How did I do?

My little girl is curled up on my lap sleeping. I am enjoying her sighs and snoring. My arm is quickly going to sleep. However, I won't be moving anytime soon so I thought I would evaluate my year of monthly resolutions. (See January 1, 2013 post)

January - I did really well all month long and into February, but when we got lice it was all I could do to get things done.
February - lice came to visit. Didn't do this unless you count picking through my hair for lice eggs.
March - I did it! It really helped all of us. I think every year I should have a month screens free.
April - Still doing it!
May - Did it!
June - Nope. I got depressed when Andy didn't get a job and didn't do much this month.
July - Did it. I would like a better computer so I can continue.
August - No new place. No cleaning schedule.
September - I tried hard for a week. I was quickly reminded why I don't do hair. We both end up frustrated or crying.
October - Nope. I have been trying to stay away from the internet.
November - My favorite! I was so happy and ended up writing more than one every day. It was great to focus on what others have done for you.
December - Nope. I could not remember what I was supposed to do. I sure wish that I had.

I had about a 50% success rate. I may try every 2 months adding a new resolution next year. I'll think about it.

Addiction

My oldest child and I had a discussion about addiction on Sunday. It was not based on alcohol or drugs, but electronic devises. He could not understand why I have such a dislike for them. It was a good talk, I think.

The last couple of days I have continued to think about it and I have come to a heart wrenching realization and decision. I am addicted to reading. It is not something that should be a big deal, but it is becoming one. I read to escape. I have read nearly 75 books this year, each one over 200 pages. I have done a lot of hiding and escaping. I am not good at monitoring my time or putting them down, even if the writing is mediocre. 

My thought is this: It is distracting me from being the person I want to be. I know that reading is a good past time, but for me I need to put some limits on it. Starting in January I will only allow myself to read 2 books a month (over 200 pages). One of those will probably be the book club book and then I get a personal choice. I am hoping it will make me take my time and get my life back on track. I am waiting until January because of my OCD nature. It is the beginning. I can't start at the end. ;)

Beautiful story

I really thought this was beautiful and I wanted to share it. I was not sure where would be the best place, so I chose here. It is so nice to see. I worry every day about the way the world is now and how different it will be in just a few years. I pray for my children and the tough choices they need to make every day. Stories like this give me hope and strength. I know my children are amazing, I just need to teach and trust them.

Neglect

This poor blog it suffering from neglect. To all 3 of you that read this, sorry. I have been trying ot get out of the negative frame of mind I have been in, so instead of indulging it, which I tend to do here, I supressed it. Anyway, I will try to post again soon. Anything you are dying to know about?

I have been enjoying the sequel series to Percy Jackson. The 4th of 5 books comes out the beginning of October. Andy, Marcus and I are all reading it together and it is fun. Marcus wants to be Leo for Halloween. We think we can make an orange Camp Half-Blood t-shirt and get him a tool belt. Then, he should be all set.

Marcus also read the first book in the Spirit Animals series. It is by Brandon Mull. He said it was for younger readers (3rd and 4th graders, I guess), but he still enjoyed it. Brandon Mull has a new book series coming out in March 2014 that Marcus is waiting for.

On the job front, we are still waiting for the job at BYU Idaho to actually post. Andy has all his materials ready and every week we check on it. Today I found a job in Kentucky that wants an English teacher pop culturist that knows how to teach remedial courses. (Andy is teaching 3 right now.) It seems perfect, so we are excited to see how that works out. We would be an hour away from the Louisville temple if we lived in town, plus there is a ward building there.

That's about it. I am trying to enjoy my children and support my husband. I also started indexing which I tend to do instead of facebook now. Andy says it is my new addiction. Our stake president asked us as a stake to index 1 million names by next August. I have done over 1200 since the end of August.

Mallory's Quiet Book

I have been working on updating the Quiet Book for Mallory. She has enjoyed Luke's book, so gathered some ideas to make for her.

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match."

The drier

 The sock matches. (The star pair and red and gray pair are my favorites)

 "I scream, You scream, we all scream for ice cream."
I made several different flavors and the chocolate topping. I am working on chocolate with sprinkles and a cherry. The cake cone now looks more cone like, too.

"What's in a name? A rose by any other name..."
The first page, like Luke's, will say my name is

 "Do you know the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man?" (I could not figure out a good bakery or cupcake one to add.)
These are cupcakes and their cupcake holders. I just finished the frosting and am working on toppings. Ice cream will be on the adjoining page so they can share toppings.

I am working on a purse page with fake make-up, keys and possibly a wallet; a gumball page to match numbers, a hair do page and another doll dress up page with a girl this time. I also want to do a dress tying page (or ballet slippers, I haven't decided 100% yet), a fruit puzzle page, a mail page for her and a pie weaving page.

Mothers' Prayers

Yesterday a group of boys (and leaders) from our old ward were on a scouting activity. They became lost and the weather was 111 degrees yesterday. A rescue party was sent out including the bishop of both their ward and ours. Last night Andy got a text that the bishop was taking a day off. I thought that it was odd, until we found out he had been in the hospital with heat exhaustion due to the events. A couple of the boys were my Cub Scouts. Their mothers were praying so hard for their safe return. Their prayers were answered. I know that the Hacienda ward is hurting very much right now and I can't imagine all the emotions. Here is a brief recap. Their young men's president is the one that died. I am so grateful for the power of prayer and the love of our church members.

Summer Boredom Part 2

The promised 2nd half of my post. Here is the parental supervision list. I also have a list of needed supplies and I am going to put them all in a basket and present it to the kids on the last day of school. Our Summer Supply basket.

*on the left mean I have a pinterest plan * on the right mean it can be indoor or outdoor. Brown is food, purple is crafts, pink is after dinner (because it is cooler then or they are night games) and orange are outings.

Food

Make homemade ice cream

Bake a double batch of cookies and deliver one to another family

Make popcorn or caramel corn

Make a summer snack (Pinterest)

Make a milkshake or smoothie

Have a tea party

Make a salad and eat it

Bake a cake and decorate it (then sing, “Happy Unbirthday to us”

Make popsicles

Make mini bread loaves

Make and decorate sugar cookies

Choose different cookie recipes

Make ice cream in a bag

Eat dinner by candlelight

Make homemade lemonade

Make butter
Make a fruit salad

*Bugs for lunch

Cereal bracelet/necklace

Make pretzels

Make edible play dough

Make fake sushi

Frozen hot chocolate

*Make and try new drinks

Dessert before dinner

Dip a banana in chocolate and freeze

Make Muddy Buddies or other Chex treat

Make No Bake cookies/Haystacks

Make shamburgers

Make candy using molds

Crafts

Make hair accessories

Make a necklace

Make balloon balls

Make friendship bracelets

Make pencil pinwheels

Make a pompom ice cream cone

Make paint aprons for everyone

*Decorate and bake white plate

*make notepads using scrapbook paper

Sewing project with Mom (your choice)

*Make fabric flower pens

*Bottle cap crafts

*T-shirt rag rug

*Marvel Avengers paper craft

Make a twirling ribbon

Marble magnets

Print and make paper dolls

Make fabric scrap flip flops

*Make a water bottle holder

*Make fabric bookmarks

*Make heating pads

Melt crayons and remold them

*Make kool aid lip gloss

*Grass head monster

*Kaleidoscopes

*Angry bird puppet

*Monster corner bookmarks

*Super Hero popsicle stick bookmark

After Dinner

Family game night

Stay up late and look at the stars

Have a family talent show

Watch a movie outside

*Play “paintman”

Watch the sunset

Backyard scrabble

Flashlight tag

*Play Sleeping Pirate

Outing

Go bowling

Go swimming

Hike

Go camping – or stay home and camp out in the play room

Go to the library

Visit a friend

Volunteer to help a neighbor for free

Go out for ice cream

Go to the movies

Try letterboxing

Drive in movie

Go to the Water Preserve

Go to a playground

Go to Pinball Hall of Fame

Play at Sunset park splash pad

Get Sno Cones/Slurpees

Go to Toys R’ Us and dream

Summer Boredom Part 1

Summer is upon us. It is over 100 degrees here, so I can tell it is getting close. In the summer heat it is hard for me to come up with things quickly, especially with whining and feeling sweaty. So, I came up with 2 separate containers. One is a boredom bucket with activities that take little to no supervision by me. (I plan on participating as much as I can, but sometimes that is not possible.) The other is a bucket with activities that require help from a parent like crafts or outings. I looked at over 20 summer activity lists to come up with the best for my children. Now just to get buckets...

Anyway, I am doing 2 posts. This one is the very long list of over 150 boredom buster ideas. *on the left mean I have a pinterest plan * on the right mean it can be indoor or outdoor. Green is outside, red is inside, yellow is art, blue is educational/learning. (There is a lot inside because here summer is our inside time like winter is for others.)

Outside

Go for a bike ride

Have a picnic*

Blow Bubbles*

Have a paper airplane races*

Take turns making obstacle courses*

Walk around the block and pick up litter (wear gloves)

Take a walk together

Jump rope

Play stick ball

Have different races (wheelbarrow, crab walk, crawling, etc.)*

Water balloon fight

Car wash

Play hopscotch*

Trace each other’s shadows

Play tic-tac-toe with sidewalk chalk

*Make a hula hoop fort*

Play baseball

Play soccer

Play volleyball

Make a water pistol target range

Play Kick the can

Play Capture the Flag

*Make and use “Foamerator

Draw with sidewalk chalk

Frisbee

Play Run across

Inside

Learn a few magic tricks and produce your own magic show

Plan a Scavenger Hunt using every letter in the alphabet*

Look through photo albums or view family movies/videos

Listen to your favorite music and dance around

Open a day spa

Build with Legos

Find jokes and take turns telling them

Play store, library or school

Play hide and seek*

Rearrange the furniture in your bedroom

Memorize something meaningful

Read favorite poems aloud

Play a card game

Build a fort*

Paint your toenails and fingernails

Balloon fights

Play board games

Music mix CD

Create a puppet play with stuffed animals

Turn off all the lights and use a flash light to make shadows on the wall

Make a mini puppet theater and put on a show

Play the Minister’s Cart game

Do something nice for someone in secret

Play charades

Plan an imaginary trip to the moon

Play marbles

Make a blanket tent

Make ice cars

Don’t Eat Pete

Pick some books to read with Mom

Form a band

Do Wii Fit

Play freeze dance with the family

Have a silly jumps contest*

Take pictures doing fun activities while holding the Friend magazine

Play Red Light, Green Light*

Walk on balance beam/tape*

Read books somewhere new/odd*

build boats and race them in the tub

*Make and play Lego board game

Help make a family Guess Who game

*Lego Quest challenges

*Balloon powered Lego car

Make and use “Get up and Move” dice*

Plastic bottle/cup bowling

Put glo sticks in balloons and play

Stuffed animal run/obstacle course and take turns coming up with rules

Have a photo shoot

Watch an old movie

Nerf Gun war*

Toy car races

Wrestle with Dad

Just Dance with Mom

Pillow Fight

*Make sponge balls and play with them*

Have a Splunk Day

Make and play BINGO

Take turns leading exercises

Make a pillow pile and jump in it

Make a bean bag toss game*

Make a road for cars using masking tape

Hallway races complete with streamer finish line

Play Simon Says*

Play Mother May I?

*Spy training with streamer lasers

Watch old TV shows

Play with little people

Play dress up

Sink play

Blog

Hula-Hoop*

Indoor tumbling and gymnastics

Art

Make play dough

Make a collage from magazines

Paint a picture

Try origami

Make a collage using seeds, rice, cereal, old buttons and sewing scraps

Make puppets and then put on a puppet show

Sketch a picture of your house from the outside

Make a picture for your grandparents

Draw a family tree and complete it together

Put together a scrapbook of a special event

Draw pictures to send to the friend

Write and illustrate a story

Paint with watercolors

Make potato stamps and use them

Make “stained glass windows”

Make dream catchers

Color in coloring books or coloring pages

Make slime

Make your own stationary and write a letter on it

Finger paint with shaving cream

Design a poster for a summer holiday

Make a pet rock

Fingerprint art

Splatter paint

Paint with your mouth

Bubble prints

Make a self portrait

*Make homemade finger paint

*Paper towel butterflies

Play dough with pipe cleaners, beads, googly eyes, etc.

Oil pastel drawings

Colored chalk art

Cotton Ball Painting

Painting with toy cars

Mosaics

Toilet paper roll heart stamping

Egg carton flowers

Marshmallow and toothpick art

Make different things out of handprints

Make homemade piñatas

Q-tip/pencil eraser painting

*Make a treasure map

Crayon art

Make an Art Gallery

Make trading cards

Window Markers

Learning

Draw a map

Read a good book aloud

Write a letter

Make a list of all the things in your house that use electricity

Make your own list of things to do when you’re bored

Write secret messages

Learn a new primary song

Make a list of what you want to learn about in school this year

Learn about different types of poetry and write your own

Take a week to learn about a country, cook food from there, color/draw the flag, listen to their music, etc.

Sing all the verses of the Star Spangled Banner

Write down everything you are thankful for

Read pioneer and ancestor stories. Act out your favorite ones.

Try writing your own song

Write a letter to a cousin.

Make your Christmas wish list

List 5 nice things about each family member

Think of a good service project to do. Plan and carry it out.

Make your own audio books

Write your own skits

Make up a board game

Make up a game

Prepare an FHE lesson for future use

Read your scriptures

Create a family chant

List the sounds you hear for the next 10 minutes

Give each letter a cent value and figure out the cost of words (for example a = $.10, b = $.01, etc.)

Memorize an Article of Faith

Choose a favorite story and act it our for the family

Pick some science experiments to try

Make a Summer Read Bucket list (at least 10 books long)

Mentos geyser

Use the story cubes

Make your own secret code and write messages using it

Summer Reading Pillows

I made both Andy and Marcus pencil rolls. I made up the pattern myself and they turned out pretty good. (I hope to post pictures when I get 3 more made for my other kids.)

My major project was something I thought of after seeing a few different pillow ideas over the past couple years on Pinterest. (Of course.) I saw a small pillow with a book pocket. Then, I saw a pillow where the kids would write the books as they completed them. Then I saw HUGE floor pillows for slumber parties. Combine them all and you get my summer reading pillow project.

I let each child pick out 4 quilt squares ($1 each). I trimmed each one down to 15x15 inch squares. Then I bought 4 yards of a plain creamy color cotton ($1.99 a yard on sale). I had not planned on the book pocket, so found some fabric scraps and used those for the pockets. Each pillow took about 40 ounces of stuffing which was $11. So, each one cost me $17. (That is why it has taken me about 2 years to get the courage to do.) I think the pillows are each good indicators of favorites and personality. They can't wait for the summer to start writing on the back of their Summer Reading Pillows.

Luke loves his fall color pillow.

Pink, Pink, Pink!

Every fabric square Mo saw she would throw into the cart. I finally showed her 2 and let her pick between them after a few tries I think I figured out what she wanted. She loves bright colors and "pupple". The pillow is pretty much the size of her.

Marcus has always liked black and blue. This is very Marcus.

 Marcus was at Scout camp and I surprised him with his pillow when he got home. This is the whole group with their pillows.

 Andy's pillow also cost $17. Super Hero fabric is expensive. I really like it though.

They drag the pillows all over, slept with them last night and I don't think I have ever been so proud of a project. (Except the dress I made Anneke...it is a close tie.)

My recipe

I was asked to make a gluten free snack for a baby shower. I was happy to help. However, it makes me feel bad when no eats what I bring. I know I shouldn't let it get to me but I consider food a talent and it makes me question that. I made up this recipe and took pretty much all of it home. I had no powder sugar and so I had to kind of make something up with what I had. I took from a few different places and came up with Lonely Chex Mix. My family likes it though, so I must have trained them well.

Lonely Chex Mix
8 cups Corn Chex cereal
3/4 cups packed brown sugar
6 Tbs. butter (or margarine)
3 Tbs. light corn syrup
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. white chocolate chips

In a large microwave safe bowl measure the cereal and set aside. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
Microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup on high 1-2 minutes. Stir after each minute. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour mixture over cereal stirring until evenly coated. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on cookie sheet and cool for 10 minutes. 

Sprinkle coconut onto the cereal. Microwave the chocolate chips at 30 second intervals until melted then sprinkle over mix. Do the same with the white chocolate chips. Set in refrigerator to cool. Break apart and put into a bowl. Can stay stored in an airtight container. Best in the refrigerator, but not necessary.

If I was to do it over i would not include the white chocolate. I want to try this with almonds sprinkled on top with the coconut and maybe add some coconut extract into the brown sugar mix. Then it could be almond joy. Now, what to really name it?

Redundant

On a street near our house there is a traffic light. During the school year there are 2 crossing guards posted there in the morning and afternoon. At a traffic light?! I posted this on facebook and so many people said, "I am so glad they are there to keep the kids safe." 

Here are my thoughts:
Yes, I am, too. BUT, where are their parents? Why do they need this redundancy? Plus, the state has cut funding every year for the past 5 years to education, the school district and teachers. How is 2 crossing guards at a light still more important than the $100 each teachers pay check has been cut each month? 

If it is against the law for a child to be alone before the age of 9 at home, how is it okay for them to walk to school alone? How is it okay for the parents to leave for work and expect a child to get to school on their own? AND how is it the tax payers problem to pay for? Protecting the child is very important to me. I am so glad there are programs in place for latch key children, etc. But, when is it too much? We are enabling hands off parenting to an extreme that makes me angry. It takes a lot for a child to be taken away from unfit parents, yet there are so many I would just love to bundle up in my arms and love them because they aren't getting it elsewhere. How is this okay?

Get rid of the crossing guards at lights and start investigating the families of the first and kindergarten children walking to school on their own. I'll pay for that.

Some people say I am overprotective. Maybe I am, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I think I am good now. Not sure how much sense I made, but I have let it out.

Musings

The job search is not going well. It is so disheartening and tiring. We spend hours a week searching, writing and applying. We have not had a single interview. We get excited about jobs and nothing comes of them. Right now there are 2 open that would be great but I don't want to tell people and get their hopes up. However, added prayers can't hurt.

When they announced the temple in Cedar City on Saturday I cried. I love hearing where the temples will be, but when it is so personal it really touches me. I remember living there and only being able to attend the temple in St. George about 4 times in the 5 years we were there. Getting a sitter to commit for 4+ hours was hard. Plus, the kids were so young. It will be a great blessing to that area, especially for Parawan, Beaver, etc.

I think my brain works better around children. That is probably why I do what I do and am good at it. When I am around adults I am pretty sure I say weird things that make no sense and have no context. I don't really have people that seek my company, so it makes working on my awkward social skills difficult. Last night was book club and I am pretty sure I just said stuff. I need to get out more.

Calling

I haven't written on this blog since my month hiatus was up. I have thought of several things to say, but am just not sure. I am more stingy with my time now. It is a good thing for me, but means I will post less on here.

I was released from the calling I love as the secretary in the young women organization. That means I will no longer be making personal progress folders. I have one more ready and will give it to a mother of 2 young women. The folder are pretty much the only things I have confidence in making, so I haven't sewn much. However, I tried making Andy a pencil roll today. We'll see what he things. I am going to attempt a scripture case for me now that I don't need my big bag anymore. Oh, my new calling is the Sunday School teacher for the 12 -13 year olds.

My friend is having a baby boy in a few weeks. The name she has chosen is Bruce Wayne. I want to make a crib mobile that is the bat mobile. I am trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Any suggestions? Her baby shower is Saturday. (I already got her Hiccupotamus and some Batman wall clings for the nursery. Plus, I bring over a pack of diapers each month.)

A rose by any other name...

For a very long time I have wanted a Kitchenaid mixer. They are quite pricey for our budget and it never seemed to work out. Andy saved to buy me one and then we needed the money elsewhere. I have been using a cheap mixer and it just didn't work very well. I started watching another baby and after saving and waiting I finally have the most beautiful Kitchenaid. She is red, of course. Her name is Rose. I LOVE making things with her. I have yet to use the bread hook, though. I may need to come up with something to make so I can try it out. I didn't know it would be so nice to have this addition to my family. I look in the kitchen and see her on the counter and it makes me so happy. Andy is sad because he said he wanted to be the one to buy it for me, but he is glad I finally got one. A dozen years later and here she is! Any tips? Anyone want cookies? I am making another batch.

Figured it out

If you read my other blog, you know what we have been dealing with and still are. Until 2 weeks are over there is no surety that it is gone. 

One of my preschoolers got it. I am pretty sure her mom blames me. It really bothered me. It bothered me that she didn't call and tell me they weren't coming today and really hasn't communicated with me. But, I could not understand why I was so upset. I just figured it out.

My job is watching out for 4 children that are not my own. I really enjoy it most of the time. I love my preschool especially. I love planning and executing the lessons. It is my favorite time when it comes to my job. My priority is these children. I would not knowingly hurt them. That is basically what it feels like, that they think I selfishly inflicted others with this blight that has been so hard for me. I would never do it and am so sad anyone would think I did. It may have been us, yes, but I made sure my house was sparkly clean before starting preschool again. Does it matter where it came from? It doesn't really bother me not knowing. Blame stinks when you are the recipient. 

Pin trading

This post is mostly for the Pfiester family. I posted about Disneyland on my other blog and this was a whole other experience so I thought I would post it here. SO, Aunt Cari, this is for you.

The first day I was more into the pin trading than the kids. I tracked down a few Cast members with lanyards. I didn't have my pins and missed out on a Cinderella pin, very sad. Anyway, as the day wore on Anneke kept retrading the same pin over and over and Marcus accidently traded his favorite pin. Luke would just randomly trade them, which was fine.

That night we reevaluated. They took every pin off that they really liked to leave at the hotel. Anneke's lanyard was empty. We divided up all the extra pins and tried again the next day. Anneke was on a quest for Belle pins. (Did you know shops have pin trading boards and so did our hotel?) Not much luck, but Luke would trade for anything interesting.

The last day I said, "You will be going home with all these stinky pins unless you trade them away." That did it. Here is what they ended up with:

Marcus's lanyard:

He really likes Mickey. He has a hipster Donald, Pluto silhouette, Goofy star, 3-D movable marathon Mickey, then three Mickey Mouse pins. The other side: you can't really see the top one, but it is the lion from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Simba, S-Stitch, Good Stitch, Good Chip and a Mickey Mouse storm trooper. His goal was Star Wars and Pirates, but gave up and just traded for cool ones.

Luke's lanyard:

 It was fascinating to watch him. He traded for some odd ones and then would refuse the ones I thought he would like. He has - Fillmore from Cars, Mikey Moose, a duck car, Nemo, a bird; the other side - Mickey shaped Pooh, Mickey shaped lightning, paisley Mickey, Jiminy Cricket, and a cat

Anneke's lanyard

 I helped her get a few of these. She finally found a couple of Belle pins. She has - Belle, B-Belle, Minnie star, Ariel flower, Daisy square, Daisy silhouette, Dopey in a box, Pink Mickey, heart Aurora; other side - Chest of Drawers from Beauty and the Beast, pink shell, Snow White flower, Snow White, Minnie, Snow White Wicked Queen bowling pin*, Sleeping Beauty's castle

My lanyard 

I traded for the kids. I really wanted the Princess shoe set, but never found one. I ended up with a Wendy pin because it reminds me of my sister, Cari. Andy got a Goofy pin because he likes him. My original Repunzel shoe and Tinkerbell Mickey shape. The other side are the perfume bottles. It is a set of 5 and I have 3 - Cinderella, Jasmine and Tiana. (Missing Ariel and Aurora)

*There was a bowling pin set of Villains that would have been cool to collect. We saw quite a few of them and they were really neat looking.

It was fun. If we were there longer I think it would have been different. It took until the last day to really get into the trading.

Cinderella

I really like the Cinderella fairy tale. She is my favorite Disney princess. I have several versions of the story and even had a t-shirt with the many names Cinderella is known by around the world. It is so cliche to like her. She seems to be a lot of people's favorite. I can't help it and I figured out a few reasons. (This is about the Disney movie.)

*My grandma got me the VHS tape of the Disney Cinderella for my 8th birthday as well as a copy of the book Heidi.
*Cinderella cheerfully goes about doing dull tasks.
*She likes to sing.
*Even when she gets grumpy she doesn't stay that way.
*She asks to go to the ball and tries to make it work.
*She accepts help graciously.
*She enjoys her evening and is ready to get back to normal life.
*She says thank you.
*She again is proactive in getting out of an upsetting situation.
*She smiles and is happy.

I am pretty sure I had more but this is all I can think of at the moment. Also, I am pretty sure the movie takes place in France. The names announced at the ball are French. Plus, it draws heavily on the Charles Perrault version and very little on the Grimm version. The former is French. Disney did not used to broadcast where the movies take place. Since Beauty and the Beast that has changed. Come to think of it, a lot of the Disney movies take place in France.

Disneyland shirts

One big Disneyland project was making matching t-shirts. It was suggested by more than one person for various reasons. The biggest reason for us was being able to keep track of everyone. If someone got lost we could easily say what they were wearing. Each person will pair their shirt with jeans. It turned out really fun. We all chose and designed our own. 

Day 1 is orange Pixar themed; Day 2 is grey Disney Star Wars themed. Day 3 is dress up/blue shirts.

Mallory chose her Star Wars shirt picture. She was very adamant. Her Pixar shirt was chosen by her sister and they match.

Luke's favorite Pixar characters are Cars, but most of all Finn McMissile. He was excited to have Mickey dressed as Luke for Star Wars day.

 Anneke wanted Princess Atta and Dot and that is how we came up with the theme for the day. She was excited to have a sister picture. Not too many Disney sisters. Her Star Wars day is Princess Leia dressed as a Disney princess. She knew it was the picture for her.

 Marcus has always liked Bu and Woo-ee. It was the perfect picture for him. He wanted Stitch as General Grievous for his Star Wars day and it was fun that it kinda ties his and Luke's shirts together. The last day he didn't want to dress up. He chose to have Disney characters as Avengers on his shirt.

I am very simple in my style. I didn't want anything big. I found the Elasti-girl shot and loved it. Andy made me the Minnie Leia and I really wanted a Cinderella shirt.

 (My last picture I figured out the best way to photograph them. Sorry.) Andy's first shirt says "Cut Rate Organization" and has all the characters voiced by John Ratzenberger. It is a play on the line from the end of Cars that Mack says. For Star Wars day it is a picture of Goofy/Pluto (there is a debate which it is) as Darth Maul with Disneyland written in Star Wars lettering. Andy made a Sher Khan picture with "Dad the biggest villain of them all" for his last day.

This is the Chernabog (from the original Fantasia) belt buckle Andy made. It is for Day 3.

 Mallory's autograph book. I am not sure if she will want to do it, so I didn't want to put forth the effort I did with the other ones. It is an index card notebook. I made the cover to insert.

Anything we missed for Disney prep? Autograph books are done and we have lanyards for the pins. We are ready. I would post the finished autograph books, but they don't look much different than the covers, so it seems silly.