Our own little Knufflebunny

Lulu had a scare.

We went with friends to the arboretum last week and she took her bear bear along. We laughed, we played, we ran, we jumped, and we even threw a few pumpkins.

We left a little early to get her ready for the first of her two Halloween parties.

It wasn't until hours later that we realized- where was bear?

We looked in the car, the bag, the stroller, everywhere it might have been.

She SWORE she gave it to someone, but couldn't recall exactly which someone.


A frantic phone call to friends generated this response:
"No she didn't give it to me. But, when we were walking in Hayden (her daughter) said 'mom look, Lulu has a bear just like that one.'" I got the exact location and prayed it would be there the next day.

Lulu cried herself to sleep. Snuggling a paper cut out of the bear bear she made me days before.

We arose early the next day- armed with donuts, a promise we would "look everywhere we went yesterday" and a heartfelt prayer.

"No we haven't had anything turned in." said the lady at the information booth.

So we started to walk to the exact location bear was spotted the day before. I watched as she ran with high expectations, only to see her shoulders slump in defeat. Bear wasn't perched atop the pumpkin. It broke my heart to see her deflated with sadness.

But.. wait what was that? A small something sitting behind the pumpkins on the ground. Could it be? Could we be so lucky? Why yes, yes we could. Kissed with morning dew sat a much beloved bear.

Note to self- keep better track of bear.

Note to other parents- sure it is darling when your kid gets attached to some special little something and because it warms your heart so, you cultivate the love of this little object. But remember there might come a day when that little something gets lost and unless you had the foresight to purchase the EXACT SAME something you will have many lonely and sad moments. It's cute and all, but could, quite possibly, be the death of you.

Today

Guess who I saw at the arboretum today-

Can you tell?

She was really gracious and posed for my sister. The funny thing- in less than a week, this is the SECOND time we have seen her out and about (the other time she was crossing the street). Hello- secret service, shouldn't you try and be inconspicuous while you are protecting Mrs. Bush? Why are you wearing suits in 80 degree weather- walking around a garden? You stick out like a sour thumb. We were actually laughing when we first got there about the freaks in the suits. It wasn't until later that we realized they were secret service.

Weekend Highlights and Lowlights

Weekend Activities

1. We went to our ward Halloween Party.  It was also a chili cook off.  After dinner the kids did a little "trunk or treating." 

2. We took Adam to see the Fall Festival at the arboretum.   A man asked to take a picture of Lulu's ruby red shoes.  Lulu was happy to oblige.

3.  I sliced my index finger open cutting a tomato for Teddy.  Luckily I didn't need stitches.  Adam patched me together and it seems to be healing.  I've never realized how much I use my index finger, especially when typing a blog post.  I guess I now understand why, according to Adam, they always try to reattach a severed index finger.  

4. I've decided my skin isn't nearly as thick as I thought.  With the election coming closer, presidential candidates seem to be the hot topic of conversation.  I usually love this and can't get enough, but this weekend has sent me over the edge.  A few friends were chatting and I mentioned I was voting for Obama.  I'm not kidding, I swear the look of disgust on one of my friend's face could have killed someone.  But it wasn't a look of disgust for Obama,  it was a look of disgust that I was actually VOTING for the man.   Interesting.  She literally looked at me like I was the dumbest person on this earth.  I'm not sure why it bothered me so much.  I guess I'm sick of defending my choice, especially in the Mormon community.  I'm not making anyone else defend their choice, why should I?  Especially since it is usually me and then a gang of other people.    I don't mind discussing the election.  Actually I really enjoy it.  I guess I mind when people act like if I only had all the information I would change my mind.  Let me clear this up- I don't need the policies of either candidate explained to me.  I understand them, really I do.  I know.. shocking.  I'm still voting for Obama.  I can see the wheels churning and someone thinking.. but how could you still vote for Obama if you understand his policies?  BECAUSE.. I WANT TO!

Oh well- I'll just be glad when it is over.  

Thursday Forecast

Highs:

A glorious morning/afternoon spent at the arboretum with friends. Lulu has decided she is going to marry this little guy. The three of them were adorable. And just because we are Mormon, I don't want you to get the wrong idea.



Teddy finally on the mend.

Tator tots for everyone and a big gigantic Diet Coke for me. Oh the sweet nectar. And because of a low, I didn't even wait for Happy Hour!

Lows:
After being asked "is today the day I'm getting the flu mist" three HUNDRED times over the past 2 weeks the day FINALLY arrived. But then the nurse inadvertently mixed flu vaccine for Lulu, which meant she WOULD NOT be getting the flu mist, but rather a shot. This did not go over well. There was screaming, gnashing of teeth, you know.. all those fun things.

Another case of "leaving nasty anonymous comments" seems to be going around again. I know, given my history, it seems a little ironic for me to be lecturing, but seriously- if you wouldn't say it to their face, don't leave it as a comment! Especially if you don't know the person, because funny and sarcastic doesn't always come across. Trust me- you will always regret it.

Five for Friday

1.
"Oh Teddy, aren't you adorable? How about I tease you while mom tries to take our picture?"


"Lulu stop teasing your brother. I'm trying to take a picture."
"But Mom, he likes it."

2.
"Ha-ha my mom has NO IDEA how much hay I have ingested and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be sick. Oh well- Old MacDonald had a farm.. e-i-e-i-o."

3.
"I know, let's tease my brother."

"Freaking sister!"

** The two pictures I wish I would have gotten:
1. About 15 minutes before this photo was taken, Teddy was doing the same thing to his little friend.
2. At one point Teddy was shaking his head trying to get it off. But, it was the "baby" head shaking where they throw their head down, but don't know quite how to move it side to side.

4.
Then: "Oh don't worry, I'll just crop her head out."
Now: "Um..."

5.
Lulu: "Mom will you take a picture of me. I'm going to pretend like I'm dead."
Mom: "Lulu that is not okay- we do not pretend like we are dead."
Lulu: "Okay, then I'm sleeping."
Mom: "Nice Lulu, nice."


**Can you believe this was a year ago?

March

We have been busy the last few weeks.


Teddy finally eating solids. So far we have in our repertoire: applesauce, bananas, sweet potatoes, and peas.

One of many Easter Egg Hunts


Dying Easter Eggs

All dressed up in our Easter clothes (although it is a horrible picture)
A Fabulous Princess Birthday Tea Party with pony rides


Outing to the Arboretum

Teddy and Mommy by Lulu (pretty good- don't ya think?)

Dinner at the Park with friends


Daddys Enjoying Swinging