Making Cookies

Bowen and I made halloween cookies this morning for his preschool party.  He is so excited!  We made sugar cookies that the kids at school will be able to decorate themselves.

Bowen was a big help!

The finished cookies - pumpkins and ghosts.

We're off to preschool!!

Fall Vignettes

Over the past few years I've been trying to slowly purchase seasonal items to decorate our home.  I find I have alot of Christmas items but other seasons are lacking.  I do however have a few things for fall.  I love fall - I think it is probably my favourite time of year (other than Christmas of course).  I love the changing colours of the trees, the cooler weather, the starting back at school and teaching music students.  It feels good to be back into a routine.  I bought these decorations a couple years back when I was having a thanksgiving dinner for my family.

I didn't realize how badly my table needs to be refinished - that looks like a project!

I made my latest fall purchase yesterday.  I found this wreath for under $5.00 - I love a deal!  I tried it in a couple of places, including the front door, but I was worried it wouldn't fair well in the weather.  I loved it on the mirror but couldn't figure out how to hang it.  My brillant husband came up with the solution instantly.  He used a suction cup with a hook (which he happened to have, what are the chances).  So wa la (I have no idea how to spell that) here is my new beautiful fall vignette.

It is hard to capture an image with reflections from the mirror.  You'll have to stop by to see how gorgeous it is in person.

Another Girls Night

I can't believe how lucky I am.  Another girls night for me within the space of 4 days.  I'm maybe taking advantage of my good natured husband.  My cousin Sheri and I went out last night.  We try to get together every couple of months or so, but this time it had been forever.  It was so good to spend some time with her catching up and laughing.  Sheri and I always seem to turn our outings into adventures.  Like the time we were going to Jasper for the weekend and ended up in B.C. (apparently you should pay attention at major intersections).  Or the time we were in England and were walking through Soho late at night in the middle of a Gay Pride Parade.  Well last night we couldn't find anywhere to eat.  We were in a bit of a hurry to make our movie so finally made a decision and stopped at Boston Pizza.  It was okay food but paled in comparison to the food in the movie we went to "Eat Pray Love".  I liked the movie.  Good chick flick - made me laugh and cry.  I hope Sheri and I continue to have many fun adventures together.

Lego

My boys love lego!!  I'm not so sure I'm as big of a fan.  It always seems to be all over the house.  I do like however how they are able to use their imaginations playing with it. 
Here is Bowen's latest creation - A Space Station

Ashton's First Loose Tooth

This past week Ashton lost his first tooth.  It had been loose for a week or so and I didn't think it was anywhere close to being ready to pull.  One morning he went to school.  I picked him up later that day up at the bus stop and he came running off with a tooth shaped necklace with his tooth in it.  He was so excited.  Apparently his teacher Mrs. Howie is famous for pulling the kids teeth and if you lose your first tooth at school you get to bring it home in a special necklace.  (I was a little upset I wasn't there to see his expression.)

He got this special note and money under his pillow from the tooth fairy.  He was sure to show it to his dad and I as soon as he found it - 5:20 A.M.!!!
It was so fun that he was so excited about the whole experience.  I sure love this little boy and am grateful I get to be his mom.

My Favorite Sacrament Meeting

Today was the Primary Presentation in Sacrament meeting.  The kids were all so good and of course adorable.  Ashton did so well.  I had bought he and Bowen new outfits with vests and ties and they looked so grown up and handsome (I'll add a picture later - Jason promises to download the software I need tonight).  Ashton got up to give his part and said it perfectly.  Speaking very clearly and slowly so everyone could understand him, I was so proud.  Bowen did very well too, but he is 4!!  He said the first half of his part infront of the microphone really well and then the last half as he was walking back to his seat.  Bowen was also fixated on the microphone set up off to the side close to him.  Everytime they would get up to sing a song he ran right over and sang into the microphone (which Bro Vance kept turning off, thank goodness) then he would play with the mic.  It was very hard for him to sit still in his seat.  He kept bouncing, getting pretty good air and talking to the little girl sitting beside him.  At one point all I could see were his legs up in the air waving back and forth.  Somehow through all that the sweet message the children were presenting through music and words seemed to come through.  I've always enjoyed primary presentations, but it really is extra special now that my children are involved.  I'm grateful for a program and great teachers that teach my children so much.

I Love Girl Nights

I had a great girls night with my sister on Friday.  We left our combined three children with my fabulous husband (who actually wasn't feeling very well - he deserves a medal) and headed out on our own.  We went to Joey's for supper.  I didn't even mind the wait.  The restaurant was noisy, but it was a different kind of noisy.  Not kid noisy.  We had a fabulous supper.  I had steak with crispy mashed potatoes (ps I love those) and grilled carrots.  After supper we walked around the Chinook Mall window shopping and having so much fun together.  I love spending time with my sister.  I waited 11 years for her to arrive in my life but she's been one of the most important things in it ever since.  Shopping was fun and I gave her many ideas of what I might like for Christmas.  Time well spent!  We then took in a movie.  "Easy A" - I wasn't too sure I was going to like it very much but it was actually quite a fun movie and I enjoyed it alot.  Maybe it was the company.  It is fun having her and her sweet little boy Liam staying with us this weekend.  It's too bad her husband had to stay home to work - but I must admit I kinda like having her to myself.  Here's to many more girls nights.  Don't worry mom we'll invite you next time.

ps.  I promise pictures are coming soon!!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

So I asked Bowen the other day if he was the tallest at preschool - to which he replied "no, one of the teachers is"

A couple of weeks ago Bowen was mad at his Dad and I for asking him to do something he didn't want to do.  As he stomped down the hall we overheard him muttering under his breath "dumb, dumb, dumb, everything is dumb - except cookies, I love cookies".

I was watching TV and at the end of a show it said - this show has been taped in front of a live audience - to which Bowen responded "well I'm glad it was an alive audience, a dead one would be weird".

I love this age.  Ashton has outgrown it a bit and I wish I'd had written down all the things he has said.  My mom is always telling me that I should.  I'm finally being obedient.  Moms really do know best!

Baaaaa Baaaaa

So I'm finally following the herd and have decided to start a blog.  Bare with me as I figure this all out.