Night of the Noteables

McKay had her GATE research presentation tonight. She chose a Greek Goddess. So for those of you up on your Greek Mythology.....any guesses? (without the help of google) Here are some clues: She is the goddess of forest and hills, hunting, virginity and fertility. (How does all of that go together?) She was the daughter of Zeus and the twin of Apollo. For any of you that know Roman mythology, she identified with the Goddess Diana.

She was often depicted with a bow and arrow and also with the crescent of a moon above her forehead. McKay told me Monday evening that a costume was mandatory. So Wednesday evening we put this together. With the help of a few Internet ideas and a few of my own (I actually had another creative light go on) we put together a Goddess outfit. (Total cost of materials was under $15. We had a lot already in the craft and fabric containers.)

Now according to McKay, she is set for next Halloween. I told you I would start early.

double trouble

These two play really good together (most of the time). They have a close bond, and even though it wasn't planned, I am glad they ended up as close together as they did. Often, I get asked the questions if they are twins. While I shake my head and wonder if people really think that, I will say that they do look a lot alike.

I know Katanya will be heart broken when Cruz goes to school next year and she won't. Although it will be nice to have a big brother always there for her.

many expressions

Katanya is a fun and energetic toddler. This was passed on through her photo shoot. I had so many different favorites because many of her personalities came through in different expressions. So sorry ahead of time that there are a lot of pictures.

The day before, I wasn't really satisfied about anything that I wanted her to wear. I went to five different stores looking for options but wasn't happy with anything. Finally that night, I ran to Walmart and was browsing the fabric section. I loved the butterflies and the colors. For $2 in fabric, $2 in seam binding and $1.50 in thread, we had a new skirt that evening. If you add her entire out fit together, (I got the shirt while shopping with Betsy at Kohl's for $1.60) it is $7.10. I love good deals!

graduated!

Cruz has graduated from the Kerksiek (Jacob) smile! That and I fell in love with my camera all over again. My friend Loni, let me come use her studio (and knowledge and lenses) and photograph my two youngest yesterday morning. She has a camera just like mine so she was able to help me with the aperture and all the different settings. I think this time the explanations have stuck. I just need to get out and practice everyday.

He was happy, easy, giggly, and fun to work with. The first picture was my favorite. I have to say, this is definitely the way to go!

P.S. For those that are interested, my little brother finally joined the blogging world. My family is just a little sllllllooooowww. His blog is

www.michaelandhaley.blogspot.com

Do you have ...

I showed this to Amy this evening and she asked me why it was so funny. I guess the fact that I can't explain why it is (or isn't) funny proves one thing ... I have "THE KNACK"!

another project finished and another item crossed off my list

A few extra minutes before church due to daylight savings time. Sometimes (okay....often) I still like dressing the kids somewhat alike.

Trick - or - Treat

This year Halloween was low key in our family. It's like an every other year kind of thing for us. We did the school carnival on Friday night and trick-or-treating last night. I had been thinking the past couple days that I wanted to show our kids what trick-or-treating was like for me as a kid. It's hard being out in the country and having the houses spaced so far apart. But then as we went the rounds, I realized that because we are out in the country, people give A LOT MORE (and better) candy than those in a subdivision. Also the kids (and you) stay warm because the only way to get around is to drive. We went to 15 houses and the kids came back with a little more than half a bag of candy. Three times as much as the number we went too. So in the end, it was easier, faster, and better. I better stop thinking that the grass is greener in the other field.

P.S. I am going to start early on next year and it will be fabulous!