Happy Halloween

It was a rough night for Nicole and I think Noah may be starting to get the same thing. This is not the Halloween treat I was hoping for...I stayed up most of the  last night caring for fevers and cutting out paper for the shape monsters we made at Noah's kindergarten today.

After the parade and party I took Noah home, with a little rest we were ready to trick or treat. I am just so excited for Halloween to be over!! We decided to skip the trunk or treat after the family dinner at Tiffs so we could end up with the least amount of candy possible. Plus, since no one ever comes to our house I didn't have to spend one penny on candy this year. The kids filled their buckets about half way and we headed home. Nicole is feeling better, but I'm not too sure we're through with it yet.

A Spooktacular Party

Mary's party went so well. The girls had a lot of fun with the crafts and games and the yummy toxic Italian screaming soda bar. My favorite game this year was the pumpkin panty hose contest. I placed a pumpkin at the bottom of newly bought pantyhose and dangled it from their heads. The object was to knock down the bottles quicker than the oppontent. Of course the mummy wrap was also a favorite and I thought the pumpkin pass and mad lab were some fun additions as well.

After the party, I prepped for dinner for the missionaries. Luckily my mom had helped me build the lasagna so I could get it all done in time.
 
Unfortunately, Nicole started to feel very sick just before the party began. She slept through the noise and fun fighting a fever and chills. I swear someone always gets sick around special events. I hope we all stay clear of it. It doesn't look like a nice one.

I must be mad!

I decided to keep the tradition alive and repeat a Halloween party for Mary's school friends. I was little smarter this year and thought to have one of the mom's help with the craft, since that's always the most prep. I also asked people to help with food. And since I had most of everything from last year, I had to create a new activity? Because keeping it simple would be too easy? This mad scientist laboratory was something I saw on pinterest. It was so clever---I loved all the details. I got it all created today and I'm pretty excited for the girls to reach in tomorrow and make their guessing as to what's really inside.

What does the fox say?

Last night we went to dinner at our dear friends the Bennetts. While there, we watched a video that all the children knew the lyrics to, even mine. I had no idea they had even seen it before. It's a strange video about someone wondering what sound the fox makes. The musician, in fox costume, sings a variety of possible fox sounds and calls. The kids danced and I laughed. The song has been on repeat ever since. 

Here is the version the kids made up a couple of days later.

It Worked

If you've ever invited someone to church you find yourself praying like crazy for them to feel the Spirit so strong that they want to join the very minute they step foot in the door. Today was one of those days. We sent out invitations to the kids primary program to their elementary teacher. Noah's teacher, Mrs. Bjorge decided to come. There were so many of her student past and present on the stand. I thought it was a beautiful program. Perhaps the experience will plant a seed in her heart or help her understand better what we believe and value? For me, it was rejuvenating seeing her come and I felt very grateful for the experience, especially since we have been praying for it in our family.

 Mary, Noah, and Nicole did a great job with their parts. They had them memorized. Nicole didn't feel comfortable sitting in the front with the other Sunbeams so she squeezed by Noah on the side of the room. After the primary's first song Noah became a little nervous because he knew Nicole's class would be up first. He waved to us to help Nicole make her way to the podium in time and Aaron helped her over. She said her part beautifully, "My favorite creation on earth is monkeys and zebras". She got a giggle or two. It was very sweet. It was so tender how Noah was watching out for her and how he treated her throughout the entire program.

Busy Continued

Just when you think things may slow down a bit, you have another whopper of a day...it was the last day of soccer games for the season. Since Aaron was coaching we had to put together a little party with donuts and trophies. We had our primary program practice followed by a pizza party, and then a friend of ours had a Halloween party with a bunch of families. Super busy again!

Busy Busy Busy

This afternoon was so busy I could hardly figure out how to get to everything we had scheduled. We had two birthday parties, a piano recital, a stake primary presidency meeting, and the school Halloween carnival all scheduled within a short block of time. This picture is of Nicole at a masquerade birthday party she attended. We tried to make a silly mask with eyeballs and mustaches, unfortunately it didn't win any prizes, but I hear the party was very fun. Phew! It's nice to wind down a bit from all the chaos.

Joy School Field Trip Number 2

Today we went to Seven Oaks farm, again! This time we went with our Joy Schoolers. These little pumpkins are just too cute!

The Elect

I was asked to speak at our ward's Young Women in Excellence this evening. It was a beautiful celebration of the young women and their accomplishments. The theme for the evening was "An Elect Lady" inspired by an article from Sister Marriott.

I began by showing a touching short video from LDS.org about Emma Smith and her life followed by this quote from President Hinckley, "Emma was called “an elect lady.” That is, to use another line of scripture, she was a “chosen vessel of the Lord.” (See Moro. 7:31.) Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor you in it and magnify you."

As I was preparing to speak an acronym came to mind. For me, it helps me remember what God expects of His elect, or chosen children.

Engage in God's work

Love God and draw close to Him

Enlarge your learning and talents

Cleave unto covenants

True and faithful

This was one of my favorite quotes from Sister Marriott's article:

We “must be ready and willing to work with all their “heart, might, mind, and strength” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2) in establishing His kingdom on earth. Our part will be accomplished in the quiet ways of the Spirit as well as in more prominent ways. The great things that happen, such as standing as a witness of God, receiving temple blessings, teaching truth, eternal marriage to a worthy priesthood holder, and raising a righteous family, may require many small faithful moments—often without fanfare.

Young women, we must immerse ourselves in a selfless work, perhaps receiving little public praise or attention. Instead, we must feel the Lord’s great love for us and our efforts through the influence of the Holy Ghost. As these feelings come, faith in Jesus Christ grows. Capacity to serve then increases."

I love this idea of teaching the girls to develop themselves and look outward. It was a lovely evening. Here is a picture of Eliza and Rachel's personal progress project that they displayed.  I just can't get enough of these darling young ladies.

Looking Ahead

Tonight we headed to Emma's final home game. Mary's team joined the High Schoolers for the game's opening and then took posts around the field, making for the most darling little ball girls you've ever seen. We sat behind the birthday boy, Josh snuggled next to Sarah. I can see myself in a few years watching Mary's soccer game and snuggled up to a teenage Noah. So much to look forward to.

Polka dot pumpkin

I have been wanting to carve a polka dot pumpkin for a while now. They are so darling. We went to our friends house for pumpkin carving and treats. It was so fun joining up with other families. The kids thought it would be funny to put the clown wig on top and kept singing the Madagascar song...polka dot, polka dot, Afro pumpkin! Hilarious.

October birthdays

Tonight we celebrated Estelle's second, Elise and Noah's sixth, Josh's 15th, and Christine's 33rd. The weather was again perfect allowing us to all eat outside and enjoy Christine's decorations a little bit more. I love these family dinners.

More Fall Fun

Today Christine and Jared took Noah and Nicole to the Talent City pumpkin patch while Aaron and I watched Mary's game. They did pony rides, climbed hey towers, got their faces painted and enjoyed their time with cousins in the warm sun.

When they got home we asked Noah if he saw how much it cost to enter so we could pay them back. Noah's response was that it didn't cost anything. They just had to use tickets. Cute.

All Things Fall

Today we headed to the pumpkin patch with Noah's class. It was so fun enjoying all the fall activities. Then we headed to Elise's extraordinary Hotel Transylvania birthday costume party. Wow! Pretty amazing! Lastly, we headed to the couples Halloween costume party. Man, there were so many creative costumes. It was a really fun day.

Let there be light!

Aaron completed the exterior lights this evening, for the most part. It's just beautiful really.

The Problem with Naps

I love when Cameron takes a nap, but it makes for some long nights. If he takes a nap after three then we're in for real trouble.

Today Cameron fell asleep during our piano carpool ride. I knew he'd needed a nap since he woke up before 6 and it been a few days since he has one. He slept for two hours. 

Cameron is still awake, going on an hour of me sitting here waiting for him to doze off. I have to stay next to him or he'll run in and out of the room in hysterical laughter. Lucky for me I have this iPhone to keep me busy. And I snapped a picture of him "trying to close his eyes". I just learned that there is a blogging app on my phone, so that should fill the time nicely.

Cameron uses this turtle night light while sucking on his empty water bottle to fall asleep. Interestingly enough he needs to stroke the turtle with his feet or rub it on his head. Pretty funny since its hard and while smooth, it still is a night light. 

Nighty, night {hopefully soon ;)}

Piggie Noses

Yesterday and today Nicole and Cameron spent hours collecting walnut shells, also known as piggie noses. I tried to eat a fresh nut today and it didn't taste very good. Perhaps I need to try another one?

Weather Perfection

It's cold in the mornings, but the afternoons are warm and the kids spend hours playing outside. Today Mary and Noah found a birds nest fallen from our walnut tree. The details of the nest are really pretty amazing. Nikki was cracking me up with these poses. I tried to get her to smile, but she decided silly was funnier. Love that girl!

Club N

Mary and Noah spent the morning before church building a fort/club. They made it open to Nadaulds only, except for Cameron, who likes to destroy their creations. It says that the owners are Mary and Noah and the club members are: Mary, Noah, Aaron/Dad, Allison/Mom, and Nikki (who I made them add).

Church went so smoothly today with the new quiet books I purchased from Deseret Book. They were spendy but they seemed to do the trick. I am loving the fact that I didn't have to make them myself.

Dig It

Aaron's current home project is installing outdoor lighting. His goal is to have it complete for Sarah's Halloween party this Friday. One thing I love about Aaron is that he knows how to work hard and we always benefit from his home improvement ideas. I'm looking forward to the finished product.

Train Park

We went to the train park today to celebrate a friends' birthday. What a darling place. I wish it were open Saturdays instead of Sundays only to the public!

Giant Sand Box

With soccer practices come a lot of entertainment at the sand volleyball courts. I do like leaving the sand behind at the end of the evening.

Family Photo Session 2013

I Heart Joyschool

Today was my first day of teaching joyschool. It reminds me so much of my former teacher life. I loved every minute of it. What a sweet group of children.

Sweet Stelley is TWO!

Tonight we headed to Estelle's house to celebrate her second birthday. It's hard to describe how loving and adorable this child is. You just feel so special holding her. What a doll!

Conference and PJs

I love this time of year. I love conference. And I love being able to sit at home with the children and watch in my comfortable pajamas. I listened to the first session when I started to feel pretty sick. The rest of the day I spent vomiting. I guess I didn't escape the flu after all. Lucky for me, Aaron is home and there's not much going on. I'll be excited to read the last session later.

I love Cameron in these pants. Aaron thinks they look a little feminine and insists on them being pajamas. I just think they are adorable.

Red Robin

We headed to Red Robin in between conference and soccer to celebrate Noah's birthday with our little family. I really love this tradition and Noah was thrilled to have them sing to him.

Captain Noah is SIX!

The party was so fun. I need to download a billion pictures. I stole this one from Tiffany until I get a chance to do that.

Preparing for all things PIRATE!

We are preparing around here for Noah's pirate party. I finished the map that my mom helped me make and created the treasure hunt clues. It's a really fun theme. And it would be even more fun if I didn't have to spend so much time trying to sanitize our germy home. I just hope we don't pass it around to the family.