Halloween Party Do’s and Don’ts

You give do not give children full access to the slimy chocolate fountain.

You do bring body parts on ice.


And Fear Factor-esque worms for dessertYou do have lots and lots of fattening food. Coincidentally, the two people bringing salads canceled at the last minute. Who needs it (rabbit food) anyway?


No matter how cute they are, do not invite felines. After all, the term “catty” derives from somewhere.


You do not have tacky plastic decorations on your lawn. The only exception is if it is named “Marcus the Carcass.”


You do have a coloring area but do not use anything labeled “permanent marker” unless you want a permanent reminder of your party.

You do have moving body parts to freak the kids out.


You do not make the mistake of calling a [big mean] Tomcat a [woosy little] Kitty.


You do not attempt a group shot. Ever.

2005

2006
2007

Party All the Time

Reader beware: there will be an inordinate amount of pictures posted this week because this is what happens in the life of a Halloween-obsessed person. Last weekend, we trunk-or-treated and partied.

There were also fall walks-
Pumpkin patch fun-
And cute babies in general.

And not to be forgotten is Haddie’s 3rd annual Halloween party (which inspired yet another one of Hunky Hubby’s great profundities).

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On Friday, my daughter threw her third annual Halloween bash that included an inordinate amount of hairspray and the disturbing confirmation: Like Mother, Like Daughter. [Insert evil cackle here.]


We also played games such as Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin, indulged in devilish epicurean creations including my green slime chocolate fountain, read a haunting story with Dora the Explorer who made a celebrity appearance and had a free-for-all civilized candy hunt in our backyard.

No children were harmed in the throwing of the celebration. However, there was one tired mama at the end of it all. Between the party, trips and the continuous barrage of Rockies games, it has been a very long time since we have just stayed home and relaxed.

I called my husband to ask if we could do just that. Now, something you need to understand is he is usually the one who, after his long work day, is harassed by your truly to go out. This time, The Man took full advantage of our role reversal.

“…and so I thought we could just stay in tonight.”

“Stay in, Amber? We’ve done nothing but stay in. I want to go play”

“But I’m really tired.”

“Tired? Aren’t you the one who always says ‘I am sick of being at home. We need to go out and do something. The kids need a break. Let’s go for a walk. Super Target is having a sale. Let’s go spy on the neighbors. Blah blah blah blah blah.’”

Note: The Man’s mimicking was executed in a high-pitched voice that I assure you I do not possess. Except for when it was a particularly shrill-inducing kind of day.

After several minutes of this, I finally sighed and waved my white flag.

“OK, Jamie you win. So what do you want to do? ”

“Nothing.”

Breckenridge or Bust Part II

Jamie’s wonderful family is very different from my own. The Canuck Clan has always been active and outings revolved around camping or water-skiing in sub-zero temperatures. Because with two weeks of summer you just have to make concessions.

On the other hand, Jamie’s clan are homebodies and most gatherings revolve around food, relaxing and well, more food. What makes this perplexing is they are all tall, skinny metabolic wonders with bodies like the very stars and stripes upon which this country was built.

The Canucks? Think maple leaves.

When Jamie’s family arrived in Breckenridge on Saturday, we ate, relaxed and ate some more. Now, don’t get me wrong–I have absolutely nothing against relaxing. I think I even did it once back in 1986. But when we invited them to come play in the snow with us, our invitation was greeted with blank stares that implied my little half-breeds and I suffer from a permanent brain freeze. What? People actually choose to touch that stuff?

When it came to hot tubbing, the whole famn damily excelled (possibly because it involved relaxing?) It would have also involved hot chocolate if it were not for my dear hubby’s communication blunder. Call me crazy but when a man offers to “Go make everyone some hot chocolate,” wouldn’t you also assume he was going to make and deliver it? He somehow forgot to disclose he was going to take a shower and run a marathon in the interim. When we finally gave up, I had a new appreciation for the grape-to-prune evolution.

As payback, I later snuck a three-foot-long icicle into his bathwater. OK, maybe “snuck” is a bit of an overstatement. More like lugged the frigid beast and hoisted it into the tub, ignoring his protests. It was a small payback for the many ice cubes that have somehow found their way down my back over the years.

As much fun as I had [relaxing and eating] with the family, I most enjoyed my alone time with Jamie on Friday. The gourmet buffalo fillets he grilled for us:

And the Rockstar Energy drink. I joked that we were there to chill. Why on earth would we need an energy drink?

I found out later that night.

(Note: no relaxation involved. :-)

Breckenridge or Bust Part I

This will be one of my memorable two-part series. One might assume it is due to the length and the inordinate amount of pictures, which would be true. But the real reason is I accidentally deleted the rest of the #$&#*& post and will have to rewrite it tomorrow.

Our weekend in Breckenridge was whimsical, relaxing and fun. The cabin Jamie rented was absolutely gorgeous and cost us the equivalent of a trip to Hawaii. Well, without the airfare.

We lazed around all Friday afternoon gazing out the vaulted windows at the Ten Mile Range. He later cooked me a gourmet meal and we indulged in Crepes a la Cart in Breck for dessert. Oh, and did I mention it was a pumpkin crepe? Evidently, I have issues.

The next morning, we snuggled in bed watching a movie. This was not just any movie. This was the movie of my youth – Stealing Home starring Jodie Foster and Mark Harmon. Never heard of it? Nobody has so I was shocked/thrilled when I discovered it in the cabin’s collection.

It took me back to when my three best friends and I repeatedly watched it in high school, falling deeper and deeper in love with William McNamara (one of the stars) every time. And how Rachel, the evil wench, sent away for an autographed picture of Billy Boy. She then proceeded to frame and lust over it on her bed stand while I had to slog through life with my woosy Ralph Macchio poster.

When we eventually detached ourselves from the cabin and Billy Boy (just don’t tell Jamie), we hiked Baker Tank Trail in the snow and 4X4ed Boreas Pass. It was such a throwback to my former life except the views are that much more rewarding when trailing my hubby from behind. :-)

Day two, Jamie’s family arrived with the kids. I had painstakingly packed The Kitchen Sink for them. Unfortunately, Grandma only brought the drain because she somehow forgot all their winter clothes.

Because why would we need boots in a winter wonderland

Oh, and did I mention it snowed 10 inches Saturday night?

To be continued tomorrow….

A Sneak Peak at Our Revolutionary Best-Selling Parenting Book

I never fancied myself to be a ballerina, which is particularly ironic since I’m walking on my tiptoes a lot these days. And also on egg shells.

My daughter Hurricane Hadley has become a tyrant. When I offer suggestions for a snack, I brace myself for the unleashing of how dare I even suggest something so unthinkable as apples. When I pretend to turn her into a princess with my magic wand, I am sent to the dungeons because I held the wand at the wrong angle. Anything sets her off, which makes me wonder if she has some kind of chemical imbalance.

Or if it’s the fact that she’s turning three years old this month.

I had heard from some that the 3s were worse than the 2s. Doubting Thomas that I am, I didn’t buy in. And now here I am: sold out.

We recently had a good day with what I would consider to be a reasonable amount of T.O.N. (Tantrums Over Nothing). We were sitting on our leather sofa watching out the window for my husband Jamie to come home. I looked down at how precious she was being and decided she needed some positive reinforcement.

“You know, Mommy is so happy with how sweet you’ve been today. Thank you for being so nice to your brother Bode and me.”

Within seconds, seconds people, she started acting up and it did not stop the rest of the night.

As we were eating dinner, she miraculously downed most of the curry chicken phyllos I made and I decided again: positive reinforcement.

“Haddie, what a great eater you’re being tonight!”

Within milliseconds, milliseconds people, she choked out her food and spewed it all over the floor. Jamie looked at me dubiously.

“Hey Amber. Here’s a new parenting strategy for you. How about ditch this positive reinforcement crap and STOP WITH THE COMPLIMENTS.”

We’ll begin our book tour next month.

A Love Letter to the Rockies

Our romantic getaway weekend was fantastic and I will provide the details and pictures (well, most of them anyway :-) on my next post.

For now, it’s Rockies Central ’round here. If you are not in “the know,” the Colorado Rockies have made history and are in the World Series for the first time. They play the Red Sox on Wednesday and the earth will allegedly stop turning on its axis that night. At least this is what I am told.

Even though I’m not much of a baseball fan, I have been caught up in the excitement and would love for them to win. However, my life will not ever be put on hold for any sport. Well, except for if Nekkid Bowling ever graces the airwaves.

I clearly state my case today at Mile High Mamas. So sports lovers or haters, come visit and see why I will surely become the most hated woman in Colorado.

Hear me roar:

This letter is actually on behalf of my husband, Jamie. He has been a devout follower since your amazing winning streak (I believe the correct term for him is “fair-weather fan.”) Regardless, he is committed to your cause and can be seen wandering around with bloodshot eyes after particularly late nights out on the town with you.

I admittedly am not much of a baseball connoisseur (due to the inordinate amount of pucks I took to the face whilst growing up in Canada) but I would love nothing better than for you to win the World Series. I have even been to a few of your games. Of course, I was usually lucky enough to be in a suite with oodles of food, Internet access and television so I can’t really confirm if you were even playing.

There was also the time we were given seats directly behind home plate and indulged in the gourmet fare at the secret restaurant in the secret tunnel. When we returned to watch the game, we were presented with an extensive menu and informed we could order anything off of it…for free. I can’t remember but I think you won. I know I did.

These experiences have confirmed that I could grow to love baseball. Well, except for the time a couple of years ago when we took our 1-year-old daughter to have her first taste of your Great American Pastime. Unfortunately, the only taste she got that night was when she proceeded to lick all the garbage cans in the lobby.

Fond memories aside, my reason for writing today is to thank you for your clean 4-0 sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks. You see, Jamie and I had big plans on those Tuesday and Friday nights. As you know, these would have been potential game days had you not come out as the winners you are.

Last Tuesday, I had signed up weeks ago for a free parenting seminar at The Children’s Hospital entitled “Oh Poo.” You see, we have a daughter who is an underachiever as it relates to her bathroom habits. Desperate times call for desperate measures – times that evidently include attending a class with “Poo” in the title.

Dearest Rockies: if you had not won, my poor husband would have still been dragged along to the seminar because I urgently needed his support. Please, please, please don’t think I’m sacrilege; I appreciate the historic nature of your bid for the World Series. But unless Todd Helton is prepared to come wipe my 3-year-old’s butt, it does not have much bearing on me.

As for Friday, Jamie had planned a getaway to Breckenridge. In a 4,000-square-foot cabin. With a hot tub and roaring fire. WITHOUT CHILDREN. When he threatened me that our romantic retreat may also include watching you, well, let’s just say he may not have gotten laid it is a good thing you had already played.

Sincerely,

A Grateful Rockies Widow

P.S. Even though I am the only person in Colorado who does not bleed purple and will probably be burned at the stake bat for this letter, I wish you the best of luck at the World Series. We will be watching! Just make sure you win before November 5th because I have something planned that night, too. :-)

A Behind-the-Scene Peek at the Insanity

The following is a true account of the email stream that occured after I asked our Mile High Mama bloggers to volunteer for an assignment. Reader beware: this is a disturbing confirmation of what occurs when “Mama” leaves the children alone.

Amber: Who has Rockies fever? Is anyone in your family totally gung-ho? What are you teaching your children about this big event? Anyone sporting Rockies paraphernalia? Personally, I’m not a huge fan but am getting swept away in it all!

Is anyone interested in writing a fun post about the Rockies from a “Mama’s” perspective? It will publish on the first day of the World Series.

Aimee: Well, I have a small one up right now… and I am not all that into it like yourself but I can definitely do it if no one else really wants to. Let me know!

Julie: Likewise, I can do it if no one is a HUGE fan. I fear that my credibility is flimsy though, as a transplant and a former Mets fan and Reds fan (I do stick with the National League though, if that helps).

Mitch: This sounds like man’s work ladies….I don’t want to read about how many touchdowns Matt Holliday hit. Let me know if you want me to help out on this.

Julie: oooooohh…them’s fightin’ words!!

(seriously, LMAO!)

Gretchen: We’ve caught it. The kids are thrilled the Rockies are going to the World Series, but with their limited perspective have no clue what it really means. I think they feel our excitement and make it their own.

When Mommy and Daddy are excited, good things happen. Like Pizza Hut at the door, late bedtimes, the promise of new t-shirts.

I can put something together, unless someone else has already written something or has a very itchy, must-write-it idea.

Catherine: So glad ya’ll got this one covered. I think I got Rockies Fever once, but it involved headaches and nausea…. probably something different altogether.

Amber: Wow, I leave for a few hours and look what I missed! Let’s have Gretchen cover this one and Mitch is welcome to write a Rockies post as well (mom vs. dad perspective). I will ignore his little comment, though admittedly the only reason I watch baseball is for the Tight Ends….

Desperately Seeking Sanity, Sleep and Food (not necessarily in that order)

I am still alive. I know my posting and commenting have been patchy at best and I really appreciate y’all still coming around to visit and confirm that I am still crazy. Now I’m just crazy busy!

Last Saturday about did me in. I had just ended my Fruit Flush Diet from Hell and was a hypoglycemic insomniac. Around 1 a.m. I also developed a cough so took some of The Good Medicine, which usually conks me out. There is vicodin in this cough syrup and as luck would have it, my body had the adverse reaction. I was bouncing off the walls the rest of the night and did not get even one lick of sleep. Note to self: hypoglycemia + vicodin = speed.

The bad news is the next day was jam-packed. It started with the final volleyball tournament for my girls. I reasoned that if we lost the first round, I could go home and sleep. But wouldn’t you know it: we won. And kept winning. And won the entire frickin’ stake tournament. With no sleep whatsoever. And yes, I am still bitter because I am a model coach like that.

That pretty much summarized my week. This is why I am ecstatic Jamie is whisking me away for a romantic getaway weekend. It was supposed to be a surprise and he swore his family to secrecy.

Screw-up #1: His mom slipped and told me she was coming to watch the kids.

Screw-up #2: A few days later, Jamie unthinkingly informed me of his workout regimen in preparation for “the cabin.”

Screw-up #3: The final blow was when Jamie’s mom pondered if there would be snow when we went to Breckenridge.

So, Jamie rented us a cabin. In Breckenridge. Without kids.

Just call me Amber P.I.

P.S. The 4,000-square-foot cabin. Hate me yet? :-)

History in the Making

If you have a husband who weighs less than he did in high school.

Who has never needed to diet a day in his life, except for the experimental ones he does “for fun.”

Who has something called a metabolism.

And self-control i.e. he has a jar of his favorite treat (Jelly Bellies) on his office desk and only eats a few of them a day.

A man who consumed the exact same food you did on your honeymoon and managed to lose three pounds while you gained two. OK, four.

That same man who “offered” to do a 3-day Torturous Starvation Fruit Flush Diet with you last week. You reluctantly agreed, knowing he would kick your weight-loss butt.

The man who, for the first time in his life, quit 32 hours into it but still lost 3 lbs.

The woman who, for the first time in her life, suffered through the 72 hours of misery and WAS THE WEIGHT-LOSS WINNER… OR RATHER LOSER WITH 6.5 lbs.

That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for womankind

The Great Pumpkin Contest

My family’s dinner conversations have gone from how to eradicate war and famine to the intricacies of growing the biggest pumpkin. (Though I am sure my obsessed husband Jamie would somehow argue the latter is the solution to world peace).

It started out innocently last spring when he planted the first pumpkin seed. (See Jamie’s blog for the full account). Over the summer, he and Hadley religiously watered and watched it grow from a molehill to a mountain.

Unfortunately, so did his competitive drive.