Monday, October 27, 2014

MORE OCTOBER FUN!!!

I want to follow up on the Villain cupcakes from the last post.
She did such a great job and we took them over to our new neighbors who have 3 little girls :)
Lincoln loved putting a ton of sprinkles on.
We had to have one of our own
We made sugar cookies, but mommy decorated them  for a party. I saved some for the kids for sure, but I was pretty impressed with myself, considering this was my first time "really" decorating.

CARVING PUMPKINS
We decided to carve pumpkins, even though its still a bit tough for the kids. We went to a house in the neighborhood that had a sign up "pumpkins for sale" they were all over the front lawn and there was an 'honest box' and you just pay what you think...it was fun to see the kids pick out which one they wanted.
Lincoln picked a green one...
He liked stabbing it with the carving tools over and over, that thats what his looked like
Vienna picked a pinky-peach one and she was very good at cleaning it out, but then carving was too much so she chose to hammer in these light bright things shaped like golf tee things. 
I was keeping Everett entertained so I didnt get a chance to actually carve mine, so Mike is the only one who actually carved on. He did a great job. It was a black cat.
Just had to snap a shot of these cute kiddos. (Linc is still glued to his snuggles, its so endearing. I can barely get it away from him to wash it weekly.)

We love having craft time and we love having halloween craft time!



We have tried a few spooky dinners. The kids had more fun making this one than eating it.
Very focused
looks like pick up sticks...
Before they are cooked.
After they are cooked!

We did a special halloween dinner as part of our family night.
We got the house all dark, got out our halloween chandaliers and had a spooky dinner before we carved our pumpkins.
We had pumpkin plates and napkins
Mummy meatloaf, it was fun to eat and easy to make!
Vienna loved the meatloaf, Lincoln loved the beans!

For dessert we were treated, by Daddy, with Bertie Bots Beans and the same idea, Bean boozled, where one is the real yummy taste and the exact same looking one is n-a-s-t-y. It was so fun to watch the kids and its pretty amazing how gross they can make them taste.

We tried to have our own party, but not enough people RSVP'd soon enough (why are people so bad at it?)
One of our friends offered to host it and so the things I had already prepared I used and we co-hosted. It was lots of fun.
Vienna really enjoyed it.
Our waterbottles...
My super sexy super man..homemade costume.

The justice league unites!

The next few pics are a bit random
Our ward had a hoedown on the 17th and it was fun, but they didnt have a halloween party or trunk or treat so that is super lame. Id much rather have that then a hoedown. Vienna and I showed up late, she had fun.
I sure l-ooooo-ve my boys!!!

The last few pics are my favorite. There is something to be said about going over to Grandma and Grandpa's for Sunday dinner. Growing up, it was ABSOLUTELY my favorite part of the week. I was very blessed to have 2 of the best Grandma's on the planet. One's that would take me on the weekends quite often. We would do crafts, allowed me to do chores to earn money, baking, playing, go to the circus', ice capades, take me on the trains and just share their Grandma goodness with me. I miss my Nan so much but at least I am blessed enough to still have my other Grandma who I still call for canning peaches, making pie crust and lime cheesecake advice.
Anyway, that was a complete side track here are some pics of going to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Sunday dinner. It was so cozy and the food was delicious. The kids are always in heaven and it was just nice to visit. Thank you so much for having us over!
Kids playing with all of their fun and different toys!
Grandma gave them a little halloween present together and boy does this little lady love her witch barbie doll.
Lincoln loves his Grandpa. He got a bunch of trucks, cars and treats.
sitting on Daddy who was soaking in every second of relaxation we could.
Everett playing with Grandpa, I got the cutest video of this.

Only 4 more days until Trick or treating, lets hope for better weather than last year in Cleveland where it poured and it was windy and down right cold. It has to be better than that.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

October is so fun, but this year it has been quite challenging...

There is always so much going on in October. It begins with General conference the first weekend. I love to hear the words of our general leaders. Even before this took place, I found out about the death of a very dear friend of mine. We were young and discovering who we were. We met in seminary in grade 9, we were EFY roommates and then traveled and lived in Japan together. She was 32 and has a young family. I knew she was diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago, but she was very private about it. I spoke to her about a year ago and she was very positive and responding well to treatment. Her death wasn't a shock, but it has been very difficult on my heart. I traveled up to Calgary alone for her service over G. C weekend. I was able to see some old friends and her dear family. I'm so glad I was able to be there.
I returned home late Sunday night and then got notice that my Grandad wasn't doing well at all on Monday. He ended up passing on Tuesday evening, so I traveled back up to Cardston for his funeral the following Saturday. Again I was so grateful to be there, but I know my children and my husband were missing me, plus traveling 9 hours each way is tiring not to mention under emotional circumstances. Amongst all this there are still lots of Halloween celebrations going on. 

Just before driving up for Eliza's memorial service, I was able to take Vienna to her first preschool fieldtrip to the pumpkin patch.
 The straw bail maze
 The giant haystack mountain

 Her pumpkins from the patch. She was so thoughtful and got one for Lincoln.
 Miss Tonya's Monday, Wednesday, Friday class
 Miss Michelle's Tuesday, Thursday class
 juice and a cookie!
 Her friend Arihana!
The petting zoo!

To remind us of the true halloween spirit I found this scary thing right underneath our back patio door. Yep, she is a huge black widow!

Vienna and I have a Mom/daughter date every wednesday afternoon and it usually ends up being some baking or cooking, but my idea was to do crafts or paint nails or play dollies. Anything she wanted, but she always wants to be in the kitchen, so I think we're going to ask Santa for an Easy Bake oven. Anyway, we made a jackolantern cake.

 They really enjoyed making it, but mostly just eating the icing so I took up what was left to Grandad's funeral. 
Tomorrow we will be decorating and making these...

I'm so grateful I get to spend time with this silly little lady.

Being at Grandad's funeral was so nice. He was such a special man and it is always nice to see family. I can't wait to meet him in his perfect state. Knowing that he is with Nan and to be able to do missionary work with all of his family members, how marvelous. I will always cherish the memories I have with you. 
 It was blustery and a bit chilly, but gorgeous compared to what it could have been.
 Paul Bearers. So much male posterity!
 He was an adventurer. We love you Grandad!
 The veteran service was so nice!
 Don and all his boys.
 This was the last time I was able to see Grandad. How handsome and sweet he always has been. He even got to hold Everett. You are such a great example Grandad!
Grandad loved to sing, and even though being on key wasn't his strength, he still didn't let that stop him from singing with all his heart. His boys, all of which are just a tone deaf, sang 'As I have Loved You' together. It was cute to see them all up there. 
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 As I was leaving, It was gorgeous and I was able to see the majestic Chief mountain that floods me with so many great memories of my childhood and my heritage. Southern Alberta I sure do love you!
Mike sent this to me while I was at the funeral with a caption saying "Everett says hello!"
What a doll my baby boy is.

Here are some pictures of the Halloween decorations in the house.




Decorating is just so much fun!
 
Today we decided to decorate the kids witch and skeleton pumpkins. It looked a bit like this...






 We had a good time and these kind are great for kiddos, at this young age.
oh and Mike did this with the kids while I was out of town and they had a blast. He is such a great Daddy!