Oct 30

Last night, Ella made two crafts with fuzzy pom poms, puffy paper, markers, and stamps.  Today, she sent them with me to school, one for me and one for Grandma Nancy.  She said if our students were good....and she paused because she realized she didn't want us giving them away...if they were good, we could show it to them. :)  I showed mine to my first period students who were actually prepared for and took the vocab test.  I'll save it for my others when they are good.  Such a little teacher, and SO in charge. :)

Lucy slept for 12 hours last night.  She was asleep in the chair by 7:30, stirred once around 11:30, but didn't get up until I plucked her out of bed at 7:30 this morning.  This is in stark contrast to her normal 10:30 bedtime.  She had pictures yesterday at school with Ella, so she missed her nap. They said she posed well on her own, but would have no part of posing with Ella.  None of my children really need naps, but they get them at school.  Now we just need to work on tiring her out, and shortening/taking away her naps, on a regular basis.  

Pete ended up snuggling in bed with me...again.  He seems to have found my weakness...and his way into our bed.  Andy was officiating a playoff game in Clear Lake, so he didn't get home until about 11:30.  

Two days ago we were in the basement, and Ella and Lucy were sitting in the chairs in front of the computer.  Ella was maneuvering Jump Start Toddler while Lucy gazed on.  Lucy was snuggled up under Ella's arm, with her foot resting on the leg of the table, kicked back on her sister, sipping on her juice.  Ella very protectively kept her arm around Lucy, and guided her through the game.  They sat that way for quite some time, probably 10 minutes, but of course broke apart when I tried to get a picture.  Add another chair now, and make room for Pete!  Absolutely priceless.

Tomorrow is Halloween.  Better make sure the costumes fit. :)  We carved pumpkins two nights ago.  The girls loved it!  I tried to roast pumpkin seeds, half with garlic salt and half with sugar and cinnamon.  I think this could take a few extra tries to get it right.  Good thing we have more pumpkins!  But you gotta wonder, is it really worth all the work when you can just buy them at the store?  I still say yes, IF I can get it right. :)

I'm trying a new pumpkin loaf recipe now.  Had some from Starbucks that was PHENOMENAL!  I'm trying to find a similar recipe online.  I hope to have some ready for the kids for the weekend.