All Hallows Eve...

We started our evening at the PTO carnival.  The girls enjoyed the games.

We went trick-or-treating with the Bazil family and the Lopez family.

I'm SO thankful we met up with them... Aaron was working so it was me trying to

herd the girlies in the right direction (meaning out of the street).

Well, here are some photos from our Halloween fun...

(Please excuse our disaster of a living room!)

Spencer the duck...

MUCH better than "Howard the Duck."

I love the look on Kaitlyn's face.

I can never get good Halloween photos, especially of all the kids together.

It must be a curse.

Yep, that's it, I have the

"can't get good Halloween photos no matter what you do"

curse.

At least it's just once a year.

Laura's Love...

My Laura Lou had really long hair, see?

In the past I've donated my hair to Locks of Love.

Lately Laura has been asking me a lot about this.

So, today we decided to cut her hair.

I have eleven inches of hair to send off.

I sure love my Laura Lou and her big heart.

Pumpkins...

Oh yeah, they're awesome.

And the seeds are quite tasty.

Routine...

Every night the girlies go to bed at 8 p.m.  Almost every night Spencer gets a bath.

He wasn't such a big fan of baths at first, but now that he's figured out how to splash...

well, I'm sure you understand.

I have figured out over the years that my children thrive on routine.

(I've heard that most children do.)

Now, like clockwork, Spencer wants to go to bed around 9 p.m.

It's wonderful.

Now each night I get at least an hour to myself (or with Aaron) before I'm ready to go to bed.

Like I said, it's wonderful.

Three Months...

Today was Spencer's well-baby doctor visit.

At three months, Spencer weighs 13 lbs. 7 oz., is 23 inches long and is

a perfectly healthy baby boy.

He almost rolled over a couple days ago.  I don't think I'm ready for that...

mobility.

Of course it's inevitable, but so soon?

Our kittens ate the nipple off of one of his bottles.  The good one that he really likes.

I was kinda mad about this.

But, since he nurses 95% of the time, it really doesn't matter.  And they're babies.

I'm so thankful he's happy and healthy.  It's the way to be.

Guilty Pleasures...

My mom's favorite candy is plain old milk chocolate M&Ms.  I think I've really been missing my mom lately.  I bought some pretty fall-colored M&Ms and have been snacking on them randomly ever since.

I love vampire books.  Actually I love monster books.

My favorite author used to be Stephen King.  I emphasize the used to.  I do believe my favorite novel of all time is "The Stand," even if he just used to be my favorite author.

Anyway, I love Charlaine Harris... especially her Sookie Stackhouse books.

I think I'm working on my third time through the series... maybe fourth?

So yes, these are my guilty pleasures.

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Pumpkins in the Park...

This past Saturday we went to "Pumpkins in the Park" at Kershaw-Ryan.  As usual we were running a few minutes late and I had only planned to stay an hour.

Of course Aaron had to work so it was nice to meet up with friends.

Each of the girlies got to pick a pumpkin and paint it.  Then we had dinner and bought the absolutely necessary glow sticks.  If you ask my girls, they were definitely necessary.

(To be honest, they helped me identify my children in the dark.  Quite handy.)

We watched the costume contest... Laura's best bud, Evelyn, won.  I was lazy... my girlies weren't incognito.

Lastly we went on the Haunted Hike.  I thought the girlies would be scared, especially since Evelyn was crying hysterically.

I'm pleased to report that even though they met a wicked witch brewing something in her cauldron, a ghost flying above the trail, several hikers in need of assistance (one lay dead across the trail), a grave digger and a zombie, they were incredibly brave.  No screaming or crying.  And best of all?  No nightmares!

On the way back down the trail I had a hard time seeing since Spencer was in the Snugli on my chest.  I stepped on the "dead" boy's hand, causing me to fall on top of him.  Well, he was either truly dead or a talented actor because he didn't utter a sound nor move an inch.  It's difficult to apologize to a dead person:  no matter how many times you say "I'm sorry" as you walk down the trail, they just don't acknowledge you.

Was I forgiven?  Probably. 

At least dead men tell no tales.

So High, Up to the Sky...

Our neighbors, The (other) Wests, gave us their old trampoline.

Apparently their grandkids don't use it anymore.  We don't mind reaping the benefits.

The first time the girls used it they came off covered in black head to toe.  Aaron tried washing the trampoline off with the hose.  It helped... a little.  They came off a lighter shade of gray.

After a few rainstorms they still get a bit dirty, but it seems limited to their feet.  I can deal with that.

The girls LOVE their trampoline.  I didn't love carrying it over from the neighbor's house.  But seeing the girls bouncing around made it worth while.

Did I Ever Tell You This Story?

It's funny how life happens.

The year I turned twenty I loved someone and sent him on a mission.  I moved to Chico to start my grown-up life.  I had a grown-up job and a studio apartment to myself.  I didn't know a soul.

My first Sunday there I went to the student ward.  I met my uncle Aaron's brother, Scott, and then the ward Executive Secretary introduced himself and took my photo for the Bishop's wall.  He was wearing this hideous checked coat.  The word "dork" floated through my mind.

I met Donovan and we dated for about a week.  It turns out he had a really cute roommate, who happened to have a dorky checked coat.

I got to know Aaron through church functions, especially FHE.  Finally he asked me to go rollerblading with our friend, Dane.  I thought he was trying to set me up with Dane when I wanted him to like me.  After our group outing he asked me out again, this time just us.

He waited several dates to kiss me... I was impressed.

After several months we started to talk about marriage.  My parents kept suggesting I serve a mission.  Aaron said he'd wait for me if I wanted to serve.  I received a letter from "my" missionary that was all about asking for and receiving answers through prayer.  I decided to fast and pray.

After praying earnestly for direction I felt inspired to read the scriptures from the letter again.  As I read D&C 8:2-3  verse 7 caught my eye.  It says:  "Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause his gift of Aaron to be with you."

I had my answer.

We got engaged in July and sealed in the Oakland Temple on October 18, 2002.

Funny story:

So Aaron is really creative and sent me on a scavenger hunt the night he proposed.  His roommate, Jeff, picked me up with a clue that led to a place significant to us.  At each stop there was a bunch of balloons (in the colors we'd discussed for our wedding) and another clue (I still have all of them).  After a few stops the car ran out of gas.  Luckily it was downhill to the gas station.  We got gas... then the car wouldn't start.

We finally got it started and made it back to my apartment.  Aaron was waiting with a wonderful dinner and a beautiful ring.  He looked quite anxious and admitted that he was afraid I didn't want to marry him since it took so long to get back. 

 What happened to the young man I sent on a mission?

Well, we're still friends.  He married a sweet woman in the temple and has two lovely daughters.

I admit that there have been moments I've wondered what might have been.  I suppose you do that when you loved someone.  I look at the amazing answer I received to a sincere prayer and know without a doubt that Aaron was meant for me.

For our anniversary we spent a night at a bed and breakfast in Cedar City and took a drive up to beautiful Duck Creek Village.  We've decided to buy a 2 million dollar resort up there (dream on!).

What do we have to show for eight years of marriage?

Like I said, it's funny how life happens.

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows me best.

And Aaron was best.

I love you Aaron.  I'm thankful for every part of you.  It's cheesy, but... you totally complete me.  I love our life, for the challenges we've made it through and those to come.  I love the beautiful children we have been blessed with.  I love the spirit in our home.

Thank you for falling in love with me... and for being mine forever.

Deliciousness...

I love myself a random cupcake day.

Yum.

Pumpkin Hunt...

Tuesday we went to the Culverwells farm and picked out some pumpkins.

Avery chased the chickens around...

and gave the dog some loves.

This is the entrance to their garden.

Many of the pumpkins were in the corn stalks.

Of course my girls were far too interested in everything else going on, so I didn't get a single photo of them with the pumpkins.  But I'll make sure to get some when we carve them.

There's nothing like tasty pumpkin seeds.

Future Comedian...

"Why was Tigger staring in the toilet?  He was looking for Pooh!"  (Insert hysterical six year-old laughter here). 
Yes, that was the joke Laura told us while doing her homework the other day.  I must admit her delivery was perfect. 
Aaron and I laughed... we did.
Jordan didn't get it... that made me laugh harder, especially when comprehension dawned on his face.
What our children learn at school... sheesh.
I can't wait until she learns another joke.