Boo!

This year, we went to a Halloween party hosted by Amber and Kurt. They put in so much effort to pull it off. Take a looksie to see the party details.

Bobbing for Apples

Doughnuts on a String

Cake Pops... my new favorite party snack to make.

Chelsea Wood put together an awesome Halloween party with her friends, and it was so cute that almost all of her ideas were implemented at this one.

So do you want to see the costumes? I will tell you what they are, so you don't incorrectly guess on some of them like I did.

Dani/Kurt: Witch/Unibomber

Siena: The Toothfairy... we practiced keeping her tutu on with the pink one I made earlier. She now loves, LOVES, loves to spin to the point she can't walk straight for a long time afterwards.

Juan: A Car Air Freshener (spelled Freshner, for authenticity)--His own genius, by the way. He made that an hour before the party. Sadly, we don't have a picture of the full costume; it says "Vanilla" at the bottom.

Me: I don't really know. I thought and thought about what my costume would be, and 15 minutes after the party started, I still didn't have anything. What do you do in a situation like that? Raid your husband's closet for things he would never wear, apply an eye-liner goatee, and call yourself a thug. PATHETIC and horribly un-creative/ugly! Next year, I will redeem myself.

Miss Toothfairy (without her tooth scepter)

Kurt/Amber: Bug Catcher/Butterfly

Joy/Kortney: Skeleton Couple

Paul/Hayden/Angela: Chicken/Monkey/Cat Woman

Favors- my job for the party. They are witches brooms with candy inside, (also a stolen idea from another blog... but nobody knew that.)

Death By Chocolate-- the prizes for the games (Brownie mixes inside.)

Amber asked me to do the invitations. They were so fun to make!

Baseball

The Phillies won The World Series last night! ...and we listened to some neighborhood "ruffians" shouting about it for the following two hours. That was the least to be expected. We received a letter from Temple University addressed to "the family of Juan Chavez"; this was to inform (presumably) his parents that when a World Series is won, there is a lot of violence following and that they should somehow keep tabs on what their frat-member son will be up to. They warned that if any student did anything illegal, stupid, obnoxious, etc. in the chance that the Phillies won the game, there would be serious scholastic consequences. At the least.

...and believe me, there are some rare people out there. For example, when Juan and Kurt were standing in the ticket line a few days ago for the 5th game (yes, they waited in line all day for nothing,) some hot shots behind them were talking about flipping over Florida-licensed cars and lighting them on fire after the game. Sounds like fun, can I bring my friends?

I guess it's all in the "spirit of the game".

Up to: (sin pictures...sorry.)

Friday:

• Hmmmm... that' s where the blurrrrrrr begins. I have no clue what we did.
• On second thought, I think Juan and I stole an old trunk from somebody's curb at 6:50 in the morning. It was trash day (which means I was wrong--it was actually Thursday) and we have a thing for turning other peoples' old junk into "treasures". (*sigh* When will we ever stop getting ourselves into furniture-refinishing nightmares!?!)

Saturday:

• Juan won the chance to buy a Phillies ticket for $50 (yes, you heard me, a WORLD SERIES GAME TICKET for $50. Standing Room Only, of course.) Did he buy it? Duh! However, he ended up giving the ticket to a friend whose dream it was to go to a World Series game since childhood. (My noble husband:^) It worked out better anyway because he didn't have any friends who had tickets to the game and he knew he wouldn't enjoy it alone (and cold and wet,) so everyone ended up happy. Meanwhile, I went to the Philly 4th ward's Halloween party with Siena and Amber. It was fun because we dressed Siena up like a Mexicana (ha! that still isn't her official costume though.) Pictures of that to come. We drove back home and switched on the tele so we could have it recorded for Juan when he got back from the tailgate party they were going to crash at the stadium. We watched the entire game (because we're really trying hard to be true Phillies fans,) which meant we were awake until the end. Let me remind you, it was 2 in the morning when they WON!!!

Sunday:

• I taught my teenage Sunday School class The Plan of Salvation which ended better than I could have expected. They are pretty stand-offish when it comes to religion. They come to church at their parents' urge, but once they are there they just sit comatose in their classroom chairs. I think at the point they are in their lives (14-15 years old), the last thing they want to display is interest in religion because it might seem uncool. So they all sit there and most refuse to participate. Well, today was a little different because for some reason I started talking about where we go after this life and why we are even here, and that sparked interest in just about everyone. They all have silent questions and I know that they want to know the answers, but it's hard to get them past the embarrassment of talking about it. Randomly, one boy asked a deep question which got us speaking more freely. Everyone was asking questions left and right (some even interrupting others) and went into "over-time" because it was so interesting to them. I love it when kids realize the value or purpose of trying to be righteous.
  
• After we got back from church, we took a nap before Shanelle and James came over for dinner.
  
• Juan was so sweet and he prepared Thai curry & his own Mongolian invention with shredded chicken, vegetables, plum sauce, soy, etc. served over rice for dinner. He even made Ginger Lemonade. My lame addition to the meal was breaded and fried okra from a bag- (gasp in horror!) It was nasty, but everything else was Mmmmmmmmm.
  

ONLINE fabric!

People who like fabric (or cool prints,) GO HERE NOW!!!!!

Guessed

Nidia guessed Siena's costume correctly (which comment I removed to keep the rest of you in suspense) so she will be rewarded with these cute Autumn MAGNETS and GIFT TAGS...

Congrats Nidia!

Dancing Queen

I've been "project-ing" a LOT lately! I can't show many finished projects because some are Christmas/Halloween/Birthday/etc. gifts and those people may just read this blog. This one is safe to show:

I stole the tutu idea from Danica's blog, and realized later that Kim also has tutu tutorials; I used ribbon instead of elastic for the band so it fits later, too. Also, I double-layered it so it would "poof" a lot--knot over knot. Anyway, the whole project required about 3 yards of tulle (the larger netting type because it holds up better) and about 1 yard of ribbon. Total cost: $5.00! Time spent making it: less than 30 minutes. I love projects like that.

How does Siena like it? Well, if I put it straight on her, she will tug at it and probably whine; however, if I wear it first and do a couple of twirls, she will beg me to put it on her then wear it until bedtime.

Okay, A New Clue

As per request, I will help you out a little more with this guessing game. (Refer to this post if you have no idea what I'm talking about.)

Hmmmmm, what hint can I give you?

She is going to be health-conscious.

(And no, jb, not a Democrat, although I should have thought of that first! Maybe next year...) ;^)

Publishing

I really want to print our blog into a book just so I can have a hard copy as our family journal for the last year or so. Does anyone know:

1. Is this even possible?
2. Where do I go to do it? (online/in-person)
   
3. How much moolah?

Anyone, anyone? Thanks!

Oh yeah, and if anyone has a link to a store/etsy/blog they want to add to Chickery Chick, leave the link as a comment and I'll put it up.

Time Out for Women

Last Saturday:

...and crepes for dessert.

Fall Fun

Here are just a few random pics of our day:




We got to go to Linvilla Orchards with our friends Scott and Carly tonight. After an awesome hayride to "the Witches' House", we roasted mallows and sipped fresh cider. Oh, have I told you how much I love FALL!?!

Okay...

So I realize that torturing you into filling out my crossword was not a hit. That's okay- I can take rejection. But to all who think that the PRIZE is another day of FAME on my blog, let me clue you in... it's not. It's actually tangible this time and I will have to ship it to you. Curious? I'll change the rules to this: anyone who can guess what Siena is going to be for Halloween this year will win (Wahoo, no boring crossword puzzle!) For those who are still under the impression that she is going to be a Mexican, change your answer now because this new idea of mine kinda beats that old one. I'll give you one clue: blue. (It's not that helpful, so don't think about it too hard.)

Quirky Jerky

You want to know what? I got tagged by Britnee and for some reason, I feel like actually answering the call. So here you are-- 6 (although there are plenty more) quirky things about moi:

1. I enjoy making things. Not quirky? Just you wait, it gets weird. Anything I want to have or do, I just make. For example: I wanted to do a crossword puzzle and I didn't have one handy, so I made one... in a blank Word Document. It took about 4 hours, but I did it. Obviously I did not actually fill it in once I was done, because I already knew all the answers and the fun would be lost. Why did I do it, then? Beats me. (I did learn a lot, though.) Another PRIZE to whoever e-mails me the most completed crossword (Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail and I'll reply with my address.)

(click above if you want to see it full-size.)

2. I love soap! Just love it. Ironically, I have the same passion for dirt.

3. I hoard pretty paper. Although I have a TON of cool paper, I rarely use it because I think it's too pretty to waste.

4. When I was in high school, I wanted to live alone in a remote, mountainous area and live off the land. (I guess I was what you might call a "free spirit".) It never would have worked, though, because I get scared of animals too easily.

5. I wish there was some kind of device (?) that could read my Right-Brain and materialize the pictures, ideas, songs, etc. in my head because I am too lazy to do it.

6. My body sometimes operates psychosomatically, both to my relief and detriment. For those who don't know what "psychosomatic" is: it is where your mind says your body feels a certain way, then your body reacts in that way. It's all psychologically induced, kind of like the placebo affect. Unfortunately for some people this can be a disorder; however for me, it is just a stupid little quirk.


Now because I was a good sport and let my quirkiness loose on the world, I think these people should share their quirks, too: Nidia, Tatum, Nicole (if she's even blogging--she just had a baby!), Erin, Betty, Ilse, Tristan, Sierra, and Triana (because she NEEDS to update her blog. tisk, tisk.) To anyone else who wants to do this, I invite you to jump on board the cRaZy sHip with me!

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Normally, I would put this on the recipe blog, but I thought this recipe would catch the attention of the men out there who read blogs (yes, we know all about it boys.) This is a killer recipe for homemade Macaroni and Cheese, with a buffalo wings twist and it is sure to please.

It's so easy (Ha HA ha... inside joke.) It only took me about 15 minutes to make, so it's a good last-minute meal, too.

If you like wings and mac & cheese, well, this one's for you.

Penne pasta (about 8 oz.)
2 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz. cream cheese, cut in 1 " cubes
4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
2 Tbsp. wing sauce
Ranch-flavored croutons, crushed

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, combine flour and pepper in a saucepan over medium-high heat and add milk. Once that is brought to a boil, add all three cheeses. Once that is all thoroughly incorporated, add the wing sauce and cooked pasta. Divide among plates and garnish heavily with crushed croutons.

Have You Had This Happen To You Yet?

I lost my breath when I saw this blog: Tatertot Hairclips.


I don't think I can ever face my stash of felt ever, ever again for the rest of my life. When I saw these, I wanted to crawl in a corner, hide my face in shame and cry, "What's the point in trying?!" I got on a felt hair clip "kick" about a year ago and haven't "up'd my game" since then, making the same ol', same ol'. Now I see that I should not even touch the stuff again because I can't create anything worthy enough to be called "cute." I am so jealous of others' creative talents and blogging sure doesn't help that jealousy, (as I vented earlier today with some friends at Time Out For Women. Pictures of that to come.)

Pumpkin Patch Doll

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present...

October

We went to Linvilla Orchards yesterday with a fun group of kiddos/moms. I loved the comment we got when a passerby mumbled to herself, "Looks like a stroller parade." Siena loved it and I think the trip did me a world of good, too. I need to get out of the house! Anyway, the lovely and talented Danica snapped a couple of shots of our little munchkin on some pumpkins. Love it!

Go here to see the photo talent.

Lately, Siena has been asking, no... begging, for us to read to her. She has a favorite place to read, too; it's in a child-size armchair in the corner of the toy room. I no longer can sit there to read my own books while she plays because all she wants to do is read. I'm glad she is showing interest in that, though.

Another thing she likes (and this was just discovered last night) is when we flip her in a somersault in the air (I don't know a better way of describing it.) She laughs and laughs, all the while trying to regain her balance. It's a sight to see.

She also twirls around and around in circles (sometimes with her hands above her head like a ballerina.) This also brings out the drunken walk afterward. Maybe she fell on her head one too many times when she was learning how to walk and her vestibular system was jolted. I don't know, but I hope this "balance" issue isn't permanent.

Lastly, and most cute-ly, Siena has a new cousin... well, second-cousin. Nicole had her baby!! CONRATULATIONS COLEE AND BRIAN! Little Russell is one adorable baby. If I were a true-blue Utah blogger, I would now write something like "I want to just nibble his little cheeks" or "I could squish him all day!", but I won't. That's weird.

Time Out for Women

If anyone is interested in coming with us this weekend, I have a ticket left. ($44)

"Cool Beans" is right!

If you want to see all of the LDS temples of the world, click on the image.

I never really had one of those tear-welling, heart-swelling experiences the moment a new temple was announced. Of course, I thought it was wonderful, but it never really affected me the way it did this last General Conference. "Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Córdoba, Argentina...." When President Monson started the list of new temples to be constructed, "Philly, Philly, Philly" was thrumming in my heart. Hoping.

"...greater Kansas City area; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rome, Italy."

My reaction was like that of so many church members around the world when a new temple in their area is announced--I cried with a prayer of gratitude in my heart. I thought of the blessings that come from attending the temple and that so many more people will be able to take part in them.

Their are many blessings that Juan and I have experienced from our choice to attend the temple. When we are there it is a peaceful experience, one that brings us closer to our Heavenly Father and each other. We make promises with God and each other that we will do was is right and good. We are renewed with courage to go forward in faith through a world drenched in problems and sadness. We leave with protection and strength given us from God.

Currently, the closest temples to us are the Washington, D.C. Temple and the Manhattan, New York Temple. For church members who do not own a car (many families in the wards and branches out here,) temple attendance is difficult financially and time-wise, as is for most members in the world without a nearby temple. Although it is not a two, or three-day journey, members still have to wait until they can either carpool with another family or save up enough money to take the bus. The closer the temple is, the more often we all are able to attend and escape the busy lives we lead the moment we step through its doors.

I say what so many others have said, "I wish I would have gone to the temple more often when I lived so close to one." It means a whole lot more when you don't have it so readily available. For those of you who have a temple nearby (ahem...in Utah,) I hope you take advantage of it. Go for yourselves. Go for those who cannot. Just go.

This is what we'll be up to this weekend. I'm looking forward to it so much!

Go here for more information.

And the Winner Is...

Sara! She has won a day of FAME on my blog! (Come on, what did you expect, a million dollars?)

A Little Bit about Sara:


Storytime: a story about her favorite memory of her husband Isaac:

"The first time I saw Isaac after his mission, I was so nervous about how awkward it was going to be. He was such a gung-ho missionary, and even though he had been released for two days, I was planning on a handshake and embarrassing small talk. I drove up to my mom's house where we were meeting, and Isaac walked over to the car. As soon as I stepped out, he gave me a big hug, picked me up in the air, and twirled me around. Then he took my hand and we walked into the house. I was DYING (with happiness, of course)!"

Wipe a Tear: Sara is one the best examples of optimism, gratitude, and faith. She is a good friend and I wish I had many other qualities she possesses. Really, if you don't know her, you're missing out... and those who do know her count themselves blessed.

Links, Links, Links!: Adoption Blog ...and please pass the word on!

On a Different Note

If you're curious, here's what we've been up to (besides watching The Office:)

Juan has been enjoying his classes, for the most part. He loves his Restorative Dentistry lab because he actually gets a lot of hands-on practice. As to other classes, he is taking one from a teacher whose first language is Korean (?) and when the guy tries to teach in English, it comes out as gibberish. There is another professor who apparently speaks 150 words per second... this makes taking notes difficult. All in all, I think he is really happy to be at Temple and to be able to do what his father did as a profession.

Siena is saying "Papa", "Mama", and "No, no!" It's clear that I say the last word too much to her. She loves puppies and other animals. The other day, when I was working out in the yard, she spotted a puppy in a screen door from across the street. She started doing her best attempt at a barking dog, and wouldn't take her eyes (or her pointing finger) off the puppy. She also likes to climb stairs, although falling down them is her specialty (okay, we're only talking like three stairs, so don't call Child Services on us.) We're trying to teach her the consequences of climbing them by letting her learn from her little spills. Unfortunately, this hasn't been working, so if you have any suggestions....

I decided that I'm going to do the 1,200 calories/day diet again this month. June/July were so successful and I felt great, so I'm excited to do it again. And for the record, I did don the swimsuit last time; so, this time, I'm going to try to follow through without a set punishment/reward. We'll see how it goes.


Ready for some TRIVIA? Whoever is the first to answer this question correctly gets an übercool prize. (Winner stipulation: must not be shy.)

Q: What problem did Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and General George Patton have in common?

Doog Ckul!

The Fun Continues

Looks like I finally found an interesting topic! I guess healthcare is more exciting than electrifying stories of our family's daily life. So let's keep on this topic one more day. By the way, here are the candidates positions:

Barack Obama

John McCain

Ron Paul

What are your thoughts?

p.s. Victory for the Bailout Bill being DEFEATED! (At least for now.)

Lucky Numbers: 15-19-24-26

Just indulge me. Please.

So, I have really been thinking a lot about this political race (despite my best efforts,) and feel the need to make one of my opinions publicly clear. You may get the idea that I am being fed this information by right-wing conservatives; Rest assured, I have not been exposed to that since before the NDC/NRC and this is a product of my own research. Before I do that, however, I want to point out the fact that people will vote for what is advantageous to themselves, not anyone else. That's a blessing that comes from our 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments of the United States Constitution.

So, here you go:


Not many people are upset with an idea like socialized medicine. Free healthcare for everyone sounds pretty enticing given that medical bills are not exactly "a drop in the bucket." I believe that there are some serious problems with the current healthcare system, but changing over to a socialized plan would be disastrous!

Juan was on the subway one day when he noticed a button on someone's backpack that read, "Healthcare is not a privilege, it's a right!" Using that logic, having food is also a right, correct? Does that mean that the government should buy food for everybody?! Well, when someone doesn't have the means for food, what happens? The government provides ways for them to get it (i.e. Food Stamps, WIC, soup kitchens, shelters.) Back to healthcare; when someone doesn't have the means for proper healthcare, the government also provides ways for that to be afforded to them (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, WIC, etc.)** I know this sounds harsh, but I have to be blunt: people are capable. It is an innate quality of being part of the human race. Although it is difficult sometimes, people are capable, and if the government does not give them the chance to be capable, they will constantly use it as a crutch. I know it would seem a lot easier if the government would handle all of the medical expenses that one may incur, but consider the results if people didn't take care of that responsibility to the best of their ability:

• If you knew you could get free healthcare, it would be more likely that with every cough and sneeze, you would want to go see a nurse. And it wouldn't just be you, it would be everyone you know. This happened in the Soviet Union, and they had to abandon that form of healthcare. Lines in Canada for Medicare attention are so long it takes many months to be seen by one doctor.
• Materialistically, the system will deteriorate. Everything will be cheaper--and I do not use the word "inexpensive", I use the word "cheap". Innovation will be turned from creating something new and better to how can I make this with less money? Why? Because the government will be paying for it so research will just become a way to get a paycheck, not a race to success.
  
• Our economy is not exactly thriving at the moment, and the effects of the socialized system would eat away the value of a dollar like acid. The catch-phrase could be, "Who is going to pay for it? Not the government--the people!" Taxes. It's the only way to do it. Higher taxes are not good for an economy in the situation ours is in right now. What gets us out of this mess? Consumers spending money. (Econ 101, Dr. Wimmer, I did learn something!) higher taxes = less spending money = lower economic net income = we're in a worse place than when we started. So if you are no longer in charge of your medical bills, you spend less, and the "...Comes around, goes around..." starts.
• This is the part that affects me and Juan, so this is why I have to vote against socialized healthcare: We will remain hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt if this goes through. It's not funny and it's not right. Anyone who has gone through 4 years of college doing undergrad work, plus at least 4 more years of professional school can tell you that it is not easy. This country is run under that understanding that a man or woman will reap the rewards of their own labor. So why should anyone put in 8+ years and thousands and thousands of dollars into their education just to earn a low, government-based salary which will never allow them to climb out of the great hole of debt?
• That brings me to the results that will affect everyone: healthcare workers will no longer be professionals. Trade and technical schools will produce the dentists who will perform your extensive root canals or the doctor who conducts Coronary artery bypass surgeries. Another thing I learned in my Econ. class was that there are incentives for everything. Garbage men are paid quite well, as well as construction workers. Why? Because not a lot of people like to do that work, so the incentive is a higher paycheck. Why would someone invest thousands of dollars into his/her education without an incentive? They wouldn't, and we will be left with downgraded care and less-educated technicians.

I don't know what the answers to our healthcare problems are, however, if we implement a socialized medicine plan, it would be a definite step backward.

As you can imagine, I could go on; however, I will just finish this post by saying that I hesitated in publishing it because I know that not everyone thinks the same way as I do (and it could possibly expose myself to some heated, yet friendly, debates.) I hope that you know that even if you don't agree with me, that's okay. Like I said, people agree with what is advantageous to themselves, and you may not see my point of view as advantageous per se. However, it is important enough to me that everyone is informed about this that I want to spread the word, even if it is in my own little blog-o-sphere. And don't forget:

(I just had to throw that in.)

**I would like to clear up the third paragraph that some may read in a different way than intended: I believe that the government help that people receive is good and right when used as intended--as a temporary help through very hard times. My squabble is with permanent uses of government aids when people are still physically capable of earning a paycheck that provides for their needs. Hope that clears up any misunderstandings.

The budget held us back a bit, but at least that obtrusive shrub is out of the way. I'm off to go plant my bulbs now.

"Almost Done!" Update:

Oops, I just broke the saw while trying to decapitate the hideous evergreen. Shrub removal delayed.

Almost Done!

I've been working (working hard!) the last two days on our front yard. It's not perfect and I didn't follow my plan, but it is BETTER and that's all I really needed it to be. Give me one more day to finish up the last few details (i.e. remove the shrub) and I'll post pictures.

Nothing Better to Write... So I'll Post This:

Today I had a lapse in judgment while cooking; I know better than to put something cold and watery into hot, hot oil. I was just too excited for sauteed onions on my burger, I didn't stop to think.

Now might be a good time to deal with the poison oak in our backyard.

Wanna Visit Us?

Roundtrip Airline Tickets from SLC to PHL are now $239 (taxes included!) DIRECT FLIGHT! Click Here if interested. (Must be bought at least 14 days in advance with very, very FEW black-out days.)

Anybody in the mood for a Philly Cheesesteak and a Water Ice?

Smells of the Season

Apples
Pumpkin Pie... well, any pie for that matter
Wet dirt
Burning Ditches (only found in farming areas)
Straw
Silage (I like that smell for some odd reason)
Pears
Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Glazed Doughnuts
Candles
Rain
Mulch
Citrus with spices
Decaying Leaves
Smoke from wood-burning stoves
Apple Butter... Mmmmm