Happy Halloween!

It's a good thing that I took my kiddos pictures in their costumes the first day I finished making them. Because after one picture session in the hay, one school carnival including hot dogs with ketchup and very sticky cotton candy, one pre-school party, two trunk r treats, one that served taco soup, and one dance class party, the costumes have seen better days. They are sticky, messy, ooey gooey. But STILL SO DARN CUTE!

Here's to everyone having a safe and fun Halloween!

Sirri, the ice cream cone
Connor the road

Meg, the dalmation puppy

Adorable pregnant Aunt Kimmy dressed as a twinner ice cream cone with Sirri. Sirri thinks it is so cool that Kimmy is the same as her. She tells all her friends that Kimmy is an ice cream cone too. "Strawberry, like me."

I think this is the most adorable pregnancy costume. It ALMOST makes me want to have another baby!!!

Where Did All My Pants Go?

The other day I had to give a presentation in an education class that I am taking. (I have to earn six credits every five years to keep my teaching credential current.) Someday I would like to teach in this district that is offering the class. So, in an attempt to impress the superintendent and principals taking the class with me, I figured that I would dress up a bit. Opening my closet to scavenge up something other than my usual Old Navy Perfect T and jeans, I was sorely disappointed and I am sure that you will all be shocked and amazed by my next sentence. I DO NOT own a pair of black pants, khaki paints, dress pants, slacks, NOTHING! Jeans it is and only two pairs of those to boot. Yes, it is true. I only own two pairs of pants (not counting my workout or lounge clothes.) One pair of jeans that are my "good jeans" and one other that I rarely wear.

So, why do I tell this story? Well, it illustrates very clearly (much too clearly, since it is a little embarrassing to admit I only own two pants) three points about myself. And since this is my "journal" I'm boring you with the gritty details of my life.

Point One: Simple. That is me. I dress simple, I decorate simple, I live by a routine because it makes things simple, I own two church outfits so Sunday mornings are simple, I own very few shirts, my hair is crazy/messy but very easy, meaning...simple, the only jewelry I wear are earrings , when I scrapbook my pagers are very, you guessed it, simple, I own one set of eyeshadow, I don't create hectic schedules for myself or my children, I own one pair each of black and brown everyday shoes, church shoes, and flip flops and two pairs of tennis shoes because that is simple. I am just plain simple. Most of the time I like my life this way. I feel in control. And I like to feel in control. But then there are the days when I would like to step it up a bit. But sometimes that is hard to do. It is hard to come out of my simple shell and shine a bit. I don't always like being "simple girl." My sisters are great examples to me. They are so cute, stylish, fun. They wear bangly bracelets and red shoes and gold jackets and purple eyeshadow. It is only because of them that I own more than one pair of earrings. (I used to own one pair and never took them out. Even to sleep.) So, what is a simple girl to do?


Point Two: Because I am simple, I have this tendency to want to get rid of stuff. Lots of stuff. I go to the D.I. quite frequently. In fact, I have been there twice in the last week. Truly. I love it. There is something empowering about dejunking and throwing stuff out. It is a strange kind of natural high for me. Crazy, I know. I even have friends that will call me when they are trying to "clean house" because they know that I will be able to convince them to throw away the baby shower cards they received when their babies were born ten years ago. Most people wonder , "but what if you need that someday?". Very rarely do I have garbage can regret. I can only think of one instance. This garbage can victim I actually miss and it can not be replaced. And I know when I tell you what it is, you will all shudder at the horror. No, I did not throw out my wedding album, BUT I did throw away my junior high and high school year books. Bad. I know. We just had my class reunion and it caused me to miss those books. I'm quickly recovering though and probably won't miss them again until the next reunion and then when my kids get big enough to ask about them. Sad really. So, I guess that is where all my pants went. As soon as something doesn't fit. Out the door they go. Really, who needs pants that don't fit anymore lying around? (All the pants in question were actually too big, hence throwing them out. And even my good jeans are getting saggy in the rump area. There is one ray of sunshine in my pantless turmoil!)

The caption on this picture said that this is a donation bag from the 40's. Very cool.

Now, one last thing. I know that you are all going to tell me that this poor Idaho girl needs to go shopping. One little trip to the mall and SIMPLE would be out the door and the pants issue would be solved. That is true. VERY TRUE. But that brings us to the final point: I don't enjoy shopping. This tends to be a problem when point 2 is that I love to throw things out, but point 3 is that I never replace them due to my inability to shop. Definitely a conflict of interest! Actually shopping for myself makes me VERY anxious. It is really hard for me to buy anything for myself. I know, it is pathetic and ridiculous but it is the truth. It's been nerve racking for me, for as long as I can remember so I'm guessing that may never change. Sad.

So, there you go. Simple, shopping hater, garbage can lover, pantless me!

Point number four just came to me. I probably need therapy!

I don't know who this guy is...but I feel his pain.

HONESTLY....

Can you tell what these are OR did I just confuse all the neighbors?

Thanks for Our Cute Outfits Grandma!

We LOVE You!

And no worries...Connor's will fit next year!

A What?

I love Halloween. I haven't always. I of course loved the candy but I don't really remember any of my costumes or planning for weeks ahead of time what I wanted to be.

But, now that I have kids I can not wait for the end of August to come because I allow myself to start daydreaming about what cute something I want to create for my kiddos. (I'm not looking forward to the day when my kids pick their own costumes. I like how it works out now. I choose, then through conversation lead them to believe that they chose for themselves! Every one is happy! And the kids are CUTE not scary. Please don't ever choose to be satan Connor.)

The funny thing is, I must have silly taste in costumes because whenever I decide what my kids are going to be and I share it with others, I always get, "hmmmm. That will be interesting." or, "how do you plan on making that?" or, "I've never heard of anyone being that before."

And this year is no different.

The other day I went to the fabric store to get all my supplies. As I was buying brown vinyl this is the conversation I had with the "fabric cutter lady."

Her: "What is the brown vinyl for?" (Brown vinyl is probably not a real hot seller!)
Me: "For my daughter's Halloween costume. She is going to be an ice cream cone."
Her: "An ice cream cone. hmmm. I've helped people with a lot of costumes but never an ice cream cone. People sure come up with crazy things." (see I told you people say, "hmmmm.")
Me: "Well, if you think that is funny, my son plans on being a road."
Her: "A road? Who would think to be a road?"
Me: "My three year old."

So, if you're intrigued as well...pictures to come soon.

Here are some pictures of years past.

Sirri, the Rainbow Fish

Connor the Puppy Dog. (No one thought that was weird.)
Oh, I miss his chub!!!

Sirri and Connor as ducks!

Rock 'n' Roll

Isn't the singer, Jewel, supposedly LDS? So, I've heard.

Well, she might want to beware. Sirri just may give her a run for her money in the next few years.

Check out my little rocker who is still a Sunbeam at heart!

I'm So Sorry I Spoiled Your Breakfast

Yesterday before heading home from Boise my Pappa and Grandma Weldon took my sisters and I out for breakfast. I had a great omelette, hash browns, and sour dough toast. My grandma was proud of me for my choice in toast. We used to complain about her sour dough pancakes as kids. I'm really growing up!!!

Breakfast was good and the company was better. It was a lovely time for everyone, except the old man sitting at the table behind us. I think I ruined his breakfast.

Picture this: Old man, long grungy hair, dirty baseball cap, few teeth, faded red and blue plaid shirt, dirt colored blue jeans . You get the picture, I am sure.

And now here is our conversation as I was walking out of the restaurant:Old Man: Excuse me.
Me: Yes?
Old Man: Would you like my daughter's phone number? She is a hairdresser. You would have to go to California.
Me: That is okay. I get my hair done in Rexburg.
Old Man: Well, I don't like it.
Me: That's okay,I do.
Old Man: Were you drunk when you did it? You look like a crazy lady!

No hard feelings. I'm still laughing!

Check Check

Go to the park to enjoy beautiful weather....check!

A little park conversation:

Jaci: "How are you today Sirri?"
Sirri: "I'm sick today."(which she wasn't.)
Jaci: "You are sick?"
Sirri: "Yeah, I have a bad fever because my grandpa died and I miss him."

Put together and take treats to some friends who might need a little boost today...check check!

I think they turned out pretty cute too!

Wintertime Blues

Our cold season is sneaking upon us. Okay, so truth be told...it is here. Sigh. I am never quite ready for it.

I'm a much better mom in the summer. We play outside all day. Spend more time at the park then we do at home. Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, and snow cones. Make cucumber boats, go to the range, feed the ducks, plant a garden, eat corn on the cob, play in the sprinklers, get great suntans (if you're Connor and Meg.) And did I mention, play play play?

And then the cold front hits and I do not know what to do with these children of mine. I have a tough time being inside so long. For one, I see all the things that should/could be done and then ignore my kids to do them. And then, rather then so many fruits and veggies we tend to eat things like this:And rather than play, play, play and have a great time, my kids get naughty, naughty, naughty.

Friday we made picture frames with tongue depressors and the kids had a great time. So did their mom in fact. I guess in the winter time it is all about planning and following through with fun activities. Fun doesn't just find us, we have to find it.


So, I have seen some blogs that each Monday they post their menus for the week, sometimes the over achievers even post the recipes. So, I decided that on Mondays I am going to post my recipes for a fun filled week. I am going to attempt to come up with a few things that I can do with my kiddos each day to ensure lots more fun and a lot less fuss! Some days we will do crafts or activities, some days it may be as simple as taking the time to look at their scrapbooks together. But at least everyday it will be something!

One thing that I am happy about and looking forward to...Soup Season! We ate this taco soup for dinner last night and it made everyone's tummy warm and happy. And it may just promote a little of THIS!


So, I have already missed posting all our fun for this week on Monday so I'll do it today.

Tuesday:
Go to the park (It's a beautiful day and we MUST take advantage of it!)
Make yummy treat plates to take to some friends. Inspired HERE.

Wednesday:
Play Don't Eat Pete
Jump on the tramp together. (it's supposed to be nice still. Let's hope so!)

Thursday:
Paint finger nails. (Connor's will probably get painted too! Sorry Kendon. It's wintertime. We'll just do his toes. He wears tennis shoes. No one will ever know! Wanna read something funny? Go HERE.)

And then I must pack. Back to Boise I go. At least this time I get to go alone. I'm hoping. If I can get it all worked out. Wish me luck. Cross your fingers. Say a prayer!

Friday:
Kids will go to Gma and Gpa Jensen's.

P.S.

Connor seems to be back on track. He hasn't wet his pants yet today. Though it is only 1:20. I guess I shouldn't count all my eggs before they are in the basket.

BUT, I believe in you little buddy. You can do it!!!

PLEASE. For your momma!

Until We Meet Again

I Love You Grandpa.

Byron James Bigelow
January 30, 1928 - October 7, 2007

God be With You Until We Meet Again

Persuasion

Last time I tempted you with these.

Maybe this time I could persuade you to come see me with......

SNOW!

Yea, I figured that if the éclairs didn't work, then snow probably wouldn't either!

But maybe two cute snow babies would work?!?!?

Who knew that fall pumpkins NOT Christmas trees would be the backdrop for some of the white stuff?

Update

Update #1 Grandpa Bigelow

My mom called last night to give me an update on Grandpa. The family had a meeting with the medical staff at the hospital and they were told that they suspect he only has a few more days to live.

She called again this morning at 11:30 and said that the whole family is up at the hospital waiting for Grandpa to pass. They have been singing hymns and primary songs and having a nice time considering the circumstances.

It is 4:15 right now and I haven't had any word yet. It is so hard to be here and have them all there. It is times like these that I wish that I still lived in Boise. But I don't so what do you do? I battled back and forth over whether or not to jump in the van and go. But again, what would I do. I was able to have some good experiences with Gpa last week and I guess that I just hang on to those. It may sound a little morbid but I do wish that I could be there with him when he passes. Assuming that it will be a peaceful experience for him, I think it would help me to see him no longer in pain. It was hard to watch him hurting so bad last week.

So, here I sit. Waiting for the phone to ring.

On a little lighter side...
Update #2 Potty Training

In a nut shell, it is a good thing that I bought so many pairs of undies for Connor. He has not peed in the toilet one time yesterday or today. grrrrrrrrr.

I think I'll go eat all his training treats. That might help me feel better. Too bad they aren't chocolate.

Fall Harvest

Super Dad

Here are some of the things that make Kendon Super Dad.

All of the following happened within twenty four hours of the kids and me arriving home from being gone for a week:

• Sirri threw a hugango fit.. This was of the likes that I have not seen in a long time. We had only been home from our trip for about an hour so I was already frazzled. Kendon on the other hand kept his cool. He took Sirri in her room and talked her down.
  
• Meg was up all night long. Six times in an 8 hour time period to be exact. I was sure Kendon was ready to ship us back to Boise. Yet every time we got her settled down and crawled back into bed he would say, "I'm still glad you are home!"
  
• When I got home we were in desperate need of groceries. Poor Kendon survived the week on marshmallows and ketchup. (Maybe a slight exaggeration, but close.) He arranged for his sister to watch our kids so we could go to Winco. I love going to Winco with Kendon. It is such a breeze.
• Upon arriving home, Kendon brought all $225 worth of groceries in by himself. See, what a guy!
  
• He then took the kiddos outside to play and shoot their bows so I could get the groceries put away in peace.
  
• THEN he came in t he house and got all the kiddos in jammers and put them to bed.
  

He is a champion of a dad! I love you babe and could never do it without you!

Why?

Can someone, anyone please tell me why my children must get diarrhea the second day of potty training?

Poor Connor has contracted whatever bug Meg has and you guessed it... MESSY!

Now backtrack two years ago with me: The day after I potty trained Sirri I went Christmas shopping with a girlfriend and left Sirri home with Daddy. I had not been gone much over thirty minutes when I got a phone call. "Do you know that your daughter has had diarrhea all over the floor twice since you have been gone?" Kendon said the phone call was purely informative. I still say it was purely for guilt. Though I have to hand it to the guy, he kept her in her underwear all day and just "dealt" with the poo. I would have had her back in diapers in a hurry.

This is hoping that the Cherry Mint Anti Diarrheal medicine holds strong!

Let's Have a Potty Party!

It is so past time to be potty training Connor Man. So here we go....

It's a Potty Party!
With Party hats and everything!

Sirri and Brooke threw Connor's diapers away for him. I couldn't get him to do it himself. I'm not sure if they have sentimental value for him or if he was just too excited to get to the treats!
By the way, the diapers were secure in a plastic bag to be fished out of the garbage later. Meg is still in diapers and those things aren't cheap you know! Sneaky huh?

And a party isn't complete without cupcakes. Fresh from Walmart of course!!! Connor was really proud to be able to pass them out to everyone.

Gee whiz! From the looks of this "sentimental" shot you would think that I was sending him off to college or something! Though this moment is just as big...maybe bigger!
Isn't his little bum bum bum cute in the Diego undies he chose?

Yeah! Connor went Potty in the toilet five times and gets a treat!

I am quite amazed that this little guy can go potty on demand just so he can get a treat.

So far Connor has done great. He stayed dry through his nap yesterday and today and even through the night last night! Yippee!

He was unsure of this whole process once last night. He was going to bed and needed his nightly cup of water by his crib. I told him that he couldn't have water at night any more because he was a big boy. His response, "I don't want to be a big boy anymore!"

There's no turning back now! Yikes!