Crazy girls! Taylor wanted to take a group of her classmates to the opening night of HSM 3. The majority of them had soccer games that weekend so we waited one week for her party. This was definitely the least effort that I have ever gone to for her parties. She made it clear that she did not want me to throw her a "pink girl party". (Sniff, sniff) She just wanted to take her classmates to the movie and out for pizza. We did come back to the house for cupcakes and gifts. Can you say "sugar".
Taylor made and decorated the cupcakes herself. I couldn't even think of eating one with all of that sugar. The girls loved them though.
We love birthdays around here. She woke up to a banner of 12 dollar bills on her bedpost, a pancake breakfast, Subway for lunch, her favorite pasta dinner and a cherry pie for dessert. Not to mention donuts for her classroom. I don't remember my birthdays being that much fun!

Happy Birthday Marie Antoniette. I have been collecting these "Marie" inspired pictures for the past year or so. I feel fortunate to live near several retirement communties. Not only do I love meeting these kind, fun-loving retirees, but I have the opportunity to attend estate sales almost every week. I try to stop in on Saturdays after our soccer games, which coincidentally just happens to be half-priced day.
Look at the French paper-lined backing on this frame with the name "Mary" hand-written on it. I wonder if someone brought this to Mary from their trip abroad. Attending estate sales always has me wondering about the treasures I find.
Cupids Charm is hosting a Marie "Soiree" today. Go take a peek. You will be amazed.


I checked out this book from the library a few weeks ago. I hope I get a chance to relax and steal some time to read it.

Candy Corn Witches? Who'd have thought. Taylor wanted to be a witch this year. When the catalogs started arriving, we were amazed at all the choices. I was happy that she chose such a cute and happy one. It was a coincidence that her friend chose the same costume and they weren't even planning on trick-or-treating together until the night before. Their friend cleverly came up with the idea to be a pig in a blanket. Cute!!! I passed this sign a few days ago and new it would be the perfect photo op.

We went to the Gilbert Halloween Festival. Loved it. Wasn't too crowded which is rare in the Phoenix area. There was trick or treating, bingo, a tile to decorate with Sharpies sponsered by Home Depot, pumpkin decorating, a magic show and last, but not least a concert which was the primary reason for attending. The concert featured Saavy and Mandy, as well as Jonnie and Brookie. Just pass me the earplugs!
My son has been saving his money for the new Guitar Hero 4 for his WII complete with drums. He bought it last weekend. Did I mention earplugs???

"Spooky Cake"
Every year the kids decorate a spooky cake as part of our Halloween traditions. They are getting too old for most of them, boo hoo. I think that will be my new Halloween tradition. "Boo hoo my kids are getting too old." I love our family traditons and even if I have to twist my older one's arm, I want to continue them so that they will remember more of them when they grow up and will share them with their own children.

After school today, I called up the stairs "Taylor, Come Down Here." She found two bowls of our favorite autumn treat, popcorn and candy corn. I said "Sit down, it's girl time" and proceeded to start the Anne of Avonlea DVD that I had checked out earlier this week from the library.
Sometimes you just have to make the time.

What A Bunch Of Clowns. My daughter has safety patrol this week. When I dropped her off yesterday, I saw her teacher handing out red noses, oversized glasses, wigs and bow ties. I knew I had to bring my camera today. They looked like they were having a blast.