Halloween and the Love of "Dress Up" - (Nov. 1)

I love to dress my girls up! It is so fun to have an excuse to put make up on them and let them play pretend in such a whimsical style. This year the girls were "rock stars" and their costumes couldn't have been any brighter or showcase their diva attitudes any better! Ruby, in my all-favorite costume, was a puppy dog. Thanks to our friends Kurt and Jessi for lending out this oh so cute (and spendy?) costume!! My heart was all mush everytime I looked at her all night. Especially when she went up to each door eagerly reaching her hands out for her treat!

I love Halloween so much as a mom of little ones!

Oh for the love of Fall Sunshine (Nov 2)

On Sunday, we went for a late afternoon walk. It was glorious! Brisk, yes, but oh so beautiful. We even made a pitstop at the halfway mark to have a sit down dinner in one of our favorite restaurants. Those are the types of family outings that make every motherly effort worth it and then some!

It's Up!

I made this banner a few years ago while Mike was hunting. I may have even posted about it before - forgive me if I did, because then it would seem like bragging. I just can't seem to find time for this type of craft in my life right now, so I am so thrilled to hang it each November. Now I stick to finding cute decor on sale places - if even that!

I treasure this homemade article.

Sweet Proof

For all the people that have ever said one of the following statements:

"All girls! Poor Mike..."
"I bet Mike would love a boy!"
"When are you going to try for a boy?"

Mike is 100% smitten with his daughters and the following pictures will prove that he does not need a boy to be happy!"

And by the way, if God tells us that we are ready to add to our family...rest firmly that we will be "trying" for a child, not a boy!"





PS - I want a new camera!!! Maybe 10 sub jobs later I can buy one...

Haven't Evaluated This Comment

Right now, Maisie and Daphne are playing in a "tent" I made them in the living room. I moved two pieces of furniture around and attached the "roof" ie the plastic My Little Pony tablecloth... Who knew that's all it took to give me a break to do my lunch dishes and a quick post!

Actually it was never my intention to post today, with the way my home looks, I could use all my spare moments in the next month and still not be quite caught up...BUT when your child says something like what I am about to quote, one just has to share!

Like I said, I haven't evaluated this comment completely and it could be broken down and used as a teaching moment. For now though, let us just laugh at it's innocent ironic nature.

With complete pleasure with their new "game" complete with ponies, dolls and complete enthusiasm...Daphne says to me:

"Hey, Mom...we're playing that we're homeless...except we have money!"

All I can think is that she views homelessness as sort of an adventure like camping, but she knows we all talk about it with sadness in our voices and occasionally give money and food to the cause. So, here leaves her and Maisie pretending to be without a home, but still capable of buying all their wants!

Oh MY!!!

It was a perfect day...

Everything came together for Maisie's four year old birthday party! Perfect weather, fun outdoor activities, My Little Pony decor, and happy kids - little and big! Certain occasions and backdrops create the most beautiful pictures too (not to mention a talented sister-in-law)

I really am learning what makes these parties successful and sweet. It's called spending time with the birthday child alone that day in preparation (Maisie I will forever remember wheeling you around Fred Meyers, you eating a donut in the cart's baby seat, as we picked up last minute Pony stuff and 10 beautiful pink helium balloons. Some moments are magical. That was one of them for me)

and keeping things simple.

Doesn't help when it's the most beautiful fall weather either! Thanks to all who came and helped. You all love Maisie too.

I was a teacher once...

Tomorrow is the start up of the moms group I lead here in town. We're not doing anything elaborate, but catching up and eating a snack. I also had an idea that I am going to pass along to them. Whenever I can put a little something in their "pocket" - - a good idea that maybe they hadn't thought of or didn't have the time to create - - I shall do it and pass it on the my viewers, IF I have the time:)

As a former teacher, I think this is a great idea for us moms. It has only taken me two years of preschool to sit down and actually create it. It's to gather info about your child's teachers' likes - things you can buy at a small cost that would really make his/her day! It's a questionairre for your child's teacher. Recreate it on your computer or copy and paste it. I put my girls' on hardstock paper, so that it will last all year in my car, purse or bulletin board.

"Getting to know you!" Questionairre

1. What is your favorite type of HOT drink?

2. What is your favorite kind of COLD drink?

3. What is your favorite candy?

4. What is your favorite cookie?

5. What are your favorite magazines?

6. What are your favorite authors?

7. What is your favorite sandwich in town?