Election Time Nearing

I really tried keeping my trap shut about the nearing election but I just can't hold back any longer. I'm actually really excited about this election. First of all, this will be my first time voting. I know. I know. I've heard for years, "That's your American right." So, when Senators Obama and McCain announced they were running for President of the United States, something intrigued me and I wanted to hear more.

I began listening and watching their campaigns as they paved their way acrossed the country. I paid attention to how they addressed each issue. I've done research on some of the "hot" topics to educate myself and in my opinion, understand why their plan would or wouldn't work. There is so much to consider when you're trying to decide who to vote for. This is a big decision. Maybe I'm so excited about this particular election because of the history making statics behind it. Or, maybe I just really agree with...drum roll please...Obama.

I really agree with his tactics and ideas about energy Conservation, education, tax breaks for the middle class, ect...this just touches the surface. But, without getting into too much details, my instinct's and heart are telling me to go with Obama. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

So, come election day, I'll need someone to hold my hand and guide me through the process but as long as I get my vote in, I don't care that I'll need my hand held. Wish me good luck and may the best man win!

Senator Barack Obama (Soon to be our next President of the United States)

Treats, Treats, Treats

Despite the blustery cold weather last night, the trick or treaters were out in droves. Actually, the trick or treaters probably didn't mind the weather because what was important to them was of course, filling their bags with goodies.

As we went door to door, we got a chance to see some very scary and creepy decorations. We completely skipped one house because we heard loud screams coming from the kids. (We had little ones in our group) It seems decorating for Halloween has become just as popular as Christmas. We walked the neighborhood for about 1 hour and then headed back to G.J. and Grandpa's house. Immediately, the kids emptied their bags of goodies on the floor and starting picking through to find their favorite candy. Watching them dig through their goodies reminded me of my trick or treating days. My favorite candy was and still is M&M's and Snicker Bars. Although, these days, eating candy is something I try to avoid (sometimes). I had one Twix bar and felt guilty with every bite.

We had a great time and the kids looked great in their costumes. Take a look for yourself.

Holly fit into her Black Cat costume perrrrrfect.

Our gang from the left Carley, Taylor, Sam, Gabrielle, Katie, Casey, and Holly

Gabrielle enjoying her treats

Spook-a-lishous

Tonight is the start of the Halloween celebration. You see, Pennsylvania does things a bit different and confusing. Each township decides when they want to designate a night for trick or treating and tonight is Penntownships night. We're taking the kids to G.J.'s and Grandpa's to cruise their neighborhood for goodies. Then, on Friday, we're cruising over to my sister in-law's neighborhood for more trick or treating.

Over the years, Halloween seems to have grown in popularity. As you ride around, spooky ghosts and pumpkins illuminate yards and porches while bushes and trees are decorated with glowing orange lights. I have to admit, some displays are down right scary and creative. People spend a lot of time on these projects trying to make them the most creepy and spookiest of all just so they can scare the pants off of people.

The blustery wind sure does make it feel like Halloween but we're not going to let any ghouls or Werewolves that may be prowling around tonight scare us. No sireee! That's why the husbands are coming along. BWAAAAHAHAHAHAA!!!

My First Attempt At Pie Making

Okay people, I know you'll get a good laugh after you read this and you may even think to yourself that it's about time I did this for my family. Today, was my first attempt at making an apple pie. Yep, that's right. It's hard to believe, isn't it? I never needed to or even wanted to. Every holiday, someone always has apple pie to offer so we eat it and have our fill. This year, Kelly was nice enough to give us some of the apples they brought back from Baugher's Orchard. Kelly and Mom made their own pies so, I thought maybe I should try my hand at it. I reached for my handy dandy Better Homes and Garden Cook Book and found the apple pie recipe. Gabrielle and I worked together preparing it. She mixed the dry ingredient's together while I started peeling the apples. After the apples were peeled, we poured the dry ingredient's into the bowl of apples and mixed. Once the apples were coated with the sugary mixture, we dumped it into our pie crust and then topped it with the other pie crust. Easy! Easy! Easy! Matt doesn't know about this yet because he was out doing a landscaping job, but he's going to be in heaven because he loves sweets. It's cooking right now and the house smells wonderful. I'll check back later to let you know how it turned out.

The Results...
For my first try at making pie, I think I did pretty well. I baked it for about 1hr. and 10 minutes on 425. I brushed the top of the crust with milk and sprinkled it with sugar and it came out beautifully. Take a look for your self.

Before...

...and after

The pot next to the pie is simmering apple peels in water with cinnamon added to give it more aroma. Just a little tip for making homemade potpourri. Did I mention that it tastes darn good, too? Get your holiday order in now.

For The Love Of Reptiles

Many of you are well aware of Matt's enthusiasm for reptiles. Over the years, his collection of snakes and geckos have grown in numbers as well as his fondest for rare and unusual morphs. I have to admit, his collection is quite impressive and interesting. I never dreamed I would marry a reptile nerd. Just kidding, honey. Reptiles are often the topic of our discussions. Sometimes during dinner, Matt likes to share important reptile information with me like, the number of frozen rats eaten verses the number of live mice. That always makes for a great dinner conversation. Just pickin on ya, Matt. I know he doesn't mean to talk about snakes constricting dead rats at dinner time. He does it because this is his passion.

Matt has been a reptile enthusiast since he was a young lad. His first collection consisted of Anoles and House Geckos and then, at the age of 13, his sister introduced him to his first Ball Python, Charlie. After Charlie, Matt brought a few other snakes to live with him under his parents roof. Including a milk snake that escaped from his cage sending his Mom to live with his sister. Luckily, soon afterwards, the snake was found by his Dad. At the age of 22, Lizards Of Oz was founded and ever since, his passion for reptiles has grown even greater.

Twelve years later, through determination and experience, Matt has built a diverse collection of reptiles. He anticipates that in the near future, he'll have the abilities to run his own breeding facility as a full time business. Matt doing his nightly ritual of misting his snakes
Rough Knob -Tailed Gecko or Nephrurus Amyae

Pie-Bald Ball Python
Aztec Boa
Matt's breeding facility

New Traditions

Today was our first time going to Baugher's Orchard to pick pumpkins. Before kids, we just never thought of doing that. We always loved going to festivals and doing outdoor activities but, I guess going to Baugher's never crossed our minds. But now, now that we're parents, we were really looking forward to taking Gabrielle and Holly on a hayride and letting them pick their own pumpkins. Payton, Matt's Nephew and MiMi and Pop (Matt's parents), tagged along, too. But, as we were waiting in line to board the hayride, Payton started feeling sick. Poor little guy. So, MiMi and Pop decided to stay back with Payton while we took the girls on their first hayride/pumpkin excursion. Payton, MiMi and Pop never did get their chance to take a hayride. Here are a few pictures from our day at Baugher's Orchard.


Holly, searching for the perfect pumpkin




A face only your mother could love

Despite loosing some of our gang, next year we'll try getting the same people together for a day at Baugher's Orchard therefore, continuing a new tradition.

Split Pea Anyone?

I know you've been anxiously awaiting my next blog but I was holding out for something spectacular and I think I found it.

I've heard all kinds of complaints from Moms over the years about the picky eaters they have in their families. Or how their kids simply won't eat anything but macaroni and cheese (without the peas). I think I was guilty of that as a kid but that was then this is now. Anyhow, I guess I have really been lucky so far, because my girls are not picky eaters and tonight for the first time, I gave them Split Pea with Ham and Bacon soup. I really glorified the green, slimy soup by adding some unsalted crackers and without any coaxing or bribing, down the hatch it went. Holly only had about 5 mouthfuls and then gagged so I decided she had enough but Gabby, now she seemed to enjoy each bite. I think I was just as surprised as you.

Will the next time be so easy? Will the green, goopy soup look as appetizing as tonight? If not, I won't complain. At least I can say my girls ate Split Pea Soup and enjoyed it. Not too many Moms can brag about that.

Wishing Well Wednesday

I'm a day behind in posting about Wishing Well Wednesday so followers (Mom and Kelly), don't be alarmed, I didn't have a chance to work on it yesterday.

As I was searching for some trivia, I stumbled across a website called Wishing Well Foundation. A non-profit organization that grants wishes to children between the ages of 3-18 with life-threatening illnesses. The Foundation receives referrals from Doctors, Nurses, and people like us. The children are to wish for something they will enjoy and have memories of so many of the wishes are for trips, spending a day with their hero or superstar, or for an item their families could not necessarily afford (i.e.: car, laptop). I was so intrigued, I contacted the Foundation for more information. Take a minute to check out their site. You'll be touched just as I was. I'll keep you posted regarding any new information they send me.

Now, the trivia for Wishing Well Wednesday is:

Finish the sentence;
I wish I may
I wish I might...


Answer: Wish upon a star tonight.

My wish for today is to get through tonight's Vice Presidental debate without getting fired up!