LACMA with the family

I can't remember the last time I've been to the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), so since we were finally all healthy this weekend, we thought we'd venture out, and I'm so glad we did!

I was joyfully surprised by how kid friendly LACMA is. There's lots of fun exhibits, like the spaghetti-like-walk-through-yellow fun area (not it's official title) above. James loved it!

And of course the well known Urban Light installation in the front of the museum was a good time to play 'catch me if you can' with James.

And this "Metropolis II" installation was a super cool treat for all of us. It's like a giant hot wheels race track with a real live operator in the middle of it all (see her there??)

Afterward, we went across the street and ordered some food from the food trucks parked outside. And other than James biting his tongue and my hot dog being less than awesome, it was a great day.

If you're free tomorrow, and live in LA, admission is free! While I'm sure it'll be busy.. it should be a fun time! I'm planning to go back for Story Time at the Boone Children's Gallery since it's free on Mondays and Fridays at 2. Do you like museums? I actually like galleries more because I feel overwhelmed at museums sometimes. There is never enough time to see all of what they have to offer. And that was certainly the case today. But instead of trying to fit it all in, I'll just plan to go back. So, will you visit?

Paralyzed

So I do this thing where I want to get so many things done, that I kind of don't know where to start/ don't want to start because I really just want to relax-- so I get paralyzed in this in-between place where I'm worrying about doing things that I'm not doing, which isn't productive at all. This was an issue for me at times before being a mum, but now that my productive hours are limited to when James is sleeping, this has become even more of an issue. 

Does this happen to you? Any advice?

I try not to be too hard on myself because I know I end up getting things done in the end, but this does seriously stress me out. I'm simultaneously judging myself about not doing something and trying to give myself a break and not worry about it. It'll get done. 

Maybe I just answered my own question. Stop judging myself. Sometimes you need to just take your pants off and go to bed.

Pretty waves

I thought this was a cute blog post on "you know you're ready for a haircut when..."

If you recognize her, apparently this blogger was once on American idol. I never watched the show, but I like her hair! Now I just want to know how she styled those waves.. my hair is almost this long again!

NYE traditions

Do you do anything special to mark the New Year?

Although I haven't done it in a few years, one of my favorite things to do is reflect back on each of the last twelve months and make little predictions for the coming year. One of my best friends introduced this to me years ago, and it stuck. It's simple, here's what to do:

- fold up a blank piece of paper into twelve small boxes
- mark each box for each month of the year: January - December
- indicate one side for 2013, and the other for 2014
- write down one memorable thing that happened to you each month over this past year
- and predict one memorable thing that might happen for you in 2014
- store it for next year and read your predictions to see what came true on NYE 2014!

I'm excited to do it tonight. Will you try it?

Sayings that I don't like.

Usually, I like focusing on the positive. But today I want to talk about sayings that I DON'T like. The first two are pretty straight forward:

If you're jealous, don't say you're "jelly". You're not jelly, jelly is something you put on toast. You're jealous, use whatever's left of your stamina, and utter that second syllable. For me, please.

The second saying I don't like is "I'm preggo!" to indicate you are growing a baby inside you're womb. You are not a pasta sauce. You are an incubator for a human being. Again, utter that second syllable. Or don't ;) it's just my little pet peeve. And I know a million mamas say it.. so just saying.. (is that a saying that bothers anyone?:)

Now this one's a little more complicated. I was recently reading something that mentioned the "terrible twos", and all I can think is how horrible that sounds! I mean talk about setting yourself up for failure. And don't get me wrong.. I've had my fair share of "terribles" with my one year old, so it's not that I don't think that having a two year old will probably make me want to pull my hair out sometimes, but can we at least focus on the positive for this one. I mean it's a whole year. That's a long time to be terrible. I'm really hoping for Terrific (even with the Tantrums) Twos.

So that's all I've got. What sayings bug you?

First photo shoot

I am one proud mama.

Although James was a little tired, my friend Heather was able to capture some great pictures of him a few weeks ago!

I love sharing in my friends' passions and talents, and this photo shoot is no exception. Heather specializes in babies and couples in her photography, and I loved getting to do this with her. Knowing the photographer certainly makes the session feel very comfortable and fun- even with a fractured wrist! Thanks Heather!

Thousand dollar pajamas

So I saw these pajamas on J Crews website, and thought: oh, those are pretty and cozy. And then saw the $1,200 price tag! Yes, these exist. But don't worry Zac, I like these instead: 

(and they're about $1,140 more inexpensive;)

How's your holiday shopping going? I know I still have lots to do!