Halloween Memories

In all the prep that is going on to make Halloween great for BG, I was thinking about Halloween memories from my childhood. Mom always made us eat dinner before we went trick-or-treating. A good rule that is hated by children everywhere. As we got older, she would be yelling at us from the kitchen to come eat as we walked out the door. I have vague memories of chili for dinner, but that just be one particular year, and not a tradition.

I remember the Talking Pumpkin for many years. My dad rigged a speaker system to the family's carved pumpkin and it would "talk" to visitors as they came up to our house. It was pretty funny to leave the bowl of candy out then give the teenagers a scare when they tried to take all of it. We thought that pumpkin was the greatest, magic thing EVER! Dad was nicer to the little kids who talking to it.

For many years we dressed up in family themes and the dog was always part of the fun. Big bad wolf, cowardly lion, etc...

My mom didn't have a maximum age for trick-or-treating (like some families) so I went with friends through high school. I think after a point, we realized watching scary movies with boys was more fun.

Now I'm excited to create some great memories for BG at Halloween. This will be a fun year because she gets it much better. Oh, and she can actually walk. That helps with the trick-or-treating. What fun Halloween memories do you have?

Pumpkin Patch

A few weeks back we went to the Pumpkin Patch. BG had a great time! We went with one of my friends and her daughter. K is a year older than BG but she loves following her around. She will ask for K for days after playing together. We all had a great time.

BG loved all the pumpkins and insisted on carrying her own. She still loves to carry it around the house. It has spent much more time in the house than on the porch. I think BG is afraid it will get lonely out on the porch. I bought another bigger pumpkin this week to carve. We'll see how that goes.

Halloween Party

The neighborhood Halloween Party was on Sat. BG and I went. The Man was being a party pooper and refused to go. BG had a fun time. There was chili, cornbread, and pumpkin desserts. The kids did a parade around the gym. After a long line of kids there was a huge break in the line. Leading the second line, was BG. She wasn't quite sure how the whole parade thing worked.

Even though BG really wanted to be a cow for Halloween, I couldn't find a cheap cow costume but we did find this dog. Since she loves dogs, I think it will work just fine. She loves to snuggle with the costume and pet it. Who wouldn't! It's really soft.


BG had fun with her friend, E. Anytime E left the table she would ask "Where's E?" It was pretty cute and I managed to get at least one picture of them.

Sweet, sweet alone time

Today I took the day off work. And I took BG to daycare. There really is a good reason for that. I took a practice GMAT test under test conditions - so three hours of computer testing. Fun. I didn't do as well as I'd hoped on the test, but it did give me the afternoon child-free.

I know I should have done something girly and just for me, like lounge while eating ice cream and painting my toenails. Instead I cleaned the house. Not very exciting to most but desperately needed around here. It was actually really nice to just clean without having a two year-old under foot the whole time. I also went grocery shopping. All alone. Aaaahhhhh....

I was hoping to get more done that I did, but at least it gives me a head start on Saturday chores. Since I've finished a lot of the basics, maybe I can get to the others things tomorrow that I never have time to do. Like mopping the floor or organizing my office. Who knows!

Happy Birthday Sis!

Today is my lovely sister's birthday. I won't mention which one, but she is still young and looking great! Be sure and stop by her blog to wish her a happy birthday. I hope you have a great day Jules!

Why Halloween will suck this year...

Blog Stalking

I have been doing a bit of blog stalking today and found some great ones.

Overheard in the Ward is, well just what it sounds like. It's a hilarious blog of funny things that are overheard in church houses everywhere. Many of the funny things are things children say. What's not love? Here is just one little sample, but be sure and stop by for a good laugh.

Parent: Nicholas, that was your choice. You’re just going to have to live with the consequences now.
Nicholas: But, I don’t want to live with the Consequences, I want to live with you!

Seriously, I was laughing out loud nearly crying. Go visit it. Now!

Great Weekend

We had a great weekend. Friday I got off work early and when I got home, The Man was already there. Apparently he hadn't been feeling well and worked most the day from home. But he was feeling better so we strapped BG into the stroller and walked over to the Scarecrow Festival happening just down the street.

There were helicopter rides and BG loved seeing the helicopters. She points them out in the sky and know the difference between that and an airplane. Good think she didn't realize you could take a ride, otherwise we would have been in trouble. We walked around the activities and visited the petting zoo. Then we walked home, had some dinner and relaxed.

Saturday was a busy day but a fun one. I got up and went to Super Saturday and made some fun crafts. One of the things I bought was FHE packets complete with stories, pictures, etc. I sat down to color the pictures only to realize that coloring is not as fun when you are an adult. I remember loving to color.

After Super Sat, I came home and got us all ready to go for the day. We took BG to Grandma's house so The Man and I could have some time together. We went to the Utah football game and had a great time. Utah won by a landslide, which is always a good thing! It was a lot of fun being back on campus with the memories. After the game, (which was a really short game, only 3 hours) we went to a movie. We saw Eagle Eye. It was ok. I was glad we only paid for matinee priced tickets. We went back to Grandma's to pick up BG and went home.

It was a busy day but it was so nice to spend some time with my sweety. After being gone for so long, it was a much needed day out together. Thanks so much Grandma for taking BG! I know she had a great time with Grandma because 1-She always does and 2-she asked to go back to Grandma's house first thing this morning. Now I just have to finish the laundry and housework that didn't get done. Such is the price for a fun outing-filled weekend.

Tasty Chicken

On Friday we went to the local petting zoo. BG had a great time and loved seeing the animals. We bought some corn from the vending machine to feed the chickens and this conversation took place.

BG: I eat that. (while pointing)
Man: (Laughing)
Me: You want to eat the corn?
Man: I think she means the chicken.
Me: No. BG, you want to eat the corn?
BG: No. I eat chicken.

Good to know I won't have to deal with a vegetarian diet anytime soon from my 2 year old.

Writer's Workshop

Mama Kat does a weekly writers workshop where she provides a prompt and all the bloggers in bloggy-land write about it. I have never participated, but thought I would this week. Why not! The prompt I chose:
What do you love to create?

My gut reaction and instant answer is jewelry. I know most of you are aware of my hobby/business, but I really love it! I love putting together all the pretty beads, crystal, pearls, etc and turn it into a beautiful, wearable piece of art. I've never been able to draw, paint or do other "arty" things, so this is really fun for me. I also love learning new techniques. I get excited when I find a new method or tip online or in a book. Then I want to run right home and try it.

I love that with the same basic supplies you can create such an infinite variety of fun accessories. For those of you with a shoe or bag obsession (also me), you understand the high that comes with finding a great new pair. The excitement that comes when you realize a new outfit to pair them with. I feel similar to making jewelry. I get such a thrill when I can create something new, something to make a woman look beautifully feminine and sparkly. Making jewelry for me is like putting on that outfit that you know makes you look hot. That little bit of haughty smugness for knowing you are going to turn heads and that you deserve it.

If you haven't checked out my lovely creations, please visit now at jessicastrongdesign.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I'm Exhausted

Tonight my honey returns after a 12 day business trip. And boy am I glad.

This morning there was a melt-down at my house. BG was fighting and whining over every aspect of the morning routine. Whining about changing her diaper, getting dressed, putting on shoes, doing her hair. All the while we're running later and later for work/school. Finally I snapped. I'm not proud of this but I yelled at her then put her in her crib. I slammed doors as I ran to my room and we both cried on our own beds. We both needed a time out.

After some time I felt calm enough to go back and deal with the situation. I went back to her room and we had a talk. I told her she needed to listen to Mommy and not fight me every morning. She knows the morning routine and she needs to be happy and get ready. I also apologized for yelling at her. After that she got ready fairly quickly and mostly happy. We were, of course, already 20 minutes late by then.

So I texted the Man this morning and told him what happened. He told me I'm off BG duty for the rest of the week so I can take a break. I really need a break. That's one thing I love about my Man. He is really good about giving me a break when I need one.

This is mostly why I hate having the Man travel. I can handle it him being gone - I miss him, but as an adult, I can handle it. It's hard for BG and it's hard being a single parent during that time. It always gives me great appreciation for what he does at home. It also gives me great appreciation for single parents. I am ready to pull my hair out after 12 days. Single parents do it all the time. That deserves a round of applause.

Twilight Update

I finished the first book. I am so proud of myself! Mostly because I am not a reader. I suppose that's what happens when The Man is out of town for a week. It has actually been kind of nice. I've spent some quality me time. But I am really happy to get the Man back. It will be nice to have some help at bedtime again. Bring on book number 2!

Parental Note-to-Self

Making cookies for FHE is a lot of fun.
Eating homemade cookies is delicious.
As the mom, I'm allowed more than one, two, three, or more cookies.
As the mom, I should not allow BG more than one cookie.
But since I let her have two, I should expect it to impact bedtime, complete with eating as slowly as possible then throwing a tantrum over every minute detail of the bedtime routine.

I tried to talk her into giving the second cookies back to me to save it for tomorrow. It didn't work. She wasn't about to give up her cookie.

Post #100!

It took a year to get to 100, but I made it! In blogger tradition, here is a list of 100 things you may, or may not know about me and my little family. Ok, mostly about me.

1. I have an irrational fear of driving behind any truck/vehicle with something sticking out of it's bed. I am afraid of it falling out and impaling me. Same goes for things attached to the top.
2. I have been know to faint while giving blood and sometime when getting shots.
3. The man has traveled to Brazil, Europe, and Japan for business within the last year.
4. I have stayed home with BG during each of those trips.
5. I have been growing my hair out for the last year.
6. I am thinking about cutting my hair short again because it's getting unruly.
7. I think Jon Stewart is kind of sexy.
8. BG's favorite song is "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"
9. Runner up favorites are "ABCs" and "Hello".
10. BG's new favorite lovey is her pink bear and she can hardly go anywhere without it.
11. The tomatoes in our garden have taken over all the other plants and we're afraid of they morphing into "Killer Tomatoes".
12. The Man planted popcorn kernels in our garden and they actually grew.
13. The corn from said seeds don't have too much promise. Small kernels spread far apart.
14. I have visited the Farmer's Market almost weekly since it opened to buy produce. Yum!
15. BG loves dinosaurs.
16. The Man and I will have our 6 year anniversary this month.
17. I don't like my job.
18. I just bought a new giraffe print handbag and LOVE it!
19. I have recently become a news junkie and check CNN.com far more than anyone should.
20. The first day I wore my newest cute, blue heels, I tripped on them and fell down the stairs at work. (Only one or two stairs, no injuries except my pride.)
21. I have never traveled beyond the North American continent.
22. I love jackets.
23. I have been searching for the perfect beige trench coat since I didn't buy the one I loved at Banana Republic several years ago.
24. I am always drawn to skirts while shopping but rarely wear them.
25. I drink lots of water.
26. I am addicted to chapstick and carry it with me at all times.
27. BG didn't walk until she was 17 months old.
28. Up until walking, BG's method of movement was scooting on her bottom.
29. After BG burbs, she says "Thank you burb".
30. BG has started asking "You ok Mommy/Daddy?" when we get upset or frustrated.
31. BG loves all dogs but especially Moab, my parent's pooch.
32. The Man comes home with blisters from Foosball at work.
33. The Man has taken up running and is really enjoying it.
34. Our favorite Italian restaurant is Carrabba's. Yum!
35. My man is a brownie over cookie kind of guy.
36. BG loves yellow buses (school buses) and points them out on the road.
37. Last summer was the first time I had ever had a pedicure. (criminal, I know!)
38. I love designing and making jewelry.
39. The Man is a self-taught web programmer.
40. We used to have a German Shepard named Tunza.
41. My FIL called our dog Tumor.
42. Our family loves Pixar movies.
43. I love watching Project Runway.
44. I was giddy with excitement over the return of The Office this season.
45. I go the church (almost) every week.
46. The Man has never been to Disneyland.
47. I'm not a great cook but I try to make nutritious meals for my family.
48. I rarely will consider a recipe if it takes more than 30 minutes to prepare.
49. Our family doesn't eat much meat. Mostly because it takes longer to prepare.
50. I've hit the half-way point of my list!
51. I love candy corn.
52. BG loves The Backyardigans.
53. Even though I was raised near the rocky mountains, I don't ski or board.
54. I don't really like winter much at all.
55. The Man has staples in his knee from a past surgery.
56. We make a mean guacamole.
57. I had braces twice.
58. I was a dancer growing up.
59. I am a huge advocate of reading.
60. I rarely read myself.
61. I teach primary (5-6 year olds) at church.
62. BG likes to count things.
63. BG has just recently been counting correctly, with all the numbers between 1-10.
64. I have been studying for the GMAT 5 days a week since the first of Sept.
65. I used to be a nail biter.
66. I enjoy scrapbooking.
67. I'm really "thrifty" (aka cheap) and refuse to buy most things full price.
68. I already have all of BG's summer wardrobe for next summer - bought on sale in the past few weeks.
69. I don't like most fish, but I do like good fish.
70. BG gives the best hugs and kisses.
71. She also likes high fives and knuckles.
72. I have no middle name.
73. Fall is my favorite season.
74. I love Italian food.
75. I don't eat pork.
76. The Man is a great shopping partner - when he's in the right mood.
77. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream.
78. I frequently have violent dreams.
79. The Man and I met in a rat research lab.
80. We have 3 college degrees between the two of us.
81. BG loves to color.
82. I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up.
83. The Man is not so into sports (which makes me happy).
84. The Man has an uncanny ability to links obscure actors to all the roles they have played.
85. I quickly forget books after I read them.
86. BG is working on potty training.
87. When asked what she wants for dinner, BG always says Pizza.
88. The Man drove my (at the time) ideal car when we first started dating, a 1997 Honda Civic Ex.
89. I took his hat after our first date and he wasn't sure he would ever see it again.
90. I also took his graduation ring shortly after we started dated. He was also concerned about not getting that back.
91. He got both back; we have lost the hat but still have the ring.
92. The first time I met his family is was at a graduation picnic for him and we played baseball.
93. The first time he met my family was the day after our first date at my brother's mission homecoming party.
94. The man is a workaholic... I mean a hard worker.
95. The man has lost 50 lbs in the last year. Great job!
96. I don't weight myself.
97. Sometimes I love BG best when she is sleeping.
98. We have a moth problem at our house and it really annoys me.
100. I love my family and look forward to a great future!

Wow! Some of those could be a post in and of themselves. Maybe I'll pull from this list when I can't think of anything to write.

I Be Cow

What is the answer to, "What are your going to be for Halloween?"

Now I just have to find the cow costume.

Twilight

I have caved and finally started reading Twilight. I know, I know, gasps all around. I started last night and stayed up until 11:30 reading. On a work night, that's really late for me. Ah, who am I kidding? That's really late for me any night.

I am on pg 153 and Bella has just finished researching vampires but decides she is still smitten with Edward regardless of his vampire-status. The girls are about to go dress shopping. No one spoil it for me on with the comments! Oh, and if you have the others you want to lend to me, let me know!

Don't Vote

Saw this great video about voting and thought I'd share!

Pay it Forward

I was the recent winner of a Pay it Forward post and this is what I got! My cousin does vinyl letters and I asked her to make our last name to go on these blocks. I already had the blocks and had been meaning to do letters on them for almost a year now. Anyway, I'm pretty excited about how they turned out.

Since I won on a Pay it Forward post, that's what I have to do! The first three people to comment on this post will get a lovingly handcrafted something from me. The catch is that you then have to do a post like this and pay if forward to three other people.

See Duckies

BG loves ducks. Near her school there is a small river and ducks are often there on our way home. It's pretty much the highlight of her evening commute to see the ducks.

Yesterday I strapped her into the car and off we went. She was her usual excited self to see the ducks and I kept telling her, "Let's see if we can see them". When we got to the river I pointed them out and said, "Look! There's the ducks." She was being a little whinny in the back seat and he plea was getting increasingly agitated as she asked "See duckies? See duckies?!" I again pointed to them and told her they were right there.

After an even more agitated request to see the duckies I turned around to see what was the matter. Then I saw why she was so upset. I had hung the dry cleaning next to her and it was blocking her entire view. I had to laugh, and yet it was so sad! She was so excited to see the duckies and I kept telling her to just look, but all she could see was Daddy's shirts hanging in a plastic bag. Poor thing. Sorry BG! Tonight I promise we'll see the duckies.

Bangs

We have decided at our house we are no longer having bangs. By which, I of course mean we are growing out BGs bangs. I remember the process of growing out my bangs as a long and painful one. I recall my mother fighting the concept for as long as possible because she thought it would be too difficult. I remember growing out my "side bangs" was torture. (Was that a horrible 80's thing or just in my family?) Essentially the bit of hair closest to my ear was cut short like a boy's so I had nothing the tuck behind my ear. Ewwww Just thinking about it reminds me of mullets, butch cuts, and all other bad 80's hairstyles. Double ewwww, and my sister and I both had perms! I'll have to see if I can find a picture of my sis and I with our *hot* 80's do's.

BGs bangs have hit the point, yet again, where they need to be trimmed or let them grow out. This time we'll try the second option. I had never planned on her having bangs in the first place. But her darn hair falls forward and it was always in her eyes so I caved and cut bangs. So far, the process hasn't been too bad. We put her hair in a ponytail of some sort every day. That's not so unusually from our normal routine anyway. It does limit a bit what we can do. For example, it I want a full ponytail, I have to do two. One little one on top to keep her bangs back and the big normal one. On the days she won't sit still long enough for two ponytails, we are limited. I did get out one of her baby barrettes the other day and those actually work well for holding bangs back.

How long will it take to grow her bangs out the the length of her other hair? It took two years for her hair to get to where it is now. That is a lot of ponytails. I'm starting to see why my mother dreaded the 'growing out of the bangs', and even more the great logic behind never cutting bangs in the first place.