Shooting for the moon...

proved successful! The moon looked so brilliant last night. I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and zooming in to get a closer look. There's something so magnificent and mysterious about it. I love it!

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halloween night

Did you have a great Halloween? We sure did! While the kids were getting all dressed up in their costumes I ran to get the ol' camera hoping to catch a few photos with what little light was left outside. The kids were alot of fun as they jumped right into character while I snapped away.

We grabbed our BIG bowl of candy and headed off to a nearby neighborhood party. The girls had so much fun trick-or-treating and had even more fun trading candy with their friends. Dawson's fun included joining forces with the other neighbor kids who also had swords. Need I say more?

The two older boys decided to dress alike this year. Can you tell who's who? They went trick-or-treating without their bags and handed off what candy was given to them... to friends. Have I taught them well or what? Such good little nerds!

This one cracks me up. Is this really my sweet little Bree? She

couldn't have lost her front tooth at a better time. It's PERFECT!

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pumpkin carving

Every year the kids look forward to carving pumpkins with Grandma Kelly. She always plans something special for each Holiday. Here are a few photos of their Annual PUMPKIN CARVING Extravaganza.

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my sick little youngstser

Yesterday the school nurse called to say that my daughter was complaining of a belly ache but had no fever or other signs of sickness. After speaking to Bree I felt that she could make the last hour of school. I assured her that I would be there early, waiting in the parking lot just in case she got any worse.

I didn't receive another call and she didn't come out early. But as soon as I saw her I knew she wasn't her normal self. This youngster gets super cranky when she's not feeling well. And I made myself available to listen to everyone of her complaints.

Later that evening when I expressed that I wasn't feeling so good and might be coming down with something myself, this same little girl threw her arms around me and said, "I'm so sorry that I was whining to you about everything. If I knew you were sick I wouldn't have. If you need someone to complain to, I'll listen!"

I felt honored that she was so willing to be there for her mother. And was tickled to find this sweet little note still clutched tightly in her hand as I went to tuck her in for the night.

The very next morning this is what I found on my couch...

*A sick little girl. Still in her pj's.

*A sick little doll. Still in her pj's.

* Another note.

Guess who will be staying home from school today?

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Could I be so stupid? I guess so.

WOW! You guys were so kind when commenting on the previous post. I suppose it's because you are friends and family. This story was covered on the news last night and also posted on abc 15.com http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story/Burglars-pose-as-home-buyers-steal-30-000-worth/0t7Am63x50yGPhY8uk3-pA.cspx

The comments made here by complete strangers were quite the opposite!

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WORD OF CAUTION

We lost thousands of dollars within minutes. No not in Vegas last weekend but in our own home Thursday late afternoon.

We were headed to the lake for one last wake board run this season. As we were launching the boat, B.T.C. received a call on his cell phone from a female agent asking if she could show the house. It seemed routine enough so we agreed.

We returned home to find that the front door had been left unlocked. UNUSUAL so B.T.C. called the realtor back to inquire. NO RESPONSE!

We woke up Friday morning and realized that an envelope full of cash was missing. B.T.C. once again called the number back. NO RESPONSE!

Reality struck as I went to put on my wedding rings (My original and my new one that B.T.C. bought me this year for our 15th anniversary). They were missing. We had been burglarized! I began to search the house and look for valuables and wasn't surprised to find that they were all missing.

My cash box that I keep my tithing, spending$ etc. had been emptied. All of these valuables were in different locations in the home.

These fake home buyers /agents are experienced. They know what they are looking for. They only took what was most valuable.

As I was handing my list of stolen items to the officer assigned to this call I thought boy if they find these thieves I would like to ......and then......and finally... yes, you read my mind...pray for them. JK unfortunately that one didn't even cross my mind.

I learned the hard way and wanted to pass on a word of caution to those of you selling your home:

If you receive a call from 623-217-8256 BE WARE!

Call the company of the agent to verify before letting them show your home.

Put valuables in a secure place (behind closed cabinet or a drawer is not enough).

Don't leave your home when it is being shown or make sure YOUR real estate agent is present.

If you know someone who is selling their home please spread the word and share this information so they will not experience the horror of having irreplaceable valuables taken from their very own home. This fake agent was able to access the lock box and get a key.

Also, your Homeowners Insurance will not cover cash or jewelry (unless you have a special rider).

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