Happy Halloween!

On Halloweens past, my only worry was running out of candy. One year, I made elaborate (not Pinterest-worthy, but good for me) gift bags for the kids coming to the door, and last year I proudly paraded my little dinosaur around in his stroller while he dozed.  

Celebrating Halloween is still worry-free when contrasted with the Fall and Winter holidays coming. I got home before my boys and put the large mixed bag of candy into snack size bags. I was sure to put a good piece of candy in with a couple of pieces of "filler" candy, and the first thirty or so bags got a few stickers until they ran out. I thought this would be an efficient way to make sure we didn't run out and keep things moving so that Little Bit could enjoy the kids and the costumes that came to the door. Little Bit and Daddy came home, and I dressed him in his shirt, crocheted aviator hat, and scarf. Things deteriorated pretty quickly from there. 

Tweet: "Decided last min to be a hooligan."

I attempted to take a picture of Bitty with my iPhone, which started a tantrum as he reached in vain for Netflix and Angry Birds. I gave him the phone instead of holding the line because, like any good mother, I did not want him to be blotchy and puffy in his Halloween pictures. So I snapped a few good shots while the husband was getting the dog leashed for the crowds to come. 

Then we tried to take some shots with Daddy, but without the iPhone. Not a chance. 

We ventured outside, all of us and the dog, and we had our one successful trick o'treat at our neighbors' house. Bitty loved their glowing pumpkins and had fun talking to them, but still wanted to go explore in the fading light. So we set off for the next house, with recent neighbors we had not met, while the husband went to man our door. As Bitty and I made our ill-fated trek, our dog got increasingly agitated by all the traffic until we had to kennel her. So she barked incessantly until we released her after dinner. 

At the next house we met a very nice couple with a golden retriever. A bit of a chat and Little Bit decided to stay awhile. He was livid that Halloween was not a street-wide open house and began to lay down in passive resistance between their rows of monkey grass after we said "goodbye." I scooped him up and hustled my kicking, wailing little goblin back to the house for some spaghetti. But only spaghetti and "Yo, Gabba Gabba" would do. 

Bless you, DJ Lance. You were by far my favorite costume tonight. 

Still in the Spirit!

Having trouble getting anything done tonight. I had a care package full of candy from my parents waiting on my doorstep when I got home today, and I'm devouring Smarties by the roll-full. They know I can't resist them. My parents got a bag of them from Sam's Club for our vacation with them this year, and my husband mocked me and took pictures as I knocked them back.

My parents also included a Halloween book for Bitty, and it's the second one that has a doorbell embedded in the story. He loves both the books. I'm glad we don't have a doorbell on the house, because if we did, the dog would go crazy until those books went back on the shelf.

Halloween is already more fun this year, although last year Little Bit was adorable in his costumes.

He attended his first Halloween party this weekend and was amazed. I think he believes he met the Cat in the Hat. I can't wait to see how he does trick o'treating tomorrow!

Another Blast from the Past

Am I the only person who didn't know The Giver by Lois Lowry had sequels? She finishes out the story with her new book, Son- I may have to check it out.  I read The Giver in school. Little Bit's future reading list certainly has plenty of dystopian and post-apocalyptic choices that have come along since 1993.  

Spent the blustery evening at Hills Center, strolling while waiting on our Pei Wei takeout.   Bitty practiced jumping over the sidewalk cracks, and he discovered and approves of the Vineyard Vines whale logo. He could not say the same about his teriyaki kid's bowl, but with my husband still up, I'll be surprised if it survives the night.

Winning weekend

Many thanks to my husband, who did not wake the baby when his team won the World Series.

We just got back from a great retreat with our church to Beersheba Springs. It was chilly, overcast and rainy, but we had a wonderful time with friends. Little Bit had a new challenge in trying to keep up with the older kids, and I think the Halloween party had him puzzled. We knew it would be too much this year to hike Stone Door or Greeter Falls. But that's just more reason to go back.

View from the top

I wish I'd looked into the history before I went- and these old photographs show some of the buildings and the hotel we occupied.

http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/exhibits/tnresorts/beersheba.htm

We went to Beersheba Porcelain Saturday afternoon. It was fantastic; I could have browsed all day, but Bitty was also very interested in their offerings.

http://www.beershebaporcelain.com/pots.html

Luckily there was a little koi pond outside in the garden to keep him busy. We left around the time he started leaning over and saying, "Dive, dive!" like he does in the bath.

Blasts from the Past

I had a great date night with my husband last night; we ate at Carrabba's and got some great coffee at Well Coffeehouse on Richard Jones Road. Little Bit was in high spirits and ready to be tucked in when we picked him up, and we ended the night with scoops of ice cream on the couch. 

Also had the chance to catch NPT's pledge drive last night, and one of the people featured was Fran Powell from Mrs. Cabobble's Caboose. Had to order a copy of the DVD- I think I remember liking that show.

The Goosebumps franchise by RL Stine is more recent in my memory; I remember loving those books and shows in my childhood. He was featured this morning on The Bob Edwards Show because it was the twenty year anniversary of the series. And he's still writing them! Little Bit has a lot to look forward to.

In the Spirit

I have the very best babysitter for Little Bit; she is such a wonderful person. She recently bought him and his playmate matching jack o'lantern shirts and took pictures of them playing in the pumpkins, mums, and trees in her front yard. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

It inspired me to make her a picture frame. I had an unfinished frame in my shelves, as I am both an impulse buyer and a sucker for sale racks. Spring green, classic lamp black, and edged with pumpkin orange dots made with a pencil eraser. I hope she likes it!

Cookie craft for my monster

Last week I finished a project I'd been planning for several months. It was quick and easy and lots of fun- just had to cut the templates out. I hate using scissors, probably because I can never find a pair when I need them. The husband would say that it's because I'm disorganized; my craft room would tend to corroborate that.

I searched for cookie templates online, but ended up making circles in word in two inch and three inch diameters for simplicity's sake. I cut out the felt, then scalloped the two inch circles to look as messy as my real-life cookie frosting abilities. 

The sprinkles were fun once I decided not to use french knots- a messy straight stitch looked so much nicer.  

And the finished product has been "eaten" like Cookie Monster many times since I gave it to Bitty!

I'm so excited that he likes them, and I hope he'll use them in his little kitchen. They suit my purposes, but for truly impressive cookies, check out these at "Whip it Good Cookies:"

http://americanmade.marthastewart.com/profiles/erin-heflin-1945

Amazing! I almost couldn't eat them. 

Kid tricks

It's neat that the husband and I both have our separate games we play with Bitty. Daddy got home to much rejoicing today, which led to their latest goofy trick- Bitty will run to him and he'll swing his leg over Bitty's head. The little guy doubles with laughter!

I'm not as athletic. Bitty used his mommy-baby bonding time this Sunday to begin a series of screeching matches; I'm guessing he was preparing for Halloween. I get a hug when I win.

But it's great when everyone can get involved. Little Bit has started opening his mouth to say "Ahhhh" and expecting everyone in the room to do it, too. It certainly puts the hierarchy in question to see a circle of adults being led in a chorus by a toddler. He could be the next Giancarlo Guerrero.  

Party animal

Got back to Nashville today after my conference and a weekend at my parents' house. Little Bit had a great time with his grandparents, and I had a lot of fun celebrating birthdays with my family, too. I feel particularly old since my brother and I went through a haunted house at our old high school. All the kids trying to scare us were adorable.

Little Bit and I also listened to a blast from my past on the way back to Nashville: Jim and the Animal Band. 

http://www.theanimalband.com/

I must have seen one of their first performances back in the day, and I found their CD "Uncaged" several months back and really enjoy it. "Pajama Island" has a nice rhythm, and I like the saxophone on "Clean Up Your Room." It's nice to find music we can both enjoy.

Working 9 to 5

Looking forward to seeing Little Bit this afternoon after a conference all week. I've finished a project for him (behind my computer- and still listening!), and I can't wait to see if he likes it.

I've also been thinking about Fall trips. We meant to go to a corn maze last year, and we need pictures of our little guy nestled in leaves. Dollywood is always a good time!

We saw Dolly last time we went to the theme park, and one of the best things about my brother's UT graduation was her performance of "Rocky Top" as the keynote speaker. And his graduation from college, but I was expecting that.

Martha Stewart's American Made

Thistle Farms of Nashville is a finalist for Martha Stewart's American Made Awards!

http://americanmade.marthastewart.com/profiles/becca-stevens-3274

I love the whole idea of this contest, and it's a fantastic place to go to admire crafts and foods as works of art.

Part of Their World

This is the funniest, sweetest thing I've seen in awhile:

http://moms.today.com/_news/2012/10/15/14439014-dads-channel-their-inner-princesses-to-sing-little-mermaid-song

How great to see men throwing themselves into parenthood! And once you channel your inner princess, can you stop?

My little herbivore

Little Bit is not nearly so excited about falling leaves as I think he should be. I taped some to his doodle pad yesterday, and he pulled them off to draw. Leaves still on the trees are a different matter.  Last week during one of our walks, he took one from a neighbor's low-hanging branch and took a bite out of it.

He had a great time during the wind advisory pretending to be an airplane, and he gets extra applause when my voice is gone. I think he loves my lack of voice commands; at least he took full advantage when we were at Target looking at laundry baskets. Wish he still fit in one. He was taking off down the aisles, fruit loops spilling everywhere.

Reasonably foreseeable use

This morning, Bitty is yelling at the TV, trying to tell Blue's Clues' Steve where the clues are. My voice is gone, so Steve's lucky that the little guy knows those paw prints.

My parents came to visit yesterday. We had a good time at Jim 'n Nick's BBQ,  then had some coffee and played Mega Blocks at the house. They also brought us a new toy- an office kneeling chair on casters! It rolls really well on our wood floors, so we've been having a good time chasing Bitty around the living room. I see our weekend plans!

Old McNashville has a farm.

This evening, as my son zipped up my neighbor's driveway, between the parked cars, and up her wheelchair ramp,  she asked how we keep up with him. My answer as I apologetically hurried by: "We really don't."

Which is why I love Ellington Agricultural Center. It's a beautiful place with a lot to see and a lot of room to run. The permanent museum is impressive, and if you want to see a nervous volunteer, have your child start running excited circles around an antique tractor.

We went on two Summer Saturdays this year; Bitty loved seeing the animals brought out for display. He inadvertently terrified some cute little chickens, fed goats, and hugged a donkey.

The goat also a hug through the enclosure.

We've not been in the Fall. Although it would be great on any cool autumn day, we've heard good things about the upcoming Music and Molasses Arts and Crafts Festival!

http://www.tnagmuseum.org/special.html

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

I have never been tough enough to slide without pads:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7424676n&tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;flexGridModule

Have I mentioned that I love CBS Sunday Morning? Those ladies of baseball are still grittier than me. In my defense, I currently have a cold. It is so funny that the players went to charm school before taking the field.

And "A League of Their Own" is twenty years old. Wow.

If you fall into a mud hole, check your back pocket- you might have caught a fish.

I absolutely love the Darrell Royal quote about thinking lucky. Maybe that's why I've been painting fish lately. Or maybe I want to live under the sea like I did when I was nine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(1989_film)

 My first attempt began at Goodwill with a painting of a winter scene:

And ended up being a migration of vermillion fish:

My second began as a tea kettle on a wooden plaque. Since Bitty loves going to Petsmart to look at the fish, I made it an aquarium. 

Upon showing Little Bit my efforts, however, it is clear he prefers actual fish. (He growled at Invisi-bear, so I know he appreciates some of my works.) While we can't get a fish - Bitty will have to be content with Floater, my parents' new beta - I'll keep working for something to get him excited about his next room makeover. 

The soundtrack is everything

Yesterday our family was watching the Chargers v. New Orleans while listening to my Pandora station "You are my Sunshine." It was pretty funny at times, especially when Los Lobos came on with "Bella Notte" from their Disney covers album.

Today, the soundtrack has mostly been sniffling and coughing with the changing weather. However, it also included the sounds of the microwave heating up leftovers for dinner- that's blissful. And Little Bit said "bear" for the first time today and got so excited at our reaction he started repeating it in a funny gravelly voice. It was a nice evening.

Twenty-five years? Inconceivable!

I already loved "The Princess Bride" before this interview with Mandy Patinkin:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2012/10/05/162383428/mandy-patinkin-25-years-after-the-princess-bride-hes-not-tired-of-that-line

What a neat person! I'm looking forward to watching the movie with Little Bit, and it doesn't hurt that it's full of good characters.

Not every swing is a hit

When I make peg dolls for Bitty, I usually don't put faces on them. This is why:

This one's eyes didn't get one bit better as I worked on them. As in life, sometimes less is more, although the eyebrows kind of look like Walter Matthau. But the most frightening is this one: 

Cue the scary laugh. I went so awry on this one that I painted it in "Bleached Sand" to try to start over again. Want this elf for your shelf?

Mothers, the Built-In Market Share

Last night I finished up the cheddar cheese popcorn I impulse-bought from the Boy Scouts outside of Kroger last week. I'd spent quite a bit of time online getting cyber-coupons and was excited about the  savings; all it took was a little group of kids in uniform to spend that amount and then some. I'd have had an iPhone much earlier if child labor laws allowed disappointed-looking tots to work at Verizon.

Occupational Hazards

While we were expecting and right after having Little Bit (when he was easier to carry), we frequently went to moving and estate sales to look for books and toys for him. (The first place we look is www.estatesales.net.) I picked up a neat knitted giraffe puppet at one sale; it needed a little TLC and is still missing an ear. I love it, but it's not been a go-to favorite of the baby.

I got it out today and almost lost a hand. Bitty thought it was hilarious, but I'm not sure if it was the voice I gave the giraffe or the fact that the dog was climbing my torso to pursue the puppet over my head. Not to repress him, but he's not going to be the the next Steve Irwin if he responds like that to an endangered animal in peril. 

Little Bit's Playlist

The following songs and musicians have been making Little Bit's toes tap while we're listening to Pandora:

"Be Like You" by the Asylum Street Spankers- I really like this one, too, and I'm going to search for more from them.
Raffi's Tingalayo
Anything by Caspar Babypants (Chris Ballew from the Presidents of the United States of America!)
http://www.babypantsmusic.com/fr_home.cfm

Herding cats

Bitty had a friend over today for several hours, and it was the first time I'd watched two under two by myself. His friend is the sweetest little girl, but she's a lot faster than Bitty (he's in the 95th percentile for weight and height). And they didn't want to play with the same thing at the same time unless the toy was a one-kid toy. Lots of refereeing, and I don't know if I'm a professional or replacement caliber.

I ended up hiding the dog and two cats in my bedroom to protect them from all the love. And after she was picked up, there were naps all around.