Halloween is HERE!

I love this time of year! All the holidays are upon us. Halloween, my Best Friends birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years--sheesh! Its great. I love all the festivities, traditions,sights, and smells, but most importantly I love the laughter the of my kids. We kicked off the season with our 2nd annual Halloween Party/Family Home Evening. We invited some of our great friends to join us. We had great soups, breads, hotchocolate and desserts galore! The kids all enjoyed the evening with a cupcake walk, a doughnut eating race, a fish pond, guessing jar and of course the monster mash musical chairs-in which Trevor won! The older kids kept the night going by playing "ghosts in the graveyard". The weather was beautiful, and great for an evening outside. Our back yard weas decked out with everyones pumpkins all carved and lit. I bought a fireplace just in case it was cold, but it added to the ambiance! Next year my friend Maleen said she was going to make us all hand warmers. I am keeping her to that offer, because last year--we were all FREEZING! It was a great night, and a fun tradition that I think we will keep on a doing.

Monster Mash!

Halloween Rules:

1. When it appears that you have killed the monster, "never" check to see if it's really dead.
2. Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke.
3. Do not search the basement, especially if the power has just gone out.
4. If children speak to you in Latin or any other language which they should not know, or if they speak to you using a voice which is other than their own, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run. NOTE: It will probably take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared.
5. When you have the benefit of numbers, "never" pair off and go it alone.
6. As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.
7. Never stand in, on, above, below, beside, or anywhere near a grave, tomb, crypt, mausoleum, or other house of the dead.
8. If you're searching for something which caused a noise and find out that it's just the cat, leave the room immediately if you value your life.
9. If appliances start operating by themselves, move out.
10. Do not take "anything" from the dead.
11. If you find a town which looks deserted, it's probably for a reason. Take the hint and stay away.
12. Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're sure you know what you are doing.
13. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice, more if you are of the female persuasion. Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you.
14. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, and so on, get away from them as fast as possible.
15. Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (you're in trouble if you recognize this one), the Bermuda Triangle, or any small town in Maine.
16. If your car runs out of gas at night, do not go to the nearby deserted-looking house to phone for help.
17. Beware of strangers bearing tools such as chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawnmowers, butane torches, soldering irons, band saws, or any device made from deceased companions.

Follow the rules and have a Happy, Safe Halloween! -- Steve

Our mini vacation to VEGAS!

We spent this past week in Vegas for Steve's National Convention with AFLAC. This is his 3rd year qualifying-and let me tell you it is not something easy to do. He works very hard for our "reward" trips. We love them! It's nice to go on an all expense paid trip for a week. What company gives you spending money as well! We had a great time! We stayed in the Venetian Hotel (which was awesome!). The only thing I did not like was that I had to pay $30 a day to work out....needless to say, I chose to spend my money elsewhere and I walked for several hours everyday.

We were able to see "Mama Mia"-which I LOVED! I highly recommend it! It was a great evening. We also saw Wayne Brady LIVE. He was excellent. If you like "Whose line is it anyways", you will love his show. We had back stage passes to "Jubilee" as well. Steve especially liked this show! We went to the movies, ate, shopped, hung out with friends,played the slots and tables,and relaxed.

One of the highlights of the trip for us, was seeing our friends Angie and Gary Irvin. When Stephen first started in the insurance industry 20 years ago-Gary owned the company "Marketing and Management" that Steve worked for. Gary taught Steve everything he knows. He has always been a mentor to Steve. We had 10 years of great memories and fun with the Irvins. Since then, they sold the company to another insurance underwriter. Gary is now with AFLAC< and is a District Sales Coordinator like Steve in Arizona. It was so fun to see them and spend some time with them.

Our next trip that we are in contest for is in progress now. It is our state convention in April. It will be a 9 day cruise to the Carribbean. We are excited, and Steve-o is hitting it hard tomorrow.

Vegas 2007!

What Color are you?

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

"Super" Saturday

So, I am a little behind in my life here. I just wanted to say thanks to all my friends who pulled off a great Super Saturday last weekend! What a great day for all who came. It's always fun to get together with friends, and I personally think I have the greatest friends in the world!

Progress

Well we are finally making some progress after a few months of new birdies. Our good friends Cami and Matt came over yesterday and clipped their wings and talons. Camie worked with me for quite some time on training them. Alot of training seems to be patience-and well we all know that that is one virtue I lack! Anyways by 15 minutes into them being here, they were calming down and by the evening they were being held out of their cages and not freaking out! That darn Samson was flying around my house for 15 minutes before we caught him. The kids have never been able to handle them like they did "Tink", but hey this is progress, and I am hopeful!

*Please note that we dont let Mason hold the birds on his own EVER!

The Finished product

Well many of you-my fellow bloggers have asked what the finished product of the girlies hair was. SO, I finally took some photos this morning. Mikayla's isnt much different. It does have the blonde highlights in it, and is significantly shorter-but it was already so long, it dosent seem to be much different to me. Megs-well hers is a different story. It is darling short, and she is loving it and I think that thats all that matters when you are 8.

chop! chop!

We three girlies had a day at the beauty house of my dear friend Kellie. We love Kellie, she always does such a great job! Not to mention she is great company when your getting your hair done. And of course its always a treat when Dan-o, Mason and JoJo are running around...gotta love the laughter of little boys.

Anyways,our cute Megs wanted all of her beautiful black hair chopped off. Twas her choice and wow-she is so darn cute! We love it, and might I add it is my favorite style on her. I much prefer her hair short, it just sits so cute with her pixie face.

Mikayla girl cut her hair up to the middle of her back (probably 7 inches), and had Kellie highlight her blonde. Oh she is so grown up, and just loves it. She cant stop looking at herself and touching her hair.

Me, well I did the usual coloring of the grey. Had some highlites and a trim.
Its always a great feeling getting your hair done! Thanks Kell-you did great!

Everyone Should do this and post it!

This was great for a laugh. My cousin Emily posted this quiz on her blog, and I was totally laughing--Mainly because I know Em and her fam. So the challenge for all your bloggers is to copy and post! I cant wait to read about you. LOL! Thanks for the fun Emily!

1.. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car): Sophie Celica
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Vanilla Chocolate Chip3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name):KSCO
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Red Kitten
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born): Diane Idaho Falls
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Scoker
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink): The Green Coke
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers): Jack Parry
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Chanel Symphony
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ): Jean Talbot
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Kirkpatrick Kentucky
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Summer Rose
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”): Mango Shorties
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Banana Willow
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)The Scrapbooking Weather Tour
Everyone do it too!

Feeling "40"

So is it true that life gets better at 40? I am not sure quite yet. I like to still think that I am 25--but the past 2 months have shown me quite different. I am feeling 40! Grrrrr..........For all of you who know me,at the end of August I got that nasty pool virus "Crypto". I thought I wanted to die. I have a new appreciation for all of you moms who have morning sickness (especially my good friend Jamee). Can I say it was the worst! For 3weeks, my life was consumed with being in the loo.

THEN--I had to have a lovely root canal! I love my dentist (I have to say that because he and his wife are our best friends LOL). Thanks to him I feel so much better! OMG-again I wanted to die. I woke up with the worst pain in my mouth--thought that ibuprofin would help. UMMmm NO! I called Dr.Dave for some drugs....Did I mention that I cant take "Lortab". So I dont know what was worse mouth pain, or barfing. But he got me right in--Im sure that the other patrons were not too happy, when I just walked in and took a seat-like I was entitled or something. I just bawled and he nummed me, and relief was on its way. Thanks Dave! I love you!

The Saga continues....So last week, I go in for my 6 month biopsy, and to have my blood drawn--because I have a lovely thyroid disease (hoshimoto syndrome). The doc tells me I am looking pretty good as far as he can tell--hey I even lost weight (no thanks to crypto!) I'm thinking all is well till I get the dreaded call on Friday that my blood work was back and that I need a follow up consult immediately! Nice -just what I wanted to hear before the dang weekend!

Well it all boils down to this---my thyroid is non-functioning for some dumb reason, which in turn is causing some other problems. I have "High cholesterol". High enough that they were worried about me having a heart-attack or a stroke. Now mind you I am freaking 40 years old! High cholesterol is for old dudes. I was freaking out. I'm not that obese either! So, I now have to get my thyroid levels back to normal (being tested bi-monthly), and I am on cholesterol pills. I have to work out 5 days a week, and change my entire diet. AND lose 10 lbs by December first when they re-check my levels altogether again.

I have since learned that high cholesterol and heart disease is the number one killer in woment 38-45 in the US. AND 80% of the women do not know that they have high cholesterol. SO basically this was a blessing in disguise for me to find out. I have been a little (ok, ALOT) depressed this week--but thanks to my good friends Dean (Deanne), and Jamee--they are keeping me going and positive.

I bought a pass to go to the rec with Dean...Um did water aerobics with a bunch of 80 year old women (who were there to exchange recipes-lol), and I went to my first spinning class today. It is true what they say--"Spinning will kick your trash!" Yes it did mine. BUT I lasted the whole hour without stopping and I have jello legs, and a sore hynie! BUT I am determined to not be in that high cholesterol catagory come December 1st!
I want to be able to say that "40 is Fabulous!" Wish me luck!

And Thats a Wrap--- of our summer 2007

Bounteous Harvest

Its always great when you have a full cupboard, pantry, and freezer-BUT it is even better when your freezer is full of meals for a month. ALL prepared! There are several of us (me, Jamee,Liz,Julie, Charese,and Walkyria) that all got together and each did 4 meals and made them 6 times-plus making one dessert. THUS making it a whopping 24 meals finished and done! It is so awesome! Makes my life so much easier. And to quote Jamee-"you feel rich" when you look in your freezer at all the meals. I look forward to doing this again next month! It is definately worth my time, and my fam loves it!