Watch Out World-Here Comes Vaughn!

Characters of Halloween

When it comes to Halloween it always sneaks up on me. I guess that is probable because we never grew up celebrating the holiday. I just think it is fun for the kids. And it feeds my sweet tooth for the whole next year. Hahaha. SO, what would the kids want to be this year? 

Jordyn chose to be Rhodopis, the Egyptian Cinderella , after reading a wonderful story. I think her main reason for choosing and Egyptian queen was the makeup. She loves to wear makeup and I won't let her very often, only for dress up. This was the ultimate makeup costume. 

The makeup

Her eyes just popped out and she thought she was the most beautiful princess ever.

She also loved looking older.

The costume

This is actually the only hand made on this year.

And I was still scrambling to get it done an hour before we left.

Close-up of the headdress, also handmade with the help of Daddy

Jackson chose to be GI Joe Snake Eyes, even though all his cousins were dressing in Ancient Egyptian garb. He was fine with his decision untill we all got together and they were playing Pharoahs and the Queen. He had a great time though and made an excellent Ninja.

I love this shot

The full effect

A little action shot. Teasing the bumble bee.

Lucy and Vaughn did not get their choice of costumes. I chose Lucy's and Aaron chose Vaughn's.

Lucy was so cute and she loved being a bumble bee. The cutest part was when I finally let her get on her costume and she says, " Yay! Now I can fly," and took off running with her arms out. She came flying back, lip out, almost in tears and announces, "I can't fly!" I just swooped her up and hugged her. So cute.

My little lobster

Vaughn loved being put in the pot. He smiled and posed.

The crew downtown Corvallis

(Daddy was "working" and on the phone but at least he wandered around with us.)

Lucy though trick-or-treating was the best thing that ever happened to her. Walk up to some stranger, bucket extended and they fill it with candy. The next morning the first words out of her mouth were, "Can we go trick-or-treating again this morning?"

Vaughn had his cookie and balloon and he was set.

All I can say about this one is, "Ever tried to get 4 candy filled kids to sit still for a photo?" It is not easy. At least they are all in the picture.

A Walk in the Park

Per Jackson's request we went on a walk last Sunday. He came and asked, "Mom is it Fall yet?" I told him yes and he than asked if we could go to the river and walk down where all the wooly worms come out in the Fall. How could we say no. We did this a few times last year and obviously it was a good memory. These are the things our children will remember us for. Little moments that mean enough to them to store in their little memory banks.

Spitting in the river

Vaughn thinks he is a big boy now and should be allowed to climb up on the railing all by himself.

We quickly realized that the dock may not be the best place for Vaughn. He would have jumped right over into the river.

I had to get in one picture. I realized I am usually the one behind the camera. Better get in a few pictures so my kids can look back on them someday and see Mommy.

Crazy kids, nervous Mom

Poster Boy - I love the special shots that just capture the child. Isn't he beautiful.

The Love of My Life - So glad he loves me back

Cutie Pie. He loved digging in the rocks. I am not sure how many he may have eaten but I took a lot out of his mouth. Look how happy he is though. To a boy there is nothing better than a pile of rocks and dirt.

"Daddy, can I brush your hair?"

Here is the way the conversation went-

"Sit down, Daddy, so I can brush your hair."

"It's ok, Daddy, its just a little "radishy"!"

"Now you are all pretty. Yay!"

Summertime Catch Up- July

Some highlights of July. More summer fun to come.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Birthday Buddies

Oh What a Year! I am not sure what the odds of having two children born on the same day 8 years apart are but they have to be pretty spectacular. But that is what this family is all about. Spectacular children. Today we celebrated Jordyn's ninth birthday and Vaughn's first birthday. One year ago today Jordyn was not so sure how she felt about having her brother share her birthday. She was kind of bummed.

September 24, 2008

After she realized how many parties she would be getting and all the special treatment she would receive she has changed her tune. It helps that she has the cutest little brother who loves her to death. They have a special bond that I pray remains throughout their lives.

September 24, 2009

Newborn Jordyn

9 years old
Beautiful inside and out, young lady, little girl, athlete, tomboy, angel, horse lover, laughing, silly, enjoyable, thoughtful, loves Jesus, WONDERFUL

Newborn Vaughn

1 year old
Full of determination, loving, handsome, crawling, smiling, laughing, SWEET.

A Moment With Jackson

I treasure each and every one of my kids and I love the moments I get to spend with them one on one, even if it is a short little moment when no one else is in the room. My times like that with Jackson are so few because he never sits still long enough. Most of my moments with him like that come when I am feeding Vaughn before bed and Jackson is laying down in his bed. It is when he thinks. And when he shares his thoughts with me my heart just melts. Tonight was too cute not to share. Jackson was laying silently then all of a sudden asked, "Mom, God can do anything, right?" "Yes he can, Buddy," I replied. "And Jesus is the same as God, right, Mom?" "That's right, Jackson." And without any hesitation in a triumphant voice, Jackson says, "Then if I could be anyone I wanted I am going to be Jesus and I am so gonna walk on water." That's My Boy!

Check out this cool dude!

Lucy's too cute to miss quote

On the first day of school I woke the kids up and we were eating breakfast and I told them we needed to get ready for the first day of school. Lucy jumped down from the table and shouts "But I can't go to the first day of school in my pajamas! We all just laughed. It took a while to get through to her that we have school at home. I may not be able to keep her at home for school without opposition.

First Day of School

This year brings many new things to the table when it comes to school. The kids are getting older number one and this requires more teaching. I can't just wing it anymore. I love having all 4 of my babes at home [most of the time] but it is a lot. I am really enjoying our new curriculum and the way it is set up. It is very organized and keeps us on track. Vaughn and Lucy probably have the most to adjust to. They are used to being the center of my attention and that has been shifted to Jordyn and Jackson. We have a lot of kinks to work out but I think as we move along and get into a routine things will run a lot smoother. As long as I keep my calendar on hand I will have no problem teaching everyone and getting them to 4 weekly soccer practices, AWANA, and piano. It will be a breeze. We made it through an entire week already and I think we are all even a little bit smarter.

My little poser

Forced to smile but doing a great job of it.

We only need one more to have a basketball team.

Our Classroom

Vaughn 10 Months Old

Just a few pictures of Sweet Vaughnie Boy. This is about a month old and some new ones are to come. Kind of forgot about my blog in all the hustle and bustle of the summer months. I have so many pictures to put up and will do so as time allows. School starts in one day. Yikes.

My Blue Eyed Guys Hangin' Out

This is the look on Vaughn's face most of the time. Happy, Happy, Happy.
All Boy. Has to know how everything works and love it when things are running and loud.
Rock ON!

Enfuego

Last night on our way home from a Corvallis Knights Baseball game we spotted smoke coming from a building. We called 911 at 9:42 but by the time the fire department arrived the billowing black smoke monster had grown into a fiery demon. We watched as the ladder trucks shot 3600 gallons per minute into the mouth of the monster but in the end water really was no match for fire. The building was devastated. This building was home to the Farmers and Prudential insurance agencies and was located on 9th street between Conifer and Walnut. As devastating as it was to the building I have to say, it was pretty amazing to watch. The kids sat in awe until 11:00 when all the flames were gone and just a few puffs of steam rose from the rubble. A great lesson in why we NEVER play with fire. (Hint, hint Daddy.)

These last three shots with the fire fighters are my favorite ones.