Halloween with my brother. A yearly tradition. The kids love the fact that Uncle is tireless, and will go as long as they are able to walk.... pumpkins and gourd greeting all of the trick or treaters, all 200+ of them!

Worlds Dullest Blog...... and I thought I never had anything interesting to say!

Of Bagels and other great things......

Today I tried something new. Making my own bagels. Not a difficult task at all and they even came out looking like "real" bagels!

The kids were thrilled as they seem to be their mainstay as of late. Daniel thinks they taste better than store bought, Claire is not so sure but is not willing to give any up. Sam only says mmmmmm......

I finished a fabulous book this morning. The Kite Runner. Absolutely incredible story and such a great read. Our book club will be discussing it at my place in November, and I can't wait to hear what everyone else thought of it.

The kids were home today, and we couldn't have had better weather. Sunny, mild and wind free. The kids had a great time out in the leaves, and helping to drape the trees with cobwebs. Here's hoping monday night is as nice...

Homemade pizza night here at our house, followed by a movie and pop-corn. The kids have such funny tastes, Claire likes olives and cheese, Sam olibes (spelled that way on purpose) and bacon, and Daniel is willing to try just about anything. I'm happy so long as their are olives and hot peppers, and lots of veggies. Hud misses out as he is at work.

Mom was here for a couple of days this week, and the kids had a blast. Especially the last day when they discovered that she was very good at air hockey.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend......

Now if only I could somehow get my hands on the money......

My blog is worth $14,113.50.
How much is your blog worth?

Yes Dad...this is just how I want my mouth to be!

A little help from Grammy....

Working hard.....

Jake wanting not to miss out on any pumpkin sampling!

Mustn't miss any seeds for roasting.....

Like my top?

Sam chose not to have a pumpkin as he couldn't find one small enough, so he opted for a gourd instead!

The finished product!

What's up with the roses still blooming at the end of October?

One of the last Hollyhocks....

And today from Andrea we have this game......

Go to http://www.google.com/ and select Images. Type in your responses to the questions below and choose a picture from the first page only that represents your answer.

Your home town?
The town/city where you now live?
Last years favorite Christmas present?
Your occupation?
Your hobby or pastime?
What's your favorite meal?
Favorite smell?
Your ideal vacation spot?

Halifax

Where do I live now?
Time with my family was by far the best gift!
Stay at home mom is my job
Gardening
Thai food at Talay Thai
Vanilla
The Bahamas

Would you be concerned.....

if, when you turned your back, your three year old was trying to ignite his dinner roll using the candles in the center of the table?

Sam the dog farmer, all geared up for his pre-school harvest party.

Alone and other things.....

Hud is away this weekend with the youth. I am here with the kids. I love having the bed to myself, but I hate the noises of the night when I am alone. Last night I was awakened by a sound like dishes from downstairs. Me being me, was terrified and therefore frozen under my duvet. It didn't help matters when I started thinking about the show Criminal Minds that I had watched the night before, where women were being attacked in their homes in the middle of the day. I lay there torturing myself for a couple of hours 'til sleep finally won out again. I wasn't nearly ready for the day when the boys climbed in with me at 6:30.

Karen and her kids came later in the morning and we spent the day watching them tear through the house so glad to be together again. After we cleaned up from lunch we sat down while the kids played, watched movies etc, and made some christmas cards. YES....I know it's early, but it's best to get at it when a spare moment is found. Just like old times, hanging out, making plans for home renos, drinking far too much tea than is good for one's bladder and laughing 'til we wet ourselves. We enjoyed one of our favorite suppers together, loving the kids antics at the table. We had shared thanksgiving dinner at their place last week, so it was a real treat being together again so soon.

Andrea's post was very fitting, reminding us all not to take our friendships for granted as they can be altered so easily by circumstance. Distance is not my best friend, it sure makes things different, but I'm willing to do what's necessary to keep it alive.

Daniel's retainers are strange, having to crank his mouthpiece wider on a daily basis is odd, and a little nauseating as he gags when the crank gets to the back of his tongue. So far we have managed not to have a mess but it's been close a couple of times.

Underwear boy lives on, ready to take on any enemies he feels are present. He spends his days flying through the house with some sort of sword. Andrew sent he and Daniel some little wooden knives he carved for them and so now Sam is properly equiped for his rampages.

Claire is loving school and is so very organized in regards to her homework and everything else school. She has been on her toes keeping us as a family on the ball in regards to our thanksgiving leaves that we write on every night in Oct. After every supper she brings us leaves and a pen and we need to come up with what we are thankful for. Her best one yet is bananas dipped in chocolate. I'd have to agree on that one.

Off to tuck a wee boy into bed...planning on enjoying a good book listening to the rain as it continues to pour outside.

And now we give you ....

Bumbling Bav! AAAHHHH Whooo Hooo AAAHHHH!

**bav steps forward and motions crowd to settle back into their seats**

Thank you friends for such a warm welcome. Today I would like to talk to you about FRIENDSHIP.

** more cheering**

Thank you. I feel so blessed to be here and to speak of such a heart felt topic. You see friendship can be a life saving gift. We all have it in us to give... but do we all not drop the ball for time to time. Do we not get caught up in our own lives forgetting the things others may be going through.

**crowd is very quiet**

Lets start with this new thing called BLOGGING. You see when you go and start up a blog you slowly build friendships. And you may have things happening in your life and the blog gets put to the side. You are then taking your friendships that you were giving through said blog, and leaving you devoted (very beautiful and smart) friends just hanging.

**big gasp from crowd**

I know, I know ... you say you would never do that. But people I am telling you... I have been one of those people myself. Shshshsh, settle down. I know this sounds horrid. And I promise this will have a good outcome. Please stay with me.

You see, I have left my blog. I too have not updated for days. (tearing up) This is so hard to talk about. (wipes nose with sleeve) And I too have let my friendships go stale with no love or attention. But then I got a call. No it was not a burning bush. It was a call from my friend Alison. You will all get to know her in a minute. You see Alison saw that I was letting go. She, being a good friend called me on accountability. And with that call, (deep breath) I saw that the friendships I had planted on my blog had grown and become a park full of life.

Alison gave me friendship and I hope that I too can repay the favor. For Friendship should be given freely so that the garden can continue to grow.

**crowd goes crazy, people are cheering and crying**

People... People... My friend Alison!

TAGGED

I was tagged by Margie....

1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same.

Here's my 23rd posts fifth sentence:

" Oh daddy, I can't get to the door..there is just too much lava!"

I tag...Lori, Emily, and Cori, and anyone else who wishes to play!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I'm now sexier than ever!

Hear the sarcasm! Went to physio this afternoon, enjoyed the normal ultrasound, and electric stuff, and then got to have my knee caps taped in place! When I squeeze my muscle, instead of moving up and down they move side to side. The taping is supposed to force them where they are meant to go. Crazy theory...we'l see if it helps! So for now, I am walking around stiffly with giant bandaid type things on my knees. It's really a shame that summer seems to be back, and it's too hot for pants!

It's going to be a long month....

Sam came to me after it was dark outside last evening and asked if it was time NOW to go christmas treating! Not only is he confusing his festivities, he is also way ahead of schedule!