Fun with grandma

We let grandma Pitcher in on the Halloween fun at our house while they visited this weekend. We had lots of fun with them and were glad they made it down for a nasssssttttyyyy cold weekend of food, shopping, movies and spooking!

My favorite buddy!

this is the hole dug for our new egress window...Eli's just breaking it in!

crazy man with a weapon!

i'm pretty stinking cute...my name is superman!

I love love love my astronaut hat from preschool. Where did my rocket go?

the rocket pack I wore for days...

While there have some fairly unenjoyable adapting moments, I am really enjoying my alone time with Eli. He is powerpacked with energy, personality, and just flat out craziness that often has me reeling with amazement at where he comes up with things! But he is tender and funny, thoughtful and gentle...which is a nice balance to the crazy side most people see! Here are some of my favorite moments of just our buddy time lately. Note the first picture....that pretty much sums him up!

Brother Johnson "ROCKS!!!!"

Jim Johnson, a man we met through our trek experience, is a retired geology teacher. He offered and we gladly accepted, to let the kids come and dig for crystals. He has buckets of dirty old rocks that he runs through a screen and then gives to the kids to search for their crystals! They each had a pile, and by the end they were busy discussing what great things they were going to buy with their new found wealth. KOlbe was sure he would have enough money to buy an i-touch phone, and all other luxury items we will never have! They have sinced used these crystals as barter for chores and other tasks they themselvs don't want to do. Its funny what they think is important! Either way...thanks a bunch to Bro. Johnson for a super fun family home evening!

Yeah!

Sleepless nights are over: I have finally figured out how I'm gonna decorate the girls' new room. That's right-I have actually lost sleep over it. Not intentionally...but its the way my OCD brain works. And today, it occured to me. I am so very excited to get to work on that room. I've taken some pics of the progress, but I'm WAY to lazy to go get my camera right now so I'll post them later. My ugly ghetto toy room is being transformed. Just wait! Oh...and I know what I'm doing in the baby's room. I am so excited to paint! Who wants to help? My plans are a bit ambitious! Tomorrow: phase 3 begins! Sheetrock!!!

Just my tender mercy...

This is something that probably the rest of the world already knows...I was thinking about things yesterday morning as we got ready for church. And, it was surprisingly peaceful here...everyone was showered and dressed 2 hours early, so I had plenty of time to get dinner going and tidy the house...anyways, it was not the usual 'hurry up' mode of Sunday. In my quiet thoughts, it occurred to me that blessings and trials both come with incredible frequency in our lives. Most often simultaneously. It simply becomes an issue of emphasis. Now I realize that some trials are life altering...and consuming. But that is where my tender mercy spoke to me...I need to improve myself alot in this area. I need to really emphasize and focus on the simple aspects of my life that bring real joy: my husband, my sweet children, and the gospel. I am again so thankful for a patient Father who prompts me through my tough spots. And thankful for the blessings of today!

Oh for the love....

I realize that sometimes I do stupid things. Repeatedly. So, today, I re-cut my hair....I know. Especially since yesterday after the first cut I called my dad crying. Lets say he was very sympathetic. I believe he laughed...alot...then told me I could always have my mom fix it. So today I thought I'd use my straightener to make it look decent for girls night and holy cow...I thought it was bad before...it was wretched after it was straightened. So, I did what anyone would do, and pulled out the scissors again. The problem is I can't see or reach the middle back. So I think I'm sporting a shnazzy mullet...with a fantastic tail. At least today there are no tears. I'm giggling at my repeated stupidity. The funniest thing is that Nate still hasn't noticed. The front is a good two inches shorter, so its hardly inconspicuous...but, he's not very astute sometimes. Or maybe its like the time he just didn't comment until I pushed for it and he said he'd noticed, 'but liked it better before.' Guess I just won't ask this time!
The kids are adjusting to school, and dance has started. I believe Kolbe's football kicks off next week...and we're back in the swing of things. Eli is switching preschools, which I'm happy about. The new one requires my 'parent participation' which is not my favorite aspect...but it looks like a great place...and after my first bill at his daycare/preschool....I seriously considered just buying duct tape and strapping him down/quiet at my office. Yikes! This will save me 120 bucks a month, which is not exactly a tough choice. So Tuesday we're officially transfering.
Nate got home from his business trip and I'm so glad he's back. I truly miss him...its lonely when he isn't around to tease and talk to. So glad he's mine...