Mother Popper

Happy Spring!

2009-03-26T14:07:44-07:00

Etsy Shop: Nami Sue Rocks Our World!

2008-12-06T20:13:38-08:00

As I've mentioned before, I married into a family that is super-talented at crafts. My mother-in-law just opened a store on Etsy called Nami Sue.

She's a wicked good seamstress and quilter (the woman also knows how to handle herself around a potter's wheel).

Elliot is serving as her model for this coat, which we all love very much. I especially like how it's long in the back so it covers her bum when she decides to sit on something cold/wet/dirty. The fabric is corduroy with little skunks, raccoons, and bunnies. If Nami has any material left over, I'm going to request a skirt or overalls in that fabric.

And, looky here! It's my niece, Allee, modeling a toddler scarf.

I'm thinking about ordering three of these quilted stockings from Nami (I may have to use a fake name). These are the best stockings I've seen on Etsy-- seriously, I was looking recently and they're all quite bad. Homemade stockings are my absolute favorite but I haven't the skills to make one.

Finally, if you're looking for a gift for the person who has everything, I'm betting they don't have this. It's a quilted table runner. Gorgeous!

See Also: Jody Crafts Memory Books

Twilight Movie Review, or An Open Letter to Robert Pattinson

2008-11-19T13:58:10-08:00

Dear Mr. Pattinson,

Did you read Twilight? I only ask because you do not seem to have a good grip on the Edward Cullen character.

For example, in the scene where Edward first meets Bella, he wants to kill her. It's because her blood smells so sweet to him. You obviously understood that his reaction had something to do with her scent, because you HELD YOUR NOSE?!? Really?

If you had read the book, you would know that Edward may be emotional, but he is very good at controlling his face. He doesn't react to things like a cartoon character.

Also, at the end of the movie where you're sucking the venom out of Bella's arm? You look awfully stupid. Kind of like Dracula, all cross-eyed and bug-eyed. My sister-in-law says you reminded her of her son when he drinks milk out of a straw. You see, if you had made it to the end of the book, you would know that Edward is determined to keep Bella alive and isn't crazed by the taste of her blood.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad. The kissing scene, for instance, was very, very good. You did a wonderful job showing how difficult it was for Edward to kiss Bella and not kill her. Edward's first entrance in the movie--entering into the cafeteria--made me want to bounce up and down in my seat. You also were quite good at being awkward. The Cullens work hard to appear human and you made Edward seem a little awkward in his own skin.

The overall disappointment I feel from seeing Twilight is not all on your shoulders. It's not your fault that:

The guy who played Jasper looked wide-eyed and buck-toothed at all times. WTF?
The director decided to be so literal that when someone mentioned a pack of wolves, there were actually wolves shown on screen as if we didn't know what they were.
There was was too much climbing of and jumping between trees (aka "spider monkey action").
The script does not do an adequate job of setting up the connection between Edward and Bella and is basically a rushed version of the book.
The pivotal scene in the book--in the meadow, where Edward frightens Bella and then declares his love for her--is reduced to a musical montage.
A sparkling vampire sounds cool in a book, but is just going to look silly on-screen.
You didn't get to say the very best line in the book, "Do I dazzle you?"

But, the Edward character is what makes this series so darn popular. He's HOT. He's struggling with his desire to kill his true love. He's charming and very tender with Bella (because he could easily kill her). Your version of Edward seemed like a teenager whose secret slipped out, not a century-old man who just found the love of his existence.

Despite the fact that it's not very good, this movie is going to be incredibly popular because the books are incredibly popular. Most likely, you will have the opportunity to play Edward in the next three movies. I suggest you read the books and pay a little more respect to the character that is worshiped by Twilight moms everywhere.

Sincerely,

Motherpopper

P.S. My sister-in-law and I recorded this audio review after we saw the movie:

P.P.S. We giggle like teenagers.

Cool Stuff: Sabuda Pop-up Cards

2008-11-16T12:59:22-08:00

For two Christmases in a row, we sent out Robert Sabuda's ABC Christmas pop-up cards to friends and family. The cards open and up would pop Santa, a snowman, an angel, a tree, etc. We didn't have a baby then, and therefore no real need to send photos. That line of cards is no longer manufactured, but there are other holiday options, if you're interested.

But Sabuda makes all sorts of other cards, like these beautiful hot air balloon cards or these bouquet ones or the cake cards. The only problem is it's tough to put them in the mail and not enjoy them yourself!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:03:20-07:00

Elliot as Tinkerbell

Her own seat in the bathroom

2008-10-30T21:28:03-07:00

Our grocery store has this seat in its large stall in the women's bathroom. It was perfect for strapping Elliot down while I peed. She had a blast! You can probably guess where I took this picture from...