Fourth Annual Pumpkin Carving

The NICU sisters met up for their annual pumpkin carving. Hard to believe that we have been schleppin' pumpkin guts with the Anstines for four years. Although the first year brought some much needed lighthearted laughs, year four was much more profound Three years ago, the girls were still fighting it out in their isolettes and now look at them. Talking to each other, loving each other and delighting in each other's presence. Of course, trying to carve pumpkins with five kids rolling around isn't as organized or focused as it once was but who really cares when you are in the presence of miracles. Truly they are!

Here are some picsI asked Adeline what kind of pumpkin she wanted and she responded with, "A Happy Birthday pumpkin." I was puzzled at first but as she kept pulling the pumpkin toward her to look inside I realized she wanted a pumpkin with a candle in it. So cute. She told me what shape she wanted the eyes and nose and told me that she wanted three teeth. I thought that was great communicating. Once we were done and lit her pumpkin, she kept leaning into the mouth to try and blow out the candle. This girl is too funny.

Earlier that day, we had gutted the pumpkins. Savannah wanted to roast the seeds (which I still have sitting in the fridge because I don't know how). She and Lila extracted the seeds and Lila kept trying to eat the guts which really made me want to puke. Surprisingly, Adeline felt left out. I didn't thing she would want to participate so I didn't ask. I guess I was wrong.

I Bake. . .

Therefore I don't blog!








This has been a week of baking. Three kids spread over four classes keeps a mommy busy.

Lila helped me make the cupcakes. It was just the two of us while the other girls were in school. She was so grown up - so enjoyable. Skipping my spinning class to bake with my little girl proved to be worth its weight in gold.

Later that same day, Savannah came home from school and said, "Nobody has a Mommy that bakes as well as my Mommy. You have such good ideas. Everything is so cute." Needless to say the boost of confidence was nice after multiple batches of cookies, frosting and cupcakes. She really is so sweet.

On a baking note, well not really because we didn't make the gingerbread, the girls had a great time constructing their spooky gingerbread house. Adeline worked hard to pick up the pieces and place them on the frosting while Lila Grace gave her jaw muscles a workout on the most likely old and hard candy. A test of my inner strength as my mind was repeating, "Look at this mess, look at this mess." Luckily, my heart helped me to focus and delight in the sibling fun.

Sucking out the frosting and giving Lila ideas.

Halloween. . . Three Parades in One Day

First up. . . Savannah the Hamburger


Her class paraded through the school and the Quaker retirement home.

Next up. . . Lila Grace or "New Barbie." Named after the new Barbie video Savannah was given for her birthday. We only watch it in the car witch makes for a very captive audience. Both girls saw this hand-me-down costume of Savannah's and thought it was a Barbie dress.Practicing her Prom Queen wave

Lila's class paraded through the church sanctuary for all the parents.

Last in the line up is Adeline the Hippie. Her costume was a surprise. All classes in her preschool made their costumes and they were spectacular. It was so fun to wonder what she was going to be. I think she has some John Lennon in her. . .

Adeline's school participated in a wonderful carnival (I didn't get to see it because I was at the other parades) and then paraded through the parking lot for the parents. Here is a clip of her class singing..