Daytime TV

In college I watched a lot of daytime television. I never was into soaps, but I sure watched more than my fair share of talk shows. Ricki Lake, Jenny Jones, Sally Jesse, Maury Povich (never could get into Jerry Springer nor Oprah): I watched them all. These days only Maury Povich and Oprah survive, although Oprah is done this year. Now, I only watch daytime TV during Rhett's naps once my chores are done (and generally only as background noise while I work on laundry or sew).

Thankfully I have graduated from these types of programs. I just can't make myself watch them. I mean, how many women in America can there be that don't know who their baby daddy be? (If you haven't seen Maury in awhile, this is all he does. Every. Single. Episode. "Roger, you ARE the father!")

Who are the network executives catering to by only putting on soap operas and judge shows during nap time? Do people watch these shows anymore?  What they should do instead is replay anything on Bravo. Seriously. I would work a lot faster if I knew old episodes of Project Runway or Top Chef were on. This fall season got a bit better with "The Price is Right" on at 2. Although, if yesterday was any indication, they've already changed that to "Let's Make a Deal." Really? Really?

Anyway, what would you like to see during naps?

Finally, are you watching Modern Family? It's on ABC on Wednesdays (9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Mountain). It is the best show on TV right now. I'm not kidding. You can watch the pilot on Hulu or catch all of season 1 with Netflix. Chuck and I laugh out loud nearly the entire show. It really is that good.

Weekend Update

The weekend turned out much better than expected. Of the things I hoped to do on Friday, here's what I accomplished: made totally yummy banana nut muffins (seriously so good), worked on some sewing projects (growth chart seen below, a play mat for baby Lucy, and felt food for Emmy), watched Project Runway, and finished my book.

I didn't make the pumpkin bread because I want to take it to Young Women's on Wednesday and thought it better to wait. We didn't get to eat at Sam's Club because they had no power. Oh well, pretzels and pizza another day.

I still have a lot of stuff I have to do and some things I want to do, but I'm feeling a bit better about everything. (Or at least I was until I tried uploading a picture to Blogger and it keeps rotating it unnecessarily. ARGH.)

You Can't Make Me

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you just don't want to do anything you're supposed to do? You know, like, cooking, or chores, or your calling, or running. It's been a hard week (hard 12 months, really) and I'm just kind of tired of all the stuff I have to do. And honestly, about running, can you blame me? I mean this is what the weather is right now:





There only one word to describe this: NASTY. I don't care it if is only 68 degrees. 100% humidity is just disgusting.  (Click on the picture if you don't believe me.)

So what do I want to do? Make pumpkin bread, banana nut muffins, work on some sewing projects, and eat at Sam's Club for dinner. And when Rhett's in bed, I want to watch last night's Project Runway, sew some more, and then read my book and fall asleep. The end.

Out of the Mouth of Rhett

Rhett turned 2.5 yesterday; I can hardly believe it. He's such a joy to be around and we really love spending time with him.

He still loves playing with Little People. We've lost Baby Baby but Baby Mama and Baby Daddy still hang out with us. We got him a starter train set from Ikea on Monday and he spent all yesterday afternoon playing with it. He loves being outside and playing frisbee even though his throw needs help.

Some of his favorite things right now are asking, "Mom, what day is it?" He's obsessed with knowing what day it is and knowing what we do on those days. He's also obsessed with making sure I'm happy. "Mom, are you happy?" is a frequent question. Most of the time I can answer "yes" but when he asks as we're running up a steep hill and I'm pushing the 30-pound little man, my answer might not sound quite happy. But I am, little buddy. I am.

Here are some recent things he said that made us laugh.

Rhett: Mom, you're a big girl.
Me: Would you call me a lady?
Rhett: No.
Me: Would you call me a woman?
Rhett: No. Dad's a woman.

Rhett: Rhett want to take Rhett on a walk to the country.
This bucket is his "country."


Rhett: Rhett can't climb a tree because Rhett not a monkey.
Is it wrong to encourage your child to climb a tree at a park/gardens?  Seriously, I'm asking.


Rhett: I like being with you Mom because we're a happy family.

Rhett: Dad, go away.
Me: Rhett, that's not a nice thing to say. Why do you want Dad to go away?
Rhett: Because he's not normal.
Me: What do you think normal means?
Rhett: It means real.

Rhett: Dad a big guy but you not a big guy.
Me: What am I?
Rhett: You a short guy.

P.S. My mom's last day of work is tomorrow. She'll join my father in retirement land. Happy Retirement Mom! Now come visit us. :)

And finally, some videos for your viewing pleasure. Well, at least for Emmy's viewing pleasure.

Weekend Update

Because I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I still feel like I have a weekend. But it's even better because it's always a four-day weekend. If only I could get Chuck on the same schedule.

Our great weekend started on Friday with a great run. (We made a pit stop at Giant; I love when I can make my runs double as grocery shopping.) The weather has been really beautiful and the mornings have been refreshingly cool. You will hear NO complaining from me about this stuff. Anyway, it was chilly enough where Rhett needed a hat. This is how he chose to wear it for about half of the run.  What a weirdo.


After running, Rhett and I went to see butterflies. Some gardens near us had an exhibit on them and it closed Sunday, so it was nearly our last chance. I'm so glad we went! Rhett was initially unsure (see picture), but as long as he didn't have to be too close to them, he was fine. And he got to see some great caterpillars as well as turtles and fish when we walked around the park after visiting the butterflies.




During dinner prep, Chuck and I used our new parenting trick of giving Rhett flour as a toy. Again, it worked like a charm. And we got to apply the lesson we learned last time we did this: no glass bowls!


Saturday started out with another great run for me (and me alone). Then it was a quick get ready as we hied ourselves to Virginia. Let me tell you something about Virginia, we Marylanders don't like going there. This is okay because Virginians don't like coming to Maryland. I still haven't figured out why this is, but it just is. So if we're going, you know it must be a big event. And it was: I bought one of these with some leftover birthday money. It's kind of like a Cricut, but (in my opinion) just a bit cooler. I don't have to buy cartridges, but rather can use images and fonts straight from my own computer. I'm a bit afraid of it, so I need to find time to read the users' manual. But after that, well, freezer-paper-stenciled-things will soon be coming out my ears.

After picking up the machine, we headed to the Washington Capitals' (D.C.'s hockey team, just in case) practice arena to watch the guys skate. Of course we couldn't not buy Rhett his own jersey. Unfortunately we weren't able to get the jerseys signed. Maybe another time.


After Rhett's "nap" (another post for another day when I'm not so angry), we walked Bruno to a local park and played and then came home and played with our behind-the-house neighbor. They have a son who is three weeks older than Rhett and I have hopes they'll be BFFs. They seemed to have a good time. Then came dinner. Whenever I make these sandwiches I always splurge and get crab chips. These things are my manna from heaven (along with Hot Tamales and Air Heads and Cherry Clans). If any of you come to visit me, I pledge to always have some for you to try.


Once Rhett was in bed, Chuck and I went downstairs for more Daria watching. Seriously, Daria is one of the best shows to ever be on television and now one of the best shows available on Netflix. I'm not kidding. I love her. I love every character in the show. I think she's the girl I'd be in high school if I were to suddenly be 15 again. (Note: She's not who I was when I was 15 because I wasn't that self-confident. I wish I could have been her. But I'm definitely her now, just 18 years older and not in high school.) One of the episodes we watched last night included one of my favorite all-time Daria quotes. You can watch the episode here and fast-forward to minute 11:45 to catch Kevin saying it. It's probably not that funny to anyone else, but it's one of the rare movie quotes that is almost always in my head and I'm constantly saying it, but NO ONE else gets it.  At least Chuck does now.  Already my shoulders feel a bit lighter.  (Due to my research in writing this post, it looks like you can watch every single Daria episode via the magic of the internet.  Aren't you lucky.)


During the Daria watching, I got some much needed crafting and organizing done. My pajama drawer and running clothes drawer are in much better shape now, thank you very much. And crafting-wise, I did some brainstorming on gifts for family for Christmas and even started on some felt food.

Church on Sunday was as good as any Sunday church. When I came home there were real people looking at the house next door. This house has been vacant for over two years, so Chuck and I get excited every time someone is looking at it. And even more exciting is they seem to be our age! I didn't see any kids, but still, people! Next door! Real ones! This sighting was followed by another of Rhett's "naps" and then dinner with friends and dessert with Relief Society. Man I love weekends.

Out of the Mouth of a Beehive

Last week I showed my Beehives a wedding picture of Chuck and me. It was one in black and white. One of my Beehives, Maureen*, asked if black and white was all they had when I was married, or if it was just our choice to have it done. I laughed sooooo hard at this. I mean, really, yes I could be her mother (in fact I think her mother and I are the same age), but I'm not that old, right?!

To the other Beehives' credit, at least one said, "How old do you think she is?! They had color back then." To which Maureen replied, "Well, I don't know my history very well."

Nice to know my wedding (which took place no longer than six years ago) was back in "history." These girls crack me up.

*Names changed to protect the innocent.

Busy

The next time I want to keep Rhett busy for a looooong time whilst I get things done, this is the way. The kid can spoon flour from one cup to the next for hours. It'll definitely help when the pool is no longer available due to cooler temps.

Just Eat It

So. Not unlike other children, Rhett really likes peanut butter (and honey--thanks Grandpa No Google!). A lot. In fact, he likes it as much as Chuck likes pizza, which is enough to eat it everyday if given the option. Thankfully, however, Chuck doesn't start crying when I tell him he can't have pizza for lunch. Score. But Rhett, oh man, he will throw a fit when told he can't have peanut butter and honey for lunch.

Twice a week, on the days when he goes to the babysitter's house, I send him with peanut butter and honey. I'm totally taking the easy way out by doing it, but I don't want her to have to fight with him the way I do. So I fold. He does get carrot sticks though; that makes me feel a little bit better. But it's really important to me that he learns to like and eat many different things on the other five days. And when I say "different" it's not like I'm putting sashimi in front of him. I'm asking him to eat BBQ chicken pizza or tuna or enchiladas. I don't think I'm being too unreasonable here, am I?

Recently I asked a parenting "expert" about how to help my toddler become a better eater. This was her response:

I'm kind of tough on picky eaters because they often just get pickier and pickier. Part of this is due to the texture of a food--liver is anathema to most children--but you have a family kitchen, not a food court.

This sounds cruel, but if you try it, I promise that your child won't starve: Put away any food your child eats, cancel your visits and your visitors, and only offer three meals a day and two snacks of foods your child has always refused. Do it sweetly, say that's okay honey, I'm sorry you're not hungry, and take him out of his high chair in 20 minutes. No cookies, no pbh. By the third night, I promise you he'll eat whatever you put in front of him and he'll be amazed how much he likes it. The trick is being nice--and not negotiating, not making a big deal of it.

After last night's showdown where we tried to get Rhett to eat some enchiladas, I'm done. I think I could do what she suggested if I think it's the right thing. And the more and more picky he becomes, the closer I get to thinking it's the right thing. But what do you think of this method? Too cruel? Any other tips on how to make Rhett a better eater?

While we're at it, any tips at making Chuck a better eater? Kidding! (Kind of.)

Out of the Mouth of Rhett

[Rhett's getting his diaper changed and so his pants are off. He's about to take a nap.]
Me: Rhett, do you want me to leave your pants off so you can be cool during your nap?
Rhett: Rhett no want to be cool, Mom.

Rhett: Rhett having a hard time with Bruno.
Ain't that the truth.

Rhett: [Singing to the sorta tune of, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"] You go when it's bad, you go when it's bad, you go when it's bad.

Rhett: [Singing] I'm bad, I'm bad, I'm bad when it's hot.
What is this obsession with singing about badness?

Me: Okay, sweet pea, time to go.
Rhett: Don't call Rhett sweet pea, Mom.
Me: Okay, what should I call you?
Rhett: Bean.
Me: Uh, why Bean? Who calls you Bean?
Rhett: Auntie Em.
It should be noted that at no time has my sister called Rhett "Bean." Who knows where he got this. And really, at no time has he initiated talk about Auntie Em. Dreaming?

Me: Goodnight, Rhett. I love you.
Rhett: Go away Mom.
Me: That's not a nice thing to say. You should say, "Good night. I love you."
Rhett: Good night. I love you. Go away.

Rhett: Thank you for the fork. Thank you for the olives. Thank you for the cheese. Thank you for the crackers.
He's getting pretty dang good at saying thank you.

Rhett (to Rhett): Thank you right hand for the fork. [As he passed the fork to the left hand.  And no, he doesn't know his right from his left, but he thinks he does.]

One final one
Rhett: Mom, don't get ready to go to the temple.
Me: I'm not going to the temple. Why do you think I'm going to the temple?
Rhett: Because of your shirt and your pants.
Me: Oh, this is what I wear to go to the temple?
Rhett: Yes!
Oh my. As much as I hate to post it, here is what I was wearing. It's the mix of work shirt and pajama bottoms. But whatever it is, it is NOT temple appropriate!

Happy Birthday Chuck!

We celebrated Chuck's birthday for two days. One of the days Chuck spent the afternoon and night at a very very important college football game (hint: one of the team's name rhymes with "noisy"). The lucky birthday boy got to spend four hours tailgating and then enjoying the entire game. And he lucked out with an awesome parking spot so he was out of the lot within four minutes! (It took his friend about 1.5 hours to do the same thing. Yikes.)

We also went to a parade during the two-day birthday fest. Rhett and Chuck got to shake the hand of the Republican gubernatorial candidate for Maryland. That's what happens when you're one of eight Republicans in our county--you get the royal treatment.  (And for the record, I'm not really sure what I am.  Chuck's the only registered Republican in our house.)

The boys wore their matching ties to church on Sunday. I can't help but take a picture of them when this happens. We had burgers and cake for dinner that night; Chuck's parents helped celebrate with us.

Hopefully Chuck had a great 31. Seriously, I can't say enough good things about him, so I won't even try. He's a great husband and a great father. Happy late birthday Chuck!  I love you!









How about those Napoleon Mad Libs, eh? Pretty sweet! (Like anyone could even know that. GOSH.)

Update on Nothing

I think this is the longest I've gone without posting. I wish I had something exciting to share. But I have a big event for church coming up next week and it's taking a lot of my brain power, as well as my time. I'm back to my part-time schedule (and loving it!) but I forgot just how tired I get after a day with Rhett. Our weather has been disgusting this week, but should be beautiful this weekend. Can I be a bit sad that Hurricane Earl isn't coming closer to us? It would be such a great end to a year of natural disasters.

I've been busy sewing but nothing to show as it's been for the YW event next week and another round of candy corn banners. I sold the first five banners so quickly that I thought I'd get another set of five up in time for more Halloween traffic. I made Chuck a pair of pajama pants out of some awesome alligator sheets, but when I didn't cut them correctly (you mean they should be mirror images of each other? D'oh!), he couldn't wear them so I had to adjust them for me. So sad. Wink wink.

And if I could somehow get a picture of it I'd show you my 1.5" arm hair (no exaggeration) on my right bicep. Do you have a rogue hair somewhere? I should name this one. I keep plucking it but it forges onward!

Finally, this is Rhett's favorite new position. Every time he assumes it, I'm requested to take a picture. So I do. You can never have enough.