Giving Thanks…

The ‘official’ holiday season is upon us, and for many it means looking back at the year that will soon draw to a close.  I know that this has been a year of change – and a year that has gone by very quickly.  We could think about changes that made this a very ‘challenging’ year for many – but I would rather pause to reflect on the many blessings that have touched our lives.  We at le•top do not have to look far to know that we have so much to be thankful for! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends – we hope your day is also full of reasons to be thankful!

Some of our reasons to be thankful!

Funny Faces from First Foods Tasted

I started feeding my son solids at 5 months. I get a kick out of the faces he makes when he tries a new food for the first time. With spoon in one hand, I slowly feed him. Then armed with a camera in the other, I snap a picture to capture his zany expressions! My favorite so far is the avocado shot. His face just looks like he’s saying, “What the heck are you feeding me, Lady?” But I’m not purely into the funny faces. I also love it when his face breaks into a smile because he’s tasting something absolutely delicious. Like the carrot shot. He really does love them carrots! He was practically standing in his high chair to get another spoonful!

Spreading Joy Around the World

Our le•top elves with some of their gift filled boxes - clockwise from the back Daryle, Brenda, Linda, Diana, Robyn, Kristin

The Holiday Season brings thoughts of shopping, food and family – as we use every free moment to prepare for Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanza.  Unfortunately there are many reminders that not everyone has the essentials to make the holiday a true celebration – and in the spirit of the holiday we want to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.

For the past eight years I have participated in a program through the Samaritan’s Purse Organization named ‘Operation Christmas Child.’  This charity strives to send gifts to children throughout the world, as well as in our own backyard – children who would not be fortunate enough to receive gifts during the holiday season.

This year fellow le•top co-workers Linda, Brenda, Diana, Daryle, Robyn and I participated in this program to assist Santa to make a happy holiday for children in need.  Our mission was to choose a boy or girl (ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14) and then to fill a decorated shoebox as full as possible with toys, school items, hygiene essentials, hard candy or other desired items.  We had great fun posing as elves – shopping with local retailers to pick out the perfect gifts for these children.  le•top also donated plush toys and purses to the organization!

This wonderful charity gives us the option to track our shoe box gifts.  Several of the ‘elves’ decided they would love to find out the destinations of their boxes.  Check back and we will post an update on our gifts as the move around the world.

*National collection week for the Operation Christmas Child program, ends this Monday, November 23^rd.  There is still time to participate in this wonderful program.  For more information and a drop-off location near you, please check www.samaritanspurse.org/occ for details.

 

Give Thanks for Napkin Rings!!!

Preparing for that perfect Thanksgiving meal? Include your little ones by making one-of-a-kind napkin rings for a truly special touch.  These ‘mini-masterpieces’ can be used for years to come or shared with guests as the reminder of a memorable day.

source: bhg.com

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Paper towel tubes
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Construction paper
• Craft glue
• Craft supplies (markers, paint, paintbrush, ribbon, beads, feathers, etc.)

Measure and cut the tubes so each ring measures 2 inches in length. Be sure to make enough so everyone coming to dinner has a napkin ring. Cut the same number of 2-inch-wide colored paper strips. Glue the paper strips to the tubes.Now decide how you want to decorate your napkin rings. You could make each different or create a variety of looks. Use markers, paint, ribbon, beads, and feathers to decorate the rings. Here is a great chance to be really creative and fanciful.

DECORATING IDEAS:

source: familyfun.go.com

• Draw a turkey, autumn leaves, pumpkins, pilgrims, Native American headdresses or something fanciful on construction paper, then cut it out and glue it to the ring.
• Draw pictures of each family member to create their own personalized napkin ring or use a photo of each person attending and use it as the face of a turkey, pumpkin or pilgrim that you have glued to the ring.
• Leave a space on your design for names and you’ve turned it into a place card.  

 

Thank Heaven for…Haven!

Haven Bella looking like a Sweet little Flower

Our family finally has its first baby girl!  My niece, Haven Bella, was born on July 8^th of this year – a great birthday date to remember – 7-8-9!  We are excited to have a girl join the ‘boys club’ we had going.

Four months have now passed since the glorious date that we all ooo’d and awww’d over little Haven.  She is growing bigger by the day, and although still a ‘little baby’ her mom and dad were ready to take the big step and go out for some much needed time together – without children!

Friday was the first night that Mike and Joslyn took a breather from the kiddos and headed out for a nice relaxing dinner for two.  My nephew Justice was spending some quality time with Grandpa – and little Haven came to spend the evening in Aunt KK’s arms (that’s me!!!)  I have to admit that Aunt KK is not 100% confident with tiny babies.  Maybe I am just not completely comfortable, but at 4 months old…I thought I could handle it!  The evening (to say the least) had its ups and downs – here is how it unfolded:

6:30
Bye Bye Mommy and Daddy – Hello child that is (supposedly) about to fall asleep…

7:10
40 minutes later – after walking around the house, rocking and singing lullabies to Little Miss Haven, she FINALLY falls asleep

7:11
Carefully laying her on the couch next to me I pop in a movie – ready for an hour and half of quiet bliss

7:53
Haven is awake….Cry….Cry….Cry….

7:53:30
Aunt KK picks up Haven and tries to sooth her – more walking, rocking and singing (did I mention that I am NOT a singer?)

8:00
Dinner Time (Haven is a ‘Baby Wise Baby’ and she knows when it’s time to eat!) I pull out the Dr. Brown’s Bottle and warm the milk… 

8:05
Haven is NOT having it!  Try as I might this little girl does not love her bottle – go back to walking…

8:12
Haven is still clearly upset and not eating – I am at my wit’s end and praying for Joslyn to walk through that door…

8:13
Haven and Aunt KK say in unison:  HELLOOO MOMMY!  THANK GOD YOU ARE HERE!

Of course we all survived…and I am sure every parent (and every babysitter!) has experienced nights like this.  What are some of the tips you give your sitters – I could really use some!!!!

She’s got the Moves!

My little Dancing Queen

My daughter LOVES to dance!  Lilah at 3 years old really responds to ‘the beat.’  Spurred on by the dance reality shows and a new wave of musical television shows she is responding with typical toddler energy.  Our recent favorite – ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ on the Fox network – launches our routine of dancing with each other while the dancers perform. I started this as a distraction when I wanted to watch the show and she wanted to change the channel to ‘her show.’  Now she insists that I drop everything to lift and spin her or shake our ‘booties’ to the music. It’s really fun, and great exercise for me, but the focus is now on our performance rather than the great dancers on the show!

Lilah dancing so fast she is just a blur

On Wednesday night she decided that she wanted to watch ‘Glee’ (the antics of underdog high school kids struggling in glee club.)  I must confess to giving in to her demands – since I enjoy the shows as well!  They are filled with music, new and old, plenty of dancing and in the musical comedy Glee, a good lesson or two (although the themes are beyond her years, since it is a biting comedy.) Who knows…maybe she’ll end up dancing and singing on TV someday!  Isn’t ‘Fame’ making a comeback?

Hangin’ Out…at Kid’s Klothesline!

Kid's Klothesline Holiday window featuring le•top

In 1996 Tania Yoder, pregnant with her first child, attended a family reunion.  As conversations swirled around her she overheard one of her cousins trying to convince another cousin to take over her children’s shop.  She whispered to herself “I would like to do that.”  Once Tania voiced her inner feelings there was a chorus of support – and her dream moved towards becoming reality.  The original owner helped Tania relocate the store to Perrysburg Ohio, Tania’s home.  Her son Grant was born in September of 1996 and in February of 1997 Kid’s Klothesline of Perrysburg Ohio opened and became an instant hit! 

Over the past 13 years Kid’s Klothesline has evolved in many ways – starting with the variety of collections that Tania chooses.  She feels that one of her boutique’s strengths is providing a wide assortment that ranges from classic and traditional looks that appeal to her favorite customers (‘Grandmas, Grandmas, Grandmas!’) to clothes that keep her girl’s 7-14 regulars coming back until they have ‘outgrown’ the store! 

Kid’s Klothesline’s style has evolved, but its ‘family’ has expanded!  The true secret to Tania’s success is her staff – a caring and loving group that ‘works and plays together!’  Tania cherishes her store manager, Teresa Gagnon Meredith, a treasured fixture since the store opened.  Loyal customers complete Tania’s ‘family’ – and bring her the satisfaction of sharing important occasions and milestones with the members of her community.  She loves seeing the photographs of christenings, 1^st birthdays and first days of school – in special outfits that she helped choose.  “There is nothing better than helping a new grandma select baby’s first outfit!”

Perrysburg Ohio is a beautiful area with a rich history, dating back to the early 1800’s.  The historic shopping district provides a safe and comfortable shopping experience that has an old fashioned feel that does not need to be manufactured.  Tania loves being a part of this supportive and close knit community.  Her favorite time is during the holidays when families come back to town to visit and always stop in to shop and share photos of the extended ‘family.’

Thirteen years ago Tania’s life changed – and as she relates “It’s like being locked into a roller coaster and hanging on for the ride, but loving what I do so much!”  We know everyone loves what you do Tania – keep it up!

If you are near Perrysburg stop in and say hello to Tania and her family!

Kids Klothesline
111 Louisiana Ave
Perrysburg, OH 43551
419-874-5437

Get Ready for Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving is approaching – construct some really cute decorations and create excitement by making your children part of the preparations.  Kids love creating art – and what better way to ‘Give Thanks” than to be surrounded by your little darling’s masterpieces! 

This idea is quick, easy and fun!

SUPPLIES:

• Construction paper in Fall colors (brown, red, orange, yellow)
• Pencil or Pen
• Scissors
• Glue
• Googly eyes and orange pipe cleaners (optional – but really fun)
• Most importantly…Your kids!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Trace around you child’s feet using brown construction paper and cut them out. The two pieces will be the turkey’s body.
2. Trace around your child’s hands using red, orange, and yellow construction paper and cut them out. These 6 pieces will be the turkey’s feathers.
3. Glue the two footprints together to make the turkey’s body by overlapping the heels (forming the head) and the balls of the footprints spread out (forming the body) – think ‘triangle.’
4. Cut out a round red wattle (small circle) and orange beak (smaller triangle.) Glue the wattle, beak (triangle in the circle facing down,) and googly (or paper) eyes to the turkey’s head.
5. Make two legs from paper and glue them to the back of the body (or use the pipe cleaners and tape them to the back of the body.)
6. Glue the handprint “feathers” to the back of the turkey (spreading them from the base to the top and back down the other side.)
7. Decorate your house with these adorable turkeys!  Make sure to put your child’s name and age on the back of the turkey for a fabulous keepsake.  Gobble – Gobble!!!

Kelly Kapowski…having a baby?

source: people.com

It’s true. She’s all grown up. Tiffani Thiessen and her husband of 4 years, artist and actor Brady Smith, are expecting their first baby next May, her rep told PEOPLE in an exclusive.

“We are over the moon!” the couple said in a statement. “It’s something we’ve wanted for a long time and we are thrilled that it’s actually happening.”

Thiessen, currently stars on USA’s drama White Collar and is best known for her work on Saved By the Bell and the original Beverly Hills 90210.

Everyone here at le•top wishes all the best to the happy couple!

Look, Ma… I’m standing!

Paulo in le•top Walking with Dinosaurs long-sleeved shirt and overalls. So proud to be standing on his own!

It was just a regular morning. My husband and I woke up and got the kids ready. Usually we each take a child and get him/her dressed. Then while Miranda puts her shoes on, we place Paulo in the crib so that we can get ourselves dressed. It was the usual morning routine. But this particular morning, we heard Miranda yelling, “Mom, Dad, come here!!!” We thought perhaps Paulo had hurt himself or that she saw an insect in her bathroom, so we both rushed out of our bedroom and followed the sound of her voice.

“He’s standing! He’s standing! Paulo is standing!” Oh, my! I thought crawling at 5 months was early, but standing at 6 months?! At this rate he’ll be walking at 7 months!