HALLOWEEN

This year for Halloween the branch decided to do their own Halloween party and not combine with the Westerville Ward.  We did it in the church and decorated classrooms instead of trunks so we didn't have to worry about the weather.  I forgot to get a picture of our decoration.  Mike made an ocean and kids had to fish for their candy.  Alex helped them throw the line over, and Mike clipped a couple pieces of candy that the kid then reeled in.  On Halloween I made the usual Halloween pizza and witch's finger breadsticks.  

CHIMNEY SWEEP

 We have not had our chimney cleaned since we moved in 4 years ago.  We also do not know when or if they cleaned it before that.  We use it quite regularly in the winter and figured it was time to clean it.  I called several chimney sweeping companies but they all wanted hundreds of dollars to clean and inspect it.  One company offered a complimentary inspection so I accepted.  The guy took a couple pictures of the fireplace and went on the roof to check the chimney.  He presented to me an estimate of $2500!  He wanted to completely re-do the top of the chimney and fix all the cracks.  I declined.  Later, Mike and I went on the roof to get a better look at what he had seen.  The chimney was completely solid.  No pieces breaking off, just a couple of cracks that are normal.  No loose bricks.  Nothing alarming.  I bought a chimney sweeping kit and some cement sealer.  One day I swept and vacuumed out the chimney.  I then used the sealant to seal the cement on top of the chimney.  I also filled in a few cracks in the bricks to prevent water from causing damage.  Less than $100 and a few hours of time and it is good as new!

TRASH PANDA PUPPET

 Mike is always calling raccoons "trash pandas."  One day we went to the library for story time.  They had a huge pile of puppets for the kids to play with.  Alex found a "trash panda" puppet.  We had to get a picture to show Mike.

CHIPMONK CHEEKS

 Bridget was being silly at lunch one day and stuffed a bunch of grapes in her cheeks.

BRIDGET THE PIZZA EATER

 One Friday, Bridget picked her pizza shirt to wear.  Obviously, I had to make pizza that night and get a picture of her wearing her pizza shirt while eating pizza.

WAITING ROOM PIC

 While sitting in the waiting room for Shane's doctor appointment, the kids asked to take a picture.  How can I resist taking a picture with these cute kids?

NIBBLER

 I tried to plug in my cell phone and realized that we have a nibbler on the loose.

CONFERENCE SNACKS

We all look forward to General Conference weekend, especially the yummy treats.

SOCKS

 While putting the girls to bed, I was reading some books.  I was hot and took off my socks.  A few minutes later I looked up and saw that Bridget had put them on over her pajamas.

TOOTHLESS

 Maggie lost another tooth.  She is running out of teeth to lose.