Check out Joe's blog

Joe updated his blog with his take on our Disneyland trip.  He would love for you all to check it out.  He included a lot more pictures than I did.  To see Joe's blog, click on the link to our family page, and then click on the link that says JOE.  As always, with Joe, comments are not only appreciated, but expected.  Really, he checks for them a lot.  Thanks for participating.  

Coldplay

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26th - 2008

Tonight was the Coldplay concert.  Brian and I have been looking forward to it for a long time.  They were supposed to come back in July, but rescheduled for tonight.  The opening band was Sleepercar.  I had never heard of them before, but I really liked them a lot.  I'm going to have to check out some of their music now.  Our seats were pretty fantastic.  We were on the floor, 17th row, slightly off center.  And, part of the stage extended into the crowd, when they came down and played that part of the stage, they were so close.  It was awesome.  

Coldplay put on a really good show, although I wished they would've played a little longer.  They barely went 90 minutes.  It was an outstanding concert though.  I didn't bring my camera because I didn't think it would be allowed, but pretty much EVERYBODY had one.  Oh well.  Brian took some pictures on his camera phone, but so far we have been unable to get them off of the phone.  My favorite songs off of the new album are: Cemeteries of London, and Lost.

Near the end of the concert, they left the stage, walked to the back of the arena, climbed the stairs and went into the crowd and played a couple of songs from the cheap seats.  It was pretty cool.  

During "Lovers in Japan" they released thousands and thousands of glow in the dark butterflies.

Again, it was an awesome night.  Do you like Coldplay?  If so, what is your favorite Coldplay song?  If you don't like Coldplay, then just keep it to yourself (that means you Darrel).  Actually, if you don't like Coldplay, then what do you like?  I'm always interested in what people are listening to.

Why I hate bougainvillea's

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25th - 2008

This is a picture of the bougainvillea plant at my mom's house.  It is one of many that she has in her yard.

I pretty much hate all bougainvillea plants, but this one I hate most of all.  Why do I hate it?  There are several reasons really.  First of all, bougainvillea is a pretty stupid name for a plant.  Try saying it out loud.  Doesn't it sound stupid?   Secondly, they grow really fast and always look unruly.  Third, they are filled with thousands (no I'm not exaggerating) of tiny thorns that scrape my arms and my legs when I try to put up Christmas lights on my mom's house.  All of her bougainvillea's get in my way, but this one is by far the worst.  If it was up to me, I would take an axe to it. 

I finally got around it to put the string of lights up in this section, but I am not happy with it.  I couldn't get all of the lights facing in the same direction like I want them to be (yes, I am OCD).  So, if you happen to see the Christmas lights at my mom's house this year, just ignore the small section behind the bougainvillea bush.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24th - 2008

I have had a membership at this gym for a while now.  I have used it sporadically at best.  And, it's been over a month since I've gone.  I found out a couple of days ago that my friend Karen has a membership here too.  She talked me into meeting her at the gym at 9:00 today(She's always talking me into something).  We started out on the elliptical machines.  All was good.  Then, we moved to the treadmills, but most of them were not working or being used.  We couldn't find 2 together, so she talked me into doing weights.  Another one of her friends was there and would show us what to do.  I've done weights before, but it's been a LONG LONG time.  Again, all was good, until we did some work on the hamstrings.  That's when it killed me.  It's funny, because I thought I would have trouble with the arms, but it turned out to be the legs that were hard for me.  

It actually wasn't too bad at the time, but about an hour after I got home I started to feel it.  My legs have been so sore all day.  Maybe I should have actually stretched BEFORE we did weights.  We did do a lot of stretching after, but I think by then it was too late.  

The next time I see Karen, I'm going to kick her.  Just Kidding Karen (maybe).

No, actually it was good for me.  I need to be working out more, and I'm not going to give up just because I have sore legs.  

It is time

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd - 2008

It is time.  Brian dragged in the box for me from the garage.  He has done his part by putting the lights on the roof.  Now I get to do the tree.

I'm starting to get a little bit excited.  I LOVE christmas.  Woo hoo!

Saturday

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd - 2008

Today Brian did this:

While I cleaned out this:
All in all, it was a pretty productive day.  

Twilight

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21st - 2008

Today I saw Twilight, twice.  Not because I loved it so much, it's just that I went with my mom and Stacy this morning, and then tonight I went for girls night out.  We had already bought the tickets, and I wanted a night out with the girls.  This morning as I was at the movie, I couldn't stop from giggling.  My mom asked what was so funny.  It reminded me of a B movie.  I don't know how to explain it, other than it reminded me of a movie you'd see on MST3000. 

 For those of you who have seen MST3000, you will know what I am talking about.  For those of you who haven't, It's a show about a guy and his robot sidekicks who are trapped on a satellite in space by an evil scientist and forced to watch a selection of terrible movies (B movies).  To keep sane, the guy and his robots make a running commentary on the film, making fun of its flaws and wisecracking their way through the film (thank you wikipedia for help defining MST3000).  I guess I just had some wisecracks going through my mind throughout most of the film.  It wasn't supposed to be funny, but I thought it was.  

Tonight I saw it a second time with some friends.  I have to admit, I liked it better the second time, and I didn't giggle once.  High points of the film for me:  I liked who they cast for Bella, Charlie and Emmet.  I didn't really like who they cast for anyone else.  I guess Jacob was ok.  We'll see how good his acting is in the next movie, he's going to have a much bigger role in New Moon.   Low points:  It just didn't fit with the vision I had in my head AT ALL.  I also felt like they dummed it down a little to appeal to the teenage crowd at the expense of developing some of the characters.  They left out my 2 favorite conversations in the book almost completely.  And, they totally botched up the meadow scene, which was in essence, the whole reason Stephenie Meyers wrote the book.  She had a dream about the scene in the meadow, and that started it all.  On a side note- did you all catch Stephenie's cameo in the movie?

Ok, enough about the movie.  Let me know what YOU thought about it.  Even though the movie wasn't my favorite, how can you go wrong with a night out with the girls?

Afterwards we went to Chili's for dessert and to hang out.  It was a fun night.

White elephant service

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20th - 2008

My friend Karen talked me into going to our ward's enrichment activity tonight.  I think in all the time we've been a ward, I've only gone twice (bad, I know) and both times it's because she MADE me go.  I'm a total home-body, but you know what?  Both times I had fun.  

Tonight's activity was a service white elephant game.  I'm sure you all know how to play white elephant.  Except, instead of a small gift to open, people have written a service they are willing to provide.  I liked this idea.  Nobody is going home with a plastic cup with a glove in it, or an autographed picture of Patrick - 2 presents that seem to show up EVERY year at our family Christmas white elephant.  I have to say, I secretly love the idea of that autographed picture though.  

So, because Karen said she would write down my service for me and put some candy with it, and wrap it for me, I said I would go.  It was pretty fun, although I would have liked to see some more fighting going on.  These ladies were very polite.  The service I ended up with actually had 3 different choices on it.  I think I'm going to pick the chocolate covered strawberries.  Yum!

Have you seen me?

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19th - 2008

HAVE YOU SEEN ME? :

Today I went to my mom's to get a start on her outside Christmas lights.  I spent the morning cleaning out her Christmas closet.  There is WAY more junk in there than there should be.  I know I cleaned it out last Christmas.  What happened?  I finally lugged the 5 boxes upstairs, ready to start.  But, where is the staple gun?  Every year we run into this problem.  I look EVERYWHERE and cannot find it.  I'm starting to think it's a conspiracy or something.  Maybe Laura has secretly hidden it so she can FINALLY beat me at putting the lights up first this year (she did too, dang it!). 

 So, instead of putting up lights, I spent the early afternoon playing with Addy and Ro.  Addy was so cute today too in her "Fancy Nancy" dance skirt.  She had come right from dance class, and she looked adorable.  Can you believe I didn't take a picture?  I think I was too distraught about the staple gun.  Any way, I gave up.  I left to pick up Joe from school.  I got a call late this afternoon saying that my dad had located a staple gun. 

So,  I go back over, and it IS a staple gun, but it is not THE staple gun.  The one he found was ancient and rusted and freakin' hard to use.  I'm not superwoman here.  So, I got 2 whole strings on the house before I gave up.  I guess I'll have to breakdown and buy another one.  It seems like I do that every year.  Where is this black hole that is sucking up my staple guns?  Anyway, 2 strings down, 18 or so to go.

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18th - 2008

It's beginning to smell like Christmas at our house.  Today I put the sugar and spice candle on the candle warmer and the whole house smelled like gingerbread.  It was awesome.  

So, here is my problem:  Gingerbread is my favorite Christmas candle smell.  The problem is I can't find it anywhere this year.  Bath and Body Works discontinued their sugar and spice.  I wasn't too upset because I bought the best gingerbread candle I have ever smelled last year at Illuminations.  I went back this year to get another one and guess what?  Discontinued.  Now I'm upset.  

I need help.  Does anyone know where to buy a great gingerbread candle?  And I mean ones that smell like ACTUAL gingerbread - not the ones that SAY they are gingerbread and then they just smell like Cinnamon.  I DO NOT like Cinnamon smelling candles.  If you know of a place to get one, please let me know.  I'm desperate.  I'm down to my last Sugar and Spice candle that I bought last year.  Help.

Back to reality

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17th - 2008

It's back to reality today.  After missing 3 days of school last week, Joe had a TON of work to make up.  Most of it was math - yuck!

Coming Home

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16th - 2008

Today we packed it up and headed home.  I had to take one last picture from the patio of our hotel room before we left:

I love Mission Beach SO much.  I secretly wish that we had spent our whole vacation here.  But, Brian and Joe love Disneyland waaaay too much.  At least I got to stick my toes in the sand for a little while.  We were all sad to leave.  But, we eventually made it back to AZ:

Tomorrow it's back to reality.

Leaving L.A.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15th - 2008

This was the view from our hotel this morning when we woke up:

This was the view around 12:00 when we were checking out:

Up until today there had been 2 fires burning in California.  One was near Santa Barbara (not too close to us), the other was in the San Fernando Valley (a little closer, but still, not too bad).  However, 3 new fires broke out this morning.  One in Corona (to the east), One in Brea, and One in Yorba Linda (both to the northeast).   The Santa Ana winds have been blowing fiercely, combine that with high heat and extremely low humidity, and it is a disaster waiting to happen. The 3 new fires were all very close to Anaheim, and the air quality got very nasty very fast.  In fact, when we stepped out of our room into the lobby, you could smell the smoke and see ash in the air.  And that was while we were still INSIDE the hotel.  Outside it was much worse.    We had planned on Spending the day at Newport Beach.  We weren't supposed to check out until Sunday.  Instead, we packed it up and moved on down to San Diego.   It took us a little over an hour to get there.  By 2:30 we were on Mission Beach (way better than Newport anyway!).  Brian and I got to see the sunset on the beach.  It was awesome.  The best part was - no ash.

By the way, the sun set at 4:45 p.m.  What is the point of daylight savings time?  Who wants the sunset at 4:45.  It's very strange to me.  

Highlight of the day:  The spectacular sunset.  Having a hotel patio that looked out over the ocean.  Also, Brian took the boys out to dinner and I got the hotel room to myself.  

Last day at Disneyland

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14th - 2008

Today Joe FINALLY decided to try Maliboomer.  Xander has been wanting him to try it since the first day.  It's a good thing there was no line, we got him on it before he could change his mind.  Of course, he loved it.  I think they rode it 5 times today.  

We also got to try the Toy Story ride today.  It was our longest wait of the day - 25 minutes.  It was so worth it.  I loved it, it was awesome.  So much fun.   Today was unusually hot.  The high in Anaheim was 94 degrees.  It was also fairly crowded.  Hot and crowded - not my favorite combo.  We decided to break up the day and go to downtown disney for a movie.  Here are the boys waiting for the monorail to come.

We went and saw Madagascar 2.  The boys really liked it.  The penguins, of course, make the show.  It was a good thing we took a break.  Brian felt a migraine coming on.  He ended up taking 2 imitrex.  He staved off the headache, but the pills left him feeling a little funky.  After the movie we went back to Disneyland to catch the fireworks show.  It is so great.  Brian sat on a bench in front of the castle for 2 hours to save us seats.  I went on rides with the boys.  Sadly, the show ended up being cancelled.  The Santa Ana winds had picked up and it was too windy to safely put on the fireworks show, so they cancelled it.  Joe was sad to leave.  He loves Disneyland so much.  

Highlight of the day:  Going to see Madagascar.  After 3 days of constant walking it felt so good to get off our feet.  It was also great to get out of the heat of the day.  It's mid November, for pete's sake.  It's not supposed to be 94 degrees. 

California Adventure

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13th - 2008

We spent today at California Adventure.  The boys favorite rides are there so we just stayed there the whole time.  I picked 2 favorite pictures today:

Xander got Joseph to try a new ride today.  I'm not sure what it is called.  But, it's the big Orange with the swings inside.  Joe loved it.  I like this picture because it reminds me of when Joe was 3 and I would push him on the swings at my mom's house.  He'd always stick his arm out and pretend that he was flying.  He usually had on a cape that would fly out behind him too. How did he grow up so fast?

We took it easy today.  We all had tired feet, so we left the park around 4:00 and we went back to the hotel to chill out.

Highlight of the day:  Watching Joe and Xander on the swings.  Also, room service.

Dizz Knee Land

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th - 2008

Today, after we ate our wonderful FREE breakfast at Embassy Suites (I should get paid for advertising for them), we got in the car, turned on Dada's "Dizz-Knee-Land" and headed into the park.  Joe is all about tradition, and because we played that song for him one time on the way to Disneyland, we now have to play it EVERY time.  Even though the Christmas season hasn't officially started, it was all decked out with Christmas stuff, and Christmas music was playing.  Brian was really happy about that.  Here are the boys at the entrance of California Adventure:

We started off at Disney land, and as Joe is all about tradition, we had to do space mountain first.  That is the Disneyland rule.  However, this was my very favorite picture of the day:

We spent the first half of the day at Disneyland.  Even though it seemed crowded, the lines were not bad at all.  I think our longest wait was maybe 10-15 minutes.  Some rides like Buzz lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and The Haunted Mansion were all walk ons. We LOVE the Haunted Mansion this time of year.  It's all decorated like "The Nightmare Before Christmas", which we LOVE, of course.  Here are Joe and Alex in front of our favorite shop at Disneyland.
Finally, after lunch we decided to head over to California Adventure.  Alex was DYING to ride Maliboomer.  It's his favorite ride and it was all he could talk about all day.  In fact, we finally had to ban the word "Maliboomer."  We finally made it over there.  He was happy.  It was a walk on too.  I think he rode it 5 or 6 times.  Brian and I took turns going with him.  Brian enjoyed it too.  You just can't see him in the picture because they kept getting seated in the back, and I couldn't get a shot of him.  

California Adventure closed at 6:00 so we headed back to Disneyland to catch the "Fantasmic" show.  It's Joe's favorite.  The boys had bought a couple of magic tricks earlier in the day, and they kept the kids around them entertained while we waited for the show to start.  It was a LONG, but fun day.  

I took a lot more pictures, but I am going to let Joe use most of them on his blog, so be sure to check it in the next few days for more fun pictures and Joe's take on our trip.

Highlight of the day:  For me, it was Tower of Terror.  It is the best ride ever.  For Xander it was Maliboomer, for Joe it was Screamin' and for Brian, I think it was the giant Christmas tree at Disneyland,the Christmas music, and the fact that he wasn't at work.

Going Back to Cali

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11th - 2008

Today we packed up the car, picked up Xander and headed back to California.  Joe has been counting the days.  We had year round passes to Disneyland this past year.  They were set to expire November 15th, so we had to make one last trip before they expired.  This was my favorite shot of the day:

Joe actually slept in the car.  He NEVER does that.  In all the trips that we've taken over the years, he never sleeps.  When he was a lot younger he used to ask every 5 minutes:  "Are we there yet?  How much longer?"  You know the drill.   I used to tell him that the time would go by faster if he would sleep, but he never would.  That's why when I looked back and saw this, I had to take a picture of it.

Also, part of the trek to California includes the dinosaurs.  We always have to stop here, even if it's just for a minute.
We finally made it to Joe's favorite place on Earth (his words, not mine).  That would be the Embassy Suites, Anaheim South.  You know, the one with the lion.  If you don't know then check out Joe's blog.  He blogged about it a while back.  To get there click on the link for Our Family Page and then click on the link to Joe.

That night we made a trip to Target (how would I survive without it?).  Then we headed to Outback Steakhouse for dinner.  Then back to the hotel.  It's all good!

Highlight of the day:  All four of us singing loudly along to "My Town".  For some reason, that is our California song.  It usually reminds me of Mission Beach, but it worked for Anaheim too.

Kung Fu Panda

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10th - 2008

Joe and I went to Target after school and bought Kung Fu Panda.  We loved this movie.  If for nothing else, watch it for the dream sequence at the beginning of the movie.  It's great!

Michael came over tonight and watched it with Joe.  Good times!

Vacuum Help

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9th - 2008

My vacuum sucks, and not in the way it should.  I need help.  I am currently looking for a new vacuum.  The problem is, how do you know what's worth your money, and what's not?  Take this vacuum for instance: 

It worked great when I first got it.  But it sure didn't last very long.  I don't mind spending money on something as long as I know it's going to work and last a while.  I hate spending the money and then realizing you bought  a piece of junk.  The problem is, you don't know you're getting junk until after you already buy it.  So, I'm asking all of you out there, what is a good vacuum that works, and will last a long time?  Or, tell me which vacuums are junk, so I don't buy them.  Help me!

Soccer, Arsenic and Old Lace

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th - 2008

Today was busy for Joe and I.  This morning we went to Max's soccer game.  I usually try to be the good aunt and make it out to my nephew's sporting events, but I have to admit, this soccer season, I haven't been to ANY games.  Earlier in the season it was just too hot.  Also, it's hard for me to make early games on Saturday morning.  I stay up waaay too late Friday night.  I know, excuses, excuses.  So, Joe and I decided to go see Max play (Sorry Alex, 8:00 a.m. was just too early for me).  It was worth it, and I totally wanted to kick myself for not making it out to more of them.  Isn't he the cutest soccer player ever?

Here he is in action:  
Joe was happy because his friend Nate from school happened to be at the soccer fields, so he had someone to hang out with.  We were going to stay for Ben and James' game, but I realized that I had to get Joe home and feed him lunch before we headed off to Kaitlin's (I have been spelling it wrong) play.  

Today was the last showing of "Arsenic and Old Lace".  Kaitlin is one of Adam's friends (see October 27th post).  My mom, Adam, Joe and I went to see her in it.  She played Elaine (for any of you who have seen the movie).  She did such a good job.  I was worried that Joe might not enjoy the show because he doesn't really know the story, and there is a lot of dialog.  I thought it might be a little over his head, and that he wouldn't get the humor, but he totally did.  He has the best laugh. 

 Here is Kaitlin with "Teddy" and "Dr. Einstein"(who happened to be Joe's favorite characters in the play).  
I love old movies - especially anything with Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant.  "Arsenic and Old Lace" stars Cary Grant.  He is so great in it.  It was fun to go and see the play today.  Now, I'll have to go watch the movie with Joe.  

Chloe

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7th - 2008

While Joe and I were at the birthday party last night, Brian was out buying a new car.  It was time to trade in the old car for something new.  I pretty much let Brian make the decisions when it comes to buying the cars.  I don't really care.  As long as it works, I'm happy.  He ended up getting a Scion.   When my niece Addy saw it for the first time, she said:  "Kimmy, your van is really tiny."  My mom affectionately calls it a clown car.  I happen to LOVE it!  Joe does too. He fell in love with it the minute he saw it.  He loves the exterior, the interior, the color, all of the foot room in the back seat (it is surprisingly roomier than it looks).  He decided the car needed a name.  So, he picked Chloe.  Here are Joe and Chloe:

My mom thinks the names Clyde or Wally are more fitting for a "clown car".  I think we'll stick with Chloe.  

Evan's Birthday

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th - 2008

Today was Evan's 2nd birthday.  Tonight we all went to the park to celebrate.  There were presents, balloons, cupcakes, presents and, best of all, lots of cousins and friends to play with.  It was fun.  Here is the birthday boy:

Isn't he a cutie?

Urgent Care

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th - 2008

I got a call this afternoon from Brian to come pick him up from the Urgent Care by his work.   Poor guy had a severe migraine.  He tried to make it home from work but his blurry vision, dizziness and nausea made it too hard.  He stopped off at Urgent Care.  It took several different medications to get him feeling better.  

Perhaps he was ill from yesterday's election results.  

Poor bunny!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th - 2008

This is the most important thing I did today:

I hope you all did too.

also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little brother Jared.  I hope you had an awesome day!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd - 2008

After school today, Joseph says to me:  "Mom, I got detention at school today."

Me:  "WHAT???  WHY?"

Joseph:  "For bringing these guns to school."

He then starts to flex and show off his muscles.

This totally reminded me of my brother Darrel.  Got your tickets to the gun show?

Oh, I also wanted to mention that Joe updated his blog.  He did his Halloween post and it is pretty funny.  He LOVES to get comments.

Sleepover

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd - 2008

After yesterday's birthday party, we took Joe's cousin home with us so he could spend the night.  What can I say?  They begged, and I'm a sucker.  They are like 2 peas in a pod.  They both love to read, they love music, bionicles, Jack the pumpkin king, etc...  They are also both goofballs.  When I got the camera out to take a picture, they immediately started pulling faces and doing silly poses.  I couldn't get them to even look at me.

This is the closest I could get to a "normal"  - look at the camera and smile - kind of picture.  

They had a lot of fun hanging out today.  

High School Musical & Birthdays

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st - 2008

Today was another busy day.  So, I had promised to take Joe, Michael and Alex to see High School Musical 3.  I know it sounds odd that 3 boys would want to go see that movie, but let me explain.  When I first saw the commercial for the movie I knew I wanted to go see it.  I love musicals.  And I loved the first 2 movies (yeah, I'm still 12- I can't help it).  So I asked Joe if he would go see it with me, to which he promptly responded:  "NO WAY".  I then replied with:  "You know that it's going to be a theater FULL of girls about your age."  Being as girl crazy as he is, he quickly changed his mind.

Then, he invited Michael.  Michael is just as girl crazy as Joe, maybe even more so.  These are the boys that practice their guitar because girls dig guys with guitars.  These are the boys that watch "Drake and Josh" to get tips on how to pick up girls.  Anyway, they hatched up a plan.  We would go to the movie and they would try to find some girls to sit by them.  I was not allowed to sit anywhere near them or act like I know them.  I thought it was hilarious and I NEVER thought they would really approach any girls, so I agreed.  Somewhere along the line, Alex got himself invited to come too.  

So, today was movie day.  We got there early because I knew it would be crowded.  I gave them one rule:  Don't be obnoxious and run around the theater being loud or they would have to come and sit by me (how embarrassing).  I leave them in the theater and I go out to get popcorn and drinks for them.  I'm not allowed to be seen with them, but I am allowed to buy their snacks.  I come back in and Michael rushes over:  "I told a hot girl I liked her shoes.  What do I do now?"  I asked how the girl responded.  Michael said:  "She didn't say anything, but she keeps staring at me."  The "hot" girl happened to have 2 friends with her and they weren't with a parent either.  I told him that he could either ask if her and her friends would like to sit with them, or he could go over to where they were sitting and ask if they could sit there.  

So, they make their way over.  I'm across the theater a couple of rows up watching all this.  Apparently it worked because they boys sat down in the 3 seats next to the girls.  Alex got the lucky seat next to the girl.

After the movie was over, I asked them how it went.  Alex said:  "I offered the girl a red vine, and she took it.  What does that mean?"  I told him it was a good sign.

When I asked Joe how he liked the movie he said he had a great time.  He also said that he didn't watch the movie, he watched the hot girls.  He's only 11.  I may be in trouble here.  As I was not allowed to be seen with the boys, sadly there are no pictures to document this occasion.

After the movie, Joe, Brian and I headed out to the middle of nowhere for a family birthday party.  Imagine driving to Queen Creek and then you keep going for like 20 or 30 more minutes.  Brian's parents and Brian's sister both live out that direction.  Brian's dad's birthday was on October 30th and our nieces birthday is on Halloween, so there was a family party today.  Here is a picture of the birthday girl:

This is the birthday girl with the cutest dog in the world (did I just say that?)...
I am not known for liking dogs, but this one is so cute and sweet.  I kept petting him all night, to which Brian kept asking:  "Who are you?"

All in all, it was a good day.

Happy Halloween

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31st - 2008

Happy Halloween!  Today was busy.  Joe and I had dentist appointments today so I picked him up from school early.  Joe thought it was weird to have a dentist appointment on Halloween, but I thought it would have been worse to have it the day AFTER Halloween.  Anyway, the dentist took a lot longer than I thought it would, so we were running behind schedule.  We hurried to Target and got some supplies for Joe's party tonight.

Somehow, I got talked into letting 4 of his friends come over for pizza, a movie and then some trick or treating.  They actually planned it all at school and then Joe came home and "told" me what their plans were.  I was fine with it.  Joe has some awesome friends.  So everyone met at our house at 5:00.  We watched The Nightmare Before Christmas (of course).  Then around 6:45 we headed out trick or treating.  Here is our group:

Can you guess who Joe is?
...Robert Smith (The Cure) of course!

After the trick or treating, we came back to our house and the boys had to swap candy.  Joe will be updating his blog soon with more Halloween pictures.  Be sure to check it out.  

Pumpkin Carving

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th - 2008

It wouldn't be Halloween without the pumpkin carving.  Usually Joe, Brian and I each do one, but this year, it was just Joe.  I was going to carve one too, but I had so much going on that by the time I went out to get another pumpkin, it was slim pickings.  There was like 2 left and they were small and deformed and I didn't have time to shop around to find a good one.  Thank goodness Brian brought home the "perfect pumpkin" (See Sept. 13th post) over a month ago.  I was worried it would be rotten, but it was fine.  

I gutted it and Joseph carved it.  I kept trying to help him because I like carving pumpkins and I wanted a turn, but he wasn't having it.  He wanted to do it himself.  I think it turned out pretty good.

Also today:  Addy and Ro came over to play a while.  I love those kiddo's.  And, our home teacher came by for a visit tonight and brought Joseph a book.  He knows that Joseph loves to read and he is a librarian and they often have extra books that they give to him.  I thought that was pretty thoughtful and nice of him.  And the book is one I haven't heard of yet, but it looks like it's going to be a good one.  

Happy Day!

Our turn

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th - 2008

So, yesterday we got boo'd.  Today it was our turn to do the booing.  I made up some goodie plates.  I let Joe pick the families we were going to boo.  Then, he got dressed up, all in black of course, and we were off.  Here he is, ready to deliver the goods.

He did the running, I drove the getaway car.  
We had a blast leaving treats.  Joe felt really good about it.  It reminded me of the Christmas that Joe and I played Santa's little helper, and we did anonymous nice things for people.  As a mom, I was happy that he had so much fun doing something for someone else.  

Yesterday it made our day to receive the goodies.  Today it made our day to give them.  Life is good.