Thursday, November 8--apple bars!

I apologize for not being very up to date this week on my blog. Thursday night we were all home to eat dinner together and so I made one of Matt's favorite desserts-apple bars! They are quite time-consuming but oh so yummy! Riggs thinks he doesn't like them and so did Kate but after Kate had a tiny bite, she said "mom! these are delicious and so goooood!" It is basically thin apple pie. a perfect treat to a November night!

Election Day!!!!

Today is election day! And Iowa is a battleground state. I love that the candidates come here often; it gives us great opportunities to get in on the action as a small state. But the BEST part of the election process this year was that I only waited 10 minutes to vote; chatted it up with the election people (Wanda Hunter) and when I walked out feeling good, I saw this great, Iowa sky and this great, old corn bin. I know, my husband teased me about it but I loved seeing it. Where else you can park next to the door to the polling place, near a corn bin with a sign that says "no tractor trailer parking?" Love my state! (now just don't ask me if I love it in January!)

Saturday, November 3--Fondue!!!!

We had a great Saturday! We got the house halfway clean in the morning and then went to see Wreck It Ralph-a cute movie! Then we hung out to watch the Hawkeyes and drowned our sorrows in chocolate fondue! Not Kate just tearing up the angel food cake!!

November 2--Riggen has glasses!

It was a busy day today but we were all thankful it was FRIDAY!!!! Riggen was especially excited because he got his new glasses! He loves them! He said, "mom! I can now see the sign!" He's ready to show them off to his friends on Monday!

November 1--All Saints' Day...

So today is All Saints Day which historically was a way the Catholic Church attempted to get rid of pagan traditions since "All Hallows Eve" was pagan. A little history lesson...

I thought this was an appropriate title for this evening too because Mathew is being a saint! Kate asked for help on her Math homework and Mathew readily agreed. He's been helping her for nearly an hour now and is very patient with her. He definitely earned the title of the day!

Wednesday, October 31 Halloween!

So, our school is crazy. Each department picks the theme each year. This year the science department picked make or models of cars. Can you guess? Answers below.

Sandy Cloe and myself...

Part of the nerdy math team...Michael Link and Brian Reece

 Still nerdy math team...Joe Obrycki and Mike Marcketti

 My boss, Crista Carlile and Anne Cross...

 Lindsay Fredregill...

 Kris Hilton and Terri Steinmann...

Pretty creative group, eh? can you imagine your high school teachers doing this?? Nope, didn't think so.


Answers: Sandy=VW Rabbit
Me=Ford Explorer
Michael=Ford Taurus--no idea, some math reference
Brian=Dodge Avenger
Joe=Matrix
Mike M.=Subaru outback
Crista=smart car
Anne=Malibu
Lindsay=Honda Fit
Terri-Siren-character in Odyssey
Kris-Honda Pilot

Tuesday, October 30--Beggar's Night!

AAAAAAAAA! who is the ScArY guy behind my kids? Oh yeah, it's their dad! Kate was a princess--which was really a good excuse for her to wear her pretty dress and Riggs was Link from Zelda. Not a dime was spent on anyone's costume this year!!!

 ...and Riggs hid behind the counter to dive into his treats!

 ..what?!? why is this picture on Beggar's night? Because a few short hours before trick or treating this guy had an eye exam....and we ordered GLASSES! Can you believe my 8 year old needs glasses? He's actually pretty excited!