Boo!

Here are some pics from the harvest carnival at church last night. Ethan's R2D2 impression that goes along with the suit was a HUGE hit, mostly among the adults and older kids. I'll try to get a video tomorrow. . . Tonight we're doing what you're probably doing. . . trunk or treat, followed by trick or treat! Happy Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins

Last night was the annual pumpkin carving FHE, a night the kids look forward to all fall. It went relatively smoothly, with minimal pumpkin guts on the floor. Phew!

Ode to Laura

When Gordon told me he had the opportunity to go to China on business for a week, but that it was very much "not necessary" I really didn't hesitate too much to say that he had to go. What a wonderful opportunity! He was thrilled when it got approved. I was so happy for him, but so overwhelmed at the thought of a week on my own with my four little darlings.

On a whim I said, "I'd have no regrets if I had a buddy. Maybe Laura (Wife of Gordon's brother Joseph) could come!" He was on the phone so fast, and we bought her a ticket later that day, I think! I was so excited!

Laura was SO much fun to have here! The children adore her, and she is the best help I have ever had. I didn't even have to think it, and she was on it. Humm, what are those crumbs under my feet? The next thing I knew she was sweeping the floor. What's that smell? She's hauling Chandler up the stairs for a change. She was right on top of anything that needed to be done, and extra, and I am so appreciative of her willing heart and ability to go the extra mile all the time. She changed many a diaper, kissed many a boo boo, and hugged many a boy goodnight with an "I love you!"

Laura, we had such fun with you! I hope you are not worn too weary from my boisterous crowd. I am so glad you were able to come, so appreciative of your help, and so happy to call you sister. You are a wonderful friend and I can't wait to see you again at Christmas time!

Mommy-Wan Kanobe

Aidan was invited to a "Jedi training" birthday party. He has been looking forward to this for at least a week, and had a wonderful time learning to use "the force."

After coming home, I noticed red frosting all over his face and asked what color the cake was. It went something like this. . .

Master Mama - What kind of cake?
Padawan Aidan - it was a light sabor cake!
Master Mama - was it red?
Padawan Aidan - Yes!
Daddy - Guess how she knew it was red, Aidan. . .
Padawan Aidan - (with all seriousness, and wide eyes) She must have used the force!

Ah yes, the FORCE! I plan on working on my Jedi mind tricks tomorrow. . . With a wave of my hand. . . "you will clean your room without complaining." "You enjoy all of your mothers cooking and wish to thank her for her troubles." Oh, it could be a beautiful thing!

8

I'm just sliding this post in last minute! Today Emilee turned 8 months old. I'm actually not sure I beleive it. She is still my petite little pumpkin, although I do have new tricks to report! She's about got the combat crawl down. She's trying new foods, although she still prefers to nurse and once a day is about all she will tolerate with a spoon. She's still getting up several times a night but we're working on that (always).

Gordon has been in China for the past week, and my dear Sister in Law Laura flew all the way from Utah to spend the week with the children and I. She is a Godsend. I have never had such a great helper! I seriously wish I could steal her here full time (although I think Joseph may have something to say about that)! Anyway, Laura is a fabulous photographer and she took Emilee's 8 month portraits for me today. We just dashed over to the park really quick this evening, and although Emilee was NOT in the mood to have her photo done, she still is a cutie! She kept sucking her bottom lip and making a turtle face. We were laughing so hard! I love the one where her chin is up and you can see her tiny little neck, and the dandylion puff hair! I'm rambling. . . anyway. . . enjoy!!! (and Thanks Laura!)

peek!

It always makes me smile to see this little set of eyes and tiny (prune encrusted) nose peeking over the top of her crib bumpers, trying to stay in on all the action. . .

What's going on out there guys?

Inchworm

Man, I am a blogging machine today! Here's Emilee's latest thing. . . we're just days away from crawling I think, as she was up on all fours tonight rocking back and forth! She's such a doll, and so tiny! When we saw her rocking we thought, "How could she be big enough to crawl!!!" Enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch

I was a very frustrated Mama earlier this week, thinking we were going to be stuck buying our pumpkins at the grocery store. I really wanted to go to a pumpkin patch, but they are all SO expensive! Some have trains, others playgrounds, but they all charge around $4 per kid to do the fun stuff, and then the pumpkin on top of that. . . we were looking at a $30 field trip. Then Keren mentioned this farm and I checked it out and it was just what we were looking for! Free hay rides to the field, $3 pumpkins, a little hay maze to run in, and a few chickens to chase. Just what we were needing on our week off of school! Hurray for inexpensive family fun!

Zoo

One of the best things about school being in is being able to do some "little guy" stuff with just Chandler, and Em of course. Last week Keren and I hit the zoo with the little guys and had a great time. Especially viewing the brand new baby elephant. It was so dang cute!

I didn't know he had it so bad. . .

Ethan's class did a follow up reading assignment this week on wishing. The kids drew these cute pictures of themselves, with bubble thoughts to fill in for their wishes. How cute!

Ethan wishes his mom would buy him Star wars Playstation 2. . .
Ethan wishes his mom would take him to Safari Sams. . . (think Chuck E. Cheese)
Oh, and he wishes I would stop bossing him all the time!
Humm. . . So, I'm feeling a little like the tyrant after this, wondering what his teacher is thinking of this (and me!). But I'm pretty well getting over it, when this one on imagining something wonderful comes home. . .
Man, if only he had a pig to eat all that disgusting food I serve!

CAUGHT!

These two cute cousins were caught red handed yesterday getting into a little mischief! It got mighty quiet downstairs and I sent Gordon down to check out the happenings. He came back with this video.

When he first arrived, Chandler was dropping m&m's from the trail mix baby bird style into Carolyn's mouth. Then they moved on. . . That's a pack of gum Chandler is exploring, while Carolyn tries to get the m&m's directly from the source. I love their cute faces when they realize they've been caught! Talk about caught with your hand in the cookie jar!

It must be Fall!

Just look at what I found in my laundry.

I haven't seen any of these since May!!!

Hold On Tight

The boat to dreamland can be a rocky ride!!!

Another year goes by. . .

and so it's Fall again and time for another family photo shoot. I'm pretty sure I'm reaching the end of years when my children will be as cooperative as they are about wearing the right thing, standing where I say, etc. But for now, I'm just going to appreciate how relatively easy it is these days to get some fantastic photos of my kids. It also helps to know an awesome photographer. Thanks Mahina. I love them and I'm so sad you're moving!!! So here they are. . . family photos 2008. . . (a sampling anyway - I have to save something for the Christmas cards!)

Slipper Skating

This morning the boys all put on their knit slippers (thanks Grammy!) and really enjoyed the newly scrubbed slippery tile by putting on an ice capades show. Enjoy!

Fun for the Fall

I reluctantly welcome the new season this year. Our summer got off to a late start, so it's been a little bitter sweet to embrace the change and cooler weather. So, to kick things off, we did a fun craft for FHE last Monday. I saw these cute little critter houses in Hallmark magazine and we each made our own version . . .

As you can see we've got all sorts of woodland wildlife in our living room now, and they are just the friendly little reminders I needed about fall being a beautiful season. . .

The Book Nook

It seems that we are rapidly filling this house. Every nook and cranny seems to be feeling very full these days, so I am always on the lookout for new ways to organize, reduce, and streamline. This week I finally got around to the book nook.

This little nook in our bonus room has had a few roles. It's been a "guest room." It's been the "toy cubby." Emilee's bassinet has been in there since she was born. But this week I turned it into "the book nook," a little project I've been hoping to get to for some time. This frees up the top of the fridge, removes a bookshelf from the boys room, the children's table from the hallway landing, and has all the art supplies in one place. Hallelujah!

So far, so good. The boys are excited for a new place to color and create. I am excited for less clutter. Hopefully it will remain the book nook and not the book nook exploding into the family room! So far, a good improvement!

Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me!

What's the only good thing about a fly in the kitchen? For us, it's that Chandler runs around spontaneously singing this little ditty. . .

Sometimes there is a little dance to go along with it. I can't get enough of that sweet little voice! There's nothing like a two year old for entertainment!