Meet Ava

A few weeks back we added a new member to our family. Truthfully everyone in the family wanted a dog, but me. To my defense I knew I would be the one having to take care of the dog, and I just wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. After years of debate on what animal to get, and begging from the kids, Micah and I decided to settle on a cat. I said yes only knowing that they pretty much take care of themselves, and if we go on vacation we won't have to worry about boarding her or anything. I knew that an animal would be good for our kids, and she really has been wonderful. It may be crazy, but the first time I saw her, I knew she was the right one. I even went home and thought about it over the weekend, but when I went back on Monday she was still there, and I knew I needed to take her home with me.

She is so sweet, and lets my girls basically maul her. She will just sit on their laps for hours letting them pet her, and follows them around the house just as happy as can be. She has never scratched or bit anyone to hurt them. And when friends are over, and it gets a bit crazy she will hide under my bed and then come out when our visitors go home.

Now, the funniest part is that Micah is her very favorite. He would really like to have nothing to do with her, but she sleeps right by him every night. She will follow him around at night after the kids have gone to bed, and then will only go to bed with him when he lays down to sleep. She will even get right in his face in the morning just begging for his attention. It's so funny. Micah doesn't really think so, but it really is hilarious.

Family Pictures

We had a lady in our ward take some new family pictures of us, and she did a great job for the price. I'm still trying to figure out which coloring I like best for each picture. We have been needing a new family picture for quite some time, so I'm really excited to share these with everyone. Tell me what you think?

Halloween 2011

We had a wonderful Halloween this year with beautiful weather, and lots of fun Halloween parties to attend.

We had a Beauty Queen (Miss Nevada to be exact), Minnie Mouse, and a Bed Bug. You can't read the sign Abbie is holding, but it says Bed Bug so everyone would know what she was.

I was pretty proud of myself for getting out the sewing machine (it had been years), and making this sash for Avery. You can't go wrong with vinyl lettering and some glitter glue. It worked out great.

Aliza had been talking all year about being Tinker Bell or a black cat for Halloween, but when she saw this Minnie Mouse costume she was in love. We bought a Tinker Bell costume on clearance after Halloween to save for next year.

Abbie's first pick for a costume was Nancy Drew, which I thought was adorable. After one of our many Halloween parties she realized that many people didn't know who Nanacy Drew was, so switched to a bed bug at the last minute.

Aliza was more that excited to go get some candy. Abbie's goal was to make it all around the whole neighborhood, and she did. Who knew they would get so much from just our tiny little neighborhood.

Apparently our neighbors don't give you just one piece of candy. You are suppose to give a huge handful to each kid I guess because that's what they did. We will be eating Halloween candy until next Halloween because they got so much.

Abbie was grinning from ear to ear the whole night.

I have been addicted to Pinterest lately, and these are a few of the easy crafts I tried from that website. These ghost milk cartons were really fun for the kids to decorate.

I made this fun Halloween banner to hang in the back of our car for the Trunk or Treat. I thought it turned out cute.

My friend Wendy and I made these tool wreaths which were easy and fun. The best part was letting the kids play while we sat around tying on the tool and talking. She made hers all orange with a green ribbon which was much cuter than mine. Maybe I'll try again next year.