Does this hat go with these shoes?

Bea isn't just in the Terrible Two's, she's a Two-year-old-Tyrant. And often times I'm left to wonder: do I fight her, do I give in, or do I go get the camera?

For instance, the other morning she refused to get dressed and insisted on wearing her purple fur hat, red Elmo slippers, and soggy wet diaper. Lovely. I guess our list of errands could wait until she decided to put on some real clothes.

But, I was relieved to read in celebrity news that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have similar problems with their daughter, Suri, who refuses to wear a coat or pants. Whew. It's not just the Dennelers.

Thankful.

Thankful for family and friends.

Thankful for good health.

Thankful for steady jobs.

And thankful for colorful turkeys.

 

Birthday cake and party hats for 10,000!

WuShock celebrated his 60th birthday this week, and my office was in charge of the party. (And no, I did NOT have to bake the cupcakes, thank God!) The festivities took place during halftime of the WSU vs UMKC basketball game, where all 10,000 fans sang "Happy Birthday to Wu." Wilbur Elsea, the original creator of Wu, and Dave Johnson, the first Wu mascot, were on hand to help blow out the candles. People were also encouraged to bring presents - not for Wu, but for Toys For Tots. And I'm proud to say that the boxes to hold the toys were overflowing. It was a really fun night, and one heck of a party. Happy Birthday, Wu. You don't look a day over 18, really!

Fun at Fike Park.

We took a quick trip to Colby this weekend for a pre-turkey day visit with family. The weather was so nice on Sunday, the kids got to enjoy a rare, November romp at Fike Park before we buckled them in the car for the long drive home. 

When Eric and I were growing up, Fike Park had one of those classic, 3-story "Rocket Slides." (Now deemed too dangerous, of course.) But, about ten years ago, the folks from Colby came together to rebuild a really fantastic playground for the community to enjoy. It's absolutely wonderful with all kinds of slides, climbs, tunnels and cool stuff. And as evident by the last photo, Bea did NOT want to leave. 

Bea loves Boots.

Bea's favorite thing in the world is Boots the Monkey. She sleeps with it, eats with it, plays with it, sucks her thumb with it, and takes it with her everywhere. So last weekend, when we were at Barnes & Noble, she discovered three more Boots on the shelf and was beyond thrilled. Eric and I decided it would probably be good to buy another "spare" Boots, just in case something happened to the one we had. Well, needless to say we didn't make it out of the store with one. It was like asking a mother to leave two of her babies behind. Bea's tears nearly broke my heart. So I let her get all three.

My bad parenting decision aside, look how happy that face is?
Bea loves her Boots. (Bootses? Booty? Boots babies?)

Cupcakes for the Cure

My oven's been working overtime, baking some sweet treats for a breast cancer fundraiser held last weekend in Brookville, Kansas. A former Colby High School classmate of mine (Jodi Copeland Smith), had seen some of my edible art on Facebook and contacted me to see if I would bake some items to sell at their "Dig for the Cure" volleyball tournament fundraiser.

Jodi herself, is a breast cancer survivor, and was really excited when I suggested selling some fun, yet tasteful "Cupcakes for the Cure" - a pair of boob-like cupcakes, packaged in a sweet little pink box. I also made some giant volleyball sugar cookies frosted with pink ribbons.

The tournament was a big success. They made almost $4000, and I heard that my tasty boobs and balls sold out. Yea for sugar! Boo for breast cancer! (Ironically, it just dawned on me this weekend that my Aunt Maryellen - the woman who instilled in me from childhood this desire to bake fun, edible art - was a breast cancer survivor too, from the 1960's.)

Trick-or-Wheat.

We had the best Halloween surprise, ever! The real WuShock came to our house for Trick-or-Wheat Friday night, and he even brought Gus a giant-sized candybar. Bea was a little scared of the big yellow guy (to say the least), but a couple of high-fives and a sucker stopped the tears so that we could all go outside and take some pictures together. Big WuShock and Little WuShock (WeeShock perhaps?) were a hit with all the neighbors too. They attracted quite a crowd. It was so much fun.

A million thanks to you, Wu!