Be of good cheer

(hawaii 2008)

This past week I gave a talk at church. It was based on the talk given by President Thomas S. Monson entitled, "Be of good cheer." It's a wonderful read.

However, it was difficult for me to prepare to speak on this topic given because I am normally such a pessimist. Truly. I am. My cup is usually always half empty. The idea that my subject would be about being happy throughout our trials was a bit of a laugh for me! But it was what I needed to hear and learn. I just happened to be the one teaching the principle too!

My preparation before speaking brought to memory something I had forgotten, but definitely something I needed to remember...

One month after we were married I found myself in the need of a very routine outpatient surgery to remove my gull bladder. However, the surgeon made a mistake and I found myself in need of an emergency surgery, where another mistake was made that rushed me to the ICU. I remember waking up, with a mask on my face forcing air into my lungs that had collapsed. My brand new husband was allowed in the room for only a moment and I could see the pain and fear in his eyes. For some reason that did not frighten me, and instead I remember saying to him, with as much conviction as my weak body could muster, that I would be okay.

I don’t remember much about that clouded experience, but I do remember waking up and knowing that if I chose to live this life here on earth, it would be very difficult. I also remember feeling sad because this world didn't feel as nice as where I had been. But I wanted to be here. I wanted to get well. I wanted to start a family and experience this life with all its sorrows and all its joys. And so I fought.

Since then, our life in our 9 ½ years of marriage has been very difficult. We have had more hardships in the last 10 years than many receive in a lifetime.

We experienced the NICU not once, but twice, as each of our children were slow to breath after birth. And yet, they stand now, breathing and talking quite exuberantly.

My husband has been given the hardship of not one, but two diseases that will remain with him his entire life or until a cure is found (gitelman's disease and multiple sclerosis). And yet you look at him, and you wouldn’t guess he has such adversity because he fights each day with humor and optimism.

Each trial came one on top of the other. Our hospital stays sometimes felt never-ending. Sometimes I questioned why? What is the purpose? Can we make it through this? But we always did because we fought. I highly doubt that this life is going to get easier, but every day we become stronger because of it.

I have realized that we should not look upon our afflictions as a punishment from God. Our own actions may cause some of our problems, but our journey through life teaches us that nothing worthwhile comes easy.

And frankly, it hasn't been easy for me. It has been filled with immense sorrow, but likewise, it has been filled with joy.

My children are beautiful.

My husband loves me and likes me.

My world is creative and funny and a bit dramatic.

My earth right now smells of rain and early sunsets that bring hot chocolate to my table.

My Father in Heaven knows my heart because I am His.

My cup is full and I am thankful.

This life is worth waking up for, don't you think?

organizing whimsy

(via the soft tree flickr group)

i call it my whimsy.
i feel excessively playful when i open it.
i feel freedom and ideas and floods of inspiration.
whimsy. definitely.
it's my craft/design binder.
it's awesome.

my favorites menu on my browser went on overload a few years back because i obviously used it to bookmark ideas or sites that i love. problem is, i forgot about all those fabulous ideas and sites and didn't always have the time to search through it all to find that one thing.

in comes my binder.

i took a few hours and printed out every idea/instruction/online template that i loved and categorized it in a binder. here are my categories: 1)decorating 2)sewing 3)parties/entertaining 5)holiday crafts 6)random crafts/gift ideas 7)organization

if i like something in a magazine, i tear it out and put it in(and recycle that magazine so it doesn't waste space). if i see something online, i print it out (pattern included).

easy. done. check.

now all i have to do is pick up my binder if i need a gift idea, party decorating idea or plain old inspiration.

i am so excited to start my handmade Christmas (news on that to come) because of all the ideas i have collected. it is also so helpful when i simply need an inspirational push.

so get to it, folks! have fun making your whimsy!


*and for the adorable soft tree pattern that I cannot wait to make (been in my binder since last year).. go here

question for my readers

I do have readers, right?

I was thinking today about how much I love to blog. It's a nice stress relief for me...getting it all out there...journaling and documenting my life. I'm in the process of downloading my blog into a blurb book ,which is just the neatest thing ever. My scrapbook. My life.

One of the nicest compliments I have ever received was when someone called my blog a "conversation." I really liked that and I hope it's true for everyone reading. I love feedback or comments, but I especially like writing about and posing questions that we can all relate to...whether we are in the same stage of life/circumstances or not (and whether we comment or not).

I have also received some of the nicest emails from you. Commenting on the inspiration that you feel by coming into my blog world for a bit. Seeing yourself in my words and photographs.

I love that.

However, with my lack of time these days due to work, I feel that my direction is missing concerning this online conversation that we're having.

And so, what do you want to read? This blog IS for me, to record my thoughts and my life. But, I am putting it out there... for YOU in a way, and so I'd love some sense of what you enjoy seeing.

my woe-is-me life lessons? thoughts? pictures? crafts? recipes? all of the above?

Of course, I'll continue to blog about what I always have, but I'd love to know what you come here for. Do you you have any questions for me? In so many ways, you are MY inspiration.

A few delicious fall recipes

I love this weather! It has definitely hit the rainy season here, but all is well because here come the baked goods! Lov'n it.

Here are some recipes I thought I would share....

Apple Spice Cake (adapted from marthastewart)
Ingredients:

1 vegetable oil

1/3 cup apple sauce
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs
3 to 4 firm and crisp (tart) apples, cored (not peeled) and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (3 cups)
1 cup chopped assorted nuts, such as pecans and walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray with flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12-cup bundt pan with cooking spray; set aside.
Working over a large sheet of parchment paper, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; gather sifted ingredients into center of sheet; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs; mix on high speed until lemon yellow.
Fold reserved parchment in half lengthwise; with mixer on medium speed, gradually shake in dry ingredients until just incorporated.
Add apples and, if desired, nuts, to batter; mix to combine. Add vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 75 to 90 minutes.
Remove from oven, and cool slightly on a wire rack.
Invert cake onto rack; turn cake right-side up to cool completely on rack, and serve drizzled with caramel sauce.

*this cake is really delicious on it's own with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top and no sauce.

Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:

1 cup light-brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until thickened to desired consistency.


Another EASY recipe we made on the fly is our version of an apple tart:

Phyllo Apple Tart
Ingredients:
1 package phyllo dough (they come 2 in a box, only use 1)
2-3 apples (crisp. we love Fuji or Braeburn because they arn't as sweet)
brown sugar- about 1/4 cup
2 tbsp butter
cinnamon (optional)

Thaw out the phyllo dough and press seems together on baking sheet. Slice apples thinly and place in a tight layer overlapping each other over the entire dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar and dot with butter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. (Hubby actually likes it without cinnamon).

Bake 400 degrees 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubble. Let sit for 10 minutes and cut into squares.


Enjoy!

photographer wanted

I can't seem to take pictures of my own childen. Anyone else out there willing?

I try. Really I do.

That one is okay.

But here's me trying for a better one....

and there's Kai pushing.....

so this is the only together shot we can get.....

You'd think I WASN'T a professional.


Sheesh.

Thankfully,there are a few better individual ones on my photo blog

so I don't feel quite as hopeless...

Dessert

I was telling a blog friend last night about my new conviction to have dinner before dessert. Hypothetically speaking, of course.

We live in a world where dessert comes first. New homes, new cars, new clothes, new furniture; things thing things. All before dinner. Before we are ready. Before we can afford it.

It's so true, isn't it? I LOVE dessert before dinner. How often have I said, "It's just ONE cookie. It won't hurt my appetite." But that's not really true, is it? It does make me feel like I don't want dinner anymore.

I like nice things. Even if I buy it at a thrift store (and I am a good thrift store shopper). Even if I got it on sale. Even if I can afford it right now. I'm still buying it.

However, this past year I have become obsessed with Dave Ramsey and his baby step method to become debt free. It's a new plan, people!

That is why I am working right now. OUR PLAN for the next year:

We sacrifice = I work = we use my ENTIRE income to pay off debt (medical bills, credit, student loans, cars) = no unnecessary bills = financial freedom.

It's a hard plan. Really hard. Did I mention how hard it is? But it's having our dinner first.

So guess what's happening in my neck of the woods right now? Tiny apartment living. Lack of space. Lack. of. period.

And it's okay.

Although we've had to get inventive.

I am typing right now in our adorable Harry Potter closet. Hubby was BRILLIANT and realized that our closet underneath the stairs would be the perfect office. And it is.

My canned goods are stored under a hallway sink. My cookbooks are crammed into every inch of space above our fridge. We bought a not-as-nice-as-we-are-used-to couch because it was a wiser purchase. I still don't have dining room chairs. I still don't have a dresser for my clothes. I don't have a lot of things that I want. But.... baby steps.

And frankly, although it is not the sweetest meal, I am enjoying dinner.

And dessert will be that much better for it.

Rolling the window down

This afternoon I talked to my adorable sis-in-law for a total of 45 seconds. I was at work and feeling bad for not having time to talk to her at work, so the conversation was pretty much all her talking and me "mhhhmmm-ing". But she said something that I have kept with me all day today. She said, "I miss you guys a lot, but I can tell you are happier there. There is such a difference even in your blog." Really? Really? I mean, I could feel it. But I didn't know anyone else could too.

I was riding in my car yesterday and I made a wrong turn so I ended up driving an extra 30 minutes (GPS where are you?). I had a moment when I knew this frustration rising up inside me could go very very wrong, so I did something to stop it.

I rolled my windows down.

It was a cold wind outside. Add on the speed of a large highway and it was close to freezing. But the air was so clean and the colors outside were so vibrant that I couldn't help doing just that... feeling it.

I took a deep breathe.

I listened to my heart.

I could see again.

My foggy window from the last year was open, and I was thankful.

She was right.

Somebody is hacking me

I was noticing on my photography blog that there were some green bolded words--as if they were a link. Then I clicked on them and they went to some obscure site. I went in to edit my post thinking I could do it that way, but it's something to do with the label icon and I can't fix it. It's definitely an outside job....

Dude. They are all over this blog and my other one. Random words here and there.

Any clue how to get rid of them?

Apples to Apples

We've been canning apples every weekend because "hello" we are in Washington! And they are delicious and cheap at our local fruit/veggie market. A quick shout-out to my hubby for begging me to can with him.

But today the market started closing for winter :(

But wait! They are having a get rid of sale on all produce:)

More boxes of apples for us!

What do you do with YOUR apples? So far we have made apple pie filling and apple butter. We're not a fan of applesauce though. I use it for baking, but 1 jar lasts me forever. Any recipes other than those and/or ideas?

Any more takers?

for the letter exhange? I have 1 more spot to fill...

email me with your address... carriestroud@gmail.com

Letter to Letter

So I just have to say that I love the blog world. I love reading about old friends and new friends and getting ideas and inspiration and learning about life from other's points of view. Sometimes it's an escape. Sometimes I need to take a time-out from blogging because it's an escape. And then other times I am so immensely grateful for the friendships I have formed (and re-formed) because of this glorious internet based world. Friends that I have never met and may never meet in person, but kindred spirits just the same.

I was reading one such blog tonight; a friend whose blog I read especially when I want to be lifted into a dream-like state. Her photography and poetry take my breath away and I am so grateful to have access into her soul. Like a letter.

Blogging is almost like receiving a letter. You know that anticipation when you check the mail? The intense reading.... the nodding in agreement... the understanding and smile on your lips...

I love it.

However, as much as I adore this virtual world, there is something to be said of an actual correspondence. Receiving a real letter in the mail. Feeling the paper between your fingers...rubbing the stamp to see where it is from....

And so, without further adieu, I would like to propose a letter exchange.

Sign up and I will coordinate and give you a name of someone to write. You will be pen-pals, and the only requirement is to send 1 letter a month. You can do more than that if you have a chance, but no less. And it has to be a real letter. Not typed! VERY do-able, even in this fast paced world. We'll do this exchange for 3 months, and see how it goes....

What do you think? Any takers? Shoot me an email with your name and address to carriestroud@gmail.com.

And for some inspiration on HOW to write a letter, you really must read this book!

Super Crazy Excited

about my new giveaway on my photo blog...

A new do, please.

When I was in 8th grade a girl in my class asked what shampoo I used because my hair was so lovely. I lied and told her Pantene, because that is such a NICE shampoo. In actuality I used Suave.

Boy. I fooled her.

Anyways, since my orange hair fiasco I have yet to get my hair done. But it is time, my friends. It is time. I'm looking for a hair stylist who doesn't break the bank but also keeps my hair on the brown color wheel. And they need to be on the Upper East Side if possible. Any suggestions?

Beignettes and Graveyards

What better post to celebrate Halloween than our trip through New Orleans? It was very short but very grandiose and fun. And of course, a bit spooky!

First off, Cafe Du Monde for some beignetes. A must have. However, it was SO hot and SO humid that the moment I took my camera out of the bag the lens fogged up. Anyone have a solution to this? I was barely able to take any pictures...and the one I got has hubby's hand across the table. Oh well. Sexy hand, right?

Mardi Gras mask? Check. Beads? Check. New Orleans best muffuletta? Check.

We headed into the French Quarter which is always historically a treat:)

At this point, I had to run Spike back to the car because he was wheezing and sounded like he was going to die. He remained wheezing like that for the rest of the day. SERIOUSLY. Bulldogs #1) don't do well in heat and #2) are notoriously lazy. Apparently, walking 4 blocks was too hard on him. Punk.

While traveling to the garden district we hit the famous Lafayette Cemetery. Our timing was perfect so we were able to hear a tour guide talk to her group about it. Unlike your normal cemetery, there were rows of raised tombs that housed "families". The water level was obviously a concern there years ago as well, so these raised tombs were used in case of flooding. It is also much cheaper to use a family or "society" tomb because the square footage is reduced, therefore reducing the price.

Here's an example of a "society" tomb. Made me so sad.

Entire families buried from generation to generation in one tomb

Last of all, anyone see the Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds"? While stopping in Oklahoma one early morning we drove into the Wal-mart parking lot. It was covered in birds. And more birds. Crowing. Gawking. LOUDLY. They were everywhere. On the rooftops......grounds..... seriously. I couldn't get inside soon enough!

Happy Halloween!!

Where I am from

We stayed with my family for a few days while our whole housing situation/job got worked out. The upside to this adventure is that I got to hit the storage shed. While looking for old family movies and not finding them because "oh! maybe they are in the other storage shed," I happened upon two huge containers labeled Carrie.

And what a find they were. My mother saved everything, and I mean everything. Baby clothes, floral containers from when I was born, drawings, letters, birthday cards, hospital receipts listing each accident/injury, poster boards with long explanations of mine, awards, ballet shoes, etc.

While lifting out each item from the boxes with my own daughter, I reflected that 1) My mom needed to watch Clean Sweep and 2) I was so thankful to my mother for saving it all. To smell the oldness. To read each word. To button those tiny dress buttons. To see, to feel, to remember.

Each item was me. My childhood. My memories. And it felt good to remember.

AND, to top it all off, I read an incredibly insightful and lovely blog post here inspired by this poem and just HAD to do it as well. Mine is quite long-- but do try this writing exercise yourself!

Where I Am From

I am from handmade clothes,
Winnie the Pooh decor,
Amish country and homemade sticky buns.
I am from the front line of eleven children,
moments of mothering when I should have been playing,
but loving that role anyway.
I am from a life of travel,
moving,
experiencing every side of the country
and stopping at every historical battleground.
I am from bedtime stories of Davy Crocket,
western movies,
Titanic songs and a night sky with flying saucers.
I am from burning hot desert family vacations,
riding in a rusty station wagon with green vinyl seats,
restlessly
sleeping six children in the back.
I am from swinging,
flying,
dreaming,
singing,
praying so so hard.
I am from long drives to church,
peanut butter cheese crackers
and homemade movies.
I am from nervous first days at school,
hoping to fit in again,
wishing I had hit puberty two years later.
I am from where the winds come sweep'n down the plains,
magazine collages and Braum's ice cream.
I am from humid summer days with wind in my hair,
random photo shoots in fields with cows,
red hot cinnamon candies in the basement
with musty smells and thrift store finds.
I am from courage,
wit and sarcasm,
fear of failure,
and surprising strength in the midst of trials.
I am from sitting on my orange couch in the attic,
lilac candles and
watching Christmas lights year round.
I am from a world where dreaming is encouraged,
where art is what we mold from our hands,
where creativity is burnt into your soul.
I am from an orange knit hat,
green vest,
white collared shirt
and torn jeans with water bottle in hand.
Always.
I am from the belief that schools should spend more money on the arts instead of football,
that you should laugh only after a two hour cry,
and that high school doesn't really prepare you for college.
College is much easier,
so chill a bit my high school math teacher.
I am from sitting under trees and reading poetry,
writing letters
and listening to Bach.
I am from the knowledge that I am from so much more,
that there is no beginning nor end,
that eternal love is felt when I look into the eyes of my child, and that every being on earth has a heart that is good.

The funny things he says

We sent a small box to my MIL in the mail the other day and Kai decided he wanted to hold it while in line at the post office. He shook it and asked what it was. I told him to guess.

He said, "Is it toys?"
"No"
"Is it alligator?"
"No," but a smile appeared on my lips.
"Is it garbage can?"
Holy crap I laughed so hard.

Where do they come up with these things?

Risotto and Tears

The other day my dear friend opened her door to me holding a brown bag of ingredients for my risotto. I then proceeded to make it for her in her oh-so-lovely kitchen because, you know, that's just what you do.

And then I proceeded to cry woe is me while my son peed on her carpet. (In his defense, I just realized that he was trying to find the bathroom door instead of sneaking into her bedroom like we thought and just couldn't make it.)

I left thinking, "really, could it have been more weird?" She wasn't weird, because frankly, you cannot help but adore this gal who loves me unconditionally. But instead it was weird that... "here I am-where I want to be" and I cried and lamented and I was weird. Not exactly the visit you hope for after a year of separation. I hope she can forgive me.

But still, I left thinking about things.

I left thinking how nice it was that she was able to tell me that I was a good mother. And that I believed her.

I left realizing that it was okay to not love snuggling with my daughter anymore and that when they are so big it really does just feel awkward. I still do snuggle with her, of course, but it's nice to know that feeling awkward is normal.

I left wondering when it was exactly that I changed from a girl to a woman. A woman who's burden is heavy and who is not always funny anymore and that it is normal to not be as funny.

I left grateful for true friends. Ones that let me make them risotto and let my son pee on their carpet. Ones that love me for me. That don't mind my tears and drama and lack of silliness.

I left knowing that it is okay to be an adult. That I am still lovely as a woman who has bigger challenges than what to wear in the morning. That life is not all sunshine and rainbows. That peace can be found in the car with Dora the Explorer playing in the background.

It is okay to be where I am and to be me...all grown up.

After all... grown-ups get to make risotto.

And before some other friends who shall remain nameless get offended that they didn't get a visit and risotto-- don't worry, your time will come.

Comforter

Although we have only just arrived and are in the hustle of directing our new life here, my thoughts have been led to another matter entirely.

My daughter.

She is turning 8 years old in a few weeks. Unbelievable. In our religion the number 8 is a very big deal because it when you are baptized into our church. We believe that until that time you do not fully understand your choices and that you have finally reached the age of accountability.

After she is baptized she will also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. A comforter (some would call it a conscience) and guide for her life as she listens to the promptings. It's a really happy day, one of growing up, rebirth, and one that I remember with such clarity and warmth.

However, I have been fearful that I have not prepared my daughter enough for this day. With all that has transpired in the last few months, I have felt a bit distracted. And so I have been in search of ways to help her understand the importance of this day as well as keep the symbolism alive in her heart for years to come.

Enter my dear friend Amanda who searched for such a thing a few months ago and found this story. When I read it, it brought to tears to my eyes and I knew it was exactly what I needed to do for my own sweet girl.

I was also thrilled to find this idea as well: I think a very large white fluffy towel is mandatory!

My Baptism Towel

This towel will help to remind you
Of your glorious Baptism Day,
When you chose to follow the Savior,
To be righteous, and walk in His way.
When you come up out of the water,
So pure and so clean, without a sin;
Use this towel to dry and to warm you
And prepare for new strength from within.
A Gift from your Father awaits you,
By hands blessed with priesthood power.
The Holy Ghost can then guide you,
And direct you from hour to hour.
Sometimes you may not heed his warnings,
This Comforter whom God has sent.
That’s when you will need Christ’s Atonement,
So you can pray, fast, and repent.
Your Heavenly Father smiles with you
As you enter His Kingdom, His way.
This towel is a special reminder
Of the covenants you make today.

~T.J. Eich

I would love any other ideas or suggestions!!

It's good to be back

I really really love this place.

I can't help but feel like I've just been on vacation for a year. I still know where everything is, I know when to hit the road to avoid traffic, and I know exactly where the best Asian markets are. I guess HOME never leaves you:)

So my Seattle peeps.... let's get together and embrace this cold weather and fall colors and crisp apples that I dearly missed.

Yay for Home!

Today I am

packing up the last set of boxes

throwing away the most random items

somehow cooking a hot breakfast with plastic utensils and no cookware

wiping down the counters in my kitchen

sweeping up the last bits of dirt in my entryway

saying goodbye to my pretty house, helpful and loving friends, the sun, and Southern family



Farewell, Florida.

lemonade

can i just say that when a little girl makes a lemonade stand with a cute sign and sits in the hot sun during a garage sale.... it is MANDATORY to buy some!!

i am APPALLED at people in the world today.

is 25 cents really too much to spare?

my poor girl.

so many "no thank you's".

i would buy all the glasses of hot lemonade in the world to make a kid smile.

just the other day i stopped and bought some from two boys whom i paid way too much.

that's just what you do.

not my picture, obviously...do you see all that cash?

the hardest year

I told Aaron that for me this has been the hardest year of my life.

"Don't you agree?" I said.

"No," he said.

"But it has been. I just know it. I have felt more sadness this year than any other. I have felt alone this year more than any other. I have felt unsuccessful and boring and uninspired and worried and no one has known. I have kept it a secret from the world. No growth. I am numb."

Aaron chirped in before I could say much more, "But don't you remember that one year? The one where Brianna was born and hospitalized and then I was hospitalized for my kidney disease? Or what about that year that you were put on bed rest and then we moved and I found out I had Multiple Sclerosis? That was a really hard year."

"Oh I know. But those years I saw growth because I got through it all. I felt the love of my Father in Heaven and he pushed me through each obstacle. Each year that I managed the apartment complex while trying to balance my children and your illness and friendships etc, I at least saw growth. Not this year. I am so disappointed."

He sighed, "Well, maybe you just haven't seen it yet. Maybe you needed a rest."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Today I am fasting. I am giving up food and water to help my body and spirit align. I am praying that my heart will heal from this "lack of growth" and that I will be in tune to what my Heavenly Father is trying to tell me. That he will provide a way for me and my family to grow again.

I want to be pushed. I want to finish the race this year knowing that I tried my hardest and got through it. I want to be in tune to others needs before my own. To be creative in a way that makes me happy. To teach my children that it is okay to fall down as long as you get back up. To recognize the fresh ground before the snow. I want to grow.

pumpkin love

(note card via my wall since I was 15)

Life is hard. It just is.

Introducing my favorite book ever. The Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman. When I was a teenager I was introduced to the wonder that IS this book as I read it to my younger siblings. In fact, I was so inspired that I colored a note card and hung it on my wall for inspiration that same day. It has been on my wall ever since. My favorite line sent me to the floor in hysterics: And she kicked that pumpkin.

The story is about a witch who grew a pumpkin so big that she cannot remove it from the vine. She desperately wants to make pumpkin pie on All Hallows Eve, but obviously cannot until she can move the darn thing. A ghost, a vampire, etc each come by to help the frustrated witch. However, they cannot move it either. Throughout each exhausting attempt she kicks that pumpkin, and each time I roar with laughter.

How appropriate is that, really? I mean, is that not exactly what each of us does when something doesn't seem to be going our way? It certainly rings true in my life! In the end, teamwork is what helps that glorious witch (and guests) to move that pumpkin and make that pie after all.

Life is hard folks, but let's all release some stress this season by kicking some pumpkins, shall we?

Order this book. PLEASE. You won't regret it.

What I do

when I'm waiting for a photo shoot....

what do YOU do when you are waiting? haha!

The winner(s)

So I decided to pick 3!

Random.org chose:

MO

GKGirl

Brandi

send me your address folks!