Thanksgiving!

We had such a nice Thanksgiving this year. We got together with our friends the Villas, some of their family, and the DeHarts at their Deli. The day was perfect with beautiful weather, fabulous food, and wonderful company. We have so much to be thankful for here in our little corner of the world. I love this day that reminds me to give thanks. Here are a few highlights from our day:

Aaron loved his first Thanksgiving meal! (He was too young last year)
So did my girl :)

Rudy and little Rudy samplin the goods The guys shootin the breeze...
The gals shootin the breeze...

The fabulous cooks (I got away easy this year only being asked to bring corn, or KERN, as it's more popularly called...what's up with that Pats?!?! Well, Shawn did cook one of the turkeys I guess...give me more work next time girlfriend! :)
The cutie pies...
Ring around the rosies...

The Thanksgiving/Christmas dance...

Awww yeah...that's what it's all about baby!

The Harvest Has Begun!!

Actually, we have been feasting on wonderful zucchini for about a month now, but the rest of the goods are just starting to be ready to harvest!
Happy Day!!

This One is for YOU MOM !! Enjoy !!

New Look!

I was not planning to do this...it just sort of happened when I tried out the new trimmers I bought in an effort to conserve money. (What? Me? Trying to conserve money??? :) So now I know how to do it and can trim his hair myself when it grows back...yay!! I didn't like it at first but I'm used to it now and think he still looks pretty handsome. Oh, and new shoes today too...his first pair of tennies!!

I didn't plan the pics this way, but it looks like his legs are that of a six year old with these two pics together!! LOL!!!

Halloween!

If there is such a thing as Scrooge for Halloween, I would be it. I start grumbling in August every year thinking about the money I will spend on costumes/candy/decorations. I try really hard to bring up childhood memories of fun Halloween's (and I know I had them) and the excitement I always felt as a kid, but somehow those memories can't seem to overpower my general moodiness as I contemplate another year of scouring the stores for cheap costumes/candy/decoration.

(At this point all of you Halloween lovers can pick your jaws up off the floor).

Nevertheless, I stalwartly go about my yearly duty with a stop at the thrift store when I feel like if I leave it any longer my kids will have to resort to wearing a pillow case over their heads with circles cut out for the eyes. (Not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you, just ask Charlie Brown and co.)

Kaylee, bless her little heart, has informed me months beforehand that she will be a cheerleader and has already put together her own costume (without any prompting from me) from items in her room (thank goodness she loves dressups).

So, the problem is Aaron. It is not a matter of WHAT he will be for Halloween (although I did have a moment of inspiration to dress him as a football player since Kaylee was a cheerleader), it is a matter of what the thrift store has available in his size. The standing rule is I absolutely will not pay over 5 bucks for a costume. (All jaws that were previously picked up may now drop again).

Well, let me tell you, the pickins were slim. As in, ONE, yes ONE costume that would fit my little guy (plenty of choices for little girls....grrrr...). It looked like it would fit (no size tag) so I decided for $2.72 I would make it fit, as there was no trying on clothes that day with a disgruntled kid in the cart.

Home we go, and after a wash and stretching of the fabric I decide it will do (barely).

Whew...costumes are taken care of.

Kaylee again saves the day by bringing home two lovely pumpkins she had drawn at school for decorations to add to the cute, crafty decorations she made with Sarah (who also saved the day) when we went to San Antonio. Decorations...check.

Now, for candy. Everytime I go to the store I see the isle. Every time I go to the store I avoid the isle. I finally have to walk the isle at Walmart to buy two bags for the ward halloween party...actually I make Kaylee walk it while I hide trying to find battery operated pumpkin lights (which they're out of....grrrrr..) Ouch, that was painful. Finally, the day before trick or treat I brave the isle at our local HEB....WHAT!!!! You want 3.99 for a teeny tiny bag of Twix's?!?!?!?! I love Halloween...I love Halloween...I love Halloween... I love Halloween...

Despite my general scrougeiness, I always end up begrudgingly admitting the money spent on cheap clothing and teeth rotting sugar is not so bad when I see and feel my kid's excitement. This year we had the ward party the night before, then went to two parties (a friend's from PTA and birthday party next door) on Halloween. Kaylee got to trick or treat at the birthday party down our street then I took her out to some friends in the ward later. Aaron hadn't taken a nap that day so he had fun at the parties and by 6:30 had had it. Daddy took him home to bed, watched football and handed out candy. Going out with Kaylee was my favorite part...she was so excited...fun to watch her those two days.

Oh, we also carved pumpkins the Monday before and they turned out great. I made pumpkin soup which was OK (wouldn't make it again) and tried a new recipe for a pumpkin roll that turned out fabulous!

OK, maybe the holiday is not so bad...maybe...I guess. :)

My girl helping out with the decorations...

Shawn's master pumpkin carving...

Kay with hers...


Ready for the ward party

Can't get enough candy!

Playin' games...

The three amigos...Bro. Pena, Bro. Morlett, Bro. Rangel...they kept Aaron fed and entertained most of the night. :)

Aaron with Christiana...his favorite buddy at church.