Halloweentown, Ohio

It's time for trick or treat! We took the kids to Centerburg this year. It's close to home and we received good reports. So we decided to check it out. Sam dressed up as a sullen pre-teen who wanted candy and to not be recognized. I tell you, hands down this was my favorite trick or treat trip EVER!! The take wasn't great. The kids did a LOT of walking for a little candy. At least compared to what they're used to. Don't get me wrong. They got more candy than I'll let them eat. It's just that usually they get TONS more than I'll let them eat. It was worth it though, because Centerburg, Ohio takes Halloween serious!! And I do mean serious!

It was like Salem, Mass ~ and I would know, I've been to Salem when it was decked out for All Hallows Eve ;)

These people know how to have fun. The kids did not have to knock on a single door. Everyone was waiting outside. Dressed up even.

Quick, somebody save the ladybug before she loses her head!

At this house the ghost in the top left corner was on a zip line. When the kids walked past it the thing buzzed over them. Which would be why they were keeping their eyes on it.

Ohio October at it's finest, right here in this lone tree.

Then, there was THE house..the house that had so many ghouls roaming around I wasn't even sure which ones would move. And they stuck the candy bowl all the way at the back of the yard. Where the "goal" sign is:

People were jumping out at them right and left. They must be getting older because even Mags handled it like a pro.

Or maybe just like a little girl who watches Ghost Whisperer every Friday night without fail.

Sam walked blind. I think all he saw was the candy...Liam had a little boy dressed up as a werewolf shadow him the whole way through. I was amazed at all the work these people put into their display. It was like old fashioned store display windows. Do you remember the magic of the Lazarus window displays...it was like looking at that!

Only it looked back at you. And may scream at inopportune moments.

Hmmnn. Inopportune? Not sure that's spelled right? O well ~

Okay, enough of that house...moving on.

Raggedy Ann was not diggin' on the freakishly tall demon guy.

Centerburg is such the place to be for Halloween that even the president and first lady showed up.

Naw, really he was their campaigning for Huge. I mean Hugh.

No lie, Liam giggled all the way past this house and then turned to me and said "Did you see that sign Mom? It said HUGE!" I almost died laughing.

Happy Halloween everyone! I love you all!!

Cockeyed Optimist

Yup, that's me. I'm just a dope with a thing called hope. So I told you that I'd tell you how Sam's dance went. I'm sure YOU didn't get your hopes up ~ YOU probably rolled your eyes and thought "Yeah Cheryl, he'll tell you ALL about it." Hmph! Well, I can tell you he's home. That's it.
  He's home.
I asked him lots of questions, to which I received one word answers. Kinda like this:

Me, admittedly overenthusiastic, "Did you have a good time?"

Sam, "Yeah".

Me, "Did you dance?"

Sam, rolling his eyes, "Not slow."

Me, "So you did dance though. how? like what?"

Sam, "Depends"

Me, "What does it depend on?"

Sam, rolling eyes again, "The song." (This answer was in a distinct duh voice)

Me, "Who did you hang out with?"

Sam, "Lots of people."

That was it, I gave up then. The wordiest answer I could get was "Lots of people". He's eloquent isn't he? I realize that as a gender males have less words, but I would like to go on record as saying Sam is well below average in the proverbial "Word Bowl".
So, I leave you this evening with a few pictures of the children who cooperate. The ones who love me enough to talk to me. The ones who beg to spend time with me, especially if I'm making cookies that look like candy corn.

Disclaimer: Yes, of course I know Sam adores me. How could he not? I am the best mom HE'S ever had ;)

Proud to be Drug Free

It's "Proud to be Drug Free" week at school. Which always means themes and last minute purchases. like the year they did pajama day and we had to run to KMart for slippers for Sam. This year we had to get Liam a pair of cowboy boots from good 'ole Wally World. I was sorry we hadn't done it sooner ~ they are all he's worn all week. He didn't even participate in mismatched sock day...he wanted to wear his boots instead. Above is Hat Day, Below is Boot Day:

Then there's the obligatory spirit/ school color day. Maggie wore her Scots t-shirt. Liam was a little more spirited than just a t-shirt.

He went all the way with Red and Blue hair. That was fun to wash out this evening. Tomorrow they have to wear their costumes for the halloween parties. I made loads of cupcakes for them to take in. And Sam has his first dance of the year. I'll let you know how it all goes.
Love you all!!!

To Be Understood

Tis sweet. And peppery.Yummy even.

Yesterday, we received a care package from Grannie Annie, God Bless her soul!

It was a scrumdidlyumptious package. Spicy and exotic and so very exciting for me. I've shared with you in the past that I have always enjoyed baking. I started baking at a fairly young age. Packaged stuff, brownies and cakes. Then later cookies. One of my favorite annual events has always been making Christmas Cookies. It's baking and Christmas in one ~ how awesome is that!? And there is just nothing about baking to not love. Generally, it's pretty easy in the grunt work department. Add to that the delectable smells that fill your house and then you get to EAT IT! Really? I ask you...WHAT is not to love?? I wish, truly, that you could have smelled the box she sent me. I've unpacked the box...but it is still sitting on the countertop and I periodically stop as I walk through the kitchen and stick my head in it and inhale deeply.

The box had delights untold in it. Like whole vanilla beans. I have never in my life had whole vanilla bean thingys. I don't know what to do with them. But, ignorance has never stopped me before and it sure won't stop me now! I have the internet and you just rest assured...I'll find what to do with them.

Anne also sent whole cloves (hence the divine smell). I'm so glad I asked Jon to buy me that fancy mortar and pestle a couple years ago ;).

Then, there's the nuts. Macadamias, slivered almonds and walnuts (or pecans?) I really struggle identifying between the two. Consequently, I tend to use them

interchangeably in recipes.

And the cutest little autumn cookie cutters. I'm telling you truly, I was positively in bliss going through all the goodies in that box.  Did you know there are different types of cinnamon? No, oh thank God. Me either! I kid you not, I have always bought my cinnamon at the dollar store. They always have the big jar 2/$1. After I received my package of happiness I went to the website the goodies came from:

http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/penzeysordering.html?id=rSLHIzoF

and was blown away. This sweet act of kindness from Grannie Annie could lead to bad bad bad places. The world of the spice snob beckons...I will try to resist...but it smells good. I can't make any promises!

I love you all!!

PS The kids loved their trinkets too!! :)

Sweet Liam Can See!

Liam's glasses came in Sunday and boy was he excited!

He's so different from Sam. Sam fought us about wearing his glasses from day 1! There has been absolutely zero resistance from Liam. He was a touch nervous about wearing them to school Monday but it passed for the most part without event. He did say yesterday evening at dinner that one child was laughing when he said "Liam is wearing glasses". His voice quivered just a little when he told me about it and I of course had the mothers momentary insane urge to beat someone else's child (as opposed to the frequent urge to beat my own, lol). But, I told him again how adorable he is in them. And the obligatory, "He's just jealous honey". Why do we always say that? I guess because it wouldn't be fittin' to say "He's just an a$*hole honey". Which is what I'm really thinking. The peer pressure inflicted on my children somtimes makes it real hard to act like a Christian. Never mind thinking like one. Jesus still has a LOT of work to do on me!!

I love you all!

AAhhhh...Sweet Independence

I am an enabler. I confess. My children are being raised in danger of not knowing how to do anything. Every once in awhile I catch myself. I stop and look at what I'm doing. And I think "What is WRONG with me? Why am I doing this for them? They are old enough to do this for themselves." Then, more often than not, I go ahead and do it anyway. Like the fact that I still clean my 12 year old sons bedroom. And I make their beds. I pour their cereal in the morning for heavens sake! I would like to think that I do these things for them out of love. But that is not entirely true. Unfortunately, I am a perfectionist. And in my rare moments of clarity I see that my need for everything to be done just so is crippling my kids. So today, when Liam wanted to help make his ramen noodles I did the unthinkable (for me). I let him make them himself.

And do you know what? An 8 year old is perfectly capable of making ramen noodles. It was a revelation for me. And I believe it was a revelation for him as well. Jon is not quite convinced. He doesn't really like the idea of Liam using the oven/stove. Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't be in the kitchen...but I am sayin' "Hats off to my boy!"

He felt a great sense of accomplishment ~ ramen noodles (which he call chicken noodles) are his FAVORITE!! He's proud that he can prepare his favorite food all by himself. And I'll try not to take it pesonally that he told me these noodles were the BEST chicken noodles he's ever had.

He's still a newbie to cooking, so he doesn't realize yet that food ALWAYS tastes better when someone else has to make it!

I love you all!

Trick or Treat...

Take 1:

On this blustery, cold Saturday night we took the kids trick or treating at the park. And boy do I mean blustery. And boy do I mean cold. Brrrr!

We had the LaFever kids with us as well. AJ and Al anyway. Cash is sick and so was home with Johnny and Katie was working. Since AJ was spending the night with us anyhoo, we decided to take Allie up to the park as well. Which thrilled Mags to no end. To her, Allie is one step short of Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift. She's an "older girl". Impressive.

As I said, it was cold. I'm talking like 45 degrees and windy...kind of miserable actually. But, the kids had fun. Since we live in the boonies, where there are no neighbors to speak of, trick or treat is held at the community park. Everybody takes lawn chairs and candy and the kids go from station to station around the pond. It's beggars night countrified. Just one of the many things we love about living out here.

Initially Sam and Austin were passing candy out ~ too old and cool to go begging for candy. Until they saw several of their classmates raking in the goodies. Then they disappeared. Not to return before their pockets were bulging fit to burst.

Liam tried to avoid being in the picture above. Too many girls...but Chloe dispatched that problem post haste. She just grabbed his tail and jerked him over. He's no match for Chloe.

It was lots of fun for the kids and not over fast enough for us. I've never been so glad to have chili at home simmering in the crock pot in my life as I was tonight!!

I love you all!

Basketball Season Approacheth

Today I signed Liam up for basketball. I am decidedly unenthusiastic about this turn of events. I'm not a big basketball fan. For many reasons. The biggest reason would be that I simply do not have the necessary attention span. As a spectator at baseball, or even football, I can zone out safely. If I turn away from the game for 5 minutes, or even 15,  to socialize or catch up with someone I probably won't miss much. Not so, basketball. With basketball you could miss something important if you yawn. I'm simply not capable of watching that intently. The odds that I will miss him doing something significant (something he'll ask me if I saw after the game) increases dramatically. I will have to WATCH the whole game. Ugh. Add to that the fact that the odds of having to get him to said game in seriously crappy weather are like 1 in 2...you follow me right? It's going to be a LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGG winter.

The Great Pumpkin '09

Today when the kids got home from school I had their pumpkins gutted and waiting to be carved.

As you can see Dad, we didn't forget about the jack-o-lanterns...

Although, I confess, Jon did put up the Christmas lights today. It was 70 degrees, sunny and just gorgeous outside. This time of year, you have to take advantage of the last nice days. Otherwise, you're out there on a ladder in 15 degrees with biting wind. Not fun. At least Jon doesn't think so.

But, the Christmas trees are not up yet...not a single one of them.

And the carved pumpkins are on the front porch.

If I can just get through two more weeks...

Love you all!!

Four Eyes ;)

I'll have a more interesting post up later. Or tomorrow. Depending on my level of procrastination hormones. When the kids get home from school we're carving pumpkins. But for now, I just wanted to let all you grandparents/ aunts/ uncles/etc. that Liam is getting glasses. He is quite excited about it. He picked out SpongeBob Squarepants glow in the dark glasses. No, I'm not kidding, but lest you think I've lost my mind completely, they look nothing like they sound. He looks adorable in them. Maggie is just peagreen with envy. She can't stand it! Her appointment isn't until November 11th and she is praying nightly for poor eyesight. I will post pics of the cutiepie brat Liam as soon as we have his glasses. Love you all!

NO PIGS ALLOWED

Boy, oh boy. I only thought I was paranoid before. It's at a fever pitch now baby. We have confirmed cases at the kids schools. Confirmed cases on their buses. Confirmed cases among near and dear friends. I. Am. Freaking. Out. Here!!!!!! I feel like a sitting duck. Waiting. Waiting. For a bout of vomiting, a fever, a sore throat. I am literally sitting in the couch thinking, " Ohhhh...was that pain in my head. I think I have a headache. A twinge? Maybe? No, that was Liam's paper airplane." When the kids got home from school, I took everyones temperature. Even Jon and I. I'm checking every few hours. It's like waiting for Santa. Bad Santa. I know it's coming for us. So, I wait, and I wonder how bad will it be?
It's not too widespread at the elementary school. Yet. Sam said more than half the kids were out at the middle school today and one of the girls in his grade, on his bus, spent the weekend in the hospital. I think I need some face masks. Do you think the kids would wear them to school? What do you think about homeschooling? I've always thought no way...only it suddenly sounds so appealing and oh I don't know...HEALTHY.
Jon's interview went well. He had a 2nd interview on the phone at 5pm which also went well. He should know something soon. I am not too excited about this one either way. Even if he gets it, we'll just be going thru the same thing again in April. I'm still praying for a permanent job. And of course, NO swine flu.

The Perfect Day

The Garrett family had a great day Saturday. Perfect even, aside of course from the weather. Which decided in it's own fickle way to co-operate at the very last minute.

There was one fly in the syrup, but let's avoid all unpleasant talk of Ohio State. *sigh*

Kay and Rod were staying with one of their RV Clubs at a campground in Mt Vernon. Just 20 minutes from the house. We were thrilled to see them (for the first time in 5 months!!). We ate and drank and made merry despite the fact that Ohio State was blowing it. It was a wonderful visit and we were so very happy they came to stay so close to home!

Then, we had been invited the the Fields' Farm for a hayride/bonfire/haunted forest walk. They served pork patties and loin from one of their very own pigs. Which brings us full circle to the fact that I can't deal with that real well. Lucky for me, I ate before I ran into the latest victim:

"Psst, hey lady, can you bust me outta here maybe?"

"No, don't keep walking! Psst, lady, c'mere! HELP!! They're making bacon outta me TOMORROW!! HHHEEEEELLLLLPPPP! "

It was all I could do to leave him in the back of that truck. It was later confirmed that Wilbur was on his way to market the next day. Poor guy. If stress affects the taste of the meat, he's not going to taste too good. He had himself in a tissy!

As I said, the weather cleared up at the last minute and the kids were able to pile on for a hayride. What is it about hayrides that excites the kids so??

That excitement was mild though, compared the their next task. Candy in a haystack ~ man did they have a time with that!

There was hay flying everywhere!!

They all found lots and lots of candy and oreos and bubbles and all kinds of goodies! The haystack thing was a stroke of genius! The kids LOVED it!!

We got home around 8pm and were completely exhausted! I can't remember the last time I was that tired. I slept like the dead last night. Except for the time I woke up because I really should have taken a shower before I went to bed. I reeked of smoke from the bonfire and had a nightmare that a house was on fire. It wasn't my house, or even a house I know, but it was disturbing enough to rattle me!

Today, we've been horribly lazy. We didn't go to church, because after I fell back asleep I didn't wake up again until church had already started! I've done laundry, started apple butter in the crock pot (which smells absolutely heavenly) and made dinner. But, I'm still in my PJ'S! And I don't see myself getting dressed today.

Tomorrow morning is Jon's interview...Hopefully, it will go well ~!

 I love you all!!

Happy 10th Anniversary to Us!!

Today, Jon and I have been married 10 years. An entire decade. I can hardly believe it's been that long! Time flies. Fast. Aside from our wedded bliss, things here are pretty blah. The weather has TOTALLY stunk. Grey skies every day for a week. It's making it really hard for me not to start putting up Christmas decorations. I figured out last year that the reason I like the Christmas decorations is all the lights. They cheer me up in the grey days of December, and November and most recently I think they'd help in the grey days of October. The urge has hit early this year. It isn't usually so gloomy here in October. October is normally my favorite month in Ohio. The worst part is that we're at peak right now and we have tons of color in the leaves. If the sun would just come out for awhile it would probably be the best show we've had in years. The bleakness of the sky steals the glory from the leaves though. It's depressing, really.
So, I just looked back at last years blog and I put up the first Christmas tree last year on November 8th. I don't really think I should go any earlier than that. So, my goal is set. I have to try to wait for a few more weeks. If the sun doesn't come out soon, I can't make any promises.
Jon has an interview on Monday. I have to confess it's not much of a relief though. It's for a contract position and it's only until April. It's the only callback he's gotten though, we're not in a position to turn out noses up. It would allow us to sock some extra money away in savings if he gets it, because we'd have a dual income for a couple months...and it's obviously better than nothing for now. Still, it doesn't do much to relieve our stress. Just kind of draws it out. Keep praying for us!
Sam is all done with football. They finished in the middle, but they did beat every team they played from Morrow Co, so they're "county champs".
Tomorrow we have big plans to spend the day at various campfires...pictures will be taken.
Love you all!

The Four Food Groups

Today, I babysat Cash Wilson. Jon and I both enjoy keeping him, we've decided it's a taste of what being a grandparent will be like. We're grandparents in training, if you will. It's all the joy of having a kid around without any of the drudgery. You just don't have to say no when they're not yours. You don't have to worry so much about their character development, or their long term health, or their teeth. It's not that you don't want them to be healthy and morally upright and all. It's just that worrying about it is someone elses job. And that's fun. So, I'm on a learning curve here and I learned something new! Did you know that the four food groups as you know them are variable? These are the four foodgroups of the "grandparent":

1. Bacon, no, no eggs, just bacon. And more bacon. And more.

My sister-in-law, Carolina, calls bacon the "candy of meats". I think she's onto something there.

2. Pure unadulterated sugar. The kind Mom and Dad just won't give you. You know what I'm talking about. How many Mom's say yes to the Mtn. Dew/Candy combo? I know my kids don't get it. Ever.

3. Popcorn. Ok, I confess, even my kids consider popcorn a food group.

And last, but in Cash's estimation certainly not least,

4. Cookies. In this instance I use the term cookie very loosely. It's actually a very stale Oreo, but 2 year olds don't have a discriminating palette when it comes to cookies. He was just thrilled that it was orange.

So, now he has gone with his mommy and my kids are on their way home. I guess it's time to morph back to mommy myself and figure out which vegetable I'm going to torture my kids with for supper.

I love you all!

To Be Her Hero...

I would do anything. OK, not really, but this one was actually pretty easy. God Bless Melissa for doing lessons for Mags, at a really ridiculous rate. Which is to say, she has made Maggie's dream affordable for us! Last week, Melissa and I set up a time and day and Maggie has been counting down the days ever since...

Today, this evening, was the big day...what all the anticipation and fuss has been about for a week!

Melissa and I were on the same wavelength. I was a little concerned that Maggie would think it was all fun and games ~ the first thing she had to do was brush Jake. Make sure he wouldn't have any dirt under his saddle. Then she had to learn the commands and how to be his boss.

I was really concerned about this part, the Maggie as the boss of a big ole horse part. She did much better than I thought she would do. Which is to say that Jake was her boss...BUT, she wasn't scared of him. She has been scared in the past. Honestly, when she said she wanted horseback riding lessons, I though yeah, ok, this will last 15 minutes. Like until she has to walk up and touch a horse and then we're done. But, she proved me so wrong.

She walked him awhile then she kind of helped Melissa saddle Jake up. And with the help of a stepping stool, by golly, she just climbed right on. As if she does it everyday. SOOO not scared!

Melissa had to get her situated, boots in the stirrups and all.

Then, the moment...the moment she needed pink cowboy boots for, the moment she was riding a horse.

Her moment. The one where she was a cowgirl. Or a horse girl or whatever.

Rest easy ~ the following picture is just skillfully cropped. Melissa was never far from her side. But it made for a much better picture to show her riding independantly.

Doesn't she look happy? I can beat that though...how's this one for a look of accomplishment, bliss even?

All done, leading him back to take off his saddle and brush him before going home. And none too soon, if you ask Jake. His expression is even better than Maggies! Priceless!

Tuesday at 5pm is officially Maggie's new favorite time of all!

Love you!!