Happy Halloween!

Sara hopped out of bed this morning in anticipation of The Big Day!  She was so excited for Audrey to come over, and she had the plans down to a tee.  As she told me in the car, "First we'll eat dinner, then put on our costumes, then trick-or-treat."  With each step, her voice grew increasingly more high-pitched.

Here are Sara and Audrey, ready to trick-or-treat!

 When they came back, Steve was holding this adorable ISU cheerleading outfit.  Our Cyclone neighbors down the street have a daughter who is a little older than Sara, and they passed this down to her.  Sara told me, "Now I'm ready to be a cheerleader!"  Looks like next year's costume might be ready to go.

After she was done trick-or-treating, Sara had fun passing out candy to other kids who came to our door.  She's now in bed ... it's all over just as quickly as it starts, but it has sure been a good celebration this year.  Happy Halloween!

"I got a rock."

By the time it's all said and done, as far as Sara is concerned, Halloween will have lasted an entire month.  Between all the decorations that have been at school (not to mention two separate parties there), the daily dress-up time in her costume, and watching such classics as "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", Sara is beyond ready for the big night! 

Today we carved pumpkins, and Sara's attention to the activity lasted about as long as it took me to take this picture.

 Here are our finished products.  If you know anything about the artistic abilities (or inabilities) of the members of this family, you can probably guess who carved each pumpkin.  (Hint: it took me less time to do two than it took Steve to do one.)

 Tomorrow night, Audrey's family is coming over for dinner and trick-or-treat.  Sara has been talking about it nonstop.  We're going to have pizza and Rice Krispie treats before the dads and girls take to the streets for candy.  Amy and I will stay here to visit and pass out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Sara helped me make the "Rice Christmas" treats this afternoon.  Although she helped dump in and stir the marshmallows and Rice Krispies, she was most excited about being in charge of the sprinkles. 

  In case you're following Sara's sprinkling endeavors, you'll note that she's made quite a bit of progress since last February.

We're looking forward to enjoying a fun Halloween evening.  How are you going to celebrate?

Book Talk

Between my fall TV commitments (I've already dropped one of my shows), the distraction of play-off baseball (which ended in heartbreak last night), and lots of very busy days over the past couple of months, my reading has taken a hit.  I have a stack of books waiting to be cracked open, and just two, featured here, that I've finished recently.

Shortly after movie previews started showing for One Day, I picked up the book by David Nicholls.  It took me some time to get used to the author's writing style and British humor, but virtually no time at all to find myself wrapped up in the story.  The story of Emma and Dexter begins on July 15th, 1988, as they are preparing to leave college and begin their separate lives.  Over the next twenty years, we are given snapshots of their relationship on this same day, July 15th.  The two travel different paths and, throughout their lives, experience successes and failures, love and heartbreak.  Still, in one form or another, Emma and Dexter remain constant in one another's lives, and are ultimately forced to come to terms with how crucial one day can be.  I really loved this book, and look forward to seeing the movie.

Our latest book club selection was The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht.  My interest in this book, even before it was chosen for book club, was less about the story itself and more about the fact that the author is 26 years-old.  Her talent for writing and storytelling can be easily compared to that of those who wrote the greatest classics.  This is the story of Natalia, a doctor in a Balkan country, and her grandfather.  Natalia is on a mission with a life-long friend to provide medical care for children at an orphanage.  During her visit, she learns of her grandfather's death and is troubled by many of the circumstances surrounding it.  Natalia sets out for answers, finding many within her memories - those of time with her grandfather and of the secrets he shared with her.  The story is intricate and complicated, and requires a certain level of commitment on the part of the reader.  Even after rereading multiple parts, I'm still not sure I "get it" all, but I was captivated by the story and am a little sad it's over.

Next up for book club is The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  My copy is on its way in the mail, so in the meantime I plan to start The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer.  I've never read one of her books, but have wanted to for some time after hearing excellent reviews.

“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”
Mark Twain

Almost Wordless Wednesday

 Halloween 2011, Part I

 ready for the party at her school on Tuesday night

A Day at Home

This girl is ready to trick-or-treat!  She's been practicing all day in an attempt to hoard as many mini bags of Skittles as possible.  It's working, by the way.

My district is off for a "fall holiday" today, and, thankfully, I didn't even have the option of working since the power in my building has been off for maintenance all day.  Yesterday the thought that there's no greater feeling on a Sunday than knowing work isn't waiting on Monday occurred to me on more than one occasion.  When Sara woke up this morning, I asked what she wanted to do today.  She said, "Just have a good day with Mommy."  Could I possibly love anyone more?

I had been wanting to check out the new Wylie Rec Center for a while now (and had been making plenty of excuses not to), so this morning I decided it was time to quit thinking about it and just do it.  The center is super affordable and really nice, equipped with cardio machines, weights, a track, and a basketball court.  They also offer a variety of classes.  I hadn't been in a gym since Sara was born, and it felt so good to complete a real workout.  Sara had a great time playing in the childcare center, and was none too happy to see me when it was time to leave.  We headed to the grocery store to stock up for the week.  I bought the first round of Halloween candy, but since Steve never seems to think I buy enough, I know he'll probably go later in the week for more.  (Steve believes in giving every kid fistfuls of candy, so if he stuck to the chincy-yet-mostly-accepted one piece per kid rule, he probably wouldn't have to buy more at the last minute.  But we have gone back and forth on this every Halloween we've celebrated together, and since it's likely not changing, it has just become an understood practice in our home.)

I happened upon skinnytaste.com over the weekend, and it's chock-full of delicious recipes.  I think some of the desserts look amazing, especially these pumpkin cookies.  I might try them next weekend, and then leave three here and take the rest to school.  Tonight I'm going to make this Pasta Fagioli.  I couldn't find the right type of pasta, so I'm going to substitute some whole wheat elbows instead.  Most of the recipes on the site seem fairly simple (she has a lot of crock pot meals), and the ingredients seem to be - for the most part - items you're likely to keep on hand.  Take a look; I know you'll find some great new recipes!

Yesterday afternoon, Steve's friend, Jerrod, called with a free ticket to last night's World Series game.  Don't we all wish we had such a friend?!  I am so glad Steve got to experience the WS excitement at the ballpark in person.  I was also glad that, since Steve was at the game, I was able to watch "Desperate Housewives" in real time and text details back and forth with my sis.  Just keepin' it real.  Game #5 is tonight ... Go Rangers!

Fair Day

This morning we headed out to enjoy a day at the State Fair of Texas, which ends tomorrow.  Upon arriving, I realized that the batteries in my camera had died, and by the time I found a place to by some later in the day, we'd already hit most of the highlights.  So instead of showing you about our day, I'll have to tell you about it.

Sara recently learned about dinosaurs in school, and was looking forward to a T-Rex exhibit that's part of the science museum (which also happens to be part of the state fair park).  She referred to the exhibit as "the classroom" and has asked more than a few times since leaving if we can go back.  Maybe Sara will learn to love science in a way I never did.

Steve finally fulfilled his childhood dream of winning a toddler-size plush Batman on the midway.  He's so proud, in fact, that he posted a picture of his winnings on Facebook.  If you see anything in the picture you just can't live without, let me know.  All items free to a good home.  Or any home besides ours.  Sara played the duck pond game and won a green plastic sword, about which she was very excited.  She also rode a horse names Goliath on the "Makey-Round" and a pretty awesome red sparkly four-wheeler that went round-and-round in circles.

We ate Fletcher's Corny Dogs, chicken fried bacon (seemed like a good idea in the moment, something all state fair goers understand), and a gyro.  In addition to her hot dog, Sara also had some pink cotton candy, which should come as no surprise to you if you read my post about our trip to the MN State Fair over Labor Day weekend.  We also enjoyed watching a variety of dancers on International Boulevard, including American cloggers and a Hungarian dance group.

I've met more than a few people who despise the fair; no amount of coaxing could get them to attend.  But I come from a family of fair lovers, and luckily I married one (a fair lover, not a family member).  The past couple of years I've been lucky enough to make it to the MN and the TX state fairs, and it never gets old.  I have always loved the food, the festivities, and definitely the people-watching.  Lately, though, it's the Sara-watching that has become the highlight.  Excitement is magnified through her eyes.

Now it's time for some more World Series Baseball.  Go Rangers!

Wordless Wednesday: Lookout Edition

 

Pumpkin Patch

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that my parents were on a road trip that would bring them to our parts for a couple of days.  After visiting Grandma Lou in Tennessee, they arrived here on Thursday afternoon.  We were thrilled to have beautiful weather.  On Saturday, we headed to a local pumpkin patch to take part in the fall festivities.

Sara fed the goats, patted their heads, and asked them their names.

 This was the part of the day when Sara pouted because she had to sit still for approximately one minute. 

 Waiting to get on the hay ride with Grandpa ...

 ... and with Grandma.

 Sara didn't understand the purpose of sticking her head through these holes, but I managed to get a good shot.  Sara went non-stop during our visit, and had her head on my shoulder by the time we walked back to the car.

 This maze was a huge hit.  I liked that the walls were low, so even if the kids got turned around, they could see their adults pointing them in the right direction.  Sara would run through, get to the end, and turn around and do it again.  I think we finally lured her away with more goat feed.

 Sara was pleased with her pumpkin selection.  It spent last night in the house, but this morning we were able to convince her to let it get some fresh air outside.

After looking at all of the animals, riding the train, and checking out a variety of pumpkins, we headed to Matt's for some much needed nourishment.  We missed most of the college football yesterday (I use the term "missed" loosely, because based on the score updates for our #1 team, we really didn't miss much at all), but after a nice evening power-walk, we made it to the couch in time to watch the Rangers win the ALCS! 

Thanks, G & G, for driving out of your way to see us.  Loved sharing more special memories with you! 

We're with the band.

Blackberry Smoke @ Hank's - 10/13/2011

 

 

 

 

Only a Man

I love my husband; I do.  And our myriad Type-A characteristics usually tend to jive quite nicely. 

 But, seriously???...

There are some things only he can do.

Without a Trace

And just like that, another week has come and gone.  I know it's been busy, but I can't really pinpoint where the time suck is, you know what I mean?  I think the increasingly shorter days are partially to blame, but life just seems to be a general whirlwind right now.

Last Friday evening we were at the doctor with Sara, who was, sure enough, diagnosed with a bladder infection.  Her teachers had suspected it earlier that afternoon when she said it hurt to potty.  She started feeling better pretty quickly once she started the antibiotics and cranberry juice, but then began having to deal with major blow-outs multiple times per hour.  While I know that diarrhea is a natural side effect of some medicines, her case seemed to be a little out of control.  We were able to switch antibiotics, and now everyone is much happier, as you can imagine.  (I have to give Sara major props, though, because even with an aching bladder and a bad case of the runs, she managed every time to get to the toilet in time.  What a trooper).

I promise the rest of this post will not have anything to do with bodily functions.

Steve took the plunge this week and signed up for his first half marathon, which will take place the first weekend in November.  I'm really proud of him, but it seems that the further he runs, the more I feel like a lump.  I'm stuck in the vicious no-time-excuse cycle.

My parents left MN this morning to head out on a road trip.  They are headed first to Chattanooga, TN to see Grandma Lou.  After a few days there, they are going to head west and end up at our house next Thursday afternoon!  We have tickets Thursday night to see Blackberry Smoke at Hank's, and then I'm taking a personal day on Friday.  It sounds like they'll start the drive back up I-35 on Sunday morning, so we'll have a couple days anyway to hang out together.  We plan to visit the pumpkin patch and, as usual, we'll likely need to eat at Gloria's or Matt's.

Sara's school is decked out for Halloween; it's awesome!  Among every other type of decoration you could imagine (inflatables, flying witches, lights, you name it), they have a giant pumpkin that counts down the days, hours, and minutes to the big day.  Every time we walk into school, Sara says, "Wow, it's Halloween Day!"  She's equally as excited about the Halloween section at Target and the decorations we have around here.  I know Steve will feel like he's done a big part of his job as a parent if Sara loves Halloween the way he does.  It's looking like his efforts in this category could very well pay off.

I haven't had a pumpkin spice latte yet from Starbuck's, but I know that one will be calling my name in the very near future.  I'm currently enjoying my fall TV shows, a good book, play-off baseball, and of course, college football.  Even though the season is basically over for my beloved Cyclones, it's still fun to watch them try.  Trying counts, right?  Right??

Fall Line-Up Part Deux

Now that a we have a couple weeks of the new television season under our belts, I thought I should write a follow-up post to Fall Line-Up.  Here's where I'm at regarding the shows I said I planned to watch ...

Desperate Housewives (ABC - Sundays @ 8:00)

So far, the drama has been top notch.  I'm anxious to see how the writers wrap up the show for good, and I have every intention of planting myself in front of the television every Sunday evening between now and May to tune in (except for rerun weeks).

***

 Pan Am (ABC - Sundays @ 9:00)

I'm not sold yet, but I'm definitely intrigued.  There actually appears to be a deeper storyline than I originally anticipated, beyond the surface level sex, drama, and glamour.  I'm going to give this show at least a couple more weeks before I make a decision about it. 

*** 

Parenthood (NBC - Tuesdays @ 9)

Putting this show back on my list after taking a season off has turned out to be an excellent decision.  I was able to catch up quickly thanks to the montage featured on the Emmy Awards and a little recap reading on abc.com.  Tuesdays at 9:00 are proving to be not such a good TV watching time for me, but I've been recording it and watching later in the week.  I'm already wrapped up in the storyline, and certainly plan to keep watching.

***

 The Office (NBC - Thursdays @ 8:00)

Well, we didn't laugh nearly as much as we were hoping to during the first two episodes this season.  The reality is that the show just isn't the same without Michael Scott (funny guy Steve Carell), which we anticipated.  However, I think there are plenty of redeeming qualities in the other cast members, so the plan for now is to keep watching.  I just don't want to see it be one of those shows that tries to go on without the star and then flops.  Time will tell.

The overall verdict: I'm right where I thought I would be, with four television commitments through May.  A little escape is never a bad thing.