The Snuggie Extravaganza

A couple weeks ago, we spent what is hopefully our last frigid Saturday of this winter with some friends who have a most charming daughter. Over the course of our expedition, it was pointed out to me that Maddie (the most charming daughter) was yearning for a Snuggie-- that backward robe/blanket thing they sell on T.V. If you are not familiar with the Snuggie, please pop over to YouTube and familiarize yourself before reading further.

Good. Now that you know what a Snuggie is, you will understand that my sewing self simply could not allow this charming young lady to go around in one. If you still don't understand the inherent problems with the Snuggie, please pop back over to YouTube and watch this. As a matter of fact, at some point you really should go watch this parady, because you will laugh quite hard. Be forewarned, the parady is not appropriate for work or children. There, I've linked the parady several times-- I hope you understand just how badly I think you need to see it.

Got that? Good. Now, as I explained, I simply couldn't allow this darling of a young lady to go through life like an old person. So, we invented our own version of the Snuggie. It's not for sale, and there is no pattern, we just winged it. Also, the back is closed on ours- the whole thing pulls on over the head. And it turned out pretty OK. And, I think she can now get away with wearing a Snuggie - esque thing to sleepovers and still get invited back. Check it out:

Can you see the coolness dripping off of her? SKULL Snuggie, people. I understand her parents had to fight it off her in order to get her to bathe, the warm awesomeness is that great!

Of course, Ezra got one too. I had enough fabric leftover to make him some pants too, which was convenient as he's outgrown his other tye-dyed polarfleece pants and has been going around all winter with them several inches too short and making snarky comments about how that monster for Christmas was great and all, but geez, he sure could use some new tye-dyed polarfleece pants. Now, he has the pants and a homemade version of the Snuggie:

Oh yeah, he's also the Silly Face King.

Gratis

Last week, Ezra's teacher had his reading level assessed, and they found that he is quite advanced. In order to accommodate this, a couple teachers in the building will be working together to give Ezra the curriculum he needs, while balancing the much harder work with the fact that he is still a little guy. It's truly amazing that these teachers are going out of their way to help our family. As a show of gratitude, I gave them these:

These vases are so easy to make. Just hot glue colored pebbles at random. Of course, I had to include purple pebbles and purple flowers, as purple is the favored color of both myself and my kiddo. They were well recieved, but of course flowers are a small thanks for getting my child the help he needs at the very beginning of his academic career. These teachers deserve an award, and of course when I gave them the flowers, they both got teary and said "I'm just doing my job!" Indeed.

You're going to hate me for this

A couple friends and I have been on a fondue kick lately, namely of the cheese and chocolate varieties. Purely by accident, I found this nifty little, very simple recipe for pure indulged happiness. It's so good, you're going to hate me for it.

In a pot, over low heat, gently heat a bit of heavy whipping cream. Stir in a bit of baking vanilla. Using a wooden spoon (the wooden spoon is Very Important), slowly and gently melt in dark chocolate (often found with the baking chips, but in my Kroger it is marked 62% Cacoa, not 'dark chocolate'). This makes a very simple, basic chocolate fondue. You can eat it with strawberries, bananas (my favorite), nuts, bits of pound cake, and some strange persons even enjoy dipping marshmallows. Personally, I think marshmallows are much too sweet to go ruining a perfectly lovely fondue with. Marshmallows belong in hot cocoa and s'mores. But whatever. Dip whatever suits you. I'm sure your dentist will appreciate it when you're paying for the new addition on his home.

Now here is where things really get good. Store the unfinished portion in a covered something in the fridge. Several hours later, or the next day, get a spoon from the drawer. Use that spoon to taste the hardened fondue. It is creamy. It is wonderful. Keep that stuff around. I'm sure it will keep for a few weeks in the fridge. Give it to sad friends. That way you'll have a gym buddy when it's all gone.

If you live in Georgia

You all have a problem on your hands- one of your state Senators has gone rogue. New state legislation that appears to do away with the chance that Georgia will also end up with an OctoMom, contains language that certainly puts Georgia on the slippery anti-abortion slope. To read more about Georgia Senate Bill 169, click on over to a little pregnant-- she even gives you information on how to stop this rogue legislation. Do it today, before you lose all of your reproductive rights.

Learning To Speak Boy

Friday night, Ezra and I curled up on the couch and watched Madagascar 2. It is surprisingly funny and enjoyable. I generally do not like Disney sequels, but this one's a keeper.

We had such a sweet time snuggled up on the couch, laughing together. It was one of those moments with your child that helps you understand him better, to better know who he is right now and who he is becoming. We needed that.