Halloween

This was probably the easiest year for me costume - wise. We had a pirate AKA Jack Sparrow, Taylor Swift, and a lion.

These were taken after they came back from Trick or Treat. So, Eian is missing his headscarf and Abbe is missing her whiskers and Ruth her bright red lipstick courtesy of Abbe the make-up lady.

The pirate costume is one of Eian's 18th century outfits. Made by Nana. ;)

Ruth as Taylor Swift just required a swishy skirt which she can wear to church. And, a borrowed cowboy hat from Dad.

Abbe, of course, had to have something that I had to sew. I bought white leggings and sweater. Dyed them yellow using fabric dye. Basted the fake fur on the hood (to be taken off) and sewed ears onto that. Did not use a pattern, just kind of 'winged' it. Comes from many years of sewing costumes on demand. Sewed a tail and basted it onto the leggings (to be taken off also). One reusable lion costume!

'Taylor Swift' in action!

* All pictures taken by Jason. I was handing out candy to the few brave souls that came that night. Usually, we have TONS of kids but it was cold and misting. :(

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Well, I told you the kids picked out pumpkins by how many seeds they had so that we could roast the seeds.

After we took the seed from the pumpkins, I cleaned them pretty well. Removing most of the pumpkin goo.



Then I left them out on pans over night to dry off.

The next day, we sprayed them with olive oil and baked them in a 250 F oven for about 30 minutes. Once they were out, we left some plain, sprinkled sea salt on some and shook cinnamon sugar over the rest. Voila, roasted pumpkin seeds.

Jack-o-lanterns

When the kids were younger they would paint faces on the pumpkins. Then, once Halloween was over, I would turn the pumpkins around for Thanksgiving. Now that they are bigger they want to have Jack-o-lanterns.

Ruth was really wanting to cut hers out by herself but Jason wouldn't let her. He let her cut the top but that was it. So the kids drew the faces on that they wanted us to cut out. Then, Jason cut out Abbe and Eian's, and I cut out Ruth's.

The kids disappeared while we were busy cutting out faces.

Eian really loved pulling all the seeds and goo out. He kept putting his hands into the bowl and saying how cool it felt. I think he picked the tallest pumpkin he could find.

Ruth on the other hand was not too excited about the goo. Which is a first. Since when does Ruth not like slimy and gooey? My girl is growing up. Sigh.

We saved the seeds for roasting.

Sarafina watching the chaos.

We lit them in the house the first night because it was raining outside. Jack-o-lantern order:  Ruth - Abbe - Eian

Halloween and Homeschooling

So, my Abbe and Eian get home from school last night and not twenty minutes later it starts raining! For Trick or Treat. Yes, my kids like the candy, but they are more interested in getting dressed up in their costumes and seeing their friends.

Well, the rain stopped but it was still pretty chilly out and now damp too. And muddy. And wet. But I think they still had fun. (Yes, Mom, they all have jackets/sweatshirts/sweatpants/tights on under their costumes. I always make them big enough to do that.)
Ruth as Clawdeen Wolf.

We walked around with our neighbors. It is always nice to get to talk to other parents. I think everyone had a good time. Then, we came back and handed out candy too. Here is my honey eating handing out candy.

The best thing about Abbe and Eian's costumes this year is that they only required FOUR seams. Yes, only four. I have always let them decide what they want to be with no limitations. Then, we work together to figure out the best way to pull it off. They are already discussing next year's costumes.

Luke and Leia helping the Ewoks defeat......well somebody or other in Return of the Jedi (I think). Can you tell I am a big Star Wars fan? ;-)

I made a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. I've made this cake for Halloween the past few years. It is really simple to do. I think I first saw it in Martha Stewart.

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On another note, homeschooling lately has been interesting. Ruth has not been motivated AT ALL. Part of her problem is that a lot of school work is easy for her. So then, when she actually has to THINK about or actually DO something she just shuts down and doesn't want to do it at all. I made an appointment with her counselor, who is great with her, for tomorrow. Hopefully that will give her the kick start she needs to get motivated again.

It is very aggravating to see your gifted child being lazy and not trying her hardest. Makes you start to doubt yourself as a mother and a person. Do I do this??? Is she just following my example????

Halloween

Well, you know your kid is sick when she says "I feel terrible! I don't even feel like going trick or treating." That was Ruth.

Eian on the other hand woke up this morning and said "I don't feel good. I can't go to school" Me, "Then you can't go trick or treating"........(silence)............. Eian, "Can you pick me out some clothes for school?" Ha!

Here is a leaf that Ruth found for me this weekend. She brought it in and said "Mom, isn't this beautiful? I am giving it to you." I love my girl!

Should have pictures of everyone in their costumes tomorrow. Tonight is Trick or Treat in our little town. We have about a zillion kids come in from all over! Then the firehouse has a costume contest afterwards. People walk down the middle of the street and everyone is having fun.

This year Ruth and I will be staying home and handing out candy. That can be a lot of fun, too. Of course, now she is telling me how she is feeling soooo much better and can go......