These are the wonderful boys that came to Liam's birthday party.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Eat you up!
I could just eat this little boy up!
Isn't he darling?
That smile!
Those teeth!
That Sense of Humor!
He was pounding the cake on to, perhaps into, the table with his fist.
He thought it was funny!
Isn't he darling?
That smile!
Those teeth!
That Sense of Humor!
He was pounding the cake on to, perhaps into, the table with his fist.
He thought it was funny!
Family and Entry
Paint Project Family Room
Those that have visited our home know this is our "Family" room we have nearly 50 pictures of family in here.
The Yellow, or gold, is a little too much for some people, but we love the warmth of it.
And we did have new family pictures taken last month - so we will be replacing the 6 year old family picture soon!
This is the entry way. The color wraps up the stairs and into the hall. Also because one of the Gameroom walls is an extension an entry wall, it is also this color. (the rest of the gameroom will be painted a Poolhouse Blue color) We are in love with our "new" house!Those that have visited our home know this is our "Family" room we have nearly 50 pictures of family in here.
The Yellow, or gold, is a little too much for some people, but we love the warmth of it.
And we did have new family pictures taken last month - so we will be replacing the 6 year old family picture soon!
Paint Project Kitchen
No we are not afraid of color!
Lots of people have asked us since we started this project if we are afraid of color or if it was hard to choose the colors? No not really. We pretty much knew exactly what we wanted in each room.
The kitchen is one of my favorite rooms.
Notice the new light fixture above the table too!
(Thanks Dell!)
The half wall in the Kitchen is a different green than the rest of the kitchen. I wanted a little contrast, it's a big kitchen. It is the same green we painted in the Homeschool room and the laundry room.Lots of people have asked us since we started this project if we are afraid of color or if it was hard to choose the colors? No not really. We pretty much knew exactly what we wanted in each room.
The kitchen is one of my favorite rooms.
Notice the new light fixture above the table too!
(Thanks Dell!)
Paint project Homeschool Room
Noble is showing off his Spiderman skills and the new color of the homeschool room!Paint Project Quiet Room
This is our favorite room of the paint project so far!
The Quiet Room.
Now it fee-eels quiet. Shh!
The bottom picture drives me nuts from a "perspective" point of view, but it is to show the dark color on the ceiling and the column that is a darker brown color than what is on the walls of the quiet room. We love it!
The Quiet Room.
Now it fee-eels quiet. Shh!
The bottom picture drives me nuts from a "perspective" point of view, but it is to show the dark color on the ceiling and the column that is a darker brown color than what is on the walls of the quiet room. We love it!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
For Such a Time as This
Today was my day to teach. These are my Notes from my lesson which I adapted from For Such a Time as This; by, Wendy Watson Nelson; a Women's Conference address from 2007.
Table display: several clocks, picture of Esther
Write on the board: For Such a Time as This.
Ask someone to read aloud: Esther 4:14
First things first, will you turn to your neighbor in front of you, beside you, both side perhaps and give each other a pat on the back? (giggles, but they did it) Sisters, each and everyone of you have done something this week that deserves a pat on the back. I know you have.
Read Esther 4:14
How appropriate that we are going to have a lesson on "time" on this November 4th day that we set out clocks back one hour!
So much of our life is measured in time and too many of us are living for tomorrow. Our days, our weeks, next month, next year. But sisters, what about the "Now's?"
Sister Watson-Nelson tells the following story:
in a dramatic fashion,
just how vital it is that we are prepared with the
skill and understanding necessary to do what the Lord needs us to do. On the
first weekend of November 2005, I accompanied my dear friend Sheri Dew to
Palmyra, New York, where we participated in a symposium on the Prophet
Joseph
Smith.
Because our obligations lasted into Saturday evening,
and in order
to be home in time to meet our Sunday commitments, we were
booked on two
early-morning Sunday flights from Rochester to Cincinnati and
from Cincinnati to
Salt Lake City. As a result, we pulled into the Rochester
airport at 4:30 a.m.
We were walking towards the terminal, when
suddenly—unexplainably—I tripped and
fell and did what could only be
described as a cartoon face-plant, right into
the cement!
Sheri, who was walking ahead of me, heard my thud, turned around,
and saw
me face down on the pavement, which was quickly turning red from the
blood
pouring from a large gash in my forehead and nose. She helped me to a
sitting
position on the sidewalk and we dug through our bags looking for
something to
slow the bleeding. We couldn't find anything and began to look
for someone to
help us. There were three police cars parked only a few feet
away, but not a
policeman to be found. And it was so early in the
morning that there was
not one other person in sight.
I instantly
knew what had to be done. I said to Sheri, “You’ve got to
pray for me.”
Without
hesitating, she knelt down on the pavement next to me
and began
to plead with the Lord. The only way I can describe that prayer is to
say
that she prayed with power. She petitioned the Lord to stop my fear, to stop
the bleeding, to stop the pain. And she pleaded that she would know what to
do
to take care of me.
My fear stopped instantly! The bleeding slowed
dramatically. And the
pain stopped too.
The Lord honored
Sheri’s prayer of faith. I did, however, still have a hole
in my face,
which
desperately needed medical attention. While I sat on the
curb,
Sheri darted off in search of help,
finally finding, and persuading, an
ornery cabby to call the police. A few minutes later, an officer
arrived,
took one look at me, and called the paramedics. About five minutes later, a
fire
truck, with sirens blaring, and an EMT truck, filled with paramedics
clad in
silver fire suits, arrived.
There must have been
several million dollars worth of equipment
lined up and years of emergency
and medical assistance available to help us. But
with all due respect to
these professionals, on that morning it felt as though
we were dealing with
Dumb and Dumber! They did not have the skill and
understanding to help me.
In fact, they couldn’t quite figure out how to open up
the
bandages. Looking back, I wonder if their clumsiness was a
response to the horrifying sight of my injury.
As they fumbled with
the bandages, the EMT asked if I wanted to be
transported to the emergency
room. Sheri instantly intervened: “No, I’m taking
her home.” With a flimsy
bandage finally applied so that I would not scare the
other passengers, I
walked with Sheri’s help through the airport. Once at our
gate, she found a
store that had basic first aid supplies. My first clue about
the size of the
wound occurred when she applied the Neosporin. Instead of
dabbing it on the
wound, she squeezed it into the hole, much like you would
squeeze icing onto
a cake! Just how big was that hole? I’ll never know, because
she never let
me see the wound.
With the injury finally protected by a bandage that
covered most of my
forehead and nose, I was feeling fine, and I settled back
into my seat on the
plane. There was no fear, no pain, no bleeding. As the
plane took off, I
mentioned that I had an appointment later that week with a
dermatologist and perhaps I should have him take a look at the
injury.
Sheri’s response was careful: “Oh,” she said, “you know,
after all
you’ve been through this morning you’re probably not going to feel
much like
going to church today. When we get to Cincinnati, why don’t we
call ahead and
see if we can find a surgeon, a plastic surgeon, in Salt Lake
who will see you,
today? We might as well take care of this as soon as we
arrive home.”
She said all of this very matter-of-factly. I
still had no idea just how
serious my circumstance was. We did as
Sheri suggested, and upon landing
in Salt Lake City we learned that we were
to go immediately to LDS Hospital,
where a superb plastic surgeon was
waiting.
As he took off my bandage, his expression told the story: “Oh,
yes,” he
said, “it’s a good thing you called me today. It looks as though
you left a
pound of flesh on that New York sidewalk!”
An hour later, I
was in surgery,
where it took countless stitches (the surgeon guessed that
there were well over
300) to put my face back together. However, the surgery
did not take place until
after, at the instigation of Sheri, I received a
priesthood blessing.
After hearing about my accident, a friend,
an experienced nurse, said,
“Sheri was the right person to be with you,
Wendy. I might have held up my
compact mirror and said, ‘Just look at this
hole in your face! Notice how well
exposed the nasal bone is!’ But Sheri was
right to never let you see it.”
There were several
reasons Sheri was the right person to be with
me. In the very moment, at
4:30 a.m. on a dirty airport sidewalk, she had the
spiritual skill and
understanding to know how to petition the Father, with
power, in the name of
the Son, so that the pain would stop, the fear would stop,
and the bleeding
would stop. And then, she knew how to hear the voice of the
Lord and His
directions through the Spirit to get me from the airport sidewalk
to the
surgical suite.
I have often wondered how differently the story
may have unfolded had
Sheri not been with me.
• What if I’d been with
someone who didn’t know how
to draw upon the powers of heaven.
• What if
I’d been with someone who’d
said: “Wendy, I’ll pray, but I’ve been meaning
to repent of some things to
increase my purity”; or “I’ve been meaning to
spend more time in the scriptures
so that I can learn to hear the voice of
the Lord, through the word of the
Lord”; or “I’ve been meaning to spend more
time in the temple so I can better
understand the kind of power with which
I’ve been endowed”; or “I’ve been
meaning to seek more diligently, but I’ve
been so busy with so many other
things—good things, but not things of the
Spirit! So, I’m sorry Wendy. Let’s say
a little prayer and see if we can get
the paramedics here.”
I shudder to think what might have
happened that morning if I
had only been able to trust in the arm of flesh,
especially when so much of mine
was lying on that airport sidewalk! But I
don’t need to shudder. I just need to
be grateful that Sheri was with me.
She was the right person.
How many of you have stopped to ask during those stretching trials - why is it I am going through this? Sister Watson-Nelson suggests that it is those heart wrenching, discouraging events in our lives, those that we long to be set free from, that actually shape us into who we need to become.
President Hinckley has counseled us as women to not be discouraged. To get on our knees daily and ask what it is we are to do that day, and then get up and do it. We don't have to do everything everyday. The Lord knows what is most important and what is worthy of our time.
Elder Maxwell said: "Unless we are filled with the resolve, what will we say to the heroes and heroines of Martin's Cove and the Sweetwater? That we admire you, but we are reluctant to wade through our own rivers of chilling adversity? By divine appointment, these are our days. Moreover though we live in a failing world, we have not been sent here to fail!"
Sister what if this is it? Our Martin's Cove or Sweetwater? How many of us are wading through our issues but waiting to prove our faith for the BIG one? What if it isn't a big one, but a series of small ones?
Too often when we feel unsettled it is because we sense ourselves that we are not yet doing what we were sent here to do. That doesn't mean a big change or that something difficult is coming around the corner. Most times the improvement in our lives that we sense is coming and often fear is quite minor and always manageable with our Savior's help.
What difference would it make in our lives if we were to look at every ability and every talent, every challenge and grueling obstacle as being given to us "for such a time as this?" Too often we we speak of the building of the Kingdom of the Lord, we apply it to missionary work. But what if instead we thought of it as strengthening the Kingdom? How do our individual talents in music or speaking change then? Or being able to make an extra meal, or bringing family history to life through pictures or journaling? What about the gift of being a peacemaker, or being able to make others feel welcome? Or the gifts of patience, compassion and understanding? What about being able to receive love and compassion? Too often I see many of you resistant to letting others help you.
If you have been second guessing yourself or allowed yourself to think "The lord would never use me to do anything significant for His Kingdom, lets remember what Russell M. Nelson has said: "The Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the imposible."
"If you feel like the most unlikely person to be asked to accomplish something that looks utterly impossible, look out! consider the Prophet Joseph Smith who described himself as 'an obscure boy of no consequence.' or Elizabeth who was far beyond child bearing age yet gave birth to John, the forerunner of the Savior." (Watson-Nelson)
Sisters if there is a sign that I should walk about these halls with, it is that quote. If anyone is the most unlikely person asked to do something that looks utterly impossible - that is what I feel like most days. I am humble for the opportunity to grow and stretch spiritually at your expense. I want you know that I see the greater good that you are. You see the drops in the bucket that you contribute, I see the bucket over flowing with your time, talents, outreach and service to one another.
Much love
Table display: several clocks, picture of Esther
Write on the board: For Such a Time as This.
Ask someone to read aloud: Esther 4:14
First things first, will you turn to your neighbor in front of you, beside you, both side perhaps and give each other a pat on the back? (giggles, but they did it) Sisters, each and everyone of you have done something this week that deserves a pat on the back. I know you have.
Read Esther 4:14
How appropriate that we are going to have a lesson on "time" on this November 4th day that we set out clocks back one hour!
So much of our life is measured in time and too many of us are living for tomorrow. Our days, our weeks, next month, next year. But sisters, what about the "Now's?"
Sister Watson-Nelson tells the following story:
A few months prior to my marriage, I had an experience which illustrated,
in a dramatic fashion,
just how vital it is that we are prepared with the
skill and understanding necessary to do what the Lord needs us to do. On the
first weekend of November 2005, I accompanied my dear friend Sheri Dew to
Palmyra, New York, where we participated in a symposium on the Prophet
Joseph
Smith.
Because our obligations lasted into Saturday evening,
and in order
to be home in time to meet our Sunday commitments, we were
booked on two
early-morning Sunday flights from Rochester to Cincinnati and
from Cincinnati to
Salt Lake City. As a result, we pulled into the Rochester
airport at 4:30 a.m.
We were walking towards the terminal, when
suddenly—unexplainably—I tripped and
fell and did what could only be
described as a cartoon face-plant, right into
the cement!
Sheri, who was walking ahead of me, heard my thud, turned around,
and saw
me face down on the pavement, which was quickly turning red from the
blood
pouring from a large gash in my forehead and nose. She helped me to a
sitting
position on the sidewalk and we dug through our bags looking for
something to
slow the bleeding. We couldn't find anything and began to look
for someone to
help us. There were three police cars parked only a few feet
away, but not a
policeman to be found. And it was so early in the
morning that there was
not one other person in sight.
I instantly
knew what had to be done. I said to Sheri, “You’ve got to
pray for me.”
Without
hesitating, she knelt down on the pavement next to me
and began
to plead with the Lord. The only way I can describe that prayer is to
say
that she prayed with power. She petitioned the Lord to stop my fear, to stop
the bleeding, to stop the pain. And she pleaded that she would know what to
do
to take care of me.
My fear stopped instantly! The bleeding slowed
dramatically. And the
pain stopped too.
The Lord honored
Sheri’s prayer of faith. I did, however, still have a hole
in my face,
which
desperately needed medical attention. While I sat on the
curb,
Sheri darted off in search of help,
finally finding, and persuading, an
ornery cabby to call the police. A few minutes later, an officer
arrived,
took one look at me, and called the paramedics. About five minutes later, a
fire
truck, with sirens blaring, and an EMT truck, filled with paramedics
clad in
silver fire suits, arrived.
There must have been
several million dollars worth of equipment
lined up and years of emergency
and medical assistance available to help us. But
with all due respect to
these professionals, on that morning it felt as though
we were dealing with
Dumb and Dumber! They did not have the skill and
understanding to help me.
In fact, they couldn’t quite figure out how to open up
the
bandages. Looking back, I wonder if their clumsiness was a
response to the horrifying sight of my injury.
As they fumbled with
the bandages, the EMT asked if I wanted to be
transported to the emergency
room. Sheri instantly intervened: “No, I’m taking
her home.” With a flimsy
bandage finally applied so that I would not scare the
other passengers, I
walked with Sheri’s help through the airport. Once at our
gate, she found a
store that had basic first aid supplies. My first clue about
the size of the
wound occurred when she applied the Neosporin. Instead of
dabbing it on the
wound, she squeezed it into the hole, much like you would
squeeze icing onto
a cake! Just how big was that hole? I’ll never know, because
she never let
me see the wound.
With the injury finally protected by a bandage that
covered most of my
forehead and nose, I was feeling fine, and I settled back
into my seat on the
plane. There was no fear, no pain, no bleeding. As the
plane took off, I
mentioned that I had an appointment later that week with a
dermatologist and perhaps I should have him take a look at the
injury.
Sheri’s response was careful: “Oh,” she said, “you know,
after all
you’ve been through this morning you’re probably not going to feel
much like
going to church today. When we get to Cincinnati, why don’t we
call ahead and
see if we can find a surgeon, a plastic surgeon, in Salt Lake
who will see you,
today? We might as well take care of this as soon as we
arrive home.”
She said all of this very matter-of-factly. I
still had no idea just how
serious my circumstance was. We did as
Sheri suggested, and upon landing
in Salt Lake City we learned that we were
to go immediately to LDS Hospital,
where a superb plastic surgeon was
waiting.
As he took off my bandage, his expression told the story: “Oh,
yes,” he
said, “it’s a good thing you called me today. It looks as though
you left a
pound of flesh on that New York sidewalk!”
An hour later, I
was in surgery,
where it took countless stitches (the surgeon guessed that
there were well over
300) to put my face back together. However, the surgery
did not take place until
after, at the instigation of Sheri, I received a
priesthood blessing.
After hearing about my accident, a friend,
an experienced nurse, said,
“Sheri was the right person to be with you,
Wendy. I might have held up my
compact mirror and said, ‘Just look at this
hole in your face! Notice how well
exposed the nasal bone is!’ But Sheri was
right to never let you see it.”
There were several
reasons Sheri was the right person to be with
me. In the very moment, at
4:30 a.m. on a dirty airport sidewalk, she had the
spiritual skill and
understanding to know how to petition the Father, with
power, in the name of
the Son, so that the pain would stop, the fear would stop,
and the bleeding
would stop. And then, she knew how to hear the voice of the
Lord and His
directions through the Spirit to get me from the airport sidewalk
to the
surgical suite.
I have often wondered how differently the story
may have unfolded had
Sheri not been with me.
• What if I’d been with
someone who didn’t know how
to draw upon the powers of heaven.
• What if
I’d been with someone who’d
said: “Wendy, I’ll pray, but I’ve been meaning
to repent of some things to
increase my purity”; or “I’ve been meaning to
spend more time in the scriptures
so that I can learn to hear the voice of
the Lord, through the word of the
Lord”; or “I’ve been meaning to spend more
time in the temple so I can better
understand the kind of power with which
I’ve been endowed”; or “I’ve been
meaning to seek more diligently, but I’ve
been so busy with so many other
things—good things, but not things of the
Spirit! So, I’m sorry Wendy. Let’s say
a little prayer and see if we can get
the paramedics here.”
I shudder to think what might have
happened that morning if I
had only been able to trust in the arm of flesh,
especially when so much of mine
was lying on that airport sidewalk! But I
don’t need to shudder. I just need to
be grateful that Sheri was with me.
She was the right person.
How many of you have stopped to ask during those stretching trials - why is it I am going through this? Sister Watson-Nelson suggests that it is those heart wrenching, discouraging events in our lives, those that we long to be set free from, that actually shape us into who we need to become.
President Hinckley has counseled us as women to not be discouraged. To get on our knees daily and ask what it is we are to do that day, and then get up and do it. We don't have to do everything everyday. The Lord knows what is most important and what is worthy of our time.
Elder Maxwell said: "Unless we are filled with the resolve, what will we say to the heroes and heroines of Martin's Cove and the Sweetwater? That we admire you, but we are reluctant to wade through our own rivers of chilling adversity? By divine appointment, these are our days. Moreover though we live in a failing world, we have not been sent here to fail!"
Sister what if this is it? Our Martin's Cove or Sweetwater? How many of us are wading through our issues but waiting to prove our faith for the BIG one? What if it isn't a big one, but a series of small ones?
Too often when we feel unsettled it is because we sense ourselves that we are not yet doing what we were sent here to do. That doesn't mean a big change or that something difficult is coming around the corner. Most times the improvement in our lives that we sense is coming and often fear is quite minor and always manageable with our Savior's help.
What difference would it make in our lives if we were to look at every ability and every talent, every challenge and grueling obstacle as being given to us "for such a time as this?" Too often we we speak of the building of the Kingdom of the Lord, we apply it to missionary work. But what if instead we thought of it as strengthening the Kingdom? How do our individual talents in music or speaking change then? Or being able to make an extra meal, or bringing family history to life through pictures or journaling? What about the gift of being a peacemaker, or being able to make others feel welcome? Or the gifts of patience, compassion and understanding? What about being able to receive love and compassion? Too often I see many of you resistant to letting others help you.
If you have been second guessing yourself or allowed yourself to think "The lord would never use me to do anything significant for His Kingdom, lets remember what Russell M. Nelson has said: "The Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the imposible."
"If you feel like the most unlikely person to be asked to accomplish something that looks utterly impossible, look out! consider the Prophet Joseph Smith who described himself as 'an obscure boy of no consequence.' or Elizabeth who was far beyond child bearing age yet gave birth to John, the forerunner of the Savior." (Watson-Nelson)
Sisters if there is a sign that I should walk about these halls with, it is that quote. If anyone is the most unlikely person asked to do something that looks utterly impossible - that is what I feel like most days. I am humble for the opportunity to grow and stretch spiritually at your expense. I want you know that I see the greater good that you are. You see the drops in the bucket that you contribute, I see the bucket over flowing with your time, talents, outreach and service to one another.
Much love
November RS Presidency Message
Each month the member of the Relief Society Presidency rotate months - when it is my month I conduct the meetings for that month, write the message for our newsletter and teach the first Sunday.
This is the message from the newsletter this month. It may not apply to you and/or be quite boring to read, but this is my blog. Where I record things from my life. So here it is.
Dear Sisters
If you remember I asked everyone to pray about how we could strengthen our families and that if we each did it, we would be strengthened as Sisters too. I wanted to share my experience about asking how to strengthen my family. I know that many of you feel the same pressures that I do when it comes to family. We would give our all to the end of day for them individually or as a whole family unit, but somehow there are usually more demands than we have time. We are the ones that seem to hold it together when others are coming apart. We are the ones called on again and again.
When I knelt in prayer and humbly asked what I could do to strengthen my family I was surprised by the prompting that I had to think about what I am already doing. Honestly my first instinct was to brush it off and say “I’m here for new information,” but instead I allowed myself some quiet time to ponder what I felt I was already doing. Why is it we expect things to be more difficult or complex than they usually are? I realized as I pondered so much of what I do is the day-to-day-required, do or die sorts of things that I am not putting enough effort into what I know works. Just doing it because I or we are supposed to do it. The usual: Family Home Evening, family prayers and family dinner came to mind first. Am I really “doing” those things whole heartedly? I also had the prompting to hold my loved ones a little more and to make sure that they knew I love them and that the Savior loves them.
So I didn’t experience anything magical or profound, just the promptings to do what I know is right with more heart and to hold my children while teaching them unconditional love too. From there I have sought guidance on how to do those things. The biggest and probably hardest one is making myself stop long enough to make that hug count, to exchange heart to heart conversation that gives those special people in my life confidence in my love and hopefully our Savior’s love as well. What I found was my children almost clinging to me as I held them tighter as they went to pull away after a few seconds. I found them coming to me with more questions and that I had the answers that they needed. Small, yes. Profound, deeply.
I wonder what your experiences were? I would love to hear them.
With much love for each of you,
Sister Dunn
This is the message from the newsletter this month. It may not apply to you and/or be quite boring to read, but this is my blog. Where I record things from my life. So here it is.
Dear Sisters
If you remember I asked everyone to pray about how we could strengthen our families and that if we each did it, we would be strengthened as Sisters too. I wanted to share my experience about asking how to strengthen my family. I know that many of you feel the same pressures that I do when it comes to family. We would give our all to the end of day for them individually or as a whole family unit, but somehow there are usually more demands than we have time. We are the ones that seem to hold it together when others are coming apart. We are the ones called on again and again.
When I knelt in prayer and humbly asked what I could do to strengthen my family I was surprised by the prompting that I had to think about what I am already doing. Honestly my first instinct was to brush it off and say “I’m here for new information,” but instead I allowed myself some quiet time to ponder what I felt I was already doing. Why is it we expect things to be more difficult or complex than they usually are? I realized as I pondered so much of what I do is the day-to-day-required, do or die sorts of things that I am not putting enough effort into what I know works. Just doing it because I or we are supposed to do it. The usual: Family Home Evening, family prayers and family dinner came to mind first. Am I really “doing” those things whole heartedly? I also had the prompting to hold my loved ones a little more and to make sure that they knew I love them and that the Savior loves them.
So I didn’t experience anything magical or profound, just the promptings to do what I know is right with more heart and to hold my children while teaching them unconditional love too. From there I have sought guidance on how to do those things. The biggest and probably hardest one is making myself stop long enough to make that hug count, to exchange heart to heart conversation that gives those special people in my life confidence in my love and hopefully our Savior’s love as well. What I found was my children almost clinging to me as I held them tighter as they went to pull away after a few seconds. I found them coming to me with more questions and that I had the answers that they needed. Small, yes. Profound, deeply.
I wonder what your experiences were? I would love to hear them.
With much love for each of you,
Sister Dunn
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Halloween
This is probably my favorite Halloween as a parent yet.
Noble was excited to paint his face. I felt like we broke out of the pirate or knight rut we had been in for a few year.
We had a blast carving pumpkins with family and friends on Monday night.
The older boys were so excited to go to every house in the neighborhood! (I think they may have done close to half) And they had to come home and empty their bags about half way through because they were too heavy.
Anna brought and made dinner. (Always a plus when you don't have to cook.)
Anna and Dell made us homemade yummy donuts for post trick or treating.
My Mom was here to help with the kids.
The weather was cool but not cold.
Happy Halloween.
Noble was excited to paint his face. I felt like we broke out of the pirate or knight rut we had been in for a few year.
We had a blast carving pumpkins with family and friends on Monday night.
The older boys were so excited to go to every house in the neighborhood! (I think they may have done close to half) And they had to come home and empty their bags about half way through because they were too heavy.
Anna brought and made dinner. (Always a plus when you don't have to cook.)
Anna and Dell made us homemade yummy donuts for post trick or treating.
My Mom was here to help with the kids.
The weather was cool but not cold.
Happy Halloween.
Halloween Us
I dressed up too this year as a purple witch!
For those that have never been to our house this is a drainage ditch that runs along our property. The boys spend a lot of time playing in the almost always dry cement alley-way and climbing on these bars. Here they are waiting for their Dad to get home so they can go trick or treating.
Hew the half Dragon
Hewy was a dragon for Halloween this year. Or rather a half dragon. He didn't want to put any of the costume on except for the hat.
He was pleased that all he had to say was "tri-tree" and people dropped candy in his cute puppy bag!
Sorcerer Liam
Liam was a Sorcerer for Halloween this year. He had a wand that didn't make it into pictures. The Lightning bolt on his forehead has a little story that goes with it. I thought that a sorcerer might have some sparkle, or glitter on his cheeks. Liam was adamant that no make was going anywhere near his face. "I don't feel like myself if I have make up on!" When has he worn make up? He hasn't that I know of, so how does he know? I think it was Grandmama that suggested a lightning bolt - which I applied with make up. . .
Cute though isn't he. Love those brown eyes!
Cute though isn't he. Love those brown eyes!
The Goods!
Well, this is it. What the children came home with Halloween night!
What are we going to do with all of this?!
That is SIX gallon size zip lock bags you see there. Sorted and organized.
What are we going to do with all of this?!
That is SIX gallon size zip lock bags you see there. Sorted and organized.
Liam wide eyed with a sugar rush! Is this for real?
Noble guards his candy - afraid of the "parent tax" :-)
no pictures?
People have said they are not getting some or all of the pictures that are posted when they pull the page up. I do not know why that is - and it seems random. One person is only missing one picture, the next person doesn't see any, the next has a few missing. When I pull up the blog they all show up. I don't know how to fix this. I am sorry. Try reloading the page, that has worked for some people - but not everyone!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Annual Pumpkin FHE
It a tradition! The Monday before Halloween we host the "Annual Pumpkin FHE."
This year we had Grandpa and Grandmama, Dell, Anna and Henry and the Sister Missionaries join us.
Everyone got into their elbows in pumpkin guts and had a good time.
We enjoyed White Chili in pumpkin shaped bread bowls and pumpkin cookies for yummies.
This year we had Grandpa and Grandmama, Dell, Anna and Henry and the Sister Missionaries join us.
Everyone got into their elbows in pumpkin guts and had a good time.
We enjoyed White Chili in pumpkin shaped bread bowls and pumpkin cookies for yummies.
Noble likes to pretend he did not like the scooping out the insides part, but honestly he loved every minute of the gross stuff!
There is a story about this pumpkin. It is my Dads. I had gone over to help him as he taped his design on the pumpkin. Then he asked if I would mark it for him, so I did. He went upstairs and kept Henry and Hewy company (they had lost interest). When I started to cut I told one of those boys to ask Grandpa if he wanted to do it or if I should just go ahead. He said to go ahead. As I was cutting away the details I couldn't believe Dad had chosen such a complex pattern, but I stayed at it. When I was about done Dad came back downstairs and realized we had taped the design on backwards - he had chosen the easy castle on the back side of the difficult Headless Horseman. It turned out well though!
Sisters get their hands dirty
The Sisters were not afraid to get their hands dirty! Sister Olsen worked with Liam and carved a darling happy face.
Sister Melody worked on H-y's pumpkin for us and created a great Ghost.
Sister Melody worked on H-y's pumpkin for us and created a great Ghost.
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