Happy Halloween!

I have never really decorated for holidays besides Christmas. I really only have seasonal decorations. This year I was determined to have some Halloween decorations. So I started cruising some home decor blogs, and found this idea.

Then I was off to DI to find a cheap, yet suitable for my needs picture and frame. I finally found one for $15 on my 3rd trip to DI. YEAH! The picture was some hideous modern thing I was happy to cover with tinfoil. So I spray painted the frame black (gloss), and cut my tinfoil squares. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to hang in front of it, until I found a grapevine wreath on sale at Robert's. I spray painted that black (flat) too. I hung it from some silver/grey and black striped ribbon I already had from something or other. Then I found some black birds at the dollar store. I put one inside the wreath and strung cobwebs and put plastic spiders on it.

When my ward had their Super Saturday activity I signed up to make the "spooky" blocks. (On the reverse side it says "thanks".) However that night I also helped with a holiday treat demonstration, so I didn't have much time to get my blocks done. I had only painted them. I finally decided to do them in all black and white/tan. I think they turned out awesome.

I knew I wanted some candlesticks with taper candles, but I couldn't find what I wanted. I finally found some crystal candlesticks at Walmart for $4. I bet you can guess what I did next. Yep! I spray painted them black (gloss). I bought some red candles and spray painted them black (flat) too. Then when I burned the candles, it looked like they were "bleeding". Kind of morbid, I know. But I thought my mantle looked great for Halloween.

Crystal, Gracie, and Stephen in front of my "Spooky" Halloween-ly Decorated mantle.

We also carved pumpkins. Kate liked digging the "guts" out with her hands.

Andie prefered a spoon. The girls divided out the pumpkin seeds and we roasted them. The girls didn't know if they would like them, but they did.

Andie had said all along that she was going to be Minnie Mouse again this year, but 2 days before her preschool party she decided she wanted to be a bunny. I told her that would mean she would have to dress all in pink. She consented, and we found a set with bunny ears, bow tie, and a tail. She was the cutest bunny ever.

Kate wanted to be a witch, and I had intentions of making her a witch tutu, but I got sick and ran out of time. Luckily Angie let me borrow a darling witch costume. Kate loved it.

And she was the cutest witch I've ever seen!

The girls were so ready to go trick-or-treating, it was like they were already on a sugar high. And trying to get them to calm down, was almost impossible.

Luckily Rob took them out, and I stayed home and handed out candy.

Good for me because it was cold and rainy, and I still wasn't feeling great.

Ready to go, with whiskers and a nose.

Friday night, Rob and I were invited to a costume party. We weren't sure what to dress up as, but I came up with this.

Juno & Paulie Bleeker

Kate took this picture with my phone, so it's not the best.

Someone took some at the party, so hopefully I'll get a copy.

The Girls' First Day of School

Kate's first day of first grade was August 25th. True to form, she had her outfit and hair picked out days in advance. The night before we put curlers in her hair, and she had to sleep on them. These are definitely not the most comfortable curlers to sleep on, so I let her use my neck pillow, and she ended up putting her face in the hole most of the night.

She was so excited to be going to school "all day, and not just half of the day."

The thing she was most excited for was not recess,

it was not music class,

or science class,

or even getting to use the school library.

(Look at that posing. I promise I did not encourage this. She comes up with it all on her own.)

The thing she was most excited for was school lunch.

She was so excited to go to school and eat lunch there, and be there all day. She loves her teacher, and loves learning.

Andie's first day of preschool wasn't until about 2 weeks later. As you can imagine, this seemed like forever for this four-year-old. Every day she would wake up and ask, "Do I get to go to preschool today?" Every day I'd say no, and tell her how many days until preschool started.

True to form, Andie couldn't have cared less about what outfit she was wearing, or how her hair was fixed for the first day of preschool.

In fact, right before we took these pictures, she had a complete meltdown because I had put a bow in her hair. Heaven forbid I do such a thing!

She finally stopped crying when I told her I'd take the bow out after pictures, and that she wouldn't have to wear the bow to preschool.

See, no bow and she's as happy as can be.

She was so excited to go to preschool. She had met her teacher a few days before, and was happy to walk right in, hang up her jacket and backpack, and start playing.

She is growing up way too fast.

P.S. There are more pictures of Kate's first day simply because Kate is more cooperative in front of the camera. Andie was done after about 5 pictures. Kate would have let me take tons more.

On Conference weekend we went up into the mountains and attempted to take some family pictures. This one is one of my favorites. I love Andie's face in this. LOVE!

Girly Girl Goes Fishing

Last weekend my sisters and I headed down to St. George for a girls weekend. We went shopping at the outlets, and also saw Aida at Tuacahn. It was so much fun! (Pictures to come later.)


While I was gone, Rob took the girls fishing. They had so much fun. Kate was sure to give me the low down as soon as I got home. Apparently she caught 4 fish and Dad and Andie only caugh one, together. Kate was quite proud of herself!

The set up at Scofield.

Andie and Dad's catch of the day.

Kate goin' fishin'.

Packing up to go home.

The girls also go to play on the beach and swim in the lake. But being the guy that he is, Rob forgot to pack swimsuits or a change of clothes for the girls. Andie ended up going skinny dipping, and Kate stripped down to her undies. Sorry no pictures of that on the blog! Ha ha!

Rob also forgot to pack sunscreen. See how red they are?!?

Guess that's what happens when mom's not around to be the sunscreen nazi!

(They ate the fish they caught for dinner.)

And for the best part of the day...

LOVE IT!!!

My Baby is All Grown Up (and saving China!)

Kate started Kindergarten today. Yes, I am the mother of a kindergartener. I am that old. When did she grow up? I could swear it was just yesterday she looked like this:

I feel like Mushu at the end of Mulan. When he says, "My baby is all grown up and saving China!" But really, where did the time go? Kate was so excited to start school. She couldn't wait. She had her First-Day-of-School outfit picked out weeks in advance. We went shopping and picked out her binder and pencil box. She got to meet her teacher at an open house almost 2 weeks ago. She was super excited that she shares 2 names with her teacher. Not only is her teacher's name Mrs. SMITH, but they have the same middle name as well. Kate couldn't have been more excited. She was ready.

Then, Rob took her shopping earlier this week to pick out her backpack. She was so excited to come home and show me. She was so proud of herself. She was so ready.

We got ready. She told me how she wanted her hair.

She put on her backpack. She was ready.

We took a few pictures at home, and then a few more in front of the school.

And another just outside her classroom. She was so ready.

She went in and hung her backpack on her hook.

She found her seat, saw a few friends, and sat down.

Then she got back up, gave me a hug, and told me she'd miss me.

She was ready.
She started working with the wooden counting blocks.

That was my cue to leave.

She was ready.

I know she will do so well, and she will make new friends. She'll learn so much.

I'm just not sure I'm ready to let her go.

A Letter to My Kate

In my hopes of getting caught up on scrapbooks for the girls, I've decided to start making books (on blurb) for each year of their life. It just so happens, that I've started Kate's first book just as she is starting kindergarten. For the book, I wrote her a letter with some advice from me. It may be a few years, okay a few decades, down the road before she appreciates this advice, but hopefully some day she will appreciate it.

Kate,

My goal is for you to have a book of each year of your life. By doing this, I hope for two things. One, that you will know where you come from, and two, that you will know just how much you are loved.

I remember the day you were born. You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I was so happy, and yet at the same time, I was scared. Here was a precious baby our Heavenly Father had entrusted to my care. You depended on me to take care of you and to keep you safe. That was pretty easy for the first little while, but then you started growing, and you began to explore the world on your own. I was no longer "in charge" of all you were exposed to. Have I taught you well enough that when the world knocks you down you will be strong enough to stand on your own? These are the things I worry about each and every day.

So, here is my advice to you.

If you make mistakes, and you will, don't be afraid to admit them. Just make sure you learn something from them. Be kind. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Hold the door open for someone following you. Always say please and thank you. Don't be afraid to stand up for something you know is right. Remember who you are. You are a daughter of God. Laugh often. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Don't let anyone break your heart twice. Be determined. Read a lot. Send thank you notes. Always stand up for yourself. People can only treat you badly if you let them. Don't gossip. If you won't say it to their face, don't say it behind their back. Find somrthing you love and do it well. Don't be afraid to be smart. Listen to your parents and your grandparents, they love you more than you'll ever know. Smile. Don't give up. Stand up for what you believe in. Pray. It works. Be polite. Take care of your friends. Be a shoulder to cry on and provide a listening ear. Don't be judgemental. Looks can be deceiving. Be yourself. Some people may not like you, but it's okay. They won't know what they're missing out on. Appologize if you hurt someone's feelings. Listen to your heart. There is nothing you cannot change or correct if you have the will to fight for what you want. Your future is defined by your choices, not by the chances, you take in life. And most importantly, never settle for less than what you know you are worth.

All my love,
Mom

"Short Hair to HERE!"

My neghibor was cutting hair today, and was kind enough to cut Kate's for me. Thanks Heather! We were just going to trim it up, but Kate told me she wanted

"short hair to HERE" (her chin). So I gave in and let her go short!

The back.

Side.

I think she likes it!

Indiana, Take 3

While we were in Indiana, we also got to visit with a lot of people we don't get to see very often. This is my Uncle Tim with me and the girlies. He and Bobby brought books for the girls, which was so nice of them. Kate's was a collection of Princess Stories, and Andie's was a collection of Sesame Street stories. We've read almost every story in both books since then. Thanks Tim and Bobby!





I also got to spend time with some of my friends from high school. This is one of my besties, Cheryl. I also got to meet her boyfriend, who seems like a really nice guy. Cheryl and I took the kiddos to the park one morning.


It was kind of cold, so I made the kids wear their coats.





After the park, we went out to lunch, and went on a drive through the country. I miss how green it is in Indiana!

I also got to visit with my another one of my best friens, Noelle. Noelle moved to B-town when I was a Junior, and we became fast friends. So, it was good to catch up with her. I hadn't seen her in almost 3 years.

The girls had a blast at Bama and Papa's house. We went to the park several times, we went on walks, we blew lots and lots of bubbles, and had so much fun.

We also did a lot of this:

Kate told me the other day, "Bama tells stories the best!"

I love to see my girls reading stories with Bama.

We love you and miss you lots Bama and Papa!

Thanks for letting us come visit!

Great Grandma and The Children's Museum

One night the girls and I headed up to my Grandma's house in Indianapolis. There, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of corn on the cob, green beans, and steak for me and Grandma Francis, and chicken nuggets for the girls. They had so much fun exploring her house and looking at all the porcelain dolls she collects. After dinner, the girls colored in coloring books, and played with some toys (that I remember playing with as a kid). Grandma Francis painted their nails. Then we got in jammies and the girls decided they wanted to decorate the box the toys were in.

Isn't it amazing how much fun kids can have with a box?!?

They spent at least an hour decorating and playing in the box.

I think we need more boxes at out house!

In the morning, we had breakfast, got ready, and met my mom at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. The museum is awesome, and brought back lots of memories from my childhood. It was fun to experience some of the same things with my own kids. We listened to a story about a train, making choo-choo sounds and all.

Kate trying her hand at making blown "glass" art.

Andie's turn!

Meeting the Princess of the Lego Kingdom. Andie wouldn't go near her!

The dinosaur guarding the treasure. (Made completely out of legos.) Kate was sad she couldn't take any gold for herself.

Kate modeling the foam jousting horses.

Sailing a boat down the "river."

Rock climbing.

(Rob would have been so proud to see how quickly his youngest scaled this wall!)

Kate made me a delicious slice of pizza in the deli.

Playing at the sand table.

So excited to finally "catch" a fish.

It was really interesting to see more of Andie's personality come out on this trip (especially at the Children's Museum). She and Kate are SO different. Kate was like a humming bird, she would spend 2 minutes looking at or playing with something before she flitted onto the next bigger and better display. Andie takes her time with things. She would play with one thing/display for 20 to 30 minutes, or until she mastered the skill (ie. fishing). I felt like I was only taking pictures of Andie because Kate was way to fast, and I could never capture her actually playing. Mom and I spent the day split up between the kids. She'd go with Kate while I was with Andie, or I'd be with Kate while she was with Andie.

Andie played with the train table for about a half hour. At first she had the whold table to herself, and she was in heaven! But when another kid wanted to play, and she had to share the trains and the table, she wasn't so happy!

(This is why we got her a train set for her birthday, and she has played with it almost everyday since! Gerb, I think we need to get her and Hubba together!)

The girls also got to ride the Carousel in the Museum. Kate was so upset that she had to ride on one of the stationary horses, that we had to ride it twice so she could ride an "up and down" one. Demanding little thing!

Kate happy to be riding an "up and down" horse.

The girls had so much fun at the Children's Museum. They were both conked out in their carseats before we got out of the parking garage! And mom got to drive home in peace and quiet...a rare thing around here!