A few new things and more in the works

I've been busy creating and getting ready for the Handmade Affair on Dec. 3. (Well, that and taking care of sick kids and having guests last week.)

Check out what I've been up to... (notice there are no pictures of what my house looks like...)

Babs-A-Lot Boutique

The Bat Family Halloween

Bat ManBoy


His Reliable Sidekick Robin

His Butler and Trainer Alfred

His Lady BatGirl

The Whole Bat Fam


We had a great Halloween. Cole loved searching out costumes online and deciding what to be this year. He's already planned out the next several years, because deciding on just one thing is just is too hard. (I'm totally with him...when it comes to shoes).

TWO WEEKS OUT we started our celebrations at the Chesnik's Family Halloween party (always a hoot - a spooky hoot!).


THREE DAYS OUT we were on to Cole's school party and parade.

TWO DAYS OUT family date night at Pei Wei and rides and slides at Stu Miller's Pumpkin Patch.


ONE DAY OUT the ward Trunk 'or Treat party complete with chili cook-off, friends, games and candy...and the cutest little Robin...



HALLOWEEN NIGHT - because we just couldn't get enough - carving pumpkins, dress-up, pictures, and chats with our neighbors.




Crew loved neighbor Steve's roasted and salted pumpkin seeds. He passed on candy, went straight back for more seeds and went in to watch the game...



Goodnight and Happy Halloween!

Come on over

So, I finally launched a little website for my jewelry and stuff.

I will improve it...I promise, but at least I have a piece of real estate on the world wide web.

Come on over to the Babs-a-lot Boutique.

A Super Sunday

Cole had his first primary presentation today. He memorized his part weeks ago and would repeat it at random while we were driving and going here and there. He is growing up so quickly and we are so very proud.

We took some video of Cole at the practice on Saturday to share with the grandparents. We miss Grandpa and Grandma Childs on their mission and Grandma and Grandpa Ackroyd in Canada.

I asked Cole how we serve our families and he said, "We give them hugs...and kisses...and take out the trash." Then I asked how we can serve our neighbors and he said, "we make them treats and ring their door and run." Sounds about right to me.

We love you Cole.

Cousins!

We had a few fun visits with the cousins this fall. The kids are getting older and playing a little better with one another. So no major injuries to report, just requests to move closer so it can be a party everyday.

Childs Cousins

On the porch at Lindy and Mike's in Hickory, NC after the baby blessing of little miss Addison. Boston is the oldest cousin and so very good with babies. And, as soon as Addison gets big enough she too will support a beautiful big white bow on her head :). (I'm so jealous of all things girl).

Ackroyd Cousins

At the park in Henderson, NV. It was Oct. and still 90 degrees. The kids swam in the pool for 3 hrs. while Becky and I watched the marathon season of America's Next Top Model. Seriously good times.

Every experience in life has its opposite...

That's why I thought it only fitting to combine the first day of school with a visit to the dentist. You guess which one brought pleasure and which one brought pain. :)

After a rough start to the day (that involved much weeping and nashing of teeth...and only 8 teeth cleaned), our preschooler celebrated with a happy meal for lunch and then was on his way to his first day of school at Louis Wiener Elementary.

He is officially a "Wiener Whale" and is mighty proud.

We took a family self-portrait (minus Crew)

Then he lined up and marched away... (and the teachers had tissues on hand, but we were all good...in fact maybe a little giddy :)

We picked him up at 3:21 (really, isn't that a funny end time) and Cole declared it his "special day," promptly asked for a snack and then whined and fell asleep on the couch.

Yes, a good day indeed.

Sara Gets Married

Insert picture of beautiful bride and handsome groom outside the Las Vegas Temple.
(Don't know what happened, but the photos are not on my camera :()

(Thanks to Cassidy Photography, here's a few...)



See the bride at the bridal shower...


See friends and family who love her...


See cute party favors and frame that says it all...



Congratulations Sara and Kyle!

(Hard to believe I'm old enough to have former young women married and some with babies - a few the same age as my kids - I know hard, hard to believe). :)

Family Home Evening Camping Style

Since Greg is now a camping and scouting man once again, he naturally decided he needed to acquire a few new things (esp. after his latest trip when he came home coveting his neighbor's/ fellow leader/newly made bishop's cot and tent combo).

It worked naturally into a family home evening activity, lesson (thanks to the Friend magazine), and treats.

Go to China and Learn Some Skillz

This week Cole's been asking us if we can go to China. At first I thought maybe he wanted to go because Greg served his mission in Asia (Taiwan specifically). Then I wondered if he wanted to go because his cousin Carson is taking Chinese in school...finally he fessed up...he wants to go to China to learn some kung fu skills.

"Mom, can we go to China? I need to learn some skillz (yes, that's how he says it with the "z" on the end). Brandon (my babysitter's son) said he learned his skillz in China."

We took Cole to see Karate Kid about a month ago. I guess the movie really resonated with him. Gotta love boys :)

Getting Braver...

So after last year's swimming lessons catastrophe


And Greg's refusal to repeat as human life preserver

I wasn't sure what to do this year for Cole. Because, I mean we do have a large body of water in our back yard (and a mother who is an ex-swimmer - can you be an ex-swimmer? - I mean in the athletic, I swim laps way...oh yeah and a father with a pool business...)

So, I thought really hard about it (not as hard as what I should do about preschool next year, but pretty darn hard) and then I sought advice on FB about private lessons, but so far I've been too lazy to line something up....

So, we have just been hanging out in the pool after work and every chance we get....and wouldn't you know the kid is getting a little braver (not brave enough to take off the life vest, but nonetheless a little braver).


When Greg suggested we pull Cole's slide to the edge of the pool, he jumped on the idea and I even got in the action too (not pictured - I've perfected the one cheek slide - don't ask if you don't really want to know). I bought him some water wings and I guess this little ex-swimmer mama will try and teach her child herself - Now how's that for private professional training? Ha! More progress reports to come soon.