Well Taught

In our family, we decided to focus on one trait each month that we want to develop more. With the new baby coming and me being a little anxious about how I'll get everything done, I decided that independence would be a great one for November. We talked about what it meant to be independent, and then whenever the kids would ask me to do something they could do themselves, I'd remind them about being independent and encourage them to do it themselves. Well, I think Carston really grasped the concept. Today after church we were all sitting around the table eating or looking at the paper. I was out of water so I asked him if he'd get me a little more-he's usually very helpful about that. This time though, he kind of looked at me for a minute and I could tell he was trying to figure out what he wanted to say. Finally, he said, "Remember about being independent?" So I had little choice but to haul my large self out of my chair and get my own water. My mom said that December's trait should be service.

Pictures from October-A little late

October is always filled with so many fun events. So here are some snapshots of the fun "Halloween" activities we participated in.

My Mom got these potato head pieces for the kids to decorate pumpkins with.

I love making these pumpkin people every year. I find myself laughing out loud as I glue on things and they start taking on an identity (and I was so proud that all the pumpkins came from my garden:)

We get together with some friends and family every year for "10-8" An invented holiday whose origins are based on a small experience of someone's friend. I knew I was fully integrated into the family when I started including the holiday on my calendar without any reminder.

Decorating pumpkins is something I love doing. I guess I get it from my mom because she stayed up late and carved her own after we all left! The kids wanted to carve and paint this year.

We always have an adult party with the Roberts. John and I took home the prizes for for

"scariest" and "funniest" costume. Check out the videos in the next post to fully appreciate the humor.

The kids were invited to John's office for trick or treating on Halloween. They came home with their buckets almost full!

Here they are in all their finery. And just so we're all clear, Carston is a clonetrooper, not a stormtrooper. Apparently there is a distinction that I wouldn't have noticed without him pointing it out. The weather here was so nice that the kids didn't even have to wear coats to go around. Macy was pretty excited about all the candy she was getting. She always had one in each hand and would go around to different adults to get them opened.

My Suspicions were Right

For the last few weeks I been telling John that I must be extremely huge because random strangers ask me when I'm due and act a little shocked when I tell them I have two months left. John thought maybe I was imagining the shocked part. Well, today at church I was walking down the hall when I passed the Bishop. He kind of looked me over and then said, "Now WHEN are you due." I told him January and he kind of gave a little grunt. "Yeah, I still have two months to go, " I said. To which his response was "Wow, you look like you're ready NOW." You have to respect men for their honesty I guess. At least that's what John says :) Anyway, it just confirmed that I am an extremely large pregnant woman. Maybe we'll have a 10 pounder this time.

When I Grow Up

Avery asked me today if she'll get to do the dishes when she grows up and is a mom. When I said yes, she started cheering. Later I heard her talking to Carston. She was telling him that when she grows up and is a mom she'll get to do the dishes, and make dinners, like peanut butter sandwiches, and play with him. Carston corrected her about being able to play with him. Obviously when she's grown up, he will be too, which means that he'll be going to work and won't be able to play. Kids are too cute.