Trick-or-Treat

I had great plans to throw a fantastic Halloween party, but ended up settling for a ghoulish dinner. Mummy dogs, Mashed Potato Ghosts, and Frankenstein Juice made up the menu.

We had a great time trick-or-treating with Anna this year. It was such a lovely night, in the 50's. We walked to the neighborhood behind our townhome with Isaac in tow. Anna was the recipent of many ooohs and awwws. It was really nice to get out of the house and feel a little like a normal human being after that whole birth thing. We had to convince Anna that we needed to head home, but she was out by the time we got there. Too much excitement for such a little girl.

Projects

Anna loves making projects. She was especially proud of this scarecrow creation and even requested here picture be taken. By the by, we do generally wear pants around here, but Anna's usually disappear around 4:00 pm. She knows how to get them off, it's the putting back on that's tricky.

The New Bed

Poor Anna. Since the demise of her crib, Anna has been sleeping on her crib mattress on the floor. The plan was to get her a twin bed for Christmas, but one of Jeff's co-workers offered this adorable toddler bed to us for FREE! We happily accepted the offer and Anna has loved sleeping in it. And, bonus, he also had a crib to get rid of too!

On a more serious note, this was such an unexpected blessing. Things are a little tight for us and we (especially me) had been stressing over how we were going to fit new beds into our already stretched budget. I couldn't believe it when Jeff came home and told me about his friend's offer. (Who, by the way, had no idea that we needed them.) This was definitely an answer to prayers.

Yum.

Last Saturday Jeff was craving some Schlostsky's food, so we made the 45 minute drive to the closest franchise. Mmmmm, was it worth it! I love going to Schlosky's with Jeff because he has such fond memories of working there as a teenager. (Seriously, he loved working there.) Icing on the cake, they had Creamy Potato Soup on the menu, Jeff's favorite.

Reluctantly Responding

So, I'm not a big fan of tag system because I find it really hard to write about myself, but since I'm the only one in the lunch group who hasn't replied (minus Becky), I'll do my best.

8 Random Facts about Rachel

1. I have to have control of the remote control and I'm a major channel flipper. Luckily, my devoted husband always lets me have it.

2. If I could have a shopping spree at any mall store it would be Anthropologie. I pretty much love everything about this store. If I could afford a style, this would be it.

3. I hate running, but love to run races. I guess this feeds into my competitive nature. I'm most consistent in training when I've committed to some sort of race.

4. I crave (and usually indulge in) something sweet after every meal. (Side note: Jeff informs me that this a woman thing and not a unique random fact. Sexism? I think so.)

5. I fantasize about entertaining and throwing parties, though I rarely do. I usually chicken out because I'm afraid no one will show up. If only you could come to the parties in my head, they are really fabulous.

6. I still have dreams about missing finals even though I graduated from college almost seven years ago.

7. Cooking is a major stress reliever for me.

8. I hate wearing shoes and socks.

Pumpkins

October just wouldn't be complete with some good ol' fashion pumpkin carving. I bet you can't guess which one Jeff did. Anna wanted a "spooky punkin" and informed me I would be making a "happy punkin." My favorite is Isaac's itty bitty classic jack-o-lantern.

Baby Love

Today was, all in all, not the greatest day of my life. Isaac pretty much cried all day. I walked circles around the house consoling my brawny boy and Anna walked circles around me. I think we were all at our wits end when the heavens opened for a moment. I sat down to rest my arms (so sore) and rather than the usual increase in crying volume, Isaac looked up at me with the most serene face. And then, I swear it, he smiled at me, crusty mouthed from his mid-afternoon milking, and I melted into a puddle. It was as if he was saying,

"Love you, ma. Just so you know."

A couple of minutes of mom-baby gazing ensued before returning to our circles and crying game. My heart lifted a bit, the crys didn't resonate so loudly in my ears, and the day became just a little more bearable.

Love you Isaac. Just so you know.