Goodies!

Look at this pathetic pup! We just had to buy this hot dog costume at Target for $5.00. He was less than thrilled but we got a hoot out of seeing him parade around in it. We'll certainly have him all suited up for next Halloween's trick-or-treating.

Some great things have been happening around here. We received a letter in the mail from a very important person. Joshua had written President Bush back in the summer and had informed him that he had just completed a school project on him and that he was fond of him. We waited and waited and had really given up on a response and then this came in the mail.

He graciously sent a letter expressing his thanks to Josh and giving him some sound advice for future plans. He also enclosed a picture of Barney (his reporter biting dog) and a picture of himself wearing a cowboy hat. We ran out and bought frames for the pictures and they will now have a coveted place in his bedroom. He kinda reminds me Alex P. Keaton off of "Family Ties" with his picture and admiration for Ronald Reagan.

Josh had a great swim meet this morning. After a second place swim on his first round he pulled through later to win first place for his backstroke during the Medley. I was really excited and so proud. I wish I would have brought my camera but it was back home charging. I had to have lost 5 pounds in sweat alone there. With all of those kids, fans and warm water it was like a sauna. I wanted to strip down to nothing (but I spared those sitting around me and kept myself clothed). I can't wait till the next swim meet..... watch out folks he's part shark!

Homework stinks

The kids have only had a 3 day week but that didn't seem to slow the amount of homework any. Poor Joshua has been buried under mountains of homework and the added math worksheets I've been giving him to improve his math skills. The school curriculum today seems so hard and advanced. Plus the new way they teach math really blows my mind. They don't even have them setting up the problem. Instead they are drawing pictures of humps on a number line to find the answer. It's like hieroglyphics. The whole process takes five times longer than the traditional way to add and subtract. SO needless to say we will be continuing to practice math on the weekends till we have a 95% success rate. Stinks to be a kid... or does it?

Halloween

Here you see Anikan Skywalker and Darth Vader posing for pictures before the festivities. They were both so cute in their costumes. Below is the outdoor picture. I'm not liking trick-or-treating in the daylight. It was dark about 45 minutes later but still. This new time change deal has made really made an impact on me. I can remember it already being dark when I was a kid even before it was time to start. I suppose there is no changing Congress's mind now. Damage done.

Andrew grew tired of the face mask really quickly. Anyone remember the old Mel Brooks movie "Space Balls". May I present to you Lord Dark Helmet! All we needed were the little round glasses. He was totally cute last night. He would shout thank you for the candy and then tip his helmet like it was a top hat. Too funny!

Prep for Candy day!

Halloween is fast approaching...are you prepared? I have bundled all my goodie bags up for the neighborhood children. I am in the midst of preparing 48 cupcakes for a class party and trying to pull together everyone's costumes and accessories for the big night tomorrow. I'm not a huge fan of Halloween but I do allow my kids to trick-or-treat and they enjoy all the goodies afterwards ( Mom has to check and sample the candy before any can be eaten by the little ones, right?). I personally prefer holidays such as Thanksgiving & Christmas which are both fast approaching. Check back later for kids in costumes.

Gloomy Day

Wow! The wind is wicked here. Apparently Jack Frost has come to town and decided to bring his weather element friends along. The wind has been blustery here and coupled with the rain it has gotten pretty doggone cold here. I even broke down and turned on the heat. Yes, I know what a miser I am.

The day has been pretty gloomy here as I found out a dear friend's mother will be soon leaving this Earth to join our Saviour. Please pray for this family and let the Lord comfort them during this hard time. No one ever looks forward to letting go of a loved one especially not a parent. I pray for peace that passes all understanding for her & her family. Her mother was and will always be very special to me as I have known this family for the better part of 21 years. My friend and I grew up through middle school and high school together and our friendship has lasted beyond the confines of a classroom. We have had the ability to share babies, marriages and many other memorable moments together and it hurts me to hear or know that she is sad. So again please say a little prayer for a grieving family and give your loved ones an extra kiss tonight.

"Fireproof"

I was able to sneak in some "me" time today and catch the new movie I've been wanting to see. "Fireproof" is now my new favorite movie. I used to love Kirk Cameron back in the day when he was on the covers of Tiger Beat, but today I love him for a more spiritual reason. He has committed his life to the Lord and chooses only to act in roles that are spiritually written. He and this movie really drive a core purpose home and I think each and every couple can take something from this movie. It will sure to be a staple in my movie collection when it comes out on DVD. I challenge you to see the movie and tell me what you thought....you won't be sorry you did.

Dance! Dance ! Dance!

I just got home from taking these wonderful Homecoming pictures. Kyle was attending Julie's Homecoming tonight with her family & friends. The short gal in the blue dress is her little sis and her brother is the gentleman in the middle with long hair. For those of you whom don't already know...all you have to do is click on the picture and it brings it full screen. Anyways, we've had a rather fun day. First we ran a bunch of errands this morning and then headed over to the Bowling alley to throw a few strikes (only 1 in my case). This was Andy's pick because due to the rain he stayed home with Mom and Dad went on with Josh to camp at the Cub Scout Camporee. I really thought I didn't like bowling before but I must say I had a rather very nice time today. I forgot to bring the camera which was a true bummer. I've got to get back into the routine of carrying that thing in my purse or stapled to my hip whichever works.

I finally ordered my video camera this week and I am hoping it arrives before Halloween. I would like hubby to be able to play with it and get it ready to go for the trip. This upcoming week will be busy and then it's only a few weeks after Halloween till we leave. YEAH! Mickey here I come!