Halloween Costumes 2011

Years ago, a friend told me to prepare myself for the day that the children would ask for store bought costumes because that is what all of their friends have.  That day has never come, and I have a hard time imagining that it will.  Even when the children toss around the idea of being something that would be easier to purchase in the store (Spiderman), they assume that their Grandma will make it for them.  The costumes mean something to the children on a level that rises above one evening spent in costume.  They represent tradition to the children and having something that is handmade by someone they love is still far more important than what their friends have.  And for that I am thankful.

Harris has known he wanted to be a gnome since he received his beloved Gnomes book from the Easter Bunny.  My Mom even made a padded belly for him!

For the first time ever, Grace had a bit of a hard time deciding what she wanted to be.  However, while we were looking up ideas for Harris' costume she spotted this toadstool and knew she wanted to compliment Harris.  Isn't it darling?

 Our newest ornaments for the Halloween tree.

Halloween Wrap-Up

Whew. I can't believe that it is November! October seemed to absolutely fly by and boy did we celebrate Halloween! I really enjoyed Halloween and all the fun that comes with it, but I'm looking forward to the mellow month of November.

(I believe that this is Marshall's serious Ninja face)

We got together with the same crew we always do before we go trick or treating. This time John and Marci hosted and we were treated to some really delicious food. Unfortunately, the weather played a trick on us and rained! We did manage to get in a few houses and the children have no shortage of candy!

I realized I never shared with you the ornaments my Mom made of the children's costumes. They turned out really cute.

A big thank you to my Mom for making the children's wonderful costumes and ornaments. The children genuinely love them (and so do I).

Ornaments 2008

For as long as I can remember, my Mom has given us Christmas ornaments at the beginning of the Christmas season.  My favorite ones were the ones that were symbolic of the past year.  Every year as we unload the ornaments for our tree trimming we take a walk down memory lane.  I love our tree because not only is it beautiful but it's a symbol of our life and family.

When we got married, Bryce and I continued the tradition by giving each other ornaments and always seeking out ornaments when we went on vacation or did something special.  As the children were born we did the same for them.  I suspect that by the time each of the children have a home of their own they will have amassed quite a collection of Christmas ornaments for their own tree.  

This year we got a tooth for Grace because she lost her first tooth back in July.  Harris got a pirate ship because he and Bryce built the ship playhouse and he is all about playing pirates.

We also added several other ornaments to our collection.  We bought one from Shelbourne Farms, where we went on vacation, and one from our trip to Colorado.  I was thrilled to discover that Grace's grammar school was also offering one that is a pewter replica of the school.  

Our tree trimming is tonight and I'm excited to revisit fond memories and put new ones on the tree.