Costumes Shmostumes

Last weeks costumes:

Gavin - Flint Lockwood (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs)

Carson - bag of M&Ms

Cambria - spider princess

Last night's costumes:

Gavin - Skullzor (random costume we had in the closet)

Carson - Pirate

Cambria - cow

Tonight's costumes:

Gavin - Skullzor

Carson - Shrek (which I really dislike, due to the cheap plastic face mask, but he insists, so whatever)

Cambria - spider princess

It's a good thing I bought all those (13) costumes on clearance last year. We're mowing right through them.

Fred Meyer has lost his mind.

I went to the cornucopia of shopping yesterday. I think, because I always have something to share, I will always post about my trips to Freddy's. Yes, I definitely will. That store has some sort of magnetism that I just can't deny. Yesterday I went and found this.

Freakish? Perhaps. My kids tried it. It's bizarre. Not good, not bad, just odd. What's on your list today? Watermelon pudding may be an option.

the ever impromptu costume party

My two younger children love to dress up. This is how I found them today.

A fashion forward pirate and a sassy little heifer. They like to keep it interesting, you know, shake things up a bit.

Who knew I'd miss it?

Growing up, my family took car trips. We drove everywhere and during every trip my mom would say some variation of the following, "Look out your windows at the scenery." That suggestion was usually scoffed at with some degree of indifference. I don't care for scenery. I don't get excited if there is a deer on the side of the road. When driving through mountain roads, I don't look at the the beauty, I just try not to puke. That has always been my take on the "scenic route." However, the other day, I saw a strikingly beautiful tree with leaves that were 4 different autumn colors and I said, "Look out your window at that tree!" I gasped, I shuddered, I even chuckled a little at the horror that I have become the opposite of me.
So, for now, I smile every time I see changing leaves and the sun glisten off the sound. I'm the mom now, I guess I must take my rightful place as the "scenic observationist." I can't concede to the mountains yet though. They still make me puke.

It's a beautiful thing

Before I moved up here, everyone told me how I would probably be depressed from the gloomy weather. Never having lived here, I could neither confirm nor deny that. I am thankful that God knows just how much rain to send before he needs to call in the backup. Rainbows make everything better.

evolution of storytime

Once upon a time, mommy read the stories to the freshly bathed infant. Now mommy tries to find jammies/toothbrushes/pillows so bedtime will actually happen within a 25 minute time frame. After finding said items, storytime by mommy can happen. I guess they don't feel the need to wait for the mommy. I'll take my rightful place tomorrow night. Now where is that stinkin' toothbrush?

well...at least Cambo looked cute

Tonight was the church halloween bash. Everyone had a good time, but our costumes struggled. Not for lack of effort, but Carson's M&M balloon popped before he even got out of the car, he spilled water on his non-waterproofed costume ink and Gavin's entire costume (except for the lab coat I worked on feverishly into the night) fell partially apart and was strewn about the halls of the church. Cambria, the beautiful spider princess, looked cute. The boys pictures can be posted next week. Cambria is tonight's star.

When should you start making a Halloween costume?

Well, less than two days before the big party is not the best answer. However, as a lifelong procrastinator, that's my current status. Thankfully, Carson and Cambria are wearing things that are already made/purchased. Wish me luck on old Gav-o's 'stume. Maybe next year I'll plan ahead, but I doubt it.

Shear Happiness

I love getting my hair cut. I am not entirely loony about my hair, I have certainly never cried over it. I just totally enjoy a new look. I've been basically letting it grow for about a year and a half with a trim here and there. It got long, well, long for me, and then I realized I don't even like my hair long. I had to head to the chop shop. One thing I am crazy about is when I decide to get a hair cut, I usually must have it done immediately. Then I end up going to some lame-o $15 hair cut place and they give me a lame-o cut. I don't really care, because like I said, I'm not loony about my hair. This time, though, I thought I'd give a good stylist a go. I called the salon yesterday and they said I could come in this morning. It worked out perfectly for my neurotic immediate hair appointment mindset! I went in, I came out, it's lovely. I love having my hair short again.

(Oh, and yes, I went dark last week, I love changing my hair color too.)

Lies, lies, lies.

Just for the record, it was soap, and it was a mess.

He wants to dance.

Carson saw Cambria's coloring sheet for dance this morning. It had a boy and a girl on it in their ballet costumes. He said, "Boys can do ballet?" I told him that boys could do ballet if they wanted to. He said that's what he wants to do. I said, "Well, we'll have to talk about it." I sent him to school. When he came home, the first thing he said was, "Did you sign me up for ballet?" This is my son's history - should I be worried?

How did I miss this?

I was looking back over my posts from June and I realized I missed a week. Well, I probably missed more than that, but Cub Scout Camp week was totally bypassed. Rude mom, I know, I just skipped it. I felt like I better include Gavin's awesome archery to make the blog right. Here it is, Cub Scout Day Camp archery:

He left that day feeling like archery was his life's calling. He hasn't mentioned it since. Well, until we went to Cabela's last week and saw the practice deer that you shoot arrows into. He said he wanted one to practice on. Cambria said she wanted one too, though I'm sure for entirely different reasons.

Woah there, I didn't say we were THAT prepared.

I guess more is required for the kind of puddle jumping my son wants to do. I told him to zip his jacket all the way to the top, I'm supposing that didn't happen. But the socks? Totally dry. The boots were a success!

Bring it, Washington.

The rain started this week. We were grossly under-prepared. I found one umbrella buried under some old maps and CDs in the car, so I sent the boys to the bus stop with it. They broke it after about 2 minutes. While they were at school, I went to 4 stores trying to find rain attire for them. I was entirely unsuccessful. Meanwhile, my cute belted cardigan was completely soaked and left me smelling a bit wet-doggish. My leather slip-on shoes were three sizes too big and my tediously flat ironed hair was a frizzy situation. I gave up. I came home and watched the rain as it washed away all my shopping hopes and dreams.

I tried again today. Fred Meyer, the absolute mecca of shopping (that puts me into a panic attack of gargantuan proportions), was sure to have something. They had everything. Of course, I never would've doubted that store. Really, it has everything. Shoes? Check. Clothes? Check. Groceries? Check. Furniture? Check. Tools? Heck, yeah, check. I found cutie boots for the whole crew and rain jackets for the boys. We're ready, Washington, hit us with your best shot. Or maybe just a mildly decent one.

Job training is not a requirement.

Our sweet friend, Sierra, wanted to get her ears repierced this weekend. She had done it when she was about 5, but wasn't quite ready for them and they closed up on her. So, while we were at the store the other day, she saw a sign that said "Ear Piercing." She decided that she wanted it done. The lady helped her pick out earrings and we were all set to go. Her mom said, "Could you please put them right back on top of the holes she had before?" She checked out the ear lobe and said that would be fine.
Earring one? Perfect. Sierra took it like a champ and was ready for the next one.
Earring two? Well, see for yourself. Does that look like the same hole to you? What kind of ear piercer puts the new earring 1/4" away from her target? Sierra's mom was ready to fight. The piercing lady said, "Well, you can come back tomorrow and we can take it out and try again." Which, to me, sounded like, "Oh crap, you better come back when I'm not working, cause I don't want to take the fall for this one." Well, Sierra was in tears at this point because she knew she was going to have to go another round with that piercing gun. The lady was pretty much forced by my friend to get that earring out immediately and fix it. It was very disturbing and the piercing girl acted like she didn't do anything wrong. Well, at least Sierra got two for the price of one.

Pop Quiz

Cabela's is:

a) A zoological museum
b) An aquarium
c) A shooting range
d) A place for Kettle Corn and Hawaiian Ice
e) An outdoorsy store
f) A candy shop
g) all of the above


Yes, the correct answer is G

I had my first experience with the store that is "Cabela's" and it was very intriguing. Honestly, the ONLY thing in the entire store that I would actually would want was the candy. So, I bought some.

Night 3: I'm sensing a pattern.

Maybe I'll just leave her there. She seems to naturally fall to the most un-natural positions. She's laying on a shoe, for heaven's sakes.

Card Marathon

My friend, Kendra, and I used to live in San Diego at the same time. We became friends and spent our days playing one particular card game. We played many, many times. She's not the first friend I have sucked into this addictive game, and she will most likely not be the last. The game, however, just lends itself to being addictive. When she arrived on Friday, the cards were set up and the Crystal Light was poured. It's game time, my friends. I know my BFF, Jenn, can't wait until I visit her next month so she can get out her cards too. Anyone else want to learn? I could always use a partner that doesn't live so far away.

Dogs. Yes, plural.

I am pretty sure I have mentioned my dog's issues in my blog, so I shan't continue much on that thread, but Sydney is a loner and quite happy that way. When our company arrived yesterday with their dog, it was an unpleasant disturbance to her perfect little world. She wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. She growled, she barked, she basically had to spend the evening in the closet because everything was making her go bananas. I tried to make her more comfortable with our guest dog, but it was too much. I was feeling slightly panicked about the next 4 days of their visit. Day 2 of the visit, however, has gone much better, I even got them both to sit in the same room for a picture. It could still get interesting, but for now, everyone seems to be in control...well, mostly.

that can't be comfortable

Some good friends of ours came to visit this weekend. We've been friends for 6 years and each time our kids see each other, it's like no time has passed at all. The only difference now is that the oldest girl, Sierra, who is Gavin's age, has been playing more with Cambria than Gavin. It's not been a problem because Sierra is actually enjoying being a little mommy to Cambo. Tonight, when Sierra wanted to go to bed, Cambria climbed right in bed with her. I said, "No, you need to let her go to sleep." She got up and looked at me with big tears and said, "But...I wanted to sleep by my friend." It was absolutely so cute that I couldn't say no. Sierra didn't care, so Cambria hopped right in. This is where I found her 2 hours later. I think I'll move her now, that just doesn't look comfortable...at all.

I should know better.

I asked the kids to clean up their rooms tonight. Pretty soon after the request, I notice I am the only one cleaning up and I don't know where everyone is. Gavin- in the closet playing with legos; balked at getting his picture taken.


Carson- in the bathroom doing his hair. (that's the face he gave me when I told him to get back to his room)






Cambria - in a different bathroom putting on everything she found in the clean up process .

Me- putting toys away. It's not right, it's just not right.

McTakeover: The unHappy Meal

Tonight was the kids' school McTakeover at McDonalds. The teachers and principal helped out taking the orders and clearing the tables and such. From 6-8 pm, 40% of all proceeds went to the PTA. I figured a night out to McDonalds was in order, so we went. Arriving at 6:07 pm, there was plenty of time to eat and play before we needed to be at Cub Scouts at 7:00.

PROBLEM A: No place to park. Who knew it would be so crowded when an entire elementary school got invited to McDonalds?

PROBLEM B: Waiting in line for 23 minutes was WAY too much for 3 kids to handle.

PROBLEM C: Getting our receipt with the order number of #351, when they were on #334.

PROBLEM D: Feeding kids dinner 2 hours later than usual, and in the car, causing an absolute revolt.

PROBLEM E: Leaving as soon as we got our food, at 6:58 pm, to arrive 4 minutes late for Scouts.

Problems A-E equaled two kids in tears, one kid not speaking to me, and a giant headache.

Next year, I'm giving the school the $8 they earned from us and I'm taking my kids to Burger King.

In case you needed some...

...exit 21 is obviously where you'll find it. I wish I knew that a while ago.

crazy mutt

I have a dog. I am not a person who treats dogs better than people. I feed her dog food, she doesn't wear clothes, she goes for walks on a leash (not in a stroller). She is a dog. Last week we started with a dog trainer and our dog refused to lay down. She feels that laying on a cold floor is undignified. I actually think it's because it's cold, but either way. Our trainer suggested getting her a sweater so she would be less resistant to laying down on the cold floor. I will not be getting my dog a sweater. She's a dog. If I went to the zoo and saw lions and wolves in sweaters, I would quit the zoo. Today, I took her to her training session and on our way home, she decided that she needed to be in a car seat. I rolled down the window to entice the dog in her, but she remained steadfast in her placement. She has some identity issues, this dog. But, issues or not, she's still not getting a sweater.

the chocolate chip game

I often employ tactics that involve sugar to get my children to do what I would like. Today we played the chocolate chip game. I made it up this morning. During General Conference, a semi-annual 2 day conference where leaders from our church share messages with us, I like my kids to listen to at least one of the four sessions. This morning, I printed out some bingo-type game cards and modified the game to suit my needs. I told the kids that every time they heard someone mention the word in the square, they should put a check mark by the picture. After the first session was over, we counted up our check marks. Just before the second session started, I popped popcorn and gave them each enough chocolate chips to match their score. They threw them in with the popcorn, sat down and ate the special treat, while I sneakily got them to sit through most of the second session too. It was a great day and the talks I heard were so amazing, I felt as though they wrote them just for me. Now I know better so I must do better.

Gavin's Score: 107

Carson's Score: 59

Cambria's Score: 22

I guess I know who can pay attention most easily.

Gooooo NAVY!

We all had to wear our matchy matchy Navy shirts today. Under normal circumstances, I would object, but since we would not be seeing anyone we even knew today, I said, "Let's do it." Maybe that gave the team the extra boost of confidence they needed to beat Air Force. Well played, Navy, well played.

And, yes, Carson was feeling super cool in his shirt, you can tell by his total disregard for the "picture cheese" we tried to employ.

What?

My three main concerns are as follows:

A) I don't remember watching this.

B) Why do I have 9 pictures of it on my camera?

C) This actually may explain why my daughter, whilst trying on a glove said, "If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it."

butter makes it better

Clint and I took Cambria on a date to Famous Dave's for lunch. We ordered some fantastic barbecue for all of us to share and got Cambria a side of Macaroni and Cheese, 'cause it's her favorite. I neglected to recall that Famous Dave's thinks it's necessary to put jalapeños or horseradish in most of their "sides." Cambria took a big fat bite of her Mac and Cheese and the fire set in. She started panicking over the heat in her mouth. Clint said, "Take a drink!" She had some lemonade, but it didn't help. I broke off a piece of the cornbread and told her to eat it. She said, rather loudly, "It has to have butter on it first!!" Apparently Nana has passed on the Butter Nazi gene. Love you, Nana!