We ventured to Target today to decide on a Halloween costume for D. He was pretty set on being a “Bionicle”. (It’s some type of Lego toy designed for older kids but D seems to think that they are cool.)
Anyway, the costume was priced at $24.99!!! You’ve got to be kidding. I will refuse to dish out that kind of money for a flimsy costume that will be worn for a few hours.
So I stood in the aisle and proceeded to draw the costume, every detail, on my scratch piece of paper. I was determined that I could make a similar costume by using cut pieces of foam and a black sweat suit.
Alas, during the scribble time, I kept thinking, “can I pull this off? Can I be a creative mom? What if Daniel is utterly embarrassed when a zillion people ask ‘what are you, little boy?’”
I continually doubted that I could pull off a homemade Bionicle. But I wanted to make it believable for D, so I pressed forward with the drawing plans.
I never recall having a store bought costume when I was a kid. Looking back, my parent’s must have been really creative. We were witches, mummies, lady bugs, hobos, clowns, etc.
So… why has this become such a dilemma for me?
As we were heading back through the store, we ran into a few misplaced costumes. Included in these were the Ninja turtles. Daniel immediately said that he would like to be a ninja turtle and I immediately saw my way out of having to be creative. So after scanning a $17.95 price… I bit my tongue and purchased one of those flimsy store bought costumes. I try to tell myself that this one is better… it has a muscle enhanced suit, a nice thick turtle shell, a mask, knee pads and elbow pads.
The kids are happy and so am I.
Looking forward to Halloween!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Mud! Glorious Mud!
We just got back from a school field trip to a local farm. It was the coolest place!
There was a 4 acre corn maze that was abounding in mud along the narrow pathways. There were clues placed throughout, in hopes of assisting poor souls to the exit. Being the "moms" that we are... it was a bit difficult for us. Especially with the poor ladies that attempted to push strollers through.
All in all, it was great!!
The kids really enjoyed a hay bale maze. They were able to climb along the top and jump from hay to hay as necessary.
We saw a nappy sheep, a HUGE pig, chickens, roosters and goats. We also enjoyed a long hay ride behind a big green tractor.
To finish off the morning, we chose pumpkins to bring home.
A beautiful day. Lots of fun.
Clothes and shoes have made it into the washer.
Now it's time for a nap...
There was a 4 acre corn maze that was abounding in mud along the narrow pathways. There were clues placed throughout, in hopes of assisting poor souls to the exit. Being the "moms" that we are... it was a bit difficult for us. Especially with the poor ladies that attempted to push strollers through.
All in all, it was great!!
The kids really enjoyed a hay bale maze. They were able to climb along the top and jump from hay to hay as necessary.
We saw a nappy sheep, a HUGE pig, chickens, roosters and goats. We also enjoyed a long hay ride behind a big green tractor.
To finish off the morning, we chose pumpkins to bring home.
A beautiful day. Lots of fun.
Clothes and shoes have made it into the washer.
Now it's time for a nap...
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
putting out fires
My heart was warmed this morning as I stood upstairs and listened to the kids as they played downstairs.
D was explaining the importance of fire safety to L,
“If you are ever on fire you must remember to stop… drop… and roll. That’s what you do if your clothes are ever on fire.”
How wonderful to see that they actually DO care for each other.
(Some days are so full of whines, cries, and screaming!! ugh.)
But!! Today looks like a good day.
Ahh… the joys of parenting.
D was explaining the importance of fire safety to L,
“If you are ever on fire you must remember to stop… drop… and roll. That’s what you do if your clothes are ever on fire.”
How wonderful to see that they actually DO care for each other.
(Some days are so full of whines, cries, and screaming!! ugh.)
But!! Today looks like a good day.
Ahh… the joys of parenting.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
small item of interest
I was making cupcakes on Friday. The box of cake mix listed a few fun suggestions. One suggestion was to add a fruity flavor and color to your vanilla icing by adding a packet of unsweeted drink mix (koolaid).
I tried it out with a packet of grape mix and the cupcakes turned out great!! They were a nice shade of purple and they were super yummy.
I assume that any color would be just as nice... especially if you're trying to color the icing for theme birthday cakes, etc.
For instance, S and C could have easily colored Elmo with red koolaid and a few drops of food coloring, instead of using an entire bottle of food coloring!!
Everyone take note of this amazing discovery for future reference.
Little things like this make me really excited:)
I tried it out with a packet of grape mix and the cupcakes turned out great!! They were a nice shade of purple and they were super yummy.
I assume that any color would be just as nice... especially if you're trying to color the icing for theme birthday cakes, etc.
For instance, S and C could have easily colored Elmo with red koolaid and a few drops of food coloring, instead of using an entire bottle of food coloring!!
Everyone take note of this amazing discovery for future reference.
Little things like this make me really excited:)
Our mini vacation
Here is the update that some of you have been waiting for:-)
Earlier this week we spent three days at a nearby mountain resort. (A friend from church offered us a few days that remained on his timeshare after our elders had used it for a weekend retreat.)
We arrived on Monday afternoon and the kids insisted on swimming right away. There were several pools to choose from. We started with an outdoor pool and then moved indoors.
After swimming and playing on the playground, we ate spaghetti at our “villa” and hit the sack.
Side note: Our villa was surrounded by deer!! We were able to get very close to them before they started to walk away. The deer would just stand and watch us. I have never been that close to live deer… they were neat to see.
Tuesday morning we woke in preparation for our “tour” of the resort.
(A resort employee called on Monday night and strongly suggested that we “tour” the resort. The employee first offered $100 to spend on the mountain. T refused. So then the employee offered a $125 visa gift card. That sounded more enticing.)
So… after our three hour tour and a detailed lecture on the benefits of time-shares…we were handed our Visa Gift card…. We certainly deserved it!
The kids had enjoyed time in a kid’s room where some older ladies made necklaces and bracelets adorning their names. They were also able to drive around the mountain with us as the saleswoman showed us the sights.
Tuesday afternoon, we ate pizza, had a mini hike, played on a playground and took a nap. That evening we swam at another indoor pool.
Wednesday morning T and I slept in and the kids rotted their brains while watching the Cartoon Network. We had a late breakfast of toast, bagels and eggs.
We then headed out and had a ride on the Ski Lift!! We rode two lifts to the top of the mountain. The sights were great! We all really enjoyed the ride and the family time.
After a small snack the kids and I took a nap while T went to ride his bike on the mountain. He rode a few trails and roads and then headed back to the villa, bringing dinner for us all.
T and the kids took a bubble bath in a HUGE jacuzzi tub. What a sight to see.
Then we packed up and headed home.
It was a great mini-vacation. We were more refreshed and $100 richer than when we had first arrived… priceless.
Earlier this week we spent three days at a nearby mountain resort. (A friend from church offered us a few days that remained on his timeshare after our elders had used it for a weekend retreat.)
We arrived on Monday afternoon and the kids insisted on swimming right away. There were several pools to choose from. We started with an outdoor pool and then moved indoors.
After swimming and playing on the playground, we ate spaghetti at our “villa” and hit the sack.
Side note: Our villa was surrounded by deer!! We were able to get very close to them before they started to walk away. The deer would just stand and watch us. I have never been that close to live deer… they were neat to see.
Tuesday morning we woke in preparation for our “tour” of the resort.
(A resort employee called on Monday night and strongly suggested that we “tour” the resort. The employee first offered $100 to spend on the mountain. T refused. So then the employee offered a $125 visa gift card. That sounded more enticing.)
So… after our three hour tour and a detailed lecture on the benefits of time-shares…we were handed our Visa Gift card…. We certainly deserved it!
The kids had enjoyed time in a kid’s room where some older ladies made necklaces and bracelets adorning their names. They were also able to drive around the mountain with us as the saleswoman showed us the sights.
Tuesday afternoon, we ate pizza, had a mini hike, played on a playground and took a nap. That evening we swam at another indoor pool.
Wednesday morning T and I slept in and the kids rotted their brains while watching the Cartoon Network. We had a late breakfast of toast, bagels and eggs.
We then headed out and had a ride on the Ski Lift!! We rode two lifts to the top of the mountain. The sights were great! We all really enjoyed the ride and the family time.
After a small snack the kids and I took a nap while T went to ride his bike on the mountain. He rode a few trails and roads and then headed back to the villa, bringing dinner for us all.
T and the kids took a bubble bath in a HUGE jacuzzi tub. What a sight to see.
Then we packed up and headed home.
It was a great mini-vacation. We were more refreshed and $100 richer than when we had first arrived… priceless.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Road Trip
Completely random thought for today:
Many people I know make fun of me for the sticker on my van that says "Andrew Peterson is my friend". But if you really think about it- he really must be my friend:) As I was driving down the road today I realized that Andy goes with me everywhere. I've got all of his CDs nestled in my visor holder, ready for the ride. I've got Andy with me in country, the city, in the rain or shine, in the day or night, in the snow, sleet, high winds. you get the picture...
What better friend can you ask for?
Yes, I know that you are thinking I am crazy. and, yes, I am.
But it's nice to have a friend with you on the road:) So, next time you see my sticker think about how lucky I am to have such great company while I'm out and about!
btw-I sure miss road trips with my best bud, JG!! ;)
Many people I know make fun of me for the sticker on my van that says "Andrew Peterson is my friend". But if you really think about it- he really must be my friend:) As I was driving down the road today I realized that Andy goes with me everywhere. I've got all of his CDs nestled in my visor holder, ready for the ride. I've got Andy with me in country, the city, in the rain or shine, in the day or night, in the snow, sleet, high winds. you get the picture...
What better friend can you ask for?
Yes, I know that you are thinking I am crazy. and, yes, I am.
But it's nice to have a friend with you on the road:) So, next time you see my sticker think about how lucky I am to have such great company while I'm out and about!
btw-I sure miss road trips with my best bud, JG!! ;)
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