Holiday Memories

Some of our Turkey Decorations

I was thrilled on Thanksgiving when my aunt and uncle, with their family in tow, joined our small family at my parent’s house.  My husband and I were hoping for the ‘big family’ feeling for the holiday – knowing that Lilah is at an age when memories might become permanent.  I am not the ‘chief cook’ in these holiday scenarios – so I focused on the handmade decorations.  In preparation for the event Lilah and I made the hand/foot turkeys and a couple of other Thanksgiving crafts for the table – it’s amazing how long these craft projects sometimes take but she really enjoyed the process! 

Kelly and Lilah

Our small family (I’m an only child and so is Lilah) relishes the holidays because we see more of our family.  I had the opportunity to visit with my cousin and her children – Kelly (2yrs) and Erin (newborn). They are the only other part of our family with babies in the Bay Area. Lilah and Kelly took an hour or so to warm up to each other but midway through the party they 

Baby Erin

were jumping on beds and feeding the pond fish together – so cute!  I loved seeing them interact as they ran, jumped, giggled and demanded to be tickled. I can’t wait until all three of the cousins are able to play together. It’s not too far away!  What better holiday memory than realizing that you have cousins to share turkey and fun! 

  

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Grandmas LOVE Mother’s Day!

… especially when they get crafty hats from their special granddaughter!

Every time my daughter comes home from preschool, she has the project of the day in hand. As much as I want to save all these precious little artwork of hers, I just don’t have the wall space to display them, nor the room to store them. But guess who loves all these great crafts? Grandmas!!

Miranda (wearing a dress from le•top’s Daisy Dots collection) made both her grandmothers these paper hats at school. Perfect Mother’s Day presents that make a grandmother proud to show off to her friends. (I seriously think my mother-in-law is wearing her hat at work right now. Don’t blame us, Corporate America, if Casual Fridays evolve to wearing paper hats with silk flowers stapeled on them.) 🙂

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Our Winner of le•top’s Mother’s Day Presents Contest: Jen G.

This entry made us laugh and cry all at once. Thank you for submitting your wonderfully heartwarming and funny story! Look for an email in your inbox!

As told by our winner, Jen G.:

A hand-colored heart, to which the first pack of gum was taped...

A couple of years ago, my then-5-year-old daughter asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day.  Since money was tight, our house was a mess (in part because we had too many “things” already), and I honestly couldn’t think of anything I needed or wanted anyway, I just asked that she and her brothers make something for me.  Pre-school was always great about helping the Kids make gifts, and I treasure all of the holiday items they’ve made through the years.  Apparently my Kids were more observant than I gave them credit for because, when I arrived at daycare to pick them up one afternoon, I noticed a big poster board on which the teachers had written responses to “What does your Mommy want for Mother’s Day?”  There were nearly 20 responses, each one-upping the last:  “Dinner; Dinner in a restaurant; Dinner and a Show; Spa Day; Weekend in Tahoe; Earrings; Diamond Earrings; Hearts on Fire Diamonds; A Convertible.”  Then I saw my Kids’ entry:  “Gum”.  It was perfect, not only for the should’ve-been-embarrassed-but-was-actually-quite-proud grin I couldn’t get off my face the rest of the day, but because I really do love gum.  Flowers are temporary, fashion is fleeting, but gum has the shelf-life of Twinkies, which means it’ll be around forever.  When I no longer have the teeth to chew it, I’ll still have a big, silly grin on my face every time I find a pack of gum tucked away on a shelf in my closet, next to the half-painted jewelry box from 2008, the scented homemade bath salts from 2004, and the small, multi-colored, possibly ceramic blob from 2003.  Maybe this year I’ll get cinnamon.

...on the back side, Anna (5) signed her name and Freddy's (3), and my husband traced Jeffrey's (1) hand.

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MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST: Most “Memorable” Present

Jamee’s post of her very first Mother’s Day bling-of-gynormous-gems-present made us want to hear your stories! le•top blog would LOVE to see photos and hear about your own stories of the most creative, special, funny or otherwise memorable Mother’s Day present. Click here to submit your photo and story for a chance at some fun retail therapy: Win $250 worth (retail value) of le•top baby and kids clothes from our latest spring and summer collections!

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Mother’s Day Presents Contest: Win $250 Worth of le•top Baby and Children’s Clothes

Breakfast in bed starts a day full of gifts on Mother's Day... 😉

I laughed reading Jamee’s post about her very first Mother’s Day present from her then three year old daughter. Given that Jamee’s a fabulous graphic designer (one of her many talents), I understood why her husband awaited her reaction with some trepidation — but mom’s love transcends even some of the tackiest style disasters! 😉

Jamee’s story made us want to hear your stories! le•top blog would LOVE to see photos and hear about your own stories of the most creative, special, funny Mother’s Day presents that you’ve received through the years. Please click here to submit your photos and stories for a chance to go on a $250 virtual shopping spree: Win $250 worth (retail value) of our beautiful le•top baby and kids clothes!

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Mother’s Day Presents

Mother’s Day is coming up and I’d have to say, ever since my daughter was old enough to make crafts, I have been looking forward to this special day. Last year was the first year it started. She was three years old and in her first year of preschool. I didn’t even think about Mother’s Day being for me, until she handed me her wrapped present (wrapped, meaning a white lunch bag with marker doodles – precious!). I excitedly opened the gift and found the tackiest brooch… A puzzle piece glued with gynormous gems! My husband looked at me with uncertainty, checking to see what my reaction would be.

I loved it! I immediately pinned it on and wore it with pride. My daughter said, “We’re going to have to share that because it’s too beautiful. I want to wear it, too.” I can’t wait for what she is making this year at preschool. Whatever it is, I will cherish it forever!

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An Early Valentine Kiss from Eber Jeeber in Overland Park, KS

Shop the le•top collection of baby and children's clothes at Eber Jeeber...and also join in on the fun!

Amy has the perfect personality for a baby and children’s store — she knows how to have fun! She runs Eber Jeeber, an upscale baby store in Overland Park, KS (a great, southern suburb of Kansas City). Her creative and entertaining ideas bring her customers in and show them a great time, both young and old! She is gearing up for a Spring full of events, starting with a Valentine’s Day box-decorating extravaganza! Just $5 outfits your child with a customizable heart-shaped box and a myriad of color paints for budding artists to have a blast decorating it. And when the Easter Bunny comes hoppin’ around this April, you can be sure Bunny will be shaking its whiskers at Eber Jeeber for a major photo-op with the kiddies. A local photographer will be on hand to capture the whole scene (and provide your family with a special snap for the Rogue’s Gallery). Check out all these fun events and our le•top Spring Collections on Amy’s newly redesigned Website, (www.eberjeeber.com). If you’re nearby, Amy would love to see you, so drop in to see what’s happening and browse the great wears: Eber Jeeber: 4937 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS. Phone: 913.663.3237.

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