You're it!

Madie has come up with a new game.

No it is not running around half dressed. Although her at home attire is a pair of undies and a shirt

(I pick my battles).

Her new game is this:

She brings me the camera, tells me to take her picture and then I have to try to take the picture before she runs off.

It is great fun.

The Man of the House

Before Ben leaves for work he always reminds Slade that while Dad is gone he is the Man of the House and that he has to take care of the girls. Slade loves it. He reminds us that he is the Man of the House repeatedly the entire time that Dad is gone.

Ben also tells him to keep an eye on Mom because she is trouble. Whenever Slade talks to Ben he reports back that Mom has stayed out of trouble and that he is keeping his eyes on her. Then he asks if Levi (Ben's friend and boss) is staying out of trouble in North Dakota and if Dad is keeping his eyes on him.

He loves having a job to do while Dad is gone. Toward the end of the two weeks Ben will always tell Slade that he can think of something that he wants to do - Just him and Dad - and they will do it when Dad gets home. He tells Slade it is his reward for keeping the girls in line, because Dad knows how big of a job that is. So far Slade has choose to go shooting both times.

This Man of the House sure does a great job watching out for us and us girls are so happy we have him.

We love you dude!

Scaredy Cat

I don't know what my problem is... I am scared in my own home.

Before Ben left for work this past week I had him install some chain locks on our doors. I told him that it was because both kids can unlock the doors and Madie keeps trying to sneak out, but really it is also because I am scared here alone.

Last night I tried to go down to the road to pull the garbage can in... It is still on the street now. I got as far as the gate on the fence, freaked out, ran back to the house, slammed the door and frantically locked the door.

I did not even attempt to try to get Madie to sleep in her own bed. I just told her to go crawl in my bed. Abbi is still in our room anyway and Slade was with his mom.

The last time I was here alone at night was when he was gone before Abbi was born. I wasn't scared, I could go outside at night, I could let my kids sleep in their own beds. I guess I thought at nine months pregnant I could handle anyone or anything that tried to mess with me.

I know I am a huge freak. I am a grown mother of three and I am afraid in my home.

Now what?

Happy Halloween!

The kids had such a great Halloween.

Ben took Slade and Madie trick or treating with their cousins and some friends.

Abbi and I hung out at Grandma's house.

A Marine

A Giraffe

and a Puppy

All three together... So cute!

And the best part... we didn't spend a dime on costumes.