The masterpiece progresses...

We are close to a finished product and this costume is becoming more and more outrageous every day! As if there weren't enough bells and whistles on this thing, the hubby thought it was prudent that there be lights. So off he went and discovered LED lights that he now has strung and poking through the box and it has a battery pack on the back that can be set to a constant "on" or "intermittent". So my son will blink and shine his way through the neighborhood. And if that wasn't enough, I'm sure he will have NO risk of being hit by a car as he has a giant push-light on the back of the costume, 2 reflectors and he'll most likely be wearing his light-up Spiderman sneakers! Hell, I don't think my XMAS tree has as many lights on it as he will!

Constructive Criticism???

My hubby looked at the blog and said I take horrible food pictures! He says they look disgusting! :-( I do admit, I can take a great picture of my kid or of wildlife or bugs, but I do kinda suck at food photos. Is it the flourescent light in my kitchen?? Or maybe the flash? Well, if any of you have been turned off by the food photos, just let it be known that they might look gross, but they really are tasty! I'll try to do better in the future.

Making a Masterpiece

It's that Halloween time again and I'm not one who goes out to Wal-Mart to purchase store bought costumes for my kids. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing those that do, making costumes isn't for everyone. In fact, my life would be a little less stressful if I would go get a storm-trooper costume for the boy, but Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and if I can't get dressed up and trick-or-treat anymore, I better make the best experience I can for the kids so I can live vicariously through them! So I am elbow deep in pink polar fleece, making a piggy costume for the baby and then there is the costume for the boy. This one is taking alot of creative thinking! He decided he wanted to be a robot, how cool, right? So the hubby and I have been brainstorming and we finally got the costume underway this past weekend and thought I'd post as we go along. So here is what we have accomplished so far, mostly the body, no legs or arms yet. And technically, the body still has alot of work, but I haven't pulled out the glue gun yet. I will post as we progress and of course I'll include a final photo of the finished product!

On the Menu!

Today's dish is a quick and easy chicken pasta. It took no time at all and was a big hit with both kids, VERY simple.

One large chicken breast, cubed or sliced thin, sauteed with 1/2 an onion and a clove of garlic, salt and pepper to taste. While sauteeing chicken boil water for noodles. Curly types of pasta work best. Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to pot. Add chicken mixture and 1-14 1/2 oz can of diced tomatoes (the italian seasoned ones would probably be good, I used plain because that's what I had). Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Then put the mixture in a casserole pan that is lightly greased. Mix 1/4 cup parmesan and 1/4 cup bread crumbs and sprinkle the mixture over the top and dot with butter. Toss it in the oven until bread crumbs start to brown on 400 degrees. Enjoy!

Visitor update

After much research, I believe our moth to be a Gaudy Sphinx. It is actually still out on our porch, hanging on the eave. I hope my capturing it didn't stress it too badly. I am beginning to wonder if it is actually a female though as most of my research suggests that the females find a spot and emit pheromones hoping a male will catch the scent. I just wish I had more flowers with deep nectar! She could probably use a snack!

Our latest winged visitor.

I was out dealing with my recycling last night and as I was about to come in the front door I noticed this really big, really cool moth over the doorway. Well you know me, I had to try to catch it and take it in for my son to view. After a bit of quick thinking and a quick hand, I was able to net this behemoth moth and stuff him into my butterfly habitat. All I can say is this moth was PISSED!! He was buzzing around in that enclosure, fast and furious! But he eventually calmed down and we were all able to get a good look at him. I decided to try to get some shots as we were releasing him. They aren't the best, but it will give you an idea. He was brilliant green, I am thinking he is some sort of Sphynx moth, not sure of the exact species. A truly beautiful moth though and I was so glad I was able to nab him and observe him for a bit. My son just loved it!

It's raining, yea!

I have all my blinds closed. Feeling a bit like a hermit crab today! I just started hearing the pitter patter of raindrops! I love that sound. Mostly since I know my garden and my lawn are desperate for a drink! I hope it sprinkles for awhile. I would love to take a walk after dinner and enjoy a cool evening with the scent of rain!