Halloween Project

My sister and I have the cutest pumpkin trick or treat bags that our mother made for us when we were little. I have been wanting to make similar bags for my boys for years. I have been searching for this pattern everywhere. My mother claims she lent it to a friend and assumed that it had been lost in one of their many moves. I have searched the internet high and low and learned that most likely this pattern has been discontinued. Bummer.

One day while catching up on some blog reading I come across the very same pumpkin trick or treat bag that is sitting in my linen closet. Had this person found the pattern? Thrilled beyond belief I contacted her. It turned out she hadn't found the pattern. She just recreated it herself. Well, that is good enough for me! She shared her tutorial and I was able to crank these pumpkins out just in time for Halloween! Unfortunately the boys didn't like the face that was on my pumpkin. So, I let them draw their own "scary" faces. The good news is I get to make a cute girly one not too long from now!

Pumpkin Carving Party!

The pumpkin carving party was a couple nights ago and it was great fun! I really enjoy this yearly tradition. This year was the first year B was interested in carving the pumpkin himself. I can't wait for them to be old enough to come up with creations all on their own!

There were some delicious cookies to cover anyone's face in chocolate!

Prince Charming did the scooping.

The boys waited patiently to be able to draw their faces on the pumpkins.

Our beautiful hostess is contemplating her design.

B with his finished pumpkin.

E (incredibly impatient due to a skipped nap) with his finished pumpkin.

Thanks again to the lovely hosts who have this party every year. We really enjoy the yummy food, great company, and creative designs. Can't wait until next year!

The Inaugural Trip

B brought home the journal he had been working on in school during September the other day. When we were flipping through it, one of the entries he had to do was draw or write about his favorite restaurant. He drew a yellow "M." Many of you can guess that he was referring to McDonald's. He has never been. My guess is that he had some peer influence and just wanted to get it over with.

After having a fantastic day at school, Prince Charming asked him if he would actually like to go to McDonalds to see what it is all about. Of course B took him up on the offer! Today B got to have his first taste. He ordered his very first Happy Meal complete with a cheeseburger, fries, orange soda, and the infamous toy! Overall review? He approves.

Side note: Since it has been a very LONG time since Prince Charming and I have had McDonald's (seriously, we can't remember when) we both decided to splurge on a Big Mac and Fries. They tasted just like we remembered.

We added some curb appeal!

We finally got around to adding some curb appeal to the home we have been living in for the last 5 years! It's about time! We added some fresh coats of paint (hired professionals of course - we are too lazy) and landscaped the planters. The orange tree you see in the front yard in the first picture was removed two years ago (it was diseased) when we had the backyard landscaped. Anyway, we are thoroughly enjoying the new look!

Before

After!

Such a sweet kid

While tucking in the B-Man tonight, he says to me, "I love every bit of you."

I could just eat that kid up!

26 weeks

Here is the ever-growing belly! This little girl certainly has bony elbows and heels. I get jabbed in the ribs constantly. This pregnancy has flown by. It will be January 18th before I know it!

He lost another tooth!

This child is becoming an expert at pulling his own teeth. Moments before he came to me with the tooth in his hand he said, "Dad, look! I can turn it all the way around." Now he is trying to wiggle all of his other teeth to see which one is next.

Playing Catch-up

Holy Moly, I feel like it has been years since I posted here. Today is the first day in a week where I feel well enough to do things other than sleep during the day. E brought home a fun virus from preschool. He was over it in three days, I am going on day 8. Unfortunately, I passed the same virus on to B. Just like his brother, he was over it quickly. I hated that he had to miss school, but I am sure his teacher as well as mothers everywhere are thanking me. Prince Charming has been the only one who has managed to escape this rather nasty bug that has taken us over. How, you ask? He was out of town all of last week. Horrible timing (he felt terrible that he wasn't here to help take care of me and our wee ones), but fortunately I had the help of my mother and sister. My heart goes out to all of our Navy friends who have to deal with this and might not necessarily have family close by to swoop in and take care of them. If my life were a tad bit more flexible, I would fly out and take care of you. I would.

While I had been feeling sorry for myself all last week, life has gone on. The biggest change around here is that we are having the exterior of our house painted. Our home has been in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint and we are loving the new look. We also plan on having the front planters landscaped. Before and after pictures to come, I promise!

Speaking of pictures, I haven't taken any pictures since the 20th of last month! Things were in such a sorry state around here last week I couldn't bother to pick up my camera much less find something interesting to photograph. This week will be better, I promise.

Another fall project that we are starting to move on is re-doing E's room to make it "The Boy's" room. Prince Charming and I picked up a few paint samples to throw on the wall. E was more than happy to help. I also grabbed a few samples for the baby's room. I have a bunch of great ideas for both rooms and I am excited to see how they turn out.

This week will end on a lovely note as we will head to my parent's cabin for a long weekend. B has a few days off of school and Prince Charming's work schedule allows for all of us to get away for some fun. The cool weather will be a nice change. Although, the weather this week has been amazing in our lovely City. 80s during the day and 60s at night. Love it. This is why we endure the sweltering summers. The chickens have certainly been happier!

Alright, enough of this random post. I am back, feeling better (save for the lack of voice) and hope to have more to write about in the coming week. Phew!