Trick or Treat!

Here are some great photos of Little Man A and Little Sprout (Isdihara's little guy) at our local library's "Parade of Costumes". They got to hear the cutest Halloween books, parade around the library for treats, and all the costumes we too cute!

I'm a Marilyn

Wenderina posted her results from a recent "test" she took online, Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn?. It's only two questions, but so far from the results of her test and mine, it's fairly accurate.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

* Be direct and clear (True!)
* Listen to me carefully
* Don't judge me for my anxiety
* Work things through with me
* Reassure me that everything is OK between us (Too Ture!!)
* Laugh and make jokes with me
* Gently push me toward new experiences
* Try not to overreact to my overreacting. (especially in an argument)

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

* being committed and faithful to family and friends
* being responsible and hardworking
* being compassionate toward others
* having intellect and wit
* being a nonconformist
* confronting danger bravely
* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind (I hate this!)
* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself (True- how long did it take me to start my business?)
* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of (Hello! I'm a military wife!)
* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right (Amen!!)
* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations (Can you say OCD?)

Marilyns as Children Often

* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
* are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent (I hope this isn't ture!)

Marilyns as Parents

* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence (Aren't all parents?)
* worry more than most that their children will get hurt
* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Try it for yourself.

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

September in Review

Last month, now that I look back, is a total blur. Maybe because October is almost over, but also because Gramma and Pop-pop visited for a week and then we were off to Disney (that's for October's month in review)! Here's a few highlight photos.

The month started out with Labor Day weekend and our first trip to B&O Railroad in Baltimore. Little Man was in total awe when we pulled into the parking lot. Then when we actually walked into the building, he was in total disbelief. Needless to say, we've helped with his obsession of trains. I can hear him now at Trains Anonymous, "Hello. My name is Little Man A and I love trains."


The following weekend Little Man A got his first haircut. I was trying so hard to see if it would grow out into a surfer dude haircut, but alas it just wasn't full enough to manage that look. I of course was the paranoid mommy who was calling it a "trim" rather than a "cut", just in case that word would evoke images of mass killings. Anyways, he did great.


The next day was Kid's Fest at the B&O Railroad. So, since we purchased a membership, we headed back to Baltimore. This time we arrived as soon as they opened and kept Little Man going until he crashed. He ended up falling asleep on the train ride (right around noon - poor schedule baby) that showcases some of the older parts of the railway line. Afterwards, we had our lunch at a local park and continued on with the fun-filled day. We all had a great time.


Gramma and Pop-pop came to visit and just in time for Gramma's birthday weekend. Our first excursion was to the Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport, but still part of the Smithsonian Institute. A large, open concept "hanger" building with lots of room for a running toddler, I think the best part of the museum has to be the observation tower. Pointed in the general direction of Dulles Airport, if you arrive in the morning, you can literally see plane after plane land in the runway. At one point, Little Man was sitting in the front of the tower and every minute there would be another plane coming in on each side.


Gramma and Pop-pop were able to join us in our Sunday tradition visit to IKEA for a late breakfast. It also happened to be Gramma's birthday!


After Little Man's afternoon siesta, we headed out to our second excursion. The Potomac Point Fall Harvest Festival. Although Gramma is not a wine drinker, and we arrived a little later than we had wanted, we still had a fun time. Both Little Man and I got to stomp grapes (purchased from a local grocery store) and ink our feet. We enjoyed decorating and eating a pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie, a wine tasting (while Little Man watched "Happy Feet" and played in the kiddy room) and later, a nice dinner out.


That night, we all enjoyed a birthday cupcake-cake that Gramma and Pop-pop made in the shape of a truck ... just for Little Man A. It's from a Wilton kit that when you configure the cupcake shapes can create a truck, a rocket, or a train. Gramma wanted to practice for Little Man's birthday. Little Man agreed, it was a good birthday cake!


Hubby was able to take off the rest of the week previous to us leaving for Orlando, so Monday we ventured into downtown D.C. We decided to drive into the Springfield station so we could take the Metro into D.C. rather than trying to find parking. Little Man was so excited to finally get on "a train" bound for somewhere. He held on tight, just like Daddy.


Our first stop was at the Pentagon to visit the new Pentagon Memorial. A lot of thought, time, and effort went into this beautiful memorial where we honor those we lost at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.


We ventured back onto the Metro to end up on the Mall around the corner from the Museum of Natural History. We stopped in the park first for a yummy lunch while Little Man chased after the pigeons on the ground. Inside, we were able to see the newly opened Sant Ocean Hall and of course, check out the Mammal Hall. Little Man loved looking and touching all the exhibits.


Surprise to say, Little Man actually kept going for another hour or so. We headed back to the metro before rush hour started (FYI if you catch the metro between 9:30 and 3pm, the rates are half the normal cost!) and Little Man passed out on the ride home. Thankfully, we took the long way home because as soon as we tried to transfer him into his car seat, he woke up. Thanks to the help of Gramma and Pop-pop, he was able to make it through the rest of the night without any major meltdown.


The next day, we began getting ready for our little vacation to Orlando. We purchase a timeshare at Sheraton Vistana Resort in 2006 right around the corner from Disney. I mean, if there we no trees between the condo and Disney, we could see Epcot. They are building a new condo, Sheraton Vistana Villages, a little further away, but still fairly close. For a rate we could not pass up, we stayed for 4 days, 3 nights and received two tickets to Disney, dinner at Planet Hollywood, and two AMC movie tickets that we can use anywhere. I was trying to get Little Man excited about the venture and also wanted to make sure he had plenty of toys (not like he wouldn't have anything to do there). So I brought out one of his backpacks and he helped fill it with his favorite trucks.



Granted I know it took me an entire month to get this post us, but I'll make sure to get October's month in review up next week. Make sure to check back for Disney pics, Lake Ridge Nursery Fall Festival pics, ad of course, Halloween. Have a good one!

A quick update

Lori, this is for you.

I posted last month about Little Man being due for a haircut and that he was expressing interested in using the potty. Well, we accomplished the first that following weekend.

We took him to "Cartoon Cuts" which specializes in kids haircuts. They have televisions and special movies, cool mirrors, and colorful caricatures throughout the little booths. We walked in on Saturday afternoon since the morning was full of temper tantrum city. Fortunately, there was no wait and the stylist got to trimming A's hair before he even knew what hit him. I'm sure that's the proper way to do it, just so the little tykes don't flip out, but Little Man was totally stunned about what was going on.



I was busy snapping pictures left and right from behind, it wasn't until I came around for Little Man to see me that he lost it. Fortunately, she was done. All 2 minutes later. And $17 later. Although I was disappointed that the stylist didn't ask if he wanted to watch a "special movie" like Thomas the Tank, we did get a little certificate and she was able to save a few little curls from the side of his head.

It used to be that when I picked him up, his hair would tickle my face. Now I just feels like stubble. I do have to say it seemed a little short at first, but it's already grown out quite a bit since then. I'm sure he'll be like his daddy and need a haircut every 4 weeks or so.

As for the potty fiasco, we've purchased two step stools from IKEA. He definitely knows how to put them in front of the toilet (Mom's OCD gene is showing through when he places the stool in front of the toilet "just so"), lift up the toilet seat, and attempt to pull his pants down. Usually its right after he went, but at least he knows the process. I'm not really in a rush for it though. I mean, there are 3 and 4-year olds out there walking around in diapers still (not that I want my child to be one of them). Maybe it's last little bit of babyhood that I'm not wanting to get rid of just yet. We'll keep trying.

It's here!

Scraps 2 Remember website is finally here! MY brother was able to finish the majority of it last week, leaving a few minor details for later. So check it out and let me know what you think of it!


Scraps 2 Remember

Consider his buttons pushed

Everyone has buttons. Either it be good buttons, like when Little Man begs and signs "please" when he wants to watch a particular video with trains. Or it be bad buttons - take something away from him and he goes into a full blown rage. Little Man's button:


We took our normal Sunday trip to IKEA for our deliciously cheat breakfast today. When we ventured downstairs to the "Scratch and Dent" section, hubby found a slightly damaged set of train track with 4 magnet trains (actually it was just an opened set that someone had written on with pen) for only $3.99. Granted I know Gramma and Pop-pop purchased a train table with train tracks and accessories for Christmas, but compared to $14.99 for this set, it was a no brainer.

We came home and at first I was only going to let him play with two out of the four trains. Then he saw the train track and started saying "track. train track." So that blew that idea.

He was doing fine, taking apart and putting the track together. Watching daddy rearrange the tracks to numerous configurations. Until he started to get frustrated with the track. He threw the first piece, then a second, and we said "all done. no more trains."

That would be where we pushed his buttons. He exploded. Full blown rage for an almost 2 year old. Guess we know what to threaten him with next time he misbehaves (just kidding those who are reading from CPS).

Needless to say, we had to set him aside by himself until he calmed down. Since it was so close to lunch/naptime, we tried offering him milk or a pretzel to see if that would change his mind set. When that didn't work, we just put him to bed. For him to figure out his emotions.

Hopefully, when he wakes up, we can start fresh.

Well, that blows.

Due to possible inclement weather tomorrow, the Fall Festival of Lake Ridge is canceled and will not be rescheduled. Bummer.

Do you know how hard I've been working on my presentation? My flyers, over 300 diecuts in 100 baggies to pass out, new business cards, a carnival themed game (guess how many stickers in the jar to win a 25% off coupon), and a framed 12x16 poster propped up with a table easel. I wanted to make a DVD of my layouts instead of bringing all my albums, but I wasn't able to figure out how. Thankfully, I'll be refunded the $20, but still I was really hoping to get at least ONE client out of this event.

Then on top of that, hubby had an interview with a colonel yesterday to prep his application for direct commission (to become an officer). His short story version of how things went, "Get ready to start packing." All that means is that he has a good feeling about the interview and he was told that he could know as early as next week if it's been accepted. From there he still has to go to school (probably January), meaning it could be as late as May next year that we'll be moving to who knows where.

And it's suppose be windy and raining this weekend. Great.

Scraps 2 Remember at the Fall Festival

Scraps 2 Remember will be at this year's Fall Festival in Lake Ridge, VA. I needed a way to advertise my services, but I really didn't have the income to spend $300 for a business card size ad in a small local paper. So for $20, I'll be showcasing my work this weekend.

If you live in the D.C. area and would like to take a real look at my scrapbooking work, make sure to stop by Lake Ridge's Fall Festival. This Saturday from 10am-2pm, there will be Carnival themed contests and a Moon Bounce as we celebrate the arrival of fall. Activities include the Children’s Costume Contest and Parade at 11A.M., a mouse hunt followed by a Build a Scarecrow event (bring your own clothes and accessories) at 1P.M., and a Carved Jack-O-Lantern judging (all Jack-O-Lanterns must be pre-carved) at 1:30P.M. Come check out vendors’ wares from across the region that will fill the lot with great bargains, one-of-a-kind collectibles and original arts and crafts. There’s something for everyone at this year’s Fall Festival! Don’t miss this fun family day packed with food, games and prizes!

If you would like directions and more information, check out the link:

Lake Ridge Fall Festival

Hope to see you there!

$2.45

Yes, I know. I said I would be posting about when Gramma and Pop-pop visited, but a lot has been going on since then. I've actually picked up another client and I'm getting ready to attend the Fall Festival in Lake Ridge. I'll be showcasing my work and hopefully spread the word about me and my scrap-tastic work!

Anyways, I've been meaning to take a picture of our local gas prices (actually at BJ's and Sam's Club), but today I forgot my camera....and I really wanted to tell everyone what our prices are here. Yes, the title is correct! $2.45!! How flipping cool is that?!! I filled up our gas guzzling Ford F-150 for only $57.50! Considering we've been on a stricter budget lately and have allotted $200 for gas per month, this leaves more money for groceries buying cricut cartridges on ebay!

So, I'll try really hard to get the "month in review" post up this week. Next week, I'll post about our visit to the local Fire Station and the local pumpkin patch/nursery. Then be prepared for some uber-cute halloween pictures next month! This year, Little Man is Tigger!

TTFN!

Oh what fun...

Hello fellow blog-land. Long time no blogging. Hope you didn't forget about me. Between the parents visiting, our short trip to Walt Disney World, and just trying to get back on track, it's left no time for blogging. I've managed to put this one entry together for your viewing pleasure.

Gramma and Pop-pop are just the coolest people in the world to Little Man A. Especially when they come bearing goodies. And what better goodie than a new toy... er, bath paints. Yup, my child was painted with blue, red, and yellow the first night Gramma and Pop-pop showed up. Needless to say, Little Man and Gramma were so excited about them they neglected to check the age appropriateness, the fact that it is NOT tear proof, and that used in excessive amounts could turn your child a different shade. Especially the yellow one.

But no worries. He, I should say they, had a great time painting with colored soap. And who wouldn't when you can look like this:




Stay tuned for more fun with Gramma and Pop-pop (unless of course she beats me to it).