Halloweenie

Yes, ours was great. Especially since the weather was a nice 68 degrees. No jackets needed for Trick-or-Treating this year! The kids had a nice time dressing up:

Ashley: SuperGirl
Ainslee: An academy award winning actress (she had the little statue, too)
Andi: Tinkerbell
Spencer: Skeleton
Avery: A cat. Actually, it's the same cat that all the girls have dressed up as. We have pictures with each girl in that costume!

Cory really likes dressing up. But it always happens about an hour before it's time to go to the Ward Trunk-or-Treat. Last year he was a cowboy which was good because he had everything for that. This year he wanted me to dress up and I actually did. I'm not the costume type but I'm getting over a lot of my fears in my old age (not scared of Mascots anymore!). So we dug through some old boxes from High School. Cory wore a football practice jersey (from his glory days, from what I hear) and I wore his Letterman jacket. I also wore his class ring around my neck. Yes, high school sweethearts. Even though we weren't, but it's just a costume. Pretty sure he called me Lori and Joanna once that night :)

Earlier in the month I took a trip with the younger 3 to a pumpkin farm. Great times.

We even carved pumpkins for the first time since having kids. We've always just "accidentally" forgot to carve them because it would just be total chaes. But it wasn't this year. No blood and no screaming. Success!!!

p.s. Aunt Karen: we only took 1 Butterfinger for our whole family! Bummer that we missed you.

Mr. Spencer

That's the nickname I gave him. It's not very good, I know, but it at least sets him apart from all the misses in our house. He said something so funny the other day. Let me give a little background... When one of the kids is doing something naughty but funny Cory and I will turn to one another and say, "Look at what your daughter (or son) is doing." Because of course it puts the blame on the other one. It's all in good fun and we can't say it without a smirk on our faces. So the other day, Avery found her way to the trash can. She had pulled something out and I wasn't paying any attention. Then I here Spencer say, "Mom, look your daughter doing." Ha Ha Ha!!! So funny! I thought for a 2 yr. old that was very wise of him! He knew exactly when to use the phrase. Man, what would it be like without him. I can't (and don't want to) imagine it.

Seriously, what are the chances?

I am so giddy with excitement. We're finally getting family pictures taken in 2 weeks. The last time was a year and a half ago. Spencer was only 6 months old! It's been a while, I know. And I booked this fantastic girl who's got great style. So now it's time to check the outfits and see what we've got.

And of course this has happened:

Anyone got any 'teeth adding software' I could borrow :)

Additional Happiness is...

listening to a song by these guys (not girls):

and eating:

Happiness is not:

remembering you have more student loans to pay off!!!

(I'll gladly accept paying off loans for higher education and job stability)

Happiness is...

paying a student loan DILIGENTLY for so many years then one day getting a letter saying that because we've been so consistant and on time (no late payments!) at paying that they will forgive the rest of the balance. That is 1 whole year worth of payments done early!!! That's in the hundreds of dollars saved!!! And it was such a surprise!!!!

Finally, a reward for being financially responsible. Hey, since we've been paying our mortgage perfectly but can't refinance because we haven't been deliquent while others CHOOSE to not pay their mortgage just to be able to get their loans modified... I guess this little surprise helps make up for it.

No more baby

That's it...she's done it.

Avery turned 1 yesterday!!!

We can't believe it either. Time flies.

Something I thought I'd never have to say...

Yesterday I said something that never crossed my mind. I can't believe I had to say it! Not until you have kids does it make sense. I actually had to say:

Nooo!!! That's not hairspray- that's cooking spray!

NOT a good thing.