La Plates thanks you for 2008!

We can't let the New Year sneak by without thanking all of La Plates family, friends and fans. This has been an amazing year and we could not have had this success without you. We look forward to an amazing 2009 with many new adventures on the horizon. We wish you much health and happiness in the New Year!

In the spirit of sending out thanks, we would also like to mention the fabulous PR we received from Self Magazine (Dec. 2008) - La Plates made an appearance on their Holiday Gift Guide.

Holidays with La Plates

You had to expect a few plates to go around our household for the holidays...well, here's what we took to Pops' house to celebrate!

This ended up being the favorite - interesting!

Design Star - for real!

My friends know this, but I might as well admit to all...I'm an HGTV junkie. I don't have many free moments, but those precious times when both boys are napping, work is at a minimum and I can sneak away for a stolen t.v. fix, I immediately go to HGTV. While Design Star was airing, I would DVR every episode. I was a huge fan of "Jen" before I even knew she was a KC girl. Seriously - her murals are fab and her giggle is contagious, how could I not love the chick?!

Well, I treated myself to an early Christmas present...Jen came to rescue my home office/t.v. space/play pen. If I loved her from a far, she was even better in person! She was all about making the space perfect for our family. She's created the perfect plan for me. She's assigned me homework, as I'm bound and determined to put some of my hours of viewing to work. I've already gone to 2 Lowe's and am hitting the ground running tomorrow to knock out a couple of items on my list.

Stay tuned for before and after shots of the transformation. In the meantime, set your DVR's for Paint-Over with Jennifer Bertrand 5/4c on January 1. She's got a Showdown with Kim Myles in February and then she and her husband will be welcoming their first born to the world. What a lucky little man!
P.S. If you live in the KC area, Jen has donated something fabulous to the Children's Mercy Auction - Red Hot Night, February 14th...I'll meet you at the bidding war!

Spirit of the Season

Last week was a little rough. I was on balance overload - mommy and working woman had collided head on Wednesday morning. Then my Christmas "angel" appeared at the perfect moment.

I was hurrying into the grocery to buy enough turkey for the kids and babysitter. I quickly rushed to the deli counter where I placed my order. I spoke briefly with the woman waiting on me and she asked me if I worked weekends...I work from home, a little all the time...do you like the Nutcracker?...yes, are you selling tickets?...wait one minute...I waited, confused as to what was coming, but interested all the same.

As she returned from the basement of the store, Rose presented me with an envelope. You take these tickets and promise me you'll go to the Nutcracker. I bought them for my husband and I the day they went on sale and we can't go now. Will you go? I didn't know what to do or say...can I pay you for them?...no, they are a gift to you...but you don't know me, are you sure?...take them, I want you to go.

I walked away from the deli counter with tears running down my face. I stumbled through the aisles, forgetting anything else I had intended to buy. What I didn't tell Rose was that I had wanted to take my son, but didn't think I should spend the money...I didn't know if I had the time to take him...the business woman had been overshadowing the mommy a little too often. Rose stepped in and reminded me of the importance of family, traditions and holiday spirit. She will never know the impact her gift had on me. I only wish she could have experienced the pure joy in my son's face as the music began and the curtain went up. Rose gifted me the most pure random act of kindness. I plan to pass it on as often as possible - thanks Rose, you are an angel in my book!

All decked out in his Sunday best - had to bring Blankie for the show too!

Reading up on the Nutcracker before the show began.

Christmas card photos

My mother had so many amazing qualities. I hope that I am fortunate enough to carry on some of these qualities in my life. However, one thing that always irked me was her constant quest for the perfect Christmas card photo. My brother and I would pose for photos in March and say, "Mom, that'll be the PERFECT Christmas card pic!"...in hopes that that we were done for the year.

Now that I have two kids, I get it. I get that you have one chance a year to connect with all your near and dear family and friends. I get that you want both your kids looking at the camera, preferably looking as though they like one another and maybe no snot or tears visible. Now I get that she started at the beginning of the year, because it could quite possibly take 11.5 months to get that great shot to show off. Well, I gave myself 1 weekend. More specifically, one day. Here are some real "keepers" that I know I will laugh about in years to come. Right now, I'm just slightly annoyed that I couldn't accomplish just one! Enjoy a good laugh on me...those of you getting a card, just wait to see what arrives next week!

So I started the photo shoot early during bathtime...I know it may be my only chance at happiness x 2.

Yes, I dress them in matching outfits for photos.
We tried to bribe with a Jayhawk, but a fight broke out.

Things got worse, instead of better...

I decided an outside shot might be more fun for them...not so much.

We moved to the front yard and added a wagon, not much more fun. They simply look like their mother has lost her mind, pulling them around in 10 degree weather...at least I could break out the coordinating coats!
Happy Holidays!