Sleep has taken over. Whatever I was doing this weekend (which was the usual: chauferring kids, birthday parties, groceries, etc), when I wasn't doing it, I was sleeping. I still feel foggy and like I could sleep through an entire week. I don't know if my body is fighting off (another) illness or if this is residual from sleeping a mere 3 hours on Thursday night (Friday morning) after taking Nat to see Twilight at midnight. Whatever the reason, I'm going with my body on this one. It is obviously a lot wiser than I.

So, here you go. You're welcome. But seriously, wouldn't it be fun if several of us made one, took pictures of our creations and compared notes? Let me know if you're game.

 And for posterity, a look at Thanksgiving Table Decor Past here at Chez Beavers.

...something this Florida girl never got to experience as a child

Tuesday, November 10

11/7/09 Guy and Nino as photographed by Natalie (age 13)

Still. You know those Mommy calling cards that have become so popular recently? I made some years ago when Nat went to kindergarten and they're still sitting in my glove compartment all weathered and dusty - who was I kidding? Anyway, I feel like I should run a Mommy personal ad (which actually reads more like a disclaimer):

Irreverent, slightly crunchy, natural-birth giving, doula having, extended breastfeeding, babyfood making, family bed sharing, baby wearing, family planning, post partum depression suffering, raging liberal, non-religious, potty-mouthed, crafty, computer-geek, art & literature enthusiast FREAK who would rather talk Tolstoy and Cupcakes than Talbot's and Christ.

Are you sure you want me?

Elle is a fighter. She kicks middle child ASS. She is really coming into her own personality and her insights and snappy comebacks are admirable. She is lazy as shit. If you ask her to do something (chores, homework) and it's not her idea, you might as well ask her to rip out her arm. Yet she is one of the most thoughtful, thorough, giving, loving people I've ever met. She would literally give you the shirt off her back. She will re-organize her room to the point of using labels. I fear the state of our bank account the day she discovers The Container Store. But only if it's her idea. That is the key. Elle eats a jelly sandwich every night before bed which I just find absolutely charming in its simplicity. We should all eat a jelly sandwich in bed every night.

Anna Sofia is hilarious at age 4. An unusual type of princess. Pretty in a dress (always a dress) but she will literally KICK YOUR ASS. She is rough and tumble with those wild curls flying all over the place. She's very cuddly but not like you might imagine. She craves skin-to-skin contact and at any given moment you will find her walking up to me, lifting my shirt and planting her tummy on mine. She loves bath time only to pee standing up, the nut. If I had to describe Anna Sofia in one word it would be: PRIMAL. She's always running around in her skivvies eating nothing but green apples and baby spinach. And Little Debbie brownies. She cracks us up. She loves cutting and coloring. And using big words she learns on Nick Jr. like "apprehensive." Thank you, Upside Down Show! She is an uber relaxer. At any given moment, Anna Sofia will strip down to her undies and crawl into her Dora comforter-covered playroom couch and just chill. A necessary skill most grown ups I know haven't yet mastered.

All this to say, I birthed my own personal gurus. What an invaluable privilege.

Wasn't it nice of Frida Kahlo to stop by?