Halloween 2017

So Halloween was a little bit different last year. The night before our very packed and exciting day Mia came down with pink eye.   I was not optimistic that the day was going to be a happy one for all involved, but tried to change my attitude. We have a friend in the ward who is an ophthalmologist (Brother Bowman) and he called Mia in a prescription after Jon sent him a picture of her goopy eyes. We started the drops that night (knowing that once she was on them for a day she'd no longer be contagious) and were reassured that if she stayed quarantined during the day she'd be fine to go trick or treating in the evening.   

Jon got to go see Lydia perform at school with the rest of the first grade in their Halloween concert. She did a great job! And being the sweet and considerate girl that she is, she took off her witch hat so that she wouldn't be blocking any of her classmates. Love her!

Sophie had a great time at her class party. Her teacher said she didn't need any help so we stayed away and enjoyed hearing about it later. Couldn't have gone with Mis'a pink eye anyway! And then she got to come with me to Lydia's. Jon was able to stay home with Mia so I could do what I needed to at school. Being the room mother I got to plan it and we had plenty of support from the other parents. One of the moms volunteered to do face paint but couldn't stay the whole time so I got to fill in for her while she was away. And I tried out my skills on Sophie first. I definitely could use some practice but the kids loved it and the party in general was a smashing success! Two classes and forty some odd kids. I love being in the classroom again! So glad that everything came together.

And the actual trick or treating was the best. As always. Trips to the grandparents to start the evening. Late afternoon, actually. Nothing terrifying happened at either grandparents. Which was a bit of a shock and rather unusual after previous years encounters. And Uncle Tophe offered to watch the house. So nice that we could all go out together! Mia kept saying, "This is fun!" after trick or treating at each house. Until she didn't.  And then she let us  know that we could go home at any time. But seriously, getting candy from neighbors?! Is there anything better than that?!! Soph refusing gloves and running ahead leading the way. Always our fearless leader! Pretty sure her hands felt like ice when I finally got to see how she was doing. Lydia hesitating at every single home. "Do they have a dog???" So. Slow. Going.  The dog fear was real. But the girls really like the Waters dog Granger. Liked, I should say. We asked TJ about Granger and if she'd been put in a room for the night so she wouldn't run out when trick or treaters came. And that's when we found out that poor Granger had passed away. Hopefully we didn't make things too awkward! And Lydia survived the rest of the night. Always hesitating at each door until she knew she wasn't going to be surprised by a barking dog. Mia saying, "daddy! Swedish fish are not sour!" Soph's cat Midnight joined us for the evening and Soph insisted on going to the Greens after each house. She kept riding her broom from house to house. Hat's flying off every ten feet. Bowman's checking in on Mia to see how she was doing. I love our neighbors and neighborhood! Such a fun night!

 And just because I can't resist. Let's talk about our pumpkin carving for a minute. Sophie's sweet Primary teachers (Brother and Sister Hayes) gutted pumpkins for her and her entire Primary class. Soph told me how she wanted the face to look and I went to work. I know I'm not a pro. Jon is. And he's had so much fun letting the girls choose which Halloween picture they want transferred onto their pumpkins. And they always look so professional! But this year we had an extra unaccounted for pumpkin that was gifted to us and I went to work on it. 

Basically it's a reject. A total reject. Poor guy wants to be part of the cool kids. But as you can see he's separated from the others by Sophie's broom. He's not sitting in front of any of our girls. Can we just talk about this for a minute? It would seem that everything I put my hand to turns to dust. Or just sadness. Jess tried to make me feel better by saying he's the cute goofy pumpkin friend. So sweet. 

I'm going to tell myself that...  But let's be honest, Jon and I just about died laughing at my goofy pumpkin reject next to his professionally carved masterpieces. And he didn't even get out all his cool carving tools for these beauties!

Lydia and her tender heart

 In early September of last year when Hurricane Harvey hit Lydia came home telling us that her teacher, Mrs. Eskelsen, was a hurricane survivor. The school had told the students about what was happening in Houston and Lydia told me, nearly in tears, as we walked home about a woman walking in muddy water with her dog on her shoulders. She said that the homes and the cars were full of water. She described images she'd seen of muddy water and the streets being full of it and people losing their homes because things were so bad.

The school was collecting stuffed animals for the kids who had lost so much in addition to collecting money so that they could raise funds for a particular school in Houston. Lydia wanted to be a part of it so much. She ran right upstairs when we got home with a Ziplock back, determined to fill it up with the coins in her piggy bank. She said she'd promised her teacher and that it was her money and that these poor kids needed it so badly. She found two stuffed animals she wanted to donate. And she couldn't stop her tears while she talked about it and how she needed to donate to both the BYU and Utah bins so that it would be fair. The school was making the donations a competition by letting the kids choose which school to donate to including Utah State. And seeing as we cheer for both the Y and the U how could Lydia possibly choose?? So we sent her with some money (not her piggy bank collection) and she donated to both schools.

After the Houston fundraiser discussion in class Lydia went up to Mrs. Hilton and said, "I really like all my stuffed animals." So Mrs. Hilton told her, "it's okay sweetie, you don't have to give any of them away." And Lydia stood there for a minute and said, "no. I do. Those kids need them more than I do." So Mrs. Hilton told her she would love to take her home with her and Lydia said, "that's what Miss Shelley said last year!" I love this little girl and her tender/giving heart. And I'm glad her teachers love her too!

 On picture day she dressed up in a pretty flower dress with a white flower in her hair. I curled her hair and she was all set to go. When I picked her up from school both the secretary and one of her teachers told me that she had a scare with a bee. And she was pretty upset about it. So I asked her about it. And she said, "Mom! I can't ever wear this dress again! The bees totally thought I was a flower and landed on me!" It was definitely a little traumatizing for her. She didn't even want to put flowers in her hair after that. Not that I blame her. Bees are not my favorite either and if we can keep our distance from each other, so much the better!

Back to the fundraiser. Lydia ended up bringing in a stuffed animal each day the donations were being collected that first week. It made her so happy to think that some poor kid who had been through so much would get to have a little something to cheer him or her up. I hope she stays so positive and kind and generous always!

Mia. Cut. Her. Hair.

Oh I love this pic. Wish that it weren't blurry but she clearly wasn't cool with me taking her picture. On December 7th this little lady got he hands on a pair of scissors. I'd left my sewing kit out when I should have just taken it back upstairs to the craft closet where it belongs. Anyway, I didn't actually notice at first. I cleaned up the ribbon she'd played with and put back the pieces of my tape measure she'd chopped up, and apparently picked up pieces of her hair that didn't register with me in the moment.

When questioned about her hair and what happened, she claimed that Mr. Nobody did it. Because it sure as heck wasn't her. Sophie wasn't responsible and Lydia's alibi of being at school checked out. I laughed pretty hard about it and Jon pointed out that those pieces of hair I'd gathered up were clearly Mia's. If I'm being honest she actually did a really good job. It could have been so much worse. And once her bangs grew out a little longer they were really cute. I like that look on her. Not that I want her trimming her bangs on her own. Or ever again for that matter, but like I said. It could have been worse. So grateful she didn't take the scissors to her sisters hair or poke herself in the eye. Love her! Despite her need to handle sharp objects!

Labor Day

September 4th, Labor Day. Hiking up Baer Canyon. Adam's was super packed so we decided to venture somewhere else. And it was awesome! So beautiful and fun to get out. However, the point needed to be made that, "There are no bears here!!!!" Our cute, sensitive, easily frightened little ladies had some concerns. But overall I think everyone had a great time!

Afternoon with the Princesses

A good friend of mine told me about this festival with the princesses. It was on September 16th and sounded so fun! Jon and I read about it and knew the girls would really enjoy it. There was supposed to be a booth (Rapunzel's tower) where little girls could donate their hair and that was our biggest motivation in going. How cool to donate your hair in a Rapunzel tower! And Sophie was ready and excited. Turns out they discontinued that option. The tower was still there but not for hair donations. Just for getting all dolled up. We were a bit disappointed, but still enjoyed meeting the characters.

 The girls took a princess test and found out that Lydia is most like Snow White (or possibly Rapunzel because both of them love animals) and Sophie is most like Ariel. For sure the love for animals landed Lyds there and Sophie's favorite princess is most decidedly Ariel, but that was fun anyway. Mia chose a Moana pin but kept her distance from the fortune tellers.

 Besides pulling the sword from the stone the girls got to make magic wands and search for buried treasure. They also got to put nice notes into the wishing well for a little boy with cancer. It was really great to see all the love and support shown him and of course the girls loved writing/ coloring pictures for him and being a part of it..

 I find it so interesting that Lydia has always had such a fascination with Maleficent. At first I wasn't sure if she'd be willing to get her picture with her but love that she was! And that woman was so into her role!

 We finished off the day with Chick-fil-A. Always a win. I'm glad to have these pics of Mia since she refused to get any taken with the characters. Maybe if there had been an Olaf.... Despite that we had a great time, and have some fun memories too.

Soph's new do

On October 13th Sophie started the process of donating her hair. She'd been begging to donate it for months and I, admittedly, was the hangup. When it was straight it was below her waist. But those cute curls at the bottom were my favorite!! And yet it was definitely time and she was ready and excited and I'm so proud of her for wanting to pass her locks along to someone who can really benefit from them. I'm still not used to it. And let's be honest. I miss it, but I'm LOVING the new short sassy look.

She looks so little in these pictures! And I can't decide if she looks older or younger with her short hair. Older, I think... Her plan now is to grow it out long again. She wants to donate it once it gets really long, but maybe not cut it so short next time. ;) Love this girl and her great big heart!

Soph's first day of school.

Back to school night was August 31st for Sophie doll. She was super excited about it! It was also the first Utah game so Jon and Lyds went to the game while Sophie, Mia and I hung out and traipsed over to Ms Bonnie's to check out Sophie's classroom. As soon as we got there Sophie met her teacher and we started on a little scavenger hunt so she could find her seat and where she'd hang her backpack, the bathroom and the ABCs to name a few. She got a whole pack of Starbursts as a welcome gift from Ms Bonnie and a cookie to eat on the way out. She saw one of her friends from swimming lessons over the summer and was excited to find out that she'd know someone on the first day!

And then we went home and had a little photo shoot. Mia was cracking me up and Sophie kept coming up with different funny faces. I love how happy she looks in some of these!

And then we jumped on the tramp. And jumped and jumped and jumped! It was so much fun bouncing Soph around with Mia on my hip. We don't do that nearly enough. Sophie got me good a few times and definitely stole my bounces!!

 

And while we were bouncing and playing on the swing set Lyds was posing at the game and enjoying her pretzel. Pretty sure that's her favorite part of going to the football games! And I can't say that I blame her. :)

The Utes won and it was probably because Lydia is lucky. Not really, but for sure when I went they didn't fend so well.

Sophie got a beautiful school blessing from Jon on September 4th. She was blessed to be diligent in her studies, obedient to her teachers, and an example to classmates. She was blessed to be able to reach out to classmates and make friends especially with those who are shy or in need of a friend. "Look to Lydia as an example. As you look to Lydia you'll also be able to strike out on your own and make your own path in those things you're interested in. I bless you to be a good example to Mia. That you can show her how to be obedient to Mom and Dad. Sophie I also bless you with this recent accident that you've had that it won't affect you negatively. That you'll be able to grow from this experience and that you'll be brave and strong in the face of trials in your life. We bless you with health and strength in your life that you can grow and play and do all those things that will be beneficial to you. Soph I bless you with happiness. That you will enjoy that time you get to spend with Mom and Mia at home and that you'll enjoy that time when Lydia comes home and you'll get to spend it with her. I bless with you friendship  in your class. That you'll enjoy being with them. At this time I bless you will all of these things and any others that your Heavenly Father has for you. And the knowledge that He loves you. And that your mom and dad love you so much. Please come to us with any questions you have and know that we are here to support you in all things. That we will be here for you. That you will trust us in all things that you need to talk to us about. And I seal these blessings on you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

When Sophie came home from her first day of school on September 5th she was wearing a Pete the Cat headband that said "I had a Rockin' first day of school!" She liked walking to school with Lydia and dropping her off before she got to go herself. She was worried about me and Mia being on our own but told us to have fun.

And I go back and forth between being excited for her (which I absolutely am) and mourning the fact that she's growing up so fast! Mia and I did some puzzles while we waited for school to end so we could pick up Sophie. Mia is a puzzle queen and it was so amazing to me to find out how great she is at doing puzzles. It was sure a lot quieter around the house, but we had a good time. And we started making cookie dough so that we could all enjoy some warm cookies when both Soph and Lyds were home.  

Sophie told me she had fish crackers for her snack that first day. And every first day of school should end with warm cookies and milk while we hear about all the adventures of the day. Which was exactly what we did!