Happy Halloween from Hogwarts

I finally got a few pictures of the kids in costume. We embraced our love of Harry Potter and each chose a character.

I really love Cooper's Hagrid costume, mostly because it's the only one I made. His wig lasted just long enough to finish trick or treating.

And we got one of all of us, but you can't see Bryan's awesome Deathly Hallows shirt, so you'll just have to trust me that he's wearing it. You also can't see most of my costume because I've got my winter coat on under my cloak. It was a cold Halloween. Just know that Professor McGonagall rocked some fantastic sparkly black clothes tonight. I did decide to ditch my glasses though. I would have been fine indoors, but since they're for reading, I opted not to sacrifice my distance vision and ability to properly see my children in the dark.



I did get one of Bryan at his work party in his department-picked Waldo costume, which has to count for something.

After the candy gathering, we let the kids eat as much sweet stuff as they could while we watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, as is our family tradition. Then we brushed their teeth thoroughly and sent their sugar-filled selves to bed.

Happy Halloween!

Sisterly Love

Smile

Over the last week Sophie and I have run several errands. During those outings, Sophie received several comments on her appearance. And guess what? None of them were about her birthmark. Each person remarked about her beautiful smile. This would then prompt an even bigger grin from our girl and a polite, "Thank you."

I see each of those kind compliments as a tender mercy.

Nuttiness

Last night was our ward Trunk or Treat. There was a lot of rushing around beforehand to get ready since I had volunteered to bring both chili (I actually took Taco Soup because I figured my kids would eat it) and a dessert (cookie bars that didn't finish in time so I had to grab a few packages of store bought cookies from Bryan's stash) and wasn't able to start on either until a mere hour and a half before the activity began. The kids were so excited to put on their costumes and there was some concern when no one could find Sophie's costume that had just been on the couch. We finally discovered she had put it away in the coat closet and we all made it, relatively ontime.

Everyone had a grand time showing their costumes, admiring other people's costumes, eating, obtaining large amounts of candy, typical Halloween stuff.

The real adventure happened on the way home. Usually the kids aren't allowed to eat in the car, but I knew they'd all want some of the newly acquired sugar, and I definitely did not want them staying up to partake of said treats once we got home. So I made an exception and told them they could munch while we drove. We had taken two cars so that Bryan could stay to help with cleanup if needed, so it was just me and the children in the van.

As we drove home, I realized two things: I hadn't gotten any pictures during the evening (which meant no costume pictures) and Sophie might have gotten peanut candy at the event and is the only child that can't identify those on sight. I told the kids that we would take pictures as soon as we got home and instructed Sophie to show Peter ( the sibling sitting closest to her) each candy wrapper before she opened it to make sure it was peanut free.

For the record, Sophie can eat peanuts, but she was in close proximity to Peter and hasn't learned to eat a treat while only touching the wrapper and not making any kind of mess, so the chance of exposure to Peter would be high if she ate something in the van.

We were more than halfway home when Sophie announced, "I don't like this one."

This was quickly followed by, "Oh no! She's eating something with peanuts!" from a rather frantic Peter.

One sniff told me that yes, something with peanut butter had definitely been opened in the van. It took a moment to discover that she was halfway through a fun-size Butterfinger.

At this point in the drive Peter was panicking about the crumbs he could see falling off the candy still in Sophie's hand while Sophie was crying saying, "I told them not to give me peanuts. I tried to give it back." The situation was tragic from both sides.

I told Sophie to finish the candy, because at least then most of the dangerous material would be gone. Then I told Peter that as soon as we got home he was to jump out of the car, empty the dryer, and transfer the laundry. Once that was done, I carefully transported a still crying Sophie out of the van and into the laundry room, then pulled off her entire costume and dropped it into the washing machine. I gave her a thorough shower and we brushed her teeth. While I did that, Bryan inspected the van and wiped down the floor of the laundry room.

Finally, after the panic and trauma had worn down, the kids were able to fall asleep.

We did not take pictures.

This morning Sophie and I ( and by Sophie and I, I mean mostly me while Sophie watched) went through her candy bucket piece by piece with wipes to remove the surprisingly large amount of peanut butter crumbs. Then I washed her car seat, vacuumed the van, and put her Halloween bucket through the dishwasher. Sophie was much happier this morning about the whole episode, though she kept repeating that she had tried to give the offending candy back. I continued to reassure her that she wasn't in any trouble, she just couldn't eat certain things around Peter.

After so many years of handling the peanut allergy, this is the first time something like this has happened. Perhaps my detailed description of our peanut removal process seems excessive, but even a small bit of peanut can cause a reaction. And because of the portion of the peanut protein that Peter is allergic to, any reaction could turn anaphylactic. When dealing with a literal life or death allergy, we don't mess around.

All of the candy has now been sorted. Each item containing peanuts has been traded in for something that won't kill Peter. I did give Cooper and Phoebe the option to keep their peanutty candy and take them to school to eat during lunch (neither of them sit at the peanut-free table and the cafeterias allow peanut products), with the reminder that they would need to completely wash their hands and mouths after they ate, but they both opted for the trade-in.

Between Bryan's work party and the actual Halloween night, we have two more chances to get pictures of the costumes. That means we also have two more batches of candy to sort through for peanuts.

Ah, the joys of Halloween.

Not a Project I Would Want to Take on at School

The pumpkin Cooper carved at school on Tuesday gives a clue about our Halloween costumes this year.

Bearded

After comparing the cost (both in money and time) between buying ready-made costumes and making them myself, I decided to buy most of them. Except for Cooper's. I couldn't find his chosen character anywhere for a kid his size. Here's a preview of what I worked on this weekend.

The Primary and the Ultimate

Yesterday was an important day. It was Sophie's first Primary Program and Peter's last. I've been looking forward to watching this for over a year, so of course I was on the stand with the kids and didn't get a proper view of anything. But I was able to observe a bit.

Cooper and Phoebe both did a fine job when it came time to speak into the mic. Unfortunately, I couldn't see either of them the rest of the time, so I don't know if they sang or smiled or anything. I'm guessing that they did, neither of them usually need reminders about that sort of thing. And bonus, they both had their hair combed. We always brush/comb Phoebe's hair, but that's usually it. Yesterday she had a clip in it and looked very nice. Cooper almost never has his hair combed, something I am generally not aware of until after we're at church. I made sure it happened this time so his hair wasn't sticking up hedgehog-fashion while he stood in front of the congregation.

Miss Sophie and I sat together along with one of her Sunbeam classmates, right behind the Sacrament Table. During our two rehearsals this was an issue since Sophie immediately knew she was in close proximity to a microphone, a tempting scenario for our girl. Thankfully, the tablecloth that covered the table during Sacrament Meeting hung down enough to cover the mic panel, so it was not a problem during the actual program.

Sophie was the first in our group to deliver her line. She was so excited, she climbed onto the double decker step stool, made sure the mic was right at mouth level, and gave her line without any prompting at all. And she was loud. "I CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHEN I PLAY WITH MY SISTER PHOEBE!" Technically, her line talked about sharing toys when she played, but I figured the truncated variation was fine. She was also the loudest kid during the songs, at least when she knew the words and wasn't doing interpretive dancing. I could tell because I could see the faces of the members of the congregation, lots of grins in our direction. I reminded her to sing but not yell. We're still working on that. One mom scooped her up afterward into a big hug and announced that she loved her so much she could just take her home, so I guess loud was good.

Peter had the first line of the program. He delivered both his parts (every Senior Primary kid had two parts while the Junior Primary kids had one part each) clearly and well. He is absolutely the tallest kid in Primary. During rehearsal he tried to move the step that had been placed in front of the mic for the other kids, but was told to just stand on it or stand around it. That was awkward, but he made the best of it.

After church he told me how many days he has until he turns twelve. I asked if he was happy to be done doing Primary Programs. He grinned and nodded. That's when I pointed out that once he turns twelve he'll get to give talks in Sacrament Meeting instead. His smiled faded, his shoulders drooped, and he said, "Out of the frying pan and into the fire."

More Evidence

As we ran errands today, several people smiled at Sophie and said, "Hi sweetie! Did you dress yourself today?"

Folks, she dresses herself everyday. I ensure that her attire is weather appropriate and let her do her thing. Except on Sunday, that's when I veto.

Today was not Sunday.

 

Winner, Winner

After the kids were in bed tonight, I finally got to exercise. I've been favoring the treadmill, so it'd been awhile since I'd used the rowing machine. Bonus: I talked to my sister while I worked out. After a solid two miles, I planned to blog, shower, then fold laundry.

I got as far as turning on the laptop and sitting up in bed, ready to type.

And then I woke up an hour later.

Sleep wins tonight.

It's Important to Remember

On days when my children have been particularly trying (trying my patience, trying to push buttons, trying to imitate teenagers, trying for world domination), I find it's helpful to look at pictures of them as babies. Then, while I look at the pictures, I ask myself, "How should I treat this child?" And I remember that even though they're in much bigger bodies now, often filled with what seems to be more than their fair share of ornery, they are still my babies, and I need to continue to show love and kindness and care.

Work It Out

Phoebe led Sophie in some exercising while we waited for the boys' school bus one day. Right after I took this picture Phoebe announced, "And now let's do burpees!"

Clubbing

A few months ago, Cooper started a Story Writing Club for his siblings. He advertised with a sign-up sheet.

Then, last week, Peter started a competing Author's Club.

Cooper responded by inviting Peter to join forces.

Peter answered by establishing his own collaborative endeavor.

Not to be left out, Phoebe started her own club as well.

Anybody want to join a club?

Beware

If, on a Friday evening at the conclusion of a particularly long week, you decide you'll spend some time snuggling each child as they're falling asleep, beware. Your eyes may grow heavy, your list of items to be accomplished after bedtime may lose it's appeal, and the fact that the kids' beds are significantly more comfortable than your own may be realized. So you'll let your eyes close, certain that you'll be up again in just a moment or two.

And then you'll wake up at eleven at night, not sure of where you are or how you got there.

Beware.

Big Wheels

We found out that a skating rink in the area offers a discount to scouts on Wednesday nights. Guess whose cub scout troop meets on Wednesdays? It was Cooper's first time in roller skates, and you could tell. He slipped and slid and ended up using a walker (roller?) made of PVC pipes, duct tape,  and wheels to keep himself steady. I tried to take several pictures, this is the least blurry. Cooper is right in the center of the shot.

On the bright side, he had a lot of fun and improved some by the time we needed to leave.

Dining With Royalty

Sophie set up this fancy spread while I was prepping dinner this afternoon before the kids got home from school. I asked what she was doing and she informed me that she was having a date. Who was her dining partner, you ask? Prince Eric, from The Little Mermaid.

"But don't worry Mom, we don't kiss on the lips in this movie."

A Finished Work

Last night, after the kids had gone to sleep, Bryan came into our room where I was exercising and, without speaking, handed me his phone. The message, which had just come from his mom, told us that Bryan's Grandpa Ned had finished his time on earth. He had been declining for some time, so we had been expecting this. His wonderful wife and all of his children were with him when he slipped peacefully from this life to the next.

Ned was the first person that I met in Bryan's family. When Bryan and I were just crossing the threshold from good friends to dating, Ned had come to pick Bryan up from BYU to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with them. I had stayed to work in my job as an RA, so I was there to walk Bryan to the car. I remember noticing how much Bryan looked like his Grandpa, so much so that I wondered if I was getting a glimpse into the future of what Bryan would look like. His Grandpa was warm and friendly to me in the few minutes we interacted. And he continued to be welcoming and kind and loving through the nearly seventeen years I was able to know him.

After hugging each other and shedding tears, Bryan and I discussed how and when we should tell the kids. We had told them a few days before that Grandpa wasn't doing well, and that he was probably in the final days of his life, so they had been prepared. We debated if this additional news would ruin their day, or if it would be worse to withhold the information until the afternoon.

This morning Bryan and I got all the kids up for school, but instead of telling them to get dressed, we brought them into our room and had everyone snuggle on our bed. And then we told them.

Phoebe, who feels everything strongly and deeply, cried the hardest. Sophie, our nurturer, put her arm around her sister and said, "It's okay Phoebe," and continued to soothe her until it was time to get ready for the day. Cooper climbed onto my lap and leaned into me while I held him. Peter, who has the most memories of Grandpa of all our kids, didn't visibly react much. Bryan asked how he felt and Peter said he was sad, and his voice caught just the tiniest bit.

On the last day of our trip to Utah this summer, we had an unexpected few hours before we needed to be at the airport. We decided to stop by Bryan's grandparents' house one last time. They were delighted by the extra visit and we gave lots of hugs. As we were about to leave, I felt very strongly that we needed a picture with Bryan and the kids and Grandma and Grandpa. I took several, and at least one person is making a face or closing their eyes in each one. But the fact that we have those pictures brings comfort to our hearts and may help Phoebe and Sophie remember their only Great-Grandpa that they got to meet in mortality.

I know that death is not the end, only a temporary separation. I am certain that Ned was joyously met on the other side of the veil and that he is happy to be free of the pains and aches that he had felt for so many years. Death is sad for those of us still here, because we will miss him while we continue our work on Earth. Despite that knowledge, we still grieve, and that's okay.

Whenever we left their house, Ned would hug us and whisper into our ears "Remember who loves ya." We do, and we always will.

The Skills

Tonight at bedtime Sophie, while lying in bed and tucked under her blanket, wrapped her arms around her precious red panda Adele and said, "Mmmm, I love you Delly." Then, in a hushed whisper, she said, "I love you Mommy."

I smiled at her and whispered back, "I love you too."

She looked surprised and asked, "How did you hear me? Is it because you have the skills?"

"Yes," I said, "it's because I have the skills."

Movie Night Success

Friday night at our house means movie night. Tonight there was a lot of back and forth about what we were going to watch. Each child wanted to watch something different, and the thing that Bryan and I wanted to watch had disappeared from our cue. While Bryan was on the computer trying to locate the missing movie, the kids and I watched trailers for the movies we do have, a cool feature of the streaming service we were using.

After watching the trailers for The Young Victoria (Phoebe sighed happily when it ended and announced it as her pick for the night) and Young Frankenstein (which totally weirded the kids out), we watched the trailer for Singin' in the Rain.

Way back when the boys were three and one, we watched Singin' in the Rain. I distinctly remember how much both boys loved it and that it was an eye-opener for me as a young mom that they could be engaged by more than just cartoons. Frankly, I was pretty sure that meant my children were geniuses.

So when we watched the trailer tonight, I watched the kids reactions. The boys clearly had no memory of seeing it, but everyone liked what they saw enough that we reached a unanimous movie vote and I pushed play on the Gene Kelly classic.

Of course, Singin' in the Rain is a classic for a reason: it's wonderful. And I was delighted to see that my kids recognized that. During Donald O'Connor's famous comedic number "Make 'Em Laugh" we were all laughing out loud and Peter announced, "This is the best movie."

At the conclusion of the film, I remembered how much I love sharing great movies with my family, movies that make the whole world seem a little brighter. And while we watched I made a mental note of future family movie submissions, including It Happened One Night, Some Like It Hot, all the Danny Kaye movies, The General, and pretty much anything with tap dancing.

I love movie night.

The Plot Thickens

Phoebe is turning in her first spelling packet of her first grade school year tomorrow. I looked over it today to see what she had done. The final assignment was to write a sentence for each word on her spelling list. One of the words on her list this week is plot, look at the sentence she chose to write.

I'm both quite amused and a touch concerned...

Fabulous Friends

Some of our dear friends from Illinois were driving through our part of PA on their way to visit family in New Jersey and asked if they could stop by. Of course we said yes! So my friend Sarah and her two girls spent Monday evening with us. Her girls are almost exactly the same ages as my girls, which always worked nicely for play dates when we were in IL.

The two older girls remembered each other and jumped back into playing right away. 

The two younger girls didn't remember each other, but they warmed up by the end.

 And I loved getting to catch up with my friend while the kids played.

After dinner they got back on the road (with both Phoebe and Sophie trying to sneak off in their car). We're so glad they made time for the visit.

From the Line to the Machine

After more than a month of hanging our laundry to dry in the basement, I am thrilled to announce that our new dryer was delivered and installed on Friday! It was supposed to have come on the 18th, but that got pushed back to the 27th. When no dryer showed up on the 27th, Bryan called the store from which our landlord had purchased the appliance. He was informed that the date of delivery had been changed to October 9, even though no one had notified us or the landlord. Bryan was able to reschedule it for last Friday, which I'm pretty sure counts as a miracle.

Oh, I'm so thankful not to have to use crunchy towels anymore.

One Hundred and Eighty-Seven Years of Goodness

One of my favorite times of the year concluded yesterday. This weekend, plus a session last Saturday, was the 187th Semi-Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every six months I look forward to my soul being filled by the messages, both spoken and sung. And with all of the chaos currently in the world, I think I was aching for words of comfort.

I felt that more talks than usual really spoke to me. There are always major themes in each Conference (which is remarkable because every speaker decides on their own topic). For me, the themes this time were: the example of the Savior, service, humility, The Book of Mormon, our ability to choose how we respond to trials, and kindness.

All of the talks are available online to watch, but they don't all have the written transcriptions posted. Because of this, today I'll simply share the two talks from the Women's session (which happened a week ago and the written talks for these are already online) that I loved.

Turn on Your Light by Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, was the first talk of the evening. She quoted and elaborated on President Spencer W. Kimball's 1979 talk about women in the church and spoke with boldness about our need as women to be a "significant force" for growth in the church. She listed five things that we need to do to fulfill this: be righteous, be articulate, be different, be distinct, and do all four of those in happy ways. If you've been reading this blog for long, or have spent much time with me in person, you'll recognize that these five things have been important to me for a long time. To hear them spelled out from the pulpit was exciting and inspiring.

Three Sisters by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, was the closing talk of this session. He told a story of three sisters, one who was always sad, one who was always mad, and one who was always glad. regardless of their circumstances. Then he explained the parable. I encourage you to read it (or reread it). This will definitely be a talk that we teach during an upcoming Family Home Evening.

The kids were all just as excited as I was for General Conference. We all enjoyed our traditional breakfast of waffles, whipped cream, and strawberries. I was pleased to see how delighted each child was when they opened their freshly stocked General Conference notebooks. And even better? They listened to the speakers and each child could tell me which talks were their favorite. That always makes my mom heart happy.