Fifteen Minutes of Delusion

It all started last month when I noticed October 31st fell on a Saturday. I asked the girls if they would like to spend Halloween at Sea World, and they both jumped at the chance. We know they decorate the park and have special shows during October, so we thought this would be a lot of fun. Plus, it would get us out of Trick-0r-Treats for the year. This is a good thing, because neither girl holds their sugar well. And besides, this still left the Trunk or Treat activity our church does every year for costumes and candy. The bombshell came a couple of weeks ago, when it was announced that Trunk or Treat would be held the same night as Anna's band concert. "I'm not going to the concert," she announced. "You're willing to fail band just to get a bunch of candy?" I asked. "Yes," she replied. "I don't think so." So this year, Halloween is going to be a little different around our house. We still brought down the old Imagewriter II box

Josi, Thank you for your kind words. You are an inspiration to us as well! I have some thoughts on who to tag. I'll pass on my suggestions to Don. 1. Where is your cell phone?....On the counter charging. 2. Your hair? ...... Thicker and curlier than ever. 3. Your mother? ...... Hopefully smiling. 4. Your father?..... cat lover. 5. Your favorite food? ...... Do I have to choose just one? cassava and yak, oh, and pumpkin pie! 6. Your dream last night?.... should've asked me when I woke up. 7. Your favorite drink?.... Since this is Texas, I have to answer Dr. Pepper. It's like the law or something. 8. Your dream/goal? .... For my family to be in perfect health and on our way to Italy. 9. What room are you in? ...... bedroom. 10. Your hobby? .... creating recipes for the family. 11. Your fear? ..... I will be stuck inside for the rest of my life! 12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?... Financially secure and physically healthy. 13. Where were you last night?..... home, watc

Last week Kara and I were given this award by the lovely and talented Josi Kilpack , an amazing lady who has quickly become one of our favorite authors. I'm honored to consider Josi both a mentor and a friend, and I was tickled to get this award from her. This is Josi and I at the 2009 Whitney Awards Gala. Here's what she said about us: Don & Kara —They joint blog, so it goes to both of them, but together, and apart, they are such examples of what life really is. They have some trials, big ones that I can’t imagine, and yet if you ever read their blog they have such joy in their lives, in each other, and in their two daughters. AND, despite their family focus and optimism amid trial, they are generous and motivated toward the accomplishment of their own goals and dreams. That is a very rare gift indeed. Wow - that was great! Thank you, Josi. This award comes with a meme, which I have completed below. (I'm still thinking of who to pass this award on to - I'm not part

Things have been happening here. Rain and temperatures are both falling, animal populations are shifting and changing, and seasonal decorations are finding their way out of the attic. We also got a nice blog award from our friend, Josi, and we'll be posting about that soon. But first, a report on some of the fun things happening in the kitchen. We have an old recipe, a new recipe, a blue recipe, and they're all borrowed. (It kinda works, right?) Okay, here we go. First up, the old: Gingerbread. This is an old favorite. We've been making these cookies for years. With the cooler weather, it's now gingerbread season, although in my opinion it's always gingerbread season. In the interest of typing time, blog space, and giving proper credit, I'll go ahead and link to the recipe. We use the classic Betty Crocker recipe, which can be found here . Next is the blue: Almond Blueberry Cookies. These are some cookies Kara recently came up with. They have quickly become a f