Halloween Costumes 2014

For several years, we've had themed Halloween costumes for the entire family. This year, the boys, ages 9 and 8, have decided to stray from our theme idea. Since they need to wear the costume, it's only fair to give up my theme idea.
Lane has been more disappointed than I was to switch to individual costumes. She has change the boys costumes to fit her theme, in her mind any way. She thought about being Ariel which means Alex's costume idea is really Ursula. Gabriel wants to be a dog so he becomes Prince Eric's sheepdog, Max.

Alex picked out his costume. His choice? A devil. I am unsure why he chose a devil, it isn't something we talk about at home very often. Alex has told me that another third grade student told him that he has to go to church. In response, he said, "I already know about God, so I don't have to go." I asked him if he would like to attend a church meeting and he has no interest.
We do talk about God, religion, and spirituality a lot in our home. Taking all three children to a church would be rather challenging at this stage of the game. I remember asking the pastor at the hospital how in the world we would take Gabriel to church with his current behavior. It didn't take long for the pastor to agree that it would be nearly impossible to find an appropriate congregation for our family.
In any case, I will have a princess, a dog, and a devil this Halloween. Alex has informed me that he wants to dress up like God next year. I'm glad I have a year to figure that costume out! It's clear that God doesn't look like Jesus either because he wants to be Jesus the following year.

Lunch Mystery

Gabriel has become a picky eater since his hospital stay. I would be the same way after his ordeal with food. Poor buddy.
Our week day routine involves me picking up from school at 12:30. I ask him what he would like to eat. If I fail to ask him, he might ask me for something as we near the house. Since we live 15-20 minutes from town, it adds quite a bit of time to our day to turn around to get him what he desires.
Yesterday I asked him what he would like for lunch as part of our usual conversation at 12:34 pm. He told me that he wanted to go to the restaurant that has movies and pizza. Hmmm... a restaurant that has movies and pizza? I asked, "was I there?" "Yes" he replied. "Was Daddy there?" Then he started getting agitated. "Yes! Don't you remember?" he inquired.
Thankfully we drove past the restaurant and he pointed it out. Pizza Hut was our destination of the day! Andrew and I have taken him to the Pizza Hut buffet once and there are three tvs in the eating area.
There is NO way I would have figured out the restaurant that has movies and pizza if we hadn't driven past it. I'm grateful we drove past it or it could have resulted in a meltdown that is medically dangerous. Unfortunately, I drive past Pizza Hut every day if I don't take an alternate route. I need to remember that alternate route home to avoid a daily trip to the pizza buffet.

No More Toddlers

The kids are past the little toddler stage. While their budding independence is incredible, I long for the moments when they needed me in a different way.  

Lane is usually exhausted when she comes home from school. I didn't waste a second when she asked to on my lap.  She quickly fell asleep curled up on my.  

We were content. 

Elsa Pumpkin

The 2014 holiday season has begun. Lane brought home a paper pumpkin project for school. I've helped create many paper jack-o-lanterns but this one was especially fun.  

The typical jack-o-lantern wouldn't do for Lane. No, she wanted a special one. As we looked through templates for pumpkins online, Lane was thrilled to see printable stencils   

She picked a princess Elsa stencil and we set to work. We cut a pumpkin out of orange paper and added our stencil.  She glued the green stem on top and added glitter for a finishing touch. 

Here it is -- our kindergardener's fall creation.