A weekend of Firsts!!

Last Friday and Saturday (Oct. 16 &17) Christian had the opportunity to swim in his first swim meet!! It started at 4pm and, being new to the swimming world, we had no idea that the fact he was swimming in the 24th event meant we had to wait through all 23 events before his. So, after sitting there for a couple hours we decided to go eat and come back. We made it back just in time for him to swim...at 7:40pm. It was a long night for him, but he did great! He swam the 50 yard backstroke in 1:48.

Saturday morning, Christian swam the 50 yard freestyle in 1:21:09. We are so happy for him and proud of his hard work and determination. He gets a little bummed that he's not as fast as most the other kids, but he has a great attitude and he never lets it get him down!! He is such a remarkable young man who is caring and tender to all he meets! I am so lucky to be his mom!! I love you Christian!

Also, we got to pick up Brittani from her foster home in Orem and take her with us to the meet. It was our first time having her with us as a family outside of an ARTEC visit. Brittani got to stay with us over night on Saturday! We had a great time getting to know her better!! She is very sweet and helpful with the boys. She is a beautiful girl with a fun personality! I am in awe of all she is going through and yet she does her best continue to improve herself and communicate openly! We are hopeful that she will be transitioned into our home near or around Thanksgiving time.

Halloween time is here....almost

Pumpkins, ghouls, ghosts and vampires...it's everywhere. Halloween is upon us...almost. :)
I don't know what happened, but in our several moves over the last few years, I have lost all but a few items from my Halloween decor collection. Somehow though, one Halloween item has managed to escape the black hole that exists when moving (I also assume most of my kids socks end up in the same place with these items). That item is a sign that says "A Real Witch Lives Here." I marvel at the irony here: That this sign is the one to have survived! :)
So...that is what is on my porch. Along with two stuffed pumpkins that say "Boo" and "Trick-or-Treat." My kids are feeling gypped! So, my goal is to figure out how to spook-ify my house before Halloween comes in a way as to satisfy their creepy craving.
Truth be told...Halloween is my least favorite holiday (if you can call it a holiday. Isn't the word "holiday" supposed to invoke a feeling of excitement and merriment?)!! I don't mind the dressing up, but walking around in the cold, dark of night so that my kids can accumulate a horrifying amount of candy, that ultimately gets eaten within 24 hours and causes such a dramatic sugar rush that I want to pull my hair out, leaves much to be desired for me!! Then, somehow, when all the candy seems to be gone, I start to find it hidden in the deep crevices that exist in my kids rooms!! In the underwear drawer, the bottom of the toy box and even inside SHOES!!
My other most FAVORITE part of Halloween, is getting to wait, and in all my hopeful anticipation, long to hear the doorbell ring again, and again, and again, and again.....and again, and again....and hear "Trick-or-treat" again, and again, and again....and again!!
Doesn't this go against what we've tried to teach our children? About strangers, candy FROM strangers, and begging for food??? This year, something makes me want to scare the expensive little costumes off the little beggars!! Make them jump out of their skin...Booooowwwwahahahaha! Oh NO!! I AM A REAL WITCH!!!!! :)
So, in celebration of this 'holiday', I found some fitting poems to share. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!

TRICK OR TREAT
When the little boys and girls
Knock at my door for candy
I must give them what they want
“Or else” is their modus operandi
So with a false smile I comply
But under my breath I pray
That by the time Christmas comes
They’ll all have tooth decay

ALL HALLOWS EVE
I hide behind the sofa quivering in fear
Now the witching hour is near
The curtains are drawn tight
And I’ve turned off the lights
The TV volume is way down low
I sit and cower in its feeble glow
Then comes the knock upon the door
And I curl up quivering on the floor
My heart is pounding my breath is shallow
My mouth is dry it’s hard to swallow
On all hallows eve I live in mortal dread
But not of monsters or the un-dead
The fear that turns my heart to stone
Is Trick or Treaters knowing I’m home

THE COSTUMED ARMY
by Paul Curtis

It’s here again
That day we all dread
When once more
We fear the rise of the dead

But fear not
Our salvation is at hand
We shall be saved
By an unlikely Band

So be assured
When the time is near
Ghosts and ghouls
Will all quake in fear

When night falls
All the undead will cower
Trembling in awe
Come the witching hour

As armed with sacks
Our great costumed army
Will roam the streets
To drive the evil spirits barmy

So to protect yourselves
Keep a proper payment handy
When the costumed army
Come knocking for some candy