Little Pumpkin

 Jackson carved his own pumpkin this year and did a fine job.

That was exciting.

However the biggest excitement for the Reynolds family this year was the addition of a new little pumpkin.

After adopting Jackson, Mary and Mark have had 2 foster babies that were returned to their families - one to his birth mother and the other to her grandmother.  Heartbreaking for them and for us too.

In May they were asked to foster again and took home another little newborn from the hospital.

I admire them so much after the other two disappointments.

Their desire to add to their family trumps their fear of another broken heart.

On the 30th the judge terminated the mother's rights and since the father's rights were already terminated, it appears that Mary and Mark are the 'presumptive' adoptive parents.

So we have a new grandchild.

Until the adoption is final we can't show that cute little face on line but trust me it is a baby and not a puppy!

We are thrilled to pieces and anxious to meet this new family member.  

Halloween

 Jackson has not been the biggest Halloween fan in the past but this year all that changed and he really got into it. Kindergarten has given him a lot of confidence.  He went to five different Halloween events. From the Ward Trunk or Treat to a party at the Children's Home Society, a Community Center 'candy drop', a neighborhood event (which included a visit to the local fire station) as well as his school's fall festival. In the years past he has refused to wear his costume.  Not this year!  I think he is now converted to the fun of the Halloween! 

He was a scary skeleton!

And got a big haul of candy!

Isabella has always been a

 Halloween fan.

This year she was Sarah Sanderson from Hocus Pocus.

I really need to watch that movie someday.

Enough candy to keep her happy!

This may have been from the Ward Trunk or Treat

Every year John, Monica and Isabella go down to Harrison Boulevard in Boise where there are elaborate Halloween decoration displays.

It's one of their traditions.

"There's something strange in your neighborhood.  Who ya gonna call?"

Ghostbusters!! 

Our 'pre-teen' Isabella was not as enthusiastic this year. 

Growing up brings changes to long held traditions!

#1

At our church's Halloween/Harvest Party, there is traditionally both a chili and a soup cook off.  Last night I won 1st place in the soup category!  This means I get to keep the ward's 'rotating' trophy for the next year!

I do love to cook and I really love soup.  I have multiple recipes that involve cooking turkey or chicken for many hours before straining and picking the meat off the bones.  Some recipes call for me to make roux or roast peppers in my oven, to chop multiple vegetables, or to make a bouquet garni with fresh herbs.

Shh....don't spread the word about my prize winner!

First you brown a pound of hamburger meat and then add

2 cans of Progresso Minestrone Soup

2 cans of ranch style beans

2 cans of diced tomatoes

1 can of Rotel

Simmer it all together and then add some Italian Seasoning!

That's it!

Simple and easy is often best huh?

When my Aunt Mary Finch was sick in 2008, Mrs. Lucille Nix, a friend of hers, brought this soup to our family.  It was a favorite so she shared her recipe.  I wonder if she had any idea that it would be a prize winner in Eagle, Idaho.

Thanks Mrs. Nix!

 

Halloween

When our children were little, I often thought that Halloween was definitely their 2nd favorite holiday, only being beaten out from the #1 spot by Christmas.  I love having grandchildren so that I can experience that excitement again.  

Well, to be honest, Jackson might not quite be a huge fan of Halloween yet.  He refused to wear his costume to his preschool party.  This little guy has strong opinions.

At least he was willing to wear a Halloween sweatshirt!

And participate in the activities, including eating a popcorn ball!

At their church party, he did agree to wear his costume but only for a photo.  Well Grammy thinks he looks pretty cute!  Definitely a superman!

Now Isabella was totally into Halloween.  First her school party, then a church party and finally trick-or-treating.  

When her class came around the corner for the school Halloween parade, Isabella was 1st in line and totally into waving at her adoring fans! 

And she just kept waving, like a member of the royal family!

The ward trunk or treat was equally as much fun.

She's Bumblebee from DC Super heroes.

On actual Halloween Day and after dinner in a pumpkin at the grandparent's house, she finally got to go trick or treating.

Mom and Dad's participation just added to the fun. 

After they got back from trick-or-treating, she decided that she needed to be in charge of handing out candy and taking photos!

Johnny told me that when they finally left our house, she burst into tears saying, "I don't want Halloween to be over."  Yep, it will be her 2nd favorite holiday as well! And as soon as Jackson gets a bit older it will be his too!  I'm sure of it!