Pumpkin carving

I was pleasantly surprise a couple of days ago when I went to our supermarket, much like Wal-Mart, and they were selling a pumpkin very similar to the kind we carve in the US. Needless to say I bought that straight away! Tonight was the first night we had free in a while to get to that carving. So here are the pictures from the night, thanks to Tim!

Sweatpants day...

I made a New Year's Resolution a couple of years ago that I would start getting "dressed" everyday. By the time I had a couple of kids, my laid-back personality, which was already prone to "pajama days," had fully succombed to days on end of staying in my pj or sweatpants. As you can imagine, this did little for the way I felt about myself nor for the way I looked. Anyway, one day I wore make up, not something that I did very often in the those days (maybe once every 6 months) and a friend of mine made a HUGE deal about how much better I looked. I began to rethink my relaxed attitude toward dressing and make up. So then came my resolution....and I have to admit that I've kept it fairly well. I'm not always dressed early, but I do get there almost every day. But I noticed on a friend's post a couple of weeks ago that she was having a "sweatpants day." And suddenly, the urge to stay in sweats and just relax was back! So as Tim is gone for a couple of days (I didn't want to subject him to my day of frumping!) today was sweatpants day! I've satisfied my urge and am ready to get dressed tomorrow for Tim coming home. But today did not come without benefits. Here's a little of what I did on my slouchy day.... Played with Tim's camera...

Baked fresh bread...

The problem with fresh bread is that it's too hard to wait to eat it...

And finally, a sign that maybe I've gotten really used to living here...enjoying Ramen noodles with EXTRA hot chili oil...yep, sadly, that's oil floating there on top. I suppose that will play into next year's resolutions...

Tim's Birthday

Today was Tim's birthday. After the last couple of crazy weeks, and leading up to a couple more crazy weeks, Tim decided that it would be better if we just celebrated as a family. So we enjoyed a quiet (ha ha) dinner. We went all out with lasagna...which it's really hard to come by all the ingredients. And then we had desert with a couple of close friends. Peanut butter chocolate topped cheesecake. Tim wanted a Reese's cheesecake so I did the best I could. Anyway here are a few pictures of our meal and a few pictures of Calvin.

Cooking

Some of you may not know, but I love to cook. Baking is my favorite. Now I know that most of you only occasionally glance at this blog to see pictures of the kids, but I got a itch to bake...and then take pictures. Baking is one of the ways I relax. So here are the results of afternoon.

Plain bagels (Tim doesn't care for raisins)

Raisin bagels before I steam them

Raisin bagels after I steamed them

Raisin bagels baked

Soft pretzels

One of Calvin's favorite past-times, if a 6 week old puppy can have a past-time, is chasing the mop. He pounces after it. Jumps on it. Growling viciously and chewing while shaking his head widely.

A New Puppy and Bedtime

Well, we have ventured to buy a new dog. He seems to be much healthier than our last dog. Much more playful and, well, chunky. Anyway, I thought I would post a few pictures since I never made it last time.

In other news, tonight before going to bed, the girls always fuss about what they are going to sleep with. Tonight Ellie chose a Star Wars action figure that had somehow migrated into the girls' room. I tried to trade her and give her the favorite Lamby, but there was no deal. She gently laid the little man on her pillow, patting him gently, and saying "night, night." So here are a few pictures of the two little girls in bed.

Elijah's 6th Birthday

I can't believe he's 6. It seems like he should still be a little boy, but he is growing up now so fast. He wanted a Star Wars party and Darth Vadar cake...what does he think I am??? So here are just a few pictures from the party.

We have one little tricycle that we found in a random place. The girls sometimes fight over it. But lately they've been riding together. We found this too cute! Enjoy!!!

We are still here

Sorry that I have not posted in so long. I have a hard time with our internet getting it to connect with publisher. So while I'm out, I'll try to upload some pictures I took quite some time ago at . Hope you enjoy.