Trunk or Treat 2014

The kids and I had a lot of fun at the Trunk or Treat. There weren't as many people there this year, but for buddy that is actually a good thing so he doesn't get quite as overwhelmed.  Kylie was Queen Elsa (of course!) and Brandt was Spider Man.  Kylie had fun seeing her friends JoAnn, Gracie, Cozy, and JD as well as older cousins and Brandt was excited when his friend McKenna came.  I thought it was great that buddy took a time out from the party to read a book-it actually seemed like a good way for him to decompress a little and not have a meltdown or anything.  The kids and I stayed and helped clean up, although with all the goofing around that was done I'm not sure if we were more of a help or a hindrance.  Either way, I'm hoping that they learn something about helping others and taking care of our church building.  

Spooky Eats

So I finally caved to peer pressure and joined Pinterest- although truth be known I did it on accident at first but then decided I kind of liked it so I continued. We have been finding that Brandt's behaviors drastically worsen when he has sugar, so that was a concern going into Halloween.  Shaun suggested we offer to pay him for any candy he turns in to us so that he can go to the store and buy a toy or something. Brandt wasn't so sure about that idea at first, but then he ended up giving me about half his candy which I thought was a big step for him.  I think he recognizes that he doesn't feel as well when he eats junk and that he isn't in control of himself. At the beginning of the week, Buddy and I were looking through Pinterest for sugar free Halloween ideas one night and he decided he wanted to do themed dinners and treats all week.  We attempted Boonana Pops and string cheese and pretzel witch's brooms but they didn't look like the pictures on pinterest when we finished lol.  We did a lot better on the octopus hot dogs, ghost toast (original idea thank you very much), Jack'o'lantern sandwiches, Frankenstein pudding cups, and monster mouths  The kids loved helping with the meals and looking at the finished products but only would eat some of it.  I think their favorite was the Monster Mouths.  Kylie looked at me while she was eating hers and said, "mom, these taste freaking good but the marshmallows are definitely too big for my mouth." It cracked me up!  Where does she here the word "freaking" used like that?  Preschool???

Crazy Hair Day

This week was spirit week at Paris Elementary, and tomorrow is crazy hair day.  Brandt came up with the idea to shave a stripe in his hair and he coerced his dad into helping him with it (I don't think it took too much effort to talk him into it...).  They had fun getting his stripes just right-at least Bryce had fun.  By the end Brandt was completely over-stimulated and done with it.  Bryce made him promise that he would let him finish cutting it after school tomorrow, but I have a feeling this hair cut will last longer than that.  Buddy is really hoping that he will win a prize for having the craziest hair!

A Girl's First Date

I would imagine that every parent hopes that their daughter's first date will be with someone who will be kind and thoughtful and treat her like a princess.  Above all a first date should be with someone who can be trusted.  Well, Kylie's first date was with someone who fit the bill-her daddy.  Head Start planned a fun night for the kids to go with their dad's (or another male figure) and have dinner and activities.  Kylie was SOOOOO excited all week to go on a date with her dad!  She wanted to dress up and have Elsa hair (of course...) and she had to have makeup.  I had a lot of fun helping her get ready and seeing how much she was looking forward to spending special time with her dad.  While we were getting ready we talked about how a boy should treat her like a princess on a date and the different ways he should be a gentleman.  Before they left, she demanded that I take pictures of them just like she'd seen Lisa do before Max and Mariah left for their Homecoming date recently.  Like I would have let them leave without pictures anyway...  They ended up having a great night!  They ate pizza and did fun activities with some of the other kids and dads who came.  I'm thankful that she has her dad for her "male figure" and for the stability that brings to our family.