In Honor of Veteran's Day...

The first grade presented a special program in honor of Veteran's day next week. To start off, the school and parents sang the National Anthem and then said the pledge of allegiance. I don't know why, but I get a little choked up over these things. With all that our nation is facing these days, sometimes I feel like our country's patriotism is hanging by a thread. It was nice having the opportunity to voice my patriotism and to be reminded to honor those that protect and have protected our freedom. Here's to our future leaders. I just love the expressions on their faces and especially that last one of Connor. He looks so proud to be American!

How sweet is the sound of pretend play!

wansum pagetti mommy?

Taking back my craft desk

This sort of thing only happens when I'm up against a deadline and it just so happens that I'm participating in a card exchange next week. As I was pulling things out this morning and trying to get organized, I was piling everything up on the ironing board.I looked over at my desk and wondered why I wasn't using my desk instead? You can see the reason below.

So I decided to take back my craft desk and recommit myself to staying organized so that I can have a nice space to create.

Halloween Night

Unfortunately, these pictures didn't turn out so good. We are having technical difficulties with media lately and these pictures were taken from Mike's blackberry which normally takes pretty decent pictures but for some reason these didn't turn out so well. But you can clearly see two jedis with a fairy princess and little red riding hood. For those of you that have known us over the years, I once again adorned the little gingham milkmaid costume. This is one of the bonuses about moving around so much. You get lots of use out of costumes! I made a red cloak to go with it this year and carried a little basket filled with candy. (Yes, I was trying to get rid of it as fast as we were getting it.) But, I was instantly recognized and it was a lot of fun to get into the spirit of Halloween with the kids. It loved hearing Aubrey's excitment at each door. She was too cute yelling out "trick-o-treat" and then "I got candy!"

Ready for some serious trick-or-treating!

Alex, Max, Connor, Teagan, and Aubrey ready to head out the door. We invited some friends over for taco salad and mummy dogs for dinner and then headed out into the neighborhood.

Little House on the Lane...

and, fortunately not on the praire.

Aubrey is in love with this little dress and it has been her dress of choice lately. She ditched her Halloween duds at the boys party last Friday evening and put on this dress. Mike said it reminded him of Little House on the Prairie. Now if only I could have her running down a hillside. I have to admit, she's pretty darn cute in it.

It had to be washed after the party and still hasn't been ironed but she caught sight of it in her closet this morning and just had to put it on.

classic Aubrey look

admiring her dress

Connor's skeleton creation

Now before you jump to any conclusions,

Connor explained that the skeleton's third leg is a rocket booster!

Happy Halloween!