Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet

Carter's Stats

- 4 Months old
- 16 1/2 pounds
- rolls from his tummy to his back
- eats pears and squash
- can stand with a little help
- walks backwards in his walker
- holds his own bottle with both hands
- happy all day long!

My cute Cowpokes

Since we're HUGE fans of Toy Story 1 and 2, the kids wanted to dress up from characters from the movies. Jessie The Cowgirl and Woody the Cowboy. (Thanks to Brenda for passing on the costumes for Dawson, we also have Buzz Lightyear! He dresses in that a few times a week at least!)

We went Trick-or-Treating down Main Street during the afternoon and had lots of fun. Most of the little shops and boutiques had big bowls of candy for the cute little ones that dressed up. My cowpokes proudly showed off their costumes. Just before going out, Dawson looked Ryanna up and down and walked around her to admire her outfit. He then walked up to me and when a very confused look on his face asked, "But where's her PULL STRING?!" (Their Jessie and Woody dolls have strings and say phrases from the movies when pulled.) Cute little cowboy. When we were going around, Dawson actually said, "I'm Woody! Howdy, howdy, howdy!" Instead of the usual, "Trick or Treat!"

These are the BEFORE pictures....




(What's with these blank looks?!)


(He wanted "freckle-spots" on his cheek, thus my eyeliner was used.)


These are the AFTER pictures....





(I was so busy with the two cowpokes that I totally forgot to get a picture of the cutest glow-in-the-dark Skeleton baby in the world! I will take those pictures and get them posted as soon as I can!)

A Different Angle

When we carved pumpkins last week, we ended up with these cool shots! Ryan carved them while the kids played in the icky pumpkin guts, making huge messes and having loads of fun. These are the shots that I got when we lit 'em up and turned out the lights! Cool huh?

First Crush (ON Ryanna!)

Do you remember your first crush? Ryanna is starting to know what one feels like, Kyle has one on her! It's so cute, he is always giving her hugs and writing her letters. She just LOVES the constant attention. Last week, he bought and gave her a candy-necklace making kit. She made a necklace, wore it for a week, lost it and then realized that Dawson ate it.

When I met them last week, we talked for a few minutes. The cutest part about my conversation with Kyle was when he said, "I want to take Ryanna to Jack in the Box and eat French Fries!" What a sweet and thoughtful kid he is! (Although Ryanna's first date will not be for another 11-25 years if I can help it.)

Random Memories

There are so many great photos on our computer and they're just so random that I thought that I'd have a random snapshots post. Never before seen footage of the kids in action. (well, mostly never before seen!)

Our picnic in Creston, proof that we left the United States! Canada is so beautiful and only about 6 hours away. We found that out the LONG way...
Stopping on the famous Coeur d'Alene Boardwalk for a quick photo.



cute Carter in true football fan colors....

Dawson just pinched Carter's nose!

A Budding Photographer

The other morning, Ryanna got up before everyone else and we found out how she spent her time! She got ahold of the camera and took some self-portraits. What a silly girl! She took these all by herself and she sure is proud!

Adorable

I can't believe my sister is engaged! They're so incredibly happy together and we can't wait to have Donny apart of the family!

Name That Face!

During the Merrie Miss days at wonderful Sister William's house; back when we were all 10 and 11 years old, we had a Fifties Fling Party. It was a Daddy-Daughter Date night and it holds a special place in my heart. I hope that I don't embarass anyone by posting this, it's a sweet and memorable picture! All of these gals are wonderful and I am so glad to have known them. I can't believe I found this!

My Dad is so handsome! That bow is as big as my face, and why are my eyes closed?!

(Top Row: Me, Kortney, Kristie. Bottom row: Melanie, Sara, Aimee, Amber.)

Impromtu Snapshot

Messy faces and messy hair, at least they're all fed and clean! They chose to wear matching Halloween shirts this morning and Carter just happened to be in his Tigger Jammies....making a perfect Halloween picture!

First School Picture

Her hair was curled, her hair was poofy and her shirt was clean....until it came for picture time! I'm tickled that it came out so nicely, but the photographer waited until the END of the schoolday to take the pictures! After recess and after activities. I am tickled that they came out so well!

Ryanna loves Kindergarten! Look at this picture and how can you not just giggle and be happy? Her smile is so contagious and full of life. She is a wonderful daughter and I'm so lucky to be her Momma! She is getting so old and it's going by so quickly. She is already planning on her Birthday Dinner Date when she turns six, which thankfully, isn't until April. She's a darling kid!

The verdict: Ryan chosen for Trial Team

I cannot express in words how much in love I am with my husband! We have sacrificed and labored for several years, wanting to make a career out of something that he enjoys and he's found it!

Each year, his school has a Trial Team. The tryouts for it are held in an courtroom, with a judge, jury and everything! Ryan has a huge load of classes and works very hard and is hardly ever at home. On top of his usual studies, he wanted to go out for the Trial Team. Out of everyone who tried out, only FOUR made it. To cut to the chase, HE MADE IT! He will get to travel once, maybe twice to another school and will compete with them. (He says, "I get to go on a field trip in law school!") It also means more exposure to better-paying jobs and not to mention an excellent experience for him. He is in his element.

Last week, there was an "Exhibition Trial" where others could come and listen to the arguments. The very first time he stood and politely, yet firmly said, "Objection, Your Honor..." I got CHILLS! I had goosebumps all over! I remember thinking that he has found his niche. He's got the integrity and confidence to be a good lawyer. Ryan was also awarded "Best Oral Advocate" that night, he was so pursuasive and just awesome.

The four that made it were all given a congratulatory gift: a gavel with his name engraved on it. Ryanna exclaimed, "Wow Daddy! You got a hammer...why would they give you one of those? You already have one in the tool box." I am so pleased and proud of his success. He works so hard and I can't wait to see what the future brings for us.

I love you and you're amazing, Holdaway! Only 587 days left until graduation!

Results and Roses

My most favorite poet is Edward A. Guest. (1881-1959) He writes a wonderful short poem entitled, "Results and Roses." It has helped me and encouraged me when I am attempting something difficult, or challenging myself to strive to live better. It's a mathmatical equasion when you work hard, you will see roses. It's amazing and I wanted to share it!


The man who wants a garden fair,
Or small or very big,
With flowers growing here and there,
Must bend his back and dig.

The things are mighty few on earth
That wishes can attain.
Whate'er we want of any worth
We've got to work to gain.

It matters not what goal you seek
Its secret here reposes:
You've got to dig from week to week
To get Results or Roses.

"Invictus" is Latin for "unconquerable"

Invictus
by William Ernest Henley (1849-1903)

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


Awesome and encouraging message, it uplifts me and gives me an extra boost of faith when I need it. I love it!

Time flies!

These were taken on his three-month-old day. He is cooing and talking every second he isn't sleeping or eating. He loves it when Ryanna reads to him. Dawson bangs his forehead into his and they both laugh. Carter is giggling up a storm and is extremely ticklish. He only gets up once in the night to eat. When he cries, he actually cooes, and it's music to my ears. He is so quiet and docile. What an honor it is to be his Momma. I love him dearly.