Sunday, November 18, 2012

Just Three Words...

FOUR MORE YEARS...
Somehow, even without a crystal ball, I am certain that's a loaded "...".  I am also certain that God is in control and the latest election results are part of His master plan, even though I may not understand it.  I feel comfort in knowing that I derive hope through my faith in Christ, and that I can do all things through Him, not our government.  I also know that Nick's gun arsenal is growing as is our survival stash... 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The month of Halloween

We have celebrated Halloween throughout the entire month of October!  The girls have worn their costumes to a multitude of different activities, which caused the excitement to mount tremendously for the big day!
Trip to Indy:
The very first, and I mean VERY FIRST thing the kids said to each other when we arrived in Indy for our most recent visit was, "Do you want to see my Halloween costume?"  No sooner had we walked in the door were all of the kiddos decked out in their duds!  Clairey is the most beautiful scarecrow, Jacob is a fearless crow, Andy is an authentic Colts football player, Emmy is a shimmery black widow and Hannah is the friendliest ghost you'll ever meet.





We needed to invest in a turtle neck because the bandeau top made it hard for Emmy not to show off her "goods."




In an effort to get smiles, Auntie Kristi showered them with leaves...

Pure joy!

I ripped this photo off my girlfriend, Molly's, facebook page because I love it so much!  Molly took the photo at her sweet daughter, Willa's Halloween-themed first birthday party!  Obviously, Emmy had a wonderful time (as did the rest of us!) What I would give for her to smile like this for me when I take her picture!!


Trunk or Treat:
With just a week lead time, I was given the honor of creating our church small group's trunk for the trunk or treat decoration competition.  I am intrinsically incapable doing things half-way when I make a commitment; I am also notorious for snow-ball projects.  Superfluous tasks like laundry and dishes were put on hold for the week, but, we had a fancy trunk to show for it.  We were the runner-up, second to a walk-through trailer "spooky lab,"  but it sure was fun getting to make use of my thinking cap for something other than quick tantrum interventions in public places.  Our theme was Dr. Suess' "The Lorax;" it was Kris' brilliant idea.  Since the recent release of the movie, it's pretty big with the kidlets.  I, of course, had never head of it until a little over a week ago, but I now dream of it in detail...

I neglected to take wind into consideration with the design.  My Truffula trees looked better in my living room...



Derek and Nick were our front-men/candy distributors!

Pumpkin Carving:
Daddy printed off a stack of pumpkin design stencils and we all got to choose one, then Nick and I got them all carved after bedtime. :)

Emmy assists with her plastic knife.


Halloween Dinner!
Apple Cider Vermont Cheddar and Gruyere fondue & Pumpkin Pie Coconut Milkshakes
(This tradition is dumb considering 2/4 of us are dairy-sensitive. :( New tradition next year!)

Finally!  The main event!!  Trick-Or-Treating:




Ta-Da!!
I get excited thinking about Hannah running around with Emmy next year!  She has no idea what fun she's in for!



 Nick and my pumpkins carved by my Nick. He's got mad skills!

Emmy and Hannah's pumpkins carved by yours truly.  Emmy's on a Cinderella kick even though she's never seen the movie (little does she know that it's in my closet waiting for her birthday!)

After we returned home from trick-or-treating and did bathtime, Emmy got to stay up late to help Nick pass out candy while I fed Hannah and put her to sleep.  I listened contentedly from the glider upstairs to Emmy's delightful squeals, "this is so exciting!" each time the doorbell rang.  When one young trick-or-treater asked why Emmy was already in her jammies, Nick explained that she's still just a little girl.  Emmy proudly followed up with, "my birthday's December 16th!" :) 

She has been carrying her candy bag all over the house, hiding candy and passing it out to us as special treats for good behavior.  She even packed her loot in a Target bag with the intention of passing it out to her friends at school today.  (What I would give to let her do that, but I knew that wouldn't end well for her dear teachers.) Love her kind heart and giving spirit!  It's the perfect segue to November, the month of Thanksgiving!! :)

Christmas Preparations and Winter Fun!

  Operation Christmas Child James in the Christmas Musical! Hannah and the fifth graders in the lead roles! Hannah is Frostine :) There'...