You did not ask for it...

A couple days ago, we were out buying milk (the kind from a box) and I spotted this beautiful PUMPKIN! Buying a pumpkin here is not impossible, but it's not a given either. For example, we had no problem finding one a full month prior to Halloween, but on the night itself there was not a descent (ie: not rotten) pumpkin to be found. SO...we got this pumpkin so I could try making cabaza en tacha. Here goes!

First, cut the pumpkin in half. Next, you skin it and chop it into 1-2 inch chunks. Next you let it simmer for a couple of hours with all this "stuff". Cinnamon sticks, orange zest, orange juice, piloncillo. You can get a recipe here.

THIS is the final product. It was very tasty and would probably be good with whipped cream (like pumpkin pie). I don't think I'll ever make this again unless it's for more than 5 people. We had a LOT left over. Plus, peeling a pumpkin is hard work! Maybe sharper knives would have helped?

We're back and nearly recovered from a whirlwind trip to San Diego. Tyler had a job fair to go to on the 3rd and Mack and I decided to tag along. Ty wasn't comfortable leaving us in Monterrey for 3 days alone, and a hotel across the border would have cost just as much as flying to San Diego (we snagged $89 each way, direct tickets thanks to Southwest). As far as I can tell the job fair was a success. Tyler spoke to all 12 companies there he was interested in and is now waiting to hear back from them.
I managed to get Mack into see the doctor while we were in CA. It's just as we suspected, he's still growing. He's 28 inches long (95th %) and weighs 19 pounds 2 ounces (85th %). He thought the appointment was basically tickle time, so no worries there. Obviously he wasn't too keen about getting his shots, but who is?
Have you noticed Mack is SIX MONTHS OLD! Babies are so great! In the last six months he's conquered a countless number of skills. In fact, as I write this he has learned how to pull down his toy-with-the-blue-arches and scoot his way inside. AMAZING! Maybe I'm a little biased...but I think we've got a genius on our hands...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

PUMPKIN, PUMPKINPumpkin, Pumpkin,
Sitting on the wall.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin,
Tip and fall.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin,
Rolling down the street.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin,
Good to eat!

FINISHED!! I made these shoes today/last night. The pattern was so simple and I'm absolutely in love with the results. I can't wait to actually pick out specific fabric and make another pair of shoes for Mack. For this pair I cut up an old blanket I "borrowed" (I know! I'm sorry!) from an unnamed airline, and used some rick-rack scraps, buttons and embroidery floss I had lying around. Mack meets his shoes. He never wears shoes, so this was kinda a big deal for him. "Say hello to my little friend."The fuzzy fleeciness of the shoes didn't make this activity fun for very long (Yes, fleeciness is a word).They even look good when he's standing up! AMAZING! How many pictures of these shoes can I post? A lot, that's how many.

Nap time. He's so peaceful when he sleeps. I love nap time. That's when the screaming stops. For the past week he's been experimenting with different volume levels.Did I mention I MADE these? I guess you could say I'm a little proud...

Beautiful baby Mack asleep, taking a nap like a good little boy should.

Here is how we regularly find beautiful baby Mack. Not napping, not even trying to nap. Just playing with two of his best friends, Binky and Bunny.

Yes folks I've finally done it. I have single-handedly created the world's most terrifying baby toy. Introducing...Mr. Freaky Fish. I'd been holding onto an old t-shirt with a fish on it that I just couldn't bear to part with. So I did what anyone would do, and made it into a prized family heirloom, which Mack is sure to enjoy for days, nay weeks, to come.

OF NOTE:
On this day, in 1861, the first transcontinental telegram was sent.
The discontinuation of the Pony Express was announced two days later.

Interesting. Here I am, 145 years latter, blogging to the WORLD (alright, maybe not the whole world, but some of the world). WOW. Communication my friends, communication. To learn a little bit more today then you'd originally planned CLICK HERE. Isn't history fascinating? You don't have to answer that, unless of course you agree with me....