Halloweenies

Melissa and I are pretty much Hallo-weenies.

We enjoy the holiday very much -- especially the part where we steal our children's candy.  But the whole costume thing really eludes us.  Neither of us has made a sincere attempt at a Halloween costume since grade school (I was a baseball player, Melis' was a punk rocker).

We think it's really cool when married couples get creative, just like it's "really cool" when couples take dance lessons so they can do the foxtrot together at wedding receptions.  We're impressed... but not enough to actually emulate them. [UPDATE: OK, Greg and Niki's interpretation of Mormon Tabernacle Choir members is hilarious and obviously worthy of emulation.]

That said, we feel obligated to let our kids join in the fun.  To paraphrase Bronco Billy (aka Clint Eastwood), I think every kid in America ought to go trick or treating, at least up through the eighth grade.

If you ask Karst' who he is, he will probably be embarrassed for you and your ignorance of stock car racing.  He's "Dale Jr."  He wanted to be Jimmie Johnson, but apparently so did every other 5-year-old NASCAR fan -- the costume store was sold out.  We're just glad Junior isn't sponsored by a beer company anymore.  I'm trying to get Karst to memorize all his sponsors so he can work them seamlessly into his trick or treat door approach.

This is Bozo the Taeg'.  Her nose honks...a lot.  Grandma Ardythe crafted this outfit many years ago, and it has been worn proudly by several children and grandchildren.  After Taeg' fills her pumpkin with candy, she intends to convert her clown hat into a reserve candy receptacle.  Good thinking.

I wish my children much success in their candy gathering efforts -- especially since I will be confiscating all of their chocolate at the end of the evening (their mother will claim all of their Hot Tamales).

Good Hunting kids!

Stick'em Up!

Taegan loves to 'dress up'. She has a style all her own, but I can see her brother's influence in this outfit!

Ice Cream shirt and pants- $0 (Grandma).
Hat- $0 (made by Aunt Shelly).
Glasses- $0 (they have Grandma all over them).
Handgun- $0 (gotta loves cousins).
Total cost of outfit and accessories= $0.00 (unless you count the undies- I hope she has some on)!

I think she has a future in one of those fashion reality TV shows... as the host of course!


I am sure she is looking forward to playing dress up with her newest cousin.

Congratulations, Shelly and Eric. Their daughter, Avery, was born on Friday Tuesday morning. When I saw Avery's hair, I immediately thought of Taegan so I had to look back at some baby pictures. They are definitely related. Avery is the top photo.

All Good things

must come to an end.

Or so it seems today. For the last couple months, I have given into temptation and have taken a nap in the afternoon while my kids are resting. My current physical condition has been my justification. I have never been a napper. If I nap, I am doomed at bedtime. My 6ish months of napping is catching up with me. I get to sleep but only to wake up at 1am totally wake and ready to go. I tried staying up later... the next morning, my kids are getting me outta bed and I don't feel so rested. So the naps are ending today (ok, not all the naps... Sunday naps are staying, moderation in all things after all)!

As of now, my kids are sleeping on different floors of the house. I love the quiet but what should I do with myself that will keep me awake? The house is clean, the laundry is done! If someone suggests cooking/baking, I will personally go to your house and slash all your tires, maybe even your neighbor's as well! I can't finish the crown molding... too noisy plus I just painted it and now I am waiting for it to dry. I have researched and looked at pictures of what I would like to do with our current annoying computer 'closet' and upstairs. I am pretty sure I know what to do with the all the kids rooms. I have already purchased something on-line! The server at work is down, so I can't even get paid to work! Maybe one of my sisters should move across the street so I can help them with something. Hmm...

Must quietly stay awake!

I think the baby is even sleeping...

Happy Birthday Taeg'

Taegan met me on the stairs as I returned home from work this evening. "I'm the birthday girl!" she beamed.  This was her subtle hint that it was time to get the party started.  After a sumptuous dinner of pineapple cheeseburgers -- a family favorite -- the birthday girl received her specially requested birthday cupcakes.

Her family promptly butchered her birthday serenade.  The Von Trapp's we are not.

After the food and the presents, the festivities began to wind down.  Taeg' retired to a quiet corner of the house and indulged in her favorite intellectual pursuits -- crayons, stickers, and coloring books.

She's a bright and clever girl that often says things, perhaps unwittingly, that make her parents bust up laughing.  Anyone who spends more than a moment with her will know what we mean.  We often forget that her high-pitched voice and untamed curls have only been around 3 years.  We love her very much, and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.