Binkies...Nuks...Pacifiers

Call them what you will, but we have no more! I have been meaning to document this for Isaac because I am so proud of him. A couple of weeks ago, after a few nights of waking up to put his Bink back in his mouth, I finally said, "NO MORE!" I realize that I should have said it about a year ago, but you do what you gotta do. So my plan: Binky Fairy... it worked on Supernanny. I gathered the Binkies and after one night of no binkie we took the binkies to the the BIG toy store (toysRus) and Isaac got to pick (almost) any toy he wanted. First he wanted a Leapster, but Santa might bring one so he looked at everything. After searching the store, Isaac picked the Melissa and Doug (wooden) tool set and a little toy boat. Out of all the flashy noise makers, cars, guns, balls,trains, Isaac wanted a screwdriver and hammer. He plays with it all the time. So he gave his binkies (in the walmart bag) to the checkout girl who I slyly informed of my plan. Now we sleep the the night most of the time, and I am thinking of all the things that I can perhaps change with just a trip the toy store!

All About Sam

Happy Birthday Sam!
Sam is one. He is a wonderful little spirit. We have been so blessed to join our family. He is a happy boy and so easy going. He took his first steps on Thursday, but he has been bouncing all over the house for quite some time. He can say ball, bottle, DaDa, Grandpa, up, balloon, dog-dog, bye-bye and hot. He also does a charming shark bite. He loves to smile and he loves to be with is sister and brother. Happy Birthday Little One! We had a family party upstairs because we have such a big wonderful family. Thanks, Ruth. We played a few party games: twister, pin the party hat on Sam, and the watch me grow game. ( I made the last one up. It included pictures from every month of Sam's first year that had to be put in the correct order. Haley only missed two months. Then I taped the pictures on a string and hung it from the fireplace.) Grace amazed us with a magic trick. We made pizzas, well, Jake, Justin, Wendy and Isaac did most of the work. Allison brought cupcakes which were beautifully decorated by the kids and some of the adults. I think Sam enjoyed his birthday, I know I did. A few more things to note: 1.Sam loved the cupcake! He grabbed it frosting in hand and ate it all. 2.I spent three days trying to make a soft soccer ball which I had no pattern for but in the words of my mother-in-law,"How hard can it be?" The answer: Hard. It turned out egg shaped and that was even after I made further modifications. 3.My mom sang Sam happy birthday over the phone with the rest of us before Jake... I mean Sam blew out his candle. ( Sam's birthday outfit was sent by Marmee.) 4.Jesse, Kelby, and Liam gave Sam a vintage fisher-price phone. Just as Kelby was saying we could take it back if we wanted (we wouldn't have) Jake ripped into it. Apparently, it was a favorite childhood toy. Sam's presents were loved by all. He got some great things, thanks. 5.Most importantly to note, although Sam will not remember any of this, there are so many people that love him and want the best for him. Thanks everyone!

Partners in Crime

A few weeks ago I went to take the trash out and came back in to a mysteriously quiet house. Grace was at preschool, but it was still a little too quiet. This is what I found. There is lipstick all over Isaac's stomach. I had to get the camera and document the first of what will be many adventures these two will have together. I smiled and laughed and told them no, but Isaac didn't get the message. I found him a few days later cleaning the toliet with my mascara brush. I was not smiling and did not take a picture. I AM glad that Sam and Isaac have each other. They are the same distance in age as me and my sister. Even though space is tight and I find Isaac saying "NO, Sammy" often, I am sure they will wind up wondering what they would have done without the other like I often wonder about Allie.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween. The past two days have been packed with excitment, so much so that I have yet to unpack from our fabulous California trip. Blogging is the priority! We got back late Thursday and woke bright and early on Friday for a monumental event. Grandpa's retirement ceremony at UPS. The kids were asked to dress up to remind the other drivers of Halloween and safety. Grandpa has worked for UPS for 32 years and has never had an accident or sick day. We are excited to have Grandpa home with us.

This is Isaac trick or treating at his playgroup. He was a spider. Thanks Joanie for the box of costumes you left for us. We are all set for Halloween next year.

Every year for the past three years we have gone to the Big Red Barn and rode the wagon to the pumpkin patch. This year we had a last minute change of plans with the vacation so we thought we would go the day of. We had inquired about the wagon rides but when we got there it turns out they weren't running. Instead we rode the CRV to the pumpkin patch and were able to get as many free pumpkins as we wanted. Grandma and Grandpa came too and we shared a delightful caramel apple and pumpkin doughnuts.

After the pumpkin farm Grace and Isaac took a nap and Sam played with a babysitter while we met everyone at Maglebys to celebrate Tom's retirement with a lovely lunch. The picture is not the best, but the food and the company were wonderful.

Jake and Sam at the pumpkin farm. The snow brushed mountain are a beautiful backdrop but a bitter-sweet reminder that winter is on its way.

WHAT A NIGHT!
For Trick or Treating we headed up to Jared and Trisa's house. This year Isaac was spiderman, Grace was a shamu trainer and Sam was sad. It wasn't until our 11:00 emergency room visit after two hours of screaming that we found out he had a double ear infection.

Grace's costume consisted of black leggings and turtleneck, a whistle, gelled hair for the "I just hopped out of shamu's tank 'wet look' " and a wired shamu to do tricks. (She got a bloodly nose from the dry cold which I apparently did not wipe before this picture.)

Isaac was spider man. I didn't realize he wanted to be it until a few weeks ago and he hardly ever asks for anything so I went everywhere looking for a costume. Of course there were none to be found so Marmee made the dream come true and sent a spiderman costume from Ohio. He was so pleased with himself.

On the way home we stopped in Provo and saw Justin and Wendy. They were very festive. Grace was so excited they went as recycling! Actually they were the boy and balloon hoax that happen a while ago in Colorado. Very clever...

Halloween was a magical day for all except Baby Sam who is always so good. He never crys so when he could not settle himself we were really worried. Luckily, it was just ear infections. Oh, and Sam has finally decided on an eye color-- brown. I am happy to have him join my team.

I hope you all had a lovely day too.