Today's Giggle brought to you by...

Ellie.

Ellie and Owen were running in circles around the living room (yes, the smallest things do amuse around here).  In true Ellie-fashion she began to sing her own songs.  Soon she realized she was singing the Bible verse we had been working on this week as a family. (from a great book recommended by Mary)

Ellie:  Mom! Mom!  Listen:  "A soft answer turns away wrath!"

Mom:  Wow, Elle, you remembered our Bible verse!  Good for you!  Do you remember what it means?

Ellie: Yep, to be quiet!!

Close but no cigar, my dear.  

Ah well, baby steps, eh?

Halloween Survey

Hey, here I am back at the blog!

My good friend, Emily, has helped me with an idea for today...a Halloween survey! Here's goes:

1. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child?
The only costume I remember is the only one we have a picture of in the family album. I was Wonder Woman. I'm pretty sure my mom never let us be something like a current character (not all bad), so being able to buy a costume and wear it was pretty special. Now I don't exactly enjoy putting my kids in the character costumes either. I like the idea of a creative costume or something "timeless.'

2. Least favorite?
Can't remember anything but Wonder Woman. Mom?? Do you remember?

3. Favorite candy?
Ooo. This is a tough one. I heart Milky Way, Kit Kat and those little pumpkins that taste like candy corn.

4. Favorite fall treat that you baked?
I could say that I make these items, but my friends and family know better: Pumpkin bread, another raisin-type bread called "strocook" that my mom makes (I think it's a dutch thing) and all things that have to do with apples and caramel.

5. What age do you think one should stop trick-or-treating?
This is a tough one, because once the boys hit middle school is all blood and guts costumes and I'm pretty sure I've had kids who show up at the door dressed up as middle schoolers. So my vote is middle school.

6. What is the lamest treat you received?
Yep, I'm with Em. Pennies? Seriously?

7. Any other traditions on Oct.31?
Since we've had kids we've tried to get them involved in the evening by passing out candy and trying to go around the block with a group of family or friends. This year it's off to grandma & grandpa's house. Pretty sure that grandpa will have them halfway across the state beggin' for candy. When we were kids I do remember bobbing for apples, too. My dad would always wear the same old green army coat (because it is always cold and yucky on the big day around here), and have us running from house to house. One hard and fast rule was to say the 'trick or treat' mantra and end with a big thank you. A couple of years ago we had an adult Halloween party that was a total blast (at least I thought so!). We haven't returned to that tradition yet, but I'd love to see my friends in costume again!

8. What costumes will be present in your family this fall?
Josh...a magician (cape=6$, hat=in the basement, bunny to pull from the hat=in his room)
Ellie...snow fairy (outfit+wings=3$ at the resale shop)
Owen...a lion (outfit=0$, old one of Josh's)
A cheap Halloween...priceless!

9. Favorite Halloween or fall movie?
I love the Charlie Brown specials. I am NOT a fan of any scary movies. I have a very active imagination and those movies stick with me.

10. Any funny Halloween stories?
I loved last year's costumes and the excitement it brought to the house. Plus, this chili pepper makes me laugh.

Friday Fun

I love words. It kinda comes with the territory of being a teacher, I guess. So when two of my sisters-in-law put up some cute new sayings in their homes...I was hooked.

I'm pretty sure I could put up one saying in every room of my house, they are so darn cute. Maybe a little overkill? Nah. Who couldn't use a little writing on the wall nowadays?


They're the latest thing (or at least I'm finally clueing into this trend)...wall stickers. They remove easily so if you outgrow your saying, no damage done. I found so many websites selling premade quotes, designs, even whole wall murals. In the end, I supported my local Hobb.y Lobb.y and bought the alphabet pack to put this saying together myself. I had to improvise a bit, because I ran out of the letter "r." (Thank goodness that the "n" and a "u" could be fudged a bit to provide worthy substitutes.) I was even able to change a couple of lowercase letter "t's" into side swirlies. (that's the technical term, ya'll)

I haven't done many house decorating improvements in a long time, so this one felt really good. I love how little things like this can really make a house a home.

What's next? What would you do?

Overheard

From a discussion about families:

Mom:  So would you like to be a mommy someday, Elle?

Ellie:  Yes. (and after some thought)  Or a person.

Oh Dear.  Moms...animal, mineral or vegetable?

FYI....

Nail polish remover takes permanent marker off kitchen tables.

*sigh*

And, yes.  I AM watching my children.  Most of the time.

Unfortunately, I am watching them run amuck. 

Teehee.

This is what happens when I check blogs....

ps. The child is actually saying "Cheese." So much for getting in trouble, eh?

Let's Get Physical!

In recognition for a decade of service to my school district, I received a gift card to an online store. It offered a variety of gifts and ideas. After much scrutiny I landed on the big pink exercise ball. I had wanted one for a while, plus the purchase would also bring a donation to the breas.t cancer research, so I went for it.

Let's just say that I haven't exactly been able to get it away from these little munchkins long enough to see what it can do. Oh well, I'm sure I'm burning enough calories laughing at each one of them bouncing off the ball, over the ball and occasionally, under the ball.

Oh, and these too...

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

We said "no presents",

But somehow, you knew.

Flash Forward

Apparently, this is the Hubs and me about 30 years from now.
(At least, according to the card I got from my darling man for my birthday).

I love this card because it hits the nail on the head, or, at least the back of someone's head.
Here's why:

One: We do like to have fun around here.

Two: I do own a garden hose and ain't afraid to use it.

Three: Although most of his written words stay hidden in my heart, the Hubs' words of encouragement about finding the fun in the daily craziness ring so true. He is my encourager, my sounding post, and my best friend.

Thanks, dear, for the giggle. I love you.

Happy Birthday!

Today I celebrate my birthday.  The number is not a major one, and most likely the day will pass by with little pomp and circumstance.  I even got to spend some time at the DM.V today, checking my vision, testing my written skills on the rules of the road and taking, yet another, horrible picture for my license.  It was still time well spent, Owen was along and we bonded over our time waiting in lines.  Not much is planned for celebrating, in fact, Josh has soccer tonight and that means a disjointed dinner schedule, too.  

I don't have any grand thoughts or sayings to make you think how mature I am for my age.  In fact, I'm sure that not only does having children take brain cells away, but also age is beginning to take it's toll on my memory, wit and all around conversation abilities!  

So, here's to my birthday and another notch on the wall!