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!}

Firsts!

Ruby's First Birthday

In a word, or two words rather--- low key. Very low-key.

This poor darling had a double ear-infection and had been sick all week prior to her big day. 

As such, we celebrated quietly as a little family with gifts and the initiatory chocolate cake.

Cade was really cute and gave her a few of his own treasures. He even wrapped them all by himself. I wish I had taken a picture. There's something about 2nd grader handwriting on a home-made tag taped to a kid-wrapped gift that makes my heart melt.

Our little precious sweetie still managed to smile for us despite her feeling miserable...

...and she indulged in that cake like a champ!

Cade's First Day of 2nd Grade

Where oh where has time gone? My handsome first-born entered 2nd grade in August. 

This year he wasn't too excited about going to school. 

He wanted summer vacation to last longer. I hear ya, kid. Definitely a sign of maturing, don't you think?

When he met his teacher a few days before school, he decided it was going to be pretty fun.

Phew.

Jack-o-latern grin. Love it.

Cade and his great friend, Christian are in the same class. We are so lucky to be his neighbor!  He's such a good kid.

After leaving Cade's classroom, Savvy found her friend, Kate. She was dropping her brother off at first grade. Both were feeling a bit put out that they weren't going to school quite yet.

They decided to get together for a playdate that afternoon.

Silly girls!

Savannah's First Day of Preschool

This year was special for Sav because my sister Melody and I worked out to do a car pool with our kids. 

SO NICE! 

I had the pleasure of dropping them off in the morning. Savannah was thrilled to get to ride in the car with her cousin and claimed to be an expert on all things preschool. 

Luke paid attention closely to all of her instructions and explanations.

Cousins!  

Savvy didn't just have her arm around him for the picture. She escorted him like this from the van to his classroom as only a mother-hen should.

Luke is such a crack up. I love the way this kid talks, walks, and just IS. He's so animated.

In true Luke-like fashion, he managed to get a cut before the school-day was over.

Way to go, Lukers!

Small successes...

I've been wondering these last 2 weeks if I am ever going to be able to jump off this treadmill of life and sit down for a moment. I have felt like there has been a lot going on lately. I must be losing my spunk or something. Some days I feel like I'm on autopilot and just making it through the day. Others I'm more engaged, but by 4 o'clock, I'm ready to call it a day. Unfortunately  that's the time of day I need to be on my best game. The Witching Hour I call it.

I am happy to report that we are victorious and triumphed over our family picture session on Friday afternoon. Friday was the last day of decent weather we are going to get for a while, so I feel like we really eeked by this time. The weather was overcast, which made for great lighting. I just feel the biggest relief that it's over with! Family pictures are stressful---  the outfits, making sure the kids are presentable, making sure I'm presentable, timing the naps right etc. etc. It's funny how the day of everything falls apart all day long and then finally comes together at the very end. I know I do most of it to myself. I mean really, if I just didn't care I could just let us wear whatever and look whatever or, shoot, not even take family photos none of this stress would be part of my world. And that's really no big deal. But I've not been good in the past at making sure we get good family pictures taken, and a good family photo is so precious. I've discovered that a good family photo means a lot to me, so I'm willing to endure through all the blood sweat and tears to get them. In hindsight anyway. In the thick of it, I really question my sanity.

Savvy had been up all Thursday night/ early Friday morning with an ear ache, so I took her to the doctor that morning.  Well, I took her after going to the party store to get some balloons to deliver to Cade's teacher who just returned from Maternity Leave. Savvy was given her own balloon, which promptly got popped by the van door closing on it when she was buckling herself in to the car seat on our way to the school. It was devastating to her, poor thing. Then for icing on the cake, the doctor confirmed that Sav had two really bad ear infections, poor thing, so she needed to take it easy the rest of the day, after getting her scrip filled of course. She had been under the weather for a good part of the week, which in some ways, I was grateful for. It caused us to be able to slow down. Because we had to. But it was sad that our Sav was still not doing well.

After the doctor visit we set out to replace our iron. Ours had broken a few days earlier and I needed a replacement BAD. Clothes needed to be pressed for the pictures (unfortunately these were clothes that could not be revived by one of those emergency spins through the dryer-- they were very wrinkled-- totally my fault. Some of the clothes had been sitting in the laundry basket for at least 5 days) I loved my old iron. Fortunately Bed Bath and Beyond carried the one I like (or the newer version of my 6+ year-old iron that I had grown very fond of). After replacing the iron I also felt the need (don't laugh, please!) to find a shirt for Cade because he had worn the shirt I wanted him to wear in family pictures the day before at school and gotten it pretty dirty. I knew the way things were going there wouldn't be time to treat the stains, let it sit, then wash it and dry it all before the pictures. And why couldn't he wear something else in his closet? Well, he hasn't grown the way I expected him to over the summer, so he does not fit into very many of the fall or winter stuff he has in his closet and has grown out of the ones last year. I bought some things for him on clearance last year in preparation for this winter, but I think we'll be lucky if he fits into them next winter.  So I "needed" (I'm using that term very loosely) to get him something that fit. Old Navy came through for me-- yay! (FYI-- Old Navy and Target are the only stores that carry size 6/7 clothes. Everyone else sells 5/6 or 7/8. Neither of which fit Cade. Only the 6/7 do) But I forgot to use my friends and family 30% off coupon, which I even had in the car! Oops. I went back later that evening and got it all sorted out. Thank you Andrew at the Old Navy next to Bed Bath and Beyond for letting me apply my coupon after my purchase.

That was just part of the day, but suffice it to say, the day continued like that. Ruby didn't take her afternoon nap, so to say she was grumpy during the photo shoot is an understatement. And poor Savannah was feeling under the weather and miserable. Fortunately her meds seemed to kick in just as we started taking pictures and we made it through the session with hopefully ONE SINGLE good photo of the 5 of us.

After it was done I felt like I had run a marathon.

Speaking of marathons, I've signed up to do the Ogden Marathon in May. It's time to get rid of this thing on my bucket list once and for all!  I decided I needed a deadline. My 30th birthday was as good as any, so as long as it gets done before July 17th, I can appropriately celebrate. I really want to do just one. I love half marathons. They are the best distance. Full marathons? Well, I've yet to accomplish one so we'll see what I'll be saying about the distance when it comes. I've been running some mornings with my girlfriend Liz and it has made all the difference on so many levels. Getting up and getting my runs done early in the morning leaves me feeling very accomplished come 7am when I get home. I feel more energized during the day, and not to mention running with Liz is so great because she is the kind of person you want to start your day with. She's uplifting, genuine, and runs at the perfect pace. And her dog Harvey is a great body guard.

I'll leave you with some pics of Savvy dancing in the rain I took a couple of weeks ago when the grass was still green....

All done...

Bye!

Bye bye chocolate walls, hello windy skies!

Hello!!!  We are alive and well and up to the usual this and that.  Highlight of the week thus far? I finished scouring my bathroom today. Scrubbing the bathroom is something that has been on my list of things to do for quite some time, but it kept falling down the list. Bathrooms are easy to fall down my list. Finally I came to the realization that I would rather die than my little sis who is coming to stay here overnight see my bathroom in its current state. While I was scrubbing the floor I decided the next time Kyle goes out of town I'll probably paint it. The brown walls in there and the dirty trim were really bugging me. I have no idea what color, so I'll probably consult my friend Jessica again and have her whip something grand up.

Remember the room she designed for me?  Well I'm finally finished!! (ummmm...mostly, still need to hang my Nauvoo plate, but other than that, it's officially finished) Back in March she consulted with me on my ideas for this room. I gave her some ideas I had, along with my taste (or what I perceived my taste to be) and how I wanted the room to function. Then I snapped some pictures, took some measurements and e-mailed them to her and in a matter of days she had a plan for me!

It was so awesome and helpful having "someone to answer to" so to speak. Had I not had her help, I'd probably still be humming and hah-ing over paint colors. It was also great to work with her because she has opinions and ideas whereas Kyle is really indifferent. I found a shelf at a yard sale and she told me what color to paint it. Had I asked the same question to Kyle, this is more likely the response I'd get: "Why did you buy that thing and where is it going?" I consulted with her about my ideas for a couch and she helped me take the plunge and get something I loved, even if it was lighter in color. 

When I was painting the room in the middle of the night I could send her a picture text of my progress and she could get all excited over it with me. That was really nice.  Every girl needs a cheerleader in her corner when she's making big changes to her home and Jessica was wonderful! 

So you would have thought that Jess was like my next door neighbor or at least in the same town as me.

Nope. She's all the way in Virginia. We did all our communication via email and texting. While that may seem terrible, it was actually great and super convenient. I moved at the pace that worked with my lifestyle. (ie painting the room in the middle of the night while the kids were sleeping) And even though it took me 6 months to finish it, I never felt any pressure to "hurry up already." 

So, here are the "before" and "after" pics

BEFORE: Brown, Brown and more BROWN. It was EVERYWHERE!!!

After: As you can see, I not only had this room painted, but also did the entryway (yellow) and toy room (green). This room created the domino effect in my entire house and got me moving on my plans to lighten things up.

Originally Jess planned for me to have drapes, but I did like these plantation shutters. So I thought I'd see what it looked like with some paint and furniture...

Sure enough, they looked great and didn't need any drapes (in my humble opinion)

Really this room got started when I bought the bookshelf. I saw this in a store about 5 years ago and fell in love. In fact, I remember walking through the store with my friend Alicia and just loving it.  6 moves later I was thrilled to first, live in the state where I first saw this book shelf, and second, finally live in a home in which a piece of furniture like this could be properly housed.  

The chairs came soon after. After sitting in several, I finally picked out the style that were the most comfortable for reading in, then I picked this bee print, thinking it was cute and whimsical, and  fitting, seeing as how insects provide our bread and butter, and we live in the beehive state.

Next came the couch. Couches are expensive. Let me rephrase that. Good couches can be expensive.  I thought about using the couch that came with the house (it matches the existing love seat pictured in the "befores") since we had it...then I toyed with the idea of getting this Ikea couch. Jessica continued holding my hand the entire way through the couch selection, offering her advice and opinions.

Finally I made my way into Ethan Allen just to see what they had to offer. I was really impressed with their selection and customer service. Both of their sales people were really great at helping me define my style.  I initially started with the "design your own" couch line and then came back and was able to find an existing couch that matched what I had designed pretty closely for half the cost.  

I wanted to keep that airy, fresh, look so I went with a light but durable fabric. While I was at it, I decided to design an ottoman too. It was really fun, surprisingly painless, and the kids sat in the store patiently watching a Christmas movie the entire time. They got snowcones afterwards for their good behavior.

Jess stretched me and gave me links for some modern prints to try out for pillow covers. When it comes to home decor, I typically lean towards traditional over modern, but I decided to take the plunge with the navy and white modern pillows. The red ones I found at TJ Maxx-- they don't have a modern red print, but the fabric was a canvas-like material that gave it the casual feel I was going for. The blue ones I found on etsy (of course!) and they are Kyle's very favorite part of the room I think. He calls them the "Greek Pillows."  I switch back and forth depending on my mood from the pillows in the above picture to the modern pillows.  I keep whichever pillows I'm not using in the ottoman, which, might I add, was a brilliant selection on my part. If you ever have a choice between a storage ottoman and a coffee table, always go with an ottoman. Not only can you store things in it or on it, you can also use it as extra seating. Yes, I heart storage.

Once the room was painted and the furniture moved back into place, I moved ALL the books into this room (minus many of the children's books which are in the toy room). I organized many of them by color, and then others by genre (parenting, marriage, self-helf, novels, books I wouldn't mind loaning out, etc). 

Funny story about these pictures of Savvy and one of her favorite books--- Savvy loved them so much she begged me to take them off the wall and put them in her room. I relented when I found an adorable painting of a cute little girl with a book by a French artist. I also have some French antique keys hanging in the adjacent corner to the new painting, so I call it "my French corner"

I love these frames to hold the kids' art.  Not only does it put one on display, but it holds many more pieces of artwork inside the frame. You can get them at Target.

I saw the silver pot/vase on an end cap at, you guess it, Target. I liked it and started dreaming up some sort of floral-ness to go inside of it. I decided upon Forsytha. It's a funky, long-stemmed thing that can hold it's own when you stick a few branches in it. I found the perfect forsythia stems at Campus Craft and Floral. this shot doesn't really do the pot 'o forsythia justice, but that's okay. We like it! I love how forsythia reminds me of Kyle and I's first home in Provo with the big forsythia bush in front of our bedroom window. It makes me think of my floral design class I took my last semester of college. It also conjures up fond memories of driving down the streets of Seattle to visit my brother and his family and hearing Savannah say, "Look, Mom! Forsythia!!!" and being so tickled that my little 3 year-old knew such a big word.

I found these storage boxes at TJ Maxx. The colors tied into the room nicely while providing me with some more storage space. The big box keeps all the dust jackets of the books and the little one keeps the kids' journals and journaling supplies (crayons, scissors, scrap paper, adhesives, etc).

I think this is the most clever piece in the room and makes this room and official library. I laugh to think that I not only was alive during the time the card catalogue system was being used, but I remember my librarian, Mrs. Davis teaching us about the Dewey Decimal system and actually using the card catalogue! I suppose that makes me an official antique!

This holds CDs and other randomness. Can you tell I am all about STORAGE? 

My happy place.... :) Another great thing about getting this room done was the fact that it forced me to get my children's pictures taken. You can't have a gallery wall without pictures of your kids, can you? Really, it's amazing the trickle effect committing to finishing a room has in the rest of your world. It was great!

This is hands down my favorite room in the house.  I love snuggling up to a good book in here. This is where I read to Savvy her Little House books (we finished the first one and just started the 2nd!), and where we read the scriptures as a family. 

Am I crazy for picking out such light-colored fabric? We'll see. I just love the look of lighter furniture (in fact, I am ready to take a can of spray paint to the card catalogue and lighten it up for kicks!)   When the furniture got delivered I called the children into the room for a special meeting.  I made a really big deal out of it, explaining that when I was picking out the couch, the people in the store kept telling me I couldn't because I had kids. I continued with the story: "'I told those store clerks that I had special kids. Kids that are REEEEALLY good listeners who know how to treat things with respect.  I have the best kids in the world. Most people couldn't have white furniture, but since I've got such great kids, I knew it wouldn't be a big deal and they would be just fine."  Cade and Savvy ate this up and I got the reaction I was looking for. We sat down and discussed some house rules for the room and at the end Savvy said enthusiastically, "we should make a sign for these rules  and hang them up in here!" 

There is no sign, much to Savvy's dismay, but they do a great job without it.   I won't tell them I did get the special warranty. White couches I feel it would be served well to have a warranty on. :)

Thanks, Jess!!!!  

Now it's time to dream up something nice and pleasant for my bathroom. I bet I'd clean it much more often if the walls were a different color. Ha! Excuse, excuses....