Elf It.

Well with tomorrow being the first day of December, I finally allowed myself to get sucked into the "ELF ON THE SHELF" stuff.  Yep.  I got suckered into it. However, I am NOT and I repeat NOT spending $30 on a kinda creepy looking little elf doll that will only come out 1x a year.  Nor will I spend $16 on a plushie, still kinda creepy looking little elf doll either.  So I came up with my OWN elf doll. 

My husband and I celebrated our first Christmas together in 2002 but at that time we were living with his mom.  So when we moved out on our own and had our first apartment in 2003 we were able to buy all of our own decorations.  Granted, we had to do so rather cheaply, so Family Dollar was our "Christmas decor one stop shop" we bought all kinds of decorations and we still have MOST of those decorations nearly 10 years later.

One such little decorations was a little reindeer door hanger.  His hands were together and he hung from the door handle greeting the guests as they entered your home.  He's been shut in the door many a time, poor guy. 

Over the years his job has changed.  He's hung on the tree, hung from the wall, sat on a wreath on the front door and a couple of Christmases he never made it out of the christmas decor box.

I stumbled across him as I was getting out our decorations this year (and I was pondering just what on earth I would use as our ELF as I am not going to go BROKE on an elf doll we'll only use for not even a full month.)

Pulled out that little guy and I just knew HE was "the one" to be our elf. 

Sittin' handsome in the Christmas tree

So today I made my OWN little "Elf on the Shelf" book, and I did some un stitching of his hands and feet to stick wire up his arms and legs to make him bendable.  He's cleaned up and all bendy and has a book all his own.  He's ready to be placed out tonight while the kids sleep.  They almost caught me sewing the wire in today though! Wasn't quite sneaky enough! I'm the worst "santa" ever anyway so being the "elf" is going to be even MORE difficult. 

Our Elf isn't so sure about this nut cracker guy!

I had posted the photos of the elf on my Facebook last night and my Stepsister asked how can he be an ELF, he's a reindeer.  Valid point.  However, as I said I'm not going broke on a $30 elf to use for 1x of the year even if it IS a fun tradition and all that fun stuff.  Sooo here's the STORY of our elf.

You remember Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer right? Well, perhaps you didn't know that Rudolph has a younger brother.  A much...smaller reindeer.  The Tiniest Reindeer.  Too small to pull Santa's sleigh! He wanted to be a big help to Santa, but couldn't.  He was too small.  So a very sad Reindeer watched as everyone was busily preparing for Christmas.  Santa noticed that this tiny little reindeer was so sad so he and Mrs. Clause got together with the Elves and the Reindeer and they all agreed that the littlest reindeer, could be an honorary ELF from here on out.

So he gets to join the scout elves that go out and watch children during Christmas time and reports back to Santa every night.  He loves his new job and now feels like part of the Christmas Team!

That's his story and I'm STICKIN' TO IT!

I just can't believe I allowed myself to get suckered into this whole ELF thing.  I swear, I'd like to smack whoever starts all this stuff.  I know the Elf on the Shelf idea is REALLY old, but you know what, back then no one KNEW about it.  Why?  Because no internet.  NOW?   Everyone knows about it, and the pressures to be the "perfect" elf on the shelf...are insane.  There are only about 30 days this elf is used, yet their are websites full of over 350 ways to USE your elf! How crazy is that?  But here I am...allowing myself to get sucked into it, and I'm enjoying every dog gone minute of it.

Last night after the kids went to bed the elf came out to check things out before he popped back into the North Pole to tell Santa he had chosen his family to watch over for the Christmas season. Though this evening he under went a mild surgical procedure to insert wire into his arms and legs so they would be bendable which will help in our Christmas Cappers! I tried to take photos during the process of making him bendable, but it just wasn't working out.  I wanted to share how I did this, but I think I'll just post a link to the page that shows you how to do it, so if you want to make YOUR elf bendable, just click http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/hack-your-elf-on-the-shelf-tutorial/ Check out this woman's awesome tutorial on how to make your elf bendable.

Christmas Elf checking out the 3 kids he'll be watching this month!

Our tree is all up, MOST of our decorations are up.  I do remember having more decorations, I don't seem to have as many as I used to, and that makes me sad! Not really sure what happened to them all, or if I just condensed them all down.  

The kids had fun putting the decorations on the tree.  The husband and I put the tree up while they were at preschool and put the lights, tensil, and ribbon on it and then the kids came home and put on all of the decorations.  Made things sooo much easier.  We did the hard part, they got the easy part.  I think the results were pretty nice! We found extra lights in our box of goodies that we didn't know we had (must have been in some Christmas stuff that we inherited last year?) but they were BLINKING lights! So I was super excited to have blinkie lights on my tree.

Our Christmas tree

My living room before I put up the Christmas Tree, and added more photos
to my picture wall.  I love my picture wall, have always wanted one.  And yes
we have a hamster in the living room, for now until Kams is ready to
have the hamster in her room without trying to get him out of the cage on
her own!
 

The kids had a blast decorating the tree, they did pretty good too!

Keegan thought he could wear the stocking on his leg. 

The neighbors (new ones) hung up Christmas lights.  The husband came inside the other day and looked at me very seriously and said "We have a problem"  I was like "HUH?  WHAT HAPPENED?!"  He said....."The new neighbors put up CHRISTMAS lights, we cannot be out done"  I about died laughing.  Normally my husband isn't that competitive unless it's a video game or board game or some kind of sport.  So to hear him be so competitive over Christmas lights was hilarious. I kindly...but firmly...put my foot down about the Christmas lights.  That can totally drive up your electric bill and I'm sorry, I try to stay WITHIN my budget.  Not blow it competing with the neighbors on Christmas lights.  The neighbors can win that one.  BUT come spring/summer we always win for nicest looking yard, generally anyway.  Atleast in our neighborhood! Which with some of our neighbors is I guess saying a lot? I just like to keep my grass cut to a certain height, and weed eat, and plant flowers and my kids have to keep their toys picked up and perfect when not in use.  That's all. Granted the yard looks kinda shabby  right now, didn't get to mow it again (mower quit on us the end of summer), and our outside garbage can is a bit over flowy and their are some boxes stacked up that need to go visit the dumpster, but none of that is too difficult to fix.  And we have a broken igloo dog house (that will NOT stay together no matter how many times we snap it back together so I'm going to get some caulking stuff and caulk it on the inside so hopefully that will make it stay together.  Not that my dogs use the darn thing anyway when they go outside to go potty.  They stand on it, sit next to it, run around it, but don't EVER go inside of it. 

I have all of our Christmas shopping done, for the most part.  Have a few little things I'm going to pick up yet as stocking stuffers but nothing too major. Still need to pick up something for my Mother in law.  We don't generally buy gifts for adults in the family, usually just for the kids.  But I felt bad not buying anything for my sister in law and mother in law. 

Gearing up to do some Christmas crafting.  That's always an adventure! This is one little craft project I did to decorate in the living room the elf checked it out last night when he was here, he said it reminded him of home.  haha.

NORTH POLE sign in the living room.

So it's not CHRISTMAS but this is the hair bow I made for Kams
to wear for Thanksgiving.  She loved her Turkey!

The board I painted to go on my buffet in the dining room for Thanksgiving

I took some Christmas photos of a friends dogs the other day, such cuties! I love taking photos of animals, and kids, and well of anyone really! I just love taking photos. 

Sadie is my friends foster dog, she's a senior around 9 years old.  She's so sweet! She has the onset of Cataracts and is just looking for a nice quiet home
to hang out and relax for the remainder of her life. 

This is Bunny probably the best lab I have ever seen in my life.  I love this dog. She belongs to my friend, and is such an awesome dog.

Another photo of Bunny who belongs to my friend.

This is Sissy she also belongs to my friend. 
She's a cranky little reindeer isn't she?
She is really a sweet little gal though!
She was rescued from back yard breeders!

This is Scooter, who also belongs to my friend.
A cute little reindeer!

Tomorrow the local animal shelter participates in the Christmas Parade we're pretty excited for that! Can't wait to see all of the dogs dressed up for the parade, they will be adorable I am sure! I've had a great time volunteering at the shelter, it's been almost a year since I started helping there and I'm glad I did.  It's stressful and frustrating SOMETIMES.  But for the most I really enjoy it, and I am so glad to have met the people I have met. Also to have the oppurtunity to do what I love, which is take photos.  I've also met so many beautiful and amazing dogs! Have enjoyed fostering several dogs at my home as well. 

It's always great to get involved in your community.  Find something you enjoy doing it, and do it. Brightens someone day and help others. It's the Christmas season, time to give back to others. 

Mae

We Survived Thanksgiving!

 

 

I hope everyone survived black friday shopping, oh and Thanksgiving too.  Everyone in my house hold survived the big turkey day, no one ate themselves into a food coma which is always a good thing!

My Mother in law and my Sister in law came for Thanksgiving, so I got to watch my niece celebrate her very first Thanksgiving, which was so cute (though she pretty much slept through the whole darn thing LOL)  She did however get to taste her first bite of mashed taters which she didn't seem to mind at all.  She turned 4 months old on Thanksgiving day, and is just getting too gosh darn adorable! She's my little buddy, everytime she see's me she just SMILES! But she saves her BIGGEST smiles for Grandma and her Uncle.  My husband just loves his niece! It makes him ALMOST miss having a baby in the house, hahaha he used to want just ONE more baby buuuuut he got smart REAL quick on that one the first time we baby sat the niece for a few hours.  He said "If this is a test on whether we should have another baby I FAIL! I'm SO GLAD we're done with the baby stage!"   I laughed at the time, and said I was glad he was changing his mind about wanting more kids.  Some weird little tiny part of me does still want four kids but I'm not dumb, we're done having kids.  My three beautiful babies are enough for me, I'm good.  I will just set about spoiling my niece rotten while she's a baby.  She's 5 years younger than my daughter so I am glad I can spoil another little girl, that I get to send back home with mom at the end of the day, muhahaha.

 

 

My daughter is still struggling with some jealousey issues when it comes to her cousin.  She loves Faith, but she is having issues sharing her Daddy, Mommy, Auntie, and especially Grandma with the new baby.  She really tries to act out when the baby is here.  Her tantrums, are OUT OF THIS WORLD.  I mean, she can have some tantrums, that we've always known, but wow.  The one she had the night before Thanksgiving was OUTRAGEOUS! I'm sure the neighbors thought we were killing her. 

Why?  Because I was trying to get her to put on PINK FOOTIE PAJAMAS.  Now she loves pink, that wasn't the issue, BUT the fact they were footie pajamas (BABY clothes) was a huge issue.  She was wanting to wear a SUMMER night gown to bed.  SUMMER.  Our house has been getting pretty chilly in the evening so I've been dressing the kids warm at night to make sure they are nice and warm.  Whew, she threw a fit so bad I almost wanted to call an exorcist! I eventually just gave up and said fine whatever wear your summer dress, if you wake up cold in the night I don't want to hear you cry about it. Lucky for her she was sleeping in my bed that night because Grandma was sleeping in her bed while they were here for the week.  So she stole all my covers and all of my body heat. Sometimes you just have to choose your battles.  *sigh* Usually the girl doesn't give me too many issues. 

Then before Faith left my husband was snuggling his niece and playing with her and Kams just could NOT tolerate that at all.  She kept doing all she could to get her Daddy's attention and just wasn't working.  She finally sat on the couch and just said "Fine Daddy, play with Faith and not me" She's always been a Daddy's girl so sharing her Daddy with her cousin for even a few days is upsetting for her. 

The kids and I did some Thanksgiving crafts on Thanksgiving. We made little Indian hats, and then I had made mini turkey's and hung them around the house the night before Thanksgiving, then the next day while we were all cooking I kept the kids busy by telling them to go find all of the turkey's hidden around the house. Worked like a charm!

Keegan (the boy is obsessed with spiderman)

My sweet little boy Marshall

Marshall and Keegan

A very booored little Indian named Kamilah

Kams, Marshall, Faith and Keegan sweet little Indians 4!

Normally my family does NOT do black friday shopping, I don't really believe in it but this year I DID go.  On Thanksgiving day after we ate I went to a store that was having a pre thanksgiving sale.  They had a good deal on toys so I went there to get the items on the kids wish lists (from Santa). 

From Santa my kids asked for:

Kams wanted:  A doll in a PINK dress (unlike last year when she forgot to mention a PINK dress and Santa brought her a doll in a yellow dress, she loved the doll and was happy but she told me that she was a little sad the dress wasn't pink but she loved her doll and would just make sure to tell Santa the dress needed to be pink next year).  She also wanted some finger nail polish (which my Mother got her some), and she wanted some play make up as well so that's another item from Santa. 

Marshall wanted:  Some heroes (so I found a package of smaller super heroes that I know he'll love it's got all of his favorites).  He also wanted a toy gun (the boy is either going to be in the military when he grows up or a hunter!)  So we found a really nice camo gun that comes with all kinds of little extras I know he'll love it.

Keegan wanted: His big list item was a SPIDERMAN (he's in LOVE with Spiderman) so I found a 12in super action hero of Spiderman that I had to snag for Keegan.  He will be thrilled.  He also got a toy light saber/laser gun package as well. 

Their toys FROM my husband and I are some cool lego sets for the boys, and an Innotab for my daughter.  I know we'll pick up other items as December goes on, but I just had to make sure I got their items they had asked Santa for. 

We don't do a lot of toy shopping and needless purchases throughout the year so when holidays like Christmas or their birthday's roll around we try to get them a few extra items because we don't usually buy things during the year.  We've never liked the idea of just buying your kids anything and everything any time they want it.

IF they do get extra little purchases it's with their "point" system that they've cashed in for some money at the end of the month (they have to save half of that money and then they can spend the other half and it usually isn't more than $5 per kid) so they usually just go to the Dollar Tree and get craft project stuff or bubbles or something.

So I survived my Thanksgiving shopping, even went to WAL MART for their "Pre" black friday shopping.  I had a friend call and ask me if I would come with her, she's pregnant and only has 21 days left and her husband got called out to work so she didn't want to go alone so I got brought along.  Glad I went actually! I snagged a great deal on some tupper ware that we actually needed really badly! So yay me! Everything else they had their on sale we already had (well I COULD have done with a new set of pots and pans but I let it go).  Already have a griddle, the mini processor, the steam shark, etc.  So those were purchases I didn't need to make. 
I must say that the whole pre black friday shopping at Wal Mart wasn't as awful as I thought it was going to be.  I thought everyone would be viscious and mean and ruthless, but they really weren't bad at all.  Everyone seemed really kind and even amid the chaos I noticed most were pretty kind, or atleast not completely rude, so it was nice.  Most people chatted, or helped each other out.  Made me have a little bit of hope for humanity (atleast in our area anyway!).  It only took us an hour and a half to get in and out of the store, not bad. 

My husband already bought my Christmas presents, even though we had agreed we weren't going to buy anything for each other.  He got me two of my favorite candles, and a cute salt and pepper shaker set (I needed a new one to match the kitchen and they were cheap and on sale and I liked them!) our tupper ware is a present for both of us.  All he wants is some Microsoft points for his Xbox, but I'm thinking he's going to get new pants instead, or a new winter coat.

We got our niece's Christmas present, and our nephews presents (though I will be adding more stuff to all of their presents!) I love shopping but try to do so affordably.  I've been saving every little dollar and dime I can since last Christmas.  It adds up thankfully! I love hitting up the bargain sales and sales aisles throughout the year getting Christmas items.  It saves a bunch of money!  Buy a little here and there all year long. 
 

15 Thankfuls

So...life just loves to throw one curve ball after another at my family.  Starting to get pretty sick and tired of it honestly.  Very frustrating.  Had a lot of stress yesterday, I'd call it "beyond stressed" but I'm not really sure what is BEYOND stressed, maybe stressed to the infinity?  Anyway, things are fine, I think.  I hope.  Don't see why they wouldn't be, but hey you never know. 

Anyway, it's November a month to be THANKFUL.  I'm in a thankful mood, yet at the same time NOT in a thankful mood.  I'm thankful for soooo MANY MANY things but then....there are several things I AM NOT thankful for.  Trying to stick to those positives that I am thankful for because they are the ones that really truly matter.  I started listing them on facebook once daily, but got side tracked around the time of Keegan's scans.  Sooo I'll list them here, just because it's easier. 

I am THANKFUL FOR: 

1. Terrific friends, who make me laugh, hug me when I am sad, encourage me when I'm feeling down, who are always there when I need them, and seem to always know what to say.  Friends who I can be silly around and act like myself around.  Thank you for being there for me, I have so many wonderful friends!
2. Terrific Family, who cares, who listens, who is always there when I need them, and no matter how much we may bicker or complain about each other at the end of the day?  We're still family and we still care about each other no matter how different we are from each other. We didn't get to choose who our family was, and there are a few nuts here and there (hahaha) but we're family and that is all that matters, family is so very important!
3. I am thankful for wonderful doctor's and nurses that take such wonderful care of Keegan during all of his scans and appointments, the Children's Hospital has been wonderful to Keegan and our family since 2009, I don't know what we'd do without them! They have been amazing and we love every single nurse and doctor that has worked with Keegan (and Marshall and Kams too as they've all been seen by a doctor there whether it befor Marshall's seizures, or for the boys' ear tubes, or for their allergies/eczema issues) we've had great doctors!
4. I am thankful for coffee.  Because some days...that's what gets me going and keeps me going! LOL
5. I am thankful for the huge Childhood Cancer support network I've met through Facebook and Caringbridge, thank you all so much for always praying for Keegan and loving our family through everything. I know that when I need someone who truly understands what we are going through I can depend on you guys, and you all mean so very much to me! I love you all dearly.
6. Thankful for Netflix.  I love it.  That is all.
7. Music.  Without it, some days I swear I'd lose my sanity.
8. My camera and photography, It's always been something I loved but was always unsure about and I felt akward even thinking about doing anything with it, but with gentle nudging...kicking from some great friends they've gottem me into it more and I'm glad they have, I really enjoy it. 
9. So very VERY VERY VERY EXTREMELY THANKFUL that Keegan's scans are all CLEAR and he is STILL NED!! This is the BEST news, the BEST thing that I am thankful for.  If I could this would be every single # on my list of things I am thankful for!!!
10. Thankful for my healthy baby niece whom I love and adore! I'm so happy to have her in the family and so glad I get to see her and hold her and snuggle her and watch her grow. Thankful for my nephews too and wish I got to see them more often!
11. Thankful for MY children, whom without them....my life would be boring.  My life would be missing so much if they were not in it.  I would not have nearly as much love and hope and joy in my life if their sweet smiling faces were not here.  The sound of their laughinger and squeals of delight as they run racing through the house playing, are the sweetest sounds I'll ever hear (other than their first cries when they were born! Nothing tops those sweet sounds!).  My beautiful children who I am so blessed to have in my life who never give me a dull moment! It is an extreme honor and privledge to watch and help them grow up.  They are so amazing and spectacular my life is forever changed because they are in it.
12. For my husband, who isn't perfect nor do I want him to be perfect, because perfect is boring. I love him the way he is.  He is the man I fell in love with and married, the father of our children.  The man who always has my back when I need someone.  He's always in my corner cheering me on.  I'm thankful every day for my husband. I see the way so many other women struggle with their husbands and boyfriends and all they go through and I am thankful that I am not in those situations.
13. I am thankful for the oppurtunites to do the volunteer work that I do, I have met many wonderful people! I look forward to doing much more.  You never know where volunteer oppurtunities will lead you it is a wonderful experience and a way to give back to others.
14. I am thankful for artistic ability, without it I don't know what I'd do! I love being able to create things for my family and friends!
15. I am thankful for my Kindle and books, I love to read, and this keeps books right at my finger tips!
16. (I'll go ahead and do tomorrow's Thankful too) I am thankful for Candles and fall scents.  I Love the smells of the fall candles and the smell of the crisp fall air and the smell of the crunchy leaves.  The smells of fall calm and soothe my heart and soul. 

No new photos to share as my children swiped my BOTH memory cards to my new camera *sigh* My fault.  That's what I get for leaving them laying in their case on the computer desk.  They'll show up....eventually.  I hope.  So back to using my old camera and it's memory card until the others show up (Or I break down and just go buy new memory cards uuugh not something I want to do, but hey gotta do what you gotta do). 

I spent my afternoon baking dozens of cookies for a cookie party I am going to on Sunday with a bunch of really fun ladies that I am thankful to get to meet and hang out with.  Sounds like it should all be a lot of fun! LOL Hopefully they like my cookies.  The baking gene seems to have skipped over me.  I cannot seem to bake without covering myself and my kitchen in a nice layer of flour or powdered sugar.  But atleast the cookies or other items I'm baking turn out pretty good.  Cept for a couple of batches of cookies today that got a bit...erm...crispy.

I made snickerdoodles for the first time today, and WOW they are so yummy, and really not as difficult to make as I thought they might be.  I might end up making a 2nd batch of them just for my family.  Though my kids didn't really seem to care for them so much, they prefered my flourless peanut butter cookies (3 ingredients, easy easy easy to make) and they taste delicious with a big ol' tall glass of milk!

I always double the recipe so I do:

2 cups peanut butter (one creamy and one chunky)
2 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
I mix the powdered sugar and eggs together first, and then slowly add in the powdered sugar until it is a thick dough.  Then I drop the peanut butter onto a cookie sheet by spoonfuls and then press down with a fork dipped in regular sugar and bake in the oven on 350 for about 10min, when you take them out of the oven they will still look soft like they aren't done but as they cool they will get harder (not rock hard but not squishy and smooshy).  They are really peanut buttery and delicious, and like I said taste great with a glass of milk, and with using a cup of chunky peanut butter in there as well, it gives it a nice texture and taste!

Plus it's freaking easy to make and the kids can totally help with it too.  One of their favorite recipes to make!

Tonight I made ham and beans for dinner, my husband's favorite meal to eat.  So they cooked on the stove all day while I worked on cookies.  Then Keegan came in the kitchen and helped me bake up a home made pan of corn bread, he wanted to crack the eggs...he did ok...but he suprised me!  He cracked the egg...then squeezed it and egg went all over as well as a bit of egg shell! I must have gotten all the egg shell out because no one bit into one, *whew*

Anyway time to go to bed, have to be up early in the moring!

Mae

Please Pray For My Son Keegan

Breathe.  Breathe.  Breathe.  Count to 10.  Breathe.  Stay calm.  Do not freak out.  DO NOT freak out.  Do not jump to conclusions, do not work yourself into a tizzy. 

Today, for like the 3rd time in my life (I think that's an accurate count?) I heard words I never want to hear again. Words I've been dreading the sound of for 2 years. 

Keegan had one of his cancer scans today, the CT scan.  Keegan did a great job, such a great big wonderful brave cooperative little boy.  FANTASTIC.

However.

The CT found some things that are a little troublesome.

There were 5 swollen lymph nodes in the retroperitaneal region (which means lower abdomen).  We don't know exactly what this indicates yet, just that they are swollen.  The largest is 2.7cm, roughly the size of a large grape. 

We will know know more until Friday when Keegan goes in for his MIBG scan. 

The MIBG will light up if it IS Neuroblastoma cells in these lymph nodes. If they DO light up...they will schedule a date to biopsy the nodes, and do a bone marrow draw to test if it is in his bone marrow.  They will immediately test the marrow and biopsy of the nodes.  Depending on what they find from that immediate testing....it will determine whether or not they place a new port in, or not.  If they place a port...he will begin treatment.  He will more than likely get a stem cell transplant.  From the way they explained it, it would be his own cells, not a donors (if he does need a donor, his twin brother Marshall will be the one they go to for the donation of stem cells). 

However.  We cannot jump to conclusions.  We cannot ASSUME this means his cancer is back. It could merely be an infection.  There are a million different reasons lymph nodes can be enlarged.  These are not the same lymph areas that were affected the first time he fought Neuroblastoma.  The first time it started in his Adrenal Glands, spread to his liver, and was around his spleen area (I was not aware it had been near or affecting his spleen until today! That would have been nice to know).  But these spots are apparently even further back in his abdominal area (which worries me!)  When he had surgery at 6 months they had to do surgery on his back bone to remove turmor that was growing up his vertabrae and was starting to press against his spinal sac). 

So I'm really trying not to flip the fluck out. 

I'm not doing so well.

REALLY trying. 

I cry. 
I calm down.
I cry. 
I calm down.

It's a cycle.

I think my kids are tired of me hugging them.  *sigh*  I can't help it.  I don't want to let them go.

My husband is freaking out, he's kind of shut himself down and went into silent mode because he's very concerned.  Our hearts ache.  We're scared. 

Every day I read about kids fighting the same cancer as Keegan.  Every day I read about those kids relapsing, or dying.  It's bleak.  It scares the shit out of me.  I don't want that to be my son.  I don't want it to be ANY child. 

I look at that BEAUTIFUL little boy, with his amazing smile and gorgeous BIG BROWN FUN EYES.  That little maniac laughter, that daring sense of adventure, his NEVER GIVE UP attitude.  His independance, his...amazingness.  I love that boy with all my heart and soul.  I don't want him to go through any more than he has already gone through.  I for one, do NOT think I am strong enough to go through watching him go through all of this again, if that is what happens.  Like I said, we don't know what all of this means yet. It could be, and hopefully IS NOTHING. 

Trying to remember, I do not control ANYTHING.  God is fully in control, this is in HIS HANDS.  NOT mine.  I have to have faith, I have to believe God knows what he is doing, even if I don't!

I would appreciate any prayers that could be said for Keegan the next few days.  Please pray that the scans are good, and please pray for the doctors and nurses that will be working with Keegan on Friday.  Please pray that Keegan will be calm and cooperative, please pray for me and the rest of my family as well.  Thank you.

Mae

Maternity Photos For A Friend

Got the oppurtunity to take some more maternity photos for a couple of my good friends! I've had the wonderful experience of following her pregnancy and watching as her belly grew!

So here are a few photos from today!























We still have a few more to do tomorrow.  Can't wait to meet their precious little guy in a few more weeks! This is their first baby, and you can see their happiness and excitement.

Mae

No Tricks Just Treats!

So we ended up having a really nice Halloween.  The kids got way too much candy but I guess in their eyes that's a great thing.  I give the candy a week and whatever is left, gets pitched, or preferably donated to a candy program as I feel bad just tossing it away.

Here are some pics of the kids in their costumes, couldn't get Kams to wear the glasses with her costume but that was ok.

She was Fancy Nancy from her favorite children's book. 
Though she got tired of explaining who she was.  Much to her
disdain no one in this town knew who she was talking about.  She was
sooooo annoyed with people for not knowing her Fancy Nancy was. 
Poor kid.  Atleast the librarians knew EXACTLY who she was, they loved her
costume, which Kams was THRILLED. 

Mr Marshall my handsome Captain America.  Marshall is just so
cute and proud of his Captain America costume. Today he wants to keep
wearing the mask and packing around the shield.

My little Spiderman Keegan.  He really loved being Spiderman and
with all of the climbing he did yesterday he was REALLY in
charachter! We had to do a bit of surgery on his mask though. 
He didn't like it covering his face so he looks more like a
Ninja Spiderman. 


Captain America Marshall, Spiderman Keegan, and Fancy Nancy Kamilah all ready for some trick or treating!

Marshall, Kamilah, me, my niece Faith, and Keegan all ready for Halloween!

Marshall, Keegan, Aunt Ashley, Faith, and Kamilah all ready for Halloween!

Marshall, Keegan and Kamilah, let's go get some candy!
 

We hit up the communities Trick or Treat Trail down town again this year and that's where the kids got their huge candy haul! So much candy, it was crazy.

We then went to "Octoberfest" which is a free community event that is put on by a Church here in town and it is HUGE.  Wow, there were a LOT of people there and a lot of games and activities.  The kids had a really great time.  Though we had to divide and conquer! Kams went with me, Keegan with with his Daddy, and Marshall went with Aunt Ashley, that way we could hit up as many games and fun things as possible.  Apparently Keegan's favorite thing was the blow up wall that the kids could climb, it was tall.  Keegan climbed all the way to the top and when he was told it was time to come down, he just jumped off to the bouncy floor.  Nearly gave his Daddy a heart attack and the guy running the thing! The guy said in all his years of doing that, no kid that age had ever just JUMPED from the top of the thing.  That's my Keegan.  Ever the dare devil.  I'm glad I didn't witness it, because I probably would have literally had a heart attack! Keegan thought it was so hilarious and wanted to do it again. 

Marshall is quite the little putt putt golfer, he had a lot of fun with that game! Kams is a genuis at the ring toss.  Kams, Marshall and I had fun getting a silly photo taken at the photo booth. Kams got her nails painted and a butterfly painted on her nails.  Free hot dogs, chips, and bottled water, and again...lots and lots of candy.  *gack* I'm all  candied out! Ok soooo maybe I can eat just ONE more mini twix bar.....or one more mini snickers.


Trying to get the hang of putt putt golf

Marshall waiting patiently for his big sister to get her face painted. 

Still waiting on his sister...

Sissy got her hand painted instead, a pretty butterfly.

Marshall my little putt putt golfer, he did really good!

My little ring toss queen!

My niece Faith looked adorable in her Owl costume that I worked so hard on! She's such a cutie. Everone Ooooh'd and aaaawed over how cute she was.  It was cute to see how proud my sister in law was of her little girl's first Halloween.  I was happy everyone thought her costume was so cute on her!


Cutest little owl I've ever seen taking a nap in a nest! Thankfully
she decided to take a nap right when it was time to
take her costume photos! Much more cooperative ha!



 

 

 



First time trick or treating!



 

I'm watching you Aunt Mae Mae, no stealing my candy.

When it came to trick or treating Kams meant BUSINESS.  There was no slowing down it was getting to one place, get the candy, get to the next place.  She didn't have time to wait for anyone else she was on a mission, a candy mission! Marshall and Keegan however were a little bit slower and were too busy looking around, but were still on a mission, though a bit slower than their sister.  We had to keep telling her to SLOW DOWN and wait on everyone else but she was impatient.

They were having a blast collecting candy!

They were very police and said TRICK OR TREAT and please and thank you.

They loved seeing everyone all dressed up.

Standing with Grandma Ann, Aunt Ashley, cousin Faith, Kamilah, Marshall and Keegan look forward to getting more candy!

We helped a bit with the Animal Shelter table at the Trick or Treat Trail.  That was fun seeing all of the kids all dressed up stopping by the table getting their candy, and all of the cute dogs too!

Two of my favorite people that volunteer at the animal shelter, these ladies are awesome! Never a dull moment with them!

Shawnda, stealing candy from babies? Tsk tsk shame on you! Santa is watching!

As we were leaving the Octoberfest at the local college there was a guy dressed as a werewolf trying to scare people as the came out the doors (come on it's Halloween you have to have a good scare!) He jumped out at Keegan and my husband.  One of several things COULD have happened when the guy did this.  First of all my husband (who scares far too easily and has a bad ticker) could have had a heart attack or a seizure or something).  Second of all Keegan is not a child that you sneak up on and scare unless you want him to punch you in the face or if you are a guy...in the nuts.  Keegan swings firsts when scared and asks questions later.  He doesn't put up with things scaring him, he attacks them right back.  So the Werewolf is lucky that none of those 2 things happened.  Instead?  As soon as the werewolf tried to scare him, Keegan grinned a HUGE smile and ran at the werewolf and HUGGED him.  The guy in the mask looked at my husband and said in a muffled voice "well that's never happened before! Usually they cry and run away!"  So needless to say the guy behind the mask thought Keegan was an alright little man.  Marshall thought the Werewolf was certainly awesome too.  Kamilah was off in her own little world and it took her forever to even realize he was there, when she did finally see him she stared for like 2 minutes then finally went "Aaah" and that was it.  Even when the were wolf ran at her and tickled her and pretended to eat her.  She didn't get scared or cry or run away. Just eye balled him like he was completely psychotic running around in a rubber mask. 

Keegan with the wickedly awesome werewolf! Look at that boys smile!

Look at Marshall's big grin as he stands with the spook spectacular were wolf!

Today was school picture day so that was fun, Halloween before school pictures? Fantastic.  We ended up over sleeping and had to rush around getting them dressed. Thankfully I had everything completely ready the night before! WHEW!

I got a phone call from the school that Keegan had thrown up during school pictures.  Uh oh.  But atleast he waited until AFTER his picture was done and he still managed a handsome smile for his pictures!

Not suprised considering the amount of candy the boy ate yesterday, then at 4am I heard a noise and woke to find Keegan devouring candy (at 4am) fantastic.  Ugh.  Even put the candy up high and hid it and he still got to it so apparently we didn't do as good as we thought we did putting it up!

So he had a tummy full of candy for school today.  He's been fine ever since he got home just ate too much candy.  He has sworn off candy for awhile (good thing he's taking a nap at the moment and not seeing that his brother and sister are munching on some candy).  OH and maybe Mommy swiped a Twix and a couple of mini snickers....maybe.  I'm not saying I DID, but I'm not denying it either.

I really like the little mini candy bars instead of the full size ones or king size ones.  The bigger the candy bar it's just too much for me.  I only want a little bit of chocolate and sugar thank you. 

We are now getting ready for Thanksgiving and I'm so excited! I get to host Thanksgiving at my house like usual and I cannot wait.  I'm so excited! Can't wait for Christmas too, exciting! My other sister in law that is in Colorado is supposed to be coming to visit too for the first time in a couple of years.  I hope she's actually able to make it. I hope my Mother, stepdad and little sister are able to make it as well. 

I have all kinds of exciting things planned! I just hope they pan out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we'll see! I love to host holidays! This will be our 2nd Thanksgiving and Christmas at our home. 

I'll be babysitting here in a few minutes so I better speed things up a bit.  The kids are looking forward to having friends over to play with!

Mae