NEW Etsy poster A to Z Professions

I am excited to share with you my NEW A to Z Professions poster available at my Etsy store.  What will you be when you grow up?

Mondrian Cake= happiness

Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow 

Piet Mondrian 1937-42 oil on canvas

Mondrain cake by artist Caitlin Freeman

Ok, I can't even describe how happy this makes me!  Who doesn't like cake??  Mix that with modern art...Volia, pure happiness!  Here's a link from npr that shares more about the artist behind this cake & her process.

Friday

It never gets old!
Have a nice weekend :)

NEW Individual State Posters

I am excited to announce that my state wall cards are now being offered as individual posters that you can personalize with a child's name!  You can include the birthdate, add one or more names (perfect for a shared space) or simply purchase the state art without personalization.  The posters are 16 x 20 inches. This art is bright, fun & educational.  Each poster is printed & personalized individually at my studio in Parkville Mo.  Order your's today & show your state pride!
Order here...

Success!

An update about the birthday party... it was a success! (sigh, of relief here...)  

Rainbow cake turned into confetti cake. *Just as good but so much easier.

Love to watch my little boy grow :)

                                                                 

 W  I  S  H  !

Celebrate the Celebration...

OK.... I have to admit I'm a little overwhelmed tomorrow we are having Luca's 6th birthday party complete with 40 + guest.  (I know an obnoxious number...)  I have a big family and the kids are still at the age where no parent just drops them off.  I have no problem with this... in fact to help us some Antonio has put together a small bar area. (which I think will be much appreciated)  So, how these parties get so overwhelming or over the top is something I'm asking myself.  But... what I must keep focused on is to celebrate the celebration!
He's my little boy only once & I'm going to totally embrace that!  I'll be back on Monday with a party recap.  *Off to try & bake a rainbow cake- crossing my fingers (and toes) that turns out!

It's Friday!

Why not....

Here's to a wonderful weekend...

A Thoughtful Gift

There is nothing better than a truly thoughtful gift.  I got the sweetest arrangement of wildflowers from my parents last week.  They are both retired now & take a daily walk on a pretty wooded trail.  My thing growing up was to go into the woods behind our house and gather wildflowers to bring them home to share & enjoy.  So, I was so touched when they showed up at the studio last week with a big pink tub filled with a dazzling assortment of found flowers from their walk. And my Dad hid 6 feathered butterflies in the arrangement for me to find- He's the best!
Often it's those little presents you don't have to buy that are filled with so much meaning.  I was thrilled!

This morning after 7 full days of enjoyment it was time for the flowers to go. (not into the dried flower thing)  But knew that making this post would extend their presence for me just a little longer.

Here's to remembering a truly thoughtful gift!

Time for Kindergarten :0

Hello friends!  Today was a BIG day for us.  Luca started kindergarten. He's attending a wonderful new school where I know he will learn not only academically but also learn about himself.  I've been apprehensive about the new school year beginning because unlike Luca's preschool his new school is not peanut free.

The hardest thing to wrap my head around has been school lunch. Luca has a severe peanut allergy. Antonio and I have watched him like a hawk over the past almost 6 years. Carrying an Epi Pen at all times & thoroughly inspecting everything he ingests. (yes, it's exhausting! we have a rotation of 3 trusted restaurants we exclusively eat at)  So I've been dreading the day I would leave him at his new school with the potential danger of peanuts lurking somewhere in his new environment.

His new school has been very accommodating working with us. We have taken all the recommended steps creating an action plan with his allergist for the school. His teachers have prepared for his arrival & made some necessary changes to help ensure his safety.  But still...My main concern was lunch time. So, I decided to volunteer to help his class at lunch this year. 

Holy, Moly! I did not know what I was in store for today. Adorable, pure chaos helping a group of kindergartners finish lunch in 30 minutes!  I was told by the teacher that it gets much easier by the end of the month which made me smile. 

It is funny to me that I spend my days (the last 9 years) making art for kids but besides Luca, I really don't spend much time with children.

* Side note: If you are a teacher I have the up most respect for you & what you do!

I think with all my worry around this I may have been a bit of a black cloud around this exciting, new part of his life. I am working on not obsessively worrying. When you love something as much as your child it can be hard to trust that it's all going to be all right.  But, I know that is what I need to do.

In parenting I try to remember it isn't about me it's about him & his best interest.  This usually sets me back on the right path. (when I'm not being stubborn) Isn't that really what life is all about?

Do you have a child with a severe allergy?  If so how have you handled managing that allergy & the transition into school? (Ugghh, I curl up in a ball when I think about overnights)
Do you have a child that has special needs that made the transition to kindergarten worrisome to you?

I guess I'm asking for some mommy advice.  So please share!

Winner

First, a BIG thanks for those of you who are now following our pinterest boards.  I hope you've enjoyed looking at some of the art & what we find inspiring!  I think of what we do around here as the little studio that could.  (it's just three of us myself, Antonio & Liz & as you can see make a lot of art :)

Congrats Jennifer  Andrews could you please send your address to info@jillmcdonalddesign.com & we'll send your special package.