Today, I was thinking...Happiness is...

Watching as your five-year-old son and his cousins show off all they learned at swimming lessons the first week out of school...

And the comfort that comes with knowledge that, if he falls in the pool again, he should at least make it to the side and not sink straight to the bottom.

Watching Disney/Pixar's UP in 3D with the kids...

And having your son squeeze your hand when he sees, through the glasses, that five minutes into the movie you are already crying.

Putting your little angels in the bed and reading them a story after a day of summer play...
And listening to them argue and kick each other over their super-hero names until they fall asleep.

Happiness is...

Planning your anniversary trip to London, when you've never been to Europe....

And hoping some handy-dandy prescription keeps your irrational fear of flying from getting in the way.

The little things...like finally matching lots of the socks in the "mismatched socks" bucket...
And then finally admitting defeat and throwing those that have been in the bucket for 2 years in the trash can.

Cleaning up the kitchen quickly after dinner so you can have more family time...
Because you used paper plates and tossed them in the trash after dinner (and feeling a teensy-weensy bit bad about the tree that gave its life for this luxury...but, not that bad...).

Happiness is...

Mommy getting to give into guilty pleasures without feeling guilty...

Re-reading the Harry Potter series in anticipation of the coming movie...
And realizing that you are more knowledgeable about Quidditch than you are the NBA.

Setting your DVR to record the MTV Movie Awards, because, you know, you're still relatively young and hip.
And then you can get a glimpse of the premiere of the new Twilight New Moon trailer and a little Edward time (okay, so I feel a little guilty about this....)

Getting a well-deserved and much-needed pedicure.
And tipping $5 extra because you are so mortified that she had to touch your nasty feet.

Happiness is spending these great summer days with family and friends...
And realizing it is only Saturday night, and you still have one more whole weekend-day to go before Monday!

Why Didn't I Think of This? PERFECT!!

The ability to invent or design something is one that I am truly amazed by. I mean, think of the Twitter craze, Facebook, the iPod...dare I say it...the Snuggy!? Someone sees a need for something, or a void that his/her idea would fill, acts on it and there you go. Next thing you know, its the next biggest craze, leaving the rest of us to say "Why didn't I think of that?"

Which brings me to my point...

I recently discovered that the mother of a college friend at UF came up with a little something that I personally think is genius. I cannot tell you how many times I could have used one of these, and how many times I thought "Someone has GOT to come up with something to help with this!" And so, I introduce you to...

The Nuzy.

This little gem will fit around your infant carseat handle to make it more comfortable to carry. You can choose a grosgrain ribbon trim, a monogram, or even some crystals (for a little BLING for baby) to customize it (you know we love custom here). It velcros on and off and can even be washed, for goodness sake! Then, when your child outgrows the infant seat, you can use it on the stroller, the cooler handle (football games, anyone?), anything you pull or carry...then on the seatbelt strap once your little one is in his/her booster seat.

I am in awe of this contraption. I mean, so simple in so many ways...but so fabulously useful at the same time!! The perfect baby shower present!!

Check it out: www.nuzybaby.com

You Asked for It...

Several of you have asked us for a little more information about ourselves...who we are, how we met, what made us start Three Mommas, that sort of thing. Well, at the risk of boring you all, I do aim to please, so here goes...

Let's start with yours truly...

Hi! I'm Tara. Ashley and Kelly are my partners in chaos. Ashley and I have been friends since we met in 8th grade, and Kelly is one of my sisters. I'll save more about them and about the start of Three Mommas for later.

In the interest of brevity, I will list some of the more interesting details of my life. I will go ahead and warn you, I am reaching a bit with "interesting":

-I have 2 sisters, and I am the oldest

-We have quite possibly the most wonderful parents and familial relationship that exists in the world. I can only hope that my family (husband and boys) are as close as my family is.

-I was an avid equestrian throughout my childhood and well after I graduated from college. My family owns/breeds/shows Arabians and Half-Arabians. While it still a passion of mine, I haven't had much time to devote to it since the birth of my boys. However, it is something that I hope to get back to later this year.

-I started dating my husband in high school, and we've been married almost 10 years.

-I attended the University of Florida and was a Chi Omega there.

-I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease in 1997 after going to the infirmary with what I thought was mono. After chemo I planned to return to UF, but discovered right at Christmas that I was not in remission. After a round of radiation I was declared in remission, and have been ever since 1999.

-I transferred to the University of Georgia and received my degree in Journalism (public relations).

-I worked in PR in Atlanta for a while, then taught high school English/Debate at my Alma Mater for a couple of years.

-My first son was born in 2004 and my second in 2007. They are the most wonderful, amusing and lovable little darlings in the world. Everyday they amaze me...

-I have lots of interests, but little time. My children, husband, house, family and Three Mommas keep me pretty busy...I love to read, and welcome any/all book suggestions!

-My birthday is coming up in July...so far, my only request is that some escort me to Harry Potter at IMAX on July 15 (did I mention that I am a HUGE dork?).

Well, that's about it. I will save the story of starting Three Mommas for another time, and will also fill you guys in on Kelly and Ashley. Maybe I will see if I can talk them into coming around the blog and filling you in themselves...

Off to bed...going to try to get more Fall/Winter pictures up and more taken if we ever get some sun here in Georgia...

A Few Fall/Winter Pictures...

A few "leftovers" from a recent photo shoot. Now, keep in mind that the weather didn't want to cooperate that day, the kids were all sniffly and sick, some of the sizes were off (Charlie just HAD to wear the purse dress top, though it was a bit large on her), and everyone wanted to stop taking pictures and PLAY! We didn't do the boys that day (except for the one picture below), but I promise we have some really cute things in store for girls and boys this season!

the new swing dress...

the tunic top in blue ivy...

the tractor-trailer truck...

charlie was over it, but really liked this peasant blouse...

this is the one she HAD to wear...

she wasn't feeling well, but our resident princess still did her best...

More to come soon! And, don't forget to keep on the lookout for a special coupon for Blog/FB visitors! Remember, our Spring/Summer samples are already 25% off online (as always at the end of a season)...if you didn't receive a $10 coupon for online orders, email us and we'll send you that coupon code!

Do You Read the News?

Okay, I'm exhausted. I don't know if it is allergies, a cold, the fact that I am rundown or what. I am not sleeping, don't feel well and, if you haven't picked up on this yet, I am kind of a baby about it. I just want to curl up in bed for a day and sleep this thing off.

But alas, that isn't to be!

So, tonight I am already in the bed, waiting for the Nyquil to kick in. I decide to spend a few minutes perusing the news, both local and national. And, all I can say is...

WOW.

Maybe we are just so desensitized in general that I don't usually notice the absolute craziness of the headlines we see on an average day. Maybe I am just so wiped that I am, for once, paying attention. Maybe the Nyquil is slowing my senses enough that the constant barrage of stimuli (work email, Facebook, personal email, news, etc.) isn't having its usual affect. Maybe the fact that my two-year-old is becoming a biter (you will realize the relevance of this in a sec) is hitting close to home. Who knows?

Headlines like "Man Bites Son's Eye Out,"(note my current predicament with my toddler), "Despondent Dads Kill Families" and "Baby Found in Sandbox" are right alongside "Who Should be the Next Idol" and "Why the GA/FLA Game Should Stay in Jax." I mean, YIKES!

I also noted one about a boy whose mother has disappeared with him because she does not want him to undergo chemotherapy for Hodgkins Lymphoma. This one hits particularly close to home as I am a survivor of Hodgkins myself, and while chemo/radiation and all of the testing involved is not pleasant, it works. What seemed awful at the time is now a relatively distant memory, and beyond the annual check-ups and the occasional oh-my-gosh-is-that-a-lump moments, I don't even think much about it. I hope the mother and the son are found and that all works out well for their family.

Maybe Grey's Anatomy from last week has made me a mushy mess?? Maybe I should just quit reading the news altogether??

Nah...definitely the Nyquil. But I am going to hug the family a little tighter in the morning.

Fall/Winter sneak peeks coming soon...I promise!

First of all, DON'T SPOIL IT!!

Sweet Husband and I were out at an event last night, and I have yet to watch the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. Like a great shoe sale, chocolate chip cookie dough, teenage vampire novels, Jake's Ice Cream and all Harry Potter movies, this show is one of my guilty pleasures and something from which I derive quite a bit of pleasure. I am overseeing the last week of shipping, trying to make sure everything gets out as it is supposed to, dealing with the last of the backordered pieces from one supplier, checking over Fall/Winter samples and cannot wait to drive the hour back to my house to pick up my wonderful children. I will let them play while McDreamy, McSteamy, Mere and the crew at Seattle Grace entertain me one final time this season. That certainly isn't going to win me Mom of the Year, but I don't think it will do any lasting damage either, right?

Okay, so I know that no one is interested in me watching Grey's Anatomy....on to more important things, like children's clothing!

Here we have the first quick image of a Fall/Winter sample. Now, bear in mind this isn't an "official" picture. Again, this was snapped on my phone, but I think it is cute and wanted to share it:

An official preview is soon to come, so be watching for that on the Web site. We will also be starting our annual Sample Sale soon, so if there was something in the trunk in your little one's size, get ready! A special blog/FB coupon is also coming, so keep checking in!

Have a FABULOUS weekend!!

In or Near Atlanta? Check out Divine Consign Liquidation Sale this Week...

In or near Atlanta? You might want to check out the HUGE children's clothing sale in Buckhead Thursday and Friday! Lots of lines will be there (including Three Mommas) - Kate & Libby, Brinkley's Berries, Coco BonBons, and more. We'll have some Spring/Summer samples on sale there (FYI...our samples are ALWAYS available at the end of the season!), along with some past season pieces at deeply-discounted prices. A great way to stock up on more stuff for warm weather! Check it out at http://www.dcskids.com/!

Bad news is, I have to work tomorrow...

But the good news is, hubby and I are staying in Atlanta overnight near the workroom, so I can scoot over there before my niece's birthday party! We are down to the last bit of shipping, so if you don't have your order yet, you will VERY soon! And believe it or not, no one is happier than I am about it (except for maybe the whole crew at Three Mommas, and possibly those of you leaving for the beach this week that really, really, really need your clothes, and maybe my husband and children since I have been so neurotic with shipping...).

There are a few "backordered" items that will also be shipping in the next week - some t-shirts and a few pieces with one particular smocked insert. Again, those should be complete in the next week too. Thank you all for your patience!

I know I showed everyone pictures of my wonderful, fan-tabulous boys last night...now here are my beautiful nieces. If my boys or these girls look familiar to you, it is because they've been our "models" since Three Mommas was started in 2006 (along with Ashley's two girls)!

Aren't they cute?? I am talking about the dresses, of course....

Shameless, I Know...My Boys...

Okay, some of you have been asking me lately about myself and my family. Here are my boys...

This is my oldest, Mac.

This is my youngest, Hudson.

We had some pictures taken tonight for Mother's Day...I am exhausted. I don't know how any of them turned out okay, as it was absolute chaos. We went along with Kelly's three girls, and it took 4 adults and the photographers to keep everyone remotely in line! We'll probably get them on the new Web site ASAP!

How 'bout a little Fall?

I wish I could tell you I had a fancy-schmancy preview of our Fall/Winter season for you, but alas...that's not the case. I do, however, have a few pics of just a sampling of our Fall/Winter fabrics taken on an manilla envelope with my Blackberry. NOT fancy, but you get the picture.

Here are a few of the girly fabrics we have this season. We do have more florals/prints that are not pictured, and of course the standard corduroys, checks, etc. that you can always expect. I am loving all them, and to me they all have a very different look. We are also using several non-corduroy solids this season, so all of us Southerners can get a little longer wear out of these clothes!

I know these are basic, but I just love them...chocolate, royal and soft pink houndstooth. This fabric is almost a little brushed, and very soft and snuggly.

Here are a few of the plaids that we have selected, along with more non-corduroy solids. Some great, rich colors that are perfect for cool days, football, and the Fall/Winter holidays. Again, there are more - this is just an example of what is to come!

Back to work...

So we have 299 fans on FB...

come on...someone go push us over 300...ppppplllllleeeeeaaaaassssseeee!!!

Let's Talk Shoes...

Okay, so shoes are like my favorite thing in the world. Next to my children, of course. And my husband. And I do love my dog...you get the drift. I love, love, love shoes. And believe that you can never have enough of them, though I know admitting that, particularly in our current economic environment, is sort of a faux pas. But, it isn't just expensive shoes that I love. I am equal-opportunity shoe fanatic. I adore my polka-dotted flip flops and my $11 Key West Kinos as much as the fanciest pair I have in my closet.

And this is why: shoes can make me feel beautiful or pretty, powerful or dainty, cute and carefree, like a lady, a diva or a child, and, most importantly, with the exception of that crazy foot-growth during pregnancy, I am NEVER too fat for my shoes.

So it is really no surprise that I am a big fan of children's shoes too. And, I just have boys. Goodness help me if I were buying for girls.

Which brings me to my point...have any of you heard of Live and Luca? We "met" them online when we were just starting out, and though I haven't spoken to them in years, the ladies that owned it were just as nice as they could be. They started out just selling online and at shows, though they have since started selling wholesale. Their shoes are simply ADORABLE, and super-comfy for little feet. My now five-year-old son made his way through several pair of elephant shoes over the years, and they were always his favorite. And now they have them not only in brown, but in LIME too!!

If you love fun shoes for your kids, check them out at http://www.livieandluca.com/. And before you ask, no, this isn't benefiting me in any way. As a matter of fact, I ordered a pair of the lime elephants online at midnight last night, and can't wait for them to get here.

If only I could get away with lavender shoes on the boys...