Pumpkins, Trunk or Treat

 After church on Sunday I made the kids take a walk in the woods across the street to take a family picture. The fall colors have been so pretty and the weather was perfect, so since I am not paying for pics this year, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to capture a photo. No one was super happy about it so I tried to bribe them with tickets (our current award system). Steven pretty much grumbled the whole time (sort of his thing anyways) and Tyler grumbled about having to set up the phone for a pic but the rest of the kids did great and we got a semi decent pic out of it, just got to zoom in a bit.

Sunday evening we carved pumpkins. Dad was the cutter and I was the scooper. It's always a lot more work for us than them but I think the whining was relatively low for once. Steven made a fun pumpkin house that both guinea pigs got to try out. Mariah enjoyed eating the pumpkin. 

Monday was busy with homeschooling, house cleaning and running a few errands. That evening Ben had a soccer scrimmage with the parents. Tyler was proud of himself for scoring two goals against the kids ;)

Tuesday morning seminary was a bit frustrating. I had the teens build towers for a watchmen (talking about Ezekiel's call to be a prophet). I thought this would be a much needed fun activity since they were all so quiet and sleepy Monday but somehow the building of towers became controversial. There were: terrorists, feminist towers, safe space towers, inclusive towers, a "furry" Lego minifigure. Ugh. It was so hard to get them back on topic and off their controversial subjects. Left me feeling blah.

Tuesday while the kids were at school I went to my friend (from Bunco) Debbie's house to learn how to do pour paint art. It was nice to take one of my days without kids and use it to do something fun. We painted until 1pm. First we did one where we filled up a cup of paint and then turned it upside down on an old record. Then we made lines of paint on a canvas and blew them out with a blow dryer. Our last art fun was covering a canvas with paint splotches and then rolling marbles on the paint to spread it around. When we finished painting, we grabbed a chicken dinner at Holden's and ate it at Kensington Park. The weather was beautiful and the view was gorgeous and it was a nice conversation. Now I need some money so I can buy the pour art paint supplies and do it on my own too. I am not nearly as talented as my friend Debbie is but I do love making art. It's therapeutic

Wednesday night the Deacon's came to our house for an activity so Lucy helped me make chocolate chip cookies for them. She is such a messy baker and I am not very good at being patient with her. I worry that all my kids will all hate baking because all they will remember is me being frustrated with them. The Deacon's played ghost tag for the activity... I think. All I know is they spent most of the night outside which was fine by me. They are a noisy crew.

Thursday night Ben had his last soccer practice. Their last game is on Sunday so he wouldn't be attending it. That meant that this was his last time with his team for the season. The Coach was nice enough to tell the team so they could say goodbye and they all started cheering "Ben! Ben!" and put him up on their shoulders and then apparently proceeded to drop him. Lol. Even though they dropped him, I think he still felt pretty special which is cool since he is not exactly a star player.

Friday the girls and I had fun making a Halloween punch game for the Ward Trunk or Treat. We got a bunch of cups, filled them with candy and prizes, used rubberband to put white tissue paper on top of the cup and then Lucy drew ghost faces on the tissue paper. Ben helped me with the last step which involved attaching the cups to a board with hot glue. So in order to get candy from us, kids would have to punch through the tissue paper on the cups. Lucy and Penny enjoyed getting in touch with their creative side and it was a good way to pass an afternoon- I just wish I had taken a picture before all the cups got punched (and had started falling off). 

When we finished making our punch game, I had to run a quick errand and Ben tagged along. After the errand we decided to stop at an exotic bird store that I discovered was close by. Oh my goodness it was the coolest store ever (and loudest). So many birds and they were all so fun and playful. They were nibbling at the bars and squawking at us. There was also one in the back we could hear crying and whining- I'm guessing it was getting it's wings clipped or beak trimmed or something unenjoyable. I wanted to buy all the birds but they ranged from $250- $4000. Just a bit pricey. While there I talked to the owner about breeding parakeets and he implied it was super simple. Maybe I will get brave and do it soon.

Trunk or Treat that night was all right. I really hate big group stuff and half my friends sat at another table which was lame and then they all took forever to get in line for food so I was mostly eating on my own. We had invited Cherish and her girls to come and it was nice when she got there because than I had buddy but she was like 50 mins late. Her girls had a few dramatic moments over broken prizes and necklaces but overall I think they had a good time. I enjoyed manning the punch game and I think kids enjoyed having the opportunity to punch something. It was defintely a cold night but I was warm enough in my layers so that's a positive.

Saturday soccer was over so we had a nice, lazy morning. At lunchtime we went and did Trucks and Treat at the library. It was slightly disappointing. There were only like 5 trucks. It was good we got there early so we didn't have to wait in the huge line that formed just to see a few trucks. We were done in like 15 minutes. It was a nice, little outing. As we were leaving I saw Chalsea and her kids. They were all pointing me out to here and she quickly turned away. I waved and smiled at her kids because I have no reason to be rude to them. I am so over this cold shoulder treatment. It's been a year and I still have no idea what I did to make her hate me so,

Saturday afternoon Tyler and I went to the temple. I have been feeling anxious again at the temple. I can never get my headband on quite right and I keep forgetting words that I am supposed to say so that only makes me more anxious for the next time *sigh* I just need to get there more often so I can get back in the flow again. After the temple we got dinner and strolled Target. It was a good Saturday date. When we came home, we watched "Hocus Pocus 2" with the kids. I think the best part was the scene while they were at Walgreens. The rest of the movie was meh. 

Snow, A Painting, A Walk, Soccer

Monday morning was quite infuriating. On the way to school I had an argument with one of my seminary students. She was saying all people from the South were weird and she would never want to live there and they have a terrible govt- especially the people in FL and TX. I said that wasn't very nice and she kept pushing it. It bothers me because she is so about not bullying and being kind...except when it's people that don't share her idealogy. When I tried to hold her accountable for the mean things she was saying, she said I shouldn't take it so personally and that she was only joking. Argh. It left me feeling frustrated and anxious.

Monday itself was very Monday- it was cold and rainy. I am struggling to drive in the dark and rain these days- the glare from headlights is making it real hard for me to see properly. Is the a sign of getting old? The rain ended up getting both the girls and Ben's soccer practices cancelled so that was a relief. No need to drive dangerously. Although I did miss my quiet time in the Milford library.

Tuesday morning I met Stefanie for breakfast. I think we're going to make this a monthly tradition. It was nice to catch up, although I always feel like I can't articulate my thoughts and end up sounding like a weirdo. I am surprised she's still my friend. I mentioned that I feel like I should probably start working again with the way life is getting so expensive and she started listing off all these ideas for me to make money. I realized she definitely has one of those personalities that likes to try to find a solution to every problem. Idk. I look at jobs and just can't imagine working again. My pattriarchal blessings says I should find a vocation that helps Heavenly Father's children. Obviously teaching was that thing once upon a time but sometimes I wonder if there is still another vocation out there for me. 

Wednesday night we had Steven's Tennis Banquet. I think he had a good time but it was awful for me. Literally everyone there knew each other and were all chatting and having a good time. Tyler and I sat at a table in a corner by our lonesome. I keep wondering how they all made friends and why I never seemed able to. I really did try. Maybe these parents have all known each other from elementary school? I just feel anxious thinking about feeling this left out for another 3 years. I want Steven to stick with it but I just hate feeling so out of place. Anyways, the coach gave everyone a certificate and a compliment. She complimented him on his improvements. I am not sure I saw it, lol, but I am glad she did. He did not win any of the awards handed out but I think he should have got an award for sticking with it ;).

Thursday was a day with no set plans that once again filled up. I vacuumed the car, cleaned up some of the trash the kids left in our yard, prepared dinner, did the laundry and then painted over the picture in our living room. I spent basically the rest of the day working on the painting. I think I like the end product but I really wish I could take some art classes so I could learn some new techniques. 

Also Thursday, we got out first snow fall of the season. It is WAY too early for snow and I am worried for what this means for our winter. Tne snow stopped by evening so Ben still had soccer practice but the girl's coach felt it was too cold for practice so he cancelled.

Friday the weather warmed up. It was magnificent! We went on a nature walk at Proud Lake with our friends. The weather was seriously perfect and we came across some snakes and a frog. The kids also had fun throwing sticks in the water- much to the dismay of an elderly gentleman who reprimanded them. It just sticks in water for Pete's Sake.

Saturday morning the girls had their last soccer game. They won 3-2. It was a good comeback game. Penny is still scared of the ball but did kick it once. And Lucy seems to do really well playing defense. 

After the girl's soccer game we rushed over to Ben's soccer game. His team lost 0 to 3. I'm not sure what happened this season- if it's the players that left, the new coach...but the team just struggled and didn't seem to be "in" the games for the win. Ben also didn't get much playtime at all which was a bummer. I made both games a family event and the girls were super wiggly during Ben's game and Steven was full of negative commnets and it made me realize why we don't normally attend as a family.

After the soccer games the girls had seperate birthday parties to go to. Lucy went to Angelica's party which was at an escape room. They apparently did not succeed at escaping and had to "walk the plank" when it was over. She said it involved a lot of thinking but still seemed to enjoy it. 

Penny's birthday party was for Maya, a girl from church, and was at a park that was near the Escape Room. Tyler had dropped Penny off there and then I drove over to meet her. The dad of the girl is a single dad and he had a ton of people there that I did not know. I felt super out of place so I just let Penny know that I was there and went into my car and planned seminary lessons. 

After the Escape Room, Lucy went to the same park we were at for pizza and cake. Only the park had several playgrounds and they were at a different one just over the hill. Penny and I walked over to it after I emerged from hiding out in my car. I ended up staying at the other playground while Penny traveled back and forth. I much preferred the company of the small group of parents at Lucy's friend's party.

When both parties ended, we all went home and I tried to finish up laundry and other things while the boys had friends over. It was such a long day but I am grateful for all the outside time I got on such a beautiful day.

Northville Skeletons, Pumpkin Head Pics

Monday the kids were itching to do something so after they finished their work we took a brisk bike ride to 7-11, it's getting cold here. There they paid for their own candy and Penny came up 3 cents short and I of course had no change, just a credit card. I felt embarassed but the cashier was nice and said not to worry about it. When we got back home I took all 3 kids with me to run a few errands- Target, Meijer's and Kroger's. It reminded me why I don't shop with all of them any more. Even as old as they are, they can be a lot to take out shopping. Monday evening was soccer practice as per usual, just one more week and that will come to an end. Which is good because as mentioned before, it is getting COLD!

Tuesday night was Bunco. It was a costume party so I pulled out my cactus costume. I look like a Jolly Green Giant in that group. Bunch of shorties. There were a couple prizes I REALLY wanted that night so of course I had an average score in the end and the prizes I wanted got taken first. I ended up with cloth napkins and ghost salt and pepper shakers- meh. The hosts lately have had prizes for everyone and I am not sure how I feel about that. It's nice that everyone gets something but I am pretty sure they are spending their own money to make that happen and I just can't do that when it's my turn. The bar has been set too high lately.

Wednesday afternoon Penny had her annual check up. The doctor said that she had a slight curve in her spine. She also said that about Ben and me so I am not sure what to think. A part of me is super anxious because she is so young so it has time to get worse. The other part thinks if me and Ben are fine, maybe she'll be ok too? The anxious part of me is the one who talked to the doctor. We ended up setting up another visit in 6 months and depending how Penny's back looks, we might try physical therapy. Maybe it's overboard, I don't know. I guess time will tell. 

Thursday while the kids were in school I ran a few errands, including getting paint for the kitchen cabinets. They keep chipping by the knobs and so I keep having to refresh the paint. I asked the worker what I could do to help prevent chipping. She said I could use a sealant but then I would have to do the whole cabinet door. Sounds like a lot of work so I guess I will just keep fixing the chips. I also finished getting and making some things for the kid's costumes this year. I did such a good job on Steven's shirt that he thought I had bought it. I meean he's also a teen who doesn't look at things too hard but I'll take the compliment.

Thursday evening was soccer. On my way to drop the girls off to practice I dropped by a little birthday gift for one of my Bunco friends. She had really wanted one of the prizes from Bunco Tues night but hadn't gotten it (just like me). When I saw it at Target, I knew I needed to get it for her. It felt nice to give a succesful birthday gift- my gift giving skills are sub par. After their practice we decided to stop at the candy shop in town, they have been dying to visit it. I regret going there. It was a mess, boxes of candy on the floor, stuffies in piles on the floor and then there was this group of very suspicious teens miling in and out and very much appearing to be stealing. When they left, the lady followed us around like we might be similar suspects. Nope. I feel no desire to return there.

Friday, after Steven got home from school, we met the May family in Northville for our annual visit to the skeletons. It was a good time, they always have more fun when friends join us. Lots of photo ops, a fun game of Jenga and cornhole toss, a quick stop at a candy store (a much nicer one than the one in Milford), and play time at a nearby park.

Saturday morning was another chilly soccer game for the girls. I attempted to dress warmly but still felt cold. I don't know how they stand playing in that cold. Penny still avoids the ball and Lucy is hit or miss with her skills but they both enjoy it so that's what is important. I ended up sitting by Ben's Kinder teacher and her giant family, she's a character, but at least I wasn't on my own. Sometimes it really stinks to be the only one cheering my kids on. 

In the afternoon I went to Ben's soccer game and his friend Andrea joined me. This was a rough game. They were playing a team they had played before and this team plays really mean. The frustrating thing was that the ref didn't call the fouls that the other team was clearly committing (pushing is not allowed in soccer). Ben's team ended up losing 3 to 5. It was fun to have Andrea with me but the game itself was hard to watch. And the parents and their angry yelling was not fun either. After the game Ben went with Andrea and AJ to carve pumpkins and take some fun pictures. Caroline got all the supplies and took the pictures, she's a fun mom. She even got a fake pumpkin for Ben to carve so he wouldn't have to put a real one on his head, he was super anxious about that. Here are the results:

While he was partying I had Caroline's other 3 kids. I took them plus my younger 3 to our neighborhood Halloween party. We were super late because of Ben's soccer game so we only caught the tail end of the party but that did include the pinata which made the younger kids happy.

Later that night Steven had plans with his friend Adam to go see a spooky neighborhood but he was such a butt head about it. I wish the mom would stop contacting me and the boys could just be the one to figure things out. He complained that he didn't want to be out late because he was tired and felt sick and that he hated Halloween. SO many lies. He tried to pretend he was asleep so he wouldn't have to go. The whole thing was such a frustrating ordeal but he ended up going (with tears in his eyes) and I think it wasn't as awful as he thought.