Halloween 2013: iPod and Nerd

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. It seems like this may be one of the last ones where we do our own neighborhood, just that small loop with all the kids, just that small bag of candy.

This year, there were a lot of requests from the kids' friends to join in their trick or treating fun. We ended up having one friend each come by our hood and then we went to visit other friends throughout the evening. Elise ended up with 9 1/2 pounds of candy from a trunk or treat on the 30th and Halloween combined. Sheer teeth rotting craziness!!

Lucas asked to be an iPod 2 days before Halloween. Thanks, buddy. This is not something you can order online or find in a store so I set off to make it. It actually was not too difficult to do.

Here's what I used:

-black display board with the wings cut off
-white cord
-2 cardboard tubes (I used the tubes that glowsticks come in)
-styrofoam ball
-silver spray paint
-glue gun

I printed the icons from the internet. I found a zip file online with some of them but the results were better with these steps:

1. I google imaged "angry birds app icon" (and whatever other icons I wanted)and saved the highest def one I could find
2. Opened it in Picasa
3. Set my print settings to 8x10 paper size, shrink to fit, and shrink to 65%
4. Print on white cardstock!

The ear buds were the fun part. I cut a foam ball in 2, hot glued the tubes onto the ball halves, then glued the cord with LOTS of hot glue into the tubes. I attached the cord onto the back of the board with a stronger glue that needed to dry overnight.

Ellie was the cutest nerd ever. Her costume was easy and was a combination of Goodwill, costume store and what we had on hand. Her friend came as a nerd too. These girls had a bast together!

Beautiful Girl

My friend Liz had a quote on her blog that really reminded me of Ellie:

"The least strained and most natural ways of the soul are the most beautiful." -Michel de Montaigne (French Renaissance Writer)


Her Dad and I often talk about the joy that comes from a little girl who follows her own heart and instincts. I know we have a long way to go, but her choices are always hers at the moment and I really hope it continues! She is not swayed easily by the influences of others. Sometimes this works against me :)

She's not afraid to wear mismatched socks. She doesn't mind if everyone around her is doing one thing and she is doing another. She doesn't get embarrassed by anything about herself. She plays what she wants to at recess.

It is really wonderful to see her choosing her path, following her heart and being such an original girl. We always can tell her choices come from her natural self and from her beautiful soul. She really is unique and knows how to follow her heart.

Ellie is 7!

My baby girl is 7 today! I have spent a lot of time thinking of you today. We woke up early and opened presents. Daddy took the day off work. You got some drawing books and you got right to work making cute creations.

I am amazed every day at what you bring to my life. There is so much fun in our family because of you! Every day is like watching a show of fun, love and happiness.


I love so many things about you. The way you do your "noodle dance" when you want someone to make noodles for you. The way you wiggle one eyebrow up and down. The way you sneak into my bed and I wake up with you snuggled up close. The way you swim like a mermaid.



You are a unique girl! You are so individual and special. You make your own choices and follow your dreams and what your hearts wants. You love yourself!


I love going to the dog park with you and watching you love on the tiny dogs. I love playing Old Maid with you and I see my competitiveness in you! I love listening to you read, sounding out words so carefully. I love watching your little hands work on crafts that we create together. I love snuggling with you.



You are my dream come true. I remember the moment you were born and hearing "it's a girl" from Daddy. My heart flew! I never imagined...you weren't just a girl. You were Ellie. You are MY girl. And I love you more than you'll ever know.



Love,
Mummy xoxo

First Crop

Last night, I took Elise to her first crop. I decide to just be her support while I was there and teach her the basics of scrapbooking. I had her pick out all the photos she wanted to scrap from our Mexico trip last year and we picked them up at Costco.

At the crop, I had her plan her first page out, picking the pictures that would go on that page. Then we selected the paper (she did this herself out of papers I had on hand). Mostly, she scrapped by color which is what I do too! I emphasized the importance of journaling on each page, trying to get her started on the right foot! She did a great job and scrapped all the photos we printed. I am very proud. She loved it too!

I took a peek at the Creative Memories digital software while I was there. I think I may take the plunge. It was very cool and easy to use.

I am so looking forward to a lifetime of scrapbooking with my sweetheart!