Hazel's Halloween Art Craft

While Melissa was off going to Violet and Lincoln's Halloween parties, I was in charge of watching Hazel and Goldie. During my last babysitting gig, Hazel and I were BORED sitting around doing nothing. This time we decided to do a craft project.

Hazel started with glueing cotton balls to a piece of paper. Then she took water colors and made colorful eyeballs. Hazel said it was going to take her about 8 weeks to finish the project so I stepped in and helped her finish. Not bad for a 4 year old and an old woman with absolutely no creative ability. 

Michele Comes to KC

Since Michele moved to Colorado we don't get to visit as much as we did when she lived in St Louis. A 4 hour drive vs an 8 hour drive. Although this time, Michele flew to St Louis to visit friends then took the Amtrak train to Lee's Summit.

Melissa and the kids came over on Saturday. Our plan was to go to the Halloween parade, then catch a couple of trunk or treats. Well the weather didn't cooperate with us so it was card games instead followed by coloring activities.

The next day we went to Melissa's where the card games continued. It was a short visit and the weather was terrible but it was a rest for Michele from having to take care of her new puppy, Charlie. 

Poor Charlie was probably wandering around the house looking for her but being a puppy, he still had Bruce to play with. Maybe Bruce was happier to see Michele come home than Charlie.

New Sump Pump

My sump pump has been making funny noises so Jamie checked it and found out the builder had swept all the building debris into the sump pump. Even though Teresa and I cleaned it out, it still made noise and I was afraid it was going to fail.

I watched a YouTube video and thought Teresa and I could easily replace the sump pump but Jamie wasn't so sure about that. So he came over and replaced my sump pump. It would have probably taken Teresa and I a half a day to do the job but Jamie was done in less than 30 minutes. 

Probably sooner if he didn't have Goldie's help. LOL! I do believe Teresa and I could have done it but I feel much more secure knowing I had a professional job. (No offense Teresa!)

Early Birthday and Christmas Present

If I want something, I usually buy it myself. Or my tastes are so pricey that I hate to put it on a birthday or Christmas list. So instead I told Melissa and Jamie I wanted their "time" for my birthday.

I've been wanting a retractible screen door for my front door. It makes me feel less claustrophobic during the warm Spring and Fall seasons. So while I bought the door, Jamie came over and built out the front door frame and installed my screen door. I've only been able to open it one day because the weather dropped over 50 degrees but I'm hopeful the temperatures will climb a little bit more before Christmas. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to me! 

Beloved Baby Doll

I keep toys in my closet at home so the kids can have something to do when they come over. When Violet was a baby, I bought a life size baby doll. She really wasn't very interested in it and I don't quite remember Hazel ever playing with it.

Today, Goldie decided she not only wanted to play with the baby but take it home. I don't usually let the kids take the toys home but she was throwing such a fit, I decided to let it go. When Melissa sent me this picture, I decided I never wanted the baby back. Hopefully Goldie will like the baby longer than just the one day. 

School Awards

A few school awards were passed out and Violet and Lincoln both got an award.

Of course Violet got the Art award. Lincoln got an award for Math. Melissa better be careful. She may be the only one in the Taylor house who can't do math very well.

Haunt the Halls

Violet and Lincoln's school hosted a "Haunt the Halls" Halloween event.

I decided to dress up and go with the kids. With all the eye surgeries and problems I've been having, I decided to go as a giant eyeball. I got this eye shadow palette in order to get a black, red and white eye to go along with my eyeball shirt and googlie eye headband. 

Lincoln was Marshmallow man. He was actually my favorite.

Violet was Disney princess Belle. Her costume was so beautiful she could have been going to the prom.

And Hazel was Cinderella.

Not quite sure which princess Goldie was. It was hard enough trying to get her to keep her costume on.

Each class had their own decorated station plus the teachers added more. So many stations to get candy. I even got a few pieces. This is just the first of many events planned for this Halloween. Maybe I can restock my candy closet without having to go to the store.