Halloween 2012

Halloween is a bizarre holiday if you really think about it: putting on a costume allows you to ask complete strangers to give you candy.

 

 

Still, the kids enthusiasm is quite catching, and who am I to squelch it?

 

And while I used to be one of those who sneered at store-bought costumes, I breathed a sigh of relief to find three costumes at a thrift store for 50% off (Josie was a caterpillar courtesy of  a friend, and Stephen had another plan). 

 

 

We joined up with some neighbors to make the rounds. 

 

 

In all there were 4 ninjas, a knight (complete with helmet made from a foil-covered milk jug), Batman, a red carpet movie star, a caterpillar and a dragon. 

31 Days

Throughout the blogosphere this month, there has been a series of "31 Days."

I've especially enjoyed 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality, including this quote from day 3:

"Hospitality has roots in the ancient world, where caring for strangers was a matter of life and death....Our modern conveniences have tricked us into thinking we can do this alone.  But the deep ache in our hearts tells us another story."

And then there is 31 Days to Crazy Joy.  Convicting and Encouraging all in one.

It's no coincidence that all this occurred during our own 31 Days of Illness.

It's a slight exaggeration though 2 full weeks of a stomach bug feels a lot like 31 days, and it looks like we'll end the month with a house of colds.

But there have also been many sweet times.  With family.  With neighbors.  With dear friends and their steam cleaners.  With the kids outdoors.  With fellow moms.  And a few moments with my husband.

Little Helpers

Our floor was becoming a little too crunchy for my liking, and in the midst of recent illness, the children had neglected their chores.  When I announced we were going to vacuum, a chorus of little voices shouted, "I want to!  I want to!" So I explained that someone could vacuum the dining room and the other could choose the kitchen. 

"Jonathan, what do you want to vacuum?"

"Cwumbs!"

Jonathan Turns 3

 

Even when this boy is under-the-weather, he can still put on a great smile.

 

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

Shape Up, Blogger!

Everywhere from everyone we are told that technology makes our lives easier; that x-gadget will improve your life dramatically; that a fruit-labeled device will make you tall, thin and happy.

It certainly hasn't been my experience lately. 

"Third-time is a charm"  (and I can personally attest to the pain-free exchange process at Best Buy) when it comes to buying a new computer.  It has been helpful for both playing and learning and even met with Doug's seal of approval.

Other areas, however, are causing me pain.

My external hard drive for instance?  The device that was supposed to keep everything safe?  It is no longer recognized by my computer (maybe they were un-friended) therefore putting four+ years worth of photos in limbo.

And Blogger?  We're still having photo issues (albeit different ones).  I guess it is true that you get what you pay for, but I really was hoping for something more.

So, dear readers, you will have to wait to see The Snail Whisperer in action; to witness the Random Shots from Life; to celebrate a Dear Boy's Birthday.

Maybe someday soon.

Classic

The boys were merrily swinging in the backyard.

Then the tire swing turned.

"Jonathan, what happened to your pants?"

"I pooped a big poop rock in my pants."

Nice.

I'm not even going to imagine what the neighbors are thinking.

Hitting the Jackpot

Stephen:  Hey, Mom, how would you like to win $5,000?

Me:  Ooh, what would I do with all that money?

Stephen:  Well, you'd probably have to buy food to feed us.

Sad thing is, he's probably right.

Overheard

Our neighborhood isn't very diverse which would explain why, when during our afternoon walk we saw a man of color, the boys exclaimed (very loudly, I must say), "Hey, there's the president!" 

Wet Weekend

They look pretty cheerful now.

 

But the scene was quite different when they returned home last night, tired and wet. 

Camping in cold rain is not much fun.