Luna Lovegood is a character in the Harry Potter series who marches to the beat of her own drum and comes off a bit daft at times. I grew to like her through the books, but Evanna Lynch's performance (and story) made me love her through the movies.
I Luna
Lately, my 2-year-old has become obsessed with Luna. I don't know where it started (although I suspect her big sisters and brother listening to Harry and the Potters' "Luna Lovegood Is OK" on repeat had a wee bit to do with it). Every chance she gets, she puts on her sunglasses, grabs any wand-like instrument in her vicinity (be it knitting needle, paint brush, or insanely noisy plastic wand [Thanks a lot, mom]), casts spells and demands that either, she IS Luna or that she wants to meet her.
Now, I agree that Luna's cool and all, but I admit that the toddler's obsession has left me a bit baffled. Most kids her age love Elmo, Winnie the Pooh, Caillou (G-d save us all from his unending whininess), Thomas the Tank Engine or the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba. Why is my youngest so enamored with Luna Lovegood? What on earth should I make of it all?
Recently, there's been a resurgence in sharing this post from Pigtail Pals and suddenly, a light bulb appeared over my head (or perhaps the 9-year-olds yelled, "Lumos" and aimed their wands in my general direction [The younger of my 9-year-olds {who was Luna for Purim} would like me to pause and point out that for the sake of accuracy, neither of my twins can actually have a "real" wand because they're 2 years shy of the required age]).
Luna wakes up full of awesome every day. That article celebrates the fact that 5-year-old Amelia loves herself--celebrates herself just like many other young children do (my toddler included) without sacrificing her strength, her beauty, or her brilliance to anyone else. The vast majority of girls don't make it through adolescence with that intact. There are few (if any) depictions of older characters who feel that way; who simply ARE without restraints.
Hebrew school bound
In this family, we try to raise our children to be themselves and not let others force them into society's preconceived notions. This often leaves them the odd ones out when they follow their hearts and go against the norm. My oldest headed to Hebrew school in a getup designed, not by fashion magazined geared towards tweens, but by her own likes and desires. My big two were the only girls in their karate class. My son's favorite color was pink for the longest time. Whereas some of their female friends absolutely refuse to get dirty because it's not "Pretty," my kids run out in the yard to roll around in the mud.
Muddy & loving it
My 2-year-old insists on wearing her clothes backwards. Yes, it's intentional. Yes, it's odd. My 2-year-old has her own obsessions which are very different from other kids her age. My 2-year-old is awesome (as are her siblings).
Luna Lovegood is looney. Luna Lovegood is out there. Luna Lovegood is certainly not a red fuzzy monster singing repetitive obnoxious songs. Luna Lovegood would never be mistaken for a Disney Princess. Luna Lovegood is true to herself. Luna Lovegood is awesome.
Okay, I give up on trying to do this on a regular basis. When I remember, I'll roundup the links I've shared and post them here.
I found this Sparrow Mobile through Cool Mom Picks. Like the vast majority of the stuff they feature, this is insanely over-priced (I unsubscribed from the newsletter recently even though I've been a subscriber from the very start because the prices are too insane). The good news, though, is that it can be easily recreated for pennies. I saved a few paint samples specifically because they were shapes which resembled birds. So I could just use those and even customize it to the kids' room colors.
Kid Independent is a new favorite site of mine. They feature lots of handmade items including this super cute owl. I found a ton of items for the kids' wishlist from their Oddball Alphabet feature.
Facebook's Double (D) Standard on Obscenity was originally posted as a note in response to Facebook's constant removal of photographs of breastfeeding babies. I shared that note, but, as expected, it was removed. However, someone copied it and put it up as a blog post so that it could still be shared.
I want to make my son this bow tie from an existing adult necktie. My boy's all about ties of all sort.
These Seven Tips For Interacting With Kids while photographing them is brilliant. I LOVE these ideas. Whether you're a professional photographer looking for tips or a parent who just wants to snap some good shots of your own kids, you'll definitely get great ideas from that article.
I've liked Mattisyahu for quite some time, but just discovered Unique Is My Dove recently. I LOVE the message.
I found a few dresses I would love for my girls. This Cinderella Peasant dress would be adorable with some of the custom fabric she offers. The striking colors and design on this Sunny Autumn Ruffle Dress are just gorgeous.
My father-in-law makes some gorgeous things with wood. Unfortunately, I don't want to get/make anything large until we move and settle in, but when we finally do move, I might see if he'll have time to make this super cute doll crib with storage.
As a coffee-loving, internet-addicted, homeschooling mom, I loved this cartoon.
I recently discovered Middle School Proverbs which sadden me and crack me up. This one and this one are two of my favorites.
I was probably more excited to find an old version of Liz Phair's "Ant in Alaska" than I should have been.
"Well I look at the stars and I know you're under them. I look at the cars and I know you insure them. I look at the books and things people are reading. I know that you've written them too."
It always bothered me that she took out the car insurance line. It doesn't flow right without it and that line has a special place in my heart too.
While we're on the topic of Liz Phair. I resisted most of the music on her self-titled album because it was too poppy. This week, though, I was reminded how much I like this one:
My sister sent me an e-mail forward with photos of a groom and his terminally ill bride. When I checked Snopes, I found it was true and it was even more heartbreaking. Gorgeous photos, horribly sad story.
This "table design" left me wondering, "What design?" It's just some disposable plates on a table. I don't see any design there. Plus that family has the oddest collection of names I've ever heard.
I'm filing this kid's room away for possible inspiration for my youngest's room when we move.
I like this idea, not for a place card, but for a sign to hang (think first names in a bedroom or last name in a hallway).
On Veteran's Day, I shared, Bumper Stick Patriotism Is No Way to Honor Our Veterans.
From that article, "During Veterans Week you're going to hear people -- particularly those for whom Veterans Week merely means we're one week closer to the Iowa Caucuses -- tell us to 'Support Our Troops.' And when they do I'd like us to politely ask them to put their pom poms down for a moment. I'd like us to tell them that if you really want to honor our troops you won't use them for an easy applause line, that you won't use them to get votes, or, most insulting to them of all, to divide us into real Americans and fake Americans."
and "I'd like us to ask them what, other than saying it, are they actually doing to support our troops? I'd like to ask the people who say government's bad what they think of the Department of Veteran's Affairs. When we're fighting two wars, should they get more money or less? And where is that money going to come from -- magic or taxes?"
I thought this name sign was a neat way to use legos.
This XKCD cartoon is funny and sad at the same time.
I want to try making this dog necklace. I, however, want to try altering it so that it looks more like a Chihuahua.
On Kristallnacht Anniversary, Critical Lessons Remain Unheeded. November 9-10 marked the anniversary of Krystallnacht, which plays a large part in my Nanowrimo story and our family (my husband's grandmother's synagogue was destroyed on Krystallnacht).
