Sunday, September 28, 2008
trouble in pumpkin paradise
For those of you who don't know, I had grand visions of creating pumpkin topiaries this year. Something like these beauties
However, after reading instructions on several blogs and the DIY network, I quickly realized that wooden dowels and circular saws were not in my realm of capability. So I decided to create something on a smaller scale instead. Something like these simple beauties
Walking through the craft store, I started to doubt whether I was even adept enough to use the industrial strength glue in my cart. It was then that I spotted the free floral arrangement center, and decided to drop off my pumpkins and urns and leave the gluing to a professional. I told her I wanted some moss at the base and possibly a bow using the ribbon I had selected. "No flowers?" She asked. Hmm, I wondered if part of the "free floral arrangement" deal meant that your project should include flowers. "I just want them kind of plain" I explained, "maybe a flower or two in between the layers would be okay? Whatever you think" Uh-oh, those last words were a BIG mistake, because obviously, Lauren is a fan of faux florals. And now my should-be-beauties are covered in a gaudy mess of glittered leaves. 
I told Lauren I loved them, because I didn't want to hurt her feelings. I told Jonathan I loved them because it was obvious he hated them, and I was feeling defensive. But I'm confiding in all of you beacuse I need your help! Do I just rip the tackiness off of them? Do I disassemble them all together and repurpose the pumpkins on the porch? Tell me what to do, all you queens of craftiness!
However, after reading instructions on several blogs and the DIY network, I quickly realized that wooden dowels and circular saws were not in my realm of capability. So I decided to create something on a smaller scale instead. Something like these simple beauties
Walking through the craft store, I started to doubt whether I was even adept enough to use the industrial strength glue in my cart. It was then that I spotted the free floral arrangement center, and decided to drop off my pumpkins and urns and leave the gluing to a professional. I told her I wanted some moss at the base and possibly a bow using the ribbon I had selected. "No flowers?" She asked. Hmm, I wondered if part of the "free floral arrangement" deal meant that your project should include flowers. "I just want them kind of plain" I explained, "maybe a flower or two in between the layers would be okay? Whatever you think" Uh-oh, those last words were a BIG mistake, because obviously, Lauren is a fan of faux florals. And now my should-be-beauties are covered in a gaudy mess of glittered leaves. 
I told Lauren I loved them, because I didn't want to hurt her feelings. I told Jonathan I loved them because it was obvious he hated them, and I was feeling defensive. But I'm confiding in all of you beacuse I need your help! Do I just rip the tackiness off of them? Do I disassemble them all together and repurpose the pumpkins on the porch? Tell me what to do, all you queens of craftiness!Saturday, September 27, 2008
a few more white pumpkins
and I'll be in heaven!
Also, if someone could come and vacuum all the hay out of my trunk? That would be splendid!
Also, if someone could come and vacuum all the hay out of my trunk? That would be splendid!Monday, September 22, 2008
FALL guys
I took the boys for their 6 year and 2 1/2 year pictures today - really, I just needed some wallets to pass out to demanding relatives - cough - mom. Harrison and Sawyer were amazingly cooperative and their efforts were rewarded afterwards with treats from Target. We also picked up this CUTE BOOK that my friend Monique suggested over on her blog, the boys love the pictures! And I love the pictures of them!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Operation Birthday Party
The troops were scheduled to arrive at 14oo hours and fall out at 1530. Due to weather (it didn't rain but the humidity was awful!) we moved our mission indoors and thought we were ready for action!
We set up some stations for the new recruits to check-out. When they entered Fort Russell, they were given an army helmet, and asked to guess how many plastic army men were in the jar. From there, they were sent to target practice (Nerf dartboard) and pretty much once they got their hands on the Nerf gun there was no reigning them back in. Some boys opted to pop a balloon for their boot camp exercise orders (drop and give me 5, run in place for 10 seconds, do 10 jumping jacks, etc.) (thanks Heidi for the fun idea!) and a few more participated with pin the army tanker on the battlefield, NO ONE touched the coloring pages...it was basically a free for all in the playroom. Baxter Bear was our best behaved soldier. He's here for the weekend from Harrison's class, and we get to journal about his time with our family.
Cake time came and went in the blink of an eye
In case that wasn't enough sugar, we moved right along to the Pinata.
And then we opened presents, which was fast and furious
Having a half hour of party time left, and nothing else to entertain the troops, I sent them outside for water balloons. Thankfully, no one went AWOL on us.
And just when we thought the party was over, Uncle John and Aunt Sandra surprised us with a visit. If only the professionals had gotten here sooner - I'll bet these two could have gotten our boys to shape up!
I'm exhausted. And I send my heartfelt apologies to Mr. Chuck E. Cheese for ever thinking having my own party would avoid all the chaos and mayhem. Home parties are NOT easier. And if this party's purpose was to prove that I am not cut out for them...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
We set up some stations for the new recruits to check-out. When they entered Fort Russell, they were given an army helmet, and asked to guess how many plastic army men were in the jar. From there, they were sent to target practice (Nerf dartboard) and pretty much once they got their hands on the Nerf gun there was no reigning them back in. Some boys opted to pop a balloon for their boot camp exercise orders (drop and give me 5, run in place for 10 seconds, do 10 jumping jacks, etc.) (thanks Heidi for the fun idea!) and a few more participated with pin the army tanker on the battlefield, NO ONE touched the coloring pages...it was basically a free for all in the playroom. Baxter Bear was our best behaved soldier. He's here for the weekend from Harrison's class, and we get to journal about his time with our family.
Cake time came and went in the blink of an eye
In case that wasn't enough sugar, we moved right along to the Pinata. And then we opened presents, which was fast and furious
Having a half hour of party time left, and nothing else to entertain the troops, I sent them outside for water balloons. Thankfully, no one went AWOL on us.
And just when we thought the party was over, Uncle John and Aunt Sandra surprised us with a visit. If only the professionals had gotten here sooner - I'll bet these two could have gotten our boys to shape up!
I'm exhausted. And I send my heartfelt apologies to Mr. Chuck E. Cheese for ever thinking having my own party would avoid all the chaos and mayhem. Home parties are NOT easier. And if this party's purpose was to prove that I am not cut out for them...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Friday, September 12, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
brought to you today by the letter H and by the number 6
SIX of Harrison's favorite toys
*GI Joe
*Indiana Jones
*Pirates
*Playmobil
*Nerf
*Lego/K'nex building sets
SIX of Harrison's favorite activities
*Crafts
*Soccer
*Playing his Leapster
*Riding bike & scooter
*Playing basketball at the neighbors
*Watching movies
SIX things Harrison loves to eat
*Pancakes
*Turkey Sausage
*McDonalds Chicken Nugget Happy Meals
*Pringles
*Plums
*Cheese-It Crackers
SIX ways Harrison and I are (scary!) alike
*We have the same eyes, and we know how to roll 'em!
*You've heard the saying "you have the patience of an ant" Well, we have less then that!
*We are expert Hide and Seek players
*We are picky-picky eaters
*We do not like patronizing people (we try not to roll our eyes at them!)
*We LOVE presents!
On Sunday we celebrated Harrison's birthday in Lancaster with Grandmom & Grandpop Russell. Today he brought cupcakes to school and went to Chuck-E-Cheese when I picked him up (Nanny came too!) Tonight he'll have a special taco dinner when daddy comes home. And on Saturday is his party with friends. Someone is receiving a lot of fanfare this year...just check out the three different birthday crowns in these pictures!
*GI Joe
*Indiana Jones
*Pirates
*Playmobil
*Nerf
*Lego/K'nex building sets
SIX of Harrison's favorite activities
*Crafts
*Soccer
*Playing his Leapster
*Riding bike & scooter
*Playing basketball at the neighbors
*Watching movies
SIX things Harrison loves to eat
*Pancakes
*Turkey Sausage
*McDonalds Chicken Nugget Happy Meals
*Pringles
*Plums
*Cheese-It Crackers
SIX ways Harrison and I are (scary!) alike
*We have the same eyes, and we know how to roll 'em!
*You've heard the saying "you have the patience of an ant" Well, we have less then that!
*We are expert Hide and Seek players
*We are picky-picky eaters
*We do not like patronizing people (we try not to roll our eyes at them!)
*We LOVE presents!
On Sunday we celebrated Harrison's birthday in Lancaster with Grandmom & Grandpop Russell. Today he brought cupcakes to school and went to Chuck-E-Cheese when I picked him up (Nanny came too!) Tonight he'll have a special taco dinner when daddy comes home. And on Saturday is his party with friends. Someone is receiving a lot of fanfare this year...just check out the three different birthday crowns in these pictures!
Friday, September 5, 2008
he's growing up!
Harrison wasn't the only one hitting milestones this week!
Sawyer switched over to a big boy bed
In a lot of ways, Sawyer thinks he's a big guy, just like his brother...but I can tell you that Harrison would have NEVER done something like this!
I had no idea, until I went to change his diaper, that Sawyer had used his belly as a canvas. I can't turn my back on this one!
Sawyer switched over to a big boy bed
And learned how to ride a bike.
In a lot of ways, Sawyer thinks he's a big guy, just like his brother...but I can tell you that Harrison would have NEVER done something like this!
I had no idea, until I went to change his diaper, that Sawyer had used his belly as a canvas. I can't turn my back on this one!Wednesday, September 3, 2008
i don't plan on sleeping in this
I don't know a thing about politics, but as far as people go, I LIKE her! A LOT!
ETA - I ordered (more then one style - that's how excited I am about her!) from here
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
kindergartner
Harrison was ready to GO! this morning. I worried that in our excitement we would arrive at school too early. But, it turns out the whole town was as eager as we were! Harrison was happy and confident when I kissed him goodbye - which is more then I can say for myself (sniffle, look over my shoulder all the way back to the car)
When I picked him up, Harrison was still all smiles, and surprised me by actually revealing lots of details about his day. Nanny didn't know he was giving away these facts for free, so she came prepared to bribe the details out of him "tell me all about your first day, and I'll give you a treat"
We are so proud of you, Harrison!
When I picked him up, Harrison was still all smiles, and surprised me by actually revealing lots of details about his day. Nanny didn't know he was giving away these facts for free, so she came prepared to bribe the details out of him "tell me all about your first day, and I'll give you a treat"
We are so proud of you, Harrison!
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