Happy Halloween

Halloween 2006.....Look how small Owen is! Halloween 2007.....A baby, a turtle, and Clifford the dog. Avery is in pure heaven being Clifford the dog!
Ewwww......Do you recognize the scary vampires? Halloween 2008! Peyton Manning, a cowgirl, and Tow- Mater!


Our hoot-hollering, hectic, happening, Halloween holiday!

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The Phantom Ghost

One of our favorite Halloween traditions is delivering The Phantom Ghost. This is a fun poem and goodies you leave on friend's doorsteps without them seeing you. So, we made, frosted and decorated sugar cookies in the shape of pumpkins. Then each kid chose a friend's house they wanted to door ditch. We all had fun taking turns hiding in the bushes on the side of the house, or dropping the treats on the door, knocking real loud, and running as fast as we could!
A few years ago when I was pregnant with Owen, Payton, Avery and I dropped the goodies and ran for Robert in the getaway car. It was raining and I slipped. I was running so fast that when I slipped I rolled into the street. Oh, boy was it a site to see. I was so embarrassed. I don't know if anyone saw me, but if they did, they certainly had a good laugh.

This year I went to a door with Payton. Robert, Ave, and Owen hid behind a car where they could see the action. I was running too fast for my own legs, and one of them gave out on me. I almost fell but caught myself this time! Whew! No embarrassing moments this year! I am thinking I might be getting too old to do the door ditching. Next year I will stay in hiding with the little ones. Ya, right. Not a chance!

Oh, and tonight, we never were caught. This year's Phantom Ghosting was a Spooktacular Success!!!!!!!

Craziness

Check out the lovely, large feet on this sweet girl.

So, Pay and I went to get new shoes. They measured our feet. We wear the same size! Craziness! My little girl is only in the second grade! She is going to be so tall and pass me up before I know it. For now, we'll have fun sharing flip flops, we'll see how long it lasts. I am sure she'll outgrow my shoes in no time!

QUIRKY

Isn't that a funny word? It sure fits its definition. Angie B. tagged me to post my quirky habits. Hers cracked me up. She doesn't use a micro-wave. I couldn't believe it! She also loves to bust a move but won't do it anymore. That is a crying shame because that girl can get down! Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to think of mine. I couldn't really come up with any besides me talking to myself all day long, etc., so I asked Robert. He immediately came up with seven quirky things about me. So, here they are.....

1. I am a sugar-free, diet, fat-free, low-fat phobic. I won't eat or drink anything with these labels. My friends tease me for drinking kid's drinks and tell me I need to get with the times. Sorry...you'll never catch this girl ordering a Diet Pepsi!

2. When I try on new clothes I stand on my tip-toes and poof up my hair. This made me laugh. I do this. I didn't think anyone noticed, but Robert did! I do this because I want to look taller and have fuller hair!

3. The first thing I do in the morning is EAT. I roll out of bed and head downstairs for breakfast. I can't function without food in the morning. I feel sick if I don't eat immediately. I think I have passed this on to Owen. He is up first every morning. He comes into our room and says, "I want cereal!" "I want cereal!"

4. I have an obsession with ear lobes and noses. I always have. I love to rub my fingers on soft ear lobes and cold noses. I love kissing them too. My favorite spot to kiss on my kids and hubby is the corner where their noses meet their cheeks. Mmmm......love it!

5. I wear ugly robes. I have had the same one for years. All our friends have seen me in my "Potter" robe at one time or another. Brent gave it its nickname. It is a big, blue, zip up robe with a hood. It has stars and clouds all over it. It is such an eye sore, but oh so warm and cozy. It just takes me a second to slide into it in the morning and run down to eat my breakfast. It is all about comfort and convenience!

6. I sneeze a lot! I sneeze all the time! I had a record in college and now I can't remember what it was. Molly.....you'll have to help me because I know you were there and counting! I think it was like 38 times in a row or something!

7. And the last one isn't really quirky in my book. Robert says it is and it drives him crazy! I never put anything away. I make dinner and the kitchen is a mess. I make a sandwich and all the fixings are left out on the counter. I get ready in the morning and my hair and make-up products are scattered on the vanity. I come back later and clean up, but just not at the moment. Yes, I would probably make my life a lot easier if I would pick-up after myself as I go. I think I am going to work on this one!

So, I obliged to Angie's tag and listed 7 quirky things about me. Please do the same so I can read your quirky habits! It is kind of fun!

I tag........anyone and everyone who is quirky and willing to share!

ISU Homecoming

So, the kids and I went to Pocatello last weekend. They did so well on the drive. Yes, they fought, cried, screamed, and threw fits, but not the ENTIRE way! We pulled into town and went straight to my best friend's (Britt and I have been bff's since the second grade) new home. She is having it built. It is incredible. She and her husband bought 8 acres on a mountain side. I have sooo many pics. of her amazing land. The kids were in heaven exploring, playing in the fort, throwing rocks off the bridge, and digging in the dirt. I was in awe of her beautiful views. I am so happy for her and her family and excited to visit and stay at her resort, I mean home!

After our short visit at Britt's we met my parents and Stan and Nichole and the kids at Outer Limits. It is a fun pizza and game place. My kids love getting together with their cousins. They are all close in age and have so much fun together.

Saturday morning we woke up early. We had to get Payton down to the parade. Mal and her family were all helping LD's Floral's float and she said Pay could help too if she wanted. Oh, boy did she ever. She has never been in a parade and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Her cousin, Harlee spent the night with her at grandma's and they both were able to help in the parade. They walked and handed out Orange Crush soda and flowers. The parade was a good time. My mom, Ave and Owe and I met Mikkel and Mal's hubby Curtis. We all stood together and enjoyed the perfect weather, fun floats, and gathered lots of candy! After the parade we headed to Perkins for a delicious, free lunch at "grandpa's store."

Later that night I went to the Homecoming game with my friends. We tailgated and I was able to visit with lots of old friends. Like I said in my last post, some of the best people I know are from Pocatello. It was so good to see and spend time with them. After the game we girls had some lady time. It was funny because we were all driving in my mini-van. Britt climbed up in the front seat with Mal, you know like we would do in high school. These college aged boys drove up next to us. They rolled down their window and yelled out, "What is this mom's night out?" We laughed so hard. Yes, it was mom's night out. We were cruising in a mini-van with two car seats and a giant balloon in the back. We went out and had dinner and then went over to Mikkel's house. She and her friend talked us into doing crazy, adventurous, illegal pranks. We obliged and had a lot of fun. I haven't laughed that hard, or stayed out that late in a really long time. It has taken me days to recover! This girl is old and feeling it.

Sunday, we woke up, packed up, and headed back to Boise. Robert was flying in around 1 p.m. and he was completely locked out of the house. We hurried home, but didn't make it before him, so Brent picked him up from the airport and he hung at the Chapman's for awhile. It was so good to see him and have him home. We have had a busy week getting our Halloween, spooky porch all decorated, and gathering up everything for the kid's costumes. I think we are all ready for the frightfully fun holiday!

Here's a million pics. of our weekend in Pocatello. I am sad it is over. I love to go home to my old stomping grounds where everything is familiar and carries a memory, visit my family I love so much, and have some good laughs with my best friends who know everything about me and still love me in spite of my faults. But it's alright, living away makes going home fun and exciting. I wouldn't have it any other way.

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Pocatello....here we come

Here's a pic. of me and my hottie! He's been in Texas for the ADA National meeting, and I am missing him terribly. This isn't the greatest pic. of the two of us. It is dark and you can't see the amazing beach in the background, but it reminds me of how happy we were far, far away, together, on an island in the Bahamas. I think I fell in love with him all over again on that island! Oh, what I would give to be back there right now. I know I shouldn't, but I will be wishing the days to fly by so it will be Sunday soon, and we can be together.

So, if you think the kids and I are sticking around to spend a weekend at home without, Bob....you're crazy!

We're leaving tomorrow for Pocatello. Now I know Pocatello isn't the most desirable location, but it is home to me, and I love it. I love the people there. Some of the best people I know are from Pocatello! I love seeing our families and very best friends. I love going to Perkins and getting free food. I love going to ISU's homecoming and seeing lots of old friends and remembering fun times when Bob was playing for the Bengals. I can't wait. I just have to survive the 3 1/2 hour trip with the kids. I am crossing my fingers that they'll get along great and be happy the entire drive. Ya, I know my chances of that are slim to none! But, we will manage, because we have a weekend full of plans to see friends, family, parades, football games, and more! Life here without Bob is lonely and drab, so thanks for gassing up the mini-van before you left, babe, because we are out of here!

Fun on the farm

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We met the Toolsons at The Maze for some fun. It was a beautiful night and great to spend time with our friends. The Maze was awesome. They had so many cool things to entertain the kids. The carts were the biggest hit. We had a tough time getting the little ones off and moving on to other adventures. The giant slides were the second biggest hit. We ended with the hay ride and pumpkin finding. The only complaint of the night was, "We don't want to go home!"

First Snow Fall

Friday night as we prepared to have friends for dinner..........the snow began to fall...........

and it fell, and it fell, and it fellMesmerized by the white flakes falling, Avery waited patiently by the front door for the Seversons to arrive. They ran in laughing, greeting us with "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas!"
You would think it was Dec. , but it was only October 10th! That is an early snow fall for us!The kids were dying to go outside and play in the white blanket of fresh snow.Instead they had to stay in and play "school" with Payton.Oh, you know she was in heaven bossing these little cuties around all night!

The adults were in heaven too, because when "school" was in session, we enjoyed adult conversation while eating our delicious meal!

It is Sunday night, the snow is long gone, but it was a fun sight. I always love the first snow fall of the year. It is a reminder of so many exciting activities to look forward to.......snowboarding, tubing, sledding, snowmen, snow angels, snow caves, and snowball fights..... to name a few!

Friday's Funny

Oh, nice look, Payton!

(Can ya tell that little tummy has never seen the sun?! WOW!)

And your brother is doing it too, oh no!

Where did you kids learn that?

"Aunt Mikkel!" they yell!

Figures.......

Corn on the cobby

Mmmmmm.......................We love it! It's tough to eat corn on the cob when you're missing both your front teeth, but she manages!This girl can't take big enough bites to satisfy her!
I love how I put the handles on the ends for him, but he doesn't use them anyway!

I am posting these pics. so you little monkeys can be reminded of the "little things" that make you happy!

Buzz cutting

We went to Great Clips the other day to get Owen's hair cut. He won't let me comb it anymore, so it looked like a ridiculous mess. He was so not wanting his hair cut. We tried coaxing him into it the entire time we waited for his turn. He kept fussing. When the lady called his name, I picked him up and sat him in the chair. She put the cape on, and he freaked! You should have seen it. He ripped the cape off, jumped down off of the chair and ran to the door. He started to push his way outside. We ran after him and just yelled back to the stylist, "Sorry, I guess he won't be getting his hair cut today!"

So for now, dad will just have to give ya, a buzz cut. Thanks for letting him and for sitting still.

Ahhh, you look so handsome with your new haircut, Owen! I love this pic. of you sporting your new, favorite, Spider man shirt that lights up when you move. I hope we can peel it off of you sometime this week for a washing!

I love you, Owen boy!

MOM

We Miss You

Lilli Lou
Mondays, we used to have Lilli all day. This little angel is the best girl. She is always happy and content. We so enjoyed having her around and having her go places with us. I especially loved smooching her soft, round cheeks. Today, I am missing her. Her mom isn't working anymore, so we don't get to watch her on a regular basis. Oh, her mom is working hard, she is staying home with Lilli and her new brother, Grant. Maybe we'll get out of our pajamas and go for a ride to visit Lilli and Grant. What do you think, Aves and Owe? "Yeah" they scream! It's settled. We're out of here! Here we come, Lilli Lou, no more missing you!

I love it when

THEY ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES!

Friday's Funny

So, this is my cell phone. I have had it for years. My school issues it to me for free. It has absolutely NO bells and whistles. It is ancient, and most people who see it laugh and make fun of it, not me, just the phone. Ha, Ha.

Robert tells me I need to just call my school and see if I can purchase my own phone on their plan. Nah, why would I spend any money if I don't have to, right? So, I never do. I am at the park the other day with my friend, Kerri. She has this fancy slide phone, and I am coveting. I secretly admit to her that I would love a new phone!

The other day when Pay and Ave were in school, Owen and I went to Wal-Mart to do our big grocery shop. When we walked in Vitamin Water reps. were handing out free drinks. OMG, how nice....I thought! Owen held his in-between his legs in the cart. While I'm busy shopping, probably comparing prices on olives or something, Owen tosses his drink into my purse. I don't realize it until an hour later. When I go to move my purse, the contents, including my cell phone, have been laying in a deep puddle of Vitamin water. Everything is soaked, sticky, and ruined! I try to dry out the phone, but it is clearly DEAD!


After I get home, I continue to try to to save the cell. NOTHING! So, I make a call to the office. Chantel, who is so great, was very nice about the situation. She says not to worry about it and that she thinks she can get me a new phone. She tells me she will get on it right away, and she will let me know what she finds out.


Yeah! It is in the works. I am getting a new phone. I am hoping it will look something like this. I mean, a girl can dream right?!

So, an hour later, I receive an email from Chantel. It reads something similar to this........"Yes, I can get you a new phone. It won't be nearly as nice as the one you have now, but we'll get you something."

This is my expression after reading the email!

And then it turned into that.

So, I am getting a new phone...be careful what you wish for.....it won't be as nice as the one I have now, (I still don't know how that is possible) but it is free....AND I AM GRATEFUL! I will admit I was annoyed, but now that it's all over...I can laugh and post my phone saga for Friday's Funny!

Rain, Rain Go Away

Don't let it be so.....It is rainy and cold.....NO, we were going camping this weekend! The kids don't have school, Payton doesn't have a soccer game Saturday, and Sunday is General Conference. So much for our perfect weekend to escape to the mountains!

I guess we'll be doing a little of this....

and a whole lot of that!

Oh, don't try to hide your face. We know who you are!