I'm not a fan of corn mazes

Ten years ago, I didn't think twice about packing up three preschoolers and a toddler for a trip to the zoo. So what if I didn't have another adult to help keep them all corralled? We still had fun.  Like I said when I wrote about Anna's book, I'm not quite as sparkly as I used to be.

But I try. 

Yesterday was Quinn's birthday and I'd planned on taking the kids to the pumpkin patch. Then I looked at the weather report. The temperature has dropped a lot over the past week. It's started to rain. Honestly, it was only Teenage Daughter who convinced me it was worth the gamble to drive up there in hopes that it wouldn't be so wet and cold and miserable we turned right around and headed for home. 

She was right. The skies were blue and it warmed up so much we took the jackets back to the car. (The fact that my kids had coats on should convince you how awful the weather was when we started out.)

I am not a fan of corn mazes. The last time I took the boys through one, I wound up carrying both of the little guys. This time, the challenge was keeping up and urging them both to head in the same direction. I don't even try to find our way out, I just follow them. It works better that way.

The dark maze was better. I just put my hand on one shoulder and kept hold of the other hand and hoped for the best. Mostly, they kept me from walking into walls. We went back in three separate times and never did find the exit.

Then there was the Realm of Darkness. I'm so proud of myself for not screaming when I looked back to make sure I had all of the boys with me and saw the tall scarecrow silently walking along with us. This costumeis a lot more effective when you're trying to keep three boys together in the dark!

We stayed until they closed and the boys had an absolute blast going down slides and dragging me through mazes. Teenage Daughter was off on her own with a friend, and whenever we caught up with them, they looked like they were having just as much fun.

Sometimes it's worth making the effort to sparkle, even when it's pouring rain and you'd rather sleep in.

Weekly Stash Report

I'm not counting the fabric I bought for my latest giveaway in or out, since it's not going to be mine.  If you want a chance to win a copy of Ebony Love's new book, The Big Little Book of Fabric Die Cutting Tips, and the die cut pieces to make my two color lap quilt, leave a message on the giveaway post before November 3.

I did order The Pajama Quilter Rethreaded DVD after seeing Jo's freemotion bugs. How cute are those?!  I've been wanting it ever since I first head about those bugs, and she's offering a special deal right now.

And I found Sizzix dies that I hadn't seen before...and had coupons...

Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 55 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards  
Added Year to Date: 446 yards
Net Added for 2012: 391   yards

Yarn Used this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Used year to Date: 940 yards
Yarn Added this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 3900 yards
Net Added for 2012: 2960 yards

To see more weekly stash reports, click over to Patchwork Times.