Trick or Treat

Halloween is always more fun with kids of your own. As a kid myself, I wasn't too into Halloween because everyone knew me. My dad had to carry me into most people's houses. I also can't stand the cold.  I enjoyed giving out candy and my brother and sister would share their candy with me.

When I had Laura, I was excited about Halloween. My neighborhood is accessible so I could take her. Her first Halloween she was barely a month old.  She wore a pumpkin outfit and looked so cute.  As the trick or treaters came, they wanted a glimpse of Laura. At some point, we had to turn off the outside light because the doorbell kept waking her.

The next year she was a bumble bee and made it to a few houses.  But at two, she was really into it. She was an angel and went with her cousin who was five.  She enjoyed it.  She has been a dinosaur, bat girl, witch, Dracula, Red riding hood, power ranger , bee, pumpkin, angel and this year - Hermonie from Harry Potter.

Laura was actually on the fence about going trick or treat. The year before she was getting over a bad cold. So when we went out, her stamina wasn't there. I took her home and we handed out candy as Jeff took Jason around. She enjoyed handing out candy and being with me that she said she gave up trick or treating for good! I felt sad about this because she was only eight.

When September came around this year, I started talking about Halloween.  I got her to the point where she would go out and then come back and hand out candy. I told her that I wanted to stay out the whole time because I did when she was young and I wanted to see Jason too. 

Jason was a minion this year. He loved dressing up.  We always call him a minion anyway since he talks like one.  Laura met a new friend this year from school.  He lives 7 minutes away by foot.  They wanted to go together this year. Another motivation for Laura to go. He was Harry Potter so the two of them looked fantastic 

We all went together and had a blast.  Jason wasn't shy for long. He would go right up and say Trick or Treat! He also remembered his manners and said thank you!!  Laura stayed out the full two hours and also had fun. I think she felt a little bad about not being able to hand out candy but I told her she will have many years for that.

Tinker toys

Tinker toys are only $25 at Amazon!  Great gift idea for boys and girls!  tinker toys

So many things happening

I know we always seem like we are up to something, and we usually are.  We just finished up about a week long break and now slowly getting everything back in order.  It's always sad when break ends especially after the school bus pulls away with my daughter and my husband kisses me good bye as he leaves for school. Some people can't wait until their family leaves, I happen to dread it.

However, it's nice to spend one on one time with my little man, Jason. He is now 21 months old and never ceases to put a smile on your face. Jason loved having his daddy and sister around. He started saying, "Daddy!" He is so full if enthusiasm to tell you things but the words get jumbled.  Jason is more of a phrase guy instead of single words. The new phrases are, "Here it is," "There it is," "thank You" and of course "see ya later!"

My favorite is his nonverbal way of saying he loves you. He will come over and put his head on your shoulder, lap or leg.  Jason also will wave for me to come.  He will yell "Mom" and look back waving his fingers for me to follow. Jason tells you to look at things too.

Laura is also doing remarkable things. Her report card was all A's and the comments were absolutely mind blowing. All the teachers love her in class, she helps her classmates, respects the teacher, helps clean the class and enthusiastic for learning. A week before Thanksgiving, she was given the Respect award from her teacher.  Luckily, parents are invited and encouraged to attend. I never miss it.

In fact, I was later than I usually am, but still on time. When she saw me, her entire face lit up like a Christmas angel. My eyes actually filled with tears to see how happy I made her just by being there.

Laura is in second grade but now reading at a third and fourth grade level. At night, she reads over an hour before falling asleep. She told me this morning that she was almost out of chapter books so I picked three up at the library. I wonder how long it'll take her. Jason didn't make it easy to look. He wanted me to follow him and look at everything in the room.

During break, Jeff and I got to spend time together as well. We went to the movies, shopping, and just out together. He was happy to pass level one in nursing. Now he is into level two so we will see how that goes. 

I'm just trying to keep all happy and healthy plus keep a clean, organized house. There are times I feel lost in all the chaos and unsure my role exactly for who and what.  It's funny but I'm definitely a full time mommy and wife but sometimes I have that career itch. Am I a writer, teacher, speaker? I do a little bit of all three but none to the level I feel I should be at. I want to write everyday, send letters to talk and so on. But there's not enough time in the day plus relax too.  It's just a weird limbo type feeling. 

My shopping list this week

Rite Aid

Wrapping paper - buy 2 get 1 free!

I'll check out the half off Christmas decorations 

Gillette razor - $10.99 - use $3 coupon and get $2 back rite aid up and it becomes $5.99

Colgate toothpaste balances to free if you use coupon and up rewards

Advent calendars 2/$3

Single serve candy 3/$2

Buy one get one half off crayola, car toys, and bunch other select toys

Bogo vitamins 

Walgreens

Bogo $6.99 toys

 Twenty nine cent Russell stover Christmas candy

Nice bottle water - 24 pack $2.99

Crest 3d white strips with coupons and rewards $23

Infusium with coupon $2

Bogo dial body wash, got2b hair products 

Degree and dove $1.99 each

Many deals on Christmas decor

Bogo sponges - don't forget the ocelo coupon

Giant

Pepsi liters $1

Turkey hill iced tea 2/$4

Giant veg 4/$5

Lysol $4

Lysol wipes 2/$4

Bakery giant brand pumpkin pie $6

Capri sun 5/$10

Gourmet apple pie $10 

Bogo Maiers bread

Bogo lays chips

Delmonte canned veg 5/$3

Wrapping paper bogo

National hot dog day

Sonic is offering $1 All American Hot Dogs and $1 Chili Cheese conveys on July 23.  Today is national hot dog day. 

Bamboo pillows only $19!

I felt these pillows first hand and fell in love. My hand melted into the pillow and so soft. I've been watching the deals on them and tonight I found the best deal. $19 with free shipping!!! You can get Queen or king at the same $19 price.  They are normally $40 or higher. Don't delay and enjoy!  Click here for bamboo pillows

Vistaprint half price sale

Vistaprint is having a half priced sale on everything. You can buy labels, tote bags, customized shirts, business cards and lots more.  Just half off! Deal ends July 22.