my little pumpkin

Sydney enjoyed her first trick-or-treating experience tonight. I decided to skip on the Ragedy Ann idea since I couldn't figure out the red yarn hair, and decided to borrow Malinda's adorable homemade pumpkin costume that she made for Mason last year. Sydney loved it, and kept it on all night. It made her really wobbly, but that didn't stop her from running from house to house for at least a mile, filling her bucket with treats.

Malinda and her two little boys, both in her darling homemade costumes

Charlie fit the candy corn just like she had hoped

heading off to collect their spoils

After only 2 houses, they both plopped down on the ground to dig into their loot

Sydney wouldn't let go of this little bucket of candy all night

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, by Aria

let the festivities begin

We got our first pumpkin tonight. The experience lasted a whole 3 minutes once we realized we were a bit underdressed for the weather. Families were buzzing around us in excitement, all dressed in snow suits. I quickly plopped Sydney next to the pumpkins for a photo, and my poor little daughter stared at me with chattering teeth, as if thinking, "Mom, what are you doing to me?!"

I don't know what was more cruel, taking her out without proper winter clothes, or putting red boots on her with this pink outfit. :)

we've kind of waited till the last minute, so all the pumpkins left were the reject, warped, and discolored ones. We still love our pumpkin.

We then headed over to D.I. to see if we could find something to throw together for Sydney's costume. I had big plans for a beautiful homemade clown costume, but that will just have to wait until next year. We took one look at the costume section, and knew we had to use some creativity. We searched the entire store, and found the perfect combination......

Here's a little clue at the finished result:

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, by Aria

Family

orchards and wisdom teeth

Last night I did a little shoot for my brother Tony and his family in a mini orchard next to their house. I've been kind of obsessed with orchards as of late, especially with the colors changing. I just wanted to post a photo really quick before I'm out of commission for a couple days....I'm getting my wisdom teeth out this afternoon! I know I'm a little late in getting this done, but I'm a master at procrastinating scary things. The thing I'm terrified the most about it is the IV at the beginning. *shudder* Wish me luck, and don't laugh if you see me with huge chipmunk cheeks this weekend.

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, by Aria

Hanging Out with Charlie

Today I got to play with my two adorable nephews. Little Charlie is over three weeks old already and merging from the "premie" to "newborn" stage. These photos were of him @ 1 week, and we'll do some more shots soon. He's still so tiny and sleepy, and so patient with his doting big brother and loving cousin, Sydney. I think Sydney was trying to give me the hint that she wants a baby brother or sister soon. :)

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, by Aria

Tessa's Journey

"Life is eternal;

and love is immortal;

and death is only a horizon;

and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight."

Our little niece, Tessa, passed last wednesday. She was just a week old, but her journey seemed much longer and touched more hearts than you'd think a short week on earth would do. I was blessed to be able to be in the hospital right after she was born, and in the room when she left back home to her Heavenly Father. And I got to visit her in between during that week, each time quietly hiding behind my camera, wiping away tears of joy and tears of sadness. I feel so much love for this precious little one, and my heart aches in missing her. But my heart is also filled with joy in knowing that we now have a new little member of our eternal family waiting for all of us to join her in heaven.

I have just been in awe at the amazing attitude and outlook of Tessa's parents, my brother and sister-in-law, Matt & Joy. They have a light in their eyes that tells of peace and understanding of the eternal plan and our Savior's love. Their attitude has been one of thankfulness for every moment they've been given with Tessa. I am so blessed to be in such a wonderful, strong, and loving family. I have learned so much from them this year.

This experience has reminded me (and all of us) of our dear little niece, Avery, that joined us here on earth for just a short time this past spring. I have loved hearing our nieces and nephews this week talk about Tessa and Avery playing together in heaven now. Their sweet testimonies are examples to us all.

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, by Aria

Tessa

This is Tessa's little hand, encircled by her loving parents. Tessa is our precious niece born on Wednesday with Trisomy 13, a rare chromosomal disorder with severe complications. Please keep her in your prayers as she struggles with her little body. I've been able to visit her twice, and each time I am overwhelmed by the sweet and sacred spirit that surrounds her. I just want to lift her away from the machines and cradle her in my arms. We are so grateful for each day she is here, and hope and pray for more time with her.

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, by Aria

Introducing...

my newest little nephew, Charlie. He's a week old today, and he and mommy (Malinda) are doing great. I spent a couple hours with him yesterday snapping away, while he just slept and slept like a perfect little baby. More pictures coming soon!

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, by Aria

Pumpkins, Witches, and Clowns

Halloween's around the corner, which means you'll find my crafty sister, Malinda, sewing costumes and modeling paper mache decorations. Every time I visit her house, I see a new item that just blows me away! Especially since she comes up with this stuff from her own imagination, usually without any patterns or directions. Here are a few additions to her collection:

Jack-O-Lantern Trick-or-Treat buckets

I can't wait to see this cute old witch with all the finishing touches

Malinda's soon-to-be baby #2 gets to be bundled up warm and toasty for his first Halloween as a little candy corn

Mason's clown costume, made with the sweetest vintage Halloween fabric

he's quite fond of his mommy's creations as well

Mason's cousin, Sophie, in her matching clown costume

now I need to start thinking of what to do for Sydney's costume this year...

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, by Aria

And the winner is...

Thanks everyone for your help! My photo blog finally feeds (so I'd better see you all input the blog into your readers). :] Check out the winner on the blog, and the solution to the problem, for those with the same issue.

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, by Aria

good intentions

My sweetheart thought of me the other night and rented a dance movie from Redbox (a sign of true selflessness). Yeah...except he accidentally rented a super lame, super crude spoof, where we could barely sit through the first few minutes before turning it off with a bad taste in our mouth. Still a sweet gesture all the same.

A pretty clever idea on the movie-maker's part, though. I'll admit I've watched my share of dance movies, and they're all pretty much the same. They're asking for a spoof.

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, by Aria