A Happy, Despicable Halloween!

We have had so much fun this Halloween, like every Halloween!  But it seems like each one just gets better and better!  The magic starts on October 1st when we get out our decorations.  The kids had a good time getting them out and putting them around the house.  I love hearing them say "Oh, I remember this one!" and having fond memories making them together or where we got them.

 

Emma asked me to make her a witch skirt and so I did with some scrap fabric.  Where's the witch hiding? 

 



 

There she is!

We've been dressing up a lot (we do year-round) this month.  Cal used bubble wrap one day to make a costume!  Love it! 

 

He also pulled the foam stickers off a little pumpkin Lucy made and put them on himself.  He's always making me laugh!!

 
Little Lucy is also getting ready for Halloween and kind of starting to understand it.  Her favorite things are singing Halloween songs ("3 Little Pumpkins", "Halloween" & "I'm a Mean Old Witch with a Hat", songs I used to sing with my family as a girl) and pumpkins which she loves and says "pumpkin" over and over!

 

 

We've also enjoyed making some fun Halloween things.  We made some hot, sticky messes together!  Emma and Cal even helped (mostly by snitching the candy, he he)!

We decided to make picture frames to display all of our fun Halloween costumes.  I thought they turned out fun (thanks Pinterest for inspiration on a couple of them)!

 One night for family night, we painted sugar cookies.  This is another tradition I grew up doing and we love it!  I finally found Halloween sugar cookie cutters with designs inside of them so I had to get them. 

Since we've lived away from family, we have started sending out Halloween cards.  This is what we did this year...

Also was able to do lots of sewing...mostly Halloween costumes!  Which is my favorite! 

The kiddos  enjoy having extra candy around this time of year.  Lucy loves chocolate (that's probably in the top 10 food names she learned first) and Cal got a jaw breaker one day. 

Look who found some chocolate...

Jawbreaker!

I'm also in charge of our church ward's playgroup.  We had a Halloewen party which was so much fun for the kids!  We read Halloween books, did coloring sheets, played "Boo"-ling, made sugar cookies, played "Bats"sketball, played Eyeball golf, and a spider web game.  Cal and his little friends loved it and I had fun getting things together for it!

It just couldn't be Halloween without a trip to the pumpkin patch!  We went up to Green Bluff to visit Hidden Acres.  It was COLD the day we went, but we had fun just the same.  By the time we made it the pumpkins were pretty picked over, but the kids found ones that suited them perfectly!  It's a fun place up there.

Then it was time to carve/paint our pumpkins!  One of our unspoken rules in our family is that we don't use stencils. We have to eyeball our patterns and make them ourselves.  The kids did great, but get sick of scooping out the guts and seeds after about 10 minutes, so I end up scooping out pumpkin innards for a long time!

The final products:

Dave made a minion pumpkin, oooohhhh ahhhh!

I made (per Cal's request) a CTR (Choose the Right) pumpkin

Emma did a kitty & moon pumpkin and did a great job carving it out!  She did it mostly on her own!  Daddy helped her outline the picture (she said "Daddy is a great artist, Mom!") but she carved it pretty much by herself.

We also did a few more jack-o-lanterns later on.  Here's Cal on the porch with them all!

 

We also have fun turning our food spooky during Halloween.  We have had apple/almond witch's mouths, orange cheese and black grape kabobs, pumpkin seeds, peachy pumpkins, and some healthy opions.  And then we have had frog eyeball popsicles (smashed kiwis and limeade), lots of pumpkin stuff, oreo spiders, warewolf pudding, caramel apples, and lots more. 

Finally, the time had come to get to wear our costumes!  We are always so excited to dress up for Halloween!  This year wasn't very difficult fingind everything.  A lot of stuff we had already (my shoes and the jacket I was wearing I had, but dyed it to make it the right color, Emma's leggings, Cal's boots and gloves, the glasses from the dress-up box we spray painted and Dave's jacket had a logo from his old job on it but we put the scarf over it, Lucy's overalls and her shirt that was perfect we found at a quarter sale).  I found lots of the other stuff at local thrift stores.  I sewed Cal's yellow Minion shirt (it was fleece so it was nice and warm) and then attached black pipe cleaners to the head and sewed the overalls, attaching the symbol on the front pocket.  And then I sewed around Dave's scarf.  And the only other thing I really made was Emma's hat that I crocheted.  Oh, and the freeze ray.  I used an old squirt gun and attached a random piece of an old hair dryer plastic toy Emma had, and used toilet paper tubes and duct taped them to make cone shapes to attach and then spray painted it. I love making things as close to the original as I can.  I even got a small red flower patch to attach to Lucy's overalls.  Small final touches like that are so much fun! 

Our first appearance as Margo, Edith, Minion (he said he was the minion Dave), Gru & Agnes from Despicable Me was at the school carnival!

It was a fun day!  The theme was the Big Top this year and so it was a circus feel!  The kids loved playing all of the games and the cotton candy and treats!  Those who knew who we were loved our costumes.  It's fun feeling like a celeb on Halloween, like when people want to take your picture, it's kind of fun!

Then we had our Ward Halloween party.  First they had a carnival and in each room had a different activity for the kids (and adults in some cases) to do that the Young Men/Young Women ran.  Dave's class of young men ran the Musical chairs room.  We really liked that they had a photo booth!  Here are the pictures from that...

Cake walk - Cal won!

Lucy had fun playing with her pumpkin friend!

Emma liked coloring and dancing and running around with her Primary friends!

 

Last, there was a dance, and it was great music!  The kids grooved until they were too tired to move!

 

Halloween morning, we woke up to pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes and banana ghosts.  We always have to have those on Halloween!

I tried to take a picture in their Halloween clothes, but as you can see, we're not all morning people in this family.  :)

The silly face aproach worked better this morning!  Happy Halloween from our bat and ghouls!

For dinner, I made some witch's broomstick breadsticks, salad, pasta, we had green, orange and white Italian sodas, and minion cupcakes for dessert. 

Then it was off to trick-or-treat!  We went with Lindsay, Josh, Lucy & Olive to the South Hill.  The kids were so excited!  We had fun telling jokes in the car (Q: "Guess why?" A: "Pumpkin pie!", "Q: "Guess who?" A: "Pumpkin BOOO!" Q: "Guess what?" A: "Pumpkin butt", etc.)  Of course that last one really got them going. 

Cal and Em loved trick or treating!  It was really so pretty on the South Hill!

Some asked to take our pictures.  I asked this lady to take one on our camera as well!  :)

Josh & Linds' family were the Avengers, but they didn't really wear full costume this night, just wigs and stuff.  But Lucy was the cutest little Captain America around!

The kids got about 5 or 6 full-sized candy bars!  I was lucky if I got one growing up.  At the doors, it was hilarious because Cal was telling everyone "I can't eat peanuts!"  I didn't even tell him to say that, but he did. 

Check out these ginormous pumpkins at this house!  They were bigger than the kids!  And the houses were ginormous, too!

We had a happy, Despicable Halloween!

 

We love candy!

 

After that, we went to what we thought was John Stockton's house.  We've driven by before (people have told us where they think he lives).  I think it was his house.  There was a basketball jack-o-lantern (along with some others) on the porch.  A teenager answered the door.  But it looked like one of the Stockton kids (granted, I haven't seen any pictures of any of them for years, except for those that played with Gonzaga more recently).  So I hope it was, because it made my night anways!

 

We got home and realized Lucy's pumpkin full of candy was no where to be found!  We think we must have left it when we were getting in the car on the sidewalk somewhere.  We checked everywhere.  Luckily, it was Lucy's since she doesn't really know the difference, but she asked "Where's my pumpkin?".  And the kids offered to share some of their candy with her, which was sweet.  Emma felt so bad for Lucy she started crying.  I told Em we would get Lucy a new pumpkin.  Then she was better.  Then the kids sorted out their candy and traded (one of the best parts).  Emma's favorite is the Butterfinger this year and Cal's is Sour Punch Straws.  Lucy likes anything! 

 

Happy Halloween!!

Conference weekend!

I love LDS General Conference and it seems like the messages are always directed to me!  What a blessing to be able to hear the word of the Lord, to receive personal revelation, to be uplifted and at peace all weekend!  We started off the weekend by going to Shakey's Pizza on Friday.  We ate some pizza (used Emma's reading coupons for all of the kids) and then played some games in the arcade. 

Saturday morning, it was conference time!  I set up a "General Conference Store" which had prizes with different amounts on each one.  Then we put out our cards (we've used these since Emma was two) that had key words and pictures on each one.  We told the kids that if they heard one of the topics being talked about, they could give us the card and we'd give them a penny.  Then they got their own little jar and put their pennies in that.  When they got enough pennies, they could redeem them for a prize.  They loved it and it held their attention.  When the morning session was over, Emma said "Uh, we have to pause it?" and Cal said "Oh, I wanted to listen to more conference!"  This only lasted about halfway through the afternoon session though. 

Saturday night, the Bowman's came over.  Josh and Dave went to the Priesthood session.  And Lindsay and I talked and planned Halloween, and the kids played.  Then they got back and we ate enchilladas for dinner and then some yummy molten lava cakes Linds made.  We had lots of fun.  The guys had fun trying on the wigs we got out to use for Halloween.  I think Josh looks like Keith Stone from those beer commercials, and Dave looks like a Granny with a 5 o'clock shadow, according to one friend.  Ha ha!  Too funny!

Sunday was less easy to keep the kid's attention.  But they were really good still and I actually got quite a bit out of Conference this time around.  What powerful messages were shared! 

A few of my favorite thoughts/feelings/ideas from Conference...

Wow, Missionary age for young men can now be 18 and for women 19.  Incredible.  The Lord's work is continuing to go forth!

Loved Elder Cook's talk and it inspired me to do more to teach my family the Gospel all I can. 

"I am a Mormon.  I know it.  I live it.  I love it."  -Ann M. Dibb  (I can see this one on t-shirts at Deseret Book already, ha ha!)

I loved Elder Uchdorf's talk.  It was a good reminder for me.  Especially when he said "Don't wear busy-ness as a badge of honor."  Yep.  I seem to be too busy all too often.  I need to be cultivating relationships and making treasured memories more than I need to be checking off my list. 

"General Conference is always a good time for both hearing and doing."  - President Deiter F. Uchdorf 

Elder Oaks talk was so emotional for me and I felt myself getting goosebumps and wanting to make a voice for the voiceless children who are impacted by others negative choices.  I am thinking and will start praying of ways I can do this. 

I loved Elder Holland's talk on casting our nets and following the Savior and being a true disciple. 

Some of the reoccuring themes (AKA Important things!) seemed to be family, being converted, relying on the Atonement, and following the example of the Savior. 

I've heard, now I hope I will DO!  <3 and="and" christ="christ" church="church" day="day" direct="direct" for="for" grateful="grateful" guide="guide" is="is" jesus="jesus" latter="latter" lord="lord" nbsp="nbsp" of="of" p="p" saints="saints" savior="savior" servants="servants" so="so" the="the" this="this" to="to" who="who" whose="whose" work="work"> 

Our trip to Ooh-tah!

Dave was asked by WSU to go on a recruiting trip to Utah to get the word out about the great HPA Program they have to offer at the graduate fairs of 4 universities.  Instead of him just going down, we decided to make a family trip out of it and all go!  We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and left the house by about 3:45 a.m. *yawn  The kids did great, that's why we leave so early!  They're asleep half of the time and then wake to be happy the rest of the day.  We kept them busy of course with lots of activities.  And activities for me, too!  I love reading and working on needle-point and cross stitching in the car.  And the drive is gorgeous as well.  It's so neat to watch the sun come up.

We got to Utah (or Ooh-tah as Callahan calls it, which has quickly gained popularity in our home) in the mid-afternoon and dropped off our stuff at the Ryerse's.  :)  We were so happy to see everyone again!  Even though it's been less than two months, it's still great! 

Then we went straight to Weber State for the Alumni Band reunion and Homecoming game.  I made it just in time to play for the pre-game carnival.  Dr. Root had to stop everything and annouce that I'd made it.  He's always random and funny like that.  He then said I got the prize for coming the longest distance.  He also said "You look beautiful!"  Like I said, random.  I sure didn't feel very beautiful having sat in a car all day.  I had gotten the flyers in the mail about Alumni band, but always thrown them away.  Then, when I realized we'd be in town for it, I called a few days before and got registered.  We had a blast playing before the game, old favorites like "Hey, Baby", the "The Stripper" and "Sweet Georgia Brown".  The carnival was fun, they had games and food and blow-up toys for free.  I ran into my Aunt Lois and Uncle Keith, who about had heart attacks because they had no idea we were coming...surprise!  That was fun!  Then we went up into the stands and played there.  I got the privilege of sitting by my amazing friend Katie (and Melissa, and some other peeps) who I went to school with.  We had such a blast reminiscing about being in Marching Band (I know, I'm totally a nerd, but hey, it paid for school), blowing bubbles in the stands, and talking about lots of other fun experiences like naming our piccolos and other memories we had ("rarr rarr rarr").  We did have some good times!  The football game was fun, because WSU was playing Eastern Washington, which is pretty close to home for us.  WSU lost, but it was a pretty good game.  Dave and the kids were there, as well as my parents and Amy came.  The kids loved being with Aunt Amy and Grandma & Granpa!

On Sunday, we were able to go to a broadcast of the Brigham City UT temple dedication.  The Spirit was so strong, though I wasn't there in person, I felt reaffirmed in my heart that the temple is the House of God.  I'm so grateful for theses beautiful edifices that are now dotting the earth.  What a blessing!  It is the sanctuary that we need, that I need.  There we can save our kindred dead as well as ourselves.  Later on that week, I was also able to go to the Bountiful temple to do some work for my own ancestors, some names that my Grammie gave me to work on.  I'm so grateful to have access to temples and grateful for what I learn there and the peace I feel there.  That Sunday night, we went over to see the Stoddard clan - my parents, Marko, Mayela and Amber.  I love sitting around on Sunday nights talking and playing.  That's what we do!  Then we had dinner with all of the Ryerse's that night and got to see all of the aunts, uncles and cousins.  Yea!

Dave was off to Utah State on Monday to recruit there, which he had a pretty successful day with lots of interest.  The kids and I decided to go with him, since all of our family was working/had other things going on all day.  We walked around, ran around on the play field, threw pennies in the fountain, went to the art museum, ate lunch at the cafeteria, and then we all went to get Aggie Ice-Cream when Daddy was done.  My dad went to USU, so we had to take a few pictures for him.  :)

I love taking pictures to document what we do, but I was pretty terrible at doing it this time around.  I kept forgetting to take them.  Luckily, Cal and Em love snatching my phone and snapping some shots.  They especially like playing around with effects.  What a good lookin' family...lol!!!  Scary, I know!

Tuesday, Dave was at the U of U and we went over and spent the day with my Mom.  We had fun just playing and being with her.  She made some really cute outfits for the girls.  She sewed some dresses and knitted and crocheted some accessories.  We played and just enjoyed being together.  That night, was more family time with the Ryerses, hip hip hooray!  Dave got to see some old friends he worked with at the U too, so that was fun for him. 

Wednesday, Dave was at Weber, and so we went to see old neighbors in Ogden.  We went to Hlee's house and she is so hospitable and sweet and fixed us breakfast (even though we had eaten already, she insisted. She's like that).  We talked all day and the kids played.  The kids were so cute together and play so well together.  We also worked on this pinata for Ewan's 2nd birthday.  Check out thisIron Man, WOW!

Luckily for Emma, her friend Elisha got out early that day from school, so we got to play with her and Oakley.  We met up with Fernanda and Jaqueline too and went to the park.  It was so great to be with those good friends and neighbors for the day!  That night, we went to Kaison's soccer game.  He just started playing this year and he did pretty well.  It was fun to watch him actually play, and then pull off his shirt randomly and tackle his coach after every goal.  Cal was cheering for him the whole time!  The girls enjoyed playing on the playground and in the leaves together. 

After, we went to Pace's to get rainbows, tasty!  But we all got a little cold after that!

Thursday, it was BYU for Dave.  We got to see Amy and Kolby!  Yea!  And then we just hung out at the Ryerse's all day. That night, we went to the Prarie Schooner restaurant.  Dave scared Cal, as he hid behind the empty "covered wagon" behind our table and jumped out and roared at him as he got back from the restroom.  Emma said "this must be a Mormon place" because there were tons of handcarts and covered wagons. :)  Those kids.  Randy, Julie & Brian came with us. Then we went to visit Grammie and Aunt Christie and Rex.  I loved seeing so much family!   We miss them all!

Friday morning, we went to my parent's house for breakfast and then to see them all off.  They were all going for a family reunion down to St. George, so we got to see them while we could.  Mark and Amber came over too.  So we played with them.  Then we went to see Grandma Sue at work.  And raided her candy drawer.  At Grandma's house, Lucy's figured out where all of the good stuff is kept.  She'll go to the freezer and say "popicle", go over by the cupboard and say "cookie" or pull out a drawer and say "canny".  She's got a sweet tooth, I think.  That night (and lots of the week), we worked on graduate executive administration fellowship applications for Dave.  He's applying all over and it's a lot of work to apply.  He's applied for about 15. 

Saturday, we were able to play with the cousins.  The cousins love each other so, SO much!!  They are too cute!  :)  Stacy and I went shopping and talking together like the good old days.  So that was good.  Then, I went with my mother-in-law Sue and sisters-in-law Julie & Shirley to the Relief Society General Meeting broadcast and dinner.  These women I got to go with are so incredible and I love them.  The dinner was good too, at least I thought, and the words spoken by the presiding RS Presidency of the church and President Eyring were so inspired.  I loved their focus on covenants and holding fast to covenants.  President Eyring spoke of being in tune with the spirit at all times.  It was a great way to end our week in Utah!