Hello folks! I’ve been waiting for the shop to be completely restocked before offering this 30% off coupon… and we are well-stocked and ready to go! With the 30% off code you can get super cute tees for less than $10 a piece! This would be a great time to stock up for Easter baskets or birthday parties. And as soon as some of the inventory is cleared out we’ll have room for summer designs!
I’m not sure where January went and in a matter of days I’ll probably wonder where February went too. It’s been unseasonably mild here, much like the rest of the country, which has freed us to spend a decent amount of time outside enjoying the sunshine. I believe the car was already dusted in yellow pollen by mid-January! I’ve snapped a few pictures here and there, not nearly as many as I wish I had. The kids are growing so fast, changing every single day. The little Raiger has learned to read like a champ at the tender age of five, and her voice, as she goes from word to word, is the sweetest sound to her mother’s ears. I want to freeze the moments. Morgan loves to read too and teach. “School” commences in the family room every afternoon when they get home from school.
Her classroom is a well-stocked, and somewhat-organized, fun place to play and learn. She’s very thorough and we’re working with her on tenderness and patience with her pupils who are sometimes berated when they lose interest in her game.
The little man is an aspiring race car driver, matchbox car collector, and patience-tester extraordinaire. We also call him Murray as needed. He verbally protests to his new name, which is only used when necessary, because he knows all about Murray. You see Murray is The Boy Who Cried Over Everything. If you have a three-year-old son {or daughter} who may be in a stage where they cry over things like: having to get dressed, you opening their yogurt {instead of them}, picking out the wrong spoon, having to wear shoes, not getting a treat at the store, having to take a nap, not having hot dogs for every meal, shall I go on… then I recommend you introduce your child to Murray. You see Murray seems to cry over everything. Rover knows that Murray’s behavior is not becoming of a young man… that crying over things that aren’t cry-worthy is not good. Little did I know that the book would have such an impact on him. Today at the library when he started in it only took a simple and gentle reminder of who he was acting like to dry him up. In the end, Murray figures out when it’s ok to cry over things and when it’s not. Now, if Betsy Childs and Dan Olson would take Murray to church and help him figure out how sit quietly, and be respectful during “Children’s Moment” at the front of the church, I’d be delighted. If they need any ideas of things that Murray might do to interrupt the congregation I’d be happy to fill them in with a few of Rover’s secrets.
Here are few pictures from a Friday afternoon about a month ago at our community pier near the end of our street.
And a couple weekends ago we ran over to spend a weekend with Erika, Chance, & Sloane in Rosemary Beach… it was an awesome weekend but I only snapped a handful of pictures!
This is “Murray” trying to figure out how to share with Sloane.
I believe she walked away empty-handed and he was the torpedo victor so we have progress yet to make!
In other news, Justin did WAY better this year for Valentine’s Day! If you weren’t around last year, I received a cheese & sausage basket all in the honor of LOVE from my husband. He has heard a small amount of grief over this for the past 12 months. This Valentine’s Day I was thankful to receive dark chocolate, Twizzlers and a card! His dad, probably in fear that cheese and sausage would be on the agenda again, sent the girls and me the most gorgeous arrangement! It has made me smile ear to ear for days.
We are still without cable television {almost a whole year!} and Justin and I have been helping boost the Redbox & Blockbuster Express earnings. We fear before long we will run out of options. Last weekend we rented Jane Eyre and both loved it, if you haven’t seen it you should. Finding a decent movie, that is entertaining without trash is becoming increasingly difficult. We’ve also enjoyed Contagion and Courageous, although Contagion may have been a little intense at times.
We transitioned straight out of Valentine’s Day into Mardi Gras. This is our first Mardi Gras experience and I’m certainly an amateur when it comes to all things Mardi Gras. Paige & JM both had to make floats for their class parades. Without my usual arsenal of crafting supplies we resorted to the toy box for Paige’s float… I introduce to you The Mystic Order of Majestic Mares, they’re obviously a wild bunch!
Alright… time to pack up for 4 days at the brown house! Our first trip “home” in over a month!
bellamia
February 17, 2012 at 9:02 amWe’ve missed you on here and at the brown house! Hope you have a great visit with everyone :)yay justin, much better! Great sale! I am going to have to check out the tees!
The Mom
February 17, 2012 at 9:02 amSounds as though you are making time for the most important things in your life, and that is just as it should be. Tell Justin we are quite proud that he redeemed himself this year. The Husband and I have had quite a few “Valentine” discussions over the years. This year he actually talked with his male coworkers about organizing a national boycott of this (as he puts it) flower, candy, card and restaurant bonanza of a holiday. I told him that that the folks at Teleflora, Hallmark, Russell Stover and Bonefish Grill might want to meet him in a dark alley somewhere. Have a blessed trip to your other home and Happy Spring!
Jenni
February 17, 2012 at 9:20 amJust ordered _The Boy Who Cried Over Everything_ because my three year old did have a fit this morning because I opened the yogurt and not him. Had to laugh and know that God sent this post my way today. Thanks so much!
Emily
February 17, 2012 at 9:27 amThanks for the great sale! I had purchased your funky fish dresses for my twin nieces back when they were on sale (and sort have thought that I would save them for their easter baskets) and just came across them earlier this week (who can remember buying something that long ago!) and thought that I needed to buy something for their big brother from you store too! Thanks again!
Charity
February 17, 2012 at 9:39 amThanks for the sale. I have been wanting to get my little “Murray” a Honey Bee tee for awhile.
Just The Two Of Us
February 17, 2012 at 9:50 amlooks like you all have been having an amazing time… I’m checking out your sale now! Missed your posts!
Auburn94
February 17, 2012 at 10:05 amI can relate to several things in this post. I also have 2 girls and a 3 year old boy, although my girls are a little older. They used to play school ALL the time and yes, my oldest could be a stern teacher at times. Sadly at the age of 10 and 7.5, they are not as into school play anymore although they still adore each other and love, love, love to play together. I will have to check out the Murray book for my 3 year old boy. He certainly gets worked up over the same things you mentioned! Off to shop for some tees!
Lynn
February 17, 2012 at 10:11 amWe have gone a year and a half now without cable and don’t regret it!! Most of what we watched before was on regular channels anyway, so we only miss a couple of our old shows (HGTV for me mostly lol)… but we have SageTV now, which somehow connects our TV to the internet (bf is an engineer.. I have no idea how it works myself) so we can watch stuff on Hulu and other “cable” web streaming services right on the TV instead of having to use our computers. It’s been really helpful for still being able to watch most of our old cable shows (for free) and still save tons of money!! I think SageTV was bought by Google last year though, so I think it’s now “GoogleTV” or something, but anyway just wanted to share in case you guys were interested… I think it’s the only way we’ve managed without cable for so long. 🙂
Elizabeth
February 17, 2012 at 10:20 amI just ordered the Happy Camper for my daughter and one for me too! I was so excited to see the sale. Good to see a blog post too 🙂
Brittaney
February 17, 2012 at 10:23 amI love “Murray’s” sunglasses! He looks so cool. I might need to get the book about Murray for some of the 5th graders I teach!
Liz
February 17, 2012 at 10:26 amRover is growing up so fast!
kathleen
February 17, 2012 at 10:32 amDo you need to update the site content copywrite dates? Has a book publisher or movie producer optioned the rights to your story — state gov wants to eliminate archeology degree programs- family of archeology consultant pulled into SE worst ecological disaster helps quell the media storm with blogging wife charming the mommy set with stories of raising a family couched by the effects of a struggling US economy and despite an archeology degree head of household.
Lyndsey
February 17, 2012 at 10:47 amIs it my imagination, or is that Darby doll in the background of the flowers photo?!
Amber Murphy
February 17, 2012 at 10:48 amGreat to hear from you Darby!! I need to introduce my hot dog loving, clothes protesting, fit prone 3 year old son to Murray too, especially if it is helpful : )
angela
February 17, 2012 at 11:16 amJust ordered the book to read to all my Grands! Thanks. I will check out the tees today too! Love the schoolroom. When I noticed the labels on the drawers I thought, *That doesn’t look like something Darby would do.*….lol!!!
becky
February 17, 2012 at 11:35 amjust ordered a t-shirt for a steal! thanks!
Cherish @ Southern Soul Mates
February 17, 2012 at 11:44 amSweet pictures! I think all of this beautiful weather we’re having is having a similar affect on everyone-not knowing where January/February have gone!! We had pollen all over our cars in mid-January over here in Savannah, too, which is not good if your car is black like mine! The kids are growing and are as darling as ever! Love Paige’s long hair! Good luck with Murray!! Have a great weekend back “home!”
renae
February 17, 2012 at 11:52 amjust loaded up on cute tees for the 3 year old boy in my house! thanks for the murray tip!
Dianne
February 17, 2012 at 12:17 pmSo good to hear from you. You sound very happy and very busy. I have checked here often hoping for an update on your sweet life.
We are still dealing with liver disease and waiting for a transplant. Please remember us in your prayers. I am painting a lot and so grateful for good clients that often mention your lemon painting as their inspiration. Thank you!
xo Dianne
Lexi
February 17, 2012 at 12:45 pmHi Darby, I just ordered 3 boys T’s from Honey Bee & I realized after I hit “pay” that it would have you sending my shirts to an old address. I sent you an email, hopefully, you got my correct FL address! Sorry for the mix up, we LOVE your T’s & I sure hope they show up here!
Shannon @ Project Shannon
February 17, 2012 at 12:51 pmI adore JM’s sunglasses, he looks like such a grown-up! And I think that book sounds like a life-saver, but I doubt my 8-month old will understand it quite yet. Something to keep in mind, no doubt.
kathleen
February 17, 2012 at 1:13 pmyour friend up in dothan her web site listing on google has a message this site has been compromised yikes as of 1:13 EST
Sarah
February 17, 2012 at 2:16 pmWe are without cable too! Not that bad since I don’t really know what I’m missing:). We recently watched The Next Three Days and it was something we both enjoyed. (and it was clean which I agree is REALLY hard to find in movies today). Your kids are beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend.
Brandi
February 17, 2012 at 2:26 pmI don’t ever comment but I can’t help myself today! That boy is too cool! Love his shades!! Thanks for the tip on the book…we will definitely be checking it out. I believe I may have another “Murray” living right here under my roof!!
Anne W
February 17, 2012 at 3:34 pmnooooo! i went straight to get me a birddog sweatshirt in xs (for my small 3 year-old)–how are they already sold out??!!! ps. love to read your updates 🙂
Anne W
February 17, 2012 at 3:35 pmoh, and we are TOTALLY going to be introducing said 3yo to Murray asap!
Anne W
February 17, 2012 at 3:37 pmok, just saw the plane sweatshirt so i am happy! (that’s my last comment, promise ! 🙂
Ohio12
February 17, 2012 at 7:05 pmwe don’t have cable either. if you have high speed internet, you can watch a lot of stuff online. we are almost done watching Downton Abbey online and it is crazy crazy good!
HannahJ
February 17, 2012 at 8:45 pmWhile my little man just turned 3 last week- we have been experiencing Murray-like episodes for quite a few weeks now- Ithought it was unique-but am comforted to hear that we’re not the only ones:)
MUST GET THAT BOOK!! Thanks for the tip!
Jennifer
February 17, 2012 at 9:34 pmAll the short sleeves are sold out in small sizes…boo for me but YEAH for you!! Will try back again another time! Still hoping you’ll do a labrador?!
Marisa
February 17, 2012 at 9:51 pmThanks for the book recomendation. We have a two year old Murray that needs this book! So sad I missed the post earlier and your smaller sizes are gone. Looking forward to a restock!
Erin
February 17, 2012 at 10:29 pmThat little boy in those sunglasses is the cutest darn thing I’ve ever seen! Glad to hear you’re enjoying life’s little moments!
Anne
February 17, 2012 at 11:03 pmDo you have any bug jar shirts in adult sizes for big kids like me?
Anna @ The Paper Road Blog
February 18, 2012 at 1:37 pmWe’ll have to check out Jane Eyre. We’ve had trouble finding good movies lately too…anyone else got any suggestions?
Rachel
February 18, 2012 at 2:14 pmHi Darby,
I really appreciate your blog! Our kids always seem to be in similiar phases and you are really funny! 🙂 I must check out the Murray book for my 3 year old little boy! I kinda feel like a creepy stalker since I don’t know you:), but you really have made an impact on my life via your blog! Traveling mercies to you and many blessings!
Ali
February 18, 2012 at 4:49 pmYou should try the PBS series produced by the BBC Downton Abby! We love it! 🙂 As a none cable family we get creative and always find amazing things to watch on PBS!
I’m off to check out that book! I have a nearly 3 year old who might really be impacted by the book! Thanks!
~ Ali
Kari
February 19, 2012 at 12:06 amLove your t-shirts, Darby! I am wondering if you will have the “Happy Camper” in short sleeves again this summer. It is currently sold out. Thanks!
Julia
February 19, 2012 at 10:21 amOM, LOVE LOVE LOVE JM’s sunglasses. Little mini raybans. Where oh where did you find them? I totally need them for my littles! xoxox
Kelley
February 19, 2012 at 2:36 pmI forgot about the sausage and cheese. Hysterical.
Glad to hear all is well!
Melanie
February 20, 2012 at 12:44 pmwhahoo!!!
Hope I dod not miss the sale. My son will be 4 in July. We have DEFINITELY hit a wall of tears about EVERYTHING! I have sat in his room with him at bedtime now for 30 minutes STRAIGHT watching ( because I am not allowed to help) him button his pajamas….he still has not mastered it. He is so determined though. He will sit there and try until he literally has to take a break and look up and shake his hands. He does not even realize that he is doing it. I think his body just MAKES him stop for a minute…then he is back at it! If I try to help…violent tears of frustration….I think Murray is just what the Dr. ordered!! Thanks!
Rachel
February 20, 2012 at 3:09 pmDarby,
So glad you are back! Your babies are beautiful as always, I still can’t believe how JM is such a mini-me of Daddy boy!! Especially with his “Ray Bans”! I hope you come back soon, so many of your readers miss your updates, even if they are small ones! Enjoy your time at the Brown house with the family!
Rachel
revolvingmarket.blogspot.com
Fittsy
February 20, 2012 at 3:13 pmI am here to give you another nudge to watch Downton Abbey. It’s great, though a little on the soap opera side, you know, like a Dicken’s novel. It’s lovely.
Rebekah
Birmingham friend of Abby Maddox
ranee
February 20, 2012 at 3:51 pmcan’t wait to check out that book. we have a little murray at our house from time to time as well. i had to laugh when i read about it since opening the yogurt and picking out the wrong spoons have been a problem at our house too! 🙂
kathleen
February 21, 2012 at 1:20 pmIn the field of child development these episodes are considered phases of equilibrium and disequilibrium in behavior. If one were to read books on the subject; to aquire a more educated approach in dealing with a child’s self control issues, parents can couch their expectations for a particual age, thus avoiding added stress to the child.
shannon reppard
February 21, 2012 at 2:40 pmyou don’t even need to tell me another word about murray. I know, already, that i have two of them and a budding murray-etta living under my roof. i MUST get my hands on that.
so glad y’all are enjoying the fun! where is your crayon rounder from? love that! sure beats digging teensy bits of crayon out from the corners of my home.
Amanda Wells
February 21, 2012 at 5:01 pmJust found out I’m having a little boy and I have to get him in an armadillo shirt. Have to.
https://www.amandadovewells.com/?p=1435
Lucy
February 21, 2012 at 10:03 pmAs a child psychologist, who has studied emotional “equilibrium” extensively, I found THE BOY WHO CRIED… an excellent tool. There is certainly a difference between healthy expression of emotions through crying and using our emotional outbursts to manipulate and control others. Thank you, Darby, for this excellent recommendation. I will certainly be using this in my practice.
Sarah B Design
February 22, 2012 at 9:59 amYour son looks so cute in those shades! I love it, might have to get some for my nephew
kathleen
February 22, 2012 at 12:39 pmDarby, your readers can preview the Murray tale on you tube as there is a video of the book ala filmstrip-esque presentation. It is rather a rather heavy trip.
kathleen
February 22, 2012 at 1:01 pmI love this topic– sorry for the multiple comments –I suppose I have delay of gratification issues–haha. However, your readers may wish to explore the topic of delay of gratification in children– maybe another perspective of more child psychologists would be helpful. 🙂
Kristi
February 24, 2012 at 9:09 amThank you so much for the Murray recommendation. I ordered it right up off of Amazon and we have been reading it with our little drama queen. Love it!!! And I agree, they need to write more books to help us raise our children!
Tammy C.
February 25, 2012 at 9:14 pmYa’ll are not going to believe this. So after ordering the Murray book, I was reading about it on-line, and I found a mom who had actually received a handwritten letter (in red crayon) from Murray specifically to her crying child. Check it out– https://www.thekidfriendlyhome.com/2012/01/boy-who-cried-over-everything.html. And sure enough, if you go to theboywhocried.com, there is a link where you can request a letter for your child. I just might request one for my son!
heather
February 25, 2012 at 9:50 pmLoved spotting the shots from Rosemary Beach! We ♥ Seagrove and Rosemary so much! To us, they are 2 of the best kept secrets on the Gulf~ and our happy place! Looks like the kids had fun!
Christy Johnston
February 27, 2012 at 5:49 pmYOURE CHILDREN ARE SO STINKIN PRECIOUS!!!! I’d love a couple shirts from your shop for my god-daughter on the way!! Any chance you’ll run another discount special for your readers soon?
Thanks!! God BLESS you abundantly.
CAW
February 29, 2012 at 10:53 pmrover aka murray looks JUST like Daddyboy!!
i cant believe I missed the sale roar!
Maggie
March 1, 2012 at 10:18 amHi Darby,
I heard about the tornado that hit Illinois and thought about your parents. I hope they are well and safe.
kathleen
March 1, 2012 at 11:07 amHappy Word Book Day.
lindsay
June 17, 2012 at 5:40 pmodd, this post just showed up in my google reader. it’s june 17, four months later. i can’t wait for the next sale! my kids love your shirts darby!
charmingdate scam
September 12, 2012 at 8:57 pmHe lives a happy childhood!