Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween (I'm so original, I know)

The obligatory Halloween post will follow after this Public Service Announcement: Rhett picked his own costume this year. We asked him over and over (and over and over), but the boy was faithful to the witch. And really, I think he makes a dang fine one. I made the cape as I thought it was a bit more "wizardy" than a regular witch dress, but maybe not. Like I said, he loved it and we love him, so we didn't care.

The whole weekend was spent doing Halloweeny things: playing funny pumpkin face games (how cute is this idea?! And so adaptable for different holidays), carving pumpkins, hugging trees (??), visiting Google and Gummy, Trick-or-Treating, and watching our ghosts bleed sugar. It was good times.

You have to know that the pumpkin picture in the bottom left is Rhett's FAVORITE face to make. He'll often make that one face and then be done because he just wants that face to be on it perpetually.


My sad, bleeding ghosts.


The skeleton watching over the pumpkins. I love how mine (guess which one it is?) turned out. Thanks to Chuck for his engineering skills.


Getting ready for the festivities of the evening.


Okay. Every once in a while, on our way to the car, Rhett will want to give the tree a hug and a kiss. I promise I didn't teach him this. Or at least, I don't think I did. Probably I did.


I think Gummy loaded his bag with half of the candy he got the entire night.


Leaving Google and Gummy's house.


Ready or not, here Rhett comes!


Certainly Chuck and I will take our cut, but then hopefully we can make this last until the New Year. Honestly. How much junk does a two-year-old need?!


Although we coached him on saying, "Trick or Treat," hysterical things escaped still escaped. Some choice quotes from the little man as he Trick-or-Treated: "Where are the candy?" Or its relative, "You have candy?" Or, "Where are the chocolate?" And almost everyone opening the door for Rhett, "What a beautiful witch! She's so cute!"  (See previously stated Public Service Announcement.)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Not Exactly as Planned

I've seen a couple of blogs recently with some confessions of how things don't always go as planned. My sister (sorry for you, her blog is private) blogged about her real life and some of its low parts. I'm sure she didn't plan on this reality as a new mom, but such it is. My blogger friend (called that because I've never met her in real life) Alyssa told her story about throwing her wedding ring at her husband (awesome). I'm guessing she didn't intend for that ring to go down the vent.

I think I've been thinking about this lately because I always feel so overwhelmed by the nice things people say when I post my projects. I feel like others must think I'm doing it because I seek the praise and the fawning. But in reality? Nope. Mostly I do it so that my sister and mom can see what I'm doing thousands of miles away. Partly I do it for those of you who also like creating; I can share the awesome tutorials I find. Partly I do it for my own reference: I have a terrible memory. When there's a birthday coming up, my mind draws a blank as to what I could make. So I turn to the blog and am reminded of gifts past.

But my things don't often turn out so lovely. Remember the pajama pants I made for Chuck but totally screwed up the cutting so they became pants for me? How about those pants I dyed because of the "chocolate" spot on the butt? I spent a lot of time dying them brown, only to have them come out mottled. Later, Chuck and I later tried dying his man-pajamas from purple to black, for them to come out...purple. The exact shade of purple they were before. And then, on their first washing, the purple dye bled onto a lot of other clothes in the washing machine, ruining one of Chuck's new favorite work shirts. D'oh. And my cute Halloween ghosts that were tied onto our tree in the front yard? During some serious rain the other night, some of the ghosts started to "bleed" the color of their wrapper onto my nice white fabric. We even have candy stalactites growing from some Tootsie Roll Pop sticks.  So much for using them again another year.

So there you have it. What is it they say about the best laid plans?

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Snuggie Cometh

Remember when Chuck said he wanted one of these? Apparently it's been festering in his mind for four years because yesterday while at CVS, we bought a Snuggie. I'm not lying. Oh, how I wish I was.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Made by C and E

Wow. After months of having the sandbox directions in our hands, we finally got to it. Yes, we've had time, but not good enough weather. Not only did we not want to be outside putting this together, but we didn't want to be outside while Rhett played in it. I am so proud of it and I love that we have it! Now watch, Rhett will decide he doesn't want to play in sandboxes. Sigh.

Getting the wood home. So this is why construction people own trucks. Oooooh,  I get it now.








Blood?  Check (see below).  Sweat?  Definitely.  Tears?  Nope!










Even though it may not look like it, I promise that I helped. I swear it.

And yes, could we have painted? Of course. But I have dreams that one day Rhett will want to paint it with his own fun bright colors. At least that's what I'm claiming now.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Random Thoughts

Do you think I should try this chili for a ward chili cook-off tomorrow? The lack of tomatoes and beans is almost too risky for me. What do you think?

I haven't bought clothes in about seven years. Sure, I have a couple of newish pieces, but most everything I own is seven years old. Pathetic, I know. I'm finally ready to start redoing my wardrobe, but I have no idea where to start. Where does a mid-30s woman buy clothes that are age-appropriate but still stylish?

Speaking of clothes, what do you wear to bed? I found out a woman in my ward not only doesn't wear pajama pants, but couldn't imagine anyone else wearing them. WHAT?! That's all I wear from 7 p.m on. (In case you're wondering, she wears a long tee for pajamas.)

I want to enter this contest. But what should I make? As they're requiring the entry to be "original" I'm just not sure I'll be able to come up with my own creation. You know, me being re-creative and all.

Rhett entered his "Why" stage this month. It's driving me INSANE. Yes, I like that he wants to know and understand things. But no, I can't keep on this way. Here's an excerpt from a conversation we have at least 19 times a day:
Rhett: What day it is Mom?
Me: Wednesday.
Rhett: Why it Wednesday?
Me: Because yesterday was Tuesday.
Rhett: Why was yesterday Tuesday?
Me: Because the day before that was Monday.
Rhett: Why?
Me: Because that's just how it works.
Rhett: Why is that how it works?
Me: I don't know.
Rhett: Why don't you know?
All conversations end with this last question, "Why don't you know?" The kid's going to grow up thinking I'm an idiot. And really, it's taking every last bit of patience not to just ask him to stop talking altogether. Any suggestions on making this "why" stage better for all of us?  (To emphasize my point, on our run this morning Rhett spent about ten minutes singing "Why you don't know, why you don't know, why you don't know...."  Nice.)

Not really a question, but ah, how sad but true this is (and was for me). Even sadder still was how little the double major with geography helped me.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Family That Crafts Together...

When I saw this on Tater Tots and Jello, I knew it would be a perfect way to try out my new Silhouette machine. After some disappointing tries and after buying a new blade and after hoping and praying that the new blade would solve the problem, I was able to get awesome cuts. Now I need to start some serious brainstorming on what to cut next!


And while I was working on the specimen art, Chuck helped out by finishing the ghosts. As my project engineer/designer, he realized that in order to keep the ghosts with their heads upright, we needed to sew the fishing line through the heads (not around their necks like I originally thought). So that's just what Chuck did.  And since I used fabric instead of tissues, it worked beautifully. Now to decide where to hang them.


Finally, I whipped out this appliqued tie during Rhett's nap time on Monday. With Halloween on a Sunday, I needed something for him to wear!


P.S. Happy (first) World Statistics Day! To celebrate the day, I leave you with this fun fact: 31 percent of 25-to 39-year old women with a bachelor’s degree or beyond majored in science and engineering. Go science-y women!

Monday, October 18, 2010

A Shendandoah Weekend

This weekend in Shenandoah we...

...saw something more rare than the black bear--a telephone booth! Every time we've been in Shenandoah we've seen at least one bear, this trip included. However, this is our first telephone booth. Rhett loved it.


... We took kid-friendly hikes. Even if it meant that I dropped a couple of tears missing the days of 10-mile hikes for me and Chuck. I know now is just not the time for that.




...Instead, it's the time for playing in leaves! And boy does this kid know how to do it.




...We ate some good food (this is Rhett hoping for another bite of a fire-baked apple)


...And we ate some not so good food (like this charred pig in a blanket).  And just so you know, we didn't actually eat this.  We ran to the store and got some fresh hot dogs to replace these.


...And since it was camping, we ate some granola bars. How do you love those socks-as-mittens? Is this good parenting or what: take your kid camping when you know it's going to be cold and forget mittens. Awesome, I know.  I love how Rhett thinks this hat fits him.


...We went to Luray Caverns. This place was cool, despite how much it cost. If you want to go, don't forget your Giant card. It will save you money.


...And we had fun with a timer. But this was no ordinary timer. Oh no. When depressed, it would take FIVE pictures, not just one. After doing this a couple of times, we have a live-action flip book documenting this.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Latest Projects

Here are some of the things I've been working on lately. I created this flannel board (1) for a "joy school" lesson for Rhett and his classmates and (2) just to have. I love the pocket on back to keep all of the felt shapes.  Please ignore the rest of the back.




This is a play mat for my sister's newest little one, Lucy. I'm so glad emily asked me to create this for her. It was difficult and crazy, and I'll probably never do another one, but I like it and hope Lucy does too.  I found the idea (and pretty much copied it exactly) at "I am Momma, Hear me Roar." Thanks Cheri! (I say it as if I know her. Ha.)


These are Christmas gifts for two of my nephews: personalized library bags. I followed a tutorial but now I can't find it. Argh. Anyway, I am really pleased with how they turned out. And yes, I realize they're Christmas gifts, but my nephews don't read my blog. So there.


Here is Emmy's Christmas gift: play food.  I think the nachos and bow tie pasta are my favorites.  Or the ravioli.  Or the pizza.  Or the eggs.  Now you see why there's such variety.


And baby Lucy's stocking.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

More Out of the Mouth of Rhett

Rhett: Mom, do something silly, [he says while holding any of his "cameras" (e.g., paper towel roll or even just his hands).]
Me: [Something silly is done.]
Rhett: Click. Cheese!
[Then I am expected to thank him for taking my picture.]

Rhett: Mom, why you don't know how to make a number eight? [Talking about setting up a train track after my previous attempt took much longer than expected.]
Me: I don't know; I'll try.
Rhett: Rhett don't want you to try, Rhett want you do to it.

Rhett: Rhett going to turn you into a goon! [He blows some air my way.] Now you a goon.

[I was upset at the stupid grocery store for not ringing up more than $8 in coupons. This happens at this store all of the time and it just makes me so angry! Rhett could sense the anger as I strapped him in his car seat. But he said the following when we got out of the car:]
Rhett: Mom, you calmed down!

[I'm singing the "Maybe" song from Annie to Rhett as we're driving in the car.]
Rhett: Mom, Rhett want you to be done.

Rhett continues to sing by himself. He's always making up some song or another. Like the other day he was singing a song called "Foot Book." You know, about how many, many feet you meet! Awesome. And sometimes, he even sings it with a cup holder in his face. Not lying.


Rhett: Rhett made a toilet!
[Yes, son, yes you did.]

Monday, October 11, 2010

Pumpkin Day, Week, or Fortnight

I love pumpkins and almost everything made from them. I also love going to pumpkin patches (hence the genesis of last year's Pumpkin Day). But this year, we got to do even more than that. Last week, we were invited to join some friends for the "Iron Chef" event, at which pumpkin was the main event. At said "Iron Chef: Pumpkin," we got to eat tons of yummy stuff made from pumpkins. (See the recap here.)

Then on Saturday we went to a pumpkin patch. This was a new-to-us one. I liked that it was a bit closer and that they had a covered place to eat our pumpkin stuff. I did not like that it was soooooo busy and that they charged for the hay ride (or "hairy ride" as Rhett was wont to call it). Regardless, we got some lovely pumpkins and ate yummy pumpkin bread. After dinner, we had some pumpkin squares, which were just like pumpkin pie.

Some time this week we'll eat our pumpkin main course: pumpkin pasta! I'll let you know how it goes.












Friday, October 8, 2010

I'm Wrong Again! I Guess It's Good for Me.

So all you yard salers, what do you call this?



Sure, I know that Wednesday's picture is strictly on the "yard" while this one encroaches into the garage. But still. They're both garage sales to me. I thought I'd at least get some Utahans saying "garage sale" but only Emily? Huh. It must be a Dixie thing. Thanks Mom.  Thanks a lot.

I just don't know what to say you those of you not wearing shirts underneath sweatshirts. I'm amazed. Every time Chuck takes off a sweatshirt to reveal only a garment top, I get the chills. Oh well. I'm sure it will pass in about ten years. (Why ten? That's the number of years it took me to overcome my gross-out-edness of ankle socks.) If I see you when you're dressed this way, please just don't tell me. I'd like to stay in the dark on this one.

Finally, if I say, "Shame, shame, I know your name," what do you think of?

In other news, we got cable yesterday. Ugh. Because that's what I need: more TV.

This just in...the arm hair continues to grow! Two inches and counting.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Settle More Disputes

Let's say it's chilly outside and you'd like to wear a sweatshirt. Do you wear a shirt underneath that sweatshirt or not? And for clarification, you are a garment-wearer.

What is this called?

Monday, October 4, 2010

On Conference Sunday We...

...Ate delicious monkey bread.

...Pretended to be robots.


...Sat in buckets.


...Gave speeches.


...Tried hats on Bruno (wearing tons of Redskins gear).


...Played hide and seek. (Chuck was found only because me taking this picture gave it away. Let's just say that playing this game well is not Rhett's strong point.)




...Took Bruno on a long walk, which ended with me walking the last mile home without shoes due to new blisters from said shoes. I should know better: stick with flip flops.

...Ate a pumpkin-filled dinner at friends' house.

...Came down with a cold--blech.

...Oh yeah, and watched conference.