When it comes to Halloween, I'm a bit of a communist...

If I had a LEAST favorite holiday, it would probably have to be Halloween. I am not a lover of skulls, monsters and all things creepy. However, each year as my kids grow older, I find myself enjoying the "holiday" more and more. I'm acknowledging it as more of a memory maker than a holiday with tacky decorations and eery costumes, which is fantastic.

When I finally sat myself down in front of the computer to do a Google search for costume ideas, I did not expect to find Cade's costume so quickly. But as soon as I saw this, I knew it was "the one."  Cade loves Legos, so this was totally him. And I appreciated that we could (in theory anyway) construct this together. You know, be a bonding experience.  I never showed him this picture, though in hindsight, I think getting his costume constructed would have been a lot less painful if I had. Just telling him he was going to be a Lego left him feeling very frustrated and unexcited about the project. The whole "constructing the costume" together didn't go quite as as planned. It was more Cade crossing his arms saying "I don't want to be this!" and me finally deciding if he wasn't going to do it then I better hurry and finish. It wasn't until I was done with a final touch-up job spray-painting his costume that he finally saw it as a Lego and was excited. 

So, the end result left him feeling pretty contented about his costume, thank heavens. I sent him off to school that day in a red shirt, soccer cleats, and pants then personally delivered the costume at school (it was still a little wet. I don't think the bus driver would have appreciated wet spray paint on his seats). It was gratifying seeing his shy, yet proud smile of this costume "we" created together, with the help of Dad.

I joined Cade at school for some festivities in his classroom later that day and decided to really get into the Halloween Spirit. In case you've ever wondered what I'd look like as a blonde, well, here ya go:

Giving it my best "Snow Queen" glare

I wasn't sure if Cade was happy or embarrassed by my costume. Maybe a little of both?

Savvy won the prize for wearing the most costumes during our weekend of Halloween festivities. She was a cowgirl riding a horse, monkey, princess and finally, my very favorite:

Can you guess?  

Probably not. I'm confessing that while I allow my children to think they are choosing their costumes, I definitely put a communistic twist to it.  Once I decide their costume, I do my best to make them think it's their idea, and then I push it and praise it.  And then when they change their minds, I don't let them.

Is that so terrible? Sigh....  

These were sure cute costumes to construct. Even if the Lego bumps weren't attached symmetrically.

Ruby wore the flower costumer that Savvy kind of wore, but was too big for when she was a baby. My friend Karen Brown gave this to me when we lived in Illinois. I always think of my sweet friend Karen whenever I pull out this costume of hers.

Getting a picture of all three is impossible...

Maybe you can relate?

Sadly, I think this was the best one:

For inquiring minds, Savannah is Ramona Quimby. She's wearing those bunny ears that Beezus was always so embarrassed of her sister wearing. And we have her wearing the classic red boots and rain slicker because not even the rainiest of weather keeps Ramona inside. And lastly, of course, is the little bunny Ramona took to show and tell for Kindergarten. The class laughed at the tattered bunny, so Ramona's sweet teacher pulled out a beautiful red ribbon to tie around its neck. 

Savvy reminds me of Ramona in so many ways. She is spunky and spirited and has the funniest take on life's everyday occurrences. Thanks Savvy, for indulging me and dressing up like one of my favorite childhood characters. 

As for Kyle and I, we spent most of Halloween weekend campaigning...

Meet Michele Bachmann and Ron Paul!

You can't tell very well, but Kyle spray-painted his hair silver just for the occasion. I forgot to wear the red,white and blue scarf my neighbor loaned me (it looked super sharp with the suit!) but notice my awesome American flag pin. I swear, if I ever need anything, I just have to pop over next door to my neighbor Libby. She's the greatest.

Don't forget to vote Iowa!  Caucus night is coming up!

You must know I am truly a Mitt Romney fan through and through, but it was fun being Bachmann for a weekend. 

I have really eaten up watching the debates, listening to talk radio analyze the media spin, and watching my man Mitt rise in the polls. 

Thankful Thanksgiving

2nd Grade Feast...
Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the beautiful spread of yummy food we served at Cade's 2nd Grade Thanksgiving Feast, but I did snap a few shots of some of our favorite people!

Sweet Addie! She's now on our street and we are so happy to be "official" down-the-street neighbors.

Sav sat next to Julia during story time. She donned her special pilgrim hat just for the occasion. I hope she remembers getting to come to Cade's class parties. She really loves getting to be a part of them and his classmates are always so sweet to include her and take her in.

Megan cracks me up. This girl is a 30 year-old trapped in a 7 year-old body. Love her!

there's so many other great children in the class-- I didn't even get a photo of my own Cade! Oops. Oh well. Here's a shot of Mrs. Almberg reading a Thanksgiving story to her munching students.

Sweet, sweet. I remember loving class party days. I think these kids enjoyed their afternoon, too.

Thanksgiving!
The morning consisted of a 4 mile run that Cade and I ran in. Yes, as in CADE, my 7 year-old son. I could hardly keep up with him the first 3 miles. I like a nice and easy 10 minute mile pace (remember, I do not like discomfort), so this kid was killing me with his 8:30. It was surreal getting to pound the pavement with my firstborn. He was such a trooper. I loved seeing his shy grin when fellow runners saw him and made a passing comment about his awesomeness as a runner at such a young age. I of course was pretty much running on sheer pride and joy that we've made this discovery that my kid can run. Even if this is short-lived, I can still say I ran alongside my own son in a race and it was pure joy. He was so determined, didn't complain, and was driven with this mental capacity he most assuredly did not get from me.

Next it was Savannah's turn to enter a race. She was in the 3 and 4 year-old's 400 meter run. She started out fast and I ran alongside her the last 200m. She was starting to putter out but when a little girl started to pass her Savvy's competitive drive (also not from me!) kicked in and crossed the finish line first. She even beat all the boys! On the car ride home she sighed to herself, "I'm so proud of myself...and Cade." Ditto, darling. Ditto. :)

Now Cade, on the other hand, now being a well-seasoned runner and an expert on all things competitive gave me his sage advice: "Mom, you should run every day." Why, I asked. After all, 3 times a week is good for me. "So you can be famous like me and Melody." You see, my big sister Melody placed 3rd in this same race. Cade Placed 2nd. I got something like 6th in my age group. I did not get my name announced, win a turkey, nor a pie, so therefore I am not famous. Not being famous is not cool, so I guess I should start working harder so that I can be. Funny kid!










After showering and prettying ourselves up after a morning of running, we headed up to Mom and Dad's in Kaysville for a delicious feast. I think this was my favorite Thanksgiving meal ever. I grew up and for the first time had cranberry sauce with my turkey (dark meat, of course) It was amazing and I silently scolded myself for not trying it sooner. All week the children have been hearing about pumpkin pie and were sorely disappointed to find that pumpkin pie is not served WITH Thanksgiving dinner, but after. After prodding, my children finally tasted my Dad's yams/sweet potatoes and that helped to tide them over until dessert. Imagine trying to talk Savannah into taking a bite out of bright orange mush with sprinkles resembling dirt on it. It definitely took some serious prodding but after the first bite she was in love! This of course indicated to Cade, who is our best eater in the family, that it must be good. They fought over the leftovers of the sweet potatoes for the next 2 days.

After filling our bellies the men talked and watched football and such while the kids played outside. Ruby was a dear and took a fine afternoon nap that coincided nicely with my desire to take a snooze on the couch myself.

It was a lovely, relaxing day.

Since then, I've pondered on the many things I am grateful for whether they be convenient contraptions or people who mean a great deal to me.... here's a short list:

- Freedom. It's so precious and so easily taken for granted.
- Democracy. I love that I have the right to choose who I want to lead our country and that I can take an active role in doing so.
- Veterans. They have given so much, as have their families.
- Oreos. They've gotten me through some tough times and allow me to enjoy the great ones.
- Ruby's cute little "Hiiii!"
- Savvy's constant expressions of love
- Cade's deep understanding of gospel principles
- our ward full of so many amazing examples.
- My new calling! -- Young Women. :) I almost cried tears of joy when it was extended.
- Paint. It makes old things new and other people's things mine.
- A warm home. I hate thinking of those without warmth especially as the temperatures drop.
- Our van. I may not look cool or hip driving it, but I am so grateful for the practicality it serves and the many memories Ive already made around town shuttling the children around.
- My sisters. They live so close and I get to see them often. They continually serve me and are wonderful listeners.
- My brother who continues to inspire me. He now resides with his family in Beijing.
- Wonderful, sweet, thoughtful neighbors. And we just got new ones next door!
- Books. Oh the world is so full of many wonderful things to read, I think I'll need 5 lifetimes in order to get to them all. One at a time...
- Google. How would I plan a class Halloween party, look up words I should know the meaning to but don't, get craft ideas for un-crafty people like me, or find an awesome White Elephant Gift without you?
- Friends. Old and new. I love that friendship knows no age, too.
- The scriptures. Much sacrifice was made so that I can have them so readily at my fingertips.
- Moisturizer. To think I went most of my teen years without it I cringe!
- Hot rollers. Still trying to figure out the curling iron thing (sad...I know) so these babies have helped me in the mean time
- Massages. Getting them, of course. And for my sweet Kyle who books them for me.
- Friends who run with me at the crack of dawn.
- LDSjournal.com -- they had the foresight to know that the only way I'd keep a consistent journal is if it was online.
-- Bugs. They provide our livelihood.
-- Bedtime and naptime. No explanation necessary.
-- Laughter.
-- Temples. Living so close to them especially. The peace going to them offers is a powerful blessing.
-- Magic Erasers. Best invention ever.
-- Milk delivery. Never have to run to the store for milk and I can pretend I'm living in the 50s whenever it comes to the doorstep.
-- Amazon Mom-- diaper delivery. So convenient! Much cheaper. Win-win!
-- Pandora. Christmas wouldn't be the same without it.
-- Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and for that I am eternally grateful.


{photo stolen off my Dad's blog. Thanks, Padre!}