Happy Birthday Popsy!

I didn't make a new one, but I thought I'd post last year's bday montage. Since, I'm sure it's been awhile since everyone has seen it, and because pictures of Popsy never get old! Love you Dad! Jen

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Spooktacular!

We had a blast at the zoo's Spooktacular Halloween event. We walked along a lit path through the zoo, trick or treated, and saw some interesting characters along the way!! We will DEFINITELY make this an annual event!

A Decade Ago..

...this amazing guy arrived. How lucky are we?

Freshen Up!

Thought the blog could use some holiday cheer! I can't believe its already November!!! We have already booked our flights for Christmas . . . yea!!!! And can't wait to see everyone at Thanksgiving! jen

Halloween theme songs

Jailhouse Rock for Kirby, my unarmed bank robber; and Hound Dog for Li - both sung of course by the King himself, Max. They all looked great; however I did a pretty terrible job of getting adequate photos. Here's the best I could do:

My crazy doggy wouldn't stand still.

A neighborhood thug and my banana-wielding criminal.

It looks as if Priscilla just left him doesn't it?
And isn't that the cutest Twister Board?

P.S. Jeremy was definitely concerned but I DID return home from Miami; I only considered missing my flight for a few moments- it was such a wonderful trip. I'll post on that soon. -AL

Pumpkin Muffins

Okay, now that the weather is cooler, I thought I'd post my favorite Fall/Winter recipe (a Rhiannon Hricko classic recipe). It's quick & easy, and you can keep it in the pantry for those times that you need to bring something somewhere and you completely forgot, but you don't want to go to the store (hee hee). All you need for this low-fat, yummy treat is a box of Spice Cake mix and a 15oz. can of pumpkin - that's it, add nothing else! Mix these 2 ingredients together and bake per the box's cupcake specifications and Tahdah . . . a great muffin! Try it - if you like pumpkin you'll really enjoy this! Now it's your turn. If you have an easy, yummy recipe to share, post it in the comments section! Thanks and have a great week! Jen

November Calendar

Yea!!! I'm done on the 1st!!! Can't wait to see everyone in N.C. for Thanksgiving!!!

Carving Pumpkins!

Grandma has worked the pumpkin patch at our church a couple of days this year and she brought us some prizes!! The girls had a blast decorating their pumpkins but thought the stringy intestines of the pumpkins, they could have done without! :) Emily

Happy Halloween!

We headed out for Trick-or-Treating around 6 tonight with our whole cul-de-sac (we travel in packs :) Imagine how overwhelming it would be to hear a knock on the door and see this!

Chase's school had a Halloween party today and I headed straight there from work. Here's a picture of us at his school!

Last night the kids and I decorated our pumpkin! And since Chase helped, no pumpkins were harmed in the making of this ALIEN masterpiece, since knives and Chase don't mix!

Our neighbors recently found a cocoon and carefully protected and watched it grow into a beautiful Monarch Butterfly. Ryan was enthralled and knew that was what she wanted to be for Halloween.

And my favorite . . . they only LOOK sweet!

Guess where I'll be Saturday night?

Call me what you will. I am shameless.

AND ridiculously excited to feel that Miami sunshine and hug those incredible friends I have down there. This is to be my first solo trip sans kids since Lilah's birth. I have already considered smuggling her on my lap- but I know that the break will be good for us both. Jeremy is cheating a little and heading to Jen's (thanks in advance, Jen). He's actually super excited for me; he booked the flight himself because he knew I probably wouldn't. For that reason, I will remain faithful to him this weekend when faced with temptation. (wink wink)

Okay, I'm off to pull together Halloween costumes, find my flip-flops, and make my ' I LOVE JOEY MAC ' banner. (I'm kidding about the banner, I swear)

Oh, Did I mention that my lovely friends snagged me BACKSTAGE PASSES?!?!?!

I'll be loving you forever,
AL

Recuperating!

Darren's surgery went well today. He was very nervous and was in a lot of pain right after surgery, but it is now under control and he feels much better. Now with a few days of rest, he should be as good as new, if not better!!!

Under the knife

Tomorrow is Darren's big surgery, I say "big" because it seems really big, but it is outpatient which is CRAZY to me, but I'm sure it will be fine. Here's a website which explains his surgery, luckily it is short and easy to understand & it cracks me up that there is actually a necksurgery.com website, but then again there is a website for everything these days :)

http://www.necksurgery.com/treatment-surgical-fusion.html

Darren is nervous, but he's okay. And our neighbor, Diane will able to be in the room as he drifts off to sleep - that is very reassuring to him. The surgery will begin at 10am and should last 2 1/2 hours. After watching him closely during a 2 hour recovery period we should be heading home around 5pm. Ryan will be at a neighbor's and Diane is picking up Chase. Darren will be wearing a neck brace for as long as needed, the doctor feels he'll be back at work by Friday or Monday. But, Darren just wants to feel well enough to go to the 3rd annual Colts/Patriots game with Jeremy on Sunday - I'm sure he'll go whether he's up to it or not (neckbrace and all). Anyway, wish us luck - I will keep you all posted! Lots of love! Jen

Birthday Montage

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wishing you a relaxing weekend...

Love, Al

Making the most of FALL BREAK!!!

Lucky us, we had Wednesday, Thursday, & today off!!! We have really tried to make the most of the break . . . finding all of our Halloween accessories, lunch with friends (twice!), created a yummy haunted gingerbread house, and of course - saw the new High School Muscial 3 movie with 12 of our closest friends!!! Fun, Fun, Fun . . . too bad I have so much grading to do that I'll be burning the midnight oil these next few nights to get it done!! Jen

Baby, it's cold outside.

Time to break out the furries.
(These are an old favorite from Linda - I am sooo lucky to be a close personal friend of the World's Best Shopper - AND wear almost the same size!)
Lilah got some new piggies for her piggies from our friends, the Burrells. (She is also a very lucky lady) -AL

Party your pants off

Li's b-day bash was loads of fun, despite all of Ohio's attendance at the farm Sunday. I'm working on a photo montage of course, but here's a tasty tidbit:
While baking birthday cake in PJs with my many helpers, I notice that one is not quite "all there".-AL

P.S. We are so happy/grateful that the McElroys shared the day with us - pants or no pants.

Happy Birthday Lilah!

For Lilah's 2nd birthday, I made her a personalized ABC book. So far she LOVES it!!! You can take a peek too, just click on the front cover! We're off to the farm this afternoon to celebrate with everyone! Jen

Lilah's ABC book

While I should be cleaning...

I do stuff like this instead. Not only the crafting, but the equally important picture-posing.
Hopefully, Lilah will wear this birthday crown (for more than 10 seconds) on Sunday for her mostly family and friends-that-seem-like-family party at Leed's farm.
Please note the horse and pig supporting the candle signifies the farm theme - and I do know that I'm ridiculous.
I got this idea from Amanda Soule's beautiful book, The Creative Family - which I would totally link here if I knew how.
Alison

Around the House with the Clevengers...

Here are some pics from around the house.

Lindsey wins gold, Kirby wins a free pizza

Well, the triathlon was totally exhausting - and I wasn't even competing. Kirby had a great time on the bike race, a pretty good time swimming laps, and a full scale meltdown on the running leg BUT he finished the race and that's what it's all about, right? We are very very proud of our firstborn AND our five-star babysitter/BFF/neighbor who is now, officially, a Rock Star! Congrats, Lindsey!! (In the clip, Lindsey is the very first bike to zoom by, Kirby is in coordinating(?) shades of green)

In the soccer arena, Max's undefeated team finally got a chance to show us how to lose graciously and have a fabulous time doing it (the pizza party afterward didn't hurt either).
Now, who's ready for basketball at the Y?
AL

October Calendar

Better late than never, I guess :) You can click on the calendar to view it larger!

Last Vacation of the Season!

This past weekend we visited Patoka Lake in southern Indiana. We may be stretching the meaning of the word "camping" as we did have a cabin with a bathroom and flat screen TV (no cable though - hee hee). The lake was beautiful and definately not crowded! We stayed on the lake all day, except for the family nap we all took in the late afternoon. Everyone had a great time, even Tux! Here are a few pics! Enjoy! Jen

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Bye - Bye Pacifier!!!

(You can click on the page to view it in a larger size)

I really don't have much time to scrapbook anymore, I really miss it!!! Here's a page I've been working on for over a week! The final farewell to the pacifier!
The journaling reads:
Ever since you were born your pacifier has been your comfort, and our saving grace. It’s been the one thing that could always calm you down. You never became attached to a stuffed animal or a blankie - just your “pap-pee”. Most times you were carrying as many as you could find. You would quietly rub your cheek with one paci, while sucking on one and usually had a few more stashed in another hand or your pockets. Rubbing your cheek really helped you fall asleep. Nothing else would ever do! Which is why when the dentist told us it was a habit that needed to stop, we were very reluctant. However, we couldn’t overlook the fact that your paci was truly affecting your teeth and we knew it was time. The “Paci Fairy” visited you on Friday, October 4th while you were sleeping. She took all of your pacifiers and left behind a handful of balloons for you to celebrate with. It was rough for a day or two, mostly when it was time for you to sleep. But, you are adjusting very well. We love you and we’re so proud of our BIG BOY!
Enjoy! Jen

soccer, soccer, soccer

That's what we've been doing around here lately. We had a game tonight, two practices scheduled for later this week and then a tournament this weekend. I didn't get footage of Max's first goal of the season tonight (he usually sticks to defense) but I do have a clip of his assist on Friday. He made a similar great play today. Oh, he's #12.

As much as I want to cheer for Max, his little fan on the sidelines keeps me pretty busy. Here are some photos of the Cheerleaders coloring, snacking inside an impromptu blanket fort, and lastly, actually cheering. (How about those nice WHITE gloves? And yes, Kirby stole her seat.)







In other kid news, Kirby is participating in a Youth Triathlon on Saturday. He's already begun his training. (Lilah and I go outside to throw water on him and sing the Rocky theme song as he runs around the block) AL

First Field Trip!!!

Ryan went on her very first field trip on Thursday! Her Kindergarten class visited Smith Family Farm for a day of fun! She had a great time - and picked out her very own pumpkin! Jen

Girls need stuff

Each time we leave the house, Lilah must go back in and randomly grab two or three items - just to hold - on our outing. She also has several bags of all shapes and sizes that she continuously fills with stuff and throws over her shoulder.

We met Jer for lunch today with only three toys. And then I realized that she probably couldn't find any more.... they were all in my car.


P.S. Notice the jacket. We're experiencing our first beautiful autumn day. Bring on the Chapstick!
AL