Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Camden - one of my favorite grandsons.

Recipe for Pomegranate Avocado Dip

Diana brought this dip to the Witch's Brew and it was really different and yummy so I am sharing it:
3 ripe avocados, diced
1 large tomato diced (she removes the pulp)
2 Tblsp. finely chopped sweet onion
1 large pomegranate or 2 small ones
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tblsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. accent (flavor enhancer)
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Mix all the ingredients together and serve with Fritos or corn tortilla chips.

Yummy!!!!

I took dinner in to my good friend Julie this week on the day she was meeting with her surgeon to schedule some more cancer surgery. It just so happened to be her little girl's birthday. Ellie turned 10. Those who know me know that I am not a cake baker. Sheet cake - ok. Anything fancier - no way. This is the only cake I have ever made that is halfway decorated. I was so proud of myself for actually getting the cake to come out of the pan in one piece, to color the frosting the right color and turn it into a bear swimming party. I know, don't die of shock, k? I had to take a picture just to prove I made it.

More from the Witches Brew

We had to try to put a wart on the nose of old Frankie by spitting a wad of gum at him. Witch Diana got him right on the nose. We know what she does in her spare time.

I promised to post some more pictures from our party Thursday night. It was sooooooo much fun - good food, good friends (and family) and good times. I'm looking forward to it again next year.

It's not too often you get to dress up crazy and laugh until you're out of breath with women you love. Thanks everyone who came. I had a great time.

REMEMBER: What happened at Shannon's stays at Shannon's.

The first annual Witches Brew!

We held our first ever Witches Brew tonight (I saw this idea on someone's blog and loved it). We had so much good food and so much fun. I haven't laughed that hard in forever. Oh my, the stories we heard. We have dirt on everyone now - even our Bishop. This is going to be a yearly party now because we loved it so much. I'll post more pics tomorrow.

Garon didn't really come. He showed up to take Spartie for the night while we were getting ready. He wanted to fit in so he borrowed my hat. You can't tell but I had glittery lipstick and eye makeup.

Who guessed right?

For all of you who have been anxiously waiting to see the contents of the goodie bag, here they are. No surprises. He's pretty predictable isn't he? Even though they didn't even see a deer, at least they had good munchies and that is all that is important, right? Oh yes, whoever won (and I would consider it a tie) gets the left over squishy candy bars left in his hunting fanny pack, k?
That should bring back memories.

Take a Guess

For all you Thornes - Can you guess what goodies and snacks Dad bought to take with him on the deer hunt? Post your lists here and the closest one gets a prize! I will show what is in the sack on Sunday. Let's see how well you know Papa Bear. Heehee.

For the Princess

I learned a new trick. I have never sewn with elastic thread before. I saw the pattern for this outfit at one of my favorite quilt shops (Pine Needles) and just had to make it for the Princess. I can just see her chubbly little legs with the ruffles on them. Anyway, the whole top is done with elastic thread and I was a little nervous to try it - I didn't want to ruin it. It was so fun and easy to do. I loved it! I expect to see a post on Carissa's blog in about a week with a picture of Princess Meili in it, ok?

BRRRRRRRRRRR!

This is what we woke up to. And that means scraping your windshield and putting on a sweater and nylons for church. I am not ready for winter - what happened to autumn? I want more than a week of autumn! BRRRRRRRRR

Elk Hunt Weekend

We went up to the lot for the Elk Hunt and to bring the trailer down for the winter, clean things up, and winterize everything. It was beautiful on Friday. The aspens were amazing!

But it started to rain Saturday morning and it poured and poured. We couldn't keep the fire going and it was really muddy. Spartan kept shaking because he was so cold so I put a coat on him. I thought Tyler would like this picture of silly Spartie.
After the guys got back, we all hung out in the trailer for a while to warm them up.
We knew the rain wasn't going to let up for another day so we figured we'd get out while we could. We'll just have to go up this week to pull the trailer out when things dry out a little bit.

Potty Training

Camden is such a funny little guy! I told Ali I was going to post a picture like this if she didn't so here goes. Camden is doing a great job of potty training. He has just gone about it a little backwards?!? He likes to sit on the toilet this way so he can watch and flush and keep watching. Isn't he silly? And I thought I was done potty training 20 years ago! But really, it's been easy because he has it down good - as long as he can sit this way. Silly boy. Gotta love it!