Crazy Adventures in Parenting

First Football Game

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

It was Super M's first flag football game last weekend.

His first ever.

My goodness, is he the teeniest player on the planet? (Bushy, curly-haired kid in red in the center. I would've put an arrow, but it would've been bigger than he is, for crying out loud. And, I didn't want to jack up the cuteness that is this photo. Criminy!)

See how small they were, they had to tie their little pinnies on their backs so they'd stay on. Goodness, they were so friggin' cute.

This week he got a new "job" for the team - he's now the center. The center is the one that snaps the ball and hands it to the quarterback.

And yes, there were cheerleaders. Kindergarten cheerleaders. Holy crap, I was dying from Severe Cuteness Overload™. Seriously.

(P.S. The reason they're all wearing something different is because their uniforms haven't come in yet.)

(P.P.S. Their uniforms are all due to come in this week, and we'll be out of town for their next game for Thanksgiving week.)

(P.P.P.S. Out of town, you ask? Yes. It's a surprise for the kidlets. Shhh, don't tell.)

(P.P.P.P.S. Should you hear on the news "Mom Dies from Cuteness, Film at 11" it's me.)

(P.P.P.P.P.S How many freakin' times can I say "cute" in one post? Sheesh.)

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How to Make an Easy Tutu

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:45:00 +0000

A tutu is an easy enough craft to make right alongside your children, just like I did. My teenager was completely involved with making hers, and loved it. The materials are inexpensive to buy, too. Consider this a fun, rainy day craft, or begin preparing now, as Christmas is coming!

Before you jump on in, there are a couple questions that need to be established before you make a tutu - do you want an elastic waist, a ribbon one, or both (wrapped elastic with ribbon)? Do you want to tie the tulle onto the waist, or do you want it sewn? (If you want it sewn, see the tutorial link at the end.)

The easiest way to do make a tutu, I think, is to use an elastic waist and tie it. Why, you ask? Because elastic is already stiff by nature, is easily propped up by a gallon of water, a big bucket, or hung on a hanger to tie the tulle onto. A ribbon, however, has to be tied and is obviously much more 'limp' to work with. But, this isn't my tutu you're going to make, this is yours, so first decide how you want to start.

You will need:

At least 3/8" elastic
2-3 yards of tulle in each color (or more, for an even fuller tutu), cut into 6 inch strips (if you plan to cut it and not sew it)
straight pins
needle and thread or a stapler

Prepare the waist by measuring your child's waist. If you're using elastic, take off at least 2 inches, and join together the elastic by stapling it or stitching it closed. If you're using ribbon, mark off the measured "ends" but add 12 inches (6 inches each side) to tie the ribbon off when you are finished.

You'll want to prop the circle of elastic onto a water jug or bowl (I think it makes it easier to work with.)

After you've cut the tulle as instructed above, take each strip, one by one, and form a loop at the elastic (or ribbon) and pull the two ends through, so that they point outwards in a sun-formation. (Full picture tutorial here) Alternate your colors, scrunching the fabric together. If you do not wish to wrap your waist in elastic over the knots, then scrunch extra tight. If you do wish to wrap, scrunch tightly, but loose enough to maneuver between the knots.

Once you've tied all of your strips on, ensure your elastic or ribbon is covered if you aren't wrapping your waist. Tie a bow with your remaining ribbon (if you used a ribbon waist) and add embellishments with a hot glue gun (gems, flowers, etc). If you have used an elastic waist, you can tie ribbon on to make a bow, or begin to wrap your waist now. Leave a six inch section on the starting end (to tie into the finishing bow later) and wrap in tightly in between each knot to cover the knots to make a uniform waist. Once you reach the end, cut it leaving six inches off the the end, tie into a bow, and add another bow. Straighten the tulle, shake it out a bit, and admire your creation, you're done!

For variations on what I did, this tutorial uses elastic, like I did, but shows you how you can staple the elastic together, instead of sewing it. This tutorial uses ribbon for the waist instead of elastic. And here is a great list of variations you can do on the regular tutu.

I plan to make a sewn and filled tutu for my daughter for Christmas. I already have the tulle, I can't wait to get started! And someday, when I'm much more comfortable with sewing, I plan to attack making a pettiskirt. Oy.

What do you think, do you think this is something you can make?

(Don't forget my other tutorial, How to Make a Super Hero Costume).
More tutorials to come: How to Applique, How to Make a Crayon Tote, How to Make a Crayon Roll Up and more)

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Power Outage Fun

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:15:00 +0000

In the middle of our macaroni and cheese dinner, just before football practice, the power suddenly disappeared on us, just as the sun was setting.

I could've been pissed, but I wasn't. I wholeheartedly love all of my candles, and so I took the grill lighter, and happily lit each of them to admire, and bravely tried using my camera to take their picture.

I love candlelight, don't you?

The kids and I sat in candle light while we played every light up toy we could find in the house. That was kind-of fun! (and so were the camera tricks) See?

My husband and I played Rummy by candlelight after the kids had gone to bed. The power came on in the wee hours of the morning, long after we'd fallen asleep. We camped out in the living room in sleeping bags. Definitely not the idea we'd had for our Friday night, but man, I hadn't laughed like that in a long time. Definitely Friday the 13th, eh?

(Psst, remind me to learn how to REALLY use the camera in the dark.)

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Something Sickly This Way Coughs

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:45:00 +0000

I would love to sit here and tantalize your eyes with hilarious tales of parenting, messy concoctions, funny diatribes by my children, days filled with laughter and hilarity, but I can't.

I feel about as useful as a poopie-flavored lollipop.

Being sick just ain't fun. There's too much to do and not enough of me to do it in.

Mom's can't afford to be sick, you know? We're too busy butt-wipin', diaper-wranglin', laundry-doin', vacuum-runnin', boob-feedin', dish-haulin', scrubbin' and baby-keepin' to be knocked down with something silly like a persistent cough or runny nose. The dishes don't do themselves. The poop doesn't magically disappear with the wave of a wand, or sprinkle of pixie dust (oh, how I wish it would), and the floor doesn't magically clean itself (unless, you are the lucky owner of a Roomba, that is. Or it's something wickedly tasty according to your infant, who loves finding things to eat off your floor).

The strange thing about this whole thing is, I'm not normally a sick person. We eat pretty healthy, I work out, take vitamins, etc. However, something is definitely not right when I can't shake this off despite my magic, cold-fighting arsenal. (Could I seriously be allergic to this military post, or something?) No matter, though, because the show must go on. And by "the show" I mean, life as a mom to six children, in a cramped, military house with chores to do and not enough time in the day to do it all in.

I'm doing what I could to maintain sanity (or some semblance of it), acting as the rubber wall in a pin-ball machine, pinging kids off me and back into play in between fights, and all while doing my best to get things done and stay in the upright position. Definitely attempting my best, however, I'm not sure my sickly best is good enough.

Despite my inability to dispose of this awful cough, my not-so-miserably-coughing smile shone through at many times. Many hugs were issued, along with copious I love you's and kisses a-plenty (on the cheek, of course, so no one else gets my plague). Many more so when the discovery of fresh, homemade Banana muffins were discovered by my kidlets (yes, I know I'm strange, I bake when I'm sick).

It was a not-so-very good, but not-too-awful day. I am alive, cough and all. For how much longer, who knows.

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Real Life

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:15:00 +0000

Sniffly green eyes, in a constant state of coughing, these past few weeks

Tired, bloodshot eyes, desperate for a tweeze and a rest

Always a constant - comfortable attire; some sort of cotton t-shirt or tank top with yoga pants, jeans or these, hubby's fleece pajamas, eleventy-billion sizes too big, masking feet in need of a repolish

There's always some strange combination of belongings on the stairs, constantly ignored, stepped over like they're insignificant

The Leaning Tower of Towels™ stacked precariously on the back of the couch, overlooked until it topples on an unsuspecting person trying to relax finally {cough}

If only laundry (and sickness) were a sketch that could be erased..

... I would bear that eraser well, and swiftly start over again. This time, healthy, and ready.

You Capture: real life

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Veteran's Day Military Family Style

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:15:00 +0000

To celebrate Veteran's Day, my military children got to learn the ins and outs of military equipment, the fun part of the job.

Tanks? Check.

Helicopters? Check.

Actual parachutes? Check.

Jumpy houses for Baby Dude while the kids played with Army stuff? Check.

(P.S. If I could be this happy all the time, I would win at life.)

Thank you to the men and women who made this event here at Fort Polk a success for our families. It did my heart good to see it jam-packed with smiling faces and families truly blessed and happy to be a whole family once more.

Many congratulations to you on a job well done to the soldiers who are home safe and sound with your families. My continued prayers and thoughts are with all of you, fighting the good fight and still in harms ways overseas. I hope to see you stateside soon, friends.

Happy Veteran's Day to every single person in uniform. Thank you for all that you do.

Did you write a Veteran's Day post today?
Please link up, I'd love to share with others in uniform your thoughts.

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To Do Tuesday Week 40

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

Good things that happened this week:

Kindergartner made "Student of the Week" - so cute!!
Got more Christmas shopping done and thensome this weekend
Football games started, and they're looking good! Including Kindergartner, who's never played before... he's so teeny!
Found a new, inexpensive outlet store nearby
Printed a few, awesome coupons, to shop with this weekend, as well as a new place online to shop.
Feeling like I'm really getting there for Christmas

Bad things:

"Aunt Flo" is visiting, and is wreaking havoc. Bleh, 'nuff said. (Guys, I apologize, had to be said)
With all this shopping, we've eaten at restaurants twice this week. I feel so meh and icky.
I need to make a doctor's appointment.
I'm struggling with giving away maternity and baby clothes.

How's your week shaping up, along with your preparation for the holidays? Hubby and I have both agreed on how much more organized we feel this year, in getting it done earlier.

More holiday preparations:

More plotting and planning for gift-giving this year.
Purchase sale items, and research others.
Layaway items at PX
Begin organizing items purchased. It's getting a little crazy in that closet, up there.
Shop for second-hand items found for sale

For my regular, ol' To Do list this week:

Two words I need to do or I'm grounding myself - BACK YARD
Organize and take picture of items to sell, and post on local yardsale website
Pay bills this week
Begin our preparations for our surprise trip for Thanksgiving *ahem* :)
Grocery shopping/coupons/list
Finish the Robin Miller cookbook giveaway and post another?
Begin Christmas sewing projects, woohoo!!
Take Halloween decor down, leave fall decor up, add a few Christmas items?

Staying on my diet every day* (Be good, young lady. You had a week of not-so-good this week...)
Work out 4 times this week* (I've decreased it, I need to. It's unrealistic to do it every day now) :(

*Will weigh myself Wednesday morning.

Today's motivation - stopping. I know that sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? Stopping?!? What kind of motivation is that, Lisa? But think about it - how many times are you runningrunningrunning, on the go, blazing, hair on fire... just stop. Or, what about out of control moments, when your kids are berserk and you want to blow your lid.. just stop. Or perhaps the times when the tasks are mounting, the dust is lurking, the laundry is piling, your patience is wearing.. just stop. Stop, breathe, step outside in the autumn air. Take the kids for a walk, get in the car and drive to no where, just put on your music, listen to a good song, crack the window, inhale deeply, and breathe. Even if it's for ten seconds to decompress, you need that time, all the time. Make sure you take that time to "stop", okay?

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "~~cross-out~~" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 40

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Old Navy, Gap & Banana Republic 30% off Printable Coupon

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:15:00 +0000

I couldn't NOT blog about this, for those of you trying to knock out holiday shopping early, like I am, all while scooping up fantastic deals!

Visit http://www.gapgiveandget.com and pick one of six charities (I picked Service Nation). You can print a 30% off coupon to use at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic (their outlets, too) for four days beginning November 12th - 15th, and 5% of your purchase goes to the charity you chose!

Go forth, shop, and save! You're welcome! :)

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MckMama and Stellan Thoughts and Prayers Edited

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Today, I'm feeling a bit ungrateful. After a very full, exciting weekend, in which the kids had entirely too much to do their little bodies exploded all over the van, the stores, the football field, the fall fest, and mommy lost her temper a ~~couple~~ too many times. And then I got all caught up on Stellan, and my heart sank. Ungratefulness tastes pretty bitter, and I sure spoonfed myself heaps of it this weekend.

Today, instead of feeling the anxiety overcome me, feeling the impatience grip me like a glove, instead of letting my children test my breaking point, I will take more deep breaths, I will count to ten, I will inhale and exhale, and I will remember - they are healthy, and I am lucky. They are beautiful little spitfires; they are smart, active, spazzy, adorable, HEALTHY children. And I am one of the luckiest of the lucky ones. I have six of these blessings.

Jennifer and Stellan, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. Stellan, hold on, little dude, you can do it.

Picture taken from our previous prayer post for baby Stellan. We did it before, we can do it again.

Prayer I wrote the day of his first ablation:

My thoughts are with you and your mother, sweet Stellan.
You've got a lot of people worrying, praying, and thinking of you today.
Everyday I check on her blog.
Everyday I check on him.
Everyday I cry seeing his beautiful face, thankful for each and every picture, depicting him okay despite her tales of their struggle.
Let today be another day I get to look at more pictures of his face.
Let today be another day his mother gets to take more pictures of that face.
And hug him.
And nurse him.
Let today's surgery be successful.
Please.
Let this nightmare end for them.
Let them take him home.
Healthy.
Please.

Update - He made it through surgery wonderfully!!! Woohoo!!!

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Do You Know What Happens When You Go to Sleep at 9pm?

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:15:00 +0000

I didn't either, until last night. I mean, I'm sure I've gone to sleep that early before, probably during an illness, or newborn stage with one of my children. But 9pm is super-duper early. It's my kids' bedtime, for crying out loud!

Last night, we were coming home from a day of shopping and having just had dinner at a restaurant, I found myself already having trouble keeping my eyes open in the car ride home. I must've dozed off, because before I knew it, we were at the gate to post, and I was shuffling to get my ID out. Then, wham, we were miraculously at the house and I had to stumble my tired body inside.

I felt like a narcolept, like I could've gone back to sleep standing up, I could hardly keep my eyes open.

I'm not sure what's going on with me, but even with losing weight, eating better, working out, I find myself really tired. Anemia maybe? Last night I just gave in, the baby needed boob, the football game was on, and the couch and heating pad were too delicious to resist for my sleepy eyes.

Has any of you ever experienced something like this?

(P.S. After a full day of flag football, walking around the Fall Fest on Saturday, and Flea Market & Christmas shopping/walking on Sunday, perhaps it was just fresh air!?)

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Thanksgiving for Kids

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a holiday with many different family traditions, isn't it? Did your grandmother make her famous pumpkin pie, or your mother make those melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes? Do you have fond memories of the turkey, it's trimmings, and about precious family time shared at the dinner table? It's a time for remembering all that we are thankful for, and to realize how important it is, especially in today's economy, that we are blessed to have what we have. Parents can teach children about the origin of Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, the successful harvest, all while filling the air with the delicious scents of the holiday.

Thanksgiving is a great excuse for engaging in activities and amusement with our children, such as cooking, crafts, and games. What a wonderful excuse it is to take time out of your hustle and bustle of your day to spent that quality time with your children. Do your like to teach your children to learn about Thanksgiving while interacting such as puzzles, trivia, and crafts? If so, be sure to check out Crayola's Thanksgiving Bingo coloring page. I think it's pretty cute. If you're in the mood to play bingo yourself, you could visit this Online Bingo website.

Matern-Eternity

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:30:00 +0000

I've been cleaning out my house for, oh, EVER now. How many times have I declared we were having a yard sale? {cough} Um, yeah...

I *really am* going to have one. Probably not until next spring, now that we're hip deep in flag football and our Saturdays are spoken for until Christmas. (I kid you not).

So, I have already went through my clothes, vowing to purge all of the bigger stuff. And I did. I won't hang onto it like I had in the past, for the "just in case I gain weight again" time. It's going this time - for good. Sayonara! Arrivederci! Au revior! See ya! G'bye! No chance in H-E-double-hockey-sticks I'm gonna need you anymore, the weight is off for good!

Only, after I purged, everything laid in one, big, gigantic slob of a pile of clothes-way-too-big-for-me that sat pouting in a corner of my bedroom. Bad, Lisa, bad! I just never had the chance (or the will) to go through them, pile them just so, snap pictures, post them online.. workworkwork. Meh. Tonight, however, I dug in, allergies first. Yup, sneezed and sneezed and sneezed.. ACHOO! Dusty clothes are M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E. for someone with dust allergies.

As I was making piles in this size here, that size there, preparing to bag them up and free the corner of my room, I peered over at another stack I'd made. One that I'm reluctant to do anything with. The maternity pile.

(I totally just scared you all, didn't I? No, I'm not expecting.)

I have held onto these for, what feels like, forever. How do I part with them? How do I get rid of them? For that matter, how do I begin getting rid of the clothes my Baby Dude has grown out of, too? There is no other after him, he is it.

With each child we have tubs of clothes, as they grow out, we take out the next size. We save for the next child what is in good condition. I have been saving Baby Dude's clothes, just as I did his brothers' and sisters' clothes. But there is no "next child," so there is no "next time" for my maternity clothes.

But I'm not ready to bag them up and part with them yet. It's too... final.

In those clothes there are ones that have covered my bulging belly with many-a baby kicking through. Ones that have been a good "catch-all" for dribbles from my hungry, pregnant mouth. Ones that helped my belly make a good plate holder, or remote spot. Ones that made me feel pretty, even when I couldn't see my toes. Baby clothes that have warmed my babies after a miserably cold bath, or covered their finger-like toes, or absorbed their newborn baby scent those first months. Ones I could've buried my nose in. Ones I can still almost smell them in.

How do I part with them? How do I say goodbye to them, to all of them and the memories they fill me with and the times they represent?

Until then, my bedroom corner will just have to contend with having a small, well-loved pile of maternity and baby clothes. Even if my back, my body and brain have said "no more," my heart can't seem to commit to it just yet.

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Meeting Robin Miller and Cookbook Giveaway

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Just over a month ago, I had the extreme pleasure to go to New York City and meet Robin Miller face to face.

After having interviewed her a few months back, I took some of the advice she offered and applied it to how I cook for my family. At that time, I was given a complimentary copy of her cookbook to evaluate. I sat down, opened the binding and began to dig in, seeing exactly how she could help "rescue" us. She did. After months of use, it meant a great deal to walk up, shake her hand, and thank her for creating that cookbook, Robin Rescues Dinners.

I've written before about my fondness for her and her recipes, and how much she's helped us in our lil ol' kitchen keep it cool. I really would like to take this opportunity to tell you what I told her that day, about how much her cookbook has changed dinners for our family.

These meals are not only really easy, they are chock-filled with delicious awesomeness. This isn't the same, boring pasta you serve and are tired of. This isn't the same pizza, the same burgers, the same sauces. She has infused everything with such life, given things a new/old twist. She makes them un-boring. She gave us fun back into our dinners. She gave us fun without the fuss.

I've blogged about her Miso-Soy Chicken Paninis before. I never had miso before. I didn't even know what the heck a miso was until this dish. Now? Now, I dream about that sandwich. It calls to me. If we have leftovers, I am eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner until it is gone, it is that good. Flavorful, addicting, and easy to make. Knock-out combo, if you ask me.

That isn't the only recipe that I'm addicted to, there are several within that cookbook that are drool worthy, lookie!

Are you salivating yet? Chicken prepared in the crock pot, pulled, topped with seasoning and plum tomatoes with mozzarella cheese. Then comes this.. (hold onto your seats, it's about to get crazy)

Whoa. This lovely green vat of awesome there gets spread on top (if you're that kind-of gal, who likes it messy and delish). Or, you can spoon it on the side with a heaping serving of this:

Oh yeah, come to mommy. I gotcha now, don't I?

The spinach pesto used to be a tad difficult to make with my normal blender before, because the recipe calls for chopping up pine nuts, and we never could get them chopped enough. Now, since attending the Euro Pro event in NYC for the new Ninja Master Prep, I am able to make this in no time using the new Ninja and it's slice-and-dice action (more on that product another time).

Robin's cookbook is in our hands every week. Every Tuesday we create our shopping list for the week, and every Tuesday we default to her cookbook and creations, concocting our family's meal plan around this book. I kid you not. You really need to check it out.

Win it! - CLOSED

Would you like to win a copy of Robin Rescues Dinners for yourself or to give to someone special for the holidays?

To enter:

Leave a comment telling me about your favorite recipe for one entry.

For extra entries (if you'd like)

Subscribe and/or follow my blog, and/or follow me on Twitter. I'm CrazyAdventures (1 entry for each, and if you already do for any of them already, it counts!**)
Share this post via blog, email, Facebook, Stumble, Kirtsy, Digg this post! (1 entry each 'share'. Be sure to comment each time!)
Tweet this post on Twitter, come back and post that you did (1 entry per tweet - unlimited entries available!)

**It 'pays' to stay connected to me and my blog, as it earns you automatic entries into all of my contests! (Plus, I bake evil desserts. When shall I expect your visit?) {giggle}

Open to US entrants only. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Contest ends Friday, November 13th, at 10pm CST.

*EDIT* WINNER!

Skipping those commenters that didn't follow the rules, the winner is Robin G with this this comment - CONGRATS!

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The Aftermath of Fort Hood

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

As a military wife, living on a military base with her military family, what happened yesterday hit entirely too close to home for those in the military community. Wives and mothers were locked inside buildings, shying away from windows, while separated from their husbands and school-aged children, the post locked down, hearts racing, blood shed, families shattered.

On our own soil.
In our backyard.

How does that happen? How do you wake up one morning, struggling to prepare to send your soldier off to war, grappling with those stresses, the clock ticking down the days until he leaves, always fighting back tears every time you have to watch him walk out the door, even if it's only to take out the trash? How do you lean in to kiss him goodbye, just as you do every morning, lingering a little longer knowing these mornings are about to change, straightening out his ACU's as parts ways to take care of some last-minute deployment paper work, not knowing that was it, that was the last time, forever? How do you begin to deal with that?

I am hurting for these families. Angry doesn't seem to begin to cover it. Frustrated. Saddened. Dumbfounded. SICKENED. I am sick, over this.

These soldiers are trained for war, they get in a mindset, they get on the bus, they weep silently in the dark as they depart the hangar from their loved ones. They silently wipe their tears off nonchalantly on their sleeves and literally age as they swell their chests and depart the plane into hell "over there", clinging to scented letters and screen shots of loved ones, and sometimes poetic emails and strings of words spoken, memorized, while holding laminated pictures they keep in velcro pockets. They deal with it any way they possibly can, because their lives are on the line every day over there until they set back into that same plane and come home, hopefully in one piece as they came.

They aren't prepared to walk into an office on their military post and, without warning, be fired upon by one of their brethren.

These men and women of our military are ready and willing to give their lives for the safety of our country. They died, but it wasn't serving our country. It wasn't fighting for our freedom. They weren't even armed, they were too shocked to defend themselves.

What kind of person does this? Serves alongside these people for how long, only to turn on them one day, turn on the country they long served?

I don't even know where we, as a nation, begin to deal with this. Just know that, right now, my thoughts and prayers are with the many families, friends and loved ones of those involved.

(Photo credit: Button made by Trisha. Creative commons photo by sminorphotog on Flickr)

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How to Install a Printer, Kid Style

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:45:00 +0000

First, you open the box:

Then, while mommy fiddles with the install CD and settings, you discover you can sit and stand in the packing foam while ripping it apart. Cool!

Also, the bag it came with makes for a good makeshift pom-pom. It makes a lot of noise! Sweet!

Ooh, when you break off the foam, you can use a piece of cardboard as an easel, and pretend to color, like me! See?

This foam makes a pretty good necklace, too. How ya like my bling, mom?

This is how we roll, printer-installation-style. Whatcha think?

(Psst, we're participating in Beth's You Capture today)

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How to Make a Super Hero Costume

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:15:00 +0000

I will readily admit to you that, while I did make this Super Hero Costume myself, I had a little help. I didn't make the entire thing from scratch, I went easy on myself and bought this compression shirt (or something like it if your child is smaller) for the shirt. I also used a pair of basketball shorts for the shorts, and some leggings from an old costume for under them. If you don't have an old costume lying around, you can search out any local sporting goods store or sporting section of Walmart or Target to find "compression pants" which are tight-fitting. See? You can improvise, too. Recycling items for the costume is definitely good.

Now, for the parts that you do make yourself, you will need:

At least 1-2 yards each of 3 colors of a shimmer, satin-type material
Matching thread
scissors
velcro stickers (optional: matching ribbon to tie the cape instead of velcro)
fabric marking pen or chalk
straight pins
fusible webbing (available by the bolt or in a package, see further down)
**Please note** Please check out any additional tutorials I have given links to here, to access whether the materials above will be sufficient. Should you decide to make something using a different tutorial, those materials may not be listed above (like felt).

First thing you need to do is figure out how you're going to work the contrasting colors - for my younger son, I used red on one side, blue on the other, and a gold letter. I used the contrasting fabric on the circle for each side of the cape, so if I was on the blue side of the cape, I used a red circle, with gold lettering. On the blue side, I used a red circle with gold lettering.

For most of my creation of the cape, I referred mostly to this tutorial from The Long Thread, but for my older son's costume I adjusted the size (since he's bigger than the size 2-6 that her tutorial uses). Here were my measurements for my almost-ten year old son (image modified from thelongthread.com):

I cut the cape first, afterwards I cut out the shapes for the applique. To get a perfect circle, I used a dinner plate. You cut out two circles for each side of the cape, and one circle for your shirt.

Next step is cutting out your lettering. You can choose to do all your lettering in gold, as I did with my younger son, or, if your older son likes things complicated, you can switch it up :) However, just draw as perfect as you can your child's first initial, and be sure to make it fit within the circle, but close to the edges so that it fills the area. I like it at least an 1.5 thick if not more.

Now, here's where I goofed with each cape each time - I didn't use fusible webbing for the applique for their capes. This is what happens when you don't:

See how it's bunchy and not laying flat?

I did use fusible webbing for my son's chest, see how perfect it looks?

Lesson learned - use fusible webbing. It comes in a package and looks like this (I got mine at Walmart), if you don't want it off the bolt, and was pretty easy to put on the applique.

To apply, cut it the same shape as the pattern you are using (lay your pattern on the webbing and cut it along the edge) and iron sticky side up, so that it becomes part of the cut out and makes it stiffer, giving it more substance. I trim up the ends if, after it's ironed, it's sticking out a little. I can't wait to use it to make more applique!

Once the fusible webbing is applied, pin the letter to the circle and stitch with the zig zag stitch with a short length and distance, so that it stays tight. Should look like this:

Once the two letters are sewn onto the circles, pin them to the center of each side of the cape on the right side (shiny side). Using the same stitch, sew the circles on.

Face each of the sides to each other, so that the newly sewn letters are "kissing" (if you will), line them up properly and pin the edges - the collar, the side, the bottom, but leave the top unsewn so you can flip it right side out when finished. The following picture depicts where you should pin (image from thelongthread.com)

Sew the cape together, trim any excess fabric, and flip it right side out. To get the corners out, I used a pencil or butter knife (gently, of course).

At this point, you pin the top of the cape together and sew it shut. To ensure a smooth edge, I folded the edges in, pinned it, and stitched across, so that the fold is facing out. Once sewn, flip it down onto one side of the collar halfway (doesn't matter which) and sew it to the cape in a straight stitch across, so that it looks like this on one side:

and this on the other

I stuck one of the velcro tabs on the inside, so that no one can see them when it's closed, like this:

(You don't have to use velcro, you can use a ribbon to go through the "loop' we've created, so that the cape can be tied on. I personally feel safer using the velcro.)

Your cape is now done. See, that wasn't too bad, was it?

Now, since you've already made the cape at this point and have become familiar with how to sew the applique from that, the shirt isn't too much harder, except you've got the rest of the shirt to keep out of the sewing machine.

Cut out the circle and letter (if you haven't already), apply the fusible webbing to it (if you haven't already), pin the letter to the circle, just as you did before, and sew just as you did previously. Then pin the letter to the chest of the shirt, and be very careful when sewing to ensure you aren't inadvertently sewing part of the shirt you don't want sewn. It takes a bit of time and tucking, but it can be done, just be extra careful.

Once you are done, it should look like this:

Next up, is the belt. I measured my son's waist, added an inch or two to that number, took contrasting fabric (I used blue) and cut it out, making it about three-to-four inches thick. I then folded in and pinned the edges and proceeded to stitch them down on the wrong side of the fabric (non-shiny side). Once all sides were sewn, I added the velcro dots so that he may close it, two on the inside and two on the outside, like this:

For my younger son's costume, I made him wristlets with his name on it, like this:

I didn't do it for my older son, he wanted plain ones that covered more of his arm, like this:

The ones with the letter on it were difficult, because they were so small, I would definitely not do those again without fusible webbing. Depending upon your son's wrist size is what the measurements will reply upon, I'd say the circle is probably the size of a normal 8-oz cup's opening, maybe? Use the same directions to sew on the applique for the wrists as you did above, along with stitching up the band the same way we did the belt, just (obviously) smaller. HOWEVER, if you make the wide ones like my older son's, and you go to attach the velcro, leave the top part of it open. See? It makes it look pointy outwards, and it gives him bending room.

You can make it as big or as small as you want, however I recommend making it thick so that it's easier to sew. I measured his wrist, his forearm near his elbow, the length from his elbow to his wrist, and wrote those down. I cut out the fabric, adding an inch-and-a-half each way, it will be shaped like a trapezoid, like this:

You could also, should you want harder wristlets, use this tutorial. It uses recycled toilet paper tubes!

Should you decide to do a mask, use this tutorial. Wonderful fabulous tutorial. I flubbed mine, anyway, hence why my older son didn't have one for Halloween. But guess what he's gonna get for Christmas???

Now, important note - I have my children hold onto the velcro tabs tightly when taking their costumes on or off. You can choose to stitch these on, but I didn't. The glue is a good, permanent glue, but it's the fabric pulling that has me nervous.

Another important thing to consider - to CARE for this costume, handwash only. Try to get your children to NOT get it filthy or stained, because I'm uncertain how this material might hold up to constant washes. Try having them hang it up in a closet, rather than crammed in your dress up trunk, and not wear it while eating.

So, what do you think? Is this something you can do? Trust me when I tell you, I'm not a sewing-whiz or anything and yet I was still able to make this:

Please let me know if you decide to do this, I can't wait to see what you create! (And feel free to come back and ask me any questions you may have, if I didn't cover it here).

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Top Teeth

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:30:00 +0000

We literally had to hang Baby Dude by the rafters to get a shot of his new tooth poking through. (Alright, we don't have any rafters, but still...) Operation Dangle Baby Dude had to be done, he wouldn't let us pry his baby mouth open long enough to get a picture of it, and it's finally broken through!

Doesn't he understand how important it is to me, as a momma, to photograph his entire baby life? Every tooth, step, smile, walk, talk- every first he and his siblings have! I gotta snap it for posterity! Dangle away, dude. {flash} We've got you, and the picture! See?

Now please, Baby Dude, do not try that new sucker out while feeding on mommy as payback, okay? {cringes}

For more Wednesday fun, visit Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, Seven Clown Circus and We Are THAT Family.

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To Do Tuesday Week 39

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

It's on like Donkey Kong, now. I'm in full-fledged Christmas shopping mode. Lists are being compiled again on Wishpot, super-stealthy shopping is being accomplished during shopping trips, and there are sweets in the house.

Wait, what? Huh? What does that have to do with Christmas?

Every-friggin'-thing.

Oh hell, kids. The sweets are calling me. And I'm only getting busier, and my Wii Fit and EAS Active are getting dusty. I really, really need to carve out time daily to do SOMETHING for me, something good and sweat-filled for my body's sake (shh husband!)

Halloween's over? Check.
November's here? Check.
Operation Get the Sweets Out of the Friggin' House? Not-so-check. Probably not until January. Dangit!

Help me? Help me stay motivated, will you?

Collect all receipts for Christmas and put them in one place, just in case.
(Didn't begin this last week) Start layaway for bigger items at PX √
Begin Christmas card list (anyone want in??)
Shop for second-hand items found for sale √

For my regular, ol' To Do list this week:

Make one with the leaf blower again (damn storms)
Donate stack of old magazines √
Organize and take picture of items to sell
Set up new printer √
Grocery shopping/coupons/list √√√
Post a giveaway (or two) this week (!!!) √
Start Christmas sewing projects, yay!!
Shop for clearanced Halloween stuff, maybe? √

Staying on my diet every day* √√√
Work out 4 times this week* (I've decreased it, I need to. It's unrealistic to do it every day now) :( √

*~~Haven't weighed myself. Am almost afraid to, dang sweets!!~~
*Edit* Whoa. Weighed myself, and I'm 138.7 - some how, some way, I ate halloween candy, went out to dinner twice, and still lost. (!!!)

Today's motivation - drink water. I know you've heard it a gazillion times from everywhere under the sun, but it really is so important. Water can help flush out toxins, and wash away the yuck that remains stagnant in you. Keeping hydrated helps you when your sick or well, and illness is seemingly everywhere this season (hype or not). Do your best to drink enough. How much is enough? Go here and try this water calculator, which even takes into consideration water consumed through food. Divide your total ounces by 8 to find out how many 8-ounce cups you will need to drink. My tip: use a reusable water bottle, so you can keep track of how many refills you will need a day. Mine is a 20-ounce bottle. I refill it 5 - 6 times a day based upon my factors on the calculator.

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "~~cross-out~~" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 39

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Road Trips and Shopping and Clearance, Oh My!

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:15:00 +0000

After a beautiful Sunday drive amidst sunny mid-70's weather, we ventured away from the Bermuda Triangle of Suck™ to Lake Charles. We happily cheered as we pulled into the Target parking lot, and practically skipped into it's doors, ooh-ing and aah-ing at the red and white circle of awesomeness and all it's glory within it's walls. Oh, how I miss you, Tar-jay!

We poured over each aisle carefully, making sure we didn't miss a thing. Stocked up on this or that delicacy (things not offered at our local Walmart or PX), as well as sneaking in a few Christmas presents without the kids seeing (I'm a Christmas shopping ninja, I tell you). We slithered over to the huge sale in the Halloween department, trying not to get trampled by other shoppers trying to score a deal or two. I am happy to say we triumphed- I now have an empirical princess costume for next year. Clearance sales, baby!

Our next stop was Best Buy to price a wireless printer, only to find they had the new HP Photosmart Plus on sale, so we had to get it. It's been difficult without a working printer the past month or so, and it's my "early birthday present." Sometime today, I will sneak it out of it's box, attempt to dust off an area where it'll be safe from teeny, adventurous fingers and hope that it'll last longer than our last Lexmark and Brother printers we've owned previously. I'm hopeful.

I'm eager to play around with my camera, snap some beautiful autumnal pictures of my children frolicking in the cool (-ish) weather, and actually have a working printer with which to print their beautiful pictures from.

That works.
(Did I mention one that works?)
With my laptop, even.
Without wires.
Eeeek, I can't even imagine such a thing!

Technology is friggin' way cool. So are family shopping trips in the fall. How did you spend your first day of November?

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A Costume Kind of Day

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:15:00 +0000

As promised, my costumed family for Halloween. I will share the tutorials in separate upcoming posts, as promised. (Homemade costumes make good Christmas presents for the dress up trunk, yes?) {grin}

Introducing Super A, dun-duh-dun! A new super hero on the scene, ready to score a lot of goals, ace all of his tests, argue you to death and reaffirm our belief he's going to be a brilliant lawyer some day. (Directions are here on how to make this super hero costume)

Followed by my Kindergarten Super Ninja who will run fast, cartwheel and bowl you over with his gorgeous eyes. He didn't want to be a super hero, he wanted to be a ninja, despite having a super hero outfit already made for him (by me) for his birthday. Go figure.

Then there's my princess, my beautiful blonde Snow White. For crying out loud, I have a girl with gorgeous strawberry blonde hair, you think she'd want to be a blonde princess? Nooooo... Whatever..

Then there are my two punk rock ballerinas. Yeah, a far cry from the pirate and Alice in Wonderland costumes we had originally planned, but these worked out way better. I made the hair bows, the tutus, and we gathered some things together from Target (shirts, leggings), Walgreens (spray hair color) and Payless (cool new sneaks) to complete the outfits.

We can't forget Baby Dude, my little horsey.

My husband, Captain Awesome, is his pirate self, as usual.

Here's three of 'em who stood still long enough for me to snap a halfway decent group picture..

And our pumpkins! We wouldn't be a Steelers family if we didn't carve our pumpkin with the emblem..

And even though this isn't a 'costume', I wanted to share that I finally finished my daughter's Dora outfit I had started a while ago, while in my sewing frenzy (as well as repairing my husband's costume shirt, too).

With all of this running around, I could use eleventy-billion days off. Whew! What about you, how was your Halloween?

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The Awesomest of the Awesome T-Shirts for Babies Ever. The End.

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:30:00 +0000

I know, I'm stalling. I promised you all pictures of my children's finished costumes (and yes, tutorials), but I haven't gotten them all photographed together yet, mainly because there were some finishing touches I wanted to do/make before I took pictures and posted them.

I needed pink and purple spray hair color, clip barrettes for bows, a matchy-matchy princess purse/earrings/necklace trio and this t-shirt pictured below, all I found at Walgreens. A t-shirt made of awesome.

I. Could. Not. Resist. Buying. It. (Must find his baby light saber to get a proper picture)

Seriously can't stop giggling, can you? Made. Of. Awesome.

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Infant Learns to Climb, Film at 11

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:30:00 +0000

This message brought to you today by the letters "V" and "M" with an "ALIU" in the middle. Mommy's gonna need a lot of these if he keeps this up. Oy!

More on mom's insanity - sewing and costume projects all finished. Pictures of the finished products will be posted later, after mommy soaks in a tub and channels her inner calm and a little tranquility for a while (that is, if he stays off the chairs long enough).

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Are My Kids Seriously Asking About New Years Eve Already!?

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Oldest daughter: Can we have apple cider for New Years Eve?

Me: Sure, honey.

All children collectively: YES!

Oldest son: Can we stay up to watch the ball drop, too?

Me: Sure.. if you think you can stay up that late...

Oldest daughter: Well, it'll drop at 11pm here.

Middle daughter: It takes an hour for the ball to drop here!?

....

(It's a good thing she's cute.)

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Super Hero Halloween Costume

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Directions are here on how to make this super hero costume.

Yup, that's what I'm doing. The machine is out (and probably out for the season, too, because Christmas is coming). The fabric has been purchased. The costume has been planned, it's just pinning and sewing, now.

The cape is finished. Tomorrow we will move onto the arm bands, mask, boot covers and applique for the chest piece.

Stay tuned for the finished result, and one happy nine-year-old super-hero.

P.S. Seeing me make my oldest son's costume, my oldest daughter now wants me to make her Alice in Wonderland jumper for Halloween, too. Back to the fabric store I go!

P.P.S. It appears I may be making my middle-daughter's pirate costume, too. We can't find one. It's a good thing we're going to the store again.

P.P.P.S. Hopefully once the costumes are set, I'll get to begin work on other projects. I'm getting excited, I'm delving into tutus. I also bought some more remnants to make more crayon roll-ups and take-along crayon/coloring book bags (my last creation shown below)

Perhaps I should write a few tutorials while I'm at it? ;)

For more Wednesday fun, visit Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, Seven Clown Circus and We Are THAT Family.

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To Do Tuesday Week 38

crazyadventuresinparenting@gmail.com (Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:15:00 +0000

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

I have been working hard to maintain my clean house, but haven't been getting too much checked off my list this past week. We had a slamming soccer schedule and extra events, OH, and BABY DUDE WALKING, eeeeeeek! Suddenly I turn around and it's Monday? Wow, where'd the week go, crap, where'd my list go? {pouty face}

I will do better this week, I have to get most of these things done, considering their Halloween-related ;)

Have you started your Christmas Notebook yet? This is the last week of October (can you believe it?) It's coming (said in eery, Poltergeist-type voice) My Christmas preparations are carried over from last week because I was busy doing other things and didn't get the chance. I'm also adding one.

Go through what gifts I've already bought, and jot them down.
While I'm out shopping for last minute Halloween preparations, start layaway for bigger items at PX
Pick up a couple second-hand items found for sale

For my regular To Do list this week:

Continue to finish cleaning out the shed and back yard (The leaf blower is my friend).
Put throw-away items to curb by Trash day Thursday.
Take picture of items for yard sale, to sell early (I hope?)
To yard sale or not to yard sale on Saturday (Halloween)... Hmm...
Grocery shopping/coupons/list
Post a giveaway this week? :)
Reviews for new Shark cleaners to be published
Soccer banquets and pictures
Finish buying/making Halloween costumes

Staying on my diet every day*
Work out every day*

*Finally hit the 130s since before I began having babies. Whoa! 139 as of last week. I cannot believe it!

Today's motivation - take care of yourself. Ensure you're drinking enough water. Eat well, and often (6 small meals instead of 3 big ones helps bolster your metabolism). Get moving every day, whether it's a walk, dancing, working out, be sure to have some activity in there. But take vitamins, and pump in some Vitamin C, Zinc, and echinacea to try to keep yourself well. I'm fighting with the sniffles right now (although I haven't completely ruled out allergies, with all the cleaning out I've done), but I shall prevail because of my arsenal. (Positive thinking helps, too). How about you? What do you use?

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "~~cross-out~~" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 38

Never miss a post! Subscribe here for all kinds of crazy parenting fun!

Crazy Adventures in Parenting

First Football Game

How to Make an Easy Tutu

Power Outage Fun

Something Sickly This Way Coughs

Real Life

Veteran's Day Military Family Style

To Do Tuesday Week 40

Old Navy, Gap & Banana Republic 30% off Printable Coupon

MckMama and Stellan Thoughts and Prayers *Edited*

Do You Know What Happens When You Go to Sleep at 9pm?

Thanksgiving for Kids

Matern-Eternity

Meeting Robin Miller and Cookbook Giveaway

The Aftermath of Fort Hood

How to Install a Printer, Kid Style

How to Make a Super Hero Costume

Top Teeth

To Do Tuesday Week 39

Road Trips and Shopping and Clearance, Oh My!

A Costume Kind of Day

The Awesomest of the Awesome T-Shirts for Babies Ever. The End.

Infant Learns to Climb, Film at 11

Are My Kids Seriously Asking About New Years Eve Already!?

Super Hero Halloween Costume

To Do Tuesday Week 38

MckMama and Stellan Thoughts and Prayers Edited