Happy Halloween

We had a fun Halloween this year... really laid back, and we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Cameron got a new costume this year. It was skeleton/scream type costume with a creepy mask. He got a kick out of scaring first, our own kids (Emmy would NOT go near him for the longest time), then scaring the neighborhood kids. He would sit really still with the candy bowl in his lap out on the front porch by the jack-o-lanterns. Then as the kids would reach into the bowl, he'd growl or say "only one." They would jump or scream. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Our neighborhood is finally at a point where the houses are finally almost all lived in, and we know a lot of people. Cameron and kids set out really early (around 5 or so), which was nice cause it was still sunny and warm and made it back just as it was getting dark and cold. The kids then had soup and got to pass candy out to the other kids.

My cute little pumpkin. When she got home, she had candy all over her face and hands. Apparently, she was getting bored and wanted out of the stroller, so Cameron would just put more candy in front of her when she would get fussy.

Cameron in his new costume with the rest of the gang... I opted out of a costume (thought I was an M&M for our school parade yesterday cause it was the only outfit that fit me).

My cute Kate. Poor girl was feeling a bit under the weather today, so I had her stay in bed most of the day as a precaution. She seems to be feeling better, so we're hoping it's just strep or something that I can treat easily. I'll think we'll know by tomorrow how things develop.

It's pretty much impossible to take a great picture with this many kids. Spencer wouldn't keep his mask on, and the Loo was more fascinated with the pumpkin bucket than with looking at the camera. Oh well, you get an idea of the costumes.

Sneak Peek

With all the illness going around this year, we are finding that all the Halloween parties we usually have lined up for every day of the week prior to Halloween are somewhat scarce this year. That's okay though, we have enjoyed that things are a little more relaxed. My kids did manage a few events in which they got to get their costumes on, including the school Halloween Parade this morning. We will take "official" pictures of them in costume ready to go Trick-or-Treating tomorrow, but until then, enjoy the sneak peeks...
* I know they are not the best pictures, I used my phone, and the kids move around too much.


Man this kid is so cute, I just wanted to squeeze his little biscuits in this cute outfit. He is into Batman lately, so there was not talking him into any other costume. He would wear this all the time if I would let him.


Camille has been telling me since last Halloween that she wanted to be a punk cheerleader. I didn't realize such a costume existed. I told her she would have to make due with something that we could find around the house. Then, this week as I was picking up something at Kmart, I noticed that all the Halloween costumes were 50% off... this baby was in there for only $10. She's been thanking me all week for getting it for her. She's quite the cutie in it.


This kiddo was easy to please, and who can resist such a cute little witch. We put a shirt on underneath to take care of the itchy issue, and we were all good. She got a little embarrassed when I took these pictures at school during the parade.


Emmy is the only one who hasn't had a chance to dress up yet, but the picture below should give you a good idea of her costume. Every one of my kids has been this when they were a baby. Watch for pictures to come of my little pumpkin.

We must be crazy!!!

So we did get up super early to go get in line... I sent Cameron around 7 am to stand in line for us. He called me a few minutes later letting me know how surprised he was at finding at least 300 people were already there. He told me to bring a camp chair, and not to come until at least 8 with the kids. So, I slowing got each kid up and bundled. We stopped for hot chocolate and donuts, then parked illegally (everyone was doing it), and wandered through at least 1000 people to find Cameron. By 8 am, when they actually opened their doors, the people who were walking through counting said that we were around 350, and the poor people standing near us (though in another line) were 1400. We waited for over 3 hours to get a shot or stuff up the nose (in the case of Kate, Spence, and Cameron). I would have preferred shots for everyone, but they wouldn't have it. It wasn't too horrible, but it was a real eye opener for me. What if this was some disaster where food or water was unavailable and we had to wait in a line for a government hand out hoping to get it? Man, I'm going to get more food storage, cause it was CRAZY. People were desperate, people were cold in line, yet people waited, and MANY were turned away. I know some people who waited almost 5 hours. I am SO happy to report that we are all vaccinated at the moment, except Camille who was so excited when her Uncle, Dr. Mikey, said that she didn't need it since she already had H1N1. Only 7-10 days, and we should be smooth sailing even if all the kids at school and church are dropping like flies... just in time for Disneyland!

Kate was our brave one... She gladly sat in the stroller after having to stand for over an hour. She was pleased to get the mist, and said it just felt like she was underwater. She did great.

Emmy did great too, she got the shot, but didn't cry for very long at all. She was such a trooper in the cold. She sat for at least an hour in the stroller, then daddy had to hold her to keep her warm and entertained. They spent some time in the car too trying to keep warm. Cameron was probably the most excited that he didn't have to get a shot. He is not know for his love of needles or any type of "medical pain." He was only willing to do this cause I was so paranoid about someone getting sick at our house for this new baby or for the trip we're taking next week.

This is literally just a snip-it of the parking garage line. It was seriously CRAZY!!! But after watching how quickly and fiercely this virus attacks kids, the wait was worth it.

Halloween and H1N1

Well, it has been quite an eventful week. The kids in my class started dropping like flies with flu symptoms... Camille fell victim late last week, and tested positive for the dreaded H1N1. It's been great having a brother for a pediatrician during this crazy time, because we caught it quick and got her on tamiflu quick. She is actually doing great, and really wants to go to school, but I am trying to set a good example by keeping her home the whole seven days (as is recommended). Needless to say, with all these kids sick, I have less than 1/2 of my class in school right now. It kind of feels chaotic at the moment, but we are happy to report that Camille is on the mend and (knock on wood) no one else is showing any signs or symptoms. We are all getting up SUPER early tomorrow to go get in line for the vaccination. After watching all these sick kids, I am NOT willing to risk it with the other kids.

Tonight was our ANNUAL carve the pumpkin family home evening at our house. Katelyn led our family home evening activities, which included some Halloween games. Katelyn is our ONLY child who would put her hands in the pumpkin guts. The others won't touch the guts... Here are some pictures from our night...

Spencer's Vampire Pumpkin

This is what the kids tried to use to get the guts out... Katelyn did shed the "glove" after a bit.

Finished Products...

Spencer using the bag to try to get the guts...

My cheesy boy

Emmy didn't want to have anything to do with this activity, except to draw on the pumpkin.

Funny Things...

Life at our house is FAR from calm... and I love it. There is never a dull moment, and I absolutely ADORE these crazy kids that I have. The following gives a quick little snapshot of our life:

- The other day Spencer was looking at my growing belly. He poked it. I asked him what was in there, he said, my boy baby. Then, examining my belly button closely, said, "Oh, mom, I can see him. He is a pirate." I asked him why, he replied, "Mom he has one eye closed....RRRR matey!"

- Anytime Spencer sees the letter "s" on ANYTHING, be it a sign or on a t-shirt or magazine or book, he yells, "Look it's a s for Spencer."

- Spencer is fascinated with his underwear characters. When I bring him new undies, he always has to see who is on the bum. Lately he has especially LOVED his OPTIMUS PRIME unders and his BUZZ LIGHTYEAR. When he is wearing BUZZ, he has to put out his arms, jump off the bed, and yell, "To infinity and beyond!"

- Kate is extremely proud to announce that she has conquered to school monkey bars. She is so very please with herself.

- Kate had a read-a-thon the other day during school. After getting several compliments on the smell of her pillow, she very frankly said, "Yeah, my mom is a good laundry lady."

- Loo has managed to find her way onto the counter and into all the cupboards. She has wanders freely around the house. She even managed to escape her crib one night. She is VERY independent and KNOWS exactly what she wants and how to get it. But oh, she is so good and running and hugging me. It's amazing how such a little person can make you feel so loved.

- Cameron asked Loo the other day if she was poopy. She grabbed her bottom, and then ran and got him a diaper. I think that is a good sign. If she is already aware, she's getting ready to potty train.

- Camille is so grown up. Now that she is in my class, she doesn't want me to tell stories about her in front of the other kids. She is truly our little dancer. She twirls all over the house, and is ALWAYS pulling a leg behind her head or sitting in the splits. She told me the other day that she was going to be on "So You Think You Can Dance" when she is 18, and that I should vote for her. What a beautiful little girl she is?

-All in all, I can't complain. I feel so blessed to be amidst the chaos that is my home and life. I love watching these kids grow. I hope I don't mess anything up. :)