TRICK OR TREAT!!!

Avery eating her cat litter...she loved it!!!

So, I really hate to admit that I hate Halloween, but I pretty much do. I hate dressing up, I hate being scared, and most of all I hate eating things I don't know what they are!! Except this year has been a little different. My mom put in a lot of work to make this a fun night for all of us. She made vampire eye balls, worms, and cat litter for dessert! Johnny, my little nephew was not liking the fact that things looked a little different. It was so funny to watch him because he was so grossed out! He was worried my mom had done something weird to his taco soup! Needless to say, I think both he and Mikaylee went a little hungry that night!! After dinner we carved pumpkins. I love this tradition, I don't know why, it may be a little silly, but I love when we are all together. Thanks mom for the hard work and making such a fun night!! It was nice to have something happy to talk about with such a hard week this past week.

My mom cracking up over the cat litter!! She is totally laughing and I love it!

The Worms!!!

Aubrey being big and helping doing the dishes!! That's a first!! jk!! ;)

This last Saturday, our ward had their Trunk or Treat. It was so fun to get Avery dressed up and I think she pretty much loved it! She loved her pumpkin or "Bah" for ball, as she calls it. Her letting me dress her up made it that much more fun! I didn't know how to do her makeup and in real life her face didn't look so scary, but she turned out to be a pretty cute Japanese Princess! She thinks she is so big I can't stand it!!!

My little Japanese Princess!

Heaven can't be too far away

Yesterday was cute James' graveside services. As horrible as the situation was, it turned out really nice. I was amazed at how many people showed up to give their love and support. I overheard one of Mark's co-workers say that they shut their office down so that they all could come and support Mark. How awesome is that. How awesome is that when this world seems so bleak, there are people out there that will stop what they are doing and come and show their love and support.

At the graveside, Mark said a few words and so did my Dad. Bill, Mark's step-dad offered the dedication of the grave. I think that prayer said it all. The thing that stuck with me the most was that he said he had utmost respect for Jaymie. He was talking directly to her and I just really appreciated that as a big sister. Through this whole thing I have felt like I have needed to protect her. I have had no idea how to do that, but isn't that what big sisters are supposed to do? I felt like I just want to hold her and shun her away from all of the hurt and pain that she has been going through. It has been a week from Hell but I think laying his body to rest has been a good thing. Not that we need to move on, but now the grieving process can begin and hearts can begin to heal.

Today the sun is shining and what wonders it does to the soul. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of an eternal family. Cute James is waiting for his parents return and will one day run and jump in their arms. This has been a true test of faith. But I know we will see him again and can kiss that cute neck. See you soon.

Sunday will come...

My eyes are swollen and I pretty much have a headache. Kind of a bummer of a weekend. We will see you soon cute baby James McCleod Maines. We love you.

Please keep Jaymie and Mark in your prayers. This little while is going to be really rough. Hang in there Jaym and Mark you have the support from a lot of people. You will make it through this I promise.

All I have to say is....GROSS!!

The other morning I went and got Avery out of bed, only to find that her diaper had come off during the night!! I don't know why, but she likes to poop at night and seriously, so gross!!!! Gotta love diapers and love being the one that has to clean it up!!!