Happy November

Well, we have trick or treated, eaten candy and (sort of) scared ourselves silly.

The girls and I had a great time trick or treating with our friends. They looked so cute. We had dinner with Maddie and Beth and then headed out (with two other families). We were quite the menagerie - 1 Tinkerbell, 1 ballerina. 1 princess, 1dragon, 2 sumo wrestlers, 1 monkey, 1 pig, 4 moms and 3 dads. Kellen and Maddie led the pack and if you know these two girls, then you know that they are quite the scaredy cats themselves. I couldn't believe how grown-up they seemed (and also had visions of the teenage years to come) as they tried to separate themselves from the rest of us. They looked so cute whispering their 7 year old secrets to each other.

The separation did not make Jenna happy, though, and she felt very left out. Its so hard to be the little sister when you think of yourself as such a big girl. She was very good about it after a while.

And then, my little piggy. She thinks she's five. Really thinks she's five. After Jenna's birthday if you ask Riley how old she is, she holds up her hand with all her fingers spread out and says "Fife". She completely pushed her way through all the kids and "ti or tree"-ed at every house. And raised like the good little southern girl she is after each piece of candy said, "tan koo" and then would not let anybody near her goody bag. She is still guarding that thing like Fort Knox. If one of us even looks in that direction, she yells "EEE MIIIINE". I think Kellen and Jenna are afraid of her.

After we got home and after the girls went to bed, I went through all my scary movie options and totally freaked myself out. So, after going through the house to make sure we were all locked up tight, I watched all my saved Ellen's. I completely chickened out. So yesterday morning I decided I would watch my movie in the daylight. Now, I don't have time to watch an actual movie during the day, so I picked The Fog off our Comcast On Demand and watched it fifteen minutes at a time (of course can't watch something like that in front of the girls) and finally finished it at about 10:00. It was only ok and I probably could have watched that one on Halloween, but I was too chicken.

Now that its November I want to post something everyday that I am thankful for. Since I missed yesterday, here are my first two things:

1. My Family ~ this is a no brainer. I could not be more thankful that I met and fell in love with Kyle and that he fell in love with me right back. He is such a good person and is the best husband and father. He is also the only person in the world who can put up with me and my crankiness. Kellen, Jenna and Riley are truly the best gifts I have ever received. It amazes me each day to see them learning and growing and watching them be such precious human beings. I love watching and getting to know their differences and what makes them unique. I can't even really remember life without them in it.

2. My Sisters and Parents ~ Laura and Sarah are truly my best friends and its hard to believe that after all our knock-down drag-out fights that we grew up so well. I know that I can count on them for anything. They are always there to give an honest opinion and great advice whenever I need it. Who knew that I would need my little sisters when I was such a bossy and know-it-all big sister. And now thanks to them I have two brothers. They picked the best in Eric and Kris. And now I even have a beautiful little niece, Emory!

I wouldn't have my family and my sisters if it wasn't for my parents. They have always been there and were great role models. Though, I am sure there were times when I made them pull their hair out (or turn it gray, even) and when I wasn't exactly appreciative of all they did. After having my own kids, I hope they know how appreciative I am now.

Happy November to you and I hope you have lots to be thankful for!