Up for Interpretation

I am sorry kids, but you were born into a family with a mom that has absolutely no artistic abilities. I wish I could help you make wonderful arts and crafts. I wish I could nurture your creative abilities. I wish the projects that we make together wouldn't turn out so weird:

Pumpkin Bread

Today, Tyler was "Very Special Person" in his preschool class. One of his responsibilities is to provide a snack for the class. Last time, he held the position, I took the easy route and sent cheese and crackers. Baking is just not something that I do very often. My oven cooks uneven and the temperature gauge is not accurate. I am also not a skilled baker. So, the combination makes the likelihood of a delectable dessert being produced in my kitchen very rare. I was amazed when this recipe for Pumpkin Bread actually worked, and I felt good about sending the finished product with Tyler to school. I thought I would share it, because if I can make it taste good, you can too!

Here is a picture of how mine turned out (minus half of the loaf that was sent to school):


*Note: I omitted the walnuts and coconut from the recipe, but am sure it would be just as good if I had included them.

School Pictures

Yesterday was picture day at pre-school. As expected, Tyler didn't want anything to do with it. We watched as child after child walked over to the mat and posed with perfect smiles while the photographer took a couple dozen shots. She would tell the kids to say silly things like "turkey" or "stinky feet" and every single one of them would repeat with no complaint. Those parents are going to have a hard time choosing which adorable shot they will want to include in their scrapbooks.

Meanwhile, Tyler screamed and kicked every time I tried to get him to take a turn. After about 40 minutes of begging and bribing him, the photographer came up with a brilliant idea of having Tyler sit on my legs (with me conveniently out of the shot), while she snapped 2 close ups. Even though there was a hint of a smile, I will be in shock if either of those shots actually turn out well. Because I am a smart mother and anticipated such, I took a few pictures in the comfort of our home before we went to school. Sure, I don't have the cute forest setting in the background, but when you are as handsome as Tyler, who needs Bambi to make you look good?

Chuck E. Cheese Madness

Recently, we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate a friend's 2nd Birthday party. Between Arthur and Tyler, I don't know who had more fun. At one point, I was watching Tyler play a game similar to Plinko, and I glance over to see Arthur and some random kid (not from the party) playing Air Hockey. Arthur claims he let the kid win, but between you and me, I think he is full of it. Later, he disappeared and returned after about 20 minutes with a fist full of tickets that he had won playing Skee-ball. Even though you walk away feeling like you got hit by a bus, Chuck E. Cheese is a kid's (and a Dad's) paradise.

Happy Halloween

Tyler and Dylan hope everyone had a happy Halloween last night! We had a great time.

The festivities began at Tyler's school, where the kids sat on the patio steps to sing songs to the parents. I was pretty proud that Tyler did not get up when he saw me and actually sat nicely through the entire program (even if he did try to swing from the banister a couple times).


The next day, we went to Arthur's work for their Halloween party. Disney people are pretty creative when it comes to costumes. After Tyler freaked out during our photo op with Mickey, I was sure he would be terrified of the Grim Reaper we encountered on our way to lunch. Tyler, always one to surprise me, actually smiled and waved at the Angel of Death. Then when a Klingon came to sit at the table next to us, Tyler started to giggle and make funny faces at him. Perhaps next year, we will forgo waiting in the long line to get our picture with the cute Disney characters, and just ask a passing zombie if he will pose with the kids.


On Halloween night, we planned on going trick-or-treating to only 3 of our neighbor's homes. But, Tyler and Dylan were so excited about the whole thing, we ended up visiting 8 houses on the street. I think the neighbors were more thrilled we showed up because our hilly neighborhood is not a hot spot for kids on Halloween. Other than us, there was only one other group of kids that braved the hills and made it to our street.