I know that this is not a good  pic of Boe, but he insisted on taking his pic with the pumpkins!

I love his bare feet and Blue eyes.

I really missed the boat by not taking my camera with us to the ward party. We were all dressed up...Guy was Juan with the BIG sombero, I was The Good Witch of East Texas, Bobby was Captain ?, Amanda was a "Baby Sitter" (yes, we tied a baby doll to her bum!), Tommy was a Pirate, Johnny was the ninja that you see here, Boe was a knight but then today we bought him this batman pajamas and so he HAD to wear it tonight, and Levi was Tiger. I am so lucky, Levi is really this happy most of the time.

B-day Blast

Ok, I got ahead of myself 'cuz I haven't posted and we have been busy little bees around here. Just one pic of my beautiful daughter on her birthday. Actually, this was a week later on sunday when we had her Cherry-less Cream Cheese Pie with the whole family. She blew out candles on her b-day on top of a stack of cookies. I know, we are weird!!

Carving Pumpkins

Like I said earlier, I was madly trying to plan and pull off a Halloween party for the ward and so Guy was left home with the kids a lot this week. He is totally awesome and carved pumpkins with them. This year he wanted to try those kits from Wal-Mart. They were very cool. Boe did a pirate, Tommy did the ghost trio and Guy did a haunted house. Johnny just wanted to do a traditional jack-o-lantern. He is a traditionalist like his mom!! I bought a white giant gord and had wanted to do a luminated ghost with it...alas...no time for the weary. (or wicked...whatever!!) They really had a good time.

HI

This is just a quick post to let you know that I am still here!! I have been busy planning the ward Halloween party. It was last night and turned out great. We ran out of food and had way more kids than we anticipated. I planned for about 20 extra and we passed that by quite a bit. Our ward has a lot of inactive families and it was good to see them come out to this. Of course, I forgot my camera...we really had a good time. It is the job of the primary to put on this party every year, I am already looking forward to how I will do things next year.
I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!

Happy Birthday, Amanda Rose!!

Happy Birthday, Amanda Rose!!

Well, my sweet baby girl turned 15 yesterday. I can't believe she is growing into such a beautiful young woman. She has lots of great things that I really love about her. She is my very best helper. She cooks, babysits, cleans, takes care of animals and in our old ward, she was the favorite of all the children.  She loves animals. She has loved raising animals for the fair and having her own horse to ride. Cats are her favorite too. From the time she was really little, she was carrying them around by the neck. She is really good at basketball and really strives to learn everything her coaches tell her. She is a good friend. She makes people feel comfortable around her.  But, most of all, she is a fantastic daughter. We are really good friends and it is easy for us to spend time together. I am thankful for her and her special gifts. She sometimes can be a tough cookie, but who wouldn't be with this housefull of boys!! She had Guy wrapped around her finger in no time flat!

Mostly, I wanted all of you and her to know that I love you sissy. And I am so proud of the person you are growing up to be. Heavenly Father definately has a special plan for you and you have not disappointed Him or me.

Oh, by the way, no you can not turn 16... for sure!! Grandma Carbine will have to come live with us to make sure you stay 12.:)

Oh my goodness! This has been a crazy week. I don't think I have done anything but chase kids here and there. But then, that is my job!

I went digging through old halloween pictures. And I mean OLD! The pictures of Troy and Trachel in Cotton City are hilarious. My mom wasn't as creative or enthusiastic as Aunt Marie, but we did manage to rummage through Grandmas old clothes to come up with some great outfits.!

I just wanted to throw in the other pictures for fun!

1976>
1981

Merrie Miss Daddy/Daughter Date. Wasn't my dad handsome? I wonder if Aunt Marie was my leader!! Why else would we be dressed like this!! 1983

Yes, that is Grandpa's head decorated as a clown!!

Also Kathy Payne, Andrea Tomerlin and Judy Hicks! 1983

What a bunch of cutie pies!! Mom says we are singing, I don't know which song. 1974

Proof that it does snow in southwest NM! Traci and I . 1979?

This is how I remember us in my best memories. This is the family that I love! 1980

A baby no more :(

I don't have documented proof of the event, so believe what you may!!

LEVI IS WALKING!!

 That is right...walking and he did it before he was 9 months old!! So much for my baby staying a baby! He still only takes about 5 steps at a time and only with the help and proding of his mom and dad, but he is moving! I guess when you have brothers to keep up with, you can't just lay around on your tummy for too long. I will try to catch the event for verification soon!

Fruits of my labor!

I love to see when my hard work pays off. So many things don't reward us, right? My house never stays clean, there are always dishes in the sink, someone is always hungry and the laundry is never done. No time to enjoy how clean the kitchen floor is, cuz' Boe runs in with a big smile and muddy feet!! Can anyone out there relate? Well, this post is all about something that makes me feel good and gives me a reward......My garden!!! I really love to get out and play in the dirt. I almost lost this crop of corn to Southwestern Corn Borers!! I don't even know what they look like, all I saw was the evidence of their feasting on my corn.....my corn!!UGGGH! We will have sweet yellow and white corn in a few more weeks. Can't wait. Take a look at those stalks. Aren't they beautiful? OK, you probably aren't as excited as I am, sorry. I just had to share. Pat myself on the back. Thanks for letting me do that!! Have a great day.

P.S. After looking at the picture, I just have to say...yes...the boys run around looking like country bumpkins most of the time. I guess they are pretty cute "fruits of my labor"!!

Halloween Past

I was inspired by the pic Trachel put up of her mom and girls last halloween. I have had some great Halloweens with my kids. I am a terrible picture taker, so most of the good ones are not on film. One time I went to school when Bobby was in 1st grade as a green witch (yes my face was green and hair knotted beyond belief). He didn't know I was coming and didn't recognize me when I got there. It was really fun to see his face when he realized it was me. However, it seems as if my old age has lessened my Halloween trickery and after seeing my aunt Marie all dressed up, I have renewed my Halloween vigor!! Watch out...I may embarrass my teenagers!! I hope you enjoy the stroll down Happy Halloween Past and feel free to post your own on your blogs. It will be fun!!

Halloween Past

FALL, FALL, FALL

YEAH OCTOBER!!! I love fall, it is my favorite time of year. I really love it more than the Christmas season(except for celebrating our Saviors birth). I am really looking forward to a beautiful fall season here in East Texas. But, it better not freeze my corn garden!!
HAPPY HAUNTING!!