whats in your footwear arsenal?

I love shoes. Heels, pumps, stilettos, flats, wedges, sandal, boot (high, ankle, chukka)-- I really could keep going. I am a woman and so this is probably no surprise, but my love of shoes doesn't stop there; oh no. I love men's shoes as well. Royal has exceptional taste when it comes to his footwear, which makes me love him all the more. His boot collection is growing and I must say I'm obsessed! I love men's boots!! They are so many to pick from; distressed, polished, wingtip, chukka, suede...{lol} Whats not to love really-of a well dressed man with a good pair of boots to boot. Nothing my friends, nothing!

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Now go and buy some boots. Run, hurry, before winters over because then its sandal season. Bleh--

xO-Etheline

The Reading List:: 2014 Edition

I've been a life long admirer of the art in which we call cinematography. Books are a whole other thing, I fell in love with them only within the last decade. I started to realize as my primarily fictional education bloomed that a lot of those movies were in fact adapted from novels. This was slightly perturbing at first. I would think to myself- Is there no such thing as original thought left in our world? I quickly realized that was ridiculous and immediately let it go. These stories speak to people and deserve to be on as many platforms as they can reach. That's why this year my reading goal has a more centered purpose.

Confession:: If I see a movie and then find out it was a book I won't read it afterwards. Not on purpose of course I just never get around to it.

Below I have listed my top 8 books that I'm going to read this year before I see the films.I'm very excited- lets have a look, shall we?

August: Osage County by Tracy Letts

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Synopsis:: 

One of the most bracing and critically acclaimed plays in recent Broadway history, August: Osage County is a portrait of the dysfunctional American family at its finest—and absolute worst. When the patriarch of the Weston clan disappears one hot summer night, the family reunites at the Oklahoma homestead, where long-held secrets are unflinchingly and uproariously revealed. 

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomn Northrup

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Synopsis::

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is a memoir of a black man who was born free in New York state but kidnapped, sold into slavery and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana before the American Civil War. He provided details of slave markets in Washington, DC, as well as describing at length cotton cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana.

The Book Theif by Markus Zusak

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Synopsis::

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. 

Labor Day by Joyce Maynard

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Synopsis::

As the end of summer approaches and a long, hot Labor Day weekend looms, the life of lonely thirteen-year-old Henry Wheeler is irrevocably changed when he and his emotionally fragile mother show kindness to a stranger with a terrible secret. 

The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel

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Synopsis::

At the same time Adolf Hitler was attempting to take over the western world, his armies were methodically seeking and hoarding the finest art treasures in Europe. The Fuehrer had begun cataloguing the art he planned to collect as well as the art he would destroy: "degenerate" works he despised. In a race against time, behind enemy lines, often unarmed, a special force of American and British museum directors, curators, art historians, and others, called the Monuments Men, risked their lives scouring Europe to prevent the destruction of thousands of years of culture.

The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais

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Synopsis::

Born above his grandfather’s modest restaurant in Mumbai, Hassan first experienced life through intoxicating whiffs of spicy fish curry, trips to the local markets, and gourmet outings with his mother. But when tragedy pushes the family out of India, they console themselves by eating their way around the world, eventually settling in Lumière, a small village in the French Alps.The boisterous Haji family takes Lumière by storm. They open an inexpensive Indian restaurant opposite an esteemed French relais—that of the famous chef Madame Mallory—and infuse the sleepy town with the spices of India, transforming the lives of its eccentric villagers and infuriating their celebrated neighbor. Only after Madame Mallory wages culinary war with the immigrant family, does she finally agree to mentor young Hassan, leading him to Paris, the launch of his own restaurant, and a slew of new adventures.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

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Synopsis::

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone. Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

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Synopsis:: 

SUTTER KEELY. HE’S the guy you want at your party. He’ll get everyone dancing. He’ ll get everyone in your parents’ pool. Okay, so he’s not exactly a shining academic star. He has no plans for college and will probably end up folding men’s shirts for a living. But there are plenty of ladies in town, and with the help of Dean Martin and Seagram’s V.O., life’s pretty fabuloso, actually.Until the morning he wakes up on a random front lawn, and he meets Aimee. Aimee’s clueless. Aimee is a social disaster. Aimee needs help, and it’s up to the Sutterman to show Aimee a splendiferous time and then let her go forth and prosper. But Aimee’s not like other girls, and before long he’s in way over his head. For the first time in his life, he has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life—or ruin it forever.


**Please be aware that all the synopsis's were borrowed from amazons publisher summaries. They said it so much better than I, so why mess with it. Am I right?? I think so. 

I started August: Osage County the other night and was immediately taken in. I believe it to be a quick read, but its chalk full of goodness. Tell me, is there anything that I missed that must be on my list? Im always looking for recommendation. Has anyone else already read these? What did you think? No spoilers please. X

xO-Etheline

city.ballet.

I grew up playing basketball. I started as a little girl and played on my first team at age 8. I found a practice companion in my dad who stayed as such until long after I started beating him. The idea of ballet never actually crossed my mind until I was quite a bit older and started to blossom into a women who had begun to know herself and a little about what she wanted from life. When I gave birth to our third child and first girl Margot I felt like I had the opportunity to explore this all encompassing beautiful performance art with her by my side. 

My parents never pushed me in negative way with the things I did growing up, but their support was always evident. When, after many years I decided to quite basketball they stood by me, after several talks, to make sure it was what I really wanted. They accepted my decision to no longer play competitively and having their support made the transition easier.

What does this mean for Margot? Mainly that she doesn't have or will ever have a stage mom. That being said I will most certainly help her every step of the way in whatever she embarks on until she says, "Mom, I don't want this." I imagine, and lets be frank, truly hope that she will have my same body type if she chooses dance- Tall but not to tall, thin, but not to thin, and good arches (yes I know it's weird but I know I have good arches).

A few months ago I found a ballet documentary called First Position on Netflix {if you yourself are a ballet fanatic or find yourself living with one I highly recommend it) and Royal, myself, and Margot all settled in and watched it together. She was instantly taken away with it and secretly my heart leapt with joy. Since then we've checked out library books, watched other documentaries, and even took her to The Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker production. Our two year old sat there for two hours with one intermission perched on Royals lap eyes full with awe for the performance had indeed captured her. 

To be honest I've been dreading her birthday in February because she keeps asking to attend ballet class, but I won't send her until she's potty trained. That's the deal we made. She has since decided to flex her stubborn muscle and instead hold it- for hours. As the date kept getting closer and closer we just kept trying and trying. She would just sits there looking at me like I was a sort of ding-dong for making her try. Alas we made progress the weekend after Christmas!! She just all of a sudden went and has actually never gone in her diaper again {expect at nights}. Looking back it felt like someone looking at a bike, studying it hard for weeks, circling around and around and then finally getting on and riding away flawlessly sans training wheels.

Naomi from Love Taza, a dancer and Manhattan resident {aghh the joys of living vicariously through the blogosphere} talked about a new AOL Series called city.ballet. Immediately Margot and I jumped over to watch them and to our surprise they're brilliant. Let me back up a few steps since you may be asking yourself what exactly is city ballet-- 

"Imagine a city unto itself- a place where 16 year olds are professionals, 18 year olds are revered and many 30 year olds are retirees. Imagine a world so insular that nearly every one of these virtuosos has trained together in an academy since childhood, their lives forever intertwined by work, play, competition, friendship and love. Imagine a world in which the bottom line standard is to be, simply, the best on the planet, and where each night, an empty stage, in front of thousands, beckons with a challenge. This enclave has a name- New York City Ballet- and you are invited into this world, one that has never opened up to the outside before. A documentary series brought to you by Sarah Jessica Parker Pretty Matches Productions and the Emmy award winning Zero Point Zero Production for Aol On Originals."

                      

Don't let the fact that these episodes are only between 5 & 7 minutes long fool you, they make every moment count. Each episode focuses on different areas of life within the NYC Ballet from explaining the ranks within the company to injuries, dance relationships, and the discipline in which the life demands.

I love getting to spend these moments with Margot and seeing the excitement and joy that comes from her participation in dance. I can only hope that her love continues to grow as she learns this preforming art and that I will exercise the ability to cheer on her dreams whatever they may turn out to be no matter how badly I wish them to be ballet.

One can really only dream that their children will grow to be happy and healthy, but if Margot's happiness comes from ballet then it's a win win.

xO-Etheline

On the Agenda This Year

One of my favorite blogs to follow is Emily over at Jones Design Company. She is unbelievably creative and her house is quite literally to die for. If I'm luck my house will look like that someday...and I don't just mean the tidiness of it all. She too has kids so I'm sure its not like that all the time, let be realistic, but the way its decorated is just breath taking.  You should definitely go check it out--

As the New Year has come upon us this week I, as most, have been mulling over ideas on how to make this year better than the last. I use to secretly hate this time of year I felt it was so boring and feckless, but as I've gotten older I've come to anticipate it. I personally don't like to set outrageous goals because at this point in my life I have a pretty good grasp on what is realistic for myself and what isn't. Instead I like to look at it as an opportunity to recommit to making positive life choices.

And so circling back-- Emily had shared some goals that she had for this coming year and I loved her template-- so as encouraged I decided to take a few moments and fill mine in. I hope you will take some time and do the same.

BAD HABIT TO BREAK //  Procrastination and less sugar more greens

NEW SKILL TO LEARN //  Speaking Italitan

PERSON TO BE LIKE  // The person I want to be like the most this year is myself,  rather the person I see in my head that I want to be. That would be a huge accomplishment.

GOOD DEED TO DO // Bring baked goods to those who need a special moment.

PLACE TO VISIT // Reykjavik and Stockholm 

BOOK TO READ //  Nine times out of ten I enjoy a book more than a movie. So this year I want to read every book that was adapted to a film before  I see it. The first on the list is the Pulitzer Prize winning August:  Osage County by Tracy Letts.

LETTER TO WRITE // Not necessarily letters in my case, but I want to be more on top of sending actual birthday cards to friends and loves ones.

FOOD TO TRY // Duck

DO BETTER AT // My personal scripture study and preparing earlier for my class lessons

I sadly felt this list was to grown up to do with my kids, but I found this one on pinterest instead. We sat around on New Years Eve with them and filled them out. Print out a few and gather your crew around you- their answers will give you a good giggle. Don't worry about the date there's still time. We always have time as long as we make it.

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Well I showed you mine- time to get on yours!
xO- Etheline

Happy New Years

**Family Christmas letter to share

Merry Christmas friends and family!! We hope that this finds you all in good health and good humor. 2013 has been a busy and unpredictable year for The Tenenbaum's, but ask anyone and they will most likely nod their heads in agreement, as they know what we mean. Celebrate the crazy happy.

Chaz (6 years old) This year has been all about trying new things for Chaz. He is currently enjoying is first year at public school and is loving every minute of it. His teacher is better than anything we could have hoped for and challenges our little boy ever day to think big. Early in the year he began loosing his teeth and as Christmas is upon us he is actually able to tell Santa that all he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth. During the Spring he took swim lessons at the local pool but decided that he'd rather try his hand at soccer and so he played this fall with Gwinnett Soccer Association (GSA). His team was the Snakes and it was great seeing him making new friends, learning new skills, and turning into a young man.

Richie (4 years old) Both boys learned how to ride their bikes this summer with no training wheels. This was a very proud moment for us as parents, but especially to see Richie excel at such a young age. He also swam at the local pool during the spring and was definitely more of a natural with it so we will continue that again once it starts up. Richie is in his 2^nd year of the Moms Preschool Co-Op we have been involved with. He is eager to start Kindergarten at school with his brother next year- and more importantly not be the only boy in his class. He loves his girls, but according to Richie- boys rule! He is the most affectionate of our 3 children and we soak up every moment of love that he shares..

Margot (2 years old) Having Margot has changed our lives in a way that we could never have imagined or hoped for. She has really blossomed into this beautiful little girl with long blonde curly locks. She is making great strides in communicating with her family when she wants her point made or needs met which make us all very happy to see her version of the terrible twos come to a close. She has fallen in love with dance and has watched every documentary we can get our hands on about Ballet. She dances all around the house and practices her positions and flexibility on a regular basis with joy and eagerness. Now all we have to do is win the potty training battle so she can begin classes when she turns 3 in February. We attended The Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker this month and it was a mesmerizing experience for all.

{Richie/Margot/Chaz}

Royal and Ethel have had ups and down this year, but navigated those times side by side and as the year closes we find ourselves on top. Our most recent reason to give thanks is for Royal's new job with The Home Depot. He has found himself working at their corporate headquarters in Atlanta as a Senior Security Engineer and Team Lead for their IT department. It has been a great experience so far and we look forward to the knowledge and relationships that will be forged during his time there. He has also been serving as the Stake Technology Specialist in our church as well as a ward missionary. He rather enjoys the second one as he is at his best when sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the beginning of the year Royal took me to New York City for my first time ever. It was the trip of a lifetime. We spent hours wandering the vivacious city streets, saw The Phantom of the Opera, experienced Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center, gazed upon Edgar Degas originals at The Met, became intimate with the subway schedules, and for a first time in a long time- slept past 730am. I have been serving as the Sunday School teacher for a bright group of 12 & 13 year olds at church. It has been a privilege and blessing to take part in their spiritual growth. The best part of my year however has been in my everyday, being wife and mother to three amazing children. It brings so much happiness and meaning to my life and I am thankful that God has entrusted them into our hands.

We pray that this Christmas season will fill your hearts with peace and hope and that as we reflect on our Saviors life we will give thanks for all our blessing.

From our family to yours-

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years-

The Tenenbaums