My gargling girl! (+ pumpkin carving)

This is Maddie's newest trick! She has been practicing for weeks and finally got it down. She loves it when Daddy gargles.

We carved our pumpkin in true Maddie style this year! I bet you can't handle the suspense...

Ewwwwwy gewwwwy, but it makes for yummy roasted seeds.

ELMO!!!

Daddy did a great carving job!

Pumpkin Head

We have already been partying hard this Halloween, but I don't want to release costume pictures before the official festivities begin! We still have Mike's work party, a Trunk or Treat, and Trick or Treating in our own neighborhood. (Who am I kidding? I want all the candy I can get! :) We are having a blast this year--I love any reason to enjoy good food & good company, and Maddie loves all the fun decor and activities. She even learned to say "Happy Halloween!"

Have you ever seen a pregnant mummy? :)

This one's for you Grandma!

(and anyone else interested in Maddie's little milestones)

Presenting the ABC's! The finger in the mouth doesn't help, but it's still pretty good. Maddie loves to sing ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle, Eency Weency, Knees & Toes...

One of my favorite times of day is reading to Maddie before her nap. She is so sweet, snuggly, and silly! She soaks up both my attention and the things we are reading about. I am constantly amazed at what she remembers from the last time we read a book. Some of her favorites are "The Grouchy Ladybug" (especially when the whale's fin SLAPS her across the sea), Dr. Seuss "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?", the nursery rhymes, and anything about animals. I really hope we can keep this tradition after the baby comes... I guess soon enough Ella will participate too!

Holy Guacamole

I finally started organizing all the baby clothes. NEWSFLASH: Ella does not need another garment!!! I'm only halfway through the box and the closet is full. I figure she'll fit into the 0-3 size for approximately 90 days, and at this rate we may have to double up every day to use everything once!

Is it possible that this once fit my sweet little Maddie girl?

What the Devil?

She looks up to no good!

I hosted Book Club last night, the book being The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. (If you haven't read it you really should! Check out the link.) I couldn't pass up the opportunity to use the Devil theme and make it Halloweeny! To get disucssion going we had a "Devil Draw" using the pitch fork (and some trusty velcro) to chose a question out of the cauldron.

I thought I'd be festive too... and here's a real belly picture for all who have been asking! 5 1/2 weeks to go!

A few other fun ladies caught the spirit--thanks Lavinia and Tera!

I really had too much fun. Here's the menu: Deviled egg eyes, apricot almond upside down cake (recipe a few posts back), Ogre Spit...
Upchucked Adam's Apple cider...
Blood cocoa...
and Devil's Food cupcakes.
Maddie gave into temptation. Screwtape would be so proud.

One last fling!!!

T.I.R.E.D. I am tired, but it was worth it. We made one last trip to Utah to see our families before this baby comes! There aren't many pictures of my belly (hmmmm... any wonder?) but you can see it peeking out of my coat in this little family shot. I really can't believe there are only 6 weeks left before we meet little Ella! This pregnancy has gone so fast and honestly, I don't feel ready. I guess I have started nesting a little bit... I got my baby clothes back from my sister, along with hers, so I need to get those organized... I am working on baby-size quilts for each of my girls for Christmas... and I still need to buy a new stroller and other necessities. I guess I better get moving! I can't complain though--this pregnancy has been so easy and I still feel fabulous. I am treasuring every ounce of sleep and energy I have!

In the meantime, we had nice time in Utah. Maddie and her little cousin Emrie hadn't seen each other in 7 months, and in baby time that is AGES! Emrie is SO big and SO precious! Maddie gave her kisses and hugs hello.

We went to Gardener Village for some fall entertainment. Despite the early cold we enjoyed the Halloweeny atmosphere, animals, shops, and good food. Maddie rode Charlie the little pony.

Maddie and Emrie loved the petting zoo.

The girls enjoyed the pretty wares. Maddie even got in on the fun and admired the jewlery with Grandma.

This baby shop and play area was so adorable!!! I love the vinyl tree on the wall (Molly, want to make me one? :) I can't wait to have a real playroom someday.

Maddie and Daddy were so silly at dinner! Maddie loves to make faces.

Mike braved the cold and went to the Homecoming game with his twiner Rachel and hubby Paul.

There were many more festivities, but the pics are on other people's cameras so it will have to wait! We also had a family dinner with Mike's side and it was great to see everyone. Who knows how long it will be until next time? We will be taking an exended leave from jamming the trunk, hanging over a pack & play to soothe an overtired toddler, pasting our eyes open on long stretches of barren highway, and sleeping on air mattresses (although I greatly appreciate the hospitality). Until Christmas, that is-ha!

Giddayup plastic weanie dog!

Gorgeous weekend!

Sunshine and cool breezes... pumpkin bread and apple cider... inspiration from apostles and prophets... thunder storms... and a bike trailer!!! Could life get any better?

Maddie was so good during General Conference! She recognizes the prophet now and enjoyed coloring her conference pictures. I loved how everyone was so optimistic and encouraging. It was recognized that we live in perilous times and face adversity of all kinds, but we were told to have hope, gratitude, optimism, and trust in the Lord. We will always be blessed if we live the gospel.

We have been talking about buying a bike trailer since Maddie was born and Mike finally broke down and got one. The best part was it was stocked wrong at Target and they honored the ticketed price, so we got about 40% off! Sweet!

If you are a Maddie show follower you will remember Maddie cam from days gone by. Here' s the latest episode:

Pizzazz!

Could you use a little more excitement in your life?

Try disco balls in the morning!

Or splits while you brush your teeth.

You could always dance and spin!

I wish we could get a really good shot of this because it's so dang funny! Mike has a little chant he does to get Maddie dancing: "Dance and spin, dance and spin, shake your bunsies round and round . . ." She bounces to the beat and swings her little elbows in the air.