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!