Halloween Treats

I have needed to make something for awhile. I had this fun and inexpensive idea to make with Noah for his teachers at school and the people I visit teach. We have fun painting the faces, Okay, I painted the faces while Noah filled the jars with candy. It was fun and easy and fulfilled a need in me to create something frivolous and fun.

Happy Halloween 2008

Happy Halloween!

and now for your viewing pleasure

A feast for your eyes

Especially if you love Star Wars

Kersten Starring as Obiwan Kenobi

Sofia starring as Yoda
Noah Starring as Anakin Skywalker
Here's the gang again
And Laurie will be starring as Princess Leia later tonight

So much to catch up on.... been a busy week.  lots of posts to come

Have a fun and safe Halloween

Photo Tagged

I was tagged on Carrie's Blog for this Photo MeMe.  I  actually took these photos yesterday except for the one of what my kids are doing.  I luckily had been cleaning all morning before I found the tag so I hurried and took the pictures before everything got messed up again.  Still, don't look to close

1. My Kitchen Sink

2.  My Favorite Room

this is the space behind our Recliner

Noah has named it 'Our Home"

it is pretty amazing really

their are at least 3 game systems back there, a tv, snacks, books anything you can dream up to play

He frequently asks me to come back and play in our home.

This is the porch to "Our Home"

"Our Home" is located on the Ice Planet Hoth 

from Empire Strikes Back from Star Wars

I know none of you who read this frequently are shocked by that.

So Our Home is cold and we have to protect our baby 

If I am feeding her on our porch when we are playing 'our Home" I have to have a blanket

3. My Fridge

4. My Closet

5. My Laundry Room

6.Me Right Now

7.   What my Children are doing Right now

Sofia is taking a nap

hence the closed door 

and Noah is in Preschool (bliss)

8. My Favorite Shoes

for Sunday and Everyday

you only get to see one of them

and I also love my red star shoes but they are so hashed from the summer I think they have to retire

9. My Dream Vacation

Austria. not to be confused with Australia

this country is next to Germany

Kersten's family lives there and so do Matt and Mara

This  is a pic of the Imperial Palace

10.  My Bathroom

Now I tag and anyone else who wants too,, Kieran, Alicia and Teresa

Sofia-10 months old

Sofia is 10 months old today. This month has gone by so quickly. The older she gets the faster that time goes. She is so curious and tenacious about the things that she wants. She has this cute squeal when she is happy or excited about something. Noah and her both are torturing each other equally now. She steals his toys and he carries her around the house underneath her arms. He lays on top of her and rolls around. Sometimes she likes it and other times she hates it. I am so glad they love each othe

* Climbed up the stairs on October 8th, 2008

*went on first airplane ride on September 25, 2008 and second on October 1, 2008

*Takes two naps that are between 1 1/2 to 2 hours each and goes to sleep at around 8:30pm and wakes at 7:00am,  Lately though she wakes at around 5:00am and wants to sleep with mom and snack and then likes to grab Dad's face when she is awake for good

*Love clapping and waving your hands in the air.  You raise them both up when you have reached something you have been working on.  

*When riding on someone's shoulders or hip you like to pet their hair and skin.  You are really soft about it and kind of absent minded.  

*We love your laugh.   It is kinda in the back of your throat and comes much faster than it used too.

*Favorite toys are still books.  Especially the touch and feel books, like Clifford's New Friends, The That's Not My series and The soft activity books

*Started to manipulate things,  you love things with buttons and that make sounds.  Especially phones and your mom's diabetic pump.  Rather play with these than anything else

*Now that you are so much more mobile,  you are into everything.  You love to empty out things.  

Including but not limited too.. the linen drawer in the kitchen,  the pots and lid cupboard, the toy bins and mommy's sock drawer.  

*You are much more friendly with people but you are quicker to curl in to someone you know and act shy.

Our Pumpkins

I would like to introduce you to our Pumpkins...

The  big one is Daddy's and Mommy's

the middle size one is "The Great Baby Pumpkin the 2nd"

and the little one is "The Tiny Baby Pumpkin"

For the post about the original Great Baby Pumpkin click here

We went to the Pumpkin Patch to get some Pumpkins for our house.

Noah was so excited to pick out his very own little pumpkin.  

He helped Sofia find just the perfect one.

We are going to carve them a bit later in the month.

Noah has started planning it all out

The evening was a bit chilly.  

And since Noah has not felt well the last couple of days.

He was complaining bitterly about the cold. 

So we form a plan to get warm.

After we got our pumpkins,  we would go to the store.

And buy Hot Chocolate

and then when we got home we would take a shower to warm our outsides

then we would eat the yummy

White Chocolate, Craisin, and Oatmeal Cookies we made

and drink Hot Chocolate to warm our insides

And then it would be bedtime.

Sofia approved of the plan.

She just wanted the cookies 

Oh, and the marshmallows.  

That is the best and most important part.

I just LOVE being with my family.

We just have the best time together.  

Grateful Sunday 10-19-08

Naps:   I had a nap yesterday and today.  Does that just sound so very lovely?  It is heaven I tell you

Time off school:  Noah did not have school on thursday or friday.  We had an impromptu sleepover with Kristin and Spencer on Wednesday night and went to the zoo with the Humphries on Thursday.  Oh, we had fun and it was nice not to have to rush out first thing in the morning.  

Lovely Weather:  the last couple of days has been my favorite weather.  It is fall.  The sun is warm and there is a bit of crisp in the air.  I worked in the garden this week and went on lots of walks.   I am noticing the beauty around me and How intricate and creative Heavenly Father is and was when he created this world.  

Bills: I had to pay bills friday. As usual it was a bit overwhelming and sad but then I realized that hey, at least we can pay all our bills. We have not always been able to do that.

Daddy Time:  My kids just crack up when Kersten is around.  The both flock to  him and reach for him when he is home.  They jump up and down when he arrives home from work.  At this moment,  I hear Sofia's laugh as Dad and Noah make silly noises at her.  There is no better sound in the whole world.  

The Letter J and the Letter A

ARules: Leave me a comment and I will give you a letter. Then you have to come up with 10 things you like that start with that letter. Caroline gave me the letter J and Emily gave me the letter A. So here it goes in no particular order...

1. Jackets... I just love jacket weather.  But, a disadvantage to my love of jackets is that I am extremely picky about my jackets.  I would love to be able to afford lots of different styles, colors, lengths and weather types,  but unfortunely our spending plan does not allow for that to happen.  
2. Joy...  I just love this word.  I do try to find some kind of joy in everything.
3. James Taylor... I have made at least a couple of posts about my love of this man and his music.  It started when I was young and has continued to be part of the soundtrack of my life.  I love his voice and  his melodic tunes.  Just love him.  
4. Junk... I am kind of a pack rat, cluttery type of person.  My dream personality would be to have a very clean, organized, uncluttered home.  I am working on this one.  
5. Jane Austen... I have always loved the book Pride and Prejudice but I feel over the last 5 years or so I have gained a huge love and appreciation for all of her works.  I love most of the movies made from her books and I have reread all of her books several times.  
6. James Bond.... My dad is a huge 007 fan.  I grew up watching all of the old school James Bond.  I grew a love for the suave Sean Connery style and the sleek Roger Moore.  I remember snuggling on the family room floor piled all around my dad watching the famous James.  I love him just as much today.  How could you not.
7. Jewelry... I really don't wear a ton of jewelry.  I love simple, funky, stylish pieces that show who I am.  I don't collect a lot of this.  I feel quality is much better than quanity.  I think my favorite things are necklaces than earrings.  My baby loves to grab and eat them all the time right now so they are dingy or non existant in my daily wear. 
8. Jello...My grandma Billy makes the best jello ever.  It really is so good.  It has the yummy fruit and she has so many varieties that I dream about.  My fav is her red jello with bananas and strawberries in it.  She has made jello an artwork.  
9. Jesus Christ... He is my elder brother,  my rock, my salvation and my friend.  I am so grateful for his life and his teachings and that he made is possible for us to live again and return to our Heavenly Father.

1. Apple Products... I have been converted to a love of all things Apple.  I used PC for so long and when my brother Nik started working for a Mac store.  I fell in love and now I will never go back.  So cool..
2. America Sign Language... As part of Noah's speech therapy,  they encourage us, family and his friends and classmates to learn sign language.  We have a lot of fun with this.  And Noah really has picked it up fast.  It really does empower him to speak now as he is retraining himself to speak.  
3. Ann Taylor Loft... I adore there clothes and can always find something I absolutely love every time I walk in the door.  I might not alway fit in what I love or am able to afford what I love but I know I can always find something pretty.
4. Anita Stansfield... I actually have embarrassed myself when first met Anita.  She even acknowledges that I did.  She has so much talent and really has learned to embrace her gift.  She is so down to earth and just such a fun person.  I love her books more now because I love her as a woman, friend, wife and person.
5. Art.... I love Art and I love to create.  I have never thought of myself as an artist but I do notice and take note of beautiful things.  I often wish I knew how to paint.  I feel as if I have acquired  a good eye for things.  As I have grown I have developed so much more of my creative artistic side.  It helps me breathe and feel a bit more like me.  I may not be the best at any of the things I attempt but I sure do love doing it.  
6. Apple Thiefs... this is a Scrubs reference.  I love the show Scrubs.  I love how random it is and how it can crack me up every time I watch it.  Elliot says this and Kersten and I quote it often.  "You are an apple thief and I am the orchard owner daughter..."  Cracks us up every time.  
7. Animation... I am not an animator in any sense of the word.  I sure do appreciate the process, the talent and the designs of animation.  My love of animation began with Walt Disney with his beautiful adaptation of favorite fairy tales and for making the happiest place on earth.  His vision is astounding.  I also really appreciate Clone Wars (the CN 2003 version) animation and Samari Jack.  I totally give my brother Nik credit for this appreciation and love.  
8. Audio... as in I love music.  I live, breath and soothe to music.  I am so glad I was taught how to play and appreciate music in my growing up years.  I hope to pass it on to my children.
9. Amour...the definition of this word is love, affection or an usually illicit love affair.  Here is a little secret for you.  I am obsessed with love and I am having a very passionate and scandalous love affair with my husband although it is not illicit for we have been married ten and a half years.  

I have figured out 9 things for 2 different letters.  I think that is pretty good and now my brain hurts.  So if you want to play,  I would love it.  If you just want to comment I would adore you,  since I still live for comments and my feelings really would not be hurt if you did not want to play.  

Giveaway

I saw this on Emily's blog and had to enter.  

Can you believe that this talented girl is giving this beautiful dream quilt away.

Grateful Sunday 10-11-08

• Kersten-  I just feel so lucky that I am married to this great man.  I am so proud of him for changing and for trying so hard to be a better man.  Life is so much sweeter with him in it.  I really do just love being with him, talking with him, parenting with him and even working with him.  

• Noah-  He is making so many good choices lately.  He is so helpful lately and hasn't complained when I have asked him to do something.  He just adores Sofia and helps her all day and seems to love doing it.  You can't ask for more than that.  

• Sofia- She is growing up way to fast.  Her personality is just delightful.  She laughs so much and is so curious.  She learned to climb up stairs this week.  Noah was cheering and clapping the whole time.  I am so glad that I have a daughter and what a fun girl she is. 

• Modern Conviences- I just love machines like dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, computers, tv's and lamps.  I am just really marveling at them this week.

• Weather-  It has gotten colder really fast.  It even snowed today.  We have been cuddly.  It si not so blazing hot anymore,  I am loving this weather.  Fall is my favorite and it is starting to look a bit like fall

Friends and Bullies

* Noah has started learning how to be a Jedi.

He is taking karate now on Thursday nights. He loves it.

We are so glad he can take with Spencer and Uncle Gearold.

he has even tried getting the bad guys with his new moves.

Instead of always using weapons.

I love that they teach respect, patience and they don't teach bullies.

Noah did not even know what a bully was....

*Speaking of Bullies

I talked to Noah's teacher for a couple of hours last friday.

Last Wed. during circle time there was some commotion where Noah was sitting

They were playing a game where each of the kids say their name in certain spots.

A little boy when it was his turn, smirks and say "Eeh, eeh".

The teacher corrects him and says "No, you need to say your name"

A* then says "well Noah does not have too."

After class his two best friends in school, Lily and Camden

who the teacher call the Three Musketeers or the Three Amigos

Were causing a ruckus, that the teacher went to break up

and then realized what was happening.

For sweet Camden (who has hearing aids fyi) and Lily had formed a wall in front of Noah

and Camden says "You don't make fun of our friend Noah,

he does the best he can.

And if you keep making fun of him. We won't play with you anymore."

Oh, how grateful I am as his mom that he has such good friends at school.

Camden will save seats for Noah and Lily at the beginning of class.

I asked Ms. Amber if they were including other kids in their play.

They let anyone play with them who wants to.

As long as they play nice with everyone.

They are going to address all the differences in the classroom. 

I know already that they teach respecting each other, kindness and to ask.

In talking with her today it seems this boy has behavorial issues already.

He is young and is just trying to get away with stuff.

I really don't think he was trying to hurt Noah specifically

What a lucky boy to have such good friends at school.

It is so heartbreaking as a mom to watch this struggle.

This is why we are here is to learn and grow.  

That does not mean I have to like it. 

Sofia-9 months old

Sofia turned 9 months while we were in Seattle visiting with Carrie and her boys. Her month birthday was on the 28th of Sept which was a Sunday. We celebrated by going to church, taking a nap, watching girl movies and taking her picture outside in their front yard.  I love Sofia's outfit, we received it at a shower given to us by our ward. I just love the pants so retro stylin with the flowers and the brown.   Her shoes are my favorite right now too.  They are loaned to me from my friend, Kieran.  Her personality is shining through now.  She is very inquisitive and methodical.  She has to know everything that is going on.  She takes cues from me if things are okay to go play or to touch.  The doc says that is very smart cognitively.  Noah adores her and carries her around the house, lays on top of her and hugs her to death.  She always goes right for the toys he tries to keep away from her when he is at school.  He missed her more than he missed me when we were away.  They will sit in their beds reading and talking to each other before bed now.  I love this and cherish that they like to be together.  
She is getting so much more hair.  She has her two top front teeth and the doc exclaimed today when she saw them "Whoa, baby where did those big teeth come from"  I think they give her a lot of character and cuteness.

She has started to stand alone for a couple seconds  if she is not thinking about it much.  She won't do it if you orchestrate it but she does when she is distracted.  this first happened on Sept 23.  She crawls around really fast and goes up and down easily with something to pull herself up on.  She loves food.  Especially things she can eat by herself..  I have to chop things in little pieces so she can feed herself.  None of this baby food crap.  Her favorite food is yogurt, she likes chicken, hot dogs,  and cute up apples and grapes.  She makes those  little teeth work hard.  She is patient once the food is in her mouth but do not keep her waiting for it.

Her favorite toys are definitely books.  She gravitates towards them.  She loves to chew on them.  She has bitten up more board books and loves to eat the cardboard.    She bites everything.  Mostly books and her crib.  I find little teeth marks in the strangest places.  She puts anything in her mouth.  Noah was always more cautious so I am re learning to spot things that she will eat.  She loves playing Patty Cake and laughs hysterically if you make noises with your mouth.   We just love her and are so glad she is part of our family

At her nine month appt this afternoon,  her stats are 

weighs 17 lbs 11 ox  in the 50%

length is 28 inches in the 60%

head circ.  44.2 cm in the 50%

Children's Book- The Rainbow Goblins

The Rainbow Goblins By Ul De Rico

I was first introduced to this book back in Jr High when I was dancing at The Children's Dance Theatre at the U of U.  My dance teacher gathered us all around her and read this book to us as the pianoist played a beautiful melody to emphasize the points in the book.  Afterwards, we were all assigned a color and we Danced the book.  After, this class, this book became so very magical.  It started a lifelong love of this book.  I can still remember the way my body moved and stretched to the melodies and the satisfaction I felt afterwards. 

It is not just the memories or the story that totally engrossed me in this book,  It is the Illustrations.  Every page is a individual painting in bold bright colors and intricate detail.  It is almost Renaissance in style but with a lot more bright colors.  They are all oil paintings done on oak panels shrunk to a third of their size.  They are simply breathtaking.  Each one beautiful enough to want to frame and hang up in your house.  

 

Here is a brief peak of what the book is about...

"There once was a land that lived in fear of the seven Rainbow Goblins. Each had its own color, which was also its name, and they were led by Yellow, who was their chief because he was the craftiest. The goblins were feared because they lived on color and scoured the land looking for rainbows. Whenever they saw one they would catch it in their lassoes and suck the colors out of it so that they could fill their bellies with the bright liquids. However, one day the Rainbow Goblins came to a hidden paradise called the Valley of the Rainbow, the one place in all the land that did not fear the goblins."

The story does have some dark undertones as well. It has a very Grimm Fairy Tale type of feel. Where everything does not always fit into a beautiful,happy, pleasant little package. This is a story about how good triumphs over evil. And how every part of the earth works together to save the rainbow and it's color. And it explains now why a rainbow never touches the ground.

I adore this book .  I have always been fasinated with the Classic Fairy tales and this fits right in with all of them.  Sometimes we get out this book just to look at the pictures and name all the colors.  There is also another Goblin book called "The White Goblin" Bu Ul De Rico  that is also really good and a great companion to this one.  But the Rainbow Goblin is my favorite.  

Thanks Carrie!

I just returned from 6 days, 5 nights of pure fun with my dear friend Carrie . We had some serious fun.

It was a much needed break from real life for me. She totally spoiled me. I will list some highlights

• just hanging out
• talked late into the night and continuing on the next morning,
• We watched a ton of movies.
• looked up actors and actresses to see all their stats and other movies.
• went to the General RS Women's meeting,
• had dinner at Red Robin, with only one kid
• went to the outlets



• Made tons of yummy treats and snacks.
  
• Bought lime yogurt at Safeway (this one is for my siblings, I know you are jealous) It gave me a thrill each time I got to shop at Safeway.
• ate Chocolate Chip cookies made by the master cookie maker.
• had salad and breadsticks at the Olive Garden
• looking at high school scrapbooks and laughing hysterically
• Talking and rehashing some of our old memories and experiences.
• Going to Pike's market place- searching for surfer braclets for Kerst, a present for Noah, watching Sofia watch the people and all the fun colors and exciting things.


• Sofia turned 9 months old.  (will post her stats later)
• Sofia got to spend time with her Godmother and get to know her better (they have such a cool name)
• I got to know her 3 boys so much better.  She has the nicest boys

I just loved being there and It was exactly what I needed.  I loved that we did not feel like we had to run all over and drive ourselves mad.  We just enjoyed being together and had a blast.  Thank you so much Carrie for your hospitality and for your friendship.  I love ya