It Really is SPOOKY!!

It really is SPOOKY how fast time flies! Thursday I attended my last elementary school Halloween parade as a parent. I realized (while waiting for the sixth grade to 'bring up the rear" in the parade) how much I love the little things that make my life complete!

I love seeing little ones in costume. I treasure the excitement that the holidays bring (especially for children). I live for traditions! I even appreciate routinely hanging out surrounded by "Kids" (young and old) and listening to their adventures.

I recognize that the stories change as the years go by. I enjoy the tales of missionary experience as much as I smile at the gossip of sixth grade romance. There are rare moments when life seems to appear before me in almost full circle (all that's missing are the sweet little grandchildren that I expect in the future), and I feel complete joy!

Last night was Halloween - well, not exactly - but it was the annual Halloween celebration. (Since the 31st falls on a Sunday this year.) I will always love having people drop by to eat, visit and enjoy with us. The process of getting ready for such an event, however, nearly always puts me just about over the edge. I claim to love fixing food, decorating, and creating an atmosphere - which I do! It is unfortunate that I cannot seem to do it with any sense of ease. I still live under the complete misconception that any form of perfection will actually be achieved in this lifetime - and that includes the state of cleanliness and preparation in my home. Nonetheless, when the people arrive, I finally don't really care that things are not perfectly in order.

My children have lived their lives with a "do-it-yourselfer." I guess it's not a bad thing that they have become all that they know. Friday was filled with cutting, painting and creating. The champion procratinators in the family finished the job on Saturday, just in time to leave for their Halloween parties. The remarkable think is that the outcomes are amazingly clever and look pretty great!

Kalinee and a couple of friends decided to be the three little pigs. They went to a party in Draper where they danced, ate, played, ate, watched movies, ate and had a great time.

Chandler and his group made themselves into a "Barrel of Monkey's."

They enjoyed a two-night celebration. One

in Salt Lake at a dance party. The next in Logan at the "Howl" at Utah State. It is good to see 22 year-old boys cutting, sewing (OK, I did the sewing) and making barrels.

Haley went to a Halloween party in Logan on Friday night dressed as referee.

She and Kalinee spent the day painting a white T-shirt with black stripes. Then on Saturday she had her whole gang of old friends over at the house.

They are finally coming back from their missions, and she is so happy to have her "friends back."

What a pleasure to see them all back laughing and talking as if no time had passed at all - not older, really, just better!!

Easton and his "band of brothers" always come up with some bare-chested themed costume.

This year it was the construction crew! Their boots and vests accentuated an already pretty good looking bunch of boys. They attended a party where, as usual, they do not go unnoticed and do not leave un-taunted!

Teagan showed up for soup night at our house with a herd of about 12 friends! Initially, the plan was that the gang would all be World Cup soccer players. The costume outcome was varied and diverse but all looked great and had a fun time. They left here to go to a Halloween party where they enjoyed more food and a scary Halloween movie!

When I was of the age of having children, I would have taken a dozen of them if I could have had them. It was really just a matter of increasing the JOY in life. Now, I am overwhelmed by the world that they encounter on a daily basis.

I worry often, pray more and sleep poorly. I can't imagine the strength of character, power of commitment and the knowledge of the gospel that it takes to get them safely through each day. They do it well! They are certainly not untouched, but they bear the scars of battles well-fought!