Good Things

I'm getting oh so tired of long hair, so today I decided to get six inches chopped off. I have a new favorite stylist and salon :) Now if only I could convince my boys that haircuts are a GOOD thing!


Before

After

Giving Thanks

On Tuesday, Hannah's fifth-grade class had a Thanksgiving feast. I was responsible for making the Succotash Stew (an Indian stew made of corn and beans). The feast consisted of authentic Pilgrim-Indian foods, so needless to say, Hannah and I were both wishing for some good ol' Cafe Rio or Carl's Jr. Honestly, how gross is pickled eggs in beet juice?!?



Thanksgiving is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays, especially when we gather around the table and I hear my kids say that they are grateful for the love that we have in our home. Along with eating a feast, we played games, went to the movies, and had a lot of fun. I used a new recipe that I found for marinating the turkey, and it was delicious. The secret ingredient is orange juice!!!

Chicken Survey

So I love the fact that I live in a rural town and just received a chicken survey in the mail. The funny thing is that Mikey is in FAA and has been considering raising chickens to sell their eggs. So this survey came at a very opportune time.
The survey first states the benefits for families of raising chickens, gives the current city code (which does NOT allow for raising farm animals), and asks for our opinion. For the record, I am all FOR changing the current zone rights to allow chickens! I am an aggie, after all :)

Bridal Shower for a Beautiful Bride

One of my former students (currently my TA and great friend) is getting married next month, and I was invited to her bridal shower. It was such a fun theme--Deseret Book/Seagull gifts. She received lots of LDS-themed books, CDs, DVDs, and art for her new home. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. I've also had her fiance as a student, so it's great to be a part of their lives at such an exciting time.



The Columbia River Washington Temple is where they will be sealed. It looks lovely, and I am sure they will have the picture-perfect wedding!

Party Planning 101

It's time to start planning Hannah's birthday party, so while driving her to school this morning, I gave her several options (a tea party at Primrose Retreat, games at our house, going to the movies, an old-fashioned party/luncheon at the Lion House, etc.)

Her reply was, "Let me talk to my people, and I'll get back with you."

Life was so much simpler when I could just choose the theme and plan the party :)

Halloween at our House

I had to get Hannah to school on time this morning because the Costume Parade started at 9:00 a.m. sharp. We're typically running late since neither she nor I are morning people. I asked her once, "Does your teacher mind that you're always late?" Her reply was, "Mom, she gets paid the same whether I'm there on time or not." Hmmm. Okay then. We'll enjoy sleeping in until Hannah goes to middle school when tardies count!



Elementary school is the greatest. It's so much fun to see all the little kids in their costumes!

My big kids also dressed up, and Sarah even won the Best Costume in her class.



Bring on the candy! Hannah and her friends got off to an early start.



Sheriff Mikey is ready to keep the peace on All Hallows Eve.



And last but not least, here's J all ready to have fun. His costume? Fifteen year- old who is just too cool :)



And what did I do? I made our traditional potato soup in pumpkin bowls--YUM!



And I got to hand out candy all night to adorable trick-or-treaters!