Halloween 2008

The kids had a great Halloween this year! For the first time it seemed like they both really had a grip on what the whole candy/trick or treating thing was all about. Darren got tons of candy and definitely was not shy about going up and asking for candy. It took Jaycee a couple times of me walking with her and holding her hand before she got the hang of it. They both scored in the candy department.

After trick or treating, we went to the kids Uncle Michael's house. They got to play games for prizes and have lots of good food. Of course, of all the kids left standing at 1:30 the morning after, it was mine. The last picture is how Jaycee woke up the next morning. A little candy covered sucker face.

Darren put it just like it is: "Now that Halloween is over, time to get ready for Thanksgiving!"

1 year today

I am feeling a little nuts today. Not only is today my Aunt Cindy's birthday, its also the 1 year anniversary of my Uncle Johnny's passing. Where did the time go? I know a lot of my family is feeling a tad down about things. I feel sad for my Grandma and Grandpa, but more than anyone, Cindy. How unfair! But you know what? If she isn't asking that question, why should I? She can look at the bright side of things. She can see the day for what it really is and go about it as if it were just another. That is sad to me because she too deserves a celebration. Its weird how life works. The day we celebrate ones birth, we morn ones loss. It's a real eye opener.

This blog wasn't meant to be a downer. I wanted to focus more on my crazy, one of a kind, one in a million more like, Aunt Cindy. I wanted her to know that although I am sad about my uncle, her baby brother, I am thinking of her today. I want her to know that when I think of her, no matter what is going on in my day, I will smile. She makes me laugh hysterically, to the point of being breathless and in tears, always has kind words, always has a joke or awesome quote to cheer you up. She always lets me know she loves me and that we, family, are important to her.

I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures of Cindy on her special day. Happy Birthday Cindy! We all love you!

Because he can

Oh my little Dare Bear. That boy sure does know how to make me smile! He cracks jokes just to get me laugh and it works. Funny stories? There are quite a few when it comes to him. Like saying that his "fever" (stuffed Beaver that his cousin Ckyrah gave to him) would get up in the middle of the night to take pickles from the pickle jar, Darren being the accomplice. We nipped that one in the bud, let me tell you! So did Darren. He put his fever in the corner for a time out for "making him help eat the stolen pickles" in the middle of the night. He sure is clever! hahaha. And then there was the time that Darren decided that taking a nap just wasn't for him. Layering on the winter clothes that he found buried in a box in his closet was more fun. He had so many long sleeved shirts and sweaters on that I am sure even a BB could penetrate. He is so original! I love that he calls the Halloween lights in our neighborhood Christmas lights. I love that he makes sure Jaycee can climb up the stairs at the park and waits for her at the double slides so they can hold hands and go down together. I love that he flexes his muscles after he eats all his dinner and says "look mom, I am growing muscles just like dad!" I love that he loves to look at himself in the mirror and make funny faces. He cracks himself up like no one can! I love that Darren walks down the hall with Jaycee and give each other a hug and kiss goodnight. I love that Darren has his own fashion sense. He thinks socks with flip flops are pretty cool. I love how he is entertained by books. I love that he has a love for his family. That he is aware that he has tons of people who love him and he gives it right back. I love that when I try to take his picture its difficult to get him to not be silly. I love that he tells me not to worry that he is going to be gone when he goes somewhere with Michael. I love that he says he will miss me too. He helps with laundry. He helps with cooking and baking. He cleans his room and sometimes helps Jaycee with hers too. He loves sports. He loves to get dirty, but loves his baths with lots of bubbles. I love that no matter what, Darren always seems to be happy. I just love the kid, period.

Guess what Monday is?

Monday. Normally there is nothing significant about any old Monday, but this Monday is a little different. Monday marks the first day of Fall! That's right, Fall! Now, I love the Arizona sun, swimming, tanning, laying out all day in the sun, but one can get a little tired of the heat after a while. This time, every year, I look forward to the weather starting to cool a bit. There is nothing more perfect than a crisp morning with the warm sun beating down. I love that the kids will bring their blankets out and "snuggle buggles" on the couch. I love to see them all cozy in warm sweaters. Beanies on their little heads, warm socks, stuffed animals in bed with them at night. I love bundling them up with sweaters and gloves and enjoying the changing of the leaves. Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year and its just right around the corner. The more time that passes, the more I look forward to these kinds of Holidays, seeing them through the kids eyes. I love that they get to be around all their family again and make more memories. I know that they wont remember a lot of it until they are a bit older, but you know I will be there with camera in hand! Most people think that I am WAY snap happy, quick on the trigger and always camera ready. Most people would be right! But I like to think of my camera craze/obsession as my link to the past, my memories caught, the things that my eyes and mind will soon forget, I can look back on and be reminded. So as my second favorite time of year makes it way around, you bet I will be there to capture all those memories for not only me, but for my kids. Bring on the cold!