Pumpkin Carving 2009

Well this year we convinced Mom and Dad and Janna (she wasn't too hard to convince) that they should join us for some pumpkin carving. So Monday night we all got together and carved us some serious pumpkins. Tanner got in on the action a little more this year than last. He helped clean out the guts and would push out the pieces after Dean cut them for him. Ultimately I'd say it was a success, although Tanner discovered he doesn't really like the taste of the pumpkin insides and was a little upset after that. Mom also made some super festive spider web cupcakes to top the night off. Thanks Mom and Dad and Janna for a great night!

P.S. The Ghost is Tanner's, the Skeleton is Dean's, the Ghosts and Graveyard is Andrea's, and the Face is Janna's

We are some Proud Parents!

So the other day I got Tanner up from his nap and brought him out in the living room and he immediately started doing this...
He would stick his fingers up his nose, look at me, and then crack up! He does this on occasion, but it's never been accompanied by laughter. Previously he just knew it would get him attention, especially when he does it in the middle of Walmart, but now he's really starting to understand teasing more lately and it's so fun. I couldn't help but laugh too and of course pull out the camera. He also loves to run in the door ahead of us and hurry and close the door in our face and of course laugh and laugh on the other side. He's a funny one, and a pretty good nose picker I might add! (Check out the double nostril pick! Now that's talent!)

Hopes of a GREAT Big Brother

So yesterday my Visiting Teachers came, which resulted in a total of 7 kids at my house! Tanner thoroughly enjoyed it. He doesn't get to be around other kids much except at Church. Anyway there was a 4 month old little boy and Tanner was SO cute with him. He was watching him carefully as he slept in his car seat and as soon as he woke up He went over and begged to hold him. His mom had Tanner sit on the couch and helped him hold the baby. He was so sweet and soft with him and it made me SO happy! He would have been happy to sit and hold him all day! Tanner hasn't really had much experience with babies. He's been one of the youngest ones in our family, etc. So I've been wondering how he'll be when our little one arrives. Now I'm less worried and more excited! Yay! I have such a cute little man on my hands!

Monday night for dinner we had "Hot Dog Mummies." Just a little twist on pigs-in-a-blanket. Fun for October if you like hot dogs. They were actually really easy and quick. You just use the can of biscuits from the store and wrap strips of dough around the hot dog. Then stick it in the oven till it's lightly browned. It's hard to see but we put little ketchup eyes on them too! We had it with some homemade macaroni and it made for a festive meal!

Ward Trunk-or-Treat

This weekend turned out to be a little bit crazy. Friday Dean was supposed to go on a campout with the scouts, but before he left I came down with a serious migraine. My left side was going numb and I was getting tunnel vision and throwing up. Not to forget the STABBING pain shooting through my head! Needless to say he was a little worried about leaving me home alone all night with Tanner. Luckily his parents jumped to the rescue and took Tanner until Dean could drop off the food and supplies and make arrangements to come home. After a pretty stinky night I woke up feeling MUCH better in the morning. We scrambled and threw together costumes and even made it to our ward's Trunk-or-Treat Saturday night. Tanner made one CUTE frog and he had SO much fun. He wasn't sure what to do at the first car, but he caught on fast and quickly became pretty proficient at collecting candy! He loved running around in his costume and playing with the other kids. We were glad we were able to make it despite a crazy weekend.

Tanner with the Wagner kids (William's in nursery with Tanner)

Our frog with my geek!

Tanner what does Mom say? - "Meow, meow!"

Eating his spoils

Janna's our Hero

Dean's sister Janna is one amazing person. She faces challenges that most of us would never dream of. She has lost her hearing, her sight and her ability to walk. Despite this she is well educated, has a job she works at three days a week, and she continues forward with faith and perseverance. This past couple of weeks she got the opportunity to visit family in Utah with Dean's parents. Dean's brother Grant is on the BYU Football Team and he nominated her to be recognized for the hero she is to many of us.

This clip aired on the local news in Utah:
(You might want to pause my music first)

Congrats Janna! You are definitely one of our heroes!