next stop: Sadie's 1st Birthday Photos

Hi Friends,

What is your next stop this weekend?

Our big event this weekend .... Sadie's 1st Birthday Photos / Family Photos with Erin Carlyle Photography!  It is my job as Super Big Brother to make her smile and laugh for her photos.  This will be our 6th time to take photos with Erin (maternity x 2, my newborn, my first birthday, and Sissy's newborn).  We (aka Mommy) don't want to spoil all of our photo surprises, but we have a sneak peek for you today - Sissy's birthday shirt, hat, and bib by Little One Boutique (Mommy's 3rd time to use Little One).

All Images: Tara Johnson / Mad Max and Family

And this weekend we are also going to continue to enjoy heirloom tomatoes from Whole Foods.  I think I prefer mine on just toast since that is my fav food of choice lately (and Mommy makes me all kinds of good toast like DINOSAUR toast).

But Daddy also made this week... a pressed sandwich with heirloom tomatoes (tortilla, homemade black bean burgers, hummas, and salsa) and veggie soup with heirloom tomatoes (and also kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, chick peas, white beans, and spices).

How are you enjoying your heirlooms this week?  Did you know how many different kinds there are ... ??  Thank you Whole Foods for sharing this info with us!

Varieties and pairings:

Cherokee Purple: Very large beefsteak variety that is purple or very dark red.  It has a deep flavor and firm, dense texture that stand up to slicing.  Serve brined cheeses such as feta or with a sweet drizzle of honey.  Similar varieties include Black Krim.

Marvel Stripe: A large beefsteak variety that is yellow with an interior blush.  It’s mild, sweet and fruity with low acidity; juicy and soft.  Wonderful for gazpacho, paired with balsamic vinegar as a tomato relish or with earthy clothbound cheddar cheese.  Similar varieties include Striped German and Georgia Streak.

Brandywine: This large beefsteak variety can be pink or yellow.  It is sweet with low acidity; this is considered a “slicing” tomato with excellent texture.  It’s perfect for sandwiches, used as the base of a fresh summer salad or paired with the creamy saltiness of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.  Similar varieties include Pruden’s Purple.

Evergreen: Medium to large, this beefsteak variety is green even when ripe.  Mild and sweet, try making tomato preserves, a sandwich with triple crème brie and baguette or breading and frying slices for fried green tomatoes.  Similar varieties include Green Giant.

Black Prince: A medium-sized, round globe variety that can be purple or very dark red.  Deep and sweetly flavored with firm texture.  Sprinkle wedges with vinaigrette and fresh herbs for a simple treat; pair with Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue to match the tomato’s sweetness with a wonderful blue cheese.  Similar varieties include Japanese Black Truffle.

Sun Gold: Small and will be dark yellow or almost orange.  Tangy and sweet, it’s perfect for an anytime snack, tossing into quick salads, baking on pizzas and flatbreads and pairing with Parrano cheese.  Similar varieties include Yellow Grape.

Black Cherry: Small and will be purple or dark red.  It’s very sweet and great in salads, roasting whole, baking into focaccia and pairing with Monterey Jack for a cream-of-tomato soup flavor combination.  Similar varieties include Pink Cherry, Red Grape and Red Pear.

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to find us on Mad About Town.

weekend update: End of Summer

Hi Friends,

How are you?

We've been very busy over here ... one thing that we can now reveal that has been taking up some of Train Wreck Mommy's time -- she is transitioning into a new job ...wait for it, elementary art (K - 4)!  I've been helping her out by doing lots of art projects with her.

On that note, Mommy starts her "new" orientation training this week.  We are very sad to see summer end here (although not the heat unfortunately).  I'm sure Mommy will miss us a lot!  Don't worry, Mommy ... I will take care of Super Sadie!  I will entertain her by letting her eat all of my trains.

Anyways ... how was your weekend?  Mommy got a lot of errands done on Saturday (Lakeshore Learning, DSW, Target, Cakelicious for Sadie's cake smash), and Sunday we had a busy morning - church, AN ALL ABOARD CHOO CHOO TRAIN PARTY at Hermann Park (Happy Birthday, A!), and Whole Foods.

Speaking of Whole Foods ... we have some exciting news to share with you! ... but before we get to that, enjoy a photo of our last summer "Art Thursday" at the Menil this past Thursday.

One thing we are looking forward to this week is heirloom tomato season!  Are you going to enjoy heirloom tomatoes this week?  If so, how are you going to enjoy them?  If not... you better not miss this treat.

Whole Foods is celebrating all things heirloom tomatoes August 14 - September 10.  We will also be sharing more information about heirlooms this week.  On Sunday, we also picked up some heirlooms already to start enjoying -- and we are going to bring you our recipes this week.  Do you think even Super Sadie will enjoy some heirloom tomatoes?  I bet so!

Hot for heirlooms: (from Whole Foods)

-Heirlooms are classic varieties that are prized today because of their intense flavors, vibrant colors, and unique shapes.  They’re delicate, so they must be handpicked and packed.

-When shopping for heirloom tomatoes, be sure to choose tomatoes that are heavy for their size and store them on the counter at home – not in the refrigerator.

-Remember that heirlooms ripen quickly, so buy frequently and enjoy soon after purchase. Size and shape have no correlation with quality; large or small, they’re all delicious!

-Whole Foods Market carries a wide selection of organic heirloom tomatoes.

Be sure to check back on Wednesday, and we will share more about varieties and pairings (and we will share our recipes soon this week too!).

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to visit us at Mad About Town.

Super Sadie's Crazy Cherry Update

Hi Friends,

Sadie here ... How was your week?

We've (Max and Mommy) obviously have had a really hard time keeping up with my Weekly Updates, ahem.  And we've had a few things pop up on us this week too (to make matters worse / less time).

But we would still like to bring you some sort of update ... so here it goes quickly!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Sadie's Week Who Knows Update Almost 9 Months (whatttttt!?!?!)

Weight: Well, I had to go to the doctor last week (and my brother too) for being sickly.   I only weighed 17.2 lbs!

Height: Not sure.  Obviously very tall!  (Probably average).

Health: See note above about the doctor.  Both myself, my brother, and Train Wreck Mommy came down with something last week ... my FIRST time to be sick, and my FIRST fever.  Turns out it was a cold / viral infection (and ear infection for Max).

Sleep: Let's not even go there right now.  Okay ... well Mommy has me to about one morning nap and one to two afternoon naps around the same time.  Where I sleep is hit or miss!  I sleep w/ my Mommy mostly at night, but that is mostly her fault.  Why would she want to sleep without me??  The good news is ...the last few nights I slept very well.  When I was sick, not so much.

Diet: Mommy's milk only and ... I'm eating all kinds of stuff now!  Daddy makes my food, I also eat puffs, and I eat some small table food / cut up pieces.  You did see me eating delicious (Whole Foods) cherries this week, right?

Social: Summer with Mommy?  When I am NOT social!  Monday was music class with Max.  Tuesday was the Toddler Time at the library w/ Mommy, Max, and YaYa.  Thursday we went to Moody Gardens (our first trip to the beach - well, Palm Beach) with Mommy, Max, Mimi, and the cousins.

Clothes: I can still fit in some 6 months clothes.  I really should probably be wearing 9 months plus clothes mostly though.

Baby Gear: I don't think Mommy has bought anything new to rave about lately, but she has several things on her list.  Yay for shopping!  Mommy is always loving her Ergo of course.  If you are looking for a baby carrier, the Ergo is really the ONLY one you should even consider (besides a wrap of course).

Crying: If Mommy leaves, time for me to pitch a FIT!

Likes: Putting EVERYTHING in my mouth!  It is so delicious.  I love also crawling really fast to electrical outlets and brother's small toys.  I also like pulling up on everything and "scaring my Mother."  And lately - I love water!  I love splashing in the bath with brother.

Postpartum: From Mommy - I'm just trying to survive.  And how are you!?

Milestones: So many ... first sickness, first beach day today ... OH the other night Mommy said "mama" and I said "mama".  Then she said "dada" and I said "dada".  So easy to please, isn't she?

What is Max Up To This Week?: Bringing lots of joy to myself and Mommy and Daddy!  He's such a hoot!  Lately he's focused on trying to go potty, playing with trains, and watching Caillou.  Tough life!

So how are you?  What is your update??

Stay tuned... this weekend we are going to make some cherry recipes to share with you, and some cherry-inspired kids art projects!  If you are in Houston, don't forget to head to Whole Foods for their Cherry Fest!

-Super Sadie of Mad Max and Family

PS: Be sure to visit us at Mad About Town.

weekend update: National Eat a Train Month?

Hello Friends,

Happy July! How are you?

Mommy said July is one of her favorite months (ahem, okay, Mommy we get it – your birthday). Are you enjoying July? We sure are … although our first week of July was spent sick (me, Mommy, AND Sissy had a cold. And I had an ear infection). It was Sissy’s first time to be sick (first fever, first cold)! And since we were sick … we spent a lot of time at home / inside, and we spent some extra time with the Grandparents (thank you for your help!). How did you spend your holiday weekend?

A few highlights from us …

1) We spent Sadie’s first 4th of July with family at Ya Ya and Pop’s. Mommy and Daddy let me stay up to watch 4th of July Fireworks for the first time! I waved a flag and yelled yay! Fireworks! (What else am I suppose to do?). Happy Birthday America! (Sissy prefers to eat trains over hot dogs). Sissy's 4th of July outfit was from Target mostly, and mine was from The Children's Place.

2) I made lots of art for the 4th of July. Below is my torn paper collage flag - super easy - you can just use colored construction paper, or tissue paper, or any other paper of appropriate color!

3) I made Cool Whip art with Mommy. Mommy said I am the only kid that wouldn’t probably eat it too (hey, we are plant-strong and healthy over here).

Directions for Cool Whip Paint:
Needed: 

Big Container of Cool Whip (or Whipped Brand of your Choice)
Jello Packets (Colors of your Choice)
Bowls or Containers
Spoons
Black Paper or Other Dark Construction Paper
Paint Brushes (Optional)

Directions: Put some Cool Whip in each bowl (each bowl will be a different color of “paint”). Add some Jello color of your choice to each bowl (Mommy and I did the primary colors – red, yellow, and blue). Stir! Now you are ready to paint. You can paint with your fingers (eww – yucky, I told Mommy) or with paint brushes. We chose to paint on black paper.

We also made our own Rainbow Playdough.  Thank you Tinkerlab for this idea and recipe!

So how did you enjoy this long holiday weekend?

Also ... what are your favorite summer treats? We hope CHERRIES are on your list! We are celebrating cherries this month with Whole Foods and their Cherry Fest (this is peak cherry season, you know!). Stay tuned this week for some of our favorite ways to enjoy cherries!

Image Credit: Whole Foods Market

But in the meantime ... while you are waiting, be sure to mark your calendars (for those of you in Houston) for the upcoming Cherry Fest:

Whole Foods Market’s “Cherry Fest”

When: Friday, July 12 - Sunday, July 14 (12 - 5pm)

What: Celebrate summer with a cherry on top! Join any Whole Foods Market Houston or Sugar Land stores for its third annual Cherry Fest, from Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14. Cherries will be in abundance, so now is the time to indulge in these delicious, peak-of-season treats. Whether you want something savory or sweet, or simply like diving into a heaping bowl of chilled cherries you will be able to experience it all during Cherry Fest! There will be plenty of great store activities as well as plump, delicious cherries to taste either one-by one or in the many different cherry-licious recipes that will be available. Don’t miss out!

Where: All Houston Whole Foods Market locations

701 Waugh Dr.; 2955 Kirby Dr.; 4004 Bellaire Blvd.; 6401 Woodway Dr.; and 11145 Westheimer; 15900 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, & 6601 S Fry Road in Katy
-Mad Max

weekend update: And so it begins ...

Hi Friends,

Well, we said a few weeks ago we were REALLY BACK.  And obviously we lied.  We will try to do better!  Mommy is balancing many of her own projects (and us (me and Sadie) now during the summer time), but maybe we need to make our blogs a bigger priority.  And how do you keep up?

How was your weekend?

We are very happy to report that last week was our FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER.  How are you enjoying summer?  We definitely had a fun-filled and memorable week.  We wanted to share some highlights with you!

Monday: Outlet mall shopping with Mommy and Ya Ya (A few things for Mommy at Old Navy ... some clothes for me and Sadie at The Children's Place and Carter's ... and I got a prize at Disney)
Tuesday: Toddler Time at our local library with Mommy and Ya Ya
Wednesday: Houston Metropolitan Dance performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre with Mommy and Mommy's friends
Thursday: Art Thursday!  We went to go see a new mural of graffiti art at Green Street.  We also had lunch at Phoenicia with Mommy's friend, Daddy, and Daddy's co-worker.
Friday: Lunch with Mommy, Pops, and Ya Ya.

We were really out and about.  But we also did lots of fun projects at home - including trying some Pinterest activities out.

How is your summer?  What are you up to?

By the way, we are still working really hard to organize our digital files so it's a little difficult for us to work with our photos right now.  But please enjoy a few iPhone photos today in the meantime!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

The first photo of Sissy and her bestie, O, at the graffiti mural.  The second one is of me dressing up as a man.  Obviously.

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to visit us at Mad About Town.

We Need A Break After Spring Break.

Hi Friends,

How are you?  How was your weekend?  Were you on Spring Break last week?  How was yours?

We were absent from the blog world last week ... enjoying Spring Break with Mommy (me and Sissy). Mommy said we had two main goals last week: have fun with the kidlets (that is me and Sadie June) and purge / pack (and some other minor goals, but Mommy said we would have little time for anything else with our two main goals).

How about you?

We enjoyed so much that it would take us a long time to share it all with you (and the purging / packing ...see more on this below... is keeping us busy)!

The first Saturday of Spring Break we went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with Ya Ya and Pops (Sadie's FIRST Rodeo!).  We had so much fun!  I rode a pony, went to the petting zoo, saw all of the animals in the education area, went shopping, ate rodeo treats, went to the rodeo kids farm, and more.  Sadie had so much fun that she passed out in her Ergo.  Mommy really wanted me to wear my new cowboy boots and my cowboy hat, but she forgot she turned me into an urban baby.  The Wrangler shirt and jeans were about all this City Slicker could handle.

I also had SoccerTots both weekends, and park time.  (Slides are my new favorite thing).

Monday I went with Mommy, Sissy, and Ya Ya to the Kemah Boardwalk.  I had a blast!  It was my first trip there.  I rode the carousel, the hot air balloon ride, the plane - the plane - the plane ride, the train (which was probably my personal favorite), and we played games.  Mommy "won me" a puppy that looks just like Bean.  Won as in everyone walks away with a prize.  That's okay, Mommy - you did a great job!  I also played at their playground, ate lunch, and went shopping.

Tuesday we met Mimi and Auntie Dana and the cousins at Memorial City Mall for some fun.  I played in the play area, and the ladies tricked me into lunch at the American Girl store.  Luckily Mommy made up for it by letting me ride on the carousel.  Carousel!  TWO DAYS IN A ROW!

Wednesday Mommy said she was going to stay in with us, but all of us got antsy.  Mommy's friend V came over, and we walked (yes you heard right), walked to Target and a few other stores.

Thursday we went with V to the MFAH to see the Prado show, and we had lunch with V at Shiva Indian Restaurant in Rice Village.  What did I think of the show?  Well, I personally liked looking for the dogs in the art.  Oh, and the hats.  Sissy on the other hand?  Disinterested.  Napped.  We were by far the youngest ones at the show!  Now the fun doesn't stop there ...

Friday we went with Mommy and her friends on a play date to Chuck E. Cheese's.  Did Mommy spoil us this week or what?  This was only my second time to CEC.  I can't wait to go back!

This past weekend was full of fun too.  Mimi, Peeps, Auntie D, and the cousins came to watch me play soccer.  We celebrated Mimi's birthday afterwards at Ruggles Green (City Centre), and played in their "grass" area.  Everyone is having a blast until you fall flat on your forehead.  Mommy made up for it - she bought us sweets at SWEET.

Whew.

Enjoy a photo from the rodeo!  More photos to come soon.  As we mentioned before... very busy with purging and packing.  We are moving to our temporary home in less than two weeks.  Eep!  Mommy and Daddy are calling it our "resort" while our home is being built (aka an apartment with a pool - I'm not fooled).

With that being said, all of Mommy's technology is FULL - computers, iPhone, iPad, so we have a lot of work to do also on files with the tech so we can share more photos (easily).  Please be patient as we do these big transitions (moving - and organizing files!).

Stay tuned for our next stop this Wednesday, and Sissy's big update(s) on Friday!  Enjoy a photo from the rodeo.

How is your week so far?

-Mad Max

PS: You can also find us on Mad About Town.

fun monday: Sadie's Week 17 Update

Hi Friends,

Sadie here ... How was your weekend?

This is my Week 17 update from LAST Monday.  And this past Friday I turned 4 months.  Can you believe it?  The Big 4 and no 0.  (Stay tuned for more photos from my 4 Month Birthday).

So first ... what did we do this weekend?  We had a big one!  Not only was it my 4 month birthday ... but on Friday part of Mommy's work day consisted of professional development of her choice so we went to the museums with Mommy.  We also first had lunch at the Black Lab (British food - thanks for waking me up guys).  Then we went to the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston and the Cullen Sculpture Garden (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston).  Mommy said she could do this EVERY Friday.

Saturday we went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade with "Auntie" Alicen.  Big Bro Max loved the drums in the bands.  Thanks again guys for not waking me up for the parade!  Then Max had his SoccerTots later that afternoon.  Besides our usual this weekend ... we will probably just also head to the park later today (Sunday).

How about you?  What did you do?  (Stay tuned for some photos from my weekend!)

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Sadie's Week 17 Update

Weight: We go to the doc today (Monday) for my 4 month check up.  I should know the details then.  What would you guess?

Height: See above.

Health: Wonderful so we think!  We should find out more at the doc.

Sleep: I'm doing about the same.  Definitely not great at the grandparents, but I am better at home with Mommy.  We hope things get better all around!  We are continuing to try CIO (cry it out).  In a few weeks, I am going to be transitioning into my pack and play bed at home (and we are giving away our bassinet to a friend).  And then I will transition to my crib.  We are moving soon to our temporary house (and our new home at the end of the year / beginning of the year) so we will get my crib then.  We need to find one first!  Any tips on modern looking white cribs?  That aren't too terribly pricey?

Diet: Same - Mommy's Milk only!  Nursing Moms ... what do you do to keep your milk supply up?

Social: Basically everything we stated above in our Weekend Update.  I don't know that I went anywhere last week when Mimi or Ya Ya were watching me.

Clothes: The clothes in this posting are from Carter's (we promise, not all of my clothes are from Carter's).  I'm still wearing 3 months + or 3 - 6 months.  I can probably fit in the smaller 6 months + soon.  But Mommy isn't going to get those ready yet.  

Baby Gear: About the same as last week... I'm really liking grabbing things - so my toys with texture.  I have some soft blocks that have texture that were Max's.  Mommy is also getting a lot of use out of her Ergo.  How do you wear your baby?

Crying: I had a few nights this past week where I woke up crying a lot.  Mommy was pretty sure it was a tummy ache of some kind.  I still cry a lot with the grandparents, but we are hoping that gets better soon.  Any tips?

Likes: I really like watching my brother (as always), talking a lot, when Mommy and others sing to me ...and now I like grabbing my toes!

Postpartum: From Mommy - my hair is definitely falling out - about the same as it did with Max.  I still feel like I need to do a ton more exercise, but I'm doing the best that I can.  I'm completely exhausted, but that has more to do with working FT at a demanding job and taking care of two babies (and everything else I need to do).  If you are in the postpartum world right now, how are you?

Milestones: I'm grabbing AND holding on to my feet now.  It just happened over this past week.  I'm also REALLY close to rolling over back to front.

What is Max Up To This Week?: Max is still talking and singing a lot.  His big milestone of the week was ... Mommy was reading a book to me, and he started filling in the words (had the books memorized).  He is also singing along to a lot of songs.

What about you?  How was your weekend?  What are you up to this week?

-Sadie of Mad Max and Family

PS: Please also find us on Mad About Town.

thematic tuesday (at home): We Heart ...

Hi Friends,

Okay so our Tuesday post is mostly turning into a Wednesday post ... but that's okay.

Mommy said we need a Personal Assistant.  We?  How about I!  She said we need someone to blog, post, tweet, pin, wash and fold laundry, sleep for us .. etc.  Mommy's gone off the deep end.

Anyways ... I still LOVE her.  And our topic this week is love ... Mad Max's favorite topic to go along with his (my) Scotch ... Valentine's Day is coming!  Have you started thinking about it yet?  Do you celebrate (or even have an "anti-celebration")?  How do you celebrate?

Mommy said holidays are 1,000,000x more fun with kiddos (of course ... I'm one big ball of fun).  So we've been thinking of things we can do at home (and later in the week - around town) to celebrate.  Who doesn't love to celebrate those they, well, LOVE?

One idea ... "baking" (well Valentine's Marshmallow Pops)!  Yes, this is Mommy's idea of baking.

Valentine's Marshmallow Pops

Image Credit: Pinterest via Glorious Treats

Have you ever HAD marshmallow pops before ...?  They are so delicious!  Have you ever made them before?  We just made them (with help from many - Mimi, Viola, Mandy, and Jessica) for my 2nd Birthday Celebration.  We found everything we needed for them at Hobby Lobby, but I'm sure you can also find them at Michael's and other places.  Mommy said next time we should maybe look at Whole Foods for some things - maybe they have melting chocolates that are "healthier"?

So how do you make them?  The short story is ... 1) melt the chocolate (directions on the bag).  A double boiler is probably the most ideal way to do it.  2) dip a stick into the chocolate first (before putting the marshmallow on the stick - helps, stick!) 3) dip the marshmallow into the chocolate ... turn and turn and let the extra drip off 4) stick the marshmallow pop in some styrofoam (or something else to hold them up) to let them dry (we happened to have some leftover from a Christmas gift ...but you can buy the green foam at craft stores - that will work! ) 5) once dry ...put a nice clear bag (and maybe a tag) around them and tie!

We haven't tried any fancy ones like multiple marshmallows or other embellishments, but we are thinking we might try something for Valentine's Day.  There are so many ideas on Pinterest!  Be sure to visit Glorious Treats for some more photos, directions, and inspiration.

So how are you celebrating Valentine's Day at home with your kiddos?  Any baking ideas to share?

Valentine's Day Outfits

And finally, we will leave you with a photo of our Valentine's Day shirts that just arrived from klzart via etsy (thank you Kelly ... Mommy LOVES them ... !)  I know ... I know.  I'll pull in all the ladies with this!  Have you picked your outfits yet for your little ones?  Mommy said she also might get us some Oshkosh B'gosh overalls to go with them.

Thoughts?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

-Mad Max

PS: You can also find us at Mad About Town.

next stop: I do. I do. DIY.

Hi Friends,

Mad Max here ... I love to say "I do.  I do."  Because ... I can DO IT MY(Your)SELF.

And Mommy is also obsessed with DIY (as you remember recently from my 2nd Birthday Party).  Are you obsessed with DIY too?

And this week we are talking about new beginnings ... various goals this year ... etc.  One of Mommy's goals this year is also to constantly expose us to new things and to DO more DIY on our own and with us.  So we found the perfect match to this combination this weekend at the Houston Mini Maker Faire.

What is your next stop this weekend?



And what is the Houston Mini Maker Faire?

Saturday, January 19, 2013
10 am - 6 pm
Stafford Centre
Ticket Information

Maker Faire brings together families and individuals to celebrate the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset and showcase all kinds of incredible projects. At Maker Faire, you’ll find arts and crafts, science and engineering, food and music, fire and water but what makes this event special is that all these interesting projects and smart, creative people belong together. They are actively and openly creating a maker culture.

In its simplest form, Maker Faire creates conversations with Makers. It is a show-and-tell format for people of all ages that brings out the “kid” in all of us. Maker Faire is a community-based learning event that inspires everyone to become a maker and connect to people and projects in their local community.

Houston Mini Maker Faire is being organized by Adil Jafry, Mike Hinkle, Jacob Shiach and the Make The Future Team.

If you live in or around Houston ... you should go check it out!

Speaking of upcoming events, don't forget that the Dad 2.0 Summit is coming to Houston in a few short weeks.  Will you be there?

And finally, here I am being a maker below!  

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

-Mad Max

PS: You can find us at Mad About Town.

thematic tuesday (at home): What Are Your At Home Goals With Kidlets?

Hi Friends,

Is your week off to a nice start?  We are feeling a bit like this (see photo below) tonight (Monday) ... so you can say that is less than to be desired.  Needless to say, we felt so much like the photo below that we almost didn't make this blog today - but we are here!  (Part of that feeling has to do with Mommy being back at work ... part of it has to do with Sissy being fussy tonight (Monday) ... etc).  We hope you are fairing much better.

By the way, do you know who is in the photo below?  Do you think it's me (Max) or Sadie?

We are starting a new blog posting on Tuesdays ... thematic tuesday (at home) - this posting will relate to themes, and things you do at home with the kidlets!

All Images: Mad Max and Family

Today we wanted to ask ... what goals do you have with your kidlets this year?  Are there any goals that relate to things you want to do with them at home?

Mommy is still working on our (her) goal list for the year, but she knows that she wants us to continue to make art together.  How do you make art at home?  We also want to focus more on learning colors, exploring colors, painting, mixing colors, etc.  So she wants to do several projects that involve those areas.

Are you interested in hearing any project ideas?  Let us know!  (We did a "special" painting project for Christmas gifts, and we may do one again soon ... I don't want to spoil any surprises though!).

The project above is simple for Super Tots.  We used an "Alex My First Painting Set."  It comes with the primary colors, is simple to use for Super Tots (keeps the paints contained, mostly), and easy to clean.  It does seem to waste a lot of paint unless you take the time to try to put the excess back, but the paint is cheap so it is probably not a great loss.

Mommy and I like to practice mixing our colors, expressing ourselves, and we like to reuse material (here we painted on newspaper!).

Is painting on your list of goals to do with your kidlets at home this year?  Or what is on your list related to the arts (or even not related to the arts)?

We look forward to hearing your ideas!

And don't forget  ... Dad 2.0 is coming up in a few short weeks.  Will you be there?

-Mad Max

PS: You can find us at Mad About Town.

last stop (again): Max's "Where The Wild Things Are" 2nd Birthday Celebration (Part II)

Hi Friends,

How are you doing today?  What are you looking forward to this weekend?

Now we are bringing you the second half of my super Where the Wild Things Are 2nd Birthday Celebration.  Be sure to take a look at Part I if you haven't already (it gives the back story on the party, quick location change, shows the decor and details, and more).

All Images: Mad Max and Family

This is where I am thinking ... who the F are all of these people in my house.  And why the F am I dressed like this?

Where The Wild Things Are ... ?  Making art of course.

We weren't really prepared to feed a bunch of small children IN our home.  But really - who ever is ... ?

Do you make art activities are your birthday parties?

Check out my wolf tail!

Instead of making mischief in my wolf suit... I held on to Daddy and Mommy for most of the party - FOR DEAR LIFE.

My super party guests drew in / wrote in / signed my Where The Wild Things Are book.  How do you collect messages and memories at your parties?

It says 2!  Mommy taught me that I am two now!

Do you realize, Mommy, I did not wear the wolf suit / crown for a reason?  And now look at you.

Happy 2nd Birthday to me!  Last year I cried when we sang Happy Birthday and ate cake ... this year I was less dramatic.

My new SKUUT bike!  And my FIRST bike at that.  See how the photo is blurry?  This is what happens when your train wreck Mommy has cake and blurs the lens.  Lovely right?  We didn't notice until the next day when we were taking photos.  Oy.  We'll share more photos of my bike soon.

And finally ...the last two photos are of my Super Sissy and her Super Friend O (they are nearly the same age!) - ignoring each other and than a movement shot.  And you can also see Mom's cake aka the blurrrrrrr - sorry!

Oh wait ... we are NOT done.  Finally ... my favorite part of the party - the MAX BOAT.  Enjoy some photos of some of our party guests in the boat!  This wasn't everyone, but it was at least several of the WILD monsters.

-Mad Max

PS: You can also find us on Mad About Town.