Gratitude Blowout

Today is the last day of November, and the last day of my gratitude postings. (I may still let you know what I'm grateful for, it just isn't the month's theme anymore!) I thought I'd do big blow out since I have been busy this week and not posting.

• I am grateful that my grandmother is healing. My dad called me earlier this week to let me know she'd had a minor stroke. But it sounds like she is doing much better, and I am so very thankful. I love my grandparents very much, and am just not ready to lose either of them yet.
• I am grateful for Barnes and Noble, and Barnesandnoble.com!! I have been reading another series, this time a detective series, and they have been tracking the books for me. They are the Detective Kathleen Mallory series by Carol O'Connell. I love mysteries, and the best part is, the violence is limited, and the romance is almost non-existent. I love it!!
• I am grateful for the little break we had from the cold weather this week. The past few days have been fairly pleasant weather-wise.
  
• I am grateful for a couple of my friends who are trying to reteach me to socialize. It's been a long time since I could go hang out whenever I wanted, and luckily for me, my friends are very patient. I've kind of become ultra-private and closed off, but this blog and my friends are helping me to express myself and rejoin the realm of normal humanity.
• I am super excited and grateful to have a few days off. I am on vacation technically starting tomorrow through Thursday. I'm really looking forward to the time off, but I'm having a little difficulty with two of my loans, so I'll probably have to drop in at the bank a couple of times this week to check on them.
  

I am so glad I took this time to think about what I was grateful for. Even if I couldn't post everyday, I thought about what I was thankful for. That kind of mindset is very helpful and cheering. Even after a really rough day at home or work, I'm still happy, because I am recognizing my blessings. Life is good, and can only get better.

Saturday and Sunday

Sorry I missed my gratitude posting yesterday. I came into some really bad news, and I just couldn't find it in me to be grateful for anything.

But now I am grateful for that news. It has given me the opportunity to enlighten someone who was lacking some very vital information. She now has the ability to make her decisions with a full knowledge of what she is getting herself into. I am also grateful to understand her better. She's made some situations in my life make more sense. What I learned still hurts, more deeply than I thought was still possible, but it just might help me to start healing.

Today I am grateful for good music. I especially love Christmas music, as it seems the whole world is suddenly in tune (no pun intended) with the knowledge that Christ is their Savior. On the way to church, I was listening to the album 'Wintersong' by Sarah McLachlan. One of her songs was asking what could she have given the baby Jesus, and she answers herself, "I will give my heart". That line really touched me.

Day 23

I am grateful for Thanksgiving leftovers. I had a very yummy lunch today of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and of course blackberry pie!!

I am grateful for good co-workers who can laugh with me when I might not be in the best of moods.

I am grateful for an excellent manager who pushes me to be my best with friendship and encouragement. There are many ways I am lacking, but you'll never hear her yelling at me. She treats me with kindness and patience. Those are much better motivators than fear and intimidation. I love being able to work with a manager like Michelle.

I am grateful God gave me a sense of humor. It may be a little twisted by my life experiences, but it keeps me floating.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! I hope you all had wonderful holidays filled with fun, (yummy) food, and family. I sure did. I had so much fun at my dad's. It was just the two of us, and very cozy. He made the meal (he's a former chef... only Aunt Mar can cook better than him!!), and I brought the pie. I also found a new flavor of sparkling cider. It was pomengranite apple. It was very yummy. We watched the Cowboy game, which was really more of a stomping, enjoyed a movie, and then Dad got out Fallon's Wii. (Thanks Fallon, for sharing, even though you weren't there...) He taught me to play tennis (and stomped me!!) and golf (we tied!!). I had such a blast!!

Today I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for a dad who would go to so much trouble, just for me. I am thankful for an aunt who would take time out of her busy life to come up with the perfect pie recipe for me to surprise my dad with. I am thankful for my sister who always makes me laugh, especially exactly when I need it.

And now for the pie. It was blackberry. My aunt came to visit me for lunch last week, and I told her my plan to surprise my dad with cherry pie, as I was under the impression that cherry pie was his favorite. Lucky for me, Aunt Mar remembered that Dad's favorite pie is actually blackberry. She promised to figure out just what she does to make her famous blackberry pie (she's a marvelous cook, and does things by memory and instinct, so she often doesn't have an exact recipe) and let me know. And even though she was helping her children get through their various activities while packing for their Thanksgiving vacation, she took the time to come up with the blackberry pie recipe for me. It was my first time making a berry pie, and the filling broke through the edges to bubble out a bit, but it tasted divine. I think I have a new favorite pie... Thanks Aunt Mar!! Dad loved the surprise, and I think he really appreciated that you would remember his favorite pie after all these years.

Day 21

I am grateful for today for many reasons. My sister is on her way to spend the holiday with our grandparents and other extended family. I wish I could join them, but I am excited for some quality time with my dad.

One bad thing about trying to surprise Dad with pie is that he was already prepared. He bought a few... so I am only making one pie. Store bought pies are okay, but there's nothing like homemade. My aunt sent me the recipe, and I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

I am grateful for blankets, jeans, socks, sweatshirts, gloves, and all other items I can wear or cozy into as the temperature rapidly drops. Every time I step outside today, it seems to be 10 degrees colder. Oh yeah, I am grateful for hot chocolate with cinnamon too!

I am grateful for my puppies who provide a welcome distraction today. They are CRAZY, but adorable. Maia especially seems in tune with my moods. I've never had a pet so uncannily aware of me, or (seem to) try to comfort me before. Maggie too is becoming more aware of my moods, or maybe it's just competition. The dogs compete for everything, whether they need to or not. I tell them there's a reason God gave me two hands... It's because He knew I'd have two dogs. I don't think they quite believe my logic...

Goodbye

Our Darling Friend Jasmine passed away last night in her sleep. We love her and miss her very much, but we are grateful to know she is in a better place. I am sure she is without her pain and confusion, perched on a tree in heaven whistling her heart out. She'll only stop to ask passing angels, "What are you doing?"

Day 20

Okay, so I have been super busy and have slacked off again... So now I have three days of gratitude to make up.

1. I am grateful that a loan booked for a customer I thought I'd lost. After the initial application, I never heard from him again, but they closed yesterday, and I still got credit for it!! It happens sometimes, and it now means I just might barely make my loan goal. Or be just under, but that is okay, because this quarter has been rough. I'll take what I can get.
2. I am grateful for a good support staff in my bank. I've had a couple of difficult customers and/or situations this week, but I've been able to take care of almost everything because of the network I have to reach out to.
   
3. I get two days off in the middle of the week this week!!!! My regular day off is usually Wednesday, and since Thursday is a holiday, I get two days off in a row!!! Yay me!!!!
   

Day 17

I am again, grateful Saturdays are half days. And I'm still super happy to be at my old desk. I enjoyed my day at work immensely, and was extremely pleased to step outside to beautiful weather and gorgeous sunshine. It was a nice break from the frigid temperatures we've been enduring lately. (Cold for Texas, I mean...)

I am also grateful for good books. I love to read, and I am currently reading a mystery by Mary Higgins Clark. She's one of my favorite mystery authors, and I've discovered I like her daughter's mysteries too. I like how the two differ. Mary Higgins Clark's books are about different women in different circumstances, and Carol Higgins Clark's books are more detective-novel like. So back to my book, "On the Street Where You Live". I'll let you know how it goes. I just started, but so far, so good.

Make-up Gratitude

My last post was on Monday, so that means I owe four days of gratitude.

1. Tuesday: I am grateful that Tuesday is over. It can never come back. It was a rotten, frustrating day at work, and I survived.
   
2. Wednesday: I was extremely grateful to have a day off after Tuesday. I was also grateful that my doctor wasn't concerned about the scar on my finger festering over the weekend. He thinks a little neosporin will do the trick, but he said if it continues to be a problem it'll be simple enough to remove it. (I told Mom it was just a coincidence it festered at the same time Jasmine was getting sick, but you know moms...At least I know she cares!) I was also happy that my doctor's office is near my dad's apartment. Dad happened to call just as I was leaving, so I got to go have dinner with him and his family. I love spending time with my little sister!! She is so cute and smart.
3. Thursday: My Aunt Mar came to visit!!! She brought me some yummy soup and we got to have a short lunch together in our tiny break room. It was so nice to see her, but I think my co-workers are trying to organize a trade: me for her... Also, I was grateful that Angela started working as our new teller supervisor. She transferred in from another banking center. She is so nice!! Plus, I am excited to get to know her better. We went to teller training together, and since we lived close, we carpooled. I was so sad that I might never get to see her again, and now, two years later, we work together!! I think she's doing a great job. In the past two days, I've had triple the amount of teller referrals (which we rely heavily on to make our goals).
   
4. Friday: Today, I am grateful that we got a third personal banker. Her name is Dianca (I'm not sure on the spelling but it sounds like Bianca, just with a D), and she too is extremely nice. We were super busy today, and with the extra help, the day ran so much more smoothly. Plus, I got my old desk back (yay!!) so I can make faces at the tellers again. I love my desk. It's a little more private and not so noisy there. I can concentrate better. I also had the pleasure of running in to an old friend, Alex, whom I haven't seen since my freshman year of high school. But nothing tops this: I met Brad from Five Times August today!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love his music!! I scoured several local Wal-Marts and one in South Carolina until I found his most recent cd this last summer. Anyway, he was standing in the teller line, and I just wasn't sure if it was him, but I took a deep breath and walked up and said, "Are you Brad?" and he replied, "Yeah..." I told him I was a huge fan and we got to chat for a few moments until I was called away by another customer. He was super nice. I am normally extremely shy, so this was a very brave act for me. I didn't really realize I was so nervous until I walked away and almost fell down from shaking so hard. I hope he didn't notice... If you want to check out his music, his website is fivetimesaugust.com.
   

So today was a pleasant end to a long work week. I am looking forward to next week when we'll have a bit more time off.

I get to spend Thanksgiving with my dad. I'm not to thrilled about spending the day watching football, but I am excited for the quality time. Plus, dad's cooking could almost rival Aunt Mar's... It'll be just the two of us since Tracey is taking her daughters to visit family in Missouri.

I am off Wednesday (just by pure luck), and I plan on practicing a couple of pie recipes, and whatever turns out best, I will bring to surprise Dad. (I'm not saying what kind, just in case he reads this...) Aunt Mar is going to help me figure one of them out. I'll let you know how it goes next week. I love to cook, especially if it involves learning a new recipe. I'll have to make an extra pie and leave it for my mom. I know she's disappointed I won't be spending the holiday with her and her friend. I'm open to suggestions, if anybody wants to recommend a favorite pie recipe...

Jasmine

Our family is blessed to have an adorable feathered friend named Jasmine. She is normally a beautiful, intelligent bird, and we have enjoyed her time with us very much. I love hearing her whistle or sing to herself. She's even learned to say Maggie and Maia!! She is normally very talkative, and would say things like, "I love you pretty bird", and "Hi Jasmine", and our favorite, "What are you doing?"

Sadly, Jasmine is not doing very well right now. She is a very sick little bird. Her speech is going and she has very little balance. She startles at the slightest movement, and almost seems to have reverted back to a baby bird. My mom took her to the vet last week to discover one of two possibilities. Jasmine has either some how been exposed to a toxin, probably through the paint on one of her toys (though they are all bought from well known pet stores) or she has a rare virus that she would have been born with, and is just now manifesting itself. The vet is sending off her blood work today to determine which of these possibilities is the real one.

The best thing would be for Jasmine to have been exposed to the toxin. She can be treated for that and may make very close to a full recovery. If it is the virus, she can have medicine that may slow it down, but she will never recover. In fact, her time with us may be very short if this is the case.

This picture is one I took of her today. We realized that none of us had taken a picture of Jasmine while she was healthy, and my mom wanted something to remember her by if she doesn't recover. I have to confess the picture is doctored. I wanted to remember Jasmine when she was healthy, so I used the makeover tool on my picture editor the remove the scratches and food from her face. She can't hold her balance, as I said, and eating has become a very messy ordeal for her. She has taken a few falls and has scratched her face in the process. I don't know if you can tell from this picture, but one thing I did not remove was the blue ring around her eye. The blue ring signifies dehydration. With Jasmine's balancing problems, it's almost impossible for her to drink. I thought her eyes looked better this morning, so maybe it's a good sign...

We are all very worried about her, especially my mom, as Jasmine is her special pet. I hope for my mom's sake, and Jasmine's that she is treatable. I miss her cute little personality very much.

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day, and I am very grateful.

Obviously, I am grateful for the extra day off from work, but that is not why I am thankful for Veterans.

Those who have served and are serving in this country's armed forces have my undying gratitude. They gave up their time, friends, family, lives, and sometimes parts of themselves not only to keep us safe but to help others in the world who were not strong enough to defend themselves.

Where would we be without our veterans? Just think of the world wars... Can you imagine a world run by the Nazis? I shudder to think of it. What about the Civil War or the Revolutionary War? We have some amazing freedoms today thanks to those brave men and woman.

Today, I am concerned about our country's apparent lack of patriotism. They mock our government and protest our battles. I may not agree with all of the decisions that have been made, but I have nothing but the utmost respect for our leaders and those who serve this country. Soldiers must never be greeted with anything less that a heartfelt thank you. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes to see Veterans remembered, or hear our National Anthem. I love this country. I love our freedoms. I am so grateful that there are people who were and are willing to stand up and defend it.

Missionaries

I am grateful for missionaries. I have always loved the missionaries, ever since I was a little girl. Some of my favorite memories are from having missionaries over for dinner. I loved cooking for them in the singles' ward (and once they figured out I could cook, I had constant requests...). It was the least I could do to show my support for them as they labored on God's errands. They all have such a beautiful spirit about them. It's refreshing to feel these young men and women's faith, and to see the joy shining from their faces. I LOVE missionary stories. I can never get enough of them.

I ran into my friend's mom at church today. He's serving currently in the Singapore mission, and is in Malaysia. It's a predominantly Muslim area, and they aren't allowed to go tracting. They go "man-hunting" instead. They walk from house to house and rattle the gates. If a woman comes to the door they have to politely greet her and leave. If a man comes to the door, they have to ask if he is Christian, and if he says no, again they have to move on. They aren't allowed to approach the Muslims, but they can teach them if the Muslim comes to them of their own accord. Sister Clark told a story that really touched me today. She said that one day, Travis and his companion were in a government "planned housing" district. It was little more than a slum and laid out in rows. They were "man-hunting" in row S, with little luck, when a little boy walked by and said, "You guys should really try row R". So, the young men decided to take inspiration from wherever they could get it, and headed towards row R. As they approached, they saw a man who walked right up to them and asked, "Do you represent Jesus Christ?" The missionaries said, yes they did, and the man said, "We have been waiting for you for a long time. Will you please come back and teach my family?" The missionaries followed him to his apartment, where there was not only his family, but also two other families waiting to learn about Jesus Christ.

That story and others like it are a beautiful testament to me of my Heavenly Father's love for His children, and helps my own faith grow. It's still bringing tears to my eyes as I remember Sister Clark's story. I so grateful she shared it with me. I am so proud of Travis, and grateful that he and countless others will stand up and answer the Lord's call.

Saturdays

I am grateful for Saturdays. Saturdays are only a half day at work, so I can go home and spend the afternoon with my puppies or my friends. Sometimes I get to read a good book, or get some much needed r&r. Often, I use the time to finish chores I can't seem to get to during the week. Plus, the best thing about Saturdays is that if I work on a Saturday, I get a full day off during the week!! I love breaking up my weeks that way. I work a couple of days, have a day off, work a couple more, then I have another day off!!

Government Holidays

After a day like today, I am grateful that we have government holidays like Veterans Day to allow us to take a break from work. I am definitely looking forward to the time off.

I am also grateful for the lovely weather we've been having. It is cool, but not cold (even if I am!!) and I love watching my dogs play in the falling leaves. It's just too bad we don't get all the colors the northern states do. I miss the red, yellow, and orange trees...

The thing I am most grateful for today is Quarterly Bonuses!! I don't get it until the 15th, but I am definitely looking forward to it. My poor car is in need of yet more repairs... So now I can have it fixed!!

Friends

I am grateful for my friends. They are a source of laughter and support, which I really appreciate now. We tease each other back and forth, and it makes the day go by lighter, and more quickly. It keeps me from getting down on myself if I don't make my daily goal, and it also keeps me from going crazy with our current lack of customer volume. I am also grateful that by next Thursday, we will be fully staffed!! My days of being the only seller on the floor are nearly over!!

Day 7

I am grateful for days off. I didn't have to work today, and the weather is just perfect. It's so nice to relax and take time to hang out with my puppies. Plus, I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my favorite, yum!). I am also grateful for friends with cooking tips. I had a friend tell me to bake my cookies for slightly less time that the recipe recommends, then let them set on the cookie sheet. She said it makes them soft and melty even the next day, like they were fresh from the oven. So far, so good!! I have tons, and if you want some, come on over!! (That is if my mom will let me share, once she discovers the surprise!)

Mmmmmmm.... Somebody better come help me eat these. Or I will!!



It took forever (and one escape attempt) to get them to pose!! But it was worth it. Aren't they absolutely adorable? I am so grateful for these crazy kiddos.

Cold and More Gratitude

I am soooo cold!! I have been freezing for about a week. I can't figure out why though. Our weather has just finally cooled off. It has been a pleasant high 60's-mid 70's for a week or two, and yet I am freezing. Today was much colder, and so was I. I don't have a fever, but I can't seem to get warm. So I am grateful for hot chocolate and my warm fuzzy blanket.

I bought my blanket as one of those impulse buys that I am forever trying to ignore. But it was such a soft blanket and only $7, and today I am very happy I gave in to temptation. :)

I am also grateful that Robert is on vacation. Wait, keep reading. It's not what it sounds... I am very grateful to have Robert as a co-worker. He has been very supportive and is a good example for me to learn from. He is charismatic and driven, and most of our customers like him very much. But just like last August when he went on vacation, it seems like the mortgage customers are flocking to my desk. I had 3 applications on Saturday, one yesterday, and two more scheduled for later this week!! It never rains, but it pours, and it seems to pour mortgages when Robert is on vacation. Sorry, buddy, and thanks... :)

I am most especially grateful for the time change today. I always love "falling back", and relish in the extra hour of sleep I get over the weekend. I do struggle a little to get my body to go to bed earlier than it is used to, but today it was worth it. I left work a little before six. The sun was already below the horizon, but it's rays still colored some of the low lying clouds. It was the most beautiful shade of red-orange that I have seen in a very long time. I was grateful to be blessed with such a magnificent view as I drove home (luckily headed west) from work. I am also grateful I managed to keep enough attention on the road to make it home safely.

Gratitude...

Is the key to humility. I've been thinking about humility lately, and I don't really know why. Maybe it was triggered by my Aunt's post about different cultures' views of humility. Somehow I connected the two virtues into one. Here's my train of thought:

We are taught to be humble, but we are not stopped from earning riches and gaining success - as long as it is for the greater good of man. How do we remain humble if we do in fact gain fame, riches and/or glory? Gratitude. True gratitude stops us short. It reminds us why we are, how we are, and who helped us to be so.

Maybe everyone already knows this, but it came as sort of an epiphany to me today. (And I am grateful.)

My Aunt has a tradition of posting something she is grateful for everyday of November. So, I am stealing yet another of her glorious ideas, and though I am a little late, I will post my gratitude this month too. As I said, I am a little behind, so I will make it up (in no particular order):

1. I am grateful to have a job. It is a good job (though stressful) and I am surrounded by people who care about me, and I care about them. I have a good management team, and am motivated by my desire to help my little work-family be successful. It's much better than being motivated by fear or anger. I've never worked for a better team, and though I complain (a lot), I love it (most of the time).
2. I am grateful for my puppies. They are dorks and they drive me crazy, but they always make me smile. They are always surprising me with moments of intelligence, affection, and adorableness. When it seems that all is dark and I cannot go on, they make me laugh, and I survive another day. They are my furry little angels.
3. I am grateful for my sister. We didn't get along very well while we were growing up. I thought she was annoying, and I wasn't very nice to her. But now, I see my sister as my best friend. She is incredibly intelligent and spiritual. She and I share advice back and forth, trying to lift each other up, and laugh at how funny our lives can be sometimes. (Especially hers... She can't even manage to blow her nose without some sort of adventure!) She always knows just when to call or text message me, to bring me cheer or save me from some awful company.
4. I am grateful for my Aunt and Uncle. They are a great example to me of what a marriage should be. I love to watch them interact with their children. My Aunt is especially full of life, love and charity, and I am so grateful to share her name. It tells me that someday, I might be like her, and that is all I have ever wanted from my life. I am grateful that my Uncle is a good husband and father, who honors his priesthood. I wish that I had had the maturity to realize how important it was to have in my home when it was there. I wish I had been more supportive and grateful then. Sadly, I did not learn this lesson until it was too late, and though I no longer have access to the priesthood in my home, I have my Uncle, who is always willing to serve. (#4 I guess is also a statement on my gratitude for the priesthood...)
5. I am grateful for this world. It may be a difficult time for the many peoples and countries, but it is still a beautiful world. I love every cloud, tree, butterfly, and flower. Its endless beauty reminds me that there is a Father in Heaven, for there is no way any of these small miracles could exist without Him.
   

I could go on forever about the things I am grateful for, but there are 25 more days left to express them. (I don't want to run out, though I doubt I could...) There is something to be said for counting your blessings. It always lightens my load and reminds me of all the reasons I have to be happy.

A Difficult Day

Today was a rather difficult day for me, and many I know. Work was slow and disappointing. I took a late lunch and decided to run across the street for a sandwich.

I was in the center turn lane getting ready to turn into the parking lot, when I saw them. There were four, maybe five motorcycle cops leading a hearse at their usual funeral speed. I was pretty sure I had enough time to get across all three lanes before they reached me, but out of respect for the person at the moment unknown to me, I decided to wait. A second, half thought of trying to beat four cops across traffic might not be such a good idea also flitted through my head. Funerals always make me sad. The police officer closest to me waved his thanks as he passed. I'm sure we were thinking along the same lines...

I wasn't paying attention at first, because like I said, funerals make me sad. Then, it suddenly dawned on me that I work not two minutes from our stake center, and my heart almost stopped. I had a friend in high school who's sister was in a very serious car accident a couple of weeks ago, and I wondered if it was her funeral procession I was watching. Her brother and I weren't that close- mostly we had common friends, and didn't hang out except for when they were all together, so I wasn't keeping up on the latest news. I felt I should stay out of the family's way since I didn't know them that well. My heart sunk lower and lower as the procession grew longer and longer. Who else but a Mormon would have such a long procession?

The procession finally passed, and I had to get through the rest of my day. As soon as I got home, I went to her family's website that was being updated by their bishop. Sure enough, it was her friends and family I had watched on their way to the internment. I was suddenly very glad I had chosen to let them pass, and overwhelmed with sorrow at the same time. I know our church teaches that families are forever, and I know that this family will one day be whole, and I know they know it too. But I also know the agony they are feeling at the sudden loss of one so young, bright, and dear. I know how they must miss her right now, and my heart goes out to the family. I pray they will be comforted and strengthened at this time and know how much we all care for them.

The Mad World of Donuts

Every year on Halloween, my Aunt Mar makes homemade donuts and invites all her friends and family to come and enjoy them. She really goes all out - decorating, cooking, and socializing with her neighbors. I got to join in this year. When I arrived at her house around 7:30 this evening, I found her street lined with cars and seemingly hundreds of people rushing to her door. People had been coming in and out of her house since 3:30 this afternoon. Her house (which is a little on the large side) was packed with people, spilling into both the front and backyards. Children, teens, and parents chatted and munched on her delicious delights. I got to help fry and sugar as we tried to keep the donut plate full. We failed miserably!! We would get a small pile of donuts built up, and turn our backs for just a second to make some more, and when we turned back, all the donuts were gone! I could say, "I guess that means the donuts were good," but I know they were. I got to try one fresh out of the fryer. It was so sweet and literally melted in my mouth. Yummmmmmmm.... I mentioned to Uncle Jonathan that if they couldn't sell their house, Aunt Mar could always open a donut shop. I chuckled when I later heard others make similar comments. One young girl even volunteered to help!!

She had other goodies set out as well, including an assortment of nuts, m&m's, vegetables, chips, crackers, and monster toes (mini sausages). She had cleverly arranged five large carrots in the vegetable dip to resemble monster fingers too. They had dry ice creating a lovely Halloween fog, and some of the young men had a lot of fun (maybe too much fun?) playing with the dry ice. In the end, we estimated we'd gone through at least 500 donuts!! Poor Aunt Mar didn't even get one!! By the time the guests stopped coming, and Aunt Mar could take a break, she was all donuted out. I don't blame her, she'd only been making them all day long!!

This is Uncle Jonathan pouring the dry ice in the sink. ( Ashton really enjoyed that...)
You can see our empty donut plates, and all the endless mounds of sugar.

Thanks, Aunt Mar, for all your hard work. It turned out to be a wonderful (and delicious) Halloween.