Trunk-or-Treat

We enjoyed a beautiful night with good friends and fun activities last night at the Ward party. Brinley and Owen were dresses as train engineers and Justin and I were Conductors. I look forward to Halloween each year for the family theme. Yes, it may be cheesy to some, but I love it!!! As a matter of fact I already have the next two years of costume ideas in my head. Justin made some chili and I was in charge of making snow cones, which I really enjoyed. I was just bummed that the watermelon syrup ran out first, it’s my favorite by far. Brinley scored big with the candy she collected, and spending the whole night with her dressed-up buddies. Other than a little mix up with candy and the fact that I was exhausted (more than I have been since my basketball days) from my long run that morning. The night seemed like a success, and we all slept well last night.

Choo,Choo all aboard!!!

Justin is such a sport and likes to dress up with us !!! Thanks for being my twin Just.
Grumpy after a long night!!

Fall Break

We were blessed again with more family time, with Justin's Fall Break. We had so much fun here are some of the highlights...

We took Justin's 81 year old Grandma to lunch at Buca di Beppo and quick trip to the mall. It was great, and we were able to help her blow out her candles and eat her cupcake. We all adore Grandma Shirley. She is a spunky, supportive, wonderful, inspiration to me, I have always just called her Grandma because she has made me feel so comfortable in the family and I feel like she is just as much a grandma to me and now the kids. Every week she makes time to come be with the kids and Brinley looks forward to it (not to mention the treats she always brings with her. My kids are so blessed to have SO MUCH family surrounding them.

Grandma Shirley amazed at Owens eating abilities!

We had our semi-annual sleepover in our living room, which consisted of McDonald's (its Monopoly time so we find ourselves there more often than I would like:), Sword and the Stone, PJ's and lots of pillows. I actually sleep pretty well other than Brinleys wonderful aim at my stomach all through out the night.

The next day we woke-up to shopping in Anthem with Grandma and Grandpa Sage. The weather was absolutely PERFECT that day. We were up there for about 4 hours and loved every minute of the perfect weather, but Justin would have probably preferred me not to shop as much. I did get great deals and now the kids are set for winter.

Brinleys friend Tennille had a dress-up B-day party and Brinley was so excited to dress up as a princess. This year for Halloween we are not going girly so she is quite distraught, but I only get so long to force my family to dress in themes. I am going to try for a few more years I have 4 more themes I want to get through and I need a few more kids to fit the roles:)

Owen ended up going as a Baseball Player he had an outfit and hat just lying around, can you believe that, ha ha.

Sweetie and her Sweets

This happened a few weeks back but I wanted to remember this when Brinley may not be quite as unselfish (you know a reminder of how good she can be.)


One day while Grandma and Grandpa were over helping with the toy closet Grandma bought one of Brinley’s favorite candies “Sour Patch Kids.” Because Brinley had been eating junk all day her I told her that when daddy got home she could have a couple with him. So, all through the day we debated on just how many a couple were. I finally told her she could only have three and that was that.

Daddy finally came home and once again she tried her bargaining methods out on him. With no success and sort-a exhausted from all the debating she succeeded. Daddy then proceeded to hand her the three pieces of candy. I then witnessed the sweetest act; Owen our little beggar walked up to Brinley signing “please” to her and Brinley without hesitation then handed over one of her precious candies. I whispered to Justin to just hand her another piece of candy. With no clue that I was watching she melted my heart once again, she took that piece of candy bit it in half and gave the other half to her brother. How thankful I am for such a sweet, caring, aware oldest child (from what we see now at least.) Owen is lucky to have her.

Playtime is On

The term play closet may sound like a strange concept to many people especially when they hear bits and pieces of a conversation with my kids. An example “Mom can I go play in the closet.” Yes, it sounds a bit bizarre however I have found that the smaller the space the better for children. Brinley could hangout with Grandpa under a table with a blanket over it everlastingly.

We have had a vision of a fun filled, organized, colorful, educational, ext. you know a dream closet since we moved in. With the help of my parents, my grandpa’s company, my uncle Doug and Justin here is our attempt (its nice to know people.) THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

BEFORE

AFTER
BEFORE

AFTER


BEFORE

AFTER

LOVEN IT!!!

Brin and Owen are in heaven. I love that it’s so easy to clean and find toys. Justin loves to crawl into the “tunnel” and read to the kids.

We still have a few finishing touches I will post later.