So much to say...

So... wow!!!! Time really does fly... Here it is November 15, 2008... One week away from flying to Arizona for Thanksgiving...  Well I have lots to catch up on, so this is kind of going to be another summarizing the last little while...  but I will start with some of the best events...  Halloween!!!  It was truly an event.  All the kids had their school parades, and they were absolutely adorable.  Avery dressed up as a race car driver, Tommy dressed up as a skeleton, and Andrew dressed up as a Scary clown.  I went with Chris to their parades, and it was beautiful outside.  The sun was brightly shining as the kids walked around the bus loop in costumes.  The music played all sorts of songs from ghost busters to wizard of oz.  It was great!!!  I joined Tommy in his classroom for a little party, and he was so excited to have me there.  He was so cute...  That night we all went over to a neighborhood party for a lil dinner and socializing...  totally not my scene.  I don't know what it is, but I just feel a little bit out of place.  Not sure if I fit in better with the kids, or the adults... Sometimes it's just frustrating, so I ended up being the photographer.  Not a bad job, actually.  The kids were so cute, all of them dressed up and ready for the eventful night.  We all walked around the neighborhood in costumes, and I honestly felt a little bit like I was directing traffic.  The kids were so excited as they ran from one house to the next.  It was interesting though, because it was mostly dads, and the kids who stayed out, the moms all went home to give out candy.  I later figured out why.  One of the dads pulled a wagon full of beer to share.  Too funny....  It was honestly the first Halloween that I have ever been offered an adult beverage at someones door, while the kids were trick or treating...  Too funny!  It was a good night.  I ended it by coming home with Tommy and helping to give out candy at the house, and then off to Chili's I went with my friends for a belated birthday dinner.  It was nice.  We went to a bonfire at another friends house and then ended up at Bailey's house to watch a scary movie in their theater.  We had a good time!!!

That following Saturday, and Sunday were big days... We had lots to do to get ready for Chris's 40th birthday.  The kids helped pick out a cake, and we bought balloons and decorated the house while he was out to dinner.  We went to Chuck E Cheese with the Karlsons, and they loved it...  After coming home, the kids all wrote on the balloons, way to hilarious.  There were sponge bob balloons, golfing balloons, and just simple I love you balloons.  They were excited for Sunday to come!  As soon as Chris woke up, they came into my room to get the presents.  We had worked so hard at putting a coupon book together for him.  They made up and drew all the coupons, and I laminated, and putted the book together.  It was filled with coupons for back scratches, hugs and kisses, snuggles, no complaining when asked to go to church... all sorts... and he loved it!!!  It was definitely the perfect gift.  He looks at it everyday!!!  The kids also wanted to buy him a digital frame.  So that was his big gift.  Something that he could take to NY with him, and always have the pictures I was taking of them.  He loved it too!!!  We all went out for breakfast with Papa and Miss Ann.  We went to Minella's, and it was alot of fun...  They were just so happy it was his birthday, and I knew that no matter what it was going to be a great day!!!

Another exciting event in the last few weeks was Andrew's school project.  He came home one day, and said he had to figure out a project for his book he was reading.  Of course one of our family favorites came to mind.  I told him that growing up, we used to do cake projects.  He was so excited!!!  and so was I.   I bought all the new nifty little tools for decorating cakes along with two vanilla cakes.  We were sure to have the right pan, and while he was at school I baked his cake.  I did it just as my mom had taught me.  It turned out to be a beautiful sheet cake.  As soon as he walked in the door he came in and couldn't stop talking about how perfect the cake was.  He started to attempt at putting the frosting on, and asked for my help.  Avery on the other hand enjoyed just decorating all the cup cakes that were left over from the cake.  There were some with no frosting, just a little, and then like two tablespoons of it... So cute.  Andrew took a lot of time to draw his camel with the markers, and then fill it in with the yellow frosting.  So cute!!!  Tommy helped with a couple of the cupcakes too.  It was a great day!!!  They loved it, and Chris was so proud of their creations.  The next day, Avery and I joined Andrew in his class as he held up his cake and talked about the book he had read.  Wow!  What memories that brought back.  I took pictures of him and his teacher...  and he was so excited!  thanks mom... for always being so willing to put up and help us with our projects... I just returned the favor ... and loved doing it!!!

Avery played her make up game on the turf at the highschool.  It was a great experience for her to play at night.  She loved that they got to play under the lights.  I was frozen, but still enjoyed the game.  She is definitely born to play soccer!!!  She loves it! and is so good at what she does.  She is full of determination, and sticks with the ball til it is in the goal.  She is always scoring points for her team.  I am glad that I have been able to see her excell in this sport.  I think if she wants to, she will go far with it.  

It's always fun when Grandma and Grandpa come... Chris was out of town for the beginning of this week, and so G and G came to stay with us.  They are so cute.  They really do help out a lot.  Whether it is helping to fulfill lunch or breakfast orders, or folding clothes, or watering plants, they are truly a blessing.  We always have a great time when they are here.  The kids love it!!!  They love to play games, read with them, and just be with them.  Grandpa is always singing silly songs, and sometimes the kids just don't know what to think.  Grandma is always so willing to help go through drawers and figure out what needs to be given away.  They are always so nice to be here when I have Institute, or FHE.  I am so grateful for the help that the give, it really means a lot.  

So much is always going on... whether it is running to the grocery store, dropping off dry cleaning, or volunteering at the library, I stay busy.  I love it though.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I am so happy doing what I am doing.  I am so grateful to be working where I truly love my job.  The kids are wonderful, and we are learning a lot together.  I am so grateful for Chris too.  We have come a long way, and I am just so thankful for our friendship.  We are always willing to help each other out in any way we can, and that means a lot.... 

just an update from Nanny life...