What? A new Post

So I usually host a neighborhood Halloween party for all the kiddos who live around here. My friends and I put together some activities and it turned out fantastic. With a Harry Potter theme we came up with a potions class, a charms class, and made brooms to play Quittich with. It was super fun. We also added a cupcake walk because, well, they are fun! Here's some photos of the festivities. Have I ever mentioned I live in the best neighborhood ever?

Since we were driving back from Utah on Monday we didn't have Family Home Evening. Lucas came up to us Tuesday night and asked if we could do FHE. As usual he wanted to pick the activity. Since it was his turn to pick he of course chose Wii Batman. For dessert we made waffle cones with Ice cream. He was more excited than he looks in the photo. I am grateful for a little boy who wants to choose the right.

Another funny tidbit was on the way home he ate a little too much candy and was feeling it, he asked if he could have a healthy snack.

We got home last night from an amazing trip to see family. I was able to spend tons of time visiting with my Dad. I haven't posted about his condition yet because it has been intensely personal. He has grade IV astrocytoma glioma, and it is terminal. We were able to spend a lot of time together, and I am so grateful for all the help that was given by family. It was really fun to spend time massaging hands and feet to make him more comfortable. We had some good laughs and great conversation. I love my family so much.

Love Note to James

Tonight I was cuddling my little James, thinking how little he isn't anymore. Throughout the

day he'll start dancing some little dance or give a funny little saying and I giggle with him. It seems like he's always been here and I think it is because he fits into our family so well. He is eager to wrestle with anybody willing to take on a kid half as big as them, and will try to jump off of anything he can get himself atop of. He is sweet and caring of the other kids around him, especially his older brother whom he adores. He is independent but still sure I always need his help, especially when baking. Oh how I love to hear the little pitter-patter of his feet when he comes to see me first thing in the morning. I love you lovely son, and am so proud of you.

These are a couple of hail stones from the storm last night. I don't think there was any damage done to our home, but it was kinda scary. When the big ones hit the window it sounded like they might break. Fortunately the hailstorm was followed by a heavy rain the plants desprately needed.

Blog Title

So many of you have interesting charming titles to your blog. I would like one too, but I am having a creative block. So what would you name my blog? The winner gets a basket of warm fuzzy feelings! Help please.

Lucas has grown into such a funny little person. Today he was building with Legos and built this land cruiser. Then during conference he went to the bathroom and came back with a wet face and a huge smile. He asked me if he knew where he'd been. He said he'd been in the toilet. Then waited for a grimace from me. Thanks to my Dad who pulled a similar practical joke including a swirly. You have taught him well.

James has equally been addicted to Star Wars and waited up for about 30 minutes until Mom realized he wasn't going to go to bed without being sung the Imperial March...again. Do you think I'll be dropping them off at conventions as teenagers, please tell me no.

I hope you didn't' give up on me. Blogger was concerned I was a robot sending out Spam, so they took my blog away. I've been a good girl, and so they finally gave it back.

Being in Kansas and away from family has been an interesting experience. I have been able to find some friends to trust and really enjoy spending time with them. Many of them have kids who play with mine and it all turns out just great. Here are a few of them...

I got to go to dinner with these lovely ladies the other night for Marian's impromptu baby shower. Liz is my neighbor and knew Marian and Leslie from when they were both stationed in England. Leslie knew Nicole from the same place. The only downside is I am the only non-military of the bunch and will be left behind eventually. If you are my friend and not written about in this blog then we should get together do something fun and then I'll write about it. I am so grateful for all the wonderful women who share their time and thoughts with me. Thanks for being here.

Me Nicole

Narda Marcie Liz

Leslie Marian

So the other night we were havign dinner, and James was having Ketchup. Yum. He ate about half a cup!

Lucas has been begging to look at pictures of himself because, "I was such a cute baby! Every time I see a picture of me it makes me want to cry!" Indeed he was/is very cute, but more importantly he is a really great person. I am so grateful for his sensitivity and generosity. He often tries to give others most of his snacks, and needs encouragement to enjoy it himself. He is kind to little kids who come to play and is good at playing with or refereeing James. I am his biggest fan.

We have been up to no good all winter long. James has really blossomed, and is such a fun guy.

We built a snow for with our neighbors. Both boys love to have so many friends around to play with. Last week it was -13 and this week the high was 78> I love Kansas!

The boys are bonding really well. James will often say the best part of the day was playing with Lucas.

November and December are such busy months for us.

James celebrated is 2nd Birthday with toy shopping, Lunch out, his favorite dinner and constant attention, his favorite thing.I am so grateful to have his lively spirit around to make us all laugh. He has so many silly ideas he is willing to share with everyone. He is also one tough cookie. The last year has been so much fun as his personality has developed. Lucas is 5, can you believe it. He is such a fantastic little boy. He wants to do the right thing, and is very willing to stay in boundaries we discuss. He is a leader among his friends and quickly disappears into creative play with them. It is fun to eaves drop on their play and listen to what his vivid imagination is creating. He enjoys sports and riding his bike with me when I run. Thanksgiving was very nice this year. We spent it with our friends the Thompson's at their house. The boys helped me roll up the rolls. One of our Christmas traditions growing up was to go into the mountains to go Christmas tree hunting. Kansas is kind of limited on it's Christmas trees, but we found a fun farm, and have gone there a few years. Lucas takes the job pretty seriously. James enjoyed running down the aisle of trees.Adam's parents came for a Christmas visit and were here for Adam's birthday. We took everyone to Cow town Museum in Wichita. It is set up like a 1890s town. We had a lot of fun playing games and learning how things were done back then.Boys learning new skills.A birthday photo. Lucas was being overly silly and it took about 10 tries to get one without his feet in his face. Customized gingerbread housesJames loves to bake with me. If he sees measuring cups on the counter he pushes a stool over and climbs up. He is expert at cleaning of used utensils.

This one is from another neighbor's birthday. I started at 7 setting up, and I was finished about 10. They are getting easier to put together. top one shows the detail, botom one shows the fabric color better.

Projects

Mom and April. Here you go, I finally am going to put them up for you to see. The Cake is Lucas' 5th birthday cake he begged me for a NERF cake, I made the apron for a neighbor's birthday, and the kitchen was for the kids for Christmas.