The Wonder of her first Christmas!!!

We went out to the country yesterday...and lookie what we found under the tree!!

Glittered Acorns??? Sure thing!

I've been busy this afternoon!!! For almost a year I've been wanting to get some of Martha's glitter...you know..the expensive kind. As you also know, I've refrained from shopping for the most part while Dennis was off work...just didn't want to spend the do-re-mi on things I didn't need. {good lesson by the way...I STILL don't need it!} BUT...I had a 40% coupon for heaven sake! And it was burning a hole in my pocket. And Thanksgiving was coming quickly! So...last night, in the rain and wind, I went out shopping. Lo and behold...there it was...at Hob Lob! The BIG kit! Oh...be still my beating heart! I grabbed that baby and didn't look back! I couldn't wait to get up this morning and go out searching for acorns in my backyard...and believe me, there are a TON! So...a gathering I went! I'm just going to post a few pics of these now b/c I'll have a slide show for you Ame...sure wish you were here at my table! I'm thankful that you won't be alone down there though...and that you are "practicing hospitality" with Susan and Jeff....and having a lovely Thanksgiving Dinner at your house!

Sorry...I got a little emotional there for a minute. I just miss her so much and our blogs keep us close!! Well, as close as you can get when your firstborn lives in Arizona!

Soo....ya wanna see how these babies came out? First...this is the kit I got. It was $29.99 and I had a 40% coupon! {I have to keep telling myself that...but really...how much is glitter really worth??

I painted some glue on the caps with a sponge brush...then sprinkled glitter on their hats! I let those dry, then glued them to some whole pecans that I didn't use anymore. The squirrels ate all of the acorns already...and just left their hats!

Squirrels are smart!

They don't bring stuff home they can't use!

Instead of putting hats on all of them, some I just painted glue on and shook some glitter on to simulate hats! I like those too, since pecans have a pointy little head!

After they dried, I put several in a little pewter gravy boat thinkin' that'd be kinda pretty.

I picked out 6 of the best ones, and made place cards. Now...keep in mind, we are having Thanksgiving at my brothers tomorrow in Wheaton b/c my mister has to GETS TO work...then we are having "our" turkey day on Friday so he can have some goodies too! Mom and Dad, Ally and Adam and baby Kiki are my only guests...so why do I need PLACECARDS?? We might eat so much we loose our spot? I dunno...I just like em.

It's like cloth napkins.

I LIKE EM!

Then, I sprinkled some around my centerpiece!

Here's a snap of that...that big 'ol bird! She boarders a freak show, but I felt sorry for her. I got her at the thrift store a couple months ago...for $1.90! She may end up gold leafed next year if she's not good this year!

I like gold leaf stuff too!

I got kinda carried away with my center island decor! I will take that down before I serve dinner! I do buffet style serving with a group and I serve off the center island. There will be too much food for this junk beautiful decor!!

We'll be more about eating than looking pretty!

Don't cha just LOVE sparkly things? I do!

Especially my acorns!

And don't forget, in the hustle and bustle of your day

To ALWAYS...

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!

Vampire Craze

I haven't been too tempted to go see this movie series, yet it's all over blogdom, in our churches and seems to be a series that has taken the world by storm...so what is up with this Vampire Craze? This article was snagged off the True Women Blog this morning and if you have teen girls, you might want to give it a look see. It amazes me how some of the movies and shows today give us a flavor of "Christianity", yet it is so diabolically opposed...and we think it's good! These shows typically contrast good vs. evil...with the good winning. Somehow, these ideas have made us consider them "safe" when realistically, they are forming our theology. Remember the childhood song...what goes in, comes back out! {how'd that go? I forget!}

Remember, we are to guard our hearts!

Your Relationships posted on 11.23.09 by Erin Davis


Unless you've been living under a rock, you already know that the Twilight sequel, New Moon, was released in theaters Friday. News organizations nationwide reported sell-out crowds at local theaters. Thousands of fans camped out for hours to stake out their seats for the heavily hyped movie premiere. Experts are reporting that New Moon is now the number-one advance ticket seller of all time. In other words, it's a mega-hit! It's more than a blip on the landscape of culture. It's more like a bombshell, and young women are among the series' biggest fans.

Because I care so deeply about pointing young women toward God's truth, I couldn't let this movie premiere go unaddressed. I know it's controversial and I know, because I've blogged about Twilight in the past, that my stand on the series doesn't make me the world's most popular blogger. But I also know what's at stake. These aren't just books. New Moon isn't just another hit movie. We need to talk about it.

Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

What we allow into our hearts and minds will impact us. As I've researched New Moon and heard about it from countless young women in my sphere of influence, it's clear to me that this movie and the rest of the Twilight series are designed to pull at your heart strings.

People magazine released its "Sexiest Men Alive" issue last week. An entire section of the magazine was dedicated to "Vampires to die for." Twilight star Robert Pattinson topped the list. Stars from the hit vampire shows The Vampire Diaries and True Blood were also featured. All three series have this in common—they're centered around male characters who are dark, brooding, and dangerous.

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder offered this explanation for the phenomenon: "The mythology behind vampires has never really gone away. It was always there. Now you have this market for it because I think they're fun. They're powerful. They're sexy. They're dangerous. They're beautiful. Something draws you to them . . . The girls like the bad boy."

Vampire Diaries co-executive producer Julie Plec offered this spin: "You want to believe there is so much going on behind those eyes. You want to believe that they have epic amounts of knowledge and soul and spirituality and intelligence lurking behind those eyes. And in real men, you don't often get that. So in a vampire, just by definition, you are getting the bad boy with the brain."

Here's where my spiritual antenna starts to perk up. As young women everywhere choose between Team Edward and Team Jacob and as over 5 million viewers tune in weekly to the vampire shows I mentioned above (for comparison, that's equivalent to the population of Scotland), I can't help but wonder if this fascination with the dark, dangerous, bad boys featured in these series is fitting for girls and women who love Jesus.

First Corinthians 13:4–7 says this, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Galatians 5:22–23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

I've always seen these passages as a great barometer for choosing a fella. These are the qualities that I would advise Christian young women to look for in a man—patience, kindness, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. This is what we should be drawn to. We shouldn't link our lives with those who are envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, concerned with keeping score. It isn't wise to form emotional attachments with a guy who delights in evil.

I've seen firsthand, in my own life and in the lives of so many young women, the train wreck that occurs when we're drawn to bad boys. I know the pain that can occur in real life when girls link their lives with guys who are dangerous, brooding, dark, and unpredictable.

That's why I can't help but see New Moon and the rest of the vampire craze for what it is—dangerous! It isn't wise to buy in to the fascination with these characters who are "sexy" because they are dark. Remember the warning in Proverbs, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

As New Moon rises to the applause of our culture, I have to ask, are you guarding your heart above all things?

A couple a things...

Got a couple things I wanted to share with you today...first...if you haven't stopped by Michael's, you might wanna take a swing by. They have their Fall stuff marked down to 90% off! I saw a crow I wanted a week ago, but it was still $10.00. They were only 50% off then and I'm NOT going to pay $10.00 for a bird. The other night, we stopped by again and they had been marked down to 90% off! What's the chances of that dirty ol' bird still being there??

100%!!!

and he was only $1.99!!

Don't pay attention to the dust, mmmkay?

This picture is for my bff, Carolyn...b/c she isn't on facebook! I got bangs yesterday for the first time in like 12 years or so. I'm still not used to them but it's fun to have a change! It's funny how I like change in some things, but not in others. That's a whole different post! Ha! So....this one's for you Carolyn! {I miss you btw!}

Dennis saw this picture and he know's where Carter gets his looks...from his Grammy!

Amy call's it his mischevious look!

Then again, maybe I got that look from him!

But I've got more hair!

Speaking of hair...this little one is getting more of it! Can't tell in this picture b/c she's got her head covered, but trust me...it's coming in good!

Had to give my girlie girl equal time! ;)

That's all I got. Have a GREAT weekend!

I want a friend like this...

I want a friend like that!
Your Relationships posted on 11.17.09 by Kimberly Wagner

Do you have friends who point you to truth? Friends who offer the comfort of God's grace when you are hurting? Do you have friends in whom you feel safe confiding your heart, knowing they will go to God alone with your struggles? I am eternally grateful for friends like that. They are gifts to me from the Father.

Women are normally wired to be social creatures. When there's exciting news to share, heartbreak, disappointment, or the need of a shoulder to cry on, we usually turn to a friend.

Within the Titus 2 passage there is a valuable word of exhortation that should be a vital aspect of our friendships: "Encourage the young women to … be sensible" (v. 5).

This one little word is packed with meaning. It's the Greek word sóphrón—to be of sound mind, self-controlled, temperate. To operate with this mindset is to use wisdom, taking the knowledge of the Word of God and applying it practically to the demands of daily life in order to live life to God's glory.

To be a "sóphrón woman" means that your behavior is directed by God's truth rather than driven by your emotions.
When faced with challenging circumstances, the tendency for most women is to react—not in wisdom—but with our emotions! This is where being a Titus 2 friend can be helpful. I have a few friends that I turn to when I know I'm not operating with a sóphrón mindset, and my request is, "Speak truth to me."

Do you have friends like that? Are you this kind of friend to others?

A "Titus 2 Friend" …

Listens well (Proverbs 15:28; 18:13)
Doesn't get caught up in the emotions of the situation, but is sensible in her reaction (Proverbs 31:25–26)
Offers godly comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–7)
Speaks words of hope, grace, and truth (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 24:14; 27:6)
Demonstrates faith (Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 56:3–4)
Humbly leads by suggesting ways to practically apply the truth of God's Word (Proverbs 22:17; 25:11–12)
Is discreet and confidential (Proverbs 25:9)
Directs her to the One who has all wisdom as her ultimate Counselor (Psalm 9:9–10; 91)
Prays with her and commits to prayer intercession for her (Colossians 1:9–12)
You may be reading this post and thinking, I want a friend like that!

Be a friend like that. And then ask God to bring friends into your life who will point you to truth when you are struggling.

How about it? Will you develop Titus 2 friendships? Women need these kinds of relationships.

Ohhh....I like this..A LOT!

November 16, 2009
Quick Repentance

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: No matter how God gets our attention, the important thing is to respond immediately.

“I was headed toward divorce. A good friend kind of grabbed me and got my attention. She looked me in the eye and helped me to realize the path that I was on. That was the turning point. It was hard, but I made a lot of changes."

Nancy: The best time to respond to God in repentance is the moment we’re convicted of sin. If we delay and resist His Spirit, it gets harder and harder to humble ourselves and repent.

Jesus spoke about being quick to repent in Matthew 5 when He said, “When you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Today, let’s be ready to respond if God brings conviction of sin.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

I've got a few of these Friday Favorites coming up for ya! This one has been something I've been looking for on my list for quite some time, but Amy picked one up somewhere and it prompted me to go a lookin' harder! A few weeks ago, my mistah and I were at Ace Hardware. He needed some Carhartt overpants...what do you call those things??...anyhow...he needed some for the cold Chicago winter that he's getting ready to face on the dock at his new job. Soooo...if you've ever been pant shoppin' with MY MISTAH...you're just happy he's going to do it at Ace Hardware and not Kohl's!! {unless you happen to be Marty. Marty and Dennis are pants shopping buddies. Unfortunately, we don't live close enough for them to go together all the time!} I go b/c I like being with him, but after 30 minutes...I'm moving onto other things. So it was on this day.

I love hardware stores. I could own one! But I won't. Anyhow...I began to meander. {don't cha love that word?...MEEEAAANNDER.} Okay...back to my story. I meandered up and down every aisle at that big ol' store when I happened to run across the cleaning aisle. Now...Ace has cleaning supplies that your regular grocery store doesn't have. Like Mrs. Meyers cleaning agents. I think they are the organic type...but the scents are so pretty. Lavender counter top cleaner. Now WHO wouldn't like that?? They also have other DELIGHTFUL scents like:

Basil
Lavender
Lemon Verbena
Geranium
Baby Blossom
Scent Free
Holiday

Here's what that looks like:

They have liquid pump soap, bar soap, All Purpose Cleaner, Dishwasher Soap, Surface Scrub and other soaps. (I'm sounding a little like Bubba from Forrest Gump, aren't I? Wonder if they have SHRIMP soap? Ha!) Soo....this isn't my Friday favorite today, but it might be someday!

BUT THIS IS!!!

Girls...if you have stubborn spots/lime buildup or whatever on your toilets...go grab buy yourself one of these pumice stones and put some elbow grease to it...and it'll be so shiney you can eat off of it! {okay...don't eat out of your toilets...but you get the picture!} That lime buildup and stain is G-O-N-E!

The price of this little diddy was a mere $3.99 and it was SOO worth it! As you can see...there are many uses for it. I saved my box incase i ever want to use it on something else! Ha!

So that's what I got for ya today! Go find yourself one. Tell 'em I sent ya.

Nevermind...they don't know me!

But tell your hubby that you got the idea off of an "ode laties" blog...and he'll hug you for buying it! At least he'll hug you for wanting to go to the hardware store with him!! ; )

Speaking of "ode laties"...I ran across this sweet picture not long ago. Thought a "couple of ya's" would get a good giggle out of this one! Sweet little Lane is going to marry the love of her life on Dec. 19th in Topeka, Ks. Doesn't she look like a "bride to be"? Congrats Lane Elizabeth...praying for you as you get ready for your big day!!! Pretty soon you will be like your "ode laty" friend, Amy...shopping for pumice stones to clean your toilets!

Ya'll have a wonderful day!!

A GREAT reminder for all of us!

November 11, 2009
A True Repenter

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: What does a repenter look like? Well, for one thing, a repenter accepts God’s discipline.

“I’m glad I had those problems because I spent more time praying. That showed me some of the sin in my heart.”


Nancy: A repenter also follows God personally.

“I learned not to worry about what everybody else is doing. When God convicts me of an issue, I want to obey.”


Nancy: A repenter renews his mind with the Truth.
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation.”

“When I read in the Bible about God’s holiness, it makes me realize how sinful I really am.”


Nancy: A repenter responds to God immediately.

“When I’m convicted about something, if I wait, I am just miserable.”

Nancy: Because we all sin, we all need to be good repenters. Is there an issue you need to talk to God about?

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Happy BD Mom...#76!!

Today is my Mama's 76th BD! Doesn't she look amazing for being over 3/4 of a century old! Wow...that's a LONG time! Imagine all the changes she's seen in her lifetime! Indoor toilets, telephones, telephones NOT on a pole, telephones that are not party lines, telephones that are not a rotary dial, telephones that are cordless, telephones that are cellular!, crock pots, dishwashers {other than the kids!}, ATM's, computers, ipods vs. radios, TV's, automobiles that you didn't have to push to start, loaf bread at the store, air travel, children, grandchildren and GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN! I'd say she's having a wonderful life! Happy BD Mom! I'm so glad you're MY mom! I love you and hope you have a beautiful day!

Graphics: Raspberry Road, Raspberry Jam QP

My lil' AZ Punkin

Just foolin' around with some PE this afternoon...and thought this was the cutest picture of my little AZ punkin! Sorta made his cheeks a bit rosey...but he looks cute with rosey cheeks...and I'm his Grammy...so I can get by with it! ; 0

Grandchildren make the best subjects for pictures, don't they?

Sweet, Sweet, Sweet...

I got to go to Kierstyn's 4 month appointment yesterday. She got hungry, so her mama gave her the paci while we waited for her Dr. to come in the room. (ugh...we waited over an hour IN the exam room!) She got 4 shots. I don't like those. Neither did she! Such a peaceful baby. But she has the same personality as her mommy when it comes time to get her shots....

She didn't like that doctor very much afterwards...no matter how nice he was to her!

4 month stats...25.5" long, 15.5 lbs. Growin' right on track!

My Friday Favorite

I know it's been awhile...but I have a new FAVORITE blog. Here it is...and when you have some time, you'll wanna check it out. That is, iffin' ya like primitive things. She has some SWEET ideas! That's all. Just a short note today! : 0

Where are all the little old, godly women??

Yesterday, Ally and I had a discussion regarding MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) that sort of touched upon the subject addressed below. She had a delightful morning visiting with some old frineds but after attending she found out that there was a $20.00 one time registration fee, then it was going to cost $50.00 per semester (fall, spring) to attend this group that meets once a month at church. These groups not only meet at our church, but many churches throughout the country. I've known WONDERFUL women that have personally been involved in this "ministry" and know they have a deep desire to encourage younger women, I'm just not all together sure this is the biblical way of going about it. I don't mean to be critical...really I dont...I just don't "get it". WHY do we need to charge our young women to be a part of this fellowship? Allyson said there was no biblical teaching, maybe a couple of verses read. These, for the most part, are women that have chosen to be stay at home Moms, many of them trying to make ends meet on their husbands income, and we are charging them to come? WHERE ARE ALL THE OLDER WOMEN and WHY is there a need to charge money for this group? I know there is paid childcare, but honestly, WHERE are the older women and WHY aren't they {I?} there to take care of the children so these young women can spend time with one another? It's just the most perplexing thing I have tried to wrap my mind around in years!

This morning, Amy and I spent quite a good deal of time on the phone discussing this matter as well...only with a little different twist. "How do you open your home to weekly Bible Study with food...when kids come that are not taught that food should stay at the table?" Been there Ame...I understand. Now, I know that each home has different "house rules". In our home, we did occasionally have "pizza night" or "popcorn night" where we laid out a quilt on the floor and the children were allowed to bring their food into the living room and we watched a movie with our dinner. But those were "special" nights...not the norm. We decided to do this for various reasons. When I had children, I wanted the dinner table to be a place to come together as a family where we could discuss our days together, talk about things we've learned and to be encouraged. We did not have a TV in the kitchen where our heads would all be turned to one direction and no one talked. We TALKED to each other. It mattered a GREAT DEAL how my hubby's day went. It mattered a GREAT DEAL that my daughters saw that when Daddy had a hard day at work, we were there to make him laugh and to show him love. It mattered a GREAT DEAL what was going on in our girls' lives. And it mattered a GREAT DEAL that Dennis and I would hear their take on life and to gently guide them into biblical thinking, not just letting them form their own opinions on everything that brought disappointment to their hearts. Without sitting as a family at the dinner table, I'm not so sure this would have been possible in my family. Second, we wanted to also let them know that there are times we can deviate from the "norm" and have FUN...which for us, meant "moobie night"!! Those were fun nights...often ending in spilled milk or pop and what not, but I protected my carpet from such disasters while teaching them to "be careful". I believe both lessons are valid.

Anyhow...I'm so stinkin' opinionated and long winded....sorry.

After Amy and I had our wonderful discussion this morning on "how do you open your home for ministry opportunities without having your house destroyed by the kids"...it came to me again...WHERE ARE THE OLDER WOMEN?? It also came to me that we JUST MIGHT have our hearts more focused on our possessions rather than our hospitality. BUT...Why are small church groups made up almost exclusively age related? How are the young men and women supposed to model godliness when there are no older people around to model? How can they be gently taught in love when there is no one to do it? I know I'm being pretty vocal here, but this is something that has always been such a burden on my heart and I've found that young women and church leaders are not receptive to it. Is is ME? Am I being too critical? Do I expect more out of children than they are capable of doing? I have searched my heart as well as the scriptures and I continue to come up with the fact that we are to TRAIN OUR CHILDREN. I've always said that the training ground for a child is in the home...but there are such great opportunities to train a child at a friends house, at a restaraunt, at the mall, at church, all over!!We are to teach our young women how to LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS AND CHILDREN. This must mean that it doesn't come naturally for us! We have left our younger generation of women to fend for themselves, I believe b/c many of our generation of Mom's were out making a living, instead of living on what the Lord has provided in their husbands income. We encourage them to go shopping, so they can have the latest fashion trends, which only seems to perpetuate the idea of being a slave to what we have. I do understand that there are certain circumstances where staying home with the children may not be an option however, most of the time, it seems that option is taken away b/c we buy homes and cars that are beyond our needs. I'd drive an old car anyday in order to be home when my babies needed direction...and no one can take the place of a mommies touch when it comes to a child needing their mommy. Please forgive me if I'm being too verbal about this. It's my blog though...and this subject has been burning a HOLE in my heart for several years now. {not with you girls...I know, I'm preachin' to the choir here!} I know it's not a popular opinion, but the more I see the family deteriorate, walk away from the Lord and follow the world and it's desires, the deeper this burden gets for me. I guess I'm not here to change the world as much as I am to leave my footprint on the hearts of my own children and grandchildren. Lord willing, I'll be here many more years to "bend their ears" to what I think is BEST for them. I know I sound like a nag from time to time...and I apologize for that girlies...but God's design for the family is THE BEST design there is. And I will encourage you as long as I have breath...to walk in HIS WAYS...to train your children up in the admonition of the Lord and to teach them by modeling to them how sweet it is to trust in Jesus. You will be blessed!

Okay...I'll get off my soapbox here, but when I saw this series coming up for this month on the True Women Blog, my heart jumped for joy! Somehow, if it comes from an organization, it's not so critical...much less judgemental or something. So...I wanted to share it with you all. Tune in for what I believe, will be some great teaching this month!

Nuff said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Relationships posted on 11.04.09 by Kimberly Wagner

As a young woman preparing for marriage, I kept wondering, Where are all the little old, godly women who can help me get ready for this? Who could give me some pointers for my role as a new bride? I wanted to sign up for some kind of "wife and mom apprenticeship." But as I looked around, many of the couples' marriages were struggling or had already ended in divorce, and the elderly women felt they had nothing to offer. That is when I really began to have a burden for training younger women.

Hopefully many of you were blessed by a woman who poured biblical truth into your life and encouraged you in how to live that out practically. But if you've never had that experience, it could be because we are currently experiencing an epidemic of loss. To a large degree, we've lost the biblical model of women discipling or teaching younger women.

Calling all women!
That is why I'm so excited about this month's topic. We're going to focus on living out the Titus 2 mandate. No matter your season of life, whether married or single, childless or with a houseful, this topic affects you!

Tucked away in the little book of Titus, we find the "biblical womanhood curriculum" simply outlined as follows:


Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled (Titus 2:3–5).


Only three verses, but they are packed full with opportunity!

What are we to be teaching?
Let's focus on one phrase in this passage, "teach what is good." This phrase is translated from one Greek word—kalodidaskalous. Literally it means to be teaching what is beautiful, good, commendable, excellent, honorable, sound, right, and honest.

If you spend time studying the book of Titus, you'll notice a critically important phrase throughout: sound doctrine. This is referring to healthy teaching—to truth that produces spiritual well-being. It is biblical truth that affects your worldview, your thoughts, your attitudes, your actions, and ultimately your entire lifestyle. So, most importantly, what we are teaching must be built upon "sound doctrine."

The Biblical Womanhood Curriculum
The "biblical womanhood curriculum," according to verses four and five, covers these topics:

Loving your husband

Loving your children

Being self-controlled (which would also cover "holy behavior" as mentioned in verse 3)

Moral purity

Being a "home-worker"

Being of good character; having a kind, pleasant disposition

Being submissive or respectful of your husband's headship

Honoring the Word of God by living it out

This month's topic really goes to the heart of the True Woman Movement—women training and encouraging others to fulfill their purpose and calling as women. So, why don't you consider how you can apply this month's teaching to your life?

Dividing up the Loot...

Aren't they cute? We had little ones {and bigger ones!} from all over come out last night to enjoy the nice weather and hold out their bags to collect candy. One cute little fella announced right away, "I'm allergic to peanuts"! You could tell his mommy rehearsed extensively with him! Good for her! Then, there was a precious little lady...I'd say about 3, whom when I stooped down with the candy holder to give her some candy, she reached right into the container and said, "I want this one"! She was a princess...and I thought she was too cute to argue with, so I told her to take that one and I'd give her another one for later. Her eyes lit up like a jack-0-lantern...and she ran off squeeling to the top of her lungs..."THAT NICE LADY GAVE ME TWO, DADDY!!!" Did my heart good! But now I have a question for you all...

How do you divide your candy up between your children when it all comes in? I was out rakin' leaves this afternoon (well actually, I mowed them up and dispersed them on the curb so our leaf sucker boys can come this week and mulch em!). I think a lot when I rake leaves. Too tired to do anything but think I guess. Anyhow, back to the subject...I found a few candy wrappers from last night in the leaves. I smiled, remembering the days when we took Amy and Ally out to fetch a ton of cavity producing treats...and then remembered how we tried to divide it all up later that evening. Amy laid hers all out in order. She'd not put one thing in her mouth until it was all organized! The candy bars in one pile, the singles in another, the *Smarties, *Sweet-Tarts, etc. in yet another pile. Ally, on the other hand, just started eating, bless her heart! (a girl after my own heart!!) She loved Halloween! I'll never forget the year she was Raggedy Ann...her make up was smeared from ear to ear and chocolate was dripping from her mouth. She looked like a horror movie by the time we stopped her. Amygirl was still sorting her candy...each piece in the right place. Then, she wanted baggies to divide those up so they didn't touch. It was a stitch watching them...and then looking at Dennis as he tried to sneak one out of the batch. He tormented the girls! All in the end...we let them have a "few" pieces of candy that night and then one or 2 per day until they lost interest or until their favorites were gone. Of course, Dennis and I snuck some here and there too...knowing they wouldn't miss a few pieces. Amy counted hers...I think she knew when a gumball was missing! But after a few years, she just grew to expect some of it was for our enjoyment too, after I explained that we bought their costumes and Dad walked every house with them while I stayed home and made dinner, handing out treats to the little munchkins that came to our house!

Sooo....back to my question...HOW do you divide up your candy FAIRLY? If you allow your children to go trick-or-treating, how do you maintain Christian principles while giving into some of the "Americanized traditions" of these pagen holidays? I say that b/c I know how Halloween started and while I'm not a fan of this "holiday" at ALL...I don't run from home when it rolls around {anymore!}. Most of the children that come to my door are not gathering candy to offer in exchange for their souls, after all. They just want CANDY. Sooo...there leaves a mountain of candy. Just wanting to get your ideas incase we have more children! Ha....just kidding about that, but my girls are just getting started with their families and thought this would be good for all of us to hear from each other about.

How can we divide this mess up fairly?

Any and all ideas are welcome!