Sunday, October 31, 2010

Practicing for picture day

Jaxon had his school picture day a few weeks ago, and this is us trying to catch the perfect smile.

This is how the dialogue went

“Jaxon, show me how you are going to smile for your picture”

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“Okay, not so crazy-like”

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“Is that how you smile when you are really happy?”

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“Well, show me some teeth still”

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“Ummm, okay, we’re back to crazy.  Just show me how you smile when you think about your birthday in a few days”

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“You know what?  Never mind".”

I can’t wait to see what smile he chose for the actual pictures.

Pumpkin Patch & Carving Pumpkins

I got to go on Jaxon’s Kindergarten fieldtrip to the pumpkin patch .  There is just something so magical about a pumpkin patch.  I love it.  We got to take a hayride out to the pumpkins, and then the kids got to pick any pumpkin they wanted, as long as they could carry it.  IMG_0978

I wasn’t supposed to bring Sage, but I did anyway.  How could I not?  IMG_0980

Yep, I pick this one for sure!IMG_0984

Here’s Jaxon with Mrs. Chambers.  He is loving school,and it’s thanks to this amazing teacher.  Each time I’ve been in his class, I’m amazed at how much control she has over the 24 students.  She really does a fantastic job.IMG_0987 IMG_1000 IMG_0983

Now that we had our perfect pumpkins, we needed to carve them.IMG_1056 IMG_1066

It’s no wonder fall it my favorite season.

3 day Halloween

I sure do love this holiday, which made it especially fun to spend the whole weekend celebrating!  Jaxon had his Harvest Party at school on Friday, and then we went to Jake’s work to see everyone in their fun costumes.  Don’t they look great?  Jake wore his stand-by costume, Clark Kent.  He looks good in it, it works.  IMG_1072

We then headed over to Ihop for their free pancakes.  I even got one for Hazel. image Then we decorated the back of the van and got ready for our ward trunk-or-treat.  But not before taking some super cute photos of the kiddos.

She’s my little caterpillar.  SO stinkin’ cute.IMG_1077 

A very excited witch

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Awesome white ninja

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Sage kept telling everyone that she was the good witch and I was the bad witch. 

Hummm….not sure about that, but I did love our matching tights. 

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So Friday was a definate success.  Next came Saturday.  Sage had a birthday party in the morning, and as soon as that was over we went to the Outlet Mall for trick –or-treating.  It was fun to spend time with friends.  image IMG_1091

We had Halloween pasta for dinner that night.  But that was about it for Saturday.  Oh, and our sweet little Gecko died on Saturday.  Sad. 

Sunday started our with a wonderful Stake Conference, and then a fun Halloween dinner.  Thanks to Darilyn’s post, I didn’t have to come up with any of it on my own.

First we had Mr. Veggie Bones.  I’ve never seen my kids eat so many vegetables.  This will be a halloween tradition for sure.

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We also had mummy dogs, and Jello Ghosts IMG_1099 IMG_1096

And with all those leftover veggies, I made yummy Minestrone soup.  It was fun having Halloween on a Sunday because I felt like I had all sorts of time to make dinner special. 

And the most important part of this crazy holiday…….

The LOOT!

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Hazy liked it best of all! :)IMG_1102

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

(it’s always so nice when it’s over)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Jedi Academy Birthday

I can hardly believe that Jaxon is 6 years old now.  It seems like with each year he just gets kinder and funnier and smarter,  so I suppose losing my little boy has a bit of a silver lining.  But you better believe I miss this little guy.116_1633

He wanted to have a Star Wars party this year, and I was happy to oblige.  There are countless ideas on the internet for just such a party.  It went a little something like this.

The boys arrived and were given their Jedi checklists that had everything they needed to accomplish to become a Jedi Knight on them.  First, though, they fueled up with mini light sabers (pretzel sticks) and Yoda Soda (lime sherbet and sprite). 

The first task was Blaster Training.  The boys loved this one.  We had pictures of “bad guys” on the side of the house, and they each got to take turns shooting them with a Nerf Gun.  Then they had to use the force, and close their eyes while trying to shoot them.  Kind of a different twist on pin the tail.  It was great.IMG_0934

The next task was Jedi Balancing Training.  The boys had to go across the balance beam once, and then go back the other way while carrying an egg on a spoon.  Can you believe that not one of the eight boys dropped it?  I was amazed.IMG_0936 IMG_0938

Next came Jedi Teamwork Training.  This was my favorite.  The grass became lava, and the boys had to work their way across the backyard while only stepping on pieces of cardboard.  It was cute seeing them try and figure out how to work together to get everyone across.  I loved it.

Here' they are just starting out IMG_0939                                                            Halfway done                                                IMG_0942                                                                   All the boys had to be touching the fence.  They took this so seriously.IMG_0943

Our 4th task was Jedi Obstacle Course Training.  I put Jake in charge of this one and he did great.  Lots of climbing through boxes (good thing we still have so many from the move) and stuff like that.IMG_0944

Next up was Jedi Level 1 Light saber Training and Jedi Level 2 Light saber Training.  We used a black light in the garage, and I found these awesome light up “light sabers” from the dollar tree that the kids used to keep a balloon up  (level 1) and then pop bubbles without hitting anyone else (level 2).  IMG_0946

After they had checked off everything on the list we came inside and I awarded each kid with this jedi certificate

Then we had cake and ice cream.  Jaxon was very specific on the kind of cake he wanted.  He told me NO fondant.  I just think it’s funny that he knows so much about cakes, that he call tell me he wants just buttercream frosting. :)  The cake was HARD to make, but the past couple of years I’ve sort of slacked off on his cakes, so I wanted this one to be just what he wanted.  I think it turned out pretty cute in the end.IMG_0927 IMG_0949

5 out of the 7 guests had Bronco shirts on.  Can you tell I live in Boise now? IMG_0950                                 The kid next to Jaxon is his new best friend.  His name is Ian, and they play every day at recess.  It’s so fun to see my little guy making friends at school.

Last, but not least, was present time.  When the party was over I asked Jaxon what his favorite part was, seeming as I had just thrown an awesome party, and he said it was the presents.  Figures.IMG_0953

All this happened on Saturday, but his real birthday was Monday so he got an extra celebration.  He got to take cupcakes to school, we went bowling, out to dinner, and then opened more presents that night.  Papa Joe even got him a real bow and arrow. IMG_0963

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Overall, I think his 6th birthday was a good one. 

This kid is one of the best.  Almost every day he helps me become better.  He has such charity for every person in his life, and just only wants to do good.  He’s smart, so funny, and a pleasure to be around.  He always asks in his prayers to help his mom and dad know how much Jesus loves them.  I mean, come on!  He’s helpful, he is a wonderful big brother, even when Sage is beating up on him.  He loves to draw lately, and loves all things science.  He is having a great time in Kindergarten, and is learning to read.  He brings so much joy into my life, and I am so grateful that I was trusted to care for this precious child of God.  IMG_0973

I love you Jaxon.