Rarer, Classic Character Halloween Costume Ideas

It's autumn, again. It's already below freezing at night and we're scrapin' off our car windows in the morning here in Alaska (well, not me; I watch from the window :) ) so we know winter is almost here. 

Although I know most people don't have that experience, especially my cousin who's melting in over 100 degree weather in San Diego, I still call it Autumn because that's what most people think it is now. But the winter and its holidays are approaching, and my first favorite is closing in faster than I realize: Halloween!

Most classic characters are easy to find: Tom and Jerry, Snoopy, Tweety Bird, Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, etc. but a few of my favorites have been neglected. I managed to find some I miss and like a lot.

    ****Remember reading Charlie Brown comics on a lazy Sunday?  How about Dennis the Menace?

    ****How about tapping your shoes together repeating "There's no place like home?"

    ****Older folks might have enjoyed Felix the Cat? Was older correct, or should I have put more experienced? Even more experienced might get a kick out of Charlie Chaplin.

    ****I remember being encouraged to eat more spinach like Popeye (scroll down a bit for this one).

    ****I couldn't find one, but I really wish someone would make a Ziggy outfit - he was such a cute little guy.

    ****And don't forget about your dog's high aspirations.


Anyway, I'm still pondering what to dress up my little ones like. I like unusual, homemade costumes, so we'll see what I can come up with in the next few weeks here.

Love,
Amanda and Cubs

Making a Relationship Last: A Love Journal

My husband is a romantic guy, though I'm sure he wouldn't like everyone to know that. We've celebrated every year for the past ten years the day he asked me to be his girlfriend. He holds it more dear than our wedding day. It's sweet and he remembers when it is and how soon it's coming up better than I do!

He says that our love blossomed in those days. In the first couple months, that's when real love grows. And the wedding is the public celebration, not nearly as intimate as the details of "the beginning."

I love this CNN story on the 'Original Grandparents' and their 72-year (now 73!) marriage. Their beginning sounds so much like ours. He bought a ring and swore one day he'd buy me an expensive one. It was all so very high school student hopeful, excited, bright, etc. If you check out www.the-ogs.com, it's really very cute, their story and tips.

One thing we used to do is keep a love journal, and I think it was what brought us closer together during some difficult times. All couples struggle with keeping up communication and our love journal was one place we could write what we were feeling positively. If we had a happy moment with each other, a discovery about the other, or just a 'wow, I love you' moment, we'd jot it down and put it away. It was sweet because the next time I'd go into write something, I'd read his last entry and just beam the biggest smile.

We lost our love journal in our move back from Belgium but we haven't needed it as of late. It would have been nice to treasure, but now we keep baby journals of our parenting moments.

We've only been married six years, but I am so hopeful to make it to 73 years like the ogs!

Love, Amanda and Cubs

Busy Summer

We had a wonderful summer! In July, we flew to PA for a wedding and spontaneously ended up in Atlantic City. We slapped on our beach gear and had a great day...

Observing shells

Kinda cranky

 At the beginning of summer, we spend a lot of time strolling to the town park.

 

I love this stroller...too big for our car though :(

Slid down by herself at 14 months...way earlier than my cautious son!

She's very agile and brave...this thing spins

Elijah likes indoor technology fun with the iPhones

In the car, Monica sometimes doesn't like our choice of music...boogers

Anyway, I'll try to post more often now that we're at home, the sun is not out as long, and we are settling in for a long winter!

Love, 

Amanda and Cubs

Hey, I Have Fun with my Kids!

A clean house is definitely not a fun house.

And a perfect body is definitely one that has not had a lot of fun.

I've been down on myself over this and that, but I've realized that

Without this or that, I wouldn't have had the fun I've had with my kids!

The scar on my face is from Monica reaching up her little arm and scratching me.

If I wasn't breastfeeding or if I didn't cuddle her so much, it never would have happened.

My painful ankle wouldn't have happened if Jeremy and I weren't teaching the kids to play soccer

My various bumps and bruises wouldn't be there if I wasn't on the floor wrestling with my kids

Listening to them laugh so hard is complete bliss!

I'd definitely be skinnier if I didn't take bites of their food and spend time over special meals with them

I wouldn't have this itch on my knee if I didn't think it was important to take my son to the pool

And I wouldn't have such back pain if I didn't carry them as much as I do, but we love it

I probably would have less zits, wrinkles, sun spots if I did x, y, or z, but that takes away the good stuff

Of long days in the sun, laughing and probably getting germy kisses on my face but

All Worth It!

Because I Love My Kids!!!

Love, Amanda & Cubs

Addiction: They Just Can't Let Go (JK)

They're addicted.

It's sick.

They think about it when they wake up.
 

They track it down.

They find it.

 

They steal it.

They know how to use it.

It's a bad case of iPad addiction!

Love,
Amanda & Cubs

The Meaning of Monica

If you look up the name Monica, it does not give a definite meaning. It might mean to advise or solitary but they aren't sure.

You might find St. Monica or Monica Gellar from friends.

I think I've got a meaning though...

My Monica

Whimsical, sometimes to the point of being clumsy...(yes, she fell in that)

A bit shy at first, but she will warm up...

Knows how things gets done and just gets her hands dirty and does the job!

Is such a daddy's girl if there ever was one...

The most wonderful daughter there ever was...

Thank heaven for little girls!

Love,

Amanda & Cubs

Trip to the Alaska Zoo

Elijah loves animals. 

He loves safari animals, he loves arctic animals,  he loves cartoon animals, he loves stuffed animals...you get the picture.

He can't talk, but he has his many babblings and signs for animals or he just gets a stuffed animal that matches what he wants to say. So, we thought a trip to the zoo was in order.

I loved his face of just "uh, wow!" when he saw a "roar" or polar bear...

 

Snow Leopard, real up close!

It was still a bit cold and snowy when we went.

First time with cotton candy...they were such messes after!

We went back to see the seals twice!

We're planning on going to one of those safari parks in July - they will really love the giraffes and elephants and monkeys!

Love,

Amanda & Cubs

Happy Earth Day - My Green Place

Like 'My Happy Place', get it? Today, on Earth Day, when most are celebrating in their yards or in parks, it snowed here in AK and I am celebrating indoors with my little container garden, a complete success so far if you were here for my post on my gardening skeeeelz (and my lack of them!)but I figure someone has to show these kids dirt is more than dry mud.

Chile Peppers

Basil

(I Think...Next Time I'll Remember to Label)

I didn't have a lot of funds so these are just the big buckets that cocktail fruit come in when you buy them from a wholesale store. And they have been under a lamp because it has not been very sunny this week.

This is fun (albeit messy) for kids. We did this in the laundry room and spent a long time describing textures, what we were doing, counting seeds, etc. My son isn't talking much, he's a late-talker, so I try to do things hands-on so as to draw out a lot of excitement, surprises, and questions.

Earth Day giveaways going on:

The earth-mother of all giveaways here - all week long!

Short Sleeved Shirt

Fountain Jet soda stream 

A Yoga Mat

Cascadian Farm products

Love, Amanda & Cubs