We sure have a lot to be thankful for, don't we? And by 'we', I mean all of us.
I hope everyone had a delicious day yesterday - we spent the afternoon with Craig's family. It's always a great meal and Grandma Red always sends us home with some interesting leftovers.
If you've ever had Craig's rolls, leftovers are hard to come by. Grandma saved 7 for us (1 for each) and 5 were gone before we got home! She also sent 1/2 of an applie pie, some carrots and a bunch of kiwi from their garden. They picked 345 kiwi this season!!! We also got 2 jars of homemade grape juice...yes, from their garden. The Rust garden is a sight of beauty, especially when we get to reap what they sow! All summer we were supplied with fresh green beans and zuchini too. Definitely something to be thankful for!
No early morning crazy shopping for us. Craig usually goes just to look around (he's nuts) and I've gone once, about 12 years ago. I hated it.
Today is the big 'Civil War' football game between the Oregon State Beavers and the Oregon Ducks. We have a divided family so it's always a bit tense! Craig made bbq chicken wings - full tummys help any situation.
I finished re-painting my red wall the other day. It's been 9 years and I didn't realize how much it had dulled. It's bright and cheery now and ready for Christmas.
We'll go cut our Christmas tree down next Saturday and I'm getting all the stuff out tomorrow. I have two church events at my house this season so it gives me an excuse to get it all ready early!
Go Ducks!
Go Beavs! (i'm the mom so i have to be neutral)

Does anybody recognize this suit?! A couple years before Grandpa Smurth died, we were visiting him and he insisted that Craig take a couple of his suits. We got this beige beauty and a yellow pinstriped classic - even the hat is a grandpa hat. Pretty cool. Both suits have come in handy as costumes over the years and since they weigh about 10 pounds each (no kidding!), they have kept the boys warm on our windy and cold Halloween nights. The briefcase was Logan's candy bag and he did good, bringing home some of my faves... Reese's, Hot Tamales and Smarties!
Next time you all see Jordan, be sure to congratulate him (or something like that). He and a friend volunteered (and caved to 'brother' pressure), to run down the street in their Speedos on Halloween night! It was definitely a moment frozen in time and I think Jordan earned some respect from his brothers that night. Please tell me some of you uncles and cousins did crazy things like this when you were a teenager????
I might as well tell you about Brady and his friends - they have an ape costume and an old man mask (very creepy) and they just casually terrorized the neighborhood scaring everyone - the parents liked it alright but the kids got scared (duh). Then, these guys climbed on our roof and chucked giant marshmallows at everyone who came to our door! The next morning there were tons of soggy marshmallows on the front lawn. THEN, they came in the house and gave out candy at the door, with the old man mask on - staring down these adorable kids as they walked up the front steps. I guess kids will go through anything to get free candy!!I
I figured since the rest of you were sharing your Halloween stories, I would share mine too. Your cute little superman boys and princess girls will be all grown up before you know it! Then - you'll understand my world, maybe just a little bit! :)

Ahhh - the joys of living with a bunch of teenage boys.