Thankful #20

Drum roll please .... this is our final thankful entry.  I know you hate to see these end.  So, for our finale, here is what we are grateful for:  Annika for Analiese who arrived late last night.  Annika was already in bed, so this morning when she heard Analiese's voice, her eyes lit up, mouth opened wide, and screaming occurred ("ANALIESE!!!!").  Very funny.  Gavin is grateful for Uncle Ned's stick horse.  Who would have thought shaking the horse's head in front of Gavin's face would bring entertainment to not only Gavin, but the rest of the Bjorn clan.  Every time that horse shook, Gavin would laugh really hard.  It was really cute.  We of course got video of it.  Andy is grateful for beating Erik and I in Sequence twice so far.  Right now the game is looking in mine and Erik's favor.  Atleast, I am hoping. (a few minutes have passed...)  I am grateful for WINNING!!!  Finally!  I couldn't let the last game go in Andy's favor or else I would never hear the end of it.  So there you go, the Bjorn gratitude journal.  We hope you enjoyed the posts.  Now it's time to get busy for Christmas.

Thankful #19

Andy is thankful he had a half day at work.  He came home after lunchtime and played with the kids.  When Annika went to bed, I asked her what she is grateful for.  She said, "Daddy.  Because we played and he reads to me."  So, they had a good bonding time today. :)  Gavin is grateful for is third tooth coming in tonight.  After chomping down on pears in the food strainer, we noticed the upper left tooth.  The fourth one won't take long to come either.  It's pretty close.  I am thankful for a clean house.  This doesn't happen as regularly as it should because of our crazy lives lately.  But, with Andy's help tonight, we were able to get it done just in time for Erik's family.  They arrive late tonight.  We are excited to spend the holiday weekend together.

Today's Thankful comment #18

Today Annika had her Preschool Fall Feast.  It was really cute.  All of the kids were dressed up and sang several Thanksgiving songs.  Each child wore their homemade Indian vests (made out of paper bags), and headbands with colored feathers on them.  It was also quite a sight to see all the parents and their cameras and video cameras.  I think there were more cameras than kids!

Annika did a fantastic job singing all of the songs.  If you know Annika, she is a very serious girl so the whole time she was concentrating on the teacher, but she did glance over a couple of times to give us a smile or wave.  I love watching little kids perform on a stage because they are so entertaining.  You always get at least one kid to do something not part of the program. One little boy wouldn't sing with the rest of the group, but when the song was over, he sang the whole song solo, with hand motions.  He got the biggest applause, which was nice because his mom was in tears ... a very proud moment for her.

Andy took time off of work to be at the program, and Annika seemed quite pleased to have both her mom and dad all to herself for an hour!  After the singing program, we sat down on tiny little chairs to eat a potluck breakfast together with all the kids and parents.  Besides the normal breakfast food, someone brought very tasty pumpkin pancakes, which was a lucky break since we're on a quest to find a great pumpkin pancake recipe.  All the recipes we've tried so far have been blah.

So, the three of us are thankful for the good time we had at the Fall Feast.  Unfortunately Gavin was not included (siblings were not invited, so parents could focus on the preschool kids).  But Gavin wasn't complaining- he stayed with a friend who has 2 little dachsunds (you know, the wiener dogs), who barked and jumped up and down for him.  We heard they kept the little guy laughing and highly entertained nearly the whole time.  The report was that he was cute and fun for our friend to watch.  We say thank goodness for close friends who are willing to babysit a kid from time to time, and thank goodness Gavin is easy to babysit!  The rest of the day, Marylyn would mention the word "Dog" and bark for Gavin.  He would give a big smile and chuckle.  Even when crying or whining, mommy barking would instantly make him stop and smile.  How long will this trick last?

Thankful #17... more

Marylyn asked me what I'm grateful for today, so she could write down on the blog. I started by asking her to write how thankful I am for my sweet loving beautiful entertaining successful creative strong sincere spiritual fun-loving wonderful wife Marylyn. She said "I'm not going to write that!" So its up to me!
If you know her well, you know she doesn't understand how great she really is. If you try to give her a compliment she just won't hear of it. Which is probably for the best- if she truly understood how amazing she really is, she'd have taken over the world by now, and she certainly wouldnt want to have anything to do with me! Ha ha.
But seriously folks... I love the sparkle in her eyes, the spring in her step, the brilliance of her mind, and the immense depth of her character. She has got it all, she means the world to me, and I count myself incredibly lucky to have met her. Did I "marry up"? Absolutely! She's first class all the way!
So sweetie, when you read this you are going to be embarrassed and I'm sorry about that, but its all true and today I am sooo thankful for you! -AMB

Thankful #17

I am grateful for a husband who got up at 4 a.m. to bathe Annika and change her sheets (pee incident).  That was a wonderful birthday gift.  But, he doesn't stop there, I came downstairs and there was a card for me, then he came home from work early with flowers in hand.  We hung out at home, due to baby napping and then went out to eat as a family.  It went great up until Annika, for some reason, hit my face.  Then, the car ride home all we heard was yelling and screaming.  Then more crying trying to get the kids ready for bed.  And now, it's bliss.  Kids are sleeping and I am eating raspberry white chocolate cheesecake my friend brought over. Yum!  Annika is thankful for "Snow White" hair.  I was fixing my hair this morning and she wanted me to straighten her hair (it has a natural curl).  She looked so different.  She called it "Snow White" hair.  If her hair would be slightly out of place, she would run to me to get me to fix it and then dash to the mirror to make sure it was nice.  After her bath tonight, I was instructed to straighten it again.  Oh, but mommy and daddy miss those cute curls.  Maybe by tomorrow she will forget and we can go back to her cute curls.  Gavin is grateful for the little girl sitting at a table across from him at the restaurant.  He couldn't keep his eyes off of her.  He literally kept his head turned just staring for a very long time.  Long enough to make me feel uncomfortable.  We tried to distract him, but failed.  He already is scammin' on the chicks and he is only 7 months old.  He has good taste though.  She was adorable!  

What we are thankful for today ... #16

I am thankful for a wonderful evening at Grandma Great's house tonight.  Andy and Grandma made dinner and dessert for my Birthday (officially tomorrow).  Cousin Tracy and Bruce were also there to share in the festivities.  Andy grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs and Grandma made her famous carrot cake.  It was all delicious!  Annika is thankful that her cousin, Analiese, is coming in a few days.  You should have heard the two talk on the phone tonight.  It was very cute.  So, I can forsee that Analiese will be what Annika is grateful for every day until her arrival.  ha ha  Gavin is grateful for being held in church.  He loves the attention and hugs my friends give him.  I love it too because Annika was the exact opposite.  She didn't want anyone except Mommy.  So, I am loving that Gavin is great with others holding him.  It's a nice break.  Andy is grateful for the way Annika entertains her little brother and the belly laughs coming out of that little guy.  She doesn't really have to do much -- smile close to his face, jump up and down, or dance.  He loves whatever she does.  Tonight at Grandma Great's house, Annika was jumping up and down for him, and Gavin laughed so much, he had us all laughing!  Andy is also grateful for the start of the Christmas holiday season (which actually started in early October at Home Depot).  Also that the Christmas music radio station has stopped playing smooth jazz and is on to Christmas tunes already!  Can't wait to put up the lights the day after Thanksgiving!

Seeing Santa

Friday night we took the kids to have their picture taken with Santa and drop their letter off to Santa in the Macy's mailbox (above: Gavin leaving his mark on the envelope).  I know, you are probably thinking, "It's not even Thanksgiving yet!".  This was the best time for us because the next few weeks are crazy before we leave for the holidays.  And besides, there was no line so we beat the chaos.  Afterward, we enjoyed pomegranate frozen yogurt.  Of course, Annika was thrilled that it was pink.

Annika and the Poinsettas

At Lowes tonight, Annika was in awe at all the pretty lights and rotating Christmas trees. In the poinsettas aisle, she of course went straight for the pink ones, and started talking to them. Then she turned to me and said "Daddy, they like your new haircut!"... For a half a second I was stunned, but then fell down laughing! Earlier she had gone with me to get my haircut at the El Cheapo hair cutters by the Safeway. She was very shy but watched the whole proceedings with wide eyes. I was wondering what was going through her mind at the time, and kept trying to get her to talk.

Thankful #15

Tonight I (Andy) am thankful for two things:  First of all, Annika decided she wanted to try feeding her little brother at dinner time.  So I pulled up a chair for her, showed her how much to put on the spoon, and she was off and running!  Not only is she doing a great job, but she's saying encouraging things to Gavin while feeding him:  "You're doing so good"  "Gavin do you know what eggnog is?  Can you say eggnog?  Good job!".  I tried to get videotape of the scene but of course the battery is dead!  I'm also grateful for Marylyn, she's been working hard on Christmas presents, and its taking a lot of patience, which I don't have.  So good thing she's here, otherwise if it were just up to me, all my Christmas gifts would be canned ham.  Marylyn is (no- Will Be) grateful to get the Christmas projects completed!  Annika is thankful for a certain song from my cd collection she likes to hear over and over again.  Its a jazzy / saxophony instrumental called "Plena for my Grundle" by Garage a Trois.  The first time she heard it, her imagination must have really taken hold, because she started playing a movie in her mind, along with the music:  "And now here comes Cinderella, she's chasing the wolf with a rope!  She's running faster!  Now she's slowing down!"  Whenever she wants to hear it, she asks for the "Cinderella and the wolf" song.  Gavin's not in a very good mood right now, due to teething issues, so I'll say he's grateful for sucking on apple chunks through the teething bag, which occasionally distracts him from his crying! 

Thankful #14

We are thankful to take the kids to the mall and take pictures with Santa Claus.  This is the first year Annika didn't scream, so we are thankful for that.  Gavin just sat there on Santa's lap checking out everything around him.  I will try and post a picture tomorrow.  

Annika is grateful for chocolate milk (so much like her Daddy).  And Gavin is grateful for children's tylenol because of his upper two teeth coming in.

Write a letter to Santa and help make Wishes come true

                                                              

At every Macy's across the country there is a mailbox to collect letters for Santa Claus.  Bring your Stamped letter to Macy's, addressed to Santa at the North Pole, and drop it into Santa's special letterbox.  Macy's will count them up, and for each letter received, they'll donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation up to $1,000,000.  Macy's will deliver the letter to the Post Office for mailing to Santa.  Let's help make wishes come true.

Thankful #13

We are thankful for our new nephew.  Arn and Leisha had a baby boy today.  He was quite early.  I believe 71 days early.  Baby is doing well and breathing on his own.  He weighed 3 lb. 12 oz.  No name yet.  That is still being decided. Doctors believe baby will have to be in NICU until mid-January.  Andy is also thankful that all three brothers have a girl and a boy about the same age.  We look forward seeing them grow up together.  

Annika is thankful for the BOOK FAIRY.  The book fairy delivered two books.  Annika really liked the Pilgrim story.  Thank you, Book Fairy!  Gavin is thankful for all the ladies at Bartells who oohed and aahed over him tonight while Daddy got his prescription.  I tell ya, we have trouble on our hands when he is older.  He has this smile that melts your heart and eyes that twinkle.

What we are thankful for today ... #12

This is a short one because I am tired after a church craft night that I was in charge of.  So here it goes ... I am thankful that gas at Costco was only $1.94!!!  Isn't that great!  I was so excited to fill-up.  Only cost $30 for the van.  Annika is thankful for pajamas.  She is wearing three pairs of pajamas tonight -- blue long sleeve, dora short sleeve and a mismatch shorts/shirt.  I think she is going to be warm and cozy tonight.  Andy tried to put his foot down and have her wear only 2, but she said sternly, "No, Daddy.  This is important."  Whatever makes you happy.  Gavin is grateful for night time diapers so he doesn't pee out of them in the night and get upset when mom has to change him and the bed when all he wants to do is eat and sleep.  Okay, maybe this is more what I am grateful for. ha ha  Andy is grateful for his job and for the nice people he gets to work with.  I can't believe he has been with Turner for 10 years.  

What we are thankful for today ...

Annika is so funny.  I asked her what she is grateful for today and she said, "Daddy."  "Why Daddy?" I asked.  "Because he watched Wall-E with me and because he's so cute .... and because he tickles me."  To a 3-year old, those are very good, logical reasons to be grateful.

Gavin is grateful for child watch at the YMCA.  He loves playing there and I think he especially loves all of the attention he gets and the action going on around him.  Miss Holly I think is his favorite babysitter ... mine too.  

I am thankful for my car.  I know, this is a materialistic response, but I really do feel this way.  I always vowed never to have a mini van.  Oh, how foolish I was.  It took having a second child and a brother-in-law's opinions to convince me it was the best decision.  So, here I am at 31 years old (I won't be able to say that in 6 days) -- driving a Honda Oddessy.  I am infatuated -- automatic doors, leather seats, navigational system, camera when in reverse, seat warmers, 6 CD disc changer, 8 passenger seating, tons of space for junk in the back, and can't forget the DVD player.  I can go on and on.  I even love the wiper for the back window.  Before the Honda, Andy and I would argue about who has to drive.  Neither of us wanted to.  Now, we fight over who gets to drive.  If we have two cars somewhere, I even prefer taking the van with the screaming kids.  Now that is saying something.  The van was in the shop the other day and I really missed it.  Annika was literally in tears.  She is hooked as well.  It was very annoying to have the truck again.  After going from luxury to having to manually opening the doors, driving a manual stick shift, keeping a stroller in the bed of the truck in the rain, trying to stuff groceries inside, not having much space to maneuver and get kids strapped in, not having a smooth ride, and not having the buttons on the steering wheel to control music, etc.   Okay, I think that's enough ... you get the point.  So, yes, I am admitting my love for my mini van.  I am very grateful!  hmmm ... I need a name for my car... Something with flare ... sophistication ... Sasha?  Caroline?  Any suggestions?

Today Andy is thankful for ... sleep.  It's 8 p.m. and he put Annika to bed a half  hour ago.  I just started to hear snoring and I know it's not Annika.  He fell asleep too.  Good for him!   

Thankful #10

I am thankful that I am able to keep up with these posts.  It's fun to contemplate my day and write a little blurb of gratitude.  What I am really grateful for is the help from my family.  Andy has been really trying to make it home by 5:30 p.m. every night and I really do appreciate it.  It's nice to have him home a little earlier and the kids can spend more time with him too.  He came home tonight and Annika was very excited to have a picnic on the floor in the family room.  I didn't help her at all -- she got towels out, cups filled with water (I was a little nervous), and chairs.  She had designated places for each of us.  She even helped make dinner and thanked me for doing a good job.  After dinner, Andy put the kids in the bath while I cleaned up the toy room.  We tucked the kids into bed and now Andy is cleaning the dishes while I work on laundry and type this blog post.  I am very lucky to have such great helpers.  

I asked Annika what she is grateful for and she mumbled a lot of different things, some are repetitious  -- Gavin, a house to play at, books to read with mom, and Christmas milk (a little eggnog with milk, which was her treat tonight).  Gavin is thankful for bath time.  He really was enjoying kicking and splashing in the tub.  He even forced Annika out of the tub early because she couldn't stand the big splashes.  I think he is getting even from this morning when she wasn't being nice to him.  As for Andy, he says he is thankful for "living in Western Washington.  Even with the rain, it's a beautiful place to live."  Ditto... but, wish not so much rain.

Thankful #9

Andy says he is thankful for his church calling.  He teaches 10 year-old kids at church.  He loves teaching the stories from the scriptures and he likes working with the other Men and Women.  He has been teaching kids for three years now and loves it.  Just looking at Annika's face tonight would give you a clue what she is grateful for.  She had a chocolate ring all around her lips from eating chocolate chip cookies.  Annika helped Daddy make them tonight.  I can't think of a better dessert -- warm cookies with a glass of milk.  hmmmm.  Gavin is thankful for his toys.  At church, I take practically a full bag of toys to keep him occupied.  He loves to bang them, eat them, throw them, eat them, push them, eat them.  I think his favorite is the monkey that jiggles when you pull the string.  The feet are very tasty to eat.  But, it's a toss up with his socks.  He loves pulling on his socks and eating them too.  As for me, today I am thankful for talking on the phone.  Okay, if you know me I hate the phone.  I can never find my cell phone rig because I always misplace it.  The reason why I say I am thankful for the phone is because I got to talk to my Mom, Grandma, Aunt, and Andy's Grandma.  These are all special women in my life and love to hear how they are doing and give the kids' updates.  I also love hearing Annika talk on the phone with her Grandma.  She is so excited to see her at Christmas and make pink star cookies.  In Annika's mind, everything is yummy if it's pink... That gives me an idea ... Is there a way to color vegetables pink?

Nie Nie's Recovery

Some of you may already be following Nie Nie's Recovery.  I have been glued to the story since the beginning and very grateful to hear things are going well.  If you don't know what I am referring to, take a few minutes and read this touching news article.  It explains Nie Nie's story.  http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/10/26/20081026sisters1026a1.html  Just make sure you have some tissues handy.  All I have to say is thank goodness for family and the gospel. My heart and prayers go out to this sweet family.

Thankful #8

Andy says he is "thankful for sunshine today. And for all the leaves I got to rake today. It's actually kind of therapeutic!" Hmmm... I wonder if I can convince him that vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms is therapeutic too.

Annika is thankful for Christmas decorations. Decorations are all over the stores and we have to go down the isles real slowly for her to see everything. And, if she is really good by the end of the shopping, I do another loop. It worked at Home Depot today and it always works at Costco. She is so anxious for Christmas and for Andy to put up the house lights.

Gavin is thankful for learning how to use his fingers to pick up food and bring to his mouth. Also for socks. This kid loves to pull and pull, and chew on his socks. Within 5 minutes of me putting the socks on his feet, they are soaked and one is pulled off.

As for me, I am grateful for leftovers. I love leftovers because it means just reheat and serve-- no cooking and no big mess. When I make large portions, I stick half of it in the freezer for another day. Tonight was leftover lasagna. The thing about leftovers in my house is that I forget about them and then open my freezer and see a wonderful surprise. Tomorrow I plan to make a big pot of ham/bean soup -- more leftovers. Hooray!

Thankful #7

There are many things I am thankful for today, but I can't list them all. Here are my top three: 1. Listening to two children laugh hysterically in the back seat of the car. I love that sound. Annika was shaking a cup with ice in it and for some reason it got Gavin's tickle bone. He laughed so hard, which in turn made Annika and I laugh too. Actually, come to think of it, Annika is the only one who can really make Gavin laugh REALLY hard. 2. Friends who surprised me for my Birthday (early) and took me out to dinner. I thought we were going out as a family, but when Andy opened the garage door, there were my friends yelling, "Surprise!!!" -- singing and taking me away. More friends were waiting at the Olive Garden. I had a great time -- good friends to laugh with, good food to eat, and no kids to put to bed. Thank you! 3. For a wonderful husband who was very excited for me tonight and took BOTH kids to Chuck E. Cheese's. Yes, by himself. That's a chore after having a long day at work and then being in a confined space with screaming kids. Don't forget the baby feedings, potty breaks, games, etc. (yes, he had the formula this time). So, I guess you can tell from past postings, family and friends are two things that really mean a lot to me. Andy's eyes are closed and he's practically asleep right now. He mumbled that he is thankful that I could go out with friends tonight and the kids were good. I forgot to ask Annika but I KNOW she would say Chuck E. Cheese's is what she is grateful for. Gavin is thankful for blankets so he can play peek-a-boo with mommy while waiting in lines at the mall ... and Chuck-E-Cheeses.

Thankful #6

I remembered to ask Annika what she was thankful for today before the day was through. She said, "Gavin ... I am his big sister and we play together." Very sweet. What a mother loves to hear. I know Gavin feels the same way. You should see the way he looks at his sister. His whole face lights up. He really does love her. Andy says he is thankful for friends -- "when in time of need they help out and are happy to do it." Now it's time for me to explain why he said this which is part of my story of gratitude. I am very thankful for a forgiving husband. Tonight, I left to do some enrichment errands. Andy stayed home with the kiddos. No worries, I thought. Gavin will take a bottle and kids will be in bed within an hour after I leave. Well, I came home and realized the diaper bag was in my car, which had the formula in it. The car also had the car seats so no way could he go out to buy some, Annika was asleep anyway. After trying to call my cell phone numerous times (of course I didn't have it. That would make this story dull), Andy called a friend of mine. Lindsy was a saint and went to the store for him and I know it wasn't easy for her because she was getting ready to leave out of town. So, as you can imagine, when I got in the door I was given the look. That's all -- no yelling or silent treatment. That's not Andy. The look rarely occurs so I knew I was in trouble. When Andy told me what happened I felt terrible, absolutely terrible. It was my fault for leaving the diaper bag in the car. Before leaving, I told him the formula was in the bag, but failed to remember the bag was in the car. So, yes, I am VERY grateful to a wonderful, forgiving husband who still gave me kisses, stayed up to listen to me complain about my errands, and helped with Gavin when he woke because he peed out of his diaper... Yes, I know what you are thinking, I definitely married a wonderful man. I fully agree and realize how very lucky I am.

Thankful #5

Today Andy is thankful for the wide variety of ethnic foods available in our area, seriously! Andy wrote this comment and just handed the computer over to me...isn't this what he was grateful for the other day? I guess food is important to my husband. Maybe I should make more ethnic food at home, huh? Okay, moving on... I am thankful for my health. So last night and all today I have not felt well due to food poisoning, but the wonderful thing is that I don't feel like this every day and I am getting better. I always forget to ask Annika what she is grateful for before she goes to bed. My guess is that she is grateful for TV today because that is what she did a lot of since I was really sick. Thank goodness for On Demand and Disney channel. Gavin is grateful for bottles because there is another source of food for him if the primary source is unavailable. hmmm... life father, like son... both obsessed with food.

Thankful #4

Today we are grateful for Veterans Day. Our country is very blessed to have so many men and women who serve our country. God bless them all for everything they have sacrificed in our behalf. We have several family members who currently are serving and who have served in the military. Thank you and we love you! Saturday we enjoyed taking the kids to a Veterans Parade. It was really awesome and parts of it very emotional for me. I feel so grateful!
Being Veterans Day, and a day off for Andy, we were grateful to also spend time together as a family. We went and saw the movie Madagascar 2, which is what Annika is grateful for today. "We've got to move it. Move it." ha ha
I am not so grateful though for getting food poisoning at Sharky's. I still feel crummy. That's why this post didn't get written until Wednesday morning.

Thankful #3

I am thankful for Bath time. About 5 p.m. is when the kids and I get a little grumpier. The best thing to help our moods is a bath for the kids. Gavin and Annika splash around and I rest a bit at the edge of the tub. So, it's a wonderful 15 minutes for all of us (no crying or whining) ... and then Daddy comes home and saves the day.
Andy is thankful for Japanese food. Down the street from his business unit is a really good restaurant. His favorite dish is chicken yakisoba... ("it comes on a sizzling plate...mmmm...so good," he says). I think I spotted some drool down his chin when he said that.
Annika and Gavin are already in bed, but my guess is Annika would be grateful for music. We sang a lot today. Gavin is grateful for learning to crawl. He is getting on all-fours and trying to move and rock. Very cute!

Thankful #2

I almost forgot to post something for today. I asked Andy what he is thankful for today and he said, "Grandparents." I have to agree with him. We are blessed to have wonderful grandparents and wonderful parents who are grandparents to our children. We live close to Andy's Grandparent Bjorn's and our children adore them. We brought dinner to them tonight because Grandpa just got back from being in the hospital for a few days. He is 90 years old and an inspiration to us all. Annika is attached to Grandma Great and her jewelry box and marble game. Gavin is so happy and mellow with Grandpa Great and even tried imitating him by slapping his legs while Grandpa clapped.
Last week on business in Utah, Andy got to visit his other Grandparents, the Price's. We wished the kids and I could have joined him too. So many fond memories sitting around their kitchen table catching up on everyone's life in the Price Clan.
We are looking forward to our California trip at Christmas to visit my parents. Hopefully grandma (GG) can make it too. Annika is looking forward to Grandma Merrill's spa and hearing Grandpa talk like Donald Duck. I know Grandma can't wait either.
So, Texas Grandparents, when are we going to see you next? I think I can make up some excuse to get you here. Chocolate Cake? Idaho Spuds? Smith Brother Farms Milk? Hugs and Kisses from the kids? Take your pick.

What we are thankful for today

My sister's family, the Harrells, had a great idea to post what they are grateful for every day in the month of November. We liked the idea and hopefully can keep up with it. So, for today, Andy says he is thankful for "the rain stopping and the promise of a new day". Annika is grateful for "my house because I play." Gavin is thankful for sleep because that is what he is doing right now (me too -- him sleeping that is). And, I am grateful for the weekend to spend together as a family. Andy has been out of town a lot lately. And no, Andy, it's not because you can help with the kids (well, partly true). I just love having you home.

My friend shared this video on her blog and I couldn't stop laughing. Annika kept pretending to do the same thing on a chair which was hilarious. I would love to try one of these. Mom, you were wondering what to get me for Christmas, well this would be fun. (j/k)

Happy Halloween

We hope everyone had a fun Halloween.  At three-years old Halloween took on a whole new level for Annika.  She loved walking with her friends door-to-door, loved the cute Halloween decorations (not the scary ones), and especially loved dressing-up.  This year she was Fancy Nancy.  For those who don't know who she is, Nancy is a children's book character who loves everything fancy -- fancy words, fancy clothes, fancy everything.  Fancy Nancy stories are one of Annika's favorites, so she was very excited to be her for Halloween.  Gavin was our baby bjorn (bear).  He looked adorable.  Unfortunately, every time I thought of taking a picture of him he was upset.  So, he is our grumpy bear.  

Andy had the day off since he was out of town all week so we were able to start the festivities early in the day.  Pumpkin carving was our first item on our to-do list.  Annika chose the moon and star, Andy did the salamandor, and I did the "Boo!".  Gavin's had exploded the day before (didn't know they did that).  Of course Annika didn't want anything to do with touching the goop inside the pumpkins, nor the tracing, or the carving.  But she was great at cheering me on and complimenting me on the carving.  Next, we made pumpkin balls for the trunk-or-treat.  Yummy!  Again, Annika didn't want to touch the goop, but excited to eat one and compliment me on how good they tasted.  Next on our list was dinner-- mummy hot dogs.  They were delicious.  We cut strips of biscuit dough and wrapped them around a hot do with mustard eyes.  And, you may wonder, Annika didn't want to help, but you guessed it, loved eating them.  We then headed out and enjoyed a trunk-or-treat and door-to-door trick-or-treating with friends.  Gavin loved hanging out with his Dad in the Baby Bjorn and eating his hat.  Annika didn't exactly get what to say when the door opened, but was sure to say thank you when the candy hit the bucket.  After trick-or-treating, we came home and Annika finished helping Daddy pass out the candy.  When the doorbell rang, she went running to open it.  Sometimes so excited that she forgot to bring the candy with her.  Passing out the candy took 5 minutes because Annika had the find the right one for each trick-or-treater.  At 8 p.m. we turned off the lights and had to wash Annika's plastered hair before bed.  It's now over and a huge bucket full of candy sits on top of my fridge calling my name.  Hmmm, I think I will have a kitkat.

"Trick-or-Treat" ... "WHAT THE...?"

First, I have to say, I love Trick-or-Treating on Halloween because of the cute kids dressed-up and the pure joy on a kids faces when seeing the candy.  I love hearing the laughter outside and seeing how creative people are with decorating their houses.  I DO have a problem with a few things and I am using my blog to voice it.  

1.  I DO have a problem with kids being rude and grabbing candy out of the bucket.  When Andy asked, "What's your favorite?"  One boy took the liberty to help himself and say, "I like this one... and this one... and this one... and this one..." while grabbing 6 pieces himself.  Andy then tried to be courteous and say, "You need to leave some for the other kids."  He didn't move, just smirked.  Andy then demanded, "PUT THEM BACK." So the boy put 1 back and ran off.

2.  I am kind of okay with teenagers  trick-or-treating, but I really DO have a problem with those not wearing costumes, just street clothes.  When asked what they are dressed up as, they use their nationality or height as their answer.  Did you know a midget is 5'4" now?  

3.  I DO have a problem with a mom bringing her 10 year-old son to the door with THREE bags.  One for the son, then the mom said, "Don't forget the bag for your sister" as he shyly opened the bag.  And to top it off, the mom then held out her bag expectantly.  All three bags were pillowcases ... half-way full already.

4 And finally, I REALLY REALLY REALLY DO have a problem with 15-year olds girls (they told me their ages) coming to my door with my daughter and husband standing there and they are wearing fishnet stockings, 5-inch heels, and lingerie. You know you have gone too far (or not far enough) when there is more material in the wings on your back then the rest of your costume.  Needless to say, all three girls were shivering in 40-degree weather.  

So there you have it.  I think next time I will have a sign on my door saying, "No costume, no treat.  No clothes on, no treat.  Mom, buy your own candy.  Happy Halloween."