It’s Show & Tell Tuesday (I just love this series!) and I’m linking up with Andrea (who I also love) and sharing my kiddos’ Halloween costumes from years past.
Picking out Halloween costumes is always fun and kind of stressful at the same time.
I threw out the idea of a group theme years ago. My kids are never going to settle on the same kind of costume. Only once (when they were 1 & 2) was I able to sneak a theme in but since then, they go in different directions with no looking back.
Now the stressful part comes because my kids start talking about their costumes in July (I blame Hobby Lobby…they put the Halloween decor out in July and my kids get focused on their costumes) and my kids want to order theirs right then.
And then they change their mind.
And then I tell them tough luck.
And then they cry.
And then I get mad at myself for ordering their costume in July.
And then I want to cry.
And the cycle continues.
Now, we have a “wait until September 1 to pick your costume and under no circumstances can you change your mind rule” and it’s working.
So far.
It’s only October 20…they have 11 days to realize they never really wanted to be what they picked and desperately want to be something else.
And I’ll say tough luck.
So, here are my kiddos from years past on Halloween. This post makes me happy :).
Wait for it y’all…it’s Halloween 2008…
…Sheaffer and I had babies 5 days a part, and we dressed them both as pumpkins this year. Sheaffer! I remember that day like it was yesterday. There we are on the square with our 6 week olds…I mean to tell you…how cute are they?!?
In 2009, Kensington was a fairy. My cousin made this tulle fairy costume, so she was a big old bundle of rainbow fairy that year.
Oh 2010…how I wish I could do you again. I miss having two babies at home.
This was Smith’s first Halloween (he was 9.5 months old) and he went dressed as…
…a little tiger. Oh look at my baby!!! I could just eat him up right there!
I went as a teenager that year. #justkidding #ihadbraces #theysucked
I mean…look at Smith and Nixon! How flippin’ cute are they?!?!
And then Kensington went as Belle this year. It’s hard to believe these two girls are both now in the first grade. #someoneholdme #erikaweshouldbecryingnow
Mamas of little kiddos at home (I know you’re out there!)…it’s hard, exhausting, and tiresome but one day…those little babies will be in kindergarten and first grade and you’ll look back at pics of them at this age and want to cry your eyes out. I PROMISE YOU. Hug and squeeze those babies RIGHT NOW! You will miss this season.
In 2011, I failed as a Halloween picture taking parent. I don’t have a single picture of them together which is a shame because this was the year they actually had a theme. #shameonme #momfail.
Smith was Shrek (he wasn’t thrilled about the mask and only wore it about a minute)…
…and Kensington was Fiona :).
The red part is important…you’ll understand when you see 2013.
Smith was obsessed with Iron Man for two solid years…in fact, he’s still pretty obsessed…and it was a big deal to him to be red one year and blue the next. #boylife
As much as I miss my little babies, it’s so much fun to trick or treat with big kids! Right now, I would say my kiddos are at the perfect age for enjoying Halloween.
And then this year is EXTRA special because it’s Ashby’s first Halloween! Kensington picked Aurora, Ashby picked Tinkerbell and Smith picked a skeleton :). We had our annual Harvest Party on Sunday night, so the kids had a reason to dress up.
I can’t wait to trick or treat with this group ;).
So that’s Show & Tell Tuesday!
Next time on Show & Tell Tuesdays, we’re sharing a day in the life with you.
And to see posts from the past…
(I was in China for the first two, so I wasn’t able to participate.)
For dinner tonight, I have the perfect supper for your Halloween night…
…it’s my Spooky Spaghetti!
Serve this up before you head out to trick or treat and then have candy for dessert.
And one last thing friends, this morning our sweet Ashby is having surgery. For the next few days, I will not be blogging but focusing on her recovery. I’ll be back here in a few days. My foodie blog will continue to update this week…
These recipes will post Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Of course, we covet your prayers. No mama wants her baby to have surgery…but we trust the Lord and know that He is taking care of her. We just love that little girl so much.
xo
Eileen says
Sending prayers for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.
Erika Slaughter says
Aw!!!!! Those were the days, friend!! Your "teenager" comment made me LOL! Ha! And praying all morning your your girl!!
Jennifer Cannon says
Praying for sweet Ashby this morning. God is wrapping his BIG and mighty hands around her as we speak, I'm sure of it. Also, praying for mommy and daddy. You can do it!
Xoxo
Jen
Shannon Gray says
Many prayers for your sweet girl.
Tara Smith says
Prayers and hope for all the right things God can do as he watches over all of you and especially Ashby!
Not A Mom says
Prayers being sent your family's way! Take your time with the sweet baby and we will see you when we see you!
Linds @ Not A Mom
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
You went as a teenager! That was hysterical! Lots and lots of prayers this morning and all day long!
Elizabeth says
I will be praying for Ashby, her doctors and you and Andrew! What time is her surgery?- that way I can send up special prayers at that time!
Unknown says
Prayers sent!
Sally Hepworth says
Sending love and prayers for Ashby x
Alicia Baumann says
Prayers to your Ashby and family
Stacy P. says
Praying for Ashby right now…and my girls have taken that prayer request to their school (we go to a small Christian school) to add Ashby to their prayer lists.
Now, may I say as a mom to a 16, 13 and 9 yo that my kids still go all out to dress up and enjoy Halloween! The older ones take the younger one out and don't expect any candy. But my sweet neighbors know my girls are coming and always seem to have something to give them. When the older kids come to my house, we have them sing. It's hysterical. 🙂
Best of luck today!
Ashley Van Dam says
Praying for sweet Ashby!! ♡
This may serve as a pick me upper today – Netflix is making a brand new season of Gilmore Girls. I repeat, Gilmore Girls is coming back!!! THIS. IS. NOT. A. DRILL.
So excited!!
marianiel avila says
Prayers for Ashby's successful surgery today and for speedy recovery:)
LeeAnn says
Sending prayers from Boston! Love the post too.. Great pictures
Slightly Askew Designs says
COVERING your strong, brave girl, her doctors and you and Andrew in prayer this morning. Love you!
ProudAuntKaren says
Prayers for Ashby, of course!! Hope all goes great today!
Kara ONeill says
Sending out positive thoughts and prayers for you!
Kara ONeill says
Sending out may positive thoughts and prayers for your adorable little girl!
Erin Stinson says
Praying for your precious little Ashby. Praying for the surgeon's hands to be precise and perfect and that Ashby's recovery is smooth and quick.
JJaz says
Adorable pictures, and sending good thoughts for Ashby! P.s- Hobby Lobby is amazing! Wish we had one closer to home 🙂
Dollie says
Praying for sweet Ashby! God has everyday of hers laid out before she was born, praying for the doctors hand in surgery, and recovery!
Is.41:10- Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Becky Swentosky says
Praying for Ashby and your family today.
Sara Fehrenbacher says
I just prayed for sweet Ashby, her doctors, and your family. I hope surgery is successful and she has a speedy recovery!
Kjlb37 says
Love all the pics through the years. You are so right, enjoy each precious season with your children. They grow up way too fast! Praying right now for Ashby and your family.
Angela Ellingson says
That was sooo much fun to look though. My littles are 3 and 4 (and we have one on the way!!). I've managed a theme for my two each year. My 3-year-old boy just does not care yet so I match him to sister's costume each year. So far they've been a butterfly and a cocoon, Cinderella and Gus Gus, Minnie & Mickey, and this year they are a kitty and puppy. So fun! We'll see if I can manage it again next year with 3 kiddos, but I'm sure he'll develop an opinion sooner than later! Have fun with your little loves!
Angela Ellingson says
Praying for your sweet Ashby and your family… Peace to you Mama.
Meg Hodges says
Loved looking at your kiddos and their past Halloween costumes! Also praying for Miss Ashby and the rest of y'all this morning. Praying that her surgery goes well, peace of mind for you and Andrew, extra help and patience from the big kids, and a speedy recovery for Ashby!
Jenny says
I'll be praying for your sweet girl.
Nerine says
Many prayers to your sweet Ashby and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
MAK says
Praying for sweet Ashby!
Leigh Clark says
I think Mulan is one of my favorites – and the cute little Tiger!!
Pam A. says
Prayers going up for Ashby! And your family as well as the doctors!
Julia Miller says
Praying for sweet Ashby and all of you!
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
Prayers for your sweet girl and prayers for the rest of the family as you guys help her recover.
Aubrey says
Love the costumes! And I concur wholeheartedly — two babies at home all day is HEAVEN. How I miss those days, and how it breaks my heart to hear Annie ask for Ella and Kate nonstop for the seven hours they are at school. 🙁
Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost says
Love all of these costumes! Prayers for sweet Ashby!
live compassionately says
Praying for Ashby! She is the sweetest thing and I am so happy she is a Shull. 🙂
Denise Ross says
Praying for little Ashby all will go well and for you guys too. Hugs from Australia xo
cherrietopdworld says
praying for little Ashby, the doctors, and your family!!
Jeanie says
Such cute Halloween pictures. Kensington looked like a little angel when she was a toddler. Many prayers for Ashby. It's about 5:00 your time (I think) now, so I assume Ashby's out of surgery. I hope all went smoothly.
Jaren says
So much cuteness! The Halloween pic is my favorite 🙂 Prayers for sweet Ashby!!
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
Those costumes are so cute and WOW! the mini pumpkin pies look delicious!!
Narci says
Precious!! I love their costumes!! And, love seeing their baby pictures!!
Sarah Yoder says
Praying for sweet Ashby and for a speedy recovery! God bless you all!
MBodieOK says
As a momma of a medically complex little princess I know how hard it is to send them back to surgery. Praying for all of you this morning!!
Love on the Lake says
Sending thoughts & prayer's for Ashby – and also for her caring, loving family. Sometimes it's harder on us than it is on the little patient. XOXO
Megan says
I remember your babies dressed up at the harvest party. Soooo cute!!! And I loved "I dressed as a teenager" too funny!!
Tiffany Bagalini says
Praying for sweet Ashby!
What R We Having For Dinner says
Lots of prayer sent to sweet Ashby!!
Rebecca Carl says
Praying for sweet Ashby and all of you too ♡♡♡
Conley Morris says
I've noticed no posts from Wednesday or Thursday!! I'll be praying for you girl! We miss you 🙂
willow7810 says
I started following your blog after seeing a picture of Ashby on Catherine or Sean's instagram. From there I became enveloped in following and reading back on you and your family's experience and journey to Ashby. I was swept up in the massive amounts of love that was evident in every post and every picture for you new daughter. I have been amazed at your continued respect for Ashby's birth family and heritage yet enjoying introducing Ashby to her new family.
I truly wish you and your family the absolute best outcome for sweet Asbhy and all her health concerns. My prayers are with you.
Angela Banae says
Praying for you all! I hope Ashby is recovering well and feeling our sweet Savior's healing power! xo Angela Banae
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
So much love and prayers coming your way, friend!!! xoxoxo
Melissa H. says
God has a plan for your girl! She is a trooper. And I have nothing but admiration for the way you and your family have changed her life. I see from your blog that she is blessing all of you greatly in return. Will be praying!