The Never-Ending Halloween!! (mega post)

{ Chad...always the rocker. This year w/ a political twist to go w/ his department's work theme. Mom...trying to be a witch. And, no, that scratch on my chin is not part of the make-up. Just had a little trouble getting dressed.) Josh...like father, like son! He loved bringing "Slash" back. Andrew...what a charming Indiana, don't you think? "S" is for Super Sarah who wouldn't wear the cute boots that were part of her costume!! And "Grrr..." is for the growling Jenna! She's be practicing her growls all month while watching 'Open Season.' No, cutesy bear here! }

WOW! I think it's fair to say we made the very most of halloween this year. (and I'm tired!) We had several parties with friends (We have neighbors who have a full size coffin in their living room...and that is soo only the beginning!), family, work (The Omniture party left me wondering how many days it's been since the employees actually did any work! It was amazing) and school. Here are a few highlights.

Jenna had to be the doorbell ringer this year...it was so cute to watch! She also loved all the scary decorations (our street goes all out!). And Sarah? She wasn't loving the gore so much this year. lol Noticeably missing from the door to door walking was Josh. Yep. He's old, remember? He was "hanging out" with friends. He did hit a few houses. The night ended a bit early with Sarah feeling sick (toothache...thanks mom for the great teeth)


Remember what a big deal the costume parade was when we were young? Well, it still as...at least with all the parents and g'parents! The gym and hallways were packed. Then, it was off to class parties. It's always fun to be in the classroom with the kids.


Every year G'ma and G'pa Jensen put on a big party for all the grandkids. They seem to step it up every year as was definitely the case this year! The food was (almost) too cute to eat! Fun games and activities....and the SPOOK ALLEY in the backyard!! That was just awesome this year. Buried bones, hiding monsters (neighbor kids), a mad scientist (Uncle Ron) and a gruesome BBQ. It was fantastic!


Looky here....the Jensen's all dressed up! A Sushi chef, Obama (a la horns and pitch fork!), a whoopi cushion (with sound effects), a 70's basketball star and a cuddly bear just to name a few.


(over)Decorating the cemetery cake is a favorite tradition the kids love doing with Grammy each year. Grammy doesn't hold back bringing the candy and sprinkles! I know the kids love having carte blanch with the candy and frosting! Mom and Dad even got lucky this year. Grammy brought dinner...the best soups...mmmm! Thank you soo much Grammy...we had a great time!

Thank you so much to all our family and friends who went to so much work to make Halloween so fun and special for us. We hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween, too!

Sheesh! I think Josh had the never-ending birthday this year! We had to bring teenager-dom in with a boom, right? Having outgrown party games and treat bags, we had to plan something "cool" for him and his friends. We have an awesome high school team and I knew Josh and his friends would think it was pretty cool to head to the high school for a game. They had a great time and headed back to our place after for dinner, dessert and some "hanging out." No more kid-themed parties. Wow. He is getting older!

On the 17th our ward had our "Super Saturday"....on Friday night. I was asked to teach a pumpkin carving class. Really? Yep. Who knew I was an expert on pumpkins...not! However, in preparation for the class, I did come across some cute ideas and great tricks for carving. My favorite two tricks this year?

1) Hollow out your pumpkin from the bottom. Looks so much cuter w/ the stem area untouched. And easy peasy for the lighting...just place pumpkin on the lit candle (no reaching inside)
2) The apple corer!!!! This thing makes the best, most perfect circles!

I had fun with the spray paint and craft paint...even added some rhinestones. If you really want to go crazy try carving only the outer flesh. It took me awhile, but I love the results. Happy Carving!

Blogging blaaahs

Maybe it's the economy, election overload, the layer winter fat that is appearing around my midsection and thighs, or maybe it's the computer problems I've been having, but I just haven't felt like blogging. Hopefully soon I will get my pictures downloaded and get caught up on some entries. I can't be the only one that feels the economy, election and "life" sucking me dry, can I? :)

Well, two days of celebrating and we aren't done yet! We still have a friend party to do! I think Josh had a pretty good birthday. No doubt the highlight was the cell phone! He has been waiting, asking, waiting and asking! The other highlights were dinner with the grandparents: Pei Wei with G'ma and G'pa Jensen and Red Robin with G'ma and G'pa Medeiros. He loves that extra attention. Josh also enjoyed a special breakfast, after school treat (Sarah was disappointed the party wasn't starting NOW, so we did an impromtu ice cream party), the traditional door signs and doughnuts with the carpool.

13thirteen13thirteen13thirteen13thirteen13

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??
No, really. It can't be. I think I am in complete denial. Josh turns 13 today. We have a teenager. I keep catching myself reminiscing about the day he was born and I have to stop myself so I don't get too emotional. I remember the morning we took him home like it was yesterday. A beautiful, sunny, Sunday morning. Our (awesome) white Taurus. A blue car seat that was much too big. Two new, wide-eyed parents who couldn't begin to imagine what they were in for. As we drove home to our little apartment, we listened to the Jonathan Cain song, "Little River." It goes, "run little river the world waits for you..." I remember laying him in his crib for the first time and Chad and I just turned and looked at each other as if to say, "now what?"

Well...now what?

Now, I take a deep breath. I try to live in the now and not think about how fast tomorrow will come and go. I am trying to ignore the fact that he will be gone before I know it. It's just going too fast.

Josh really is such a amazing young man. He is smart, well spoken, well behaved and an awesome budding guitarist. Nearly perfect except the keeping the room clean part. ;) I have marveled at his ability to teach and talk. When he's been asked to speak at church, teach FHE or a church lesson, he does it with such ease and confidence. I haven't seen many kids that age talk with such maturity, I know I certainly didn't. My one birthday wish for him today is that he will continue on that path. That he will keep his focus and allow his faith to grow and strengthen.
Josh, we are so proud of you. We are so blessed to have you in our family. You are special. We love you.

Andrew:

"MOM! Did you take Jenna to school yesterday? Cause I bet you forgot."

Oh ye, of little faith.