Trick or Treating

I am only going to admit this once, so hold on to your chairs, but by the time Halloween had finally arrived I was a little over it. Only a little though. Don't panic! I, Mindy, the lover of all things Halloween am STILL devoted to the holiday. I think that with the combination of crafting so far in advance and having our party earlier in the month it felt like Halloween had already come and gone. By the time the 31st had actually arrived I had been celebrating for a month and a half. That's okay though...it's not like I had much to complain about. (Well, putting away all of the decorations is never as fun as putting them out.) "You mean I have to watch Grace walk around and collect candy for me to eat? Ooohhh maannn!"

We kicked the night off by crashing a neighborhood cookout with our dear friends (and partners in crime) the Powers. We adults hung back as our children ran wild going from door to door soliciting all sorts of goodies for us to later pillage. This year Grace made the enlightening understanding that is the crux of Halloween nirvana, "You mean all I have to do is say 'trick or treat' and people give me fistfuls of candy?" Isn't Halloween magical?

As if the night could have gotten any better...it went ahead and did! We went to Mom and Pop's for some delicious broccoli and cheese soup with breadsticks. HEAVEN!

Halloween, you've done it again you fantastically wonderful holiday! Thank you for all of your magic and delight. There could be no better holiday to usher in my favorite time of year. Until we meet again! (Considering that it is now mid March...you'll be here all the sooner!)

Ward Carnival

{Circa October 28th, 2009}

Can I just say that I love that our ward throws a neighborhood carnival? For one thing, it gives me another excuse to dress Grace in her costume. Throw in games for little ones along with food and treats and you've got the recipe for a fun evening.

That REALLY is one "COOL CHICK!"

New Addition

The Hunt family grew by one with the welcomed arrival of Alyssandra Lee on October 22nd. She was born at 12:53 in the afternoon and weighed 7lbs 13oz and 21 1/2 inches long. I had desperately hoped to be in attendance for her birth, since I will not experience that sort of blessed event for myself, but the hospital wouldn't allow it. My sincere appreciation must be given to Josh and Jamie for inviting me to such a private and special moment in their lives. I love them dearly for even thinking of including me.

I'm not sure if it has to do with a boy or girl thing, but for some strange reason it really hit me that I am an aunt. (No offense Corbbie!) Perhaps it is simply because I have a girl of my own and know of all the fun and fanciness that intales? Maybe it's that I can invision playing dress up and having tea parties with daughters and neices, or making girlie things and taking them shopping?

I think it has more to do with confidence and knowing what to do and how to be with little girls. Boys seem so foreign to me. They like to beat each other up and are so rough and tumble. There has to be something to the phrase, "momma's boy?" They are a mystery to me and I am so looking forward to welcoming one to our family. Until then, I have the wonderful opportunity of learning and practicing with my sweet nephew, Corbin.

I AM ONE LUCKY AUNT!

Hunt Halloween Bash

This year's family party was a SCREAM! Thanks to the timing of Jace and Andrea's wedding it was our good fortune to have so many family members in attendance. Everyone, young and old, played along and got gussied up for a night of clever costumes, tempting treats, ghoulish games, and creatively carved pumpkins.

Wedded Bliss

If you had hopes of marrying into the Hunt family...bust out your tissues! The final of the Fantastic Four has been wed. Jace and Andrea were sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa Temple on October 15th, 2009. The sealing was followed by an enjoyable wedding breakfast held at The Landmark. A reception was held in the evening and MANY were in attendance.

(P.S. - It is safe to say that I will NEVER find work in the "commitments" department of ANY publication. Just enjoy the pictures!)

Jeff and Ryan

Grace and her Uncle Brian

Bubble Toes

The award for "The BEST Way to Add Some SPARKLE to Your Day" goes to this little tip from my friend Mandi:

Glitter Toes
(I find it best to do this on top of a piece of paper to prevent a mess and save excess glitter.)
1. Start with a coat of polish in the shade of your choice.
2. Quickly, (before the paint dries) sprinkle on a coordinating color of glitter. Martha Stewart makes terrific glitter that is both fine and comes in a variety of colors. It can be found at Micheal's or Wal-Mart.
3. With your fingers, lightly tap the glitter on the nail to make sure it sticks to the polish. Give the foot a few shakes and dust off any excess glitter onto the paper. Fold a crease in the middle of the paper and tap the extra glitter back into the container.
4. Lastly, apply a clear top coat of polish to seal it and add staying power.

Grace loves to have "sparkly toes" and especially likes to pick her own color. Painting nails is one of my favorite mommy/daughter activities. It is slendid to spend a few moments bonding and creating with one another. I look forward to many, many years filled with moments spent with my daughter(s) doing girlie things. Thank heaven for little girls!

I'll Put a Spell on You...

The Halloween hoopla began in mid September when Jamie, Kara and I went on a crafting frenzy. We three witches stocked our cupboards with all the nasty necessities to cast many a magical spell.