Favorite Costumes to Date

The children are usually very creative with their costumes, and when one of them has a great idea the rest jump right on board. About 5 years ago they were all dinosaurs and won a costume contest at a little party they went to! They were ADORABLE!

However, my favorite costumes of all time that they children have worn would have to be last year's Christmas ensemble. We had Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Max (the Grinches dog). It was a hit!

I can't wait to see all the cute kids come around to get candy this year! Halloween is the BEST!

*My personal Halloween wish is for them to be Peter Pan, and Wendy, John and Michael Darling. There's always next year.... Right?*

Sunday

A Big Saturday

We are about halfway through October now, and our Saturday day jobs haven't been done consistently since summer. Brian and Ethan had to leave the house early to get to his away game which left the rest of us home for just an hour more before we were off to Kai's. During the hustle and bustle of getting everyone dressed and ready I found these 3 in the sports room watching a show. It was so sweet, but of course it couldn't last long. They needed to get up and GET READY! But it was sweet while it lasted!

 Today the Stallions finished the regular season with a big win to keep them undefeated and to head into the play offs as Division Champs! WHOOOO!

I missed Ethan's game today but just before Kai's game started Brian called me to tell me that Ethan ran for a 50 yard touchdown! I think I died a little inside because I missed it, but I was so proud of him! I knew he would be beaming when I saw him! GO ARROWS!

And after all that fun who wants to do Saturday jobs? NOT ME! HA Maybe next week!

Beef Stroganoff

My new rule of thumb for dinner time is "if the google calendar has a +5 or higher it is a crock pot night!"

One of my families all time favs is Beef Stroganoff. I meant to take a picture of it the other night when we ate it, but it was a +5 day and naturally I forgot.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Chuck Stew (We eat about 2.5 lbs, but you could make less)
1 large onion sliced
1 package of Mushrooms sliced (I love mushrooms so I put more)
2 cans Condensed Golden Mushroom soup
4 TBS Worcestershire ( I also love this stuff and always add a bit more)
1/2 cups water
8oz cream cheese.

Add everything in the crock pot except the meat and cream cheese. Once all other ingredients are mixed well add the meat and mix some more.

Cook on low for 8 hours. Cut the cream cheese up into cubes and add 15 minutes (or so) before you area ready serve. Make sure everything is mixed together really well!

Eat over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Looking forward to getting some more Crock Pot ideas over here.

Bye Grandma

This morning our fun with Grandma had to come to an end! Until next time. 

Tom Sawyer, Is That You?

 When I give Elle her baths I roll up my pants and get in the tub with her so I am able to easily reach her. Tonight Kai was helping me and decided he need to roll up his pants and get in also. After the bath was over and Elle was dressed and ready for bed I looked over at Kai. I started laughing because he reminded me of what Tom Sawyer probably looked like! HA He wasn't as amused as I was and didn't give me a good picture, but you get the idea!

Bath Time

To date Elle has not enjoyed her bathes. But tonight for the first time not only did she not cry the WHOLE time she was in the bath, but she didn't cry ONCE! I am not sure what the difference was but it was a nice change of pace! HA It cracks me up that she has her hands in fists the whole bath.

During the whole bath Kai and Luke stood by the tub saying ,"you can do it Elle. Don't cry. You can do it. Almost done. You can do it!" They are so helpful and love her so darn much!

She is the cutest little thing and I just love her to pieces!

General Conference

I posted this picture on Instagram during General Conference with the caption, "Is it Christmas or is it General Conference?" A friend of mine commented and said "It is Mormon Christmas!" and I couldn't agree more. 

 While we were listening it occurred to me that during last Octobers General Conference Brian and I were praying hard to know if there was another baby for our family. There was a specific talk on children that we felt was a direct answer to our fasts and prayers. What a blessing it is in our lives to hear from living prophets the things that our loving Father in Heaven would have us know. He knew our hearts and the concerns we had. He prepared this talk for us, and in doing so eased our concerns and reminded us of His great plan.

Today, a year later, we are enjoying the confirmation to our year long prayers to know what was right for our family. We listened as we loved on this beautiful baby girl who Brian and I only dreamed about in July 2011 while visiting the temple we were sealed in. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. It truly answers life's questions of where we came from, what we are doing here, and where we are going.

Soregel's with Grandma

Today for lunch we headed out to show Grandma one of our favorite places, Soregel's. I guess everyone else had the same idea that I did because it was PACKED! It was a beautiful day. We walked around outside for a while before heading in for lunch.

I didn't get any pictures of Elle at Soregel's but here she is after we got home. She looks so worn out after her first trip to Soregel's. Everyone was ohhing and ahhhing over her sweetness, and I have to say I agreed with everyone of them! She is so darn cute!

Ethan & Elle

This picture of Elle cracks me up! HA She must be just as exhausted as I am! 

  Ethan has been disappointed with his snuggling time with Elle lately. Between school, homework, piano, and football he doesn't get to hold her much. So tonight he stayed up a little later then usual to enjoy some Elle time. Of course the second I brought out the camera she started fussing! But I think Ethan was happy with the extra time he got with her tonight. She is so very lucky to have such great brothers and sister. 

Lipstick and Nail Polish

Luke is at it again! This afternoon I had a YW presidency meeting here at the house. These aren't Luke's favorite things especially if there is no food involved, but he was so good today. He played toys, and watched a kid show. He even said the closing prayer! After the meeting was over and everyone was leaving I was talking about an upcoming activity we were doing, a Pinterest Party. I was explaining that we were going to be making a craft from pinterest, eating snacks from pinterest, and the girls had the option of trying a new outfit, nail polish technique, hair do, etc from pinterest. Sometime during that conversation Luke disappeared. After I said goodbye to everyone I went to find him and I found him trying out his own pinterest ideas! Oh Lukie! You look so pretty!

One and a Half Hours

Some days around here are so dang busy. Today was no exception. I was running around until 3:30 when we pulled up to piano. I have never been more grateful for 90 minutes to just sit and snuggle my sweet baby. Sure we had to do some homework and I might have broken up a few squabbles, but it was still bliss! Of course at 5:00 it was all over and we were back to the rat race, but I sure enjoyed it while it lasted!