Cell Phones!

I remember when I was working at one of my first jobs. It was for a local telephone company in the small town I grew up in. A vivid memory was when my boss and one of the president's of the company got the first cell phone ever seen in the area. It was a huge black box. You could plug it in your car, but when you left your house or car, you had to take that big black box with you.
Today, the cell phone has become a necessity (for some). I was always bugged by having a phone with me at all times. I didn't like being out somewhere where anyone could hear my conversations. I also forget it half of the time that I go out.
All of mine and Josh's kids want cell phones. That is what all of them want for Christmas, but they know that it is not a possibility. I have the worst time with this issue. I hate seeing kids on their phones all of the time. At school, in the car, at home, at church, in the middle of the night! We have always said that we would never get one of our kids a phone. Lately, we have made deals where if they are in high school and have straight A's and in Hannah's and Jonas' case, a 4.0, then we would be willing to get them a phone.
I had an experience yesterday that has made me question this decision. Kelsie had a swim competition to go to after school and was told to call me and give me the location so I could attend (she always has a friend with a phone nearby). I of course didn't have my cell phone with me and she texted that location. Normally, she is finished by 5:30 p.m. and home by 6:00. But last night, I looked at the clock and noticed that it was 7 and she wasn't home yet. She has only had her drivers liscense for six months, so I started getting a bit worried. Josh arrived home before her and I told him my fears and he mentioned that I should have sent my phone with her, which is a first for him. He is completely against kids with cell phones. Needless to say, Kelsie arrived home safe and sound. But I wonder other people's opinion about this and your experience with your own kids. Do they lose their phones? Do they come in handy when you are trying to get a hold of them? I guess I am sitting on the middle line these days.

Funny 2!

Today we have been getting a lot done at home. Josh had to work in the morning, the two older girls are in CD, so I had the three little ones helping do some projects around the house. When Josh got home from work, I made a list for him and Jonas to complete while I took my mom to see New Moon. Jonas got his hands on the list and his comment was, "Can we have a bathroom break all day." This was quite funny on its own, but even funnier is the fact that we know that when there is a hard job to be down, Jonas always makes a break for the bathroom.
When Josh started to rake the leaves, he told me to go find Jonas, he had disapeared to the bathroom a while ago.

Autumn!

I thought I better get this out since there is snow on the ground this week.

Essie, Maren, Nana, and I decided on a warm day a few weeks ago that we would rake some leaves.

So here the girls are in their yard work wear.

Essie has become very attached to her Nana.

They really enjoyed throwing leaves at each other.

and up in the air...

They both took a turn with the rake.

Then Mare decided the little yellow dump truck would be easier.

Essi Mae never jumped in, she just liked to run through.

Maren however, loved to run and leap into the pile.

First Haircut

Essie's hair has been looking a little out of control lately!

Seems to run in the family!

So, off to the fancy, kiddie cuts place.

You get a nice set of wheels..

A very cute girl, and a video.

The blowdryer was a little scary.

What a do!!

Here Lies Obi and Cowboy!

It just a little freaky and real looking!

Cloud loved to eat the pumpkins, goes good with tulips.

Carving Ceremony!

The vittles!

Taste-tester Leia!

Vampire Apples!

Cake Walk Treats

Ready to go scrounge the neighborhood for candy.

Ladybird, as her English (or French) cousins would call her.

Obi sticking by the brew.

Kitty wars!

Most of the clan. Who is that rocker? Bonus prize at Thanksgiving if you can give the exact name.

The Little Crew!

Did I mention that a 19th century Red Hatter showed up.

The first door.

Did I mention that we had Klingons and Ferangi at our party.

Kitty Corner

Kitty #1 and Kitty #2

Kitty#1 holding her favorite trick-or-treat.

Three Black Cats, Three Black Cats

The first apple dunker.

Okay, these are out of order.

Halloween is so much fun. There were qualms about everyone dressing up this year, but it added to the fun. Good family, friends, food always makes for a good time.

Hay Maze!

Every year we love to take the kids to this nursery to run wild. They have an amazing pirate ship, and hay maze. We were sad that the hot cocoa was not around.

Does he look like a farm boy?

Maren would not go near this witch.

As I said I love photos from behind.