We have long since outgrown Trick or Treating and Halloween has become somewhat of an awkward holiday.  It was never really a favorite of mine (although the loads of candy was cool) and now that my kids are all teens it's almost an annoying "holiday". 

This year was a bit different, however, because the girls got to go to a dance!  Rather than doing the costume thing and having a plethora of "thou shalt not's", the organizers decided to employ black lights and have a "who is the brightest" contest.  It was soooo much fun!

The kids have recently become card game aficionados and the idea of dressing with a deck of cards theme was enthusiastically embraced.  They spent a couple of hours creating their assigned/chosen card and this was the result. 

Josh was supposed to be the jack of clubs, but he decided to hang out with some buddies instead. 

I got this recipe from my friend Lyn, but I put my own spin on it.  We have it every Wed. for breakfast and often have the leftovers for a snack.  We make it up the night before and store it in the fridge to make our morning as easy (and as TASTY) as can be!

Baked Oatmeal

3 C. Oatmeal

1 C. Sugar (we use less than 1 C...  more like 3/4 C. of organic, unbleached sugar... I tried honey, but it didn't turn out as soft as we liked)

1 t. salt.  (I use kosher sea salt)

2 t. baking powder (I use aluminum free from Costco)

6 scoops of organic whey protein powder (we use the kind sweetened with stevia and xylitol and either chocolate OR vanilla tastes great)

1 C. milk (actually we use 1 C. of kefir and sometimes add just a little more than a cup since the kefir can be quite thick.  Rice milk also works well!)

2 eggs (organic, if possible)

1/2 C. oil (we use unsweetened organic applesauce instead)

I also sprinkle in a large amount (I never measure... maybe a scant 1/4 C.???) of organic cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into greased 8x11 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  Serve warm topped with applesauce, warm milk, raisins, craisins, nuts, whatever you like.

We have also made this with eggnog instead of milk and it was yummy!

Oh, once I made it with choc. protein powder and added a couple heaping TBS. of raw almond butter and it was nice like that too!

You can find me over here...

at Sunny Scholars.

Here is the most recent photo of Providence. My friend Susan V took the photo in our yard this week.

She is growing up so fast. Wish you could see her face, but doesn't she look cute?

Notice the shirt? I LOVE CANDY... Thought it appropriate being that it's the 31st. LOL!

We aren't going trick-or-treating, but we are going to a church party tonight. Scheduled for the men tonight is a chilli cook-off. For the women, a dessert baking contest.

Logan started his chilli last night. Those pots of goodness always taste better on day two.

As for my dessert? Well, I am up for the challenge. I am making a Chocolate-Pecan Pie and Apple-Cake. Two desserts, just to have extra food on hand. A pie doesn't ever seem big enough~hee,hee,hee.

I am looking forward to seeing our boys dressed up like shephards. Last year folks thought that they were jedis. It was really funny, watching the boys faces when people would comment. The little guys would say something silly like, "No, Maam, I'm a SHEPHARD~!"

Blessings and Joy to all- It's another beautiful day~!

Joyful Happy Harvest Day,

My husband is a GREAT husband and a wonderful father and while he is happy that I homeschool our children he leaves most of that up to me.  That's okay with me, but I sure am thrilled when he helps with one or more part! 

He has tried doing "bookwork" with the children, but he (and the children) don't enjoy that very much!  ;) He is happy to leave that up to me and the children prefer it that way too! 

What he is GREAT at is the hands-on stuff.  I am amazed at what my children are capable of...  stuff I don't even know how to do!  Let me list a few of the things I had NO HAND in teaching our children:

How to change a tire or repair it with fix-a-flat!

How to program electronic devices

How to hitch up an utility trailer to a vehicle

How to load all of our gear on the trailer and tarp it when we go camping

How to install and use a sprinkler system

How to replace a sprinkler head

How to put siding on a house

How to paint a deck railing or stain deck floorboards

How to install exterior lampposts/lighting

How to use power tools

How to repair quads

How to repair bicycles

How to repair anything woodent that breaks in the house

How to patch holes in sheetrock

How to read and understand owner's manuals to anything in our home or car

How to build a cement birm with bender board, quikrete and river rock

How to mow lawns and trim hedges

How to find small jobs in the neighborhood

How to clean out garages and organize camping/fishing gear

How to catch salmon

How to clean fish

How to roller blade and rock climb

How to use maps and GPS devices

How to use simple html and computer programming codes

How to use our DVD player and program our TV

How to use Consumer Reports, Kelly Bluebook, Carfax and other info

How to do a VIN search

How to find a great deal online

How to buy a used car

How to place a business phone call

How to bake the world's best cookies

And...

The names of all of the STAR WARS characters!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband?  I DO! <3