Eureka! Part 1

Have you ever wondered how Eureka ever became a positive expression? To me, it sounds more like a proper expletive. No matter, it serves such a purpose for my thoughts on technology these days.

VOIP is a fantastic phone service that utilizes the internet to give you cheap local and long distance service. The only catch is that your internet must work. We haven't really run into any problems until these last few weeks. Some how lights are blinking on all the many devices but no one is talking. Something about the router and modem and cables and static and well. . .no phone. After a few calls to AT&T and "solving" the problem many times, we finally ran head long into the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back.

All that prevented us between reconnection and the outside world was a password. Well not really a password, but the key answer to a secret question. Question, "What is your favorite restaurant?" I guess we don't really have a favorite because after guessing over 20 different restaurants we still didn't come up with the right one. The guy kept reminding me that divulging my secret answer would jeopardize his career. Fair. It's not his fault that my life doesn't revolve around one place to eat out. (or 20 others for that matter). I did remind him that these random password secret questions are much like the super expensive car keys that new cars all seem to need. To replace one of those bad boys, you are looking at about $200. But, I ask, how many times has you car been broken into and stolen vs how many times you lose your car keys? Who are we trying to keep out of our cars and likewise our accounts?

In the end, we decided to leave AT&T (rash I know, but really we were a bit underwhelmed and still internet-less) We signed up with Clear. A new and only real affordable option for internet in our area. I keep waiting for Verizon Fios to find us again, but I am not holding my breath. They have a 4G network and a reasonable price tag for super fast internet. Unfortunately, the tower, which is less then a mile from our house, doesn't have enough guts to support a wireless router which is essential for our phone. When I do use the phone, I sound more like a Robot or popcorn then a person.

After calling CLEAR and speaking with a very strange service representative, didn't find their company so CLEAR. She even suggested that we ditch the home phone option and go straight to cell phones exclusively. Tempting, but again, the loss cell phone vs lost home phone option is risky. And, if I ever get a babysitting someday, what would they use when we are out? No way I am leaving my iPhone with a teenager to have unlimited text and internet capacity.

Now our choice is to stick it out with the new guys "CLEAR" or crawl back to AT&T if we want any internet. These choices definitely Eureka!

Hay! Merry Christmas

From our Family to yours, Merry Christmas! PS Mia is the cute little Elf on the reindeer's back. Nice ears, don't you think?

Crocs and their many should be non-uses

Crocs have to be the ugliest form of footwear invented, but they are so wonderful. I love throwing them one to quickly run to the store or take out the garbage or pick up me from the bus stop. Unfortunately, I sometime forget that they really aren't outside of the house shoes and just add to my disheveled look I try to pull off everyday.

It was bound to happen that I would forget my shoe choice at a most inconvenient time. Such as racing to Zumba only to realize my crocs were still on. In my mind, I tried to figure out if it was worth it to race to some store to buy a pair of shoes. No, because 1: I would be even more late if not miss the whole class. B: I am way too cheap to throw away money on new shoes just because I wasn't thinking.

So with just about enough dignity that a Zumba fan could muster, I began shaking my stuff whilst trying to keep huge crocs on my feet.

Foiled by the Grinch

Yesterday I made my appearance in court for my "moving violation" that occurred several months ago. I have been stewing over this ridiculous ticket for way too long. With camera in hand, I made my way to the courthouse for the truth to be told. Too bad my camera was confiscated at the front security desk. Good thing I printed off the mapquest page. After an almost hour long wait, a prosecuting attorney pulled me into another room. He fit a stereotypical model of a schmooze. His hair was slicked back and his smile curled up just like the Grinch when he thinks of his awful idea. He used such choice phrases like "look, I'm not here to talk you out of proceeding to trial" and "Officer so-and-so is here ready to testify against you. He even took notes" and my favorite of all "I am here to make you a deal to save you x amount of time and x amount of dollars". He rolled his eyes a few times and even held back a snort when he could use his new found knowledge of traffic laws. My 12 miles over the posted speed limit now became over 20 since unknown speed limits = traveling 35 miles per hour. I tried to remind him of the ever more important rule of driving in a manner to prevent accidents, but he just said too bad you got caught.

Usually, I just think my bad thoughts and smile. This time I half spoke my bad thoughts and fumed over the lack of justice that I was witnessing. They didn't want the truth. They wanted my money. Yet, in the end, I folded. I knew I was in the right, but I was done with this escapade. I have never in my 15+ years of driving all over this country received a speeding ticket or any other sort of traffic violation. The prosecutor noted that and knock the fee to $130 with no defensive driving test and a probationary 90 days to not get pulled over again. $130 and I was free. I took a few moments to think about it. I wondered how I would win in court. I have a feeling that my hear say evidence (camera wasn't coming into the courtroom) about the over hanging branch covering the speed limit would have been ignored.

I left angry and with a better understanding of how so many countries live with corrupt leaders and "law"givers. It was too much of a gamble for me to pay the full ticket ($176) plus court fees ($100+) and have the ticket on my record (who knows what that would have done to our insurance). $130 sounded good and the attorney knew it.

What I am left with is the questions why? Why can a police officer pull me over when several other cars were driving much faster then me? Oh wait, I know, I was the only one going slow enough for him to pass two lanes of freeway entrance traffic and a solid white line and catch the dangerous driver. Why am I being punished for a bad pruning job? Oh wait, I know, because the state needs easy money. Why else would the police officer pick such a precarious spot to park his unmarked police car? Why did I not have the guts to stand up for myself? Oh wait, I know, I never do.

Oh well, I guess my painting and replacing a wretched chandelier will have to wait. San Antonio needs an easy $130.

Glorified Saran Wrap

I just received our family's Christmas cards in the mail when the weather turned. I think that the bad weather had everything to do with my "bragging" on our Christmas cards about the weather being so nice. (curious about what I said. . .well wait until you get one of the cards in the mail. . .not sure if I have your address. . .email me or leave it as a comment on this post) We have endured many a hot summer days with hopes of the pleasant winter weather. So, when the thermostat was registering 40 degrees, I wasn't a happy camper. We set our heater at 69 in hopes of not paying too much for our comfort. Too bad the heater was running all night long.

Opening windows on sunny days and baking a little more than normal helped with the heater's persistent running. We even went to the extreme tacky lengths of shoving cloth napkins in to the door crevices to help stop all the cold air from rushing in. Finally, with help from a little know product called Window Insulation Film. What is this magic product and how would it be helpful? Take the idea of plastic wrap stretched tight over a window instead of leftovers.

It is quiet a process that involves alcohol wipes, double sided tape, plastic wrap, and a blow dryer. Each window is about a 10-20 minute process and we finally finished the whole upstairs Saturday night. Just in time for us to put up the Christmas lights. Unfortunately, we usually use the upstairs windows to access our lower roofs which meant a careful removal process and a even carefuller replacement. We went to bed grateful for a sealed house and hopes of a less frequent heater situation.

Sunday morning we argued with the kids about taking coats to church assured that the weather would merit a heavier jacket. Wrong. Overnight the temperatures shot up from the low 40's to the mid 60's. That to me is window opening weather and we are sealed in. Oh well, may be it will feel like winter again someday and we will be prepared.

Some Kind of Wonderful

Miss Meekers, you hold a special place in my heart. You are the special someone who made me a mom. (Mia around 18 months and or Talia's age now)How could I be so blessed to have such a girl in my life? You can do everything. Your magical optimism is infectious and shapes our family's life daily. I love your obsession with reading and learning. I love hearing you sing and catching mini shows when you don't realize that I am watching. I love your diplomatic tendencies and your innate sense of equality (even though it is often slightly biased). Your siblings adore you and wait anxiously for your arrival home each day from school. I love finding you and your siblings immersed in some game you've concocted or find them rapt in attention while you read to them. Your beautiful smile and surprisingly blue eyes are only second to your precious spirit and tender heart. Thank you for who you are and who you make me want to be.

Mr. Man

There is a reason why I call you Handsome. I love your smile especially when it creeps onto your face every time an engine roars or sheep are ramming their heads together.
(picture by Tiago and my iPhone)
I love your curiosity even if the bugs' life is put at risk of closer inspections. Your love for life is as contagious as your laughter. (picture by Tiago and my iPhone)
Your tender spirit and love of Jesus is evident in how you treat all of us in the family and stray dogs that need attention. Nothing is more sweet than your consideration of Mia or Talia's feelings above your own. Thanks for reminding us about scripture study and prayers. Thanks for energizing the group and cuddling. I love your hugs and whispered I love you's. I love that you eat and drink like a horse but hide that evidence nicely (I mean your weight and not your ability to sneak food behind the couch and leave it there).I love you, Mr. Handsome Man.

Miss Giggles

Yep, I can't get enough of your sweetness. I love how you say prayers and how you say Jesus. I am sure that brings a big smile to your Heavenly Father's face. I love how you want water aka daughter and crackers constantly and will go get them for yourself whenever possible. I love you laughter that can be heard more frequently than not. I love your pleas to sleep in Mia's bed and how you let us know when daddy is at work. I love your excitement over airplanes and how you pretend fly airplanes throughout the house. I love how you love Lammies and pray it will last as long as you need it. I love all your hugs and cuddles and kisses. I love your crazy hair and precious smile. I love you, girl.

Thanksgiving

Wonderful Times:

#1
Seeing the kids faces as we prepared the Turkey. Mia was much smarter than me. I assumed that the neck bag in the chest cavity was the extent of the giblets because we got such a small turkey and the rest of the garbage just didn't make it. Wrong! Oh well, I am sure that isn't the first time the bag was left in for the cooking. The bird was bagged and cooked upside down for a time. Then, cut from the plastic restraint and flipped upright and basted for the remaining time. This made for great drippings and a new tradition of gravy making in this house.



#2
We finally went on a family "Turkey Trot" after many years of talking about it. Right before we were going to eat, Fernando announced the race. It almost fell through when a massive spider was spotted on the driveway. My kids and spiders (especially Talia) equals rapt attention. They hovered over the spider trying to find all the parts we had learned about a few days before. I even had to take a closer look to see all the eyes. I was also the one who screamed the loudest when the spider decided to give me a closer look. We lined up finally and took off around the block. We made it with only a few complaints and warnings of possible death by running from the kids.


#3
Our annual "Turkey Chase" was silly like usual. Tiago snagged the most feathers with Fernando coming in at a close second. Usually, we have just colored our best rendition of a feather. This year and I think from now on, Mia suggested we color things we love and are thankful for.
Tiago drew a crane, dump truck, train, and bulldozer.

Talia got apples and a Lamb picture.

Mia had a Tinkerbell, candy cane, and a flower.



Best of all. . .Fernando was wake and with us for at least 4 hours. It was nice to have him home. Happy Thanksgiving!

Around the World in 25 Days

Hunting for interesting activities for each holiday has become a little more tricky since we moved from the heart of constant cultural exposure aka the DC area. We do have a few fun events here like the Sea World wonders, Lights on the Riverwalk, Bass Pro Shop with all its free fun including the free Santa picture!, and this weekend's Handel Messiah concert just to name a few.

Today while reading the Friend Magazine (a magazine the Church of Jesus Christ publishes for young children), I stumbled upon a working advent calendar of sorts. It was called "Christmas Around the World". As we read each one, I realized that the activities mentioned would be fun to do as a family and kind of culturally uplifting. I have already tweaked some of the ideas to fit our circumstances. For example, day 6 tells us that Australians will go to the beach and sing carols. We do have beaches not too far from our house, but the Sabbath day isn't a day for us to make a day trip to the beach. So, instead, we switched the 5 day's activities from Germany and the candy left in the shoe (ok the candy will be substituted with a clementine orange) to allow us either a day trip to the beach with caroling or heading to Sea World on Saturday to listen to all the carols while we play in the artificial beach fronts.

You should check it out. There are some amazing things to do. I am sure thankful for all the research the people put into the calendar so I could have a no brainer Christmas time.

PS Enjoy browsing around on the website. There are a lot of great things even for those who are not of our faith. My kids love looking at this site on Sundays to help keep their thoughts focused on the One who brought the First Real Gift of Christmas. If you want, there are pictures that can be cut out and place on each day to remind you of what you did. I think I will just blog about it.

Slightly Embarrassed

For days I have been trying to figure out a few comments posted on my blog. Something about being "tagged". Although I love the internet and blogging and what not, I think I am more suited for dial up then high speed when it comes to such things. That is not where the embarrassment comes from. The person who tagged me, Lisa, is amazing and does so much. She is an inspiration to so many. Check out her blog and you'll understand. Now that I have figured out what a tag is and what this tag consists of, her is my response.

What makes me an authentic mom:

1. The night time wake up calls from weeping children are always my best mothering moments. Probably all the rest, even though it was interrupted, helps me see their tender needs for what they are. Sometimes I wish my night time manners could be as readily available during the day light hours.

2. Being away from my children is more of a punishment then a treat. Not that being a mom 24 hours a day isn't trying especially when kids are tired, hungry, and bored all at the same time and you feel the exact same way, but lack the age excuse to act out. I just love each movement and word that spills from their precious selves. For example, Tiago was having a particularly rambunctious and disobedient day and it was a challenge for me to deal with the random spurts of tantrums. Then he suddenly bursts into the room and in an almost still angry voice states "You know what I'm thankful for? This beautiful earth that God created." Or Mia, who woke up too early on morning and set of a chain reaction of too early morning time moments for the other kids was found in the toy room closet tenderly reading a book to a very attentive brother and sister. Or Talia was says things like "More Chocolates". I wish there was some way to record their idiosyncrasies and mannerisms to cherish forever.

3. I detest television watching for my children. I would much rather them stare at the wall. We watch movies once a week and that is about the extent of their tv viewing. Mia used to think that Elmo was Elma because her only reference to that character was from other kids pronouncing its name. I still have troubles figuring out the whole DVD player in the van since we have used it a total of 4 times. I much rather enjoy a good book with them and we are currently car listening to the Secret Garden. I would highly recommend it. (ironically I am addicted to television or I should say I have no control over myself once the tv is on so I keep it off for that reason. I agreed to have cable just so we could see the BYU games and watch General Conference at home.)

4. Even though my singing voice is less then desirable, our home is constantly in song about something with a little dance to compliment the music. In fact, Tiago and Mia will often be singing something about a given make believe scenario. Talia has even began randomly bursting into song and dance. Mia, the most prominent theatrical child of the 3, began the dancing before she was born. She would make my belly contort into all sorts of interesting shapes whenever a good beat could be detected.

5. I would live in second trimester of pregnancy forever if that were possible/rational. (again, this isn't any sort of announcement) There is something magical about little feet and arms kicking around inside of you, but you still have room for all your vital organs.

I think now I am supposed to tag 5 other people and I am at a loss. One of the biggest reasons I blog is to learn from the other women I have met in my life. With that said, I will pick Angela R., Emily W., Kristi G., Claudia S., and Kimberli T.. I am sure these ladies will know what to do better then me, but here is the gist:
write about 5 experiences/feelings that have shaped you as a true, genuine Mom. The rules are to keep it real and then tag 5 other mom's with this honorable recognition.

Merlin's at Seaworld

Here in the fine state of Texas, Thanksgiving equals cancellation of school for the whole week. Not that you can tell that Thanksgiving is coming with all the Christmas stuff, but it does mean a lot of family fun. (Too bad Fernando isn't rewarded with the same duration of time off. . .he has no time off at all)

To kick off the festivities this week, we headed to Sea World. The park was transformed into a winter wonderland which helped remind us that it is winter. 74 degree temperature makes it hard to remember. Upon entering the gate, we were greeted by Merlin or at least that is who Mia thought it was. It was one of the best Santa costumes I have seen in my life. Next we watched the Polar Express 4D! What was the forth dimension? Vibrating seats, falling "snow" aka fluffy bubbles, gusts of air shooting into our face, and a fancy disco ball.

We watched a slightly corny Christmas show entitled Deck the Halls with Clyde & Seamore. Clyde and Seamore happen to be preforming sea lions. Luckily there was the rope climbing area to help burn off some pent up steam from the two shows we sat through.

Then came the best part of the whole day. Me and the kids who were tall enough rode Journey to Atlantis over and over again since there were no lines. The ride isn't very long, but who can pass on a roller coaster that gets you sopping wet? Not I. I just felt bad after a few times since the 2 other moms were stuck watching us ride and trying to entertain the toddlers. Talia was a little annoyed by the no water restriction that my friend thankfully imposed upon her. The day was pleasant, but misery was sure to come after the first wave of water splashed her unknowing self.

Even with Tiago's melt down at the end and his unscrupulous use of his hands on his friends, the day was wonderful and we are planning to go back again.

The Old Adage

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." as become my motto. Ok, I think it has always been apart of who I am. For example, when the pots gifted from us for our wedding became too scratch for safety we just bought a large skillet and called it a day. All my cooking (boiling noodles to frying meat to sauce making) occurs with that one magical pot. It works great and makes for very creative cooking. When my kids cranked up the hand mixer to its highest gear in peanut butter batter consequentially frying the motor, I became my own hand mixer. I keep imagining the beautiful arms such hand mixing might create. Too bad such mixing usually comes from various sweets hence the arm theory is flawed. The stroller's wheel exploded, again, but I found a comparable part at Lowe's for $1 and will run, I mean walk carefully that stroller into the ground. (take that Gracco and your $5 mark up on a fancy bolt).

Well, puppets were needed in the youngest nursery class and I didn't feel like spend $40+ dollars on them was such a good idea. Heck, Loopy Sue wasn't that tricky. . . bring on the felt.

The owl was my first attempt and was quiet a learning experience. By the time I added the rest of the crew, I had come up with some quick time saving tricks and I am ready to bust out some more. I am just waiting to see if the kids actually like them, but hey for the $2 it cost me in felt, I figure they were worth it.

Room with No View

Most of my Sunday wardrobe consists of knee length skirts. After my call to serve with the nursery age children, I realized that knee length and toddlers doesn't equate with modesty. With all the ups, downs, floor play, etc., the knee length skirts would have to be shelved.

I have been searching for ankle length wonders and found maxi dresses to be the best option. My sister lovingly refers to these as a hippie's idea of dress up. Never mind that they look like glorified muumuus, Target had a whole series of maxi dresses on super sale.

Hilariously, I found out this exciting sale from another member of the church I attend. When I showed up the next Sunday, everyone had taken the chance to purchase many of Targets sale dresses. In fact, me and 3 other ladies were wearing the same dress in 3 different colors. Oh well, it's bound to happen. Like the time when I was pregnant with Mia and showed up to church along with another fellow pregnant woman wearing the same Motherhood Maternity dress (one of the few reasonably priced dresses that actually had sleeves and went below mid thigh).

Today, when I pulled off the price tag of one of the said maxi dresses, I noticed something peculiar. The tag said, "Liz Lange: Maternity". Too late, I needed to dress for church and just prayed that no one happened to purchase the dress for their pregnancy and would get the wrong idea. The oven is bunless and nursery children are spared the horror of unintentional visual aids from me.

The Answer is No

Yesterday, we made friends with one of the many strays in our neighborhood. (sorry the above photos were taken with some for sale dogs a few weeks back) It brought back the age old discussion of owning a dog. Mind you, the stray was very well trained and really sweet. But, i really am just barely keeping up with things in my house . . .well, not even keeping up with house stuff to add another needy thing. I figure we will be ready to own a dog once I can keep the house clean, lovingly nurture my kids, and fill my calling with easy. Seeing as that won't happen any time soon, I am grateful for the random run ins with dogs to help feed that "need" my kids have.

Lost Maples

Now that the weather has changed and being outside is enjoyable even if you aren't surrounded by water to cool you down, we have been searching for outdoor adventures whenever we have the chance. This past Saturday, we took an hour and a half drive out a beautiful park called Lost Maples. We arrived around 8 am and there was a line to get permits into the park. We weren't expecting the weather to be on the chilly side and were glad to have a few fleeces stashed in the car. We're already planning our return trip.





Mia even had the chance to bust out her map skills that she learned this past week at school.

Our camera is being temperamental, so we have been using our iphones to take all our recent pictures. Convenient, but not very good quality. Luckily during our family picture photo shoot attempt, a nice gentleman/fellow hiker offered to take our picture on his fantastic camera. He emailed me the pictures.

Friday the 13th, A slightly better day (eating out that is)

Veterans Day brought a rarity, Fernando was off work. Mia on the other hand had school. Mia already convinced Fernando that family bonding time was far more important than school, but at least my in class room helping that day swayed her into half day attendance.

The day was planned as follows:

Family Walk Mia to School--too late, so we had to drive
Group trip to the gym---Talia was sick, so we couldn't leave her in the YMCA daycare
(saved me the pain & humiliation of trying to match workout pace with Fernando)
Read to kids in Mia's classroom---accomplished and enjoyed
Gracefully check Mia out of school for the day---checked out, secretary peeved
Library Storytime--skipped
Ride in the BraPark---beautiful,

bummer we don't all have bikes




Free Veterans lunch at Applebee's--avoided, bait and switch to IHOP (gag for me)

After that we just fell into normal 2nd Wednesday of the month routines with Dance class and Recipe exchange.

Fernando went back to work, but surprised us with an early return home around 4 pm. I was plumb out of ideas for dinner and hijacked the family for some TGI Fridays 2 for $20 deal. On the drive over, I explained how Friday the 13th fears are for those who lack faith and understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan. (ok, a bit of a stretch, but I thought that I could use their curiosity as a teaching moment) I explained that we have nothing to fear (not even fear itself) and so we were celebrating the day in a Thank Goodness style.

Have you been to this restaurant? I had been years before in Utah and this was nothing close to that experience. The restaurant was dark even for restaurant standards and the Bar was the prominent feature. You even could get cheaper appetizers for sitting there first. Luckily we had a window seat and the deal was too good to be true. We were all very much satiated for under $25. Talia went to town on the spinach artichoke dip appetizer and the kids were digging the cedar roasted salmon. I on the other hand was lapping up the gourmet 5 cheese macaroni that was smothered in blue cheese flavor.

How could I forget?

So I found these funny pictures from our Trick-o-treating adventures. Tiago had grown weary of his Darth Vader costume while waiting for our party guests to leave. He was barely willing to dawn the cowboy hat because we threatened no candy if he didn't at least try to dress up. Talia showed her true colors in the BYU cheerleader giddy-up and coordinating shoe/handbag fashion statement. And last but not least, check out the lashes Mia is wearing.

What's Bugging Me

Ok, there is this mythological idea that a being can spontaneously exist upon the death of another being. Such is the case with the flies in our house. I swear that I pre-count the number of flies buzzing around and then with any convenient rag, I set forth on a killing spree. . .ninja faces and sounds are often beheld by the innocent children. Then, when I gather the carcasses, low and behold more have spontaneously appeared! What is happening here? Five flies are rapidly swarming around me reading about the demise of their parents. Freaks, just leave me alone! (Talia has joined my quest on ridding our house of the filthy pests. I will often find her with some shirt or small hand towel saying "Uh-Oh, fly!" and then swatting the 'fly' area in a fit of uninhibited kung fu skill).

Another funny bug situation can be discovered on the underside of my deadbolt lock on my front door. This door is rarely used by any of our family except on the days I run to get Mia at the bus stop. Returning home via the front door one such day, I noticed an "egg sack". Totally disgusted and not fully rational, I found the nearest stick to destroy this nest of arachnid horror. (Didn't I remember the mass exodus of the hundreds of spider babies unleashed when I tried to fumigate the mother a few weeks back?) I turned out to be a fuzzy caterpillar luckily, but still a bit weird for me to remove by myself.

Today was strange bug encounter day starting with a random scorpion basking in the warm morning sunlight. Thank heavens Tiago missed stepping too close. Then extra thanks was needed when he resisted the huge temptation to touch it. He was assuaged when he found a mix between a grasshopper and a mutant green lady bug on our kitchen window and ecstatic when we went out to play and found a walking stick resting on our back door. Talia and Tiago alternated holding the fragile looking bug and giggling uncontrollably as the bug writhed around in attempts at freedom. Obviously this was its first introduction to a curious child.

Some Halloween

This year we enjoyed a church Trunk or Treat (Fernando was a farmer, Mia was a garden fairy, Talia was a flower, Tiago was a sheriff, and I was a ladybug). Talia found happiness on some kid's tricycle that was sitting in the parking lot.

Dance class allowed for dress up and Tiago dawned his new Darth Vader look.
Mia scored a free face painting session at the Doctor's office after hear ENT appointment. The lady's skills were awesome, her lack of clothing around her bust line wasn't. Ah, the price of freedom. (pun on our ability to choose and the price of the artistry). I know, funny!


So what can I say. . .halloween kind of came and went, but we did have some fun. Like a party that was the brainchild of Mia that exploded into a 90% committal rsvp list. (when does that happen) and Tiago becoming the masked man himself. Double bonus was a shopping venture that happened Saturday and surprisingly Target still had tonz of costumes at a whopping 90% off price tag. So we now have a full Star Wars cast for under $10. (BTW, I also scored some other pretty standard costumes for about $2 a pop which was very satisfying since the original price was in the $30-$40 range). I couldn't help but buy Tiago 2 Nascar
racer outfits, a Thomas the Train thing, some interesting illusion of a costume where it looks like your kid is riding a horse, a Zebra giddy up, and Princess Leia, a Storm Trouper, Obi One, a Jedi robe, and Young Darth Vader. (hopefully this will curb the amount of times I find Tiago playing cars or warrior in Mia's princess dress. Now the boy can dress up in some real dress up clothes for boys.)