Happy Halloween

For years, we have been going to my sweet mother in law's on Halloween night for soup, treats and great fun with the cousins. This year, she wasn't feeling well and decided to forego the festivities. My kids were disappointed and thought Halloween just wouldn't be the same. Bri had the idea for our kids to come and start a new tradition at our house. So the first annual Pugmire Pumpkin Carving and Soup a Thon was born. The dinner part was easy; lots of yummy soups and breadsticks, veggies, dip and sugar cookies.

The girls always carve pumpkins with their hubbies so I thought we should have a couple's carving contest. Each couple brought a pumpkin and necessary carving tools. The only rule was that carving could only take 30 minutes. Ben, Braden and Abby were appointed judges and each of them came up with a category. It was hilarious as Jord and Kuri take this very seriously and wanted to win from the get go. I promised a prize to the winner, but forgot to buy it...so here are some of the pictures... Nick and Lindsi ready to carve. Lindsi was a good sport and dressed up as a ringmaster. Too cute!

All smiles, confident in their forthcoming victory. Jord looked a long time for the perfect pumpkin. Clearly he had an advantage over our lopsided one:)

Both Jord and Kuri getting serious with the carving.

Poor Bri; carving all alone and didn't have the fancy tools the kids had.

Nick and Pin creating their work of art.

The pumpkins ready for the judges. Bri and I did an old pirate, Jord and Kuri did the Seattle Seahawks logo and Nick and Pin did a scary face.

It was tough on the judges; they spent minutes thinking of the categories and winners. They had best team work (clearly Bri and I did not win that one), the best pumpkin to look like a pro pumpkin carver did it, and the most creative. And the winner was Jord and Kuri's Seattle Seahawk masterpiece.

The humble winners! Congrats you two; it was a ton of fun. And I owe you a prize!

He Won!!!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Ben was running for 7th grade representative. Since I hadn't blogged about the results, perhaps some of you may have thought he lost. Well, he won! He will be busy this year with weekly meetings and activities, but he is excited to be involved in all the happenings at Butler. Here are a few pictures of his campaign posters. Congrats Ben! We are proud of you.

All smiles before the election!

One of my favorite pictures of Ben on the golf course. He came up with the slogan.

Happy Birthday Kristi Blair

Twenty-two years ago today, our beautiful daughter Kristi Blair was born. To me, it seems like only yesterday that we were anxiously awaiting her birth. Since I use this blog as a journal and it wasn't around in 1988, I thought in honor of her birthday, I would share a few thoughts about that day.



We were so excited to have our second baby; it had been almost 6 years since we had Lindsi and we were ready to expand our family! I had an easy pregnancy and felt great. We had an ultrasound at about 20 weeks, but it wasn't clear if we were having a girl or boy. Lindsi was hoping for baby sister, and I had loved having one daughter and really wanted another one. So, preparations were made and I bought both a boy and girl outfit for our new baby to wear home.



About two weeks before my due date, (late October) I went to the doctor, and he thought I would deliver sooner. My mom's birthday is the 11th, and I began thinking how cool it would be to have the baby on my mom's 53rd birthday. So I did! I went to the doctor on the morning on the 11th, and I was ready to go. Brian and I went to the hospital and within a few short hours, I was in labor. I had decided early in the pregnancy that I was going to try and not have any pain meds. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I just wanted to see if I could do it. So all was going well until about 4 hours in. Everything stopped. I was tired and thought "Forget this." I told Bri to get the drugs! The anesthesiologist was in the room and had just prepped my back, when I knew he was too late! My baby was here. My doctor was in the next room and he flew in and said it was time. Too late for the epidural to help with delivery, but I would have a great recovery! At 3:29 p.m. my baby girl was born. I remember Brian saying, "Honey, you got your girl!" I started crying and was so so excited to be blessed with another daughter.



I couldn't wait to tell Lindsi, who was home with my mom, and she was the first person to visit us in the hospital. Kristi Blair Pugmire, 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 19 1/2 inches. We knew from the start, she would be a beauty!
Here she is, 22 years later with her cute hubby, Jordan.
Celebrating with Grandma!

A birthday lunch with Mom at her favorite restaurant-Cancun Cafe!

So happy birthday baby girl! We love you and admire the fine young woman you have grown to be. We are so proud of your accomplishments. You are such a loving daughter to us and a wonderful sister to Lindsi and Ben. We were truly blessed 22 years ago when you came into our lives! It's been a privilege to be your mom and dad. Happy Birthday! Love you!!!