Pajama Boy, Taylor Swift, and the only brown dodge Caravan in town with ...two dents!

Wow is it really the end of October?   Really?      The weather sure hasn't been acting like it is- we've been spoiled with beautiful temperatures that have made up for the chilly summer we had.   At least I for one have forgiven whoever it is that plans the weather.  This has been nice!   I think the only indication to me  that October is almost over is the awareness that one of our most favorite holidays EVER is quickly approaching.   Well..I for one, think it is one of the Best Holidays ever and the kids seem to agree with me.  

We've narrowed down what each of the kids are going to dress up as, and more then once I have seen them running around the cul-de sac dressed up as if it was already Halloween night.  Several times in the past couple of weeks I have looked out the window to see  Spider man, A witch, a princess and their neighborhood friend walking from door to door with hands full of some sort of treat they collected.    Our neighbors are just too darn nice!

Only when you are young and cute can you get away with Trick or Treating multiple times throughout the month!

I'm still trying to sort out the logistics of John's Halloween costume.   Every year he tells me that he doesn't care what he goes as...but this year he had an idea that I actually think would be perfect for him.  It's right up his alley.     I should really just let him go with it and create the costume himself- but I made that mistake this past week when his school had a "pajama day."     I sat back and watched as he went to school looking like this:

Actually I didn't sit back and just watch.  I tried to stop him - I honestly did.   However, when John first began teaching, years ago,  he decided that his personal dress standard would entail a tie and dress shirt each day.     Apparently this rule applies always...even on Pajama Day!!!     (For the record, I know John looks a little bit annoyed to be having his picture taken but that is only because I told him I was going to post it on the blog and humiliate him!  Bwahahahah!)    

Oh I LOVE this man, I really do.     But I'm officially designating myself in charge of his Halloween costume.   Believe me -there will be NO TIE involved!!!!     Stay tuned.....


Other news to report:  

 Brent and Rachel came out on Friday for a few hours and it was so fun to visit with them.    It is crazy to think that Rachel is about to have a BABY!!!      And can you believe it?  At 9 months pregnant...Aunt Rach and Uncle Brent took my kids golfing!!!!     Alright, actually they just took Abby and Sam golfing.  (Like I'd allow Rach to take ALL my kids.   She's about to have a baby for goodness sake!)     Sam officially has found a new best friend in Brent, despite the fact that Sam continuously calls him "dumb Rat!"   I think it has become a term of endearment really, and I admit, I allow it- because really Brent eggs him on.   Thanks Brent and Rach!


I am happy to report that I cleaned my house this week AND baked cupcakes!!!     I'm going to take that as a sign that life is beginning to feel more normal.     John was happy to discover that for the first time in four months- the fresh baked smell that wafted through the house did not come from a Scentsy candle for once.   He hugged and kissed me and acted like I was superwoman or something.    And that is when I vowed to never stop baking ever again.   Ever.    


Oh yes and I must share this story with you.     Abby came to me a few weeks ago and reported that Taylor Swift is her new favorite Rock Star!   I laughed out loud at that because I have not heard her ever speak of Taylor Swift before, nor have I ever heard her refer to someone as a Rock star.   In fact,  as far as I knew- she still loved the Wiggles.    Well over the past couple of weeks I have caught Abby several times singing one of Swift's songs.  

One day as I heard her sing, I decided to be a nice mom, and pay her a compliment.
 I said, "Wow Abby.  You sound really good."  (which, by the way, she didn't)
Abby replied.  "I know.   I totally sound just like the real Taylor Swift.  Even Ava and Mya think so."

Well that was it.   Since then, I've made it my mission to capture Abby's prize winning rendition on video.    Because, you know, it is going to be important to show something like this right before her first date or at her wedding or during some future family reunion when her own kids will be able to sit back and laugh at her.     I imagine we will get a kick out of this for years and years ...and YEARS to come.      


Well that's pretty much been our week.  I know that it might appear as thought I've spent the week making fun of my family, but seeing as I still can not walk normally AND I put TWO dents in our van this week...

....I'm all about highlighting whatever takes the attention off of me.



Enough said.

HAPPY SUNDAY!


ABBY SINGING IN THE SHOWER: