Run, run, as fast as you can

Mary has wanted to bake gingerbread cookies since summer. Sadly, we just never got around to fulfilling that wish. I suppose the frenetic pace of summer buried that "to-do" item at the bottom of the heap. Or perhaps, it's because the hot and muggy days of summer just didn't lend itself to holiday baking. Now and again, whenever we read The Gingerbread Man, Mary would remind me that we still had to bake gingerbread men. "Oh, yes," I'd reply, "Thank you for reminding me."

Summer drifted into autumn, and there was no sign of the gingerbread man. I could hear him taunting, "Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the gingerbread man!"

Last Saturday, we finally caught up with the gingerbread man.

Together with Danielle's friend, Michelle, who was over for a visit, the four of them had a great time playing card games, outdoor games, and hide-and-seek, listening to music, and...baking cute, little gingerbread men! Needless to say, Mary was thrilled.

Before...

After...

Introducing the bakers....

Here's one gingerbread man who won't be running away...

D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!!!

Chocolate Hangover

Halloween night was drawing to a close and all was quiet again.

The witch that took up residence on our front porch gave one last cackle and stirred her cauldron for the last time.

A glow-in-the-dark skeleton hanging from the eaves lost its luster and retired for the night.

Our Jack-o-lanterns’ happy faces turned sleepy once the porch lights turned off.

The children returned from trick-or-treating, somewhat fatigued, but energized at the prospect of sampling delicious treats. They sat on the floor, scattered their acquisition, and marveled at the mountain of candy before them.

Indeed, they made out like bandits; and I was the self-appointed sherriff. It was my duty to confiscate the goods for further inspection.

That's when temptation reared its pesky head. While they were occupied with the bedtime routine, I snickered at the thought of having my fourth miniature Snickers. Next, a bite-size Almond Joy brought so much joy to my taste buds that I just had to have another. Still next, the satisfying taste of a Baby Ruth was like sliding to home “palate” for the winning score. And how could I resist the package that bears my initials – M&M. Finally, I was undecided betwixt two types of chocolate, but eventually decided to have a bite-size Twix for good measure. It was a calorie-laden night for sure!

For the record, I am strictly a non-drinker and have never experienced a hangover -- except, perhaps, a chocolate hangover. :-)

Have a G-R-O-O-O-V-Y Halloween!!

(Taken during the Fil-Am Halloween Ball at our church social hall)

Reaching milestones one pedal at a time

Last weekend, we packed up the kids and drove 2.3 miles to that Emporium of Excitement, that Factory of Fun, that Holy Grail of Gadgets: Toys-R-Us. After weeks of deliberation, we finally scheduled the time to take Mary on a surprise trip to Toys-R-Us to buy her very first bicycle. She chose a "Barbie" bike complete with a shimmery front pack and a toy plastic bicycle attached to the handlebars, designed to carry a Barbie doll. If Mary so wishes, she can position Barbie on the toy bicycle, and the two of them can ride off into the sunset together. The look on her face was priceless as she perused the bicycle department, wide-eyed and bursting with excitement.

Yes, our little Mary is reaching milestones one pedal at a time.

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Festival, Fil-Am Style (Part 2)

Due to technical difficulty, part 2 of Festival, Fil-Am Style will be posted at a later date.
Check back soon!