Its a bird. Its a plane. No its Superman and Supergirl

We went to my mom's group Halloween party tonight.  It was fun, but Scott got to see how most of the time is just spent chasing after C and very little socializing. 

Since C was SuperWhy and I just couldn't get pumped about being other characters from the show, Scott and I decided to go as superheroes as well. 

Scott was Clark Kent (I loved his costume). I even made a "press pass" for him as Clark Kent.

 I was SuperGirl (I started making my costume last night, so it's not the best ever--my cape especially didn't really work. It was a good cape, but I didn't have it affixed in a good way to my shirt--my velcro sticky tabs kept moving).

My skirt (first effort at a skirt) was a bit of a disaster, my elastic didn't work  (I think it was too small and I tried to put it in out of order--any way it sucked) so I had to sort of pin it up.  I just ran out of time.  But my boots were AWESOME!

These are my black boots that I covered in the red material.  I had to make three panels and attach them to each other b/c I didn't have enough fabric pieces big enough.  Then with the bottom panel I slit it over the back to fit it over the heel and then sewed it together underneath leaving no damage to the shoe.  I slipped them on, and they're (the boots and the covers) tight enough that the fabric up top just stayed tucked in against my skin. 

Pretty Heroic

Carving Marvin

"I'm just carving Marvin" and "let's blow (or light) this pumpkin up" were frequent phrases tonight.  He loved helping daddy carve Marvin--his name for the pumpkin they worked on.  He told Scott, "I'm not too good at this."  I about fell over cracking up.  This kid really does say the darndest things.

Hip, Hip, Hurray a little PreHalloween Cheer

So we did a test run on our Super Why costume today.  The public library is hosting 3 days of Halloween Family Story Hours.  We went this morning.  It was an hour of songs, rhymes, games, a parade through the library, and snacks.  It really couldn't have been any cuter.  My two year old for the post part paid attention.  The second story and song lost his interest, but I had 2 cars in my purse he played with while sitting mostly still and quietly.  He actually waited in line 4-5 kids deep for bowling w/o making a fuss(who is this masked child? he should dress as SuperWhy everywhere obviously). 

For your viewing pleasure our thrift store SuperWhy!

Sitting, or should I say reclining on mommy for story time. 

Picture time in front of the pumpkin patch with friends from our mom's group.  The costume was getting a bit hot by the end.

Returning from the parade

Lining up for the parade

At home getting ready to go.  He was really excited about his costume once it all got on.  He rode in his carseat all ready. 

SuperWhy squats. The boy beside him (w/o a costume) was very interested in C's costume. 

Early turkey time

Tonight I tried some new Rachel Ray recipes.  Three thumbs up from each taster. 

We had the turkey mini-meat loaves w/bacon and onion and bbq gravy and suiza style mac n cheese (fancy name for tex mex I guess).  I cooked good old broccoli to go with it.  The mac and cheese was a bit spicy, but no one minded (C ate 2 helpings).  Our child won't touch instant mac n cheese, but he loves all kinds homemade.  Let me also preface that Scott and I don't love traditional meatloaf.  I like a turkey veggie meatloaf I make and this one.  I will eat regular meatloaf, but I don't crave the normal stuff like I do the veggie one and now we can add this one to our list.  I liked making the mini-loaves b/c they cooked in about 25 minutes.  They were easy to form and you just put them on a cookie sheet.  It is definitely a drier type meatloaf.   

We had some crafty/art time after dinner.  C and I made a Halloween pic w/stickers and a marker--very cute with lots of giggling while he pretended he was going to mark over his stickers.  He's very silly.  Then we made a paper chain w/about 12 links b/c that's all our attention span allows--he mostly liked using the tape (for all of 4 rings).  We also tried cutting w/zero success.  He wants to hold the scissors horizontally w/2 hands.  I don't even begin to know how to teach this little boy who doesn't listen when things don't meet his expectations. 

Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes w/ optional Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting

Makes 18-24 cupcakes (recipe adapted from Life's Ambrosia)




You will need:



--1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

--1/4 cup cocoa powder (dark chocolate would be good if you can find it)

--1 teaspoon baking soda

--1/4 teaspoon salt

--2 teaspoons baking powder

--1/2 tsp. cinnamon

--3 large eggs

--1 teaspoon vanilla extract

--1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

--1 cup vegetable or canola oil (might experiment w/applesauce or partial substitution w/applesauce)

--1 * can pureed pumpkin *(minus 5 TBS reserved for frosting)

--mini chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles for decorating

--pumpkin cream cheese frosting or any frosting of your choice (optional--these are good w/o frosting)

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners and set aside.

2.Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt,baking powder and cinnamon.

3.In another bowl whisk together eggs, vanilla, sugar and oil.

4.Slowly whisk dry ingredients into into sugar mixture. Fold in pureed pumpkin.

5.Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle w/mini chocolate chips if desired.

6. Bake for 10-16 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in cupcake tin for 5 minutes.  Remove from cupcake tin and place on cooling rack to cool completely.

7.  Frost and/or sprinkle with sugar crystals.


Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting (adapted from Joelen's Culinary Adventure's)

1/4 cup unsalted butter


4 oz. cream cheese, softened

5 T pureed pumpkin

1/2 t pumpkin pie spice

3-5 cups confectioners or powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons half & half (if necessary to thin)





In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until fluffy; add the pumpkin pie filling and beat until fully incorporated.

Slowly add confectioners or powdered sugar into the bowl, 1/2 cup at a time and beating after each addition. Continue adding the sugar until you have a thick frosting of your preferred consistency. If the frosting becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or more of half & half to thin out.  I only added 2.5-3 c of sugar and I liked the consistency--I didn't need any liquid to thin, but if you like really thick frosting you'll need to add more sugar.

Pumpkin Painting

I took some photos, but I forgot to take a photo of the food--the weather had me jumping between my garage (where we painted) and inside.  It was lots of fun.  The kids made some cute pumpkins

I served these on a cupcake tower, but these are the leftovers.  They turned out delicious--I'll share the recipe in another post.

My candy corn pizza didn't end up looking like candy corn, but it tasted good--not sure what happened, maybe I used too much cheese?  It all seemed to melt together. 

Playing and painting in the garage

Exhibit A

Exhibit B (C's pumpkin)

Exhibit C--a witchy pumpkin. 

We had lots of cute add ons that made the pumpkins adorable I think.

Back in the swing of things in a busy way

It's great to have our little man home. 

He's just playing like crazy with his toys like they're all new again.  He just wanted to stay at home all day, but I finally got him out of the house tonight after dinner to get some stuff Walmart.  He actually walked beside the cart most of the time, and he helped me put the couple of things in the cart we needed: halloween candy, creamer to share at MOPs apples, and a couple other random things.  He was so cute picking out the Halloween candy. 

Today I cleaned our house because we're hosting a pumpkin painting party for C's friends.  I also worked on a bit of sewing (can't wait to share this new little fun project).  I'll reveal when I get them all done--b/c one is never enough.  C and I made homemade chocolate pumpkin cupcakes (can't wait to taste them).  I tweaked it from a couple of recipes.  I'm going to ice half of them w/a pumpkin cream cheese frosting I'm making.  I got cute Halloween sprinkles and picks to decorate them with.  C also can't wait to try them. 

We have to get everything set up in the garage tomorrow to get the painting going.  I think it will be fun for the kids.  I made my harvest candy mix: m & ms, candy corn, peanuts, and raisins.  I'm going to make "candy corn" pizza (no candy corn, it just looks like it) and I'm serving apple "teeth" with caramel.  Should be fun.  I need to remember to take some photos.   I've been terrible about taking photos lately, but I'll try to do better.

I started wearing my mouthguard again, so my teeth are sensitive and I didn't sleep very well, so I'm tired, but feeling okay.  Scott and I are going to check out a gym this week to possibly join for the winter.

Hmmm...possibility

We have a renter--if things don't fall through (we are so gun shy now).  She wants to rent for 5 months w/an option to buy at a locked in guaranteed price at the end of that time (notifying us in 3.5 months).  This is a huge blessing. She's not being difficult and has asked to be locked in at a fair price.  We are relieved.  This is a huge burden lifted, and if she buys it...even better.

10 mile walk

C isn't here, so we decided to take advantage by doing something we can't do with him: hiking.  We drove 35 min or so to a state park at a lake and hiked 10 miles.  We went fast and it was up and down hills a lot.  It took us right at 3 hours and we only stopped for 7 min.  We were running a big chunk of the time.  We took our pups, and they loved it.  We were all exhausted the last 2 miles or so.  Me toes/feet were killing me from going downhill so much.  It was pretty challenging.  I passed out for 2 hours after we got home and got cleaned up.  I'm still so tired.  It was beautiful though w/being able to see the lake views often.

Empty nest

Grandma and Grandpa whisked little C away on an impromptu visit w/them on their way home from their trip to the Northeast.  C could barely contain himself after he found out he was going home with them.  We had to beg him to get out of their car to hug us goodbye (no exaggeration--he didn't want to get left behind).

Missing that little booger already.

Fall, are you here to stay?

Today is supposed to be much cooler, which I'm glad about b/c I'm sick of 85 and humid.  Last night it felt a little bit cooler (like 72), so I decided to make some soup.  We are trying to be a bit better about budgeting, so I'm trying to only go the the store every 2 weeks except for perishables like milk and eggs we go through quickly.  Space is an issue at our house so I can't keep too much extra on hand.  We are to the end of our 2 week grocery time, so it's slim pickings in the house.  Last night I decided to take all the leftover veggies in our crisper and chop em up to start a soup (which I made up as I went along based on what I had).  I had some onion, 1 zucchini, 1/2 an orange pepper, carrots, and garlic (of course).  I started the diced onion in a little o.o.  I let is sweat and then added the rest of the veggies.  I also through in 6 slices of low sodium bacon, chopped b/c I was trying not to add any more oil, but increase the flavor.  Then I added in the garlic.  After it was all cooked a bit, I added a shot of sherry and cajun creole seasoning (no salt in this). Once it cooked out I added some tomato sauce (I had a big can--and eventually I added it all, but not at first).  Then I turned it off b/c I had to thaw out my It. sausage (I hadn't planned on soup, but I felt like it midafternoon so I didn't have it prethawed).  Then I took it out of the casings and browned it.  Once browned I added it to my soup base.  From this point I turned it on a low simmer and added some chicken broth and the rest of the tomato and some water to make it the consistency I wanted.  I let it cook for a while and then added a can of rinsed white kidney beans and red kidney beans. 

Then I made homemade cheese beer bread.  It is so easy. It's just flour, a little sugar, baking soday, baking powder, salt, oregano, basil, beer, and cheese.  It goes great with hearty soups. We all ended up loving the soup, which was good b/c I had no idea how it was going to turn out.

Halloween craftiness/decorations

So, I have all these ideas for Halloween crafts, but little motivation to do them.  C is very excited about Halloween and decorations.  He helped with all the decorating, so bear in mind. 

I made a couple of items.  I made a Halloween banner out of fabric scraps and scrapbook letters: cost--free. 

I should have taken a pic before I hung it up, you can't see it so well.

I also made silhouettes in frames I already had on the wall w/scrapbook paper scraps I already had on hand: cost--free.   They are just hanging in the same spot the frames already were in our living room.

I bought some foam board for $2.00 (a lot of it) and made a couple of bat and raven cut-outs--plan to do more for my playdate craft in a couple of weeks. At this playdate we are painitng pumpkins, so I have an abundance of small pumpkins outside to store them for the next 2 weeks--result--a little Halloween overkill.

I didn't make this, but he's so cute I think.

These are the fake pumpkins I painted w/silhouettes.

That's a lot of pumpkins you say?

wait, there's more!

This weekend

We made our monthly trip to our zoo on Saturday.  C wasn't afraid of the tiger or the sea lion this time.  Miracles can happen! 

Consequently he is not longer afraid of his big Caterpillar (front loader) anymore either.  We are making progress. 

Scott was determined C wear a Mizzou shirt, but unfortunately his shirt is from last year--so imagine a near half-shirt.  It wasn't cute--thankfully you can't really tell here.

 

Yesterday was a little dull otherwise (except for the poopisode)--we watched some movies. 

Today we did church and went to Sunday brunch--yummo.  We also took C took look at trucks.  Scott thinks it will become his and C's thing to do together before church since they're closed on Sundays.

The poopisode

So I thought it might be a good idea to let C wear his big boy undies after his bath Saturday night.  He'd already pooped and he peed before and after his bath in the toilet.  I started thinking earlier in the day that maybe we should try potty-training.  Boy was I wrong.  This night taught me two things--he's not ready and I hope he stays in diapers until kindergarten or until he can wipe his own butt--screw preschool. 

Here's what happened: I set forth the ground rules:

1. do not pee in your underwear
2. do not poop in your underwear
3. doing either of the above will make mommy MAD!
4. just tell mommy or daddy if you need to go pottie

These rules were met with a happy okay.  I planned to let him wear his undies about an hour.  I asked him, no exaggeration, every 3 minutes if he needed to go pottie.  He always said no.  I watched him for any movement of trying to go to the bathroom.  About 50 minutes into the process he told me he pooped then no he didn't poop.  We didn't detect any sign of a load in his pants and we never saw him to the poop push/squat.  Believe me I was watching him like a hawk.  I decided to check.  To my horror there was a little round mound of poo.  I freaked out!!!!  He kept telling me he didn't poop the whole way to the toilet.  I set him on the big potty to his freaking out b/c he felt like he was falling in.  I proceeded to wipe his bum, which was really difficult to do at this angle--trying to help him stay up and from jumping off the toilet.  Finally we were done after much arguing that he didn't poop his pants--we have a burgeoning liar on our hands.

Finally a church decision

So we made our final second trial runs, and we both feel that today's church is the one we feel is the best fit.  It's not perfect, but we hope it turns out great.  It seems like a good mix of where we can be nurtured and where we can serve.  It's pretty small, but people are super friendly--and not in a weird, uncomfortable way.  We are pretty excited about this.  Colin had a great time--they learned about Jonah in the Whale and made the cutest craft about it.  I'm amazed that so few people put together this service each week.

The pastor's sermon was really meaninful for us and just helped both of us to redirect our priorities and to continue to trust in the promise that God blesses us in his grace not in things.   I wish I had taken notes--he had so many great points and great scripture references.

And we're off again

In this off again, on again relationship with our "buyers" we are off again.  They have decided that they are out for good.  These have to be the flakiest people in the history of buyers.  I'm so frustrated I just want to scream...then cry.

Weekend fun...a little late

So it was my bday last weekend and we went to St. Louis to celebrate w/Sarah and Mitch (Scott's sis and BIL) and Chad and Missy (friends).  We stayed w/Sarah and Mitch and she made me a b-day cake the night we got there.  Then Sat we went to Eckert's to pick apples and enjoy the family fun farm at the Millstadt location.  I also got my haircut--first time in 10 months.  I've got a new do, but haven't taken any photos since.  Sat. night we got a babysitter and we all went to eat at this tapas bar in Kirkwood.  It was so much fun and delicious.  We just kept ordering more food and drink.  It was a gastronomic feast.  We got to try so many things b/c there were 6 of us and each plate is like a bites worth for 6 people. 


Sun .I went shopping for a little while w/Sarah and then headed home.  The b-day celebration just ended today.  Not too shabby!  Much better than my 30th b-day. 

Now for the pictures

riding the tractor after picking our apples.  C ate three apples while we were there

"driving" the tractor

 riding the  "spot" the pony.  I was cracking up here b/c he started yelling hi at Sarah and Mitch who he'd been ignoring the whole time they'd been trying to get his attention.

riding the apple--like the tea cups.  C closed his eyes when he felt dizzy--which amounts to him making a funny face and squeezing his eyes shut as tight as possible.

Does it look like I just smelled a fart.  I can't tell you how many photos I see of myself where I have this same look on my face. 

posing in the pumpkins

picking apples w/mitch and sarah.  mitch is exceedingly good at creepy faces like I am good at fart faces.

not sure what this is about

And that's the rest of the story

It has been a weird 3 weeks.  I feel we've been living in the mist.  I haven't followed any sort of normal schedule.  Exercise has been hit or miss--eating has been terrible.  I keep getting a stuffy nose.  I've spent so much of my time worrying about our house selling/not selling; how we can be good landlords if we rent our home, how will I find a job, and a ton of other things out of my control.  I also spent a ridiculous amount of time reading the Percy Jackson books (so good by the way--like Harry Potter meets Greek mythology).  I tried getting back into exercising this week and started off well, but I missed yesterday--just not enough time in the day.  Tuesday we got the call that these buyers were putting another offer on our home (in their minds a counter-offer even though they had bowed out and missed their time window to counteroffer). 

These people, in my non-professional opinion are from another planet.  They want us to pay for all sorts of things--the closing costs (which would be fine if they weren't trying to undercut us so much we bleed) and they want us to buy them a refrigerator. The refrigerator part boggles my mind.  Our house has never had a fridge in it since they started looking at it.  Aliens maybe have inhabited their body?  They know they are offering us less than our payoff amount yet they keep wanting us to add stuff in.  We finally said yes if they take the house as is.  So basically if we have to repair anything to do w/radon or termites they don't get the refrigerator but otherwise we will get them one.  I feel I'm in bizarro world.  The market is so different from what it was both times we bought our homes.  I'm not anxious to buy another home soon--I'll tell you that. 

In good news--my parents came for a quick visit to celebrate my bday.  We have indulged in some good eating.  Now they're gone and C and I are sad.

Oh the fickleness of buyers

So our crazy buyers put another contract on our home.  It's not as good as we countered, but much better than their original offer.  We will lose a lot of money, but we think we can recoup fairly soon since we will be out of the maintenance of our "vacation" home--where we never vacation.

More details to follow.  Until we sign those papers on Oct 28 I still feel it is tentative.  These peeps are a whole bunch of crazy--will give more details later.

For Rent

So the buyers backed out--not so unexpected.  I think they didn't really have the money to even put an offer on our house, so it was all for nothing. 

So now we start exploring renting.  I'm not excited about this at all, but we've got to do something.  We will be looking for someone that wants a short term rental, so we can put it back on the market in March.