Halloween (or, Why Can't I Manage to Post Anything Within Two Weeks Of When It Actually Occurred?)

Halloween is a big deal in our neighborhood. People drive here from other neighborhoods to trick-or-treat; their parked cars line entire blocks of the street. Some houses get more than 400 trick-or-treaters. It's insanity. And every year we join the mayhem.


Little Abram experienced his first Halloween in which he actually knew what was going on. When I first tried to put his costume on him, he shied away with a look that said, "You could not PAY me to wear that." I spoke four magic words to him: "Wear costume, get candy." He came running, thrust his arms into the sleeves and was ready in 60 seconds. As we headed down the street, he ran from house to house, his black plastic kettle of candy swinging and his stuffed tail wagging behind him. I think this is the best age for trick-or-treating.

Grace changed her mind every day for weeks about what she wanted to be for Halloween. Monkey, princess, tiger, Snow White, fairy, you-name-it, she'd considered it. She settled on being a puppy like her brother.

Isaac was a ghost. Cheapest costume I've ever put together. :)

Jacob put together his own costume. If you can't tell, he was a falconer. (This is his latest passion.)

Despite the chilly evening, a great time was had by all.

Bonus: Now we have a year's supply of Starburst. That counts as food storage, right?

Multiple Choice

Last week we had haircut day. Can you guess which one of the following haircuts was NOT approved or performed by Mom?

Go ahead. Take a guess.

Double Digits

Last month, my eldest child reached that magical age of 10. An entire decade. Somehow, 10 seems so much more than 9. It must be the extra digit.

For his birthday Jacob received a compass, a book on chemistry, some fishing tackle, and other "outdoor survival stuff." See a theme here? He's been reading My Side of the Mountain.

According to Jacob, the best thing about being 10 is joining the Webelos den. He has fabulous leaders who encourage his creativity and inspire him to do his best. Happy birthday, Jacob!

I Did It!

For years I've wanted to enter a sketch in the local Fair, just for fun. This year I finally made the time to do it. Having a deadline forced me to finish something for once. :) It was so much fun for the kids to see Mommy's art at the fairgrounds! I might even do it again someday.

Caution: Toddler in Progress

Abram turned 2 years old yesterday. It hardly seems possible. Remember when he was born?


A glimpse at Abram's life right now:

He is learning new words at a quick pace, copying everything he hears. His favorite words are milk, buppy (blankie), train, plane and truck.

His favorite book is The Little Engine That Could.

He loves to be outside, take walks, and swing on the swingset.

He sings himself to sleep in his crib every night.

He can sing "Praise to the Man." He also sings the chorus of "All Creatures of Our God and King" at the top of his lungs.

When we drive over a bridge, he yells, "Woohoo! Wheeeeee!" When we get to the end of the bridge, he says "All done wheeee."

He does NOT like water, except in the bathtub. He is deathly afraid of sprinklers.

Last Sunday he disrupted Sacrament meeting when he got his head stuck between the pew and the wall. It took four adult men to free him.

His favorite toys are cars and trucks. He calls them his "hot cars." He takes a handful of them everywhere, even to bed.

When Daddy leaves for work in the morning, Abram waves and says "Bye, Dad, have a good work today!"

He is very polite. When I give him food he says, "Thanks, Mom."

He has a delightful personality. He is generous, happy, and energetic. Except when he isn't. :)

Grandma gave him a Tonka dump truck for his birthday. He calls it his "thank you grandma."

Jacob gave him a necklace that he made in Boise State colors.

Apparently he does have a feminine side.

Happy birthday, bugaroo.

Not Quitting My Day Job

Recently, I've had the opportunity to take photographs of several friends for various occasions. These are my favorites:

The K Family

I and A's Wedding




S and D's 10th Anniversary

Road Trip Photojournal

Five days in Utah. Two brothers, two sisters-in-law, three cousins. And Grandma. Met my brand-new niece! Museum of Ancient Life. Children's Discovery Garden at Thanksgiving Point. Temple Square. Conference Center tour. Watched the fireworks from our third floor hotel room. Late nights. 102 degrees outside. My sister-friend Chantal. Lots of fun, but glad to be home. Need a vacation to recover. :)