Younglings

Saturday was our ward Trunk or Treat party. We held it in the church parking lot. I have never been to an outdoor Halloween party in my life. I wore short sleeves and there were mosquitoes. The leaves are turning here and it's in the 70's. I think I'm going to enjoy the mild winter after all.

Michael and Sam are obsessed with Star W*ars and act it out all day long. "Don't destroy my planet Tatooine!" "I will knock down Darth Vader and then he will die." "He's nice when he takes off his mask. He's my dad." It is hilarious. I told a friend and she pulled out these two Jedi Knight shirts and belts she made a few years ago for her own boys. I was so excited! Halloween - Done! Josh picked up a couple of lightsabers and we were ready to go.

Imagine their excitement when there was a real Darth Vader at the party! Fortunately this five year old was kind enough to pose and play with the boys. Michael then spent the rest of the night chasing him around the party! He was in heaven and really thought he was Luke Sky*walker. He ran up and down the shrubs at the edge of the parking lot following a parade of older kids dressed as super heroes and other Star W*ars characters. We had to keep an eye on him, but he stayed busy defending the universe.


Sam was a little put off by the tweeners in masks and scary costumes and preferred spending his time with his friend from nursery.

Here they are with her older sister chaperoning in the middle. He asks to play with them almost every day and was happy to escort, and follow, her about at the party. Because they are wearing the same costume, they are officially "Younglings", young Jedi's in training, although they will tell you Michael is Luke Sky*walker and Sam is Han Solo. Sam gets to kiss me, Princess Leia, that way. Everyone's a winner! I wanted to get Princess Leia costume, but ran out of steam. Fortunately there were two other Princess Leia's at the party!
Together we'll destroy the Death Star and save the Princess!

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Leading the Rebellion is a real confidence booster and sure makes you hungry for some candy!

Josh was one of three chili judges and ate 15 different kinds of chili. Guess who won first prize?
Me!

Recipe follows:
Brown 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 c. finely chopped onion.
Drain.

Add:
Two 16 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained.
Two 16 oz. cans dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
One 16 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed.
1/2 c. ketchup
1/4 c. red wine vinegar

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer at least 30 minutes.

Add:
3 Tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. ground thyme
Simmer at least an additional 30 minutes.

Happy Halloween!

The Music Man

After a good night's sleep and on a more positive note I proudly present Professor Harold Hill!

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Pet Peeve

None of you are offenders, so I shouldn't post this here, but I am so tired of hearing the following when I am out with the boys:

Wow. You sure have your hands full!
I bet they keep you busy!

Yes I do and yes they do. I am sure we all cause quite a scene when we go out. They run away, they scream, they do what two-year-old boys do, and twice as much of it. It's gotten worse since they've given up naps and are generally unfit to live with after 3pm, but outings must be taken and errands must be run.

I'm sure it's exacerbated by the fact that I have had a lot of cramping and try to avoid picking them up. Even if that weren't the case, I can't pick them both up at the same time anymore, so that defeats the purpose.

What will they say when I have number three?