To Burrito or Not to Burrito?

That is the question. YES is the answer!

Every Halloween, Chipotle gives away free burritos if you visit their store dressed as a burrito, taco, or salad. To say that they leave that up to personal interpretation would be an understatement. Basically, all you have to do is have tin foil somewhere on your body. We usually try to be a little more creative than most. Here's what we came up with for this year:

Chase is wearing a foil baseball cap and Chris has some gangsta bling going on. We tried to get him to make a grill out of foil but he refused!

I made a crown and sash for Marissa that said "Ms. Transylvania."

I'm wearing a curly wig and a coursage made of foil.

This was the line outside the store when we arrived. Lucky for us, they can make a burrito in about thirty seconds!! It only took us about twenty minutes to make it through the line. We'll do just about anything for free Chipotle!!

Happy Halloween!!

I'm thinking this might be Chase's last Halloween to go trick-or-treating. He didn't want to dress up at all but I told him if he came to my house without a costume, I would say, "What are you for Halloween? Oh, I get it...a Loser!" I insisted that he at least wear a mask...he has several to choose from. Here's Chris lacing up this Mexican wrestler's mask that Chase bought in Mexico a few years ago.

Notice Chase's fierce face! Emily, Piper, Harrison, and Chase: A third of Mrs. Dandoy's 6th grade class.

Our neighborhood has always trick-or-treated on hay wagons since the houses are so far apart. This is the most kids we've had in a long time. We met at the lake earlier for hot dogs and now everyone is ready to get the show on the road!!

The big kids moved to their own hay wagon after the group picture. It will take them about two hours to cover the whole neighborhood. It is always a fun time...and the nice weather helps!

"THIS IS IT"

Marissa and I went to see this movie tonight. I had purchased tickets when they went on sale way back in September thinking that they might sell out. Last week, Marissa won tickets to the screening on Tuesday night by being caller #7 on 95.7 The Vibe. She's never won anything on the radio before and was so excited!! We ended up not being able to make the show on Tuesday so were glad we already had tickets for tonight.

I have to say that this show was incredible and showed a side of Michael never seen before. It was some of the most intimate footage of Michael in his creative process and gave you a backstage look at a master at work. I appreciated being able to see his work personality and his ability to respectfully mentor others. While it was bittersweet to realize that we would never be able to see what would have been Michael's BEST concert ever, it was amazing to be able to witness his passion and genius through these rehearsals! "THIS IS IT" would have been one of the greatest shows ever performed! Kenny Ortega did his best to memorialize Michael's talent, creativity, genius, and sensitivity in this film and , I believe, accomplished even more than that.

Are you surprised that I've already pre-ordered the DVD on Amazon? You shouldn't be!

A Novel Gala

In my last post, I mentioned that Chris and I had attended a benefit event for a hospital that he insures. They had just built a brand new medical building and are still raising money to complete the interior. There is another hospital that Chris insures in Peoria, IL, that puts on a lavish black tie/costume ball fundraising event every October. We've attended for several years and were sad to hear that it was cancelled this year due to the economy. We've always gone the black tie route but last year decided to don costumes. The theme for the event was "A Novel Gala" and guests were invited to dress as characters from a favorite book. Sally (Chris' VP) and I made a trip to KC Costume to see what we could find that the boys would go along with.......

Now presenting (drum roll, please)...Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Guinevere, and King Arthur.

A nice looking group, don't you think??

The royal couple!

Do you love my hair??? Me, too!

Chris had gotten this hairpiece for me for my birthday a few years ago and I was excited to finally be able to wear it somewhere!

The Outlaw and his Lady.

Darryl brought a real bow and quiver to complete his costume. The valiant and honorable King Arthur. A dashing Robin Hood with the lovely Maid Marian.

OK, I just had to take one more pic of the hair...couldn't help it!! In my dreams, I have hair just like this (maybe a little blonder!) only it goes all the way down my back. Oh well, like I said, in my dreams!

P.S. I am NOT naked! That's the first thing my kids asked when they saw this...sheeesh!!!

Fried Chicken for Breakfast?!?

Last night, Chris and I attended a benefit gala for a hospital that he insures in Parsons, KS. We slept in this morning (when was the last time we could do that on a Sunday?!?) and as a result, missed the continental breakfast at the hotel. Chris had mentioned yesterday about eating lunch today at this place, located on the outskirts of Pittsburg:

Because of our initial laziness and then desire to get on the road, we arrived at the restaurant at 10:57 am, just as the front doors were unlocked. We walked right in and ordered fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and German coleslaw (a sour version laced with garlic...delicious!!) I can't remember the last time I ate fried chicken...I know it's been years...and I'm positive I've never had it for breakfast, but Annie's chicken was hot, crispy, and delicious, especially dipped in those steaming mashed potatoes and gravy!

Here's Annie. She started serving chicken out of her own dining room in 1934 after her husband was injured in a mining accident and it was up to her provide the income. Her chicken became an overnight sensation and people have been driving for miles to get some ever since. I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the area, but I'd suggest eating breakfast first!!

Go, Kart, Go!!

I took the kids to Sadler's Indoor Racing tonight to celebrate awesome parent-teacher conferences yesterday. Unfortunately, Chris was in Denver on business and couldn't join us. :-( Marissa and I were psyched! Chase was a little hesitant and didn't race with us the first time. We had such a blast that we went and kidnapped him from arcade and made him join us. He was really glad he did!!

Vroom, vroom, vroom!!!

During the first race, my initial lap around the course took a leisurely 2:08 minutes....my last lap, 43 seconds!!! It didn't take me long to get the hang of it! After each race, we recieved a printout of individual lap times and speeds. My top speed and fastest lap time came in the second race...26.9 mph and 40.89 seconds, respectively!!!

We love the head sock look!! (I think the fumes in the racing area were getting to us!)

Ima gonna beat you, brudda!!

Grrrrr....Bring it on!!!

Marissa got the booster seat because her legs were too short!

Ready to roll!

Safety check for race #2 for me and Marissa and race #1 for Chase.

There he goes! Having a fractured foot didn't stop him from putting the pedal to the metal!!

And Marissa comes around the bend...

I'm trying to pass Chase politely, seeing as how it was his first face and all, but the punk is using evasive maneuvers! Time to get aggressive!!

Autumn Colors in My Yard

I was driving around the city today and couldn't help but notice the beautiful fall foliage. Rich hues of red, yellow, orange, and green. I decided to explore my own yard when I got home to discover what changes had occurred there over the past weeks. This is what I found:

The Burning Bush is one of my favorite shrubs...rich green in summer and bright red in the fall. These specimens are still transitioning. This hardy holly remains the same lush green all year long.

I'm not sure what this is (something wild?) but I love the copper color.

These roses are undeterred by the cool, drizzly weather we've been having.

This seedum is called Autumn Joy...no wonder!

This St. John's Wort has the most beautiful yellow blooms in the summer, much loved by bumble bees and butterflies alike.

Another unknown wild thing...but what gorgeous berries!

A few brave spireas still blooming. Their leaves haven't begun to change yet.

Don't you just love hedge apples? I do...they're green and knubby and keep spiders out of your basement!

It wouldn't be fall without a few of these on the front porch!

Well, lookie here...It's the man of the house adding a handsome blue to the fall color pallette in the yard!! Let's take a closer look at those maples in the backround, shall we?

Dazzling...

Ravishing...

Stunning...

Lovely...

and, last but not least...Magnificent!!!

I can't remember the last time I paused to appreciate the beauty of the fall season but I'm so glad I did today. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for creating such a glorious earth for the pleasure and enjoyment of His children.

Adios, Barrio del Rio Kaw

Chris is being released as Bishop of the Kaw River Ward tomorrow. He has served in that position since March of 2003. Being bishop is a challenging calling in any ward, but the Kaw River Ward is unique. More that 50% of it's population is Spanish-speaking with most of those members coming from Mexico but some from Central and South America, as well. The unity within the ward has increased dramatically in the past six and one-half years and we have come to love them all. Chris couldn't have done this work without the help of several key members of the ward.

Chris wanted to throw a party for those who have served with him in the Priesthood Executive Committee to "toast" them and give each of them a letter, as well as a gift of appreciation. We visited and ate dinner and then moved to the family room for the main event:

Gabriel Mera has served as Chris' first counselor for about five years. He was a bishop in Mexico and has been a great support to Chris.

The Miller's are members of the Indian Creek ward who were called to serve in Kaw River about three years ago. Scott was Chris' second counselor. Jenni has served as Primary Chorister, Sunday School teacher, Activity Days Leader, and as a member of the ward activities committee. Angel Morillo served with Chris' father, Harlan, in the River View branch many years ago. You can tell they have a warm and loving relationship. Angel has served as the ward Executive Secretary. He is the kindest, most loving man I know. He is always ready with a smile and a hug whenever he sees you.

Clark Hepworth is a seminary teacher and ward membership clerk. He is also very funny, has a very positive attitude, and is willing to do whatever is asked of him...including driving a van full of rambunctious youth to and from the temple...three times!!!

Louise Jones is the Relief Society President and has been since the ward was created about eight years ago. Chris thinks she will be translated any day for her many years of valiant service! Chris' mom, Cecilia, came with us to the Kaw River ward to play the organ and will join us in the Indian Creek ward next week.

Ralph and Norma Guenther were called from the Overland Park 2nd ward. Norma has been Young Women's President for about five years. Ralph has served as Troop Committee Chairman as well as Ward Mission Leader.

Larry Brown was the bishop of the Kaw River Ward before Chris. He has served as High Priest Group Leader. He and his wife, Sally, are stalwart members of the ward.

Jim Heath was Chris' first counselor when the bishopric was brand new. He and his wife, Carolyn, and son, Paul (Elder Heath) are members of the Chapel Hill ward but have served in KR since it was created. They are fine people who willingly serve in whatever capacity they are called to.

The Autrey's are from OP 2nd ward and have been serving in KR just a short time. Trinstin served a Spanish-speaking mission and requested to serve here shortly after his return. His mother and younger brother, Vincent, joined him a short time later. Tristin is the first counselor in the YM presidency and Karla is the 1st counselor in the YW presidency.

Chris taught the scouts the Haka--a Samoan warrrior dance--to perform at the campfire on the last night of scout camp. A few of them perform it here for old times' sake.

You can see that the people we have served with in the Kaw River ward are among the best in the church. It will be very difficult to leave them tomorrow and return to a "normal" ward. It has been quite the emotional roller coaster since we learned of Chris' release a few weeks ago!