Halloween--not my favorite time of year

Okay, I admit. Halloween is not my favorite time of year. I don't know if it is the scariness of it, or what, but I don't like it. I don't like dressing up and feeling silly, so I just let the kids do it. Saul wasn't going to dress up this year. I guess my attitude was rubbing off a little. I finally talked him into wearing the vampire cape and some plastic teeth he got from his school party. I don't think he was really happy with the dress up part but the candy was a real hit for him.

We went to the school and trick-or-treated around the classrooms and then to the church for the chili supper and trunk-or-treating the hold there every year. The kids ended up with more candy than any kid needs. Chad will have to take care of a lot of it......

All-in-all the evening was nice. The kids had a great time and went to bed without too much ordeal.


looking off in the distance.

Our vampire
The princess.....
.....now full of sparkles
painted pumpkin
the wizard....so serious



Those two posing before the face painting began. They were happy to be in costume and even happier at the thought of the loads of candy they happened to get......at least 10 lbs. each! I'm going to have to dispose of some of it somewhere.....

I have a wish for a new camera. That is what I'm saving for next! This one just doesn't take good pictures.

Our photogenic fella

Jesse and Hunter during Elias' birthday party. They get along well and are so cute!


One day, I couldn't find Jesse. I looked all over the house. I finally found him outside on the ball court. Notice, no shoes-just socks. He had Chad's work hat on--so cute. Chad had been looking for that hat. Jesse must have taken it outside and left it there. It is fun to have a three-year-old!

Elias' 10th

Elias is 10! I can hardly believe it.

He wanted a plain cake with a lizard on it. I think I did a pretty darn good job. He was happy with it. I guess that is about all a Mom can ask for....

He loved the lizard.

He had one friend over for the party and a few of his cousins. They all had a good time.

He was very excited about the new Brisingr book. He had been asking for it since its release date back in September. So, the excitement was great!

Update

It has been a while....a long while.

Last weekend we went camping. It was so cold! The kids had a great time and I, of course, forgot the camera. I don't know if I could have made my fingers work well enough to take a picture anyway. We went to a place in Flippin with the ward. There were five families that stayed the night. We have a big tent, but it was really too cold to enjoy the night-time. The kids were all comfortable in their big sleeping bags and jammies, but Chad and I shared a bag and it wasn't very comfortable. Note to self, get another sleeping bag before camping again!

The kids had their Primary program on Sunday. They all did a great job on their parts. It was nice to sit with Chad and Jesse at least for part of the meeting.

Other big news, I have started back to college. I ordered my first course today and have finished 2 lessons in it. It is exciting but I am nervous. It has been more than 12 years since I have been in school! I know all will go well. I just have to be organized.

General Conference weekend

This kid is just so cute! I couldn't help but put him in here.

General conference was really great. We were able to watch the Saturday morning session here at home. The kids played Conference Bingo and actually listened to the talks. I always enjoy hearing the Lord's servants.

We attended Harley's birthday party between sessions on Saturday. The kids had a good time. We were on our way home and witnessed an accident. We were just about to turn down our road. The person was going too fast around a curve and lost control of the vehicle. She spun past us and rolled down the hill. We were very blessed that we were not hit as she came past us. I immediately called 911 and Chad and Kathy (his mom, who was with us) ran to help. As a result, we missed the first hour of the second session. After reports were filled out and the traffic directing was finished, we started home. Elias stated that it had been very scary for him. The kids were very good about staying in the car, which we had pulled a little way down the road. They could still see me where I was helping direct traffic, but were not close to the road. Chad and Kathy stayed with the lady until the paramedics arrived. I don't think she was hurt too badly, although she had at least one broken bone that was obvious.

It is scary. Life can end, or be changed with just one wrong choice. The lady was very lucky, the car rolled at least twice and landed upside down. She is also very lucky that we were there. The car was not visible from the road and wouldn't have been found for quite some time. There are accidents there often and new skid marks wouldn't raise a question. We talked with the kids about the importance of following the law and all rules in general. It is very important to follow even the most mundane rules, they are there for our safety.

We got home and Chad cleaned up and we watched the rest of Conference.

Sunday was a beautiful day! Conference was great although the kids weren't! They didn't want to sit quietly, even though there were quiet things to do. Very frustrating. I'm glad the talks come out in the Ensign and I can read them also.

I really enjoyed the talk on Sacrament meeting. It was given on Saturday morning, I don't remember by whom. I like that there is emphasis on reverence during this most sacred time. We have tried to instill that in our children and they really do a pretty good job. It helps that they get to practice sitting on the stand with me! Elias has really learned well, Saul is still a little wiggly and Eva needs more practice. Jesse hasn't been given a turn yet.......I don't think the ward would appreciate, nor would it be very reverent to have him helping me play!

All in all, life is good. I love being a mom and being able to stay at home and take care of the kids. It is quite a job, but well worth it. I love seeing Jesse pick out words and spell simple things.

Chad is working hard and doing well with building houses. He enjoys doing it.

I guess I have kind of rambled today......a lot on my mind. I have so much to be thankful for. My family, the Gospel, and most especially, my Savior. I'm thankful that I have the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I don't know how I would make it without it. I love reading the Book of Mormon and teaching my children to read it and love it, and live the teaching in it. We read as a family and the spirit doesn't always seem to be there. But, I know the kids are getting something out of it, they make good choices and are usually kind to one another.

Enough! I will save some thoughts for another time.