We Wish You a Merry Halloween

A wacky witch, vampire, and a little witch attacking the Halloween candy.

What is your favorite thing about Halloween? It was not difficult for Kayleigh and Everett to answer my question. Their list of favorites included the following:

Candy.

Going from door to door and saying,"Trick or Treat."

Dressing up.

Candy.

Scaring people.

Haunted houses.

Candy.

And their most favorite part of Halloween is...

Trading and sorting the candy.

I love to see Kayleigh and Everett pour their loot on the floor and start bargaining to get their favorites from each other. This year was especially entertaining because Cozette went wild. She was falling into the candy, throwing it, and trying to eat it through the packaging. We laughed until our sides ached. Cozette really likes M&M's. By the end of the night, all of the candy is put into plastic baggies and sorted according to the type of candy it is.

Cozette is walking up to Mommom's door.

My favorite thing about Halloween is going to Mommom and Papa's house. I know that they are waiting for Kayleigh and Everett with Halloween treats. We love to see their excitement over their costumes. This year Everett dressed up as a vampire for the ward Halloween party. He went as Mr. Baseball on Halloween night. Cozette was so cute holding her Halloween pumpkin. She loved wearing her Halloween Tu Tu and was very prissy in it.

I must share that I made Kayleigh and Cozette's Tu Tu's.

A Wonderful Halloween Night.

Kayleigh and Everett had two friends come with them trick-or-treating this year. Savannah and Alyssa made the evening even more fun for them. They decided to sing a little song at some of the doors:

We wish you a merry Halloween,
We wish you a merry Halloween,
We wish you a merry Halloween,
So trick- or- treat!

Even Mr. Baseball was singing.

The neighbors really liked it.

And I really do hope everyone had a Merry Halloween.

Little Black Birds

Inside this door, live three very special children. My Grandma Lou used to say, "Every old crow thinks hers is the blackest." I believe all mothers are given that divine spark to think her own children are the the most wonderful and beautiful. It seems two of my children are sprouting wings. They stay busy with school and their various activities. It makes me feel that I really am an "old crow."

My Beehive.

Today was our Primary Program at church. I was somewhat sad that Kayleigh was not participating this year. I asked her if she was sad not to be up there with her friends. She was very quick to assure me, "No! I like being in Young Women."

Of course she does, what was I thinking?

All of a sudden she has a very busy social life. I really miss her while she is away from me. I know that I have to start getting used to it.

This is only the beginning...

Mr. Baseball and some of his fans.

Everett aka "Mr. Baseball" just finished his baseball season. He and his Daddy are already talking about spring ball. Maybe, we should get through basketball season first! We are pleased that Everett's team finished the season as co-championship winners. He received the game ball the last game because he hit a double, a triple, and two RBI's. He was flying high on Saturday.

And my throat hurts today from all the cheering!

A little tag along.

For the past nine years, Brad and Everett have been a little couple. They are joined at the hip. They would spend all day playing sports if time allowed it. It makes me laugh that all of a sudden they have an ardent tag along. Cozette loves to be outside and she insists on being with her Daddy and brother.

"Welcome to your new life!" I announced recently as Everett and Brad tried to get me to bring her in, so they could throw just a few pitches. Cozette had absolutely no part of that.

Finally, Cozette is saying, "Ma Ma Ma." She also loves to have her hair brushed, (the little bit she has) and she is really good at fake coughing for attention.

I am so thankful for my little black birds.

Bonnet Beauties

Cozy and Susie

Nothing is cuter than a baby wearing a bonnet. I remember all of us laughing at how darling we thought Cozette was in this bonnet. We desperately tried to awaken her for this picture, but it was to no avail. Quincy posted Susie in the same bonnet on her blog to lift our spirits. I thought it would be fun to post these two beauties wearing the same bonnet.

Tonight, I am going to go to sleep with a smile on my face.

Mr. Baseball

Mr. Baseball himself.

It isn't everyday that you have a real baseball star living with you. Since I have a real baseball star living in my house, I thought I would take a moment to interview him. I am happy that he was gracious enough to take the time from his busy baseball schedule to oblige me.

Here it goes:

Me: Thank you, Mr. Baseball, for speaking with me tonight.

Mr. Baseball: You are welcome.

Me: How are you tonight?

Mr. Baseball: I am good.

Me: What's your favorite thing about baseball?

Mr. Baseball: Hitting.

Me: Why?

Mr. Baseball: I like to connect with the ball and see how far it goes.

Me: Do you always talk this much?

Mr. Baseball: Does not answer my question but tries to suppress his smile.

Me: How many home runs have you hit?

Mr Baseball: Hmm... about 10. His Daddy (who is eaves dropping on this very important interview) questions if this is accurate. Mr. Baseball assures me this is the correct number.

Me: What position do you play?

Mr. Baseball: I play short stop, center field, second base, and I pitch.

Me: Do you like for people to cheer for you when you are up to bat?

Mr. Baseball: Yes, it makes me want to do my best.

Me: Does your Mommy cheer loud for you?

Mr. Baseball: YES.

Me: Does it make you happy?

Mr. Baseball: YES!

Me: What does she cheer?

Mr Baseball: Woo Hoo, Go Everett! Good eye, Good eye!

Me: How many hours has your Daddy spent practicing with and coaching you?

Mr. Baseball: About 2,ooo hours.

Me: Who is your favorite baseball team?

Mr. Baseball: Boston Red Sox. Like Father like Son.

Me: Any last words or advice to anyone who wants to play baseball?

Mr. Baseball: Just do the best you can. Never give up and play lots of baseball.

Me: That's excellent advice. Tell me about your Mommy.

Mr. Baseball: (Starts to laugh.) She's nice. She helps me. She cooks for me. She watches over me and she takes care of me.

Me: Thank you, Mr. Baseball.

Mr. Baseball: You are welcome.

Me: One last question. Is it hard being so handsome?

Mr. Baseball: (Smiles and looks down.) Hmm... No.

Me: Will you please let this interviewer give you a kiss?

Mr. Baseball: No. Oh... OK.

Me: Smooch! Thank you for your time. Good luck this Thursday when you play in your very important tournament game.

Mr. Baseball: Thanks, Can I go now?

The End.

Social Butterfly

Miss Priss holding her balloon.

Cozette has a very important social life. Today we met her friends at the park. They did important things such as sliding down the slide, eating each others snacks, eating the rubber playground mulch, and riding the rocking horses. Cozette would stay outside all day if we let her. There is just so much to explore at the park.

The gang's all here!
Cozette, Emma-Grace, Lacey, and Blaine

After we said good-bye to Cozette's friends, we went to Publix to get a balloon and a sugar cookie. Cozette loves balloons. She squeals whenever she sees them. She is getting big so quickly. I need to update her latest and greatest:

She loves to play the keyboard. She really likes to stand on top of the piano bench and clink on the piano keys. I draw the line when she tries to walk across the piano keys.

She dances to music.

She gives us the biggest wettest kisses.

She will rub my arm and help me scratch my skin.

She is actually starting to say the "Mmm" sound. Hopefully, she will say Mommy soon!

She sings. Well, she is trying to. She will hum through her pacifier and lulls herself to sleep each night doing this.

Kayleigh and Everett are pros at getting her to cackle. She especially loves for them to put cups on their faces and make blowing sounds into them.

Cozette is simply T.M.L.

Playing on the trampoline with her Daddy is the perfect way to end her busy day.

A Birthday For All Seasons

A lovely Christmas table setting.

Ever since Brad purchased a trailer for his business, Kayleigh has anticipated going on a hayride at her birthday party. She also said that she wanted to have a fun craft. I wanted to bake a cookie cake and decorate it beautifully for her. I thought it would be nice to have an Autumn themed party since her birthday is in October and we were having a hayride. I wanted to make this the most beautifully fun party for Kayleigh.

It was fun but not beautiful.

I am not sure how it happened, but my table setting looks more like Christmastime. I think it is because I used leaves and berries from my Nandina bush and cranberries in my center piece.

Decorating the cookie cake was a little nightmare. I made some butter cream frosting to ice the cookie cake, but a series of errors prevented me from actually decorating it.

I was in a panic.

All I could do is sprinkle it with little cake decors.

I couldn't wait for my sister to see it.

This is why I do not bake Birthday cakes.

My funny conversation with Nikki:

Jeannie: "Nikki, the cookie cake is so sad."

Nikki: "Why? Can I see it?"

Jeannie: "Not yet, I want to take a picture of your reaction when you look at it."

Nikki: "I bet it looks pretty. It can't look that bad."

Jeannie: "Well, it does look bad."

I then show Nikki the cookie cake. Brad captured Nikki's reaction. We were both laughing hysterically at this point.

Nikki: While laughing says, "It looks good Jeannie."

Jeannie: "Nikki, this looks like something I would take to a Fourth of July picnic."

That strikes us both funny and we are still laughing.

The End.

p.s. The girls said the cookie cake was delicious.

These clipboards are dedicated to Meredith.

My Fourth of July cookie cake was a little nightmare. Preparing to make a craft was a big nightmare but my Arizona sister-in-law saved the day. I must say the clipboards were a big success.

The birthday girl just blew out all 12 candles on her Fourth of July birthday cake.

Kayleigh told me today that her friends had the best time and this was the best party ever.

It was all worth it.

p.s.s. Thanks Nikki for helping me at the party and for thinking of the title for this post.

My Wish

This picture was taken when Kayleigh turned 1.
I thought she was the most beautiful baby in the world.
We love this picture. It makes us happy.
We laugh when we look at it.
We named it "Little old man in a dress" since she does not have any hair!

12 years ago today, I was in the hospital giving birth to Kayleigh Marie Simpson. Has it really been 12 years? This birthday has affected me more than any of her other ones. This birthday is a milestone for her. Kayleigh is now a young woman. We are on the threshold of her being a teenager.

It hurts knowing her childhood is behind us.

When we arrived home from the hospital, I remember being exhausted and overwhelmed. I looked into her tiny face and told Brad that I couldn't do it, I just could not be a mother. His response has always made me laugh.

"It's too late, Jeannie, we can't exactly give her back."

I sure am glad I decided to keep her. And that Brad wasn't post-partum!

This picture was taken when Kayleigh turned 3.
I remember she had been a "little" fussy that morning.
"I just can't smile," were her words when we arrived at the studio.
And she didn't smile.
This is my favorite picture of Kayleigh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLEIGH

I have a birthday wish for you:

I hope that you will always be surrounded with love. Always be kind. Be a friend to those who are lonely. See the good in everyone. Always forgive your loved ones. Pray with all your heart. Be honest. Be true. Be loyal. Earn good grades. Work hard in school. Remember to laugh.

These are the things that will bring you joy in life.

This is my wish for you.

I love you.

Why We Sing

We attended Kayleigh's concert tonight. The 6th Grade Chorus proudly presented: "Why We Sing." We listened to a medley of songs ranging from African-American hymns to a song about an Irish lad reflecting on his home while at sea. The music was amazing. I was deeply touched by the talent of these young people.

My heart burst with joy as I watched Kayleigh sing tonight. She had the opportunity to sing with an advanced ensemble and even sang a duet in one of the songs. She has been practicing the lyrics all month:

"Children of the fiery furnace,
they did begin to pray;
and the angel of the Lord put the fire out,
And it sure was a mighty good day,
Good Lord!
It sure was a mighty good day."

She was perfectly poised and sang with complete confidence.

I was much more nervous than she was.

I left that concert tonight knowing that music brings us joy and we sing to lift our spirits.

It has been a mighty good day.

Hi Dad

Cozette loves her Daddy.

I have to admit that I am a little jealous. Nikki came over tonight for a visit. We were in the kitchen and she was holding and playing with Cozette. Brad had been upstairs and then came down for dinner.

"Look, Cozette, there's your Daddy." Nikki said as she turned towards Brad.

Then clear as a bell with the biggest smile on her face, Cozette greeted Brad.

"Hi Dad."

The earth stood still for a moment.

We cheered and laughed with sheer delight.

Then it hit me that her first words were," Hi Dad."

She said it again and it came out, "Hi Da-yee."

Now, I need to mention that she has never said the "Mmm" sound or any sound that slightly resembles Mommy. I have nursed, labored, and loved my baby for the last 13 months. I tried all night to get her to say,"Mommy." It just didn't happen.

Brad received the glory tonight.

I wouldn't have it any other way.