Hanukah

 HAPPY HANUKAH!

We are not a religious family but we do try to maintain non-secular and secular family traditions. Each year I feel connected with my Dad and his ancestors when we light the family menorah. I feel like it is my small way of saying hello and we still remember to everybody from my Dad's side of the family who has died. I understand that is not the meaning of Hanukah, but I think the sense of connection is universal. 

After we lit the menorah the boys helped me decorate our Christmas tree before making a list of cookies that need to be baked in the coming weeks. They are certainly going to be keeping me busy for the next few weeks! It turns out that both boys prefer different cookies and that their culinary preferences rarely overlap. 

Baking is going to have to wait because this weekend we are returning to the Francis Scott Key Mall to sell FlexyFriends. Our stock is low after the Craft Fair sell-out but we are printing furiously to try to fill the table. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello! 

 

No More Lincoln Beard

 I agreed to Robby's "no shave November" initiative with the caveat that he get a proper haircut and shave at the beginning of December. I have never been a fan of facial hair but I try to allow the boys dominion over their own appearances. With very few exceptions I will allow them to dress and groom to their preferences. Although Robby likes the scraggly look he had finally reached the place where it was unruly and difficult for him to manage. I took advantage of the lack of family activities and Robby's willingness to shave to take the boys to the barber for their holiday haircuts. 

Timmy and Robby hopped onto the barber chairs at the same time. By the time Timmy was done Robby's hair was still being sectioned by the barber. During the time that Robby was getting his hair cut and his face shaved the other barber managed to complete the haircuts and complete the transactions for five separate customers. Needless to say, my little Koopa was more akin to a woolly mammoth when he walked into the barbershop.

It took the barber 2 hours to buzz, cut, snip and shave the hair away. By the time his makeover was finished Robby looked like a completely different person. I feel like I have my little boy back! (At least until he starts to grow out his beard again.)

Knock Out Chicken

Robby has never been a rough and tumble kid. As a young child he abandoned riding his bicycle after a fall because "if I was meant to ride I would have been born with wheels instead of feet." It took five years to convince him to remount a bike because his desire to remain unscathed was so strong. As a result of his cautious approach to life he has been spared most childhood injuries.

My cautious little Koopa almost made it out of his childhood without sustaining a black eye. Unfortunately yesterday his unscathed streak came to an end in the most unfortunate (and slightly comical) incident. While Robby was in class I decided to surprise him with lunch from Chick Fil A.  He saw the bag of food on the car seat as he approached and crouched down to see what was inside. Simultaneously he swung the door open in the anticipated triumph of conquering the waffle fry. He swung the door directly into the side of his face. 

Watching it play out I immediately knew that he was hurt. It turns out that he gave himself a black eye and a gnarly gash on his cheek. He knocked himself out for some chicken and fries.

 

Craft Fair Success

This past weekend was spent helping Robby selling FlexyFriends at a local craft fair. We have never been to this particular craft fair so we didn't know what to expect. When he registered we were hoping that craft fair shoppers would be the perfect audience for his colorful little toys but there was no guarantee. Regardless we figured it would be a fun experience and I was looking forward to spending some time with him so I happily agreed to spend the weekend at the fair. 

The show opened at 9 am on Saturday and we were gobsmacked by the rush of customers to our little booth. We went with over 60 dragons and we were sold out by 1. It was chaotic, insane and wonderful all at the same time. With every sale I could feel the rising enthusiasm for the success of his little venture.  

Sunday morning we were met at our booth 20 minutes before the show opened by a repeat customer eager to snag more dragons while they were in stock. Our modest attempt at restocking was completely depleted within 15 minutes of the show officially opening. Robby and I spent the day just shaking our heads, astounded by the enthusiasm that his little 3d prints were being purchased. 

It is going to be hard to get everybody refocused for the week ahead after the excitement at the craft fair. Robby is definitely walking into the coming week on cloud 9.