Fun Thanksgiving Ideas

In my last article I wrote about fun ideas for Thanksgiving. This turkey, by Allison Nielsen was a huge hit with readers, and I'm looking forward to trying out some of the crafts at makeandtakes.com

A New Me!

I finally did it. Many of you know, I've never colored my hair, not even highlights...but I did today. I don't know what got into me, but all of a sudden I wanted a totally different look, so my friend Kora obliged and did a great job. It will take some time to get used to, but I love change, so at least it's fun and different for now. Oh, and I can NOT take a picture without smiling, and I hate taking pictures of myself, but I knew Katie, Jen and my mom would want to see it sooner than later, and Mike would just die if I made him take solo pictures of me, so here are some goofy pictures for everyone.

My Baby is 2!

James turned 2 on November 1st, and I can't believe it. He is the cutest little guy around. He definately fits the "3rd child mold." He is helpful and loves to do things for me. He's active and wild and has learned everything from his brothers. He is the little clown and is always being funny and silly or mean--there are only 2 options and luckily he is almost always the first. Here's a few cute (and naughty) things he's done lately.

In church the other day he was pushing my hair all around and grabs my face and looks at me and says, "you cute mom."

When he was mean to my friend's little boy the other day, I said, "Do you want to give Beau a hug and say sorry, or do you want to sit on the stairs?" He said, "Ummm, sit on the stairs," and walked over and put himself in time out.

The other day he someone did something to him that he didn't like and crosses his arms, puts his head down and starts to pout then yells, "That not funny!"

He sings Twinkle, twinkle little star" all of the time, and loves to sing everything.

He loves to say, "Shake your bum bum shake your bum bum," when he has a naked body.

He's learned the art of tattling, "Mom, JJ and Parky won't let me play."

He loves to talk in a loud happy voice and say, "Okay mommy!" with a big grin.

I never knew a 1 year old could be so much fun. Let's cross our fingers that year 2 is just as good. I'm so lucky to have him in my life.

A Happy (and sad) Halloween

Halloween is usually a bit of an after thought to me, but my kids are really getting into it now that they are a little older and everyone was excited for the big night. All the boys were action heroes (I know, not that cute or original, but they will put them on and they are not too hot). We were heading over to the trunk or treat at 5 and Parker started feeling sick about 4. He threw up (he hadn't even eaten candy yet) and seemed so sick, but he really wanted to go to the party and "just let dad hold me." So we all got ready to go. We had chili and treats and pumpkins and the second he steps out of the car, he pukes everywhere. He felt so sick, he actually asked to go home. Poor baby.

So, Jace and James and I partied it up at the chili cook off and trunk-or-treat. My chicken and white bean chili won first place, so that was pretty exciting for me!

We got home and Jace and James wanted to trick or treat. We went around our block and Jace stopped at a friend's house to watch a movie on their garage door, but you could not deter James from trick-or-treating. At just barely 2, he walked everywhere and carried a heavy candy basket too, no stroller or wagon. He would get up to the house and say, "Trick or treat. Thank you." Then he'd turn to me and say, "I wanna go to another Halloween house." This candy thing was just too good to be true for him. When someone would say, "Are you Spiderman?" He'd say, "No, I'm baby James." All the people handing out candy just loved him, and I had such a fun night just walking hand in hand with my boy.

When we got home, we made a graph with all of our candy then dumped it into one big bowl so Parker would be able to have some when he felt better. They are such good boys to each other, and I'm starting to realize that Halloween really can be fun.

Don't Leave!

Their trip was too fast for us and there were tears all around when grandma and grandpa left. I guess we just love you too much. How about a house in Arizona?

Early Birthday for James

My parents wanted to celebrate James' birthday before they left, so they got him exactly what he wanted, "a real skateboard and a stroller," that's what he told them when they asked what he wanted for his birthday. Isn't it cool to be a grandparent? He absolutely adored both items. Everytime someone would touch his skateboard he'd yell, "That's my skateboard for my birthday!!" and even wanted to sleep with it. Both my parents fell completely in love with James. He talks non-stop and is just so funny and loving all at the same time. He definately know how to get what he wants.

Jace's loves an audience

Jace was so excited for eveyone to see him play soccer too. He had an awesome game, and my mom got some incredible pictures. He played so hard--their team is still undefeated, thanks to his turbo legs and quick mind on the field! James and Parks had had enough soccer, so luckily the Nielsen girls brought a tea set they adored. After soccer games my dad, Mike, Jace, and Parks went golfing. They played 18 holes and loved every minute of it. The boys played about 4, then played in the sand traps, drove the cart, and had the time of their lives...is that a patient grandpa and dad or what?

Pele or Parker?

Um, still Parker, but he had a awesome game in front of Grandma and Grandpa. He scored a couple goals and couldn't have been happier to have an audience--he's actually really fast and pretty coordinated for a 3 year old. Grandpa even bought snowcones for everyone after the game (mom and dad always say no!) Gotta love having grandparents.

Grandpa's Here!

The kids couldn't wait for Grandpa to get here, and he was received with open arms. They'd been waiting all day, and he came bearing more treats and golf clubs--their favorite. Once he got here, it was non-stop party. We headed straight to a small pumpkin patch near our home. I wasn't sure about it, but the kids had an amazing time. They picked a pumpkin, decorated it, took a hayride, looked at the animals, bounced in the jump house, found their way through a hay maze, and just played and played. My mom took the most incredible pictures of all the boys, and I had to post at least some of them! We were there for hours. I love that my parents are so patient and willing to let kids be kids. They just sit back and take it all in...nevery hurrying to the next moment. I continue to learn from their example.