Halloween 2012

Hello All,

Halloween this year was definitely on a tight budget. The costumes turned out really great, even better considering I spent less than $20 on costumes for the entire family! I began picking things up in September as I would come across them. All were purchased at Goodwill's throughout Omaha. The only things I purchased outside of that was black electric tape, and green hair coloring spray!

Liam's costume was toddler t-ball pants with elastic suspenders.  I shoved sponges into the sides of the pants to make them stick out.  He was such a cute Oomp Loompa Liam!

 

All Photos by Jada Scott, Capturing Candids

 

Rod & I were 'stick figures', he forgot his white pants, so we had to improvise for the photo booth pictures and be naughty stick figures, ha ha!  I bought both shirts and pants from Goodwill for a dollar a piece and used black duct tape for the lines!  I The pencils were made using paper plates, toilet paper rolls, newspaper, tin foil and markers!



 

 

Cierra's costume was just a really pretty robe that I purchased from Goodwill for $3.59, we used a black trash bag for the belt.  Cierra's wig was purchased back in September brand new from a Goodwill for a couple of bucks!

My stick figure costume was deconstructed (removed the tape) and made into a work-friendly costume, Flo, the Progressive girl!   The letters were iron-ons purchased from Hobby Lobby when they were half price (keep a look out for ads which change weekly).  I used markers to make the 'I Love Insurance' pin and name tag!  This costume won me 'Most Look-a-like" which meant gift certificates for meeeee!  weeee!

Good Golly

Blog:
First, I MUST apologize for NOT posting in FOR-FRIGGIN-EV-ER!  A lot has been going on in my little Midwest slice of life!

Cierra:
 In August, Cierra started 6th grade, began swimming again, this time for Swim Omaha and had the orthodontist schedule her for braces (middle of this month).  It was at that time, I decided I probably needed to go back to work, because, NEWSFLASH! kids are EXPENSIVE! (cute! but expensive!)

 

Liam:
Speaking of expensive, Liam began Daycare at LePetite Academy Preschool in September!  He is getting big and is walking more and more every day (I will get a video posted next week for you guys)

Me:
That being said, I interviewed for a dream job with a dream company and actually got it!   I began working as a Case Worker and Employability Skills Instructor for the Customer Connect Program at Goodwill Industries a program that works closely with Metropolitan Community College.   I adore my job, beyond measure, it doesn't feel like a 'job' at all!  I am absolutely in love with Goodwill.  I knew they did a lot for the community but had no idea how MUCH, until I began working here!   I will post separately about those things, in an effort to shorten this post!  :)

Rod:
In the beginning of the school year, Rod accepted a position with a wonderful company, headquartered here in Omaha, Lozier.  Lozier, as a company does great things for our community (including being a key supporter for Goodwill Industries).  :)

Photo by: Jada Scott, Capturing Candids



Life's a Beach

When I lived in the UK, nearly 8 years ago, I'll never forget the questions I was most asked, by the British people:
"Have you been to California?"
"Have you been to Florida?"
and
"Have you been to New York City?"

My answer (at the time) to all of the questions, was, "No".  I was a midwestern girl who grew up in Texas.  I was the eldest of four and the vacationing we did do, amounted to a three hour drive to Camp Possom Kingdom every now and then and the twice a year road trip to Nebraska to visit the family.  When I would tell them, I hadn't been these places I would always get a sort-of bewildered look.  They never could understand how I could live in the United States my whole life and not travel within its borders!  I wonder what they thought of people whom have never even left their home state, or been on an airplane as an adult?  We all know there are LOTS of these people hanging around!  I, in fact was one of them for some time.  The only boundary I knew, was the ones we could afford to take as a family.

As an adult I've vowed that my children, will be QUITE a bit more well-traveled than I.  This summer I took Liam (7 months old at the time) on a road trip to Texas.  The 9 hour trip, took me 13!  ha ha   I simply stopped every time baby needed a break from the carseat!  It was a lot less stressful that way!  My dad and stepmom live in a little town called Electra.  It is not the town I grew up in, but is good to visit them every now and then.

After that, I was lucky enough to go spend a week vacationing with my brother's wonderful family in St. Petersburg Florida.  I took baby with me.  It was his first airplane ride, and his first time at a beach.  (My oldest spends every summer with her dad, fabulous step-momma and new brother in North Florida). I can't wait for her to get back, so we can go on our family camping trip.  We'd like to go to the Dakota's or Wyoming in mid-August.  VERY excited!

 Here are some pictures from the lil trips we've taken so far!

Enjoy!

AND.....get out there and go places!  You can always make more money...you can't always make more memories, so make them while you can!  :)

Playing drums with Pipa!

 Taking a break during the roadtrip back from Texas!

Liam and I at Clearwater Beach!

 Liam, sleeping at the pool!  yawn!

 Liam and his prized rock, he literally dug in the sand, started chewing on it...and wouldn't let it go all day!  ha ha

 About to go home from spedning the day at Honeymoon Island

 Honeymoon Island!

A fantastic picture of Cierra on the beach while visitin her dad!  LOVE!