Halloween 2008

Halloween is officially over and I present to you a synopsis of our week:

I substituted the day before and on Halloween in 2nd grade and Middle School ESL classes respectively. I frazzled but was glad to be in the Middle School and not the Elementary school on "the" day.

Allison worked the high school "Trick or Treat Street" in a "Wizard of Oz" themed room. Obviously she was the Scarecrow.

On Halloween the girls went to school as each other; they both have distinctive styles. It sounds a little lame unless you've experienced it. When you know what clothes they wear it can really give you a start to realize the twin you're talking to and looking at is not the twin you thought she was. Everyone at school, teachers included, told them that what they did was creepier than most costumes roaming the halls. It even messed with The Old Woman's head a bit.

We had colored pancakes for dinner; jack o' lanterns, cat's heads and Jackson Pollock designs (I got really tired of designing and cooking). Our ward's Elders were over for a dinner, a huge dessert of Caramel Corn snacking and playing "The Great Dalmuti." I didn't feel like playing the game but Michael told me he'd let me begin the game in the prime role as Great Dalmuti. To have a little fun with it I decreed the Great Dalmuti shall wear the tiara, chunky earrings (non pierced in deference to any men that may win the title for a round) and ropes of Brighton pearls and crystals. The Lesser Dalmuti was granted the privilege of a regal opal brooch and ring ensemble. I didn't have to relinquish my crown the entire evening, much to Elder Caillier's dismay. At the conclusion of the game I allowed him to wear the crown jewels for one brief shining moment, and promised to send a picture to his mother.

Only THREE sets of doorbell ring for Trick or Treat. The my family is really sad we have so much candy left over.

We love you all... I'm going to put away decorations while Steven is, without any prompting, taking advantage of the warm day to wash some windows. Love him!

What Do You Say On a Monday?

Michael was asked by his best friend, David, to take a trip to Provo. David, just home from a mission in Mexico, wanted to do a few things before returning to school in January. Michael was excited to go because it was a free trip and it was a good chance to see Marianne's family. In calls he's said what a terrific time he's had. But what was a four day trip is now in its sixth day and I could hear the frustration in his voice as he just called. Marianne, if he has to stay another night could you please take care of him?


Emily became sad over the weekend because Michael wasn't here to play Monopoly with her. Steve and I sucked it up, and sucked Allison in, and we are still in the middle of a game that started yesterday. The things we do for our kids!



My wonderful missionary Chris who takes time to photograph the important things in life such as road kill.



A daughter who wants to go to Homecoming with a young man looking at her dressed like this...



... and NOT like this!


Sometimes actually being able to feel this is true.



Having a little granny to take care of.


Making yummy cupcakes with Nutella webs for the Ward Halloween Party.



Looking kind of cute while working on cupcakes.


Mom made Whole Wheat Bread. Steve made French Toast with it. I made Berry Blend Syrup. A good breakfast can make any day seem okay.