Nothing New

A couple weeks ago we were ready about an hour early for church, so I got out the old tripod and took a couple pictures of my cute family. I just finished this scrap page. Just loving life and enjoying my family. I'm so grateful for them. They are great!!

We Did It

Last night Isaac was asking what "fun thing" we were going to do, it being Sunday and all. I just slipped out, why don't we put up the Christmas tree. Well, we did it. The Christmas tree is up and even before Thanksgiving. This has never been done before in the history of . . . well our history anyway and I'm trying to think of ways we can Thanksgivingize it. I'm sure we can do some leaves or turkey gratitude chains or something. It is giving me so much joy though. I love it! Maybe I just need it this year.

Jacob's Piano Recital

Tonight was Jacob's first ever piano recital. He didn't look at all nervous but said he was. He's been practicing really hard for it. I think he about had it all memorized but was too nervous to do it with out the music. He did a fabulous job. I managed to take a video of it, but he got up there and started before I was ready so I didn't get his introduction or the very first part and don't mind the shot of the floor when he gets done. That's just me. So here is Jacob playing "The Crystal Cavern".


Well done Jacob! We are so proud of you.

Halloween 2009

Here is our family Halloween photo. The children were all true to form this year. Jacob had his costume settled weeks ago and didn't stray from it. He went with the traditional vampire ensemble. Isaac, who changes his mind from day to day finally put together his own costume the day of and thought it was fabulous. Afton went with a ghost, but couldn't help but throw in a little something special so she put on my bridal veil and called it a ghost bride, which is must better! Khora was our cute little honey bee, which she liked to say over and over. Dennis had trick or treat duty alone this year and very artistically made a jack-o-lantern on his orange t-shirt with electric tape. It was a fabulous day and just warm enough to make it very enjoyable. I, of course, stayed home and manned the house and finished making dinner. After a trip around the block they came home to eat. Khora had enough at that point and was ready for bed. After we ran out of candy, yes we actually ran out this year, I went down stairs and watched "Mysterious Island". The family made it home safe and sound with lots of stories to tell and we all gathered round and finished the movie.

Chili and Corn Bread

One of our family traditions on Halloween has been to have Chili and cornbread for dinner. This year I found a really good corn bread recipe. I used a little smaller pan than 9X13 and it came out great! I think I'll put this one away to use every year.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, combine cornmeal and milk; let stand for 5 minutes. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix in the cornmeal mixture, eggs and oil until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean.

Christmas Tree Time?

I'm also very willing to skip Halloween altogether this year. I'm not excited to outfit my children in the costumes they want. I dread the fight with the candy that it brings, and also. . . I'm sick of getting sick when I sneak into our stash. It's soooo not worth it.

This morning I told Dennis that I was fighting this huge urge to set up our Christmas tree. I've been cleaning out our storage room anyway and everything is out. My children have also been watching "The Grinch" all week so with that and our first snow fall of the season, well I think it's a loosing battle. Dennis graciously said that he would support my veto of the "no Christmas before Thanksgiving" rule. I think I can wait one more day and not put it up until November at least.

The Microwave is in the Garage

Last week Khora decided that she wanted to warm up her bread stick by putting it in the microwave. I don't know how many minutes she set it for but it was long enough that there was black smoke billowing from it just like in the movies. We had to open everything just to clear things out enough to breath. Well, ever since then, the microwave has had a very intense burned smell every time we open it and anything we put in it is tained with the sick smell. I finally had enough of the dry heaves that I put it in the garage. I just can't handle the smell anymore.

We've had this microwave since Dennis and I were first married, so it's over ten years old, which in my mind means "update" anyway right. It was the first appliance that we bought together. Maybe this will be it's last day, since the garbage truck comes tomorrow and it might just find it's way into it.