American Apparel. Every time she puts it on, she spins! Perhaps for young girls the word "little dance" should be replaced with "giant spin"! 

Beyond the spinning factor, it's totally practical. I love that when she sits down, it's long enough to cover her knees. It's super easy to clean and has an organic cotton option for the same price.  It's a complete outfit--no need to find all the pieces. It's so comfortable. It can be dressed up (add a shiny belt) or down (wear it plain). It's it's it's perfect. I wish I could buy it in my size. I need a spinning dress, too!
So for all those who asked where I got Ella's green dress in the recent photo shoot, now you know. And don't forget to enter the huge giveaway! Ends Monday. :)

Giveaway: Keith Pitts Photography

Last Friday, I introduced you to Keith Pitts and wrote about my experience as he took amazing photos of my kids in our apartment. Today, I'll show you the photos he took of our neighborhood and I've got great news:

Keith Pitts is giving away one family portrait session, a custom slideshow, an online gallery of up to 30 images hosted for 3 months, and 10 hi-res digital files! 

Total Giveaway Value: $3250!!

The only caveat is that the winner needs to be able to travel to one of his upcoming travel locations or be available to come to Phoenix at any time.

Keith Pitts Summer 2012 Travel Dates:

San Francisco, CA 

June 9 & 10

Laguna Beach, CA

June 23 & 24th

Paris, France

July 2012

San Diego

August 18 & 19

New York City

September 13 & 14

To enter, leave a comment on this post!
If you don't have a profile, please write your email in your comment so I can contact you :)

Winner will be drawn at random next Monday, June 4th. 

Good luck! 

More pictures after the jump, including our favorite climbing tree and the only melt down of the shoot. Can you guess who it was? It was short lived thank goodness! Read more about my experience too. :)

Ella Helps Make a Meal: Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This is a sponsored post by Kraft Singles. 
Last night I asked Ella to help make dinner.  She was so excited! Her enthusiasm reminded me of what it was like when I was six-years-old.  

I remember helping my mom pull out the clothes out of the dryer. Reading! Picking out my own outfit for the day.  Putting on my seat belt.  These, albeit small tasks to adults, took all my concentration and effort as a kid.  Now that I have a six-year-old of my own, I see her finding ways to help and feel independent, too.  Ella beams as she preforms and learns new tasks. Last night was no exception.

I involved her in the entire process, starting at the grocery store. She picked out the best apples, tomatoes, bread, soup, and chips to go along with our sandwiches. I tried to persuade her to pick tomato soup, but she insisted on chicken noodle. I went with it even though I knew she was going against the perfect grilled cheese combo. Next time I'll put my foot down.  

Yes, I admit it. I took pictures in the grocery store for this post. Shameless! haha. 

When we got home, the process of making a grilled cheese sandwich was exciting and fresh to her. From counting the amount of bread per person, to buttering the bread with a brush, to unwrapping the Kraft Singles--she did every thing with such care and thoughtfulness. 

The most nostalgic part of the night for me was teaching her how to unwrap the cheese. I can remember trying to get the Kraft Singles out of the packaging as a kid. Don't you? It takes a certain amount of resistance, yet ease to get the cheese out of the wrapper. 

Practice makes perfect!

She was so excited when she finally figured it out, she wanted me to record her. Here's her video:

I've eaten tons of grilled cheese sandwiches in my life, but none have been better than the one assembled by Ella. She was so proud of her meal and so was I!

I decided to keep the recipe simple and classic for her first time. . .

2 Slices of White bread

2 Kraft Singles

2 tbsp Olive Oil

Set oven to Broil Setting. Brush two slices of bread with olive oil on one side. Place cheese on dry side of bread. Assemble sandwich with oil side out. Put in broiler for 30 seconds, flip, repeat. Done! 

Serve with TOMATO SOUP or chicken noodle. :)

You can also share your Kraft Singles story on Facebook. Put your story on the map and join the conversation about Kraft Singles! As part of the DailyBuzz Moms Featured Publisher Community, I received a coupon for free Kraft Singles and a stipend. 

Keith Pitts Photography: Part One, In Our Apartment

Picture Day!

When Keith Pitts contacted me a few months ago to take my kids photographs, I jumped at the chance. As I browsed his website and blog, I knew he was going to capture my kid's life perfectly. He refers to his style as improvisational portraiture. He writes, "The best photography is like jazz, and must be played collaboratively and spontaneously, inventing a totally unique experience, every time." Perfectly said, right? I couldn't wait for picture day!  

When planning the shoot, Keith's assistant Melissa (she's so wonderful to work with!) told me he likes to start in the home and then work his way outside. This gives him a chance to bond with the kids and learn who they are. It was not mandatory to start in the home, just a suggestion. I love this idea. Starting in the home requires a day of cleaning and scrubbing and hiding and stuffing clutter, but it's totally worth it. 

When the boys were newborns, a photographer suggested starting our house too, but I declined. At the time, I didn't think my house was worth capturing. I thought it wasn't up to par as far as styling and size and lighting. Also, since we were renting, I thought it was pointless to capture a house that was temporary. But that's absurd! I didn't want to make the same mistake this time. 

Sure I don't have matching comforters on my kid's bunk beds. My walls have hand prints and scribbles all over them. My lamp shades are permanently lopsided and cracked. My kitchen needs updating. Our lack of bookshelves and books is embarrassing. But I tried to suppress all these insecurities and let Keith capture my kids in their home. It was the best decision I made. 

My kids greeted Keith at the door and immediately felt comfortable. They tried to impress him with all the facts they knew about black widows and poisonous snakes.  He joined in on the conversation and told them that despite fact that black widows were dangerous, they are actually quite beautiful. This amazed the kids and made their curiosity run wild. Dangerous yet beautiful. How can that be?!

The kids asked Keith about the two cameras he was holding, his bag, and his lenses. He told them about his equipment as they sat on the couch and he snapped pictures of them. The shoot was going smoothly until he asked the kids, "So what do you like to do for fun?" They immediately responded, "Play dress up!" Ahhh! Not dress up, I thought. This could get ugly!

I knew exactly the costumes they were going to put on: Owen was going to put on his ratty old Mater costume (from the movie Cars), and Oscar would pick his dirty batman cape. And Ella? I had no idea what she would pick. They live in costumes, but it's not exactly the look I go for in a photo shoot. Let's just say our costumes don't fit into that cool and editorial style I always try to portray my life to be.

I started to slightly panic and run down the hallway and say, "Uhh, kids. I don't think he really wants you to put the costumes on! Ehh, haha yeah. Um. Wow, the Mater costume! And the hat? Awesome. . ."

That's when Keith smiled and reassured me it would be fine. And I went with it because I knew he was right. But still, deep down, I felt like I would never show anyone these pictures. Ha! Tacky as the costumes were, this again, brought out the best in my kids, which resulted in amazing candid photos. I'm in love with these pictures now that I see them. I'm so glad I didn't intervene and make my kids take off their favorite costumes.

I realized 30 minutes into the shoot, that Keith's ability to capture my kids life was unlike any photographer I've ever worked with. There's nothing worse to me then over stylized (phony) family picture with props that don't seem natural. He wasn't going to lead this photo shoot in that direction. He snapped the most pictures when my kids showed them things that were important to their life. Even if that meant a large plastic Mater truck.

I must confess I replaced the Mater truck (below) shortly after this picture was taken with a wooden pull toy. I can't help myself! But look at this amazing shot of Owen. It's great, not because the toy is a cool vintage find (it's not!), but because Kieth captured a moment with Owen's favorite toy. I can't wait to frame this photo! The pictures of the wooden pull toy? Didn't even make the cut. Ha!

Then my kids asked for cookies. This time I didn't hesitate. Even if they got their new clothes a little dirty, it would be ok. 95% of my kid's childhood is spent with cookie crumbs on their shirt anyway. Might as well capture it on camera! Keith and I ate some too. :)

Keith taught me so much about capturing kids in the first half of the photo shoot. Next week I'll show you the rest of the pictures as we ventured outside to their favorite locations in our neighborhood. 

Also on Monday, I'll give you details about the HUGE Keith Pitt's Giveaway! Yay! 

In the mean time, check out his schedule to see if he'll be in your neck of woods this summer.

Have a good weekend! 

After the jump: 

The slide show he created for me of all the pictures (sneak peak into next week's outdoor shoot!) 

AND the rest of the photo shoot in our apartment. :) 

Staten Island Zoo

Last Tuesday I went to the Staten Island Zoo with Oscar's pre-k class. I'm not really a fan of zoos in general, but this one wasn't so bad. It's tiny, yet has plenty of farm animals, reptiles and fish to make me happy.  The pony ride was the highlight for Oscar. He went twice!

10 Favorite Folk Children's Albums: Must-Have Children's Albums

Are you guilty of a few slightly ridiculous motherhood philosophies? Like only buying classic books with beautiful hardcovers? Or only dressing your kids in clothing without cartoon characters? Or only buying organic, even if it's a packaging nightmare?  And do you follow these philosophies because you believe somehow your children's life will be more rich/beautiful/healthy? I'm guilty. Here's another one of mine:

I used to think it was my motherly duty to teach my kids all the classic children's folk songs. I took it sooo seriously. As if their childhood would be lost if they didn't learn all the words to Oh My Darling Clementine. Simply put, I thought it was sweet to hear them sing classic folk songs. But in a larger sense, I thought those songs were giving my kids a solid start to music. This, of course, was without doing a single shred of research. Just my gut feelings. These music lessons started in my minivan years ago in San Francisco. It was my favorite part about owning a car. 

Since moving to the city and getting rid of my car, my music lessons have stopped and my kids brains have slowly began to rot. That is, until we saw the Imagination Movers last week thanks to The Moms. While Imagination Movers songs aren't exactly folksy, they did a good job at getting the kids to dance, sing, and enjoy live music. The event made me want to bring back some of my old favorite albums and reintroduce them to my family. I'm sure my kid's eyes are rolling even as I type this. 

I've written my top 10 favorite children's albums before, but I'm including it again today. This time in a simple list format. After the jump. Also, some more pictures of the concert.