We're ready!

The costumes are ready, the pumpkins are carved (Gerry always does the intricate carvings, I stick to the traditional), the cookies are decorated. We're ready for Halloween!

Grace will be in fairy-garb all day tomorrow. I'll be wearing my jack-o-lantern t-shirt. Saturday I'll be a witch and Gerry will be Jason for our friends' adult Halloween party. This will be a great weekend!

Hope you all enjoy it too.

!BOO!

Chrissy

Trick-or-Treat already?

I love trick-or-treating, I love Halloween. We used to sing pumpkin carols in elementary school, I still remember the words. I really get Linus's obsession with the Great Pumpkin. I live for that sugar-enhanced state of consciousness that can only come once a year. I seriously used to eat so much junk on Halloween that I would spend the next day getting sick. We lived on a farm so trick-or-treating usually meant we spent the day at our aunt's house because she lived in town. We would trick-or-treat to a few places then the fun was dressing up to hand out and EAT candy at her house. She lived on a main street so it was always busy. It's the same house we live in now but we don't have the constant stream of kids coming to the door. Some years we have 70, some years only about 10. I'm guessing this year will be busy on a weekend but we won't be home since Grace can't wait to go this year.

We have already started our trick-or-treating. Friday, the 24th, a local mall had their safe trick-or-treat so we went with a group of friends. It was ok, not as much candy as we got there last year but not all the stores were participating. It was good candy in the eyes of a 4-year-old (Dum Dums and Tootsie Rolls) so she was happy and best-0f-all had fun.

This Friday, the big day, will be a blast. She will have her preschool party in the morning, a toy store costume contest, an activity at the library, pictures taken with the scarecrow at Walgreen's, visiting Grandma Dorothy and also Papa Wes to show off her costume, safe trick-or-treat at another mall, then at a few safe friends' houses, ending the night at Aunt Andrea & Uncle Bill's. I think the little pink fairy will be a little tired & grumpy by the time we get home.

Here's a picture of the kids Friday at the mall.

Have a safe & HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

What A Day

Today was Bob's funeral. There was so much family togetherness, remembrances, tears, and laughter. It is a day I will never forget and a way to bring warm, happy memories from such a sad time. Lynell was at the funeral and sat with us. Kirk didn't come because it was too wet to be in the field so he had a day to get caught up on other projects that had to be done around the farm. She then came up to our farm with us after the lunch and talked, talked, talked for a couple hours. Then we went over to Geise's for more quality time with Marian, Rhonda, Cheri, Roger and all their children. Their house was full of multiple generations of our families being together and remembering the good old days while the little ones played to make their own memories. I know Bob was enjoying watching us from above. I think it's safe to say on behalf of all of us there, we all love you & miss you.

Bob, goodbye, I love you

I had a big loss in my life today. Our neighbors growing up, Bob & Marian, were more than neighbors, they were a huge part of our lives. Especially to me. I lost my Bob today.

Mom was going to college when I was little and started teaching again the year I started school. Our kindergarten was every other day so on my off days I went to Bob & Marian's I was there so much that they call me their "little Chrissy". They are my extra set of parents. In so many ways they are an extension of our family, to me, to my sisters, to my parents. So many childhood memories include them. I even took Gerry over to meet them when we were dating before we got married. Bob meant so much to me that he would have walked me down the aisle if Daddy hadn't been able to. He was always there to the extent that everything I see tonight since he died (Grace's toy sheep, the cat, a silly email from my sister) brings back a memory of him. I feel like a part of the foundation of my life has been removed. Even though his health has been failing the past few years, I really didn't expect it so I'm still reeling a little from the shock. I haven't talked to my Marian yet. The kids and grandkids are there tonight so I know she is surrounded by love & support.

I love you and I miss you.

Build-a-Bear

Friday evening we went to Build-A-Bear with Lisa & Hudson. Hudson was making a bear for his new baby cousin that will be here in December!!!!!! Grace made a bear for Lila. She picked out the very bear I would have chosen. It is velvety soft and squishy. We put in a heart that makes the sound of a heart-beat when squeezed so it will be a soothing sound for Lila. We chose pink, Hello Kitty pajamas and slippers in the store and also ordered a traditional Chinese dress called a cheong-sam from their website. We didn't name the bear yet, I think it will make it an even more meaningful gift to give the bear Lila's Chinese name as soon as we know it. Grace is very sweet and motherly to the bear. I can see what a wonderful big sister she will be by how lovingly she is caring for Lila's bear.

Grace & Hudson always have a blast when they are together. Lisa & I are always stressed out. They are both really good on their own but for some reason when they are together they turn into maniacs. They do things like run as fast as they can without stopping, scream, squeal, yell, and then laugh hysterically at eachother, basically they act like a couple of 4-year-olds. But then Lisa and I have gotten into our share of trouble together too!

Apple Orchard

On Wednesday Grace's preschool went to a local apple orchard. A photographer from the newspaper was there photographing the kids. Grace was in yesterday's local news section of the Omaha World Herald. http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=3940&u_sid=10450011
To the right there's a link that says "autumn apple pickers", Grace is in several pictures (blonde hair in the red jacket).

We had a very nice day at the orchard too. The kids each got to pick 2 apples, go on a hayrack ride, play on the playground, and have a snack of popcorn & fresh apple cider. We brought some cider home too. It's one on my favorites this time of year. Along with candy corn, pumpkin bars, apple pie, apple crisp, apple bars, pumpkin pie......

Happy Fall!