HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Entrance to the Haunted House....

Vanessa and her Zombie friends..............

Creepy thing on a bike that talks to everyone...........

Dancing monsters....................

Dancing mummies.....

As you can see Halloween is alive and well at our house. We go to this haunted house in Idaho Falls every year. I think Vanessa's most favorite part is to listen to her mother freaking out because she is not a haunted house fan. It is fun, we know the people who run it, so that makes me feel somewhat safe!!! (not completely safe however). These dancers entertain you while you are waiting, then the haunted house itself is about 30 minutes (too) long. Vanessa asked me and Brian what our favorite part was and my answer is always the same "the end". We decorate Vanessa's room too, it has all sorts of creatures that make all sorts of noises. Flashing skull lights, dancing skeletons, floating ghosts, talking heads and much much more. She loves this time of year. Today we are going to a costume party that some friends are having. Personally, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Hope everyone has a very SPOOKY day.

50 YEARS AGO........

Once upon a time in a land far away (Savannah Georgia) on Wednesday, October 28th 1959, two awesome parents brought in to this world a 5 1/4 pound baby girl. (I am sure she looked like a princess) She was two weeks late, there was a storm coming in when she was actually due that was being named Hurrican Grace, if she had been born during that storm her mom said she would have been named GRACE!! Trust me I know this little girl and she is definitely not a GRACE!! 50 years later around October 14th 2009 another storm was coming in to that part of the country and they named her GRACE!!! Any way.... mom and dad brought their little girl home to her wonderful brothers, one of which slapped his mom when he saw her. But, I am sure they soon were both overwhelmed with happiness and joy to have this adoreable little sister. Through the years, they grew together, laughed, played and even fought. In fact, I think this sweet little girl may have tattled on them once or twice!! OOPS!! They moved lots of times because of the military. Finally, they settled in Idaho. Soon, the boys(her bubbies), grew up and fell in love and moved away. However, it brought two sister in laws and nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews that have touched her life. Now the little girl was all alone with her mom and dad, rumor has it she was spoiled, or maybe spoiled rotten. But, if you asked her she would say "I don't think so..." ( with a smile and a grin on her face). Soon she too fell in love with a wonderful man named Brian. They had dreams of their own now. Then 2 years later a little girl was born, The Circle was complete........... During these 50 years, I have made life long friends, I have seen sad things and great and wonderful things. I have lost loved ones and some of those life long friends. I miss my mom most today and thank her for giving me life. Today, on this 50th birthday, it is definitely not my favorite, but, I am grateful to my Heavenly father for allowing me to have the experiences of this world and especially for all those people who have been a part of my world.

RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM JAKE

Are you going to take me hunting? Are you huh? PLEASE!!!!!!!!

Ahhhh! This is the life!!!!

As long as I am with those I love, it will be okay.

As Jake sat by me tonight on the couch and as he laid his head on my lap, I could not help but think what a world this would be if we could love eachother like a sweet dog or young child can love so unconditionally. No judgements, not pretences, no two face notions, just pure love. My dear sweet mother once told me when I was trying to understand how people are, "it doesn't matter what they do or say, we need to love them anyway".

TIME FOR REFLECTION

This week Brian and I went up to the Persimeroi Valley in Central Idaho, beautiful country.

We had the opportunity to take in beautiful scenery. I climbed a mountain to the elevation of 8600 feet. It was a ton of work on my part and a whole lot of patience on Brians part, but we made it to the top together, what a feeling that was, despite the challenges getting there. We saw many Elk that had no idea we were even watching them. I reflected upon all the blessings that we have with the great outdoors. I also found myself reflecting on family. On Tuesday, September 29th, 2009, just before we left for our trip we got word that Aunt Winnie passed away. Aunt Winnie brings to my mind lots of memories. Aunt Winnie was married to my moms brother Elmo. I had the opportunity to visit with a couple of her children and it was nice to hear their voices and reflect upon their loss along with them. I remember their old farm house that used to be our grandpa and grandma Thalers. I remember rolling down what seemed like a huge hill into the little apple orchard just down from the house, thinking it was such a fun thing to do and was SO-oooo big. I have seen that hill since and it really isn't all that big!!! I am so greatful for the knowledge that she is being runited with her family, especially Uncle Elmo. What a grand reunion.