Happy Halloween

Halloween was fun this year because although we only have two trick-or-treaters, the Armstrongs were in town, so our numbers have increased.  

Bea's costume did not arrive in time, we made her one last minute for Wednesday night.

Bea, Hunny Pot, Owl, Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eyore, and Christopher Robin.

Tigger.

Bless Gooogle Photos. Here is Austin, stylized.

Molly's face was shocking.  She was a really good sport about her mother's mistake.

Friends.

Our decorated car was the Hundred Acre Wood, and Meg even had the idea to play Winnie's song.

Rabbit.

Austin's assistant was Wednesday, so he surprised her and was Uncle Fester.  Creep.

Halloween night we walked the streets of Clarkdale and lived our best lives.

Bea's costume came, so we needed more photos.  Maddie was supposed to don my owl costume, but she took too long showering post swim practice.

The loot.

Maddie the giraffe went to school.

Andy's work Halloween theme was dressing as other coworkers.  Grandma Kim helped him find a blouse.

And a hat.  

He won.  (He told me he lost, because his co-workers were out of costume by 11am, and he didn't bring a change of uniform, so he was stuck.  I guess one of the ladies just laughed at his huge arms sticking out of his flutter sleeve.)

Maisie sent in her pictures.  She's on the far right.  Those misshapen eye holes win.

Hosting the twinnies and their lovely parents always proves so rewarding and fulfilling.  How blessed we are to have family.  One morning Bea crawled into the kitchen, so I just sat down and called to her.  I waited a long time for her to come to me.  Finally, she crawled over and pulled herself up using my shoulder.  Then, we were so happy talking and chatting for a good while.  Nothing like a sweet smelling baby in all the world.

I picked up a babysitting gig for Ed, Ry and Mo.  They took two hour shifts and were paid $40.  We decided to go to Panda with the money.  Delightful.

Of course there was time for dinner in a pumpkin and witch's brew. 

And a lovely table -- there is always time for that.

It's Great to Be Eight!

October 21st is a very special day at our house; it's Molly's birthday.  We had an early 6am start, because she wanted to include Nick and Maddie before they left for school and seminary.  The first thing she did, was turn around and kneel right down and gently bow her head.  Her prayers to Heavenly Father are meaningful and heartfelt.  She's ready to be baptized, all right.

Molly's Story from Grandma Kim, her own set of scriptures and a white dress were gifts indicative of her age.

Celebrators.

Molly wanted banana/chocolate crepes. 

We spent the morning in the bushes trying to capture the best lighting for birthday/baptism photo shoot. 

We tried to go swimming at the rec center, but it was closed for construction (just like Ryan's birthday).  We did manage burritos at Taco Bell and new toys in the afternoon.

Molly helped me make homemade icecream for her white cake, and she even added the whipped cream flowers.  We were all very happy she chose something so yummy.Molly's Birthday Song

Molly's CFM connection usually consists of just one word and then a slew of rapid fire thoughts.

Saturday came and it was baptism day.  Austin took the family (+ cousin Kate S.) to Sedona for a morning hike.  Mother and I sat at the kitchen table and talked about all things real, then we got to work making final preparations for Molly's 3pm baptism.

I have never met a more meticulous iron-er.  One day I hope to be just like her.

Granda Kim (The Babcock Grandparents missed pictures.  They were there!)

Somehow I didn't get a picture of her little table at the back of the room (I copied what I did for Ed and Ryan), but here is her program.

She spent a long time writing the details.Molly's Song

Molly beat Austin in changing from wet to dry clothing, so she spent a few minutes talking with Maisie (Whom we were missing with every bit of our souls, she felt very far away in New Hampshire.)

Molly’s Baptism Remembrances (10-26-24)

Grandpa B.: "I was especially impressed by the song she sang.  She knew the words cold, but she sang with enthusiasm and did awesome. It was a lovely day, Molly, Molly."

Grandma B.: "While I led the music, I really felt the spirit.  Everyone was singing out, and I felt their testimonies.  It’s been a long time since I could sing out and sing the high notes."

Dad: "I liked that Meg referenced 'The Killers.'  I thought Meg and Andy gave some really nice, personal talks." (He teared up while Meg spoke.)

Mom: 'The bishop’s comment, “In your song you sang, ‘I know that Jesus is happy today.’ I know He is, and I am happy for you. You have a great family.'  

Maddie: "Playing a duet with Molly. Then after her confirmation; she walked off instead of shaking the hands of the priesthood."

Nick: "I really felt the spirit when everyone was writing their testimonies."

Eddie: "Grandma Kim gave me whipped cream in my mouth." 

Meg: "I loved Molly singing her song.  I also thought it was cool that in her confirmation, that Andy, Elijah, Dad and Grandpa were in the circle."

Elijah: I thought it was really funny when Andy asked, “Do you know what a covenant is?” And then Molly said, “It’s a two-way promise between me and the Lord.  I promise to keep the commandments, always remember Him and take His name upon me.  He promises that I’ll always have the spirit to be with me.”  Andy responded, “You can teach me something.”

Ryan: Molly changed faster than dad.  (Austin responded, “Well I asked my mom to help me, and she said no.” Then the congegation giggled.)

Molly: "Everything went right.  I felt really clean and really happy when I came out of the water.  There were a lot of people there, and they were there because they love me."

• We served pumpkin, apple/pecan and chocolate bundts with caramel and chocolate sauces.

• Molly wore the baptism dress that is 41 years old.  

• “I talked to a lot of people, and they said stuff about baptism.”

• The entire event was 40 minutes long. 

Andy's Talk

He testified of King Noah, Abinadi and the Waters of Mormon.  He spoke poweful precision.  He bent in half to talk right to Molly. 

Meg’s talk:

She taught Molly about the Holy Ghost using storied about Molly. Now that was clever.

1. “They leabed me.” -- The spirit will never leave you.

2. Stuffed animals and Baby Money Saver -- He’s a friend.

3. Singing out the window.  He’s a comforter.

4. Dad’s favorite Killers song. “Be Still.”

Molly's baptism was a brillinat payday for this mother.  My children have all made sacred covenants with Heavenly Father, and it's my greatest desire that they keep their covenants through eternity.