This is How We Look Everyday

Me, an angel; London, the embodiment of freedom; McAllister, defender of the free world; Daisy, green happiness.Happy Halloween.

Welcome Back Whiting

I took a class at FIT (Fashion Institue of Technology) this fall, Fashion Styling 101. Very, very interesting class. Inspiring on some levels. I was such a geek and in my attempt to make up for many, many skipped classes at BYU 18 years ago, really took this class seriously. For our final we had to style outfits based on a theme. Instead of doing glam-rock or Boho-chic as my inspiration, I did 'The White Shirt' (which incidentally was the subject of a real editorial in a fashion mag or something just recently, so I wasn't way off). I then pushed it one step further and styled for... what are those things called?... oh yeah, children.

My instructor said, [by styling for children's fashion] "You just beat out all your competition." I was really proud of the results. My concept was for a fake kids magazine (since 'Cookie' has folded), taking one white shirt for girls, one for boys, and styling it in a playful and then dress-up way. The message was wallet-friendly versatility.

Results:I have no idea if this class will ever prove useful. It was just fun to push myself in ways I haven't. With all that I've been doing personally (Jason says this is my year to 'dapple'), I've felt more balanced and happy and yes, busy. But somehow in ways I can't explain it feels worth it. My favorite quote is from George Eliot, "It's never too late to be who you might have been."

I hope I am setting an example for my kids as they see me taking classes or working part-time or dreaming up new ideas. Because we're always talking about it, I hope that they can see it is never too late or you are never too set in your ways to try something new, do something scary or unfamiliar, or to add something new to who you are. Never too late.

You Know You've Been In the City Too Long...

...When on the road to apple picking, London (and her friend Julia) squeal,
"oooh! Look! Look!!!!!......... LEAVES!!!!"
I'm not exaggerating. That's exactly what they said. Regular, un-potted, side-of-the-road, New Jersey trees. They even took tons of pictures as proof, but they didn't turn out because I was driving.

I let them bring home 40 pounds of apples to make up for it.

Whiting Social High Season, a.k.a. SEPTEMBER

Having all three kids' birthdays in September shows us:
A)We like going broke in the Fall
B)We only have sex in December
or my vote,
C) We're crazy.

We had all 3 birthday parties in the apartment, which proved to be just fine. The kids had a blast.
Tass' Birthday was a Lego Party, so he got a Lego cake (you can't see it, but there is candy legos surrounding it). He played lots of great games with his pals, while Jason attempts to keep the noise down to a dull roar proved futile:The next (yes NEXT!) day was Daisy's. She had a Princess party and mom made her a crown cake with Jolly Ranchers as the jewels and ring pops as the diamonds on top for embellishment:

London had a Beach party, with the girls decorating flip-flops and eating fruit-kabobs. Her cake was made with Nilla Wafers sand and cool umbrellas:
I love my kids' parties. I know that the window is very small to celebrate the event of a birthday; by the time they hit their teens the magic will be gone. So I go all out and make it through the commotion. I never, never regret the 2am cake frosting sessions or the invitation designing. To quote a movie, I'm just so glad I had my kids! :)

Empire State of Mind

No More Deer In Headlights...

This school year felt much different. We weren't new anymore, we were in, registered, and expected. London started 4th grade, McAllister started 2nd, both with new teachers (who they will be keeping for next year as well; this school has teachers with a class in a 2-year loop- guess that's why it's name is The Independence School, even though it just goes by P.S.234).at our kitchen elevator. I think this is going to be a tradition!
our school yard. I think it is the prettiest school in the city.

Kids were happy, excited and calm to be starting. And Daisy was going to the same preschool, Barclay Street School, and excited too:happy Daisy on her first day a week later

How Did You Spend Your Summer Vacation?

It's October. So here's the short version in pictures:
Vacationed in Texas with the cousins. My kids got 2 whole weeks of Pool Time. (Moving to NY is going to keep my kids' skin young and un-sun-damaged, I guess).
toured the MoMa with London. She really loved it and got used to the nudity. Great teaching moment about how beautiful our bodies are, and that your little heart will feel funny if it's not appropriate, or grateful if it is.Enjoyed a visit from Grandma. She did GREAT cruising around the streets with us.
Said goodbye to dear friends Craig and Mary (our 'First Friends in The City') as they moved to greener (or was it sunnier?) pastures in San Diego
Saw Anne Hathaway in Twelfth Night in Central Park's 'Shakespeare In The Park' Series with Jason's cousin-sister Lori Whiting Mortensen. Loved how people thought we ourselves were cousins b/c we resembled each other.speaking of Lori, her daughters Lucy and Sarah were welcome visitors while they lived in NYC for 2 months. Daisy and Lucy were kindred spirits and played for hours
Working at J.Crew's exclusive jewelry gallery on Prince Street in SoHo, we participated in Vogue Magazine's FASHION'S NIGHT OUT. A huge success surrounding our jewelry: a "Meet The Designer Night". What a great idea! ;)

So that's it. Great summer, on to fall at a breakneck speed!