The Nelson Narrative

The girls had a little Halloween Party at their school today.  They just did a little costume parade and then had cupcakes, brownies, fruit and juice that the parents brought.     We had an early pizza dinner and then it was time for trick-or-treating.  Paul took them out while I stayed home to hand out candy.  They had so much fun.  They went to more houses than last year and met up with some of their friends along the way. Mommy's trick-or treat :)        

A look back at past Halloweens. 2008         2009     2010 (same ladybug costume that Kayley wore the year before)       2011       2012          

Our Mom's group had their annual Halloween Party Friday afternoon.  It ended up being a pretty small group due to illness and what-not, but was fun none the less and a great opportunity for the girls to wear their costume more than once (although they will probably wear it around the house a lot, anyway). Kayley is a Cheetah.  The skirt is cheetah print with a black tulle overlay, and I think it would have looked better with black tights or leggings but she insisted on wearing her cheetah print pajamas.  The white socks of course look dorky but she doesn't have any black socks or shoes so she just wore white sneakers. Olivia is a Winx Club fairy.  I had never heard of Winx Club (some show on either Disney or Nick, I can't remember, but she found a DVD at the library like a year ago and had to check it out.  It's really for older kids so she hasn't watched it since but saw the costume at Target and really wanted it.   ...

You know how sometimes you're at Target or the grocery store or wherever and there's a small child having a complete meltdown?  I'm proud and relieved to say that in 4 1/2 years that has never happened to us (a little fussyness once in awhile and the obnoxiousness that I've written about, but never a total scene-causing, embarassing meltdown).  Until yesterday. Every fall since the girls were born, I've taken them to their pediatrician for their annual flu shot.  Last year and the year before, when they were 3 and 2 respectively, they didn't even cry.  This year I decided that all 3 of us could just get one at Target instead of making a special trip to the pedi, since I'd be getting mine there anyway.  So yesterday I was going to Target anyway, and they really wanted to come with me (I was of course hoping to go alone).  So I let them come, and I mentioned that we should all get our flu shot since we'll be there anyway.  But once we were there I deci...

Fall has become my favorite season.  I love the colors, football, and everything pumpkin.  I love wearing cozy sweaters and boots and curling up on the couch under a blanket with a good book or movie (although there aren't many opportunities to do this since having children).  I especially love when it's cool enough for the boots and sweater but still sunny.  I love taking a walk and hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot. I put up my fall decorations a few weeks ago. I can't do a whole lot, though, because I really only have my fireplace mantel and the front porch. We don't have a coffee table (we got rid of one that was too big and didn't go with anything else and haven't replaced it yet) or any end/side/occasional tables.     After having weeks and weeks of beautiful, sunny weather we finally got some rain today and it was finally cool enough to don said sweater and boots.  And after being out of town the last two weekends, ...

So we still don't have hot water, and since Paul's parents stopped by here on Friday on their way home from Crescent Bar they offered to take the girls to their place and we could have a date night and then go to their place on Saturday and spend the night.  So they took the girls home, gave them a bath and we went to the gym for a short workout and a SHOWER, then went to the local wine bar for a little date.  Instead of wine, though, we each had different martinis and they were so good.       Saturday morning we went out for breakfast and then to the in-laws.  It was yet another gorgeous fall day and we had been planning on going to a local pumpkin patch with our church group, so we went to one down there instead and it was really fun.  It's a cider mill that has expanded to include a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hay ride, etc.  They also make the best apple fritters in the world.  Delish.   Tomorrow during presc...

Last Friday afternoon (natch) our hot water heater stopped working.  We figured it was something the gas company could fix, but not until Monday.  Luckily, I had already planned on taking the girls to visit my mom for the weekend, so we were able to shower/bathe at her house and Paul showered at the gym. The gas guy came on Monday but discovered it was beyond the scope of what he could do, so we had to call a plumber.  I would have liked to just buy a new one at this point, but ours is still under warranty so we are chosing to just have it fixed, assuming that's even possible.  So Paul spent several hours on the phone Monday evening trying to find a plumber that would come out to look at it without charging anything, and finally got one to come out Tuesday.  But Monday night as I was leaving the gym (where I enjoyed a nice, warm shower) I found a message on the phone that they were terribly sorry but they in fact don't come as far as our town and sh...