Dying Arts

Creative, usable thoughts on managing the variety of life

Purple January 18, 2007

Filed under: Brady, Funny Family, Parenting, Toddler, child, creativity, family, kids — houkhouse @ 4:23 am

Purple.  It’s my all-time favorite color.  I like all shades.  My early 90’s bridesmaids dresses were a lovely tint of purple bridal satin.  And I do mean lovely, with the big, poufy hair and the dyed-to-match satin shoes and the whole entourage.  I’ve done a daughter’s room in purple, dressed in purple, themed parties in purple,etc.  I just like it.   

Today, I’m not liking it so much. 

It took a special situation today to make me recognize how many things don’t look so good in purple.  For instance, the sofa, or the carpet.  How about the cocktail table in the family room?  Given that only half of it is purple, it’s hard to truly imagine it that way, but I’m not enjoying the half that is.  Or how about clothing?  Adorable Baby Gap jammies – the little union suit variety.  “Long johns” we call them here in the South.  Maybe a different color would work, but these red and white striped ones look lousy with purple blobs.  Toys – they don’t look nice with purple, but I don’t care so much about them.  They’ve proven dispensable over the past 12 years anyway.  My favorite, though —  the dog.  Murphy, an adorable shitzu mix dog of the brown and white furry variety – he looks lousy purple.  He knows it.  He’s been bathing himself like a cat all day to try and get it off.  I’m glad we’ve not wasted our money on new carpet and furniture yet.   

Today, I HATE purple.  I would take all the purple out of this house if I could.  I’d start with the carpet.  It will grow out of the dog’s fur and I can slipcover the couch.  I think I can even sand it out of the table and re-finish or paint it.  But I’m stuck with the carpet until we tear it up.  Purple blobs – YUCK!   And who do we blame for this incident?  Of course, my angelic 3 year old, known as Brady Boo is the culprit that actually executed the crime.  But who do I really blame?  How about that sweet little 6’4” hubby of mine who was in charge?  Somehow, he not only allowed Brady to sneak into my craft box in the study, but to also sneak back out and go unsupervised long enough to “paint the town” purple, which I’m sure is how excited Brady was about it!  And it’s a nice rich, dark puple at that.  It had to be a grand moment for him.  Parent in the other room.  Didn’t see me.  TV on (great distraction).  He thinks I’m watching Curious George and Clifford.  Then, unlimited re-decorating potential without some spoil sport worrying about the mess.  I’m sure he was in heaven.   

Oh, he got a strong talking-to.  I’m sure it had tremendous impact on him.  This is what I awakened to after my 3 hours of sleep today.  Then hubby, Steve, got a strong talking-to himself about toddlers and supervision.   But why rant and rave?  The damage is already done, striking as it may be.  It wasn’t even worth the energy.  I really just wanted some more sleep.  This wasn’t a good way to start my day off.  My calmness?  Either exhaustion or my medication is just working like it’s supposed to.  So, I simmer down and move on.  

I never liked that couch anyway. 

 

Disney Done Right #1 January 18, 2007

Filed under: Disney, Disney Done Right, Family fun ideas, Tips, Vacation — houkhouse @ 2:18 am

The Houk kids hit Disney!

 The Houk Kids Hit Disney!

 

Our family had quite the celebration in 2006.  What could top the year you went to Disney World?  How about the year that your family had so much fun, that your parents packed you back up in the car 3 weeks later and did it again? 

  

In 2005, we struggled.  We had health issues and job issues and money issues – you name it.  We were delighted to get 2005 past us and move on to 2006.  It was a year of progress for us – slow and steady.  And it was very much a year of family.  Our time together is important, essential, and quite intentional.  We’ve learned that with insanely busy lifestyles and working parents, not to mention active kids, that family time is a dying art unless prioritized right up there at the top.  It requires creativity and dedication to fit it in.  We made both of our trips to Disney reflect our mission together as a family. 

    

I’m going to have periodic entries with tips, tricks, and ideas to make a Disney trip affordable, enjoyable, and strengthening to your family.  I’ve really done my homework in this last year and will share various bits and pieces and how you can truly experience the “magic” with your family.   

First off, I’ll tell you about some great resources:  

You can book a trip without a travel agent, but why would you?  I learned that this year!  Not only did it not cost me a dime, it saved me hundreds.  Small World Vacations is a company that specializes in saving you money and finding you the best discounts, as well as great tips for all budgets.  They offer warm, personalized service (yet another dying art) and the best deals you can find.  Check out their web site to learn more about them.  My agent is Cheryl Murphey and you can easily reach her at cherylwdwtravel@comcast.net .  Please tell her I sent you!  

You’ll also want to check out a couple of free websites:

www.mousesavers.com  and www.allears.net 

Make sure you subscribe to the free e-newsletter on mousesavers. It will lead you to even greater deals!   

My favorite book is Disney on a Dime by Chris and Kristal Carlson.     

You’ll also need a nice, basic Disney guide – I like Birnbaum’s annual version and they also make a cute kids version.  I’ve always found all of mine used or greatly discounted by shopping on ebay or on any of the bookseller sites that offer links to used copies.  You’ll need updated ones each visit, so don’t invest a lot here.  The above websites are your most helpful guides.

   

Lots of people like the Unofficial Guide series, as it has no real ties to Disney.  I give it a so-so rating, but it pales in comparison to the free websites I’ve listed. 

 The Whole Gang at Animal Kingdom

The Whole Gang at Animal Kingdom

 

 

Now hit those web sites and enjoy getting your feet wet with learning all a Disney experience can be!