Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for the lessons God put before me this week:

First, I was reminded that we never know who or how we are impacting others with our words and actions.

I was also incredibly touched and uplifted by the kind words of many. I am so thankful for that.

On a shallow note, I am thankful that my husband walked in with DVR yesterday. Out of a complete lack of desire to enter the cable office (yes, laziness), we have not had DVR and I either miss a lot of my favorite shows or I stay up too late. I am loving this! Thank you honey!

I am thankful for so many friends but this week I am especially thankful for Diana. She shared some advice and lessons with me this week. She reminded me that if joy is not in my heart about a holiday preparation because of stress or feeling overwhelmed, then skip that task. Christmas is a celebration of the joy of the birth of Jesus. It is not about getting the decorations up or the gifts purchased. Diana, you made me laugh and made me think this week. I am so thankful for you:)

Finally, I am thankful for a brave apology that I received. I was asked to keep the contents private but know that I appreciate your honesty and I completely forgive you.

Also, since I shared about Will's surgery yesterday, I wanted to post this photo of him the day after the operation (1/9/98). The surgeons removed a large section of his skull all the way down to the outer layer of the brain. The pathologist had never seen anything like the mass they removed but luckily it was benign. We did lots of speech, physical and occupational therapy with him for years afterwards but he is perfect now! Also, he said Mama for the first time within hours of waking up from his surgery! You can see in this photo how his face was a bit lopsided back then. But it immediately straightened out. We are so lucky!

Christmas Past~1997

This was the photo we used on our first Christmas card after Will was born. It was a color photo. I remember having 150 copies made at Sam's Club to attach to our cards. They accidentally scratched the negative (pre-digital) and I cried. I was so upset that our first Christmas card photo was ruined. But some camera shop in Houston "copied" the originals which was very expensive back then and Sam's club paid for it. I love this photo.

Will's first time on Santa's lap and he is smiling. Well, wait until you see 1998!



We went up to Pennsylvania for his first Christmas. We were living in Texas at the time and it was perfect to be up north because Will's first Christmas was white! The day after Christmas, Dave and I flew to Antigua and left Will with my Mom for a week. That is the only time we have ever had a week away from the kids! In fact, it is the only time we have had more than 48 hours away from the kids!

We are tan here because we just returned from Antigua. We had an extremely stressful few months and needed some time as a couple. This Christmas was so special because it was our first as parents but it was scary and sad as well. Dave's Mom had recenlty passed away and we missed her dearly. Also, Will had a "mystery growth" in the layers of his skull. The growth was putting pressure on his brain and his development was being affected. He was not using the right side of his body and even his face was getting very asymetrical. He was scheduled for MAJOR head surgery on January 9th. We spent much of this time worrying about what they would find when they did the surgery. As you can see now, he is perfectly fine.

Since I did not have a digital camera nor a blog when Will and Harry were babies, I decided to do a little series (for the benefit of our family memories) of our past 10 Christmases (since Will was born). This may be very boring to you all... so feel free to scroll along if you wish. I am having a GREAT time looking back at my babies!

WOW!

There is a children's book called Lily and the Purple Plastic Purse. We read it to both Will and Harry and even though it is about a girl mouse (and partly about her purse) they both loved it. In several parts of the book Lily says "Wow, that was about all I could say, WOW!"

That is how I feel about the amazing comments and kind messages people have sent. WOW! Every single one has lifted me up. I have forgiven this person and I am praying for him or her. I know by her IP address that she has been back again reading in the last 24 hours. So I want her to know that I forgive her.

She actually gave me an incredible gift. I had no idea how this blog has touched people. Last night and this morning, I received personal e-mails from birth Moms who have given up children for adoption who find solace here. Plenty of families waiting to meet their precious angels thanked me for giving them a place to come. Furthermore, people who have nothing to do with adoption or parenting contacted me to say that they enjoy checking on the 3 peanuts. And of course there were those of you who appreciate the shopping tips:) I had no idea. I was incredibly touched and humbled. So, I will not go password protected for now but I am moderating comments.

The day was not good yesterday. I woke up to a flat tire, Kate and I were both sick, I got my computer back only to have it crash the minute I turned it on to retrieve my address list. Can you believe it? After its' little spa holiday in Kentucky, it crashes as I turn it on! It is back at the computer spa!

But today is a new day and I am blessed beyond measure. I am putting out positive vibes. I will continue to be myself here and share honestly from my heart. That is what I do in real life and it seems to work. Thank you again!

Here are a few photos since that it what I like to post:

Harrison has a birthday coming up and Aunt Dooney, Uncle Moon and Ashton gave him this great Star Wars Lego thingy. Harry and Dad had an awesome time building it (all 571 pieces) on Sunday (instead of putting up the Christmas decorations).


This is Kate's new "lounge set." Since we had a flat tire, we "lounged" around the house yesterday. I have become completely addicted to Etsy and bought this from Dilly Bop Designs. It is so cute and so well made. I want one in my size! I also got some adorable pinnafores that I will post soon from another vendor!

The last words of my computer before it departed last night! We took this to show the people at Best Buy if need be. They did extract my Christmas card list before they sent it off again!

A response to rudeness

For the first time I have received a ridiculously improper and rude comment on my blog. I would ask that if you cannot say anything nice, please don't say anything at all. You do not have to read our family blog if you don't want to. I do not say anything mean to anyone here or on other people's blogs. If I don't like a blog or the way someone parents, I simply stop going to their blog. If you don't want to see my home or they way we live, stop visiting. I think people come by because they like to see what we are up to. I think (from the e-mails I receive) that maybe this helps some waiting families.

I am so hurt and so upset right now (which was probably the commenter's goal) that I am physically shaking. I know the comment came from her own place of unhappiness but it doesn't do anyone any good to simply be mean. Also, I have site meter so I have figured out who you are. I am praying for your unhappy heart (thanks to a special little girl for that advice).

And to respond to one of your three hurtful comments, Kate is bonding absolutely fine now. We have had a MAJOR turn-around. She does not reach for strangers anymore and in fact, she is rather clingy until she warms up to people. So, I thought it would be okay to let my sister and her husband hold her. She waited until she was comfortable with them and then she went to them. I happen to be a specialist in the field of family psychology and communication and I have consulted with an attachment clinic. Unless you have more experience than that, please keep your hurtful observations to yourself!

I am sorry but if this continues, I will take the blog private. I do this as a scrapbook to my family (who mean the world to me). My family has been and always will be my first priority. I will not risk people judging us or making rude remarks about the people I love.

More Thanksgiving

Kate and Uncle Moon at dusk on the porch.

Kate hears the call for dessert!


Oh no, they all went in without me!

What is that? Apple pie, cherry pie? Chocolate pot de creme and chocolate covered raspberries and bluberries? Somebody, PLEASE let me in!

Thank you!

Finally!

I had better shut these doors and get some dessert!

A few Thanksgiving photos

We had a lovely weekend with family and friends. Unfortunately, Kate has yet another awful cold and I have caught my version of a cold. I never actually get a cold. Instead, I get a sore throat and major body aches. So, I am just posting a few photos from the weekend. Between the paparazzi of Elissa, my sister and myself, we have a lot of photos.

All of the kiddos in our side yard. It was not easy to get all of them to cooperate.

Will, Ashton, Harry, Peyton, Devyn and Kate Emerson.

Preparing the stuffing.


Uncle Moon, cousin Ashton, Harry, Dad and Kate, Will. I forgot to send Dave the memo that all the kids were wearing pink!

Three peanuts

Cousins who really love each other!

Kate and her friend, Devyn

Dinner was a bit more casual this year than usual. There were 6 kids and 6 adults. We had a really nice time with everyone.

I hope you all had a great Thanskgiving!

Answers

I don't mind sharing where I buy Kate's clothes at all. A few people have asked about the red Christmas dress. It is made by Royal Child and I bought it at a small boutique. They sell that brand here and here.



The pink dress is made by the Bailey Boys and then I had it monogrammed. I got it in South Carolina while visiting a friend. But they sell similar ones at this site and here too.


Honestly, I do not mind sharing this info at all:)


I am enjoying spending time with our house guests so I'll post Thanksgiving photos after they leave but I wanted to answer Genna and Liza.

Bachelorette look alike?

Okay, I was surprised by how many of you also watch the Bachelor. People are always surprised that sometimes I stoop to watching such bad TV. I do read a lot and I do have a Ph.D. but I enjoy junk television just as much as they next gal. After watching last night....my professional (marriage and family specialist) and personal opinion is that he has a deep fear of commitment. I do believe he loved them both but he has doubts about himself. I think he needs a Texas sized kick in the behind to get over himself!

During the Charlie O'Connell season of the Bachelor people used to stop me all the time and ask me if I was that girl from the Bachelor. Even relatives thought I looked like her. I must say I was very flattered because she is MUCH younger than me and he ended up choosing her! I think the resemblance really comes from the fact that we both have no chins and a bump in our nose (we look more alike from the profile).

I think they recently split but my 15 seconds of fame came from being asked many times if I was her. Just thought you Bachelor fans might find that amusing:) Now, I am back to my Thanksgiving preparations!

Like my apron?

Apron info updated at bottom:

Hi! Come on in....

Let me just turn on the gas cooktop....

What can I cook for you?

Mom got the same apron. I guess that means she expects us to cook together?

You're not really going to make me cook the Thanksgiving dinner! Are you, Mom?

I want to wish everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. It is so easy to be stressed out by all the preparations for guests and the meal (and I am). But I have to stop and think about all that I am grateful for...a strong faith, a wonderful and healthy family, great friends, and Kate Emerson is finally home to share the holidays with our family. I waited so long for that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On a totally unrelated note---Does anyone else watch the Bachelor? What was up with him not choosing either of them? I stayed up until 11 p.m. to see the end and he didn't choose either woman. I was a bit frustrated. Anyone else see it or am I the only one who still watches that crazy show? I know my sister watches too.

This music is in honor of one of my favorite things...

Oprah's favorite thing special!

Oh, I cannot wait. It is on today!!! How am I going to keep Kate and the boys busy and quiet so that I can watch?

The apron is from Orient Expressed. They do home shows and I ordered mine when I had a show at my house but you can order on-line. They do take a few weeks to come in so check if you need it quickly:)

Christmas Card Bloopers

Dave trying to show the boys what I was after.


Kate is not loving this.

C'mon Dad...a little help here, PLEASE!

Oh, forget it! I am outta here!

I took pictures for our Christmas cards in October because I am like that. I like to send my cards out the first week in December before the big Christmas card rush. That way people really have time to sit and look at it before 10,000 cards arrive. Here are a few of the bloopers. I have some that are even funnier but they are in Kentucky with my sick comptuer. You know what else is in that computer? My Chirstmas card address list! So, even though my cards are sitting here waiting to be labeled....I have no addresses. When is my computer expected back? 4 weeks! I know in the big scheme of life, this is trivial but it still burns me up. I have waited 3 years to share Kate on our family Christmas card and now they may be going out for New Year's instead. Oh well, enjoy the bloopers.

Also , I do not have ANY of my e-mail addresses and there are so many people I want to e-mail (Leslie, Sheri, Lori A, Lisa, Diana, Heather and more). Please e-mail me so that I have your address in my hubby's computer. I feel very disconnected. I need to thank a lot of people for sweet cards and I cannot contact y'all.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Even though I usually do not decorate my house for Christmas until the weekend after Thanksgiving, I think the blog needed a little Christmas cheer. So, thanks to my blog decorator, Danielle for bringing on the holiday cheer. You're the BEST! I could never thank you enough!

Please pray for a family that is in China right now. While they were in China adopting their very long awaited daughter, the father passed away. Now Chinese officials are not letting the Mom leave with her new daughter. Please pray for them. I cannot imagine how very awful this could be.

Thankful Thursday

I have so much to be thankful for this week:

~While I moaned and groaned about getting older... I am thankful to be here. Seriously, I love my life. I am thankful that I am getting to watch my children blossom into amazing individuals. I am thankful to wake up every day and live my life (even the days I want to hit the snooze bar just one more time).

~ I am thankful for each and every card, e-mail, e-card, gift, flower and well wish that people sent my way this week. It is nice to be remembered.

~I am thankful for the amazing story God put before me this week. The night of my birthday, I went to hear a fellow MOPS mom talk about the tragic and sudden death of her child. However, her story was really about how God has carried her through the last year. It was an incredibly faith-filled and inspiring message that I needed to hear.

~I am thankful for more beautiful flowers (below) from my friend, Amber.





~ I am thankful for a kind gesture from my hubby. He surprised me the other night by showing me a huge stack of paper. As a gift to me, he has spent the last few months printing out the blog with each and every comment from the beginning. He knows that the reason I do this is to capture our family memories and he wanted it all on paper for me. Thank you for your labor of love.


~I am thankful to my MOPS table. Each of you has reached out to me in a special way recently. I am very touched. Julie Anne made the bag below for me. She wrapped everything in pink and green because she knows I love those colors. Even the truffles were pink and green. The bag was filled with special goodies and each one had a meaningful Scripture verse attached. This was truly one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received.





~Another MOPS mom, Pip remembered (from a blog meme a long time ago) what my favorite kind of pen was and she gave me one on Tuesday. How thoughtful was that? Pip...thank you also for the taggie for Kate. I was telling someone at the exact moment that you handed it to me that I needed one:) I am grateful for your generous and thoughtful nature.



~I am thankful for the best teacher conferences we have ever had. We haven't ever had bad ones. However, one of my kiddos is a very "sit in his chair and do all his work and get good grades" kind of kid. While the other is an "explore, question, move around, creative and get good grades" kind of kid. It is funny... they are very different learners but their report cards were identical. Their teachers really get them this year and that does not always happen with my exploring, brilliant learner. Both of their teachers appreciate their kind of intelligence. I am so grateful for that!

~I am thankful that Miss Katie Ru is feeling better.

~I am thankful for the quilt squares from Sara and Denise! I no sooner mentioned that I am thinking about doing a 100 good wishes quilt for Kate and we started getting squares. I have created a blog for her quilt and I plan to post about the whole thing soon. I would love squares/wishes and will get working coordinating that after Thanksgiving.

~Speaking of Thanksgiving...I am thankful that my sister and her family are coming from PA to spend a few days with us. They have come for the past 3 years and we love having them! As a special treat my friend Elissa's family is joining us this year too. I have a lot of cooking to do!

Sometimes, I feel funny writing all I am thankful for. I honestly could go on and on and I am sure I have forgotten some nice things people have said and done. I think I need to stop here:)

P.S. A certain someone who was not getting enough attention for one minute banged on my computer and turned it off in the middle of some work. Now, it will not start. So, I am posting this from my hubby's computer but I am very behind on answering e-mails and it looks like my laptop will be back in the shop. Sorry.

UPDATE: Apparently, Kate broke the motherboard of my computer and it needs to take a trip to Kentucky to be restored. I will be without a computer for 2-4 weeks. I will probably post from my hubby's computer but will probably not have the time on here to read all my favorite blogs for a few weeks:( Also, I will not be able to do much e-mailing. Not at all thankful fot that!

Updated...

I didn't really have a post in mind today but since sweet Kim (Red Mary Janes) at the Seventh Diamond is sending people over, I thought I had better put something up. Yes, today I am 40! UGH!

I don't really have many baby pictures of myself but I dug these two out. In fact, these are the only ones I could find. My Mom took a lot of photos, we just are not sure where they are.



I am thinking that I am about 5 or 6 here.



Me and my sister, Dawn. I am the fair haired one.

My friend, Elissa brought me my favorite breakfast and some amazing gifts this morning. She gave me a charm that is the Chinese symbol for friendship and my favorite bath salts and shower gel that she tracked down at a spa in Houston. Apparently, I told her about them a long time ago. That is the kind of friend she is. I am so lucky. She is also keeping Kate busy as I type this. Thank you for all of the kind wishes!

These GORGEOUS flowers just arrived at my door from Diana and Ruby Mei! Thank you so much. You know that I love orchids! This made my day. Miss Katie Ru had us up a lot last night and I am utterly exhausted. I was having the after lunch sleepies when they arrived and they perked me right up. You are so sweet Diana!!

Wonderful Weekend!

This was such a lovely weekend. My friend, Staci arrived Friday afternoon and we got ready to go out to dinner with friends. We went to a beautiful old Inn that serves a chef's multi course dinner. You do not order off a menu. Rather, the chef prepares a five course meal for all of the guests. Let's just say they wine was flowing, laughter was abundant and we had a great time. I do feel bad for those couples who were seated near us because we were not quiet. I hope we did not ruin any romantic dinners.

Saturday, Staci and I spent most of the day at a spa getting facials and massages. I began telling my friend Staci (very quietly I might add) about an episode of Brothers and Sisters when the characters get kicked out of the quiet room at a spa. I had just begun telling Staci the story in the quiet room at our spa, when an older woman STORMED out and shouted, "It is supposed to be the QUIET room!" The other women (who were also quietly chatting) looked at us and we were all in shock. I must say it was quite entertaining. I think that woman really needed her massage.

After our first treatments, we were back in the quiet room with new people who were also chatting, so I did not feel too bad.

After the spa, we met my friend, Shannon at a beautiful winery for some wine, a cheese plate, pumpkin soup and good conversation. It was a crisp and beautiful fall afternoon to sit outside and have wine with friends.

When we got home, the boys had a special surprise planned. Will had made a "popcorn cake" from a kids cookbook. Harry had planned a "birthday parade." They marched into the living room and sang and gave me many presents (jewelry baubles, a car monogram, Uggs, warm fuzzy bed jacket). My favorite part though was when they each shared what they love about me. It was adorable and made me cry. Then Harry came over with a small bottle of Holy Water that his teacher gave him and blessed me on the forehead. It was so sweet. We bless each other most nights as a little ritual that is special just to him and me. It made my heart sing that he included that in the birthday parade.

Sunday morning we had reservations to go to a very nice place for my favorite brunch. However, little Katie Ru was very sick so we cancelled. Staci, Harry and I ended up going to a local breakfast place for omelets on the way to take her to the airport. I loved every single minute of my "pre-birthday" weekend. It was perfect.

I did take Kate to the pediatrician this afternoon (yes, our doctor office is open on Sunday). She has a very bad cold and high fever but it appears to be nothing serious. She is just miserable though. As for my health... I have an appointment with a specialist in a few weeks (so many of you have asked--thank you).

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

Here is tooth #2! Harry lost it 2 days after the first one. At this rate, he will be missing all four front teeth by Christmas. The top ones are loose too. I am SO thrilled that I got the Chirstmas card picture a few weeks ago. Don't get me wrong, I think he looks adorable. But, once a kid loses their teeth they just look so grown up. I am glad that I got one more photo of the three peanuts while he looked like my little boy:)

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for many things....

I am thankful for my friend, Elissa. We had a great play date with her daughter, Devyn last week. The girls play so well and Elissa is one of the most thoughtful friends I have ever had.

Some people have asked where I got his outfit. The skirt is from Etsy. The shop is Evy Bleu Designs. I got two and they come with bows (or headbands) and a pin. Kate has not worn the other one yet but it is beautiful! They are extremely well made. Sometimes I feel funny posting this info but a lot of people ask and I always appreciate when others share their sources with me:)


I am grateful for my husband. He has really been doing a lot for me lately since I have been feeling sick. He is always a hands on Dad and husband but he has done even more lately. Thank you Dave!

I am thankful that my friend Staci is flying in this weekend to help me celebrate my birthday (which is next Tuesday). Dave has scheduled some fun things for us this weekend but really all I need/want is to hang out and talk with her. Staci has four young kids and her husband is a skin cancer surgeon. It is not easy for her to get away. I am so thankful that she has made such an effort to come visit.

I am thankful that even though my boys have major selective hearing (see below), they are kind and not spoiled at all. They are truly appreciative of everything they get in life. I really am thankful for that because I see so many overindulged children these days.

I am thankful for the thoughtful birthday offer my friend, Tessa made this week. You are very sweet and I am blessed to know you.

I am thankful for the prayers people have said for me. Several people also e-mailed me checking in which was very kind. Thank you, Sheri, Leslie, Lori, Lisa, Danielle, Michelle and Jon, Denise, Steffie and anyone else I may be forgetting. Your thoughtfulness has touched me immensely.

I am grateful to Sara. I mentioned on someone else's blog (in the comments) that I am going to try to get a 100 good wishes quilt started for Kate and Sara (who I did not know) has graciously e-mailed me ideas, suggestions and thoughts on getting started. She also offerred to send me some squares. Sara, thank you for doing that. Because of you, I am really inspired to get it going:) It continually amazes me how people reach out to others in this adoption community.

I am thankful for my darling Kate Emerson. She has brought such laughter and sunshine into our life.

I am so thankful that Danielle made a donation in Kate's honor and another in my honor to the Half the Sky Foundation. Danielle is a very giving person and she chose an organization that makes such a difference in people's lives. They not only help children but as a result of their actions the families that adopt benefit as well. Danielle, I cannot express how much your generosity means to us. Thank you!

Sorry for the long post. I guess I have a lot to be thankful for!

They look cute but can they hear?

Is it a boy thing or is it just my kids? I am not sure if they don't hear or they just don't listen but they are driving me crazy! Last night, I handed them each a freshly laundered and pressed uniform shirt and said, "Put these out to wear to school tomorrow." When I went into their rooms to say good night, the shirts were nowhere to be seen. BOTH of them had put the clean shirts in the dirty clothes hamper! Now, if I could only get them to put the clothes that are actually dirty in there! UGH!

Thank you for all of your sweet comments, prayers and e-mails. I still do not feel great but slowly I am feeling better. I did not eat a meal for week! I managed some soup and banannas but not much else. My stomach was really bad. I am still waiting on some test results so I would still appreciate some prayers.

Help a Mom, a child and a family!

There is a blog Mommy who is getting ready to travel to get her son, Noah. Verna does blog makeovers to raise money for her adoption and she has even helped raise money for other Moms to bring their children home. So, if you would like to make your blog pretty and help another Mom in the process, please visit Verna. All of the proceeds for her blog makeovers will go toward the orphanage donation required for her son's adoption. I do not know Verna personally but I know many bloggers who know her and love her. I cannot think of a better cause than helping a family unite. Verna, if you are reading this....I wish you all the blessings in the world as you get ready to bring Noah home.

Kim

Then and now

Please click to see the whole thing. Blogger is cutting off these collages.


I pulled out this dress the other day but I did not think it would fit Kate. I bought it last March when we we waiting for her to come home and it was one of my favorites. It is pink. It is monogrammed. It has bows at the shoulders. What's not to love? She wore it on her second day home (first and last photos). Now, she has been home 7 months (standing photos). As you can see, it still fits. But she looks so different now. She doesn't look like a baby anymore. How did that happen so fast?


I know I am supposed to be taking a break but I could not let our 7 month anniversary go by. I love you Katie Ru!


Here is the link for those who have asked how to make the collages like the Halloween one I did. E-mail me if you need help.

A Halloween of many firsts...

Updated at the bottom....

It was Kate Emerson's first Halloween with our family....

It was also the first time Kate tasted candy. She had a little piece of a Reese's Cup and she LOVED it! That photo is in the slideshow. However, she did not love the hat that came with this costume....

She also hated the very lovely Tom Arma flower costume I purchased for her.


It was the first time I met fellow blogger Denise who happens to live near me and recently got her referral for beautiful Maggie.....

Denise and I clicked immediately and could have talked for days! She is so sweet and I look forward to a long friendship with her and our children--all of them! The above photo is Hannah (a sweet little girl that Denise was taking care of), Denise and Katie Ru.


BUT the MOST EXCITING first was...........

Harry lost his first tooth! He will be 7 in about 6 weeks so we have been waiting a LONG time for this. I am really glad I took the Christmas card picture a few weeks ago:)

It was also the first Halloween that Will found out there is not a "Halloween Witch." Will has always been allergic to peanuts and both of my kids are allergic to 99% of candy so Halloween can be tough for them. Many years ago a fellow Mom suggested that I tell the kids to leave their candy out for the Halloween Witch and she will take the candy and leave a small surprise (a book or stickers or Pokemon cards). We have done this for as long as I can remember.

Last night a few of Will's friends were over and he was telling them that he was leaving his candy out for the Halloween Witch. His friends said, "I never heard of that. There is no such thing as the Halloween Witch." He said, "I know. I think it is my Mom. " Then he looked at me and said, "Is it Mom?" I said, "Yes." He acted fine and went back out for round two of trick or treating with this friends and Harry.

However, when he got home, he was devastated. He sobbed in disappointment. He was angry that we lied to him all of those years and he felt anxious that his childhood was coming to an end. He questioned Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. Luckily, he still believes in all of them. It is a good thing too because the tooth fairy came last night. I apologized and explained to him that I wanted him to still love Halloween even though he could not have the candy. He said, "I never thought Mom would lie to me." Oh, it simply breaks my heart.

The thing Will was most upset about was that he feels like he only has about 5 more years of childhood. He told us how much he still loves playing with Legos and being a kid and he doesn't want to grow up. It was very sad. He did write me a letter saying that he forgives me and he hopes I leave two packs of Pokemon cards for his candy!

I dread the day when he figures the rest of it all out.
Added to respond to a few comments: Jill and others. I really appreciate your kind honesty and insight. The only reason I did not tell Will about Santa etc. was because during our long talk last night, he told me that most of all he was upset that I told him I was the Halloween Witch. He told me that he still actually believed and still wants to believe. In that moment, I decided that I would wait until he figured it out on his own. I teach my kids the true meaning of Christmas and Easter but Santa is magical and obviously Will wants to hold onto that magic for a while longer. Thank you for wording your response with such kindness. It really means a lot to me. Parenting is sometimes a gut reaction and we don't always do it perfectly.

Here is a little slideshow of the rest of our Halloween photos. We went to a neighborhood pizza party in the park before trick or treating. It was a lot of fun!!

Lastly, I still feel very ill and run down and I am going to another doctor today. I plan to take about a week off of blogging to rest and recover. Have a great week everyone!