The Best of our Annual Witch's Cafe!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

So, this year I got to thinking about how many fun ideas I've used over the years. So, I decided to put a few of my favorites from years past on our blog.

Boo-nanas!
These were very cute, but if you don't like coconut, then they might not be the best idea.



String Cheese fingers!
Always a hit and a staple every year!


Frankestein Pizza!
These turned out so cute, if I do say so myself!


Frankestein Kiwi!
I thought these were darling, even if the kids didn't like the taste.


Popcorn Ball Ghost
I didn't realize that the kids liked this, but Jack requested it again. Too bad I can't remember how I made him and I do remember he was a lot of work...so sorry Jack the Ghost won't be appearing again.


Donut Hole Eyeballs and Circus Peanut Pumpkins


Apple Fangs
(Sometimes I include a tongue, but I guess I didn't the year of this picture.)


AND MY ALL TIME FAVORITE THING I'VE MADE....Witch Tacos!
I've never been able to top this one, eventhough I try each year. I think this will go down in history as the best part of any Witch's cafe I'll ever do. I think they are so cute and I am happy to say that I thought of this idea all on my own. Everything else I've gotten on the internet or a book.




So stay tune for what we serve for Witch's Cafe 2011!!!

It's exhausting being so cute!

Sunday was our ward's primary program. Jack never falls asleep in church, but he had a big week...so I guess after his part and a little singing he just couldn't stay awake any longer. We thought this was the cutest picture. They are usually the wiggliest kids in Sunbeams, but they couldn't make it. It also doesn't help that our church is at 1 pm. That's prime napping time for kids and me too! :-)

Babysitting Miss P

So Thursday evening I got to babysit Perri, while her mom took the other two to the park and Brooklyn to tennis practice. She came in such a great mood, probably because she knew she had some fun in store for me! Look at that smile.
It started with me picking her up, only to discover that she had thrown up all over herself and her car seat. I cleaned her up and started on the car seat and then it happened again, only this time she was soaked to the bone. I changed her clothes and she was a happy baby again. Smiling and laughing...once again I am pretty sure she was laughing at me. She is sitting in my lap watching TV, when it happened...3 LARGE explosions. When I went to change her she had exploded over the new outfit I had just put on her. There was only 1 other outfit in the bag and it was a fall outfit. Now I know the months say it is fall, but Texas doesn't know that yet. It was a little too warm to put that on, so Perri and I just chilled on the couch with her only in a diaper and wrapped in her blanket. She slept and was happy as a clam. Right before it was time to go, I decided to put on the darling outfit (I believe Chy Ayn gave to her.), so she could ride home in comfort. She looked so darling and was so happy. Here are a couple of shots that I got. I realized how hard it is to take pictures of a baby when you only have 2 hands and you need them both for the camera. Plus she is starting to get a little wiggly these days.


She is such a cute, happy baby!

Golfing Date

So this was the best date I've had in a LONG time and it was with a total hotty! Because Jack couldn't go to see Mary Poppins (he was really disappointed), I told him I would take him on a date where ever he wanted. He wanted to go to Crocodile Gap. So last Saturday, Jack and I headed to play miniature golf. He was so excited and so cute doing it. We played 18 holes. Now, his dad would not approve...I totally let him drag the ball with his club, start closer to the hole, or kick it with his foot. It was basically a free for all. We were the only ones on the course, so we could do whatever we wanted. It was great! He had such a good time and I got 4 holes in 1. That's never happened before. When I was telling Jack how excited I was about it, he said, "I think the wind really helped you, Aunt Nanny." I guess that was his way of saying, "You're not really that good Aunt Nanny." As we were driving home he said, "Thanks Aunt Nanny for taking me on the date. It was great!" He is a good kid.

Look at that form...he might just turn pro with a little more of my influence after all. :)

Mary Poppins with Brooklyn

So this year Mary Poppins was one of the shows that came to San Antonio with the Broadway Across America series. Brooklyn saw the ticket on my fridge and was so excited to go. She wanted to "dress up really fancy" and get treats for the show. About 1/2 through the 1st Act, she turned to me and said, "When is 1/2 time?" Now that is a true Coach's child! She enjoyed the show, but I think it was still a little bit long for her. Also I think the accents were a bit hard for her to understand. Other than that...she seemed to enjoy herself.
Sorry the picture is so dark. I was illegally taking the picture with my phone, right before the play started.

Happy Birthday Kate!

Happy Birthday Kate! I can't believe that you are 10 years old. Boy does time fly when you are having fun and we've had lots of fun with you in our family. I'm glad you are part of our family and hope you have an amazing birthday! Wish I could be there to help you celebrate.

Fun with Brooklyn and Jack

So there have been a couple of things that I've been able to do with Jack and Brooklyn lately. One day, after school, Jack and Brooklyn came over and we made cupcakes. I didn't get tons of pictures, but I couldn't help myself when I asked Jack to get something for me and he saluted me and said, "Aye, Aye Captain!" I couldn't help but laugh and snap a picture.

Another evening, I went and babysat while Britni went to take some pictures. We decided that it was time to finally use the DQ Blizzard maker that Brooklyn got for Christmas last year. We broke that sucker out and made some blizzards. The ice cream was good, but the toppings that they provided were gross! Here are Brooklyn and Jack cranking out their blizzards.

I have to say that I prefer just going to DQ and buying a blizzard, but they had fun making them.

The last event was just a date with me and Jack. Jack is finally in his big boy briefs all night long. No more pull ups for him. I told him when that day came that I would take him to Build A Bear. Joel was worried that he would pick some girlie bear. You tell me...is Jack all boy or what?
Camo, fireman bear...now that's a bear fit for a man! His name is Blaze and we had a fun time at Build a Bear.

Desperate need for rain!

If you've been watching the national news, you've seen that wildfires are engulfing many parts of Texas. The worse place affected right now is Bastrop. It just so happens that Bastrop is part of our stake. As I was driving to the stake center for a church meeting, Bastrop which is off in the far distance usually seemed very close...because the horizon was covered in a heavy cloud of smoke. Normally the horizon in that area is gorgeous to look at. Instead, it was just a cloud of smoke. I tried snapping a picture to document it, but sadly my phone camera just doesn't do it justice. My heart is breaking for the families that have lost loved ones, homes, and property in one of the prettiest parts of Texas. Our stake has not been unaffected by this tragedy. Last I heard 17 families in the Bastrop ward have lost their homes. One family was getting ready to leave in a couple of months on their mission and they've lost everything. Another family, whom I have worked with 2 of their daughters and mother at camp, also lost their home. One of our counselors in our stake presidency also lost his home. Luckily the church building in Bastrop was unharmed, which is miraculous, because it was surrounded by fire. Texans are resilient and self sufficient people, but prayers for rain and the safety of those brave men and women battling these fires is much needed and greatly appreciated.

Happy Birthday MOM!

Today is my mom's birthday and I feel very blessed to have her as my mom. She is such a great mom and friend. I only had 1 photo on this computer and it was one from Christmas. Regardless...my mom is the best. I sure am thankful for her and all she does for me. She is way to kind and did I mention that her grandchildren LOVE her?!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Perri St. Clair Call has arrived!

Today Perri officially joined the family. She arrived a little before 10:30 am and weighed in at 8 pounds 6 oz. She was 20 3/4 inches long. She's got tons of dark hair and we believe that at least one dimple has been spotted. I guess time will tell on that one.


I was lucky to make it to the hospital, with the kids and the grandpas just minutes after she arrived. I got to see her in all her newness and freshness.


I even got to hold her for a bit, after she was cleaned up. I love holding babies, but there is something really special and great about holding a baby fresh from heaven.



It was especially sweet seeing how excited Jack and Brooklyn were to have a new baby sister. The whole way to the hospital, Jack can't talking about how excited he was. I guess 9 months is a long time to wait to meet your sister. I can already tell that Brooklyn is going to be a great little helper.





From a family of 4 to a family of 5!

A night @ Aunt Emily's House

So this summer has been SUPER HOT! One night while Brooklyn was over we decided that since it was my night to water (and we only have 1...since we are in stage 2 water restrictions) that Brooklyn might as well take advantage and run through the sprinklers. She had never done it before and she had a blast. It reminded me of summers in NM @ Grandma Call's. I didn't make her strip down to her undies, like Grandma did.




I couldn't make have Brooklyn over without a little education...so we did a science experiment. We took a jumbo, TEXAS sized marshmallow and put it in the microwave. She loved it, but was worried about us not eating it. She thought that was too wasteful.


Fun summer times!

A trip to Omaha means a quick trip to Winter's Quarters

So work sent me to Nebraska and dad sent me to Winter's Quarters. I am so glad that he did...because it was truly an amazing experience. I only had about an hour before I had to be at the airport and luckily the airport is only 13 minutes from Winter Quarters. What a special spirit is here. I was just sad that I didn't bring my camera, so these pictures are from my iPhone. I went through the museum.




I spent a little time walking around the cemetery. It breaks my heart that our pioneer ancestors call that their final resting place and yet most of them don't have markers on their graves.









I got to go on the temple grounds. The temple was closed, but I still felt such a special spirit there.





I am so thankful for our pioneer heritage and those men and women that sacrificed for the gospel.

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell -
All is well! All is well!
And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!