Late Reformation Day/Halloween Recap

I promised a recap of our October 31st.  We really had a good time, although it was a little overshadowed by the impending surgery the next day. Because of the surgery Tim's sister's family and his parents came up to be with us.  They were so sweet to come and help us with anything we needed.  Between the Bettelli side and my parents we were so blessed with immense amounts of support and help. I made some scary snacks for dinner before we left for "Trunk or Treat" at a local church. Mini Pumpkin Pies:

Witches hats:

Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats:

Mummy Dogs:



Trunk or Treat is an annual tradition for our family.  The church invites its members to open their car trunks to hand out candy to all the dressed up kids. 

There were bounce houses and a band this year.  It was super fun.

After Trunk or Treat we did the real trick or treating around our neighborhood.  We didn't get started until around 8:30, so our trip was not too long. All in all, we had a great time, and I am already looking forward to next year when we won't have any life changing events the next day.  At least I hope we won't:)



Menu Plan 11/7 to 11/13

I cannot believe it is almost the middle of November.  This Fall is flying by.  I want the ride to last longer. 

I love these menu plans because I know I will love going back to this season and remembering what we were eating.  It is such a fun way to document what I spend such a large amount of time doing - cooking.

I took a little break from the kitchen this week.  My mother-in-law was here for George's surgery, so she cooked almost everyday.  It was heavenly, but I am ready to get back in the groove.

I am going to make one minor change to the menus from now on.  We pretty much duplicate the breakfasts and lunches every week, so we can just skip that portion from now on.  I will plan out my dinners and leave it at that.

Monday - leftover Eggplant Parmasean from Sunday night and a salad

Tuesday - Mommy is having a night out with good friends, so Daddy is in charge.  Hot dogs on the grill, mac and cheese, and fruit of some sort

Wednesday - @ church

Thursday - Steak on the grill, coconut shrimp, rice and broccoli

Friday - We are hoping to head to Disney for the food and wine festival, so probably fast food on the way

Saturday - Food and Wine festival at Epcot

Sunday - Pasta with the secret Bettelli spaghetti sauce

No recipes to share this week.  Hope to have some next week, though.



Salting Roses - Chapters 16-18

Getting to the end of our novel, Salting Roses. 

Here is our pro/com list for the week:

Cons:

1.  I wish we could have watched the poker game where Gracie won Sam's shirt.  They make references to it, but we never got the play by play.  I want the play by play. 

2.  So are Gracie and Sam ever going to have a DTR (defining the relationship for you old folks)?  I mean they have kissed twice, but both times no conversation followed.  I need more insight on that.

3.  Gracie likes Clare?  Say what?  I am a little lost on that front.  Some rich, snobby girl comes into your life while you are trying to stay away from all your money and you welcome her with open arms?  Doesn't make much sense to me.

4.  Poor Artie . . . I hate that he is dying.

5.  Now Ben has a mistress too.  Alice isn't the olny scandalous one.  That is a little much for me.  I don't need to know about all these rendezvous.

Pros:

1.  How cute was it that Sam bought the last pair of jeans in Gracie's size?  He held it over her head for a while, which made it even better in my opinion.

2.  I am a sucker for romance.  I love Sam's admiration for Gracie.  The way he thinks about her while he watches is very cute.

3.  Love that Gracie gave up the glove for the game with Artie.  She is not into "things" even after she gets her money.  I admire that about her character.

4.  Interested in the story with Clare . . . don't get it, but want to know more.

5.  I feel like there is a little more depth to the storyline at this point.  Artie, Gracie's sister, Alice and Ben with their romances, the kissing . . . it is all what I was looking for in the beginning.  Better late than never, I suppose.



The Results Are In . . .

Long process . . . but the results are finally in. The cyst was just that . . . a benign cyst.  No suspicious legions or cells.  Great news, praise God! The process of getting the results on the other hand was not so great. The doctor told us on Tuesday after the surgery that we would get the biopsy results on Thursday. I called his office on Thursday afternoon and there were no results. I called again today, and they said the results had just come in.  The doctor had already left for the day, so they could not tell me anything until he read the report. Are you kidding me?  The nurse went on to say they would call me first thing Monday morning. I would have had to wait almost an entire week to get these incredibly sensitive results.   That is torture for a mother. Anyways, I can't reveal my ways . . . but I did get the results today:) And the results were good.  That is all that really matters.  I once again have a healthy 4 year old.  There is nothing that puts things into perspective like a health scare.  Especially one that involves your kids. Thanks again for the prayers.  We are so appreciative and don't take one for granted.

Our Week In Review

Linking up again this week for "Insta-Friday." To say it has been busy would be the understatment of the year. Here we go . . . a look into our week through the lense of my phone.  

Last weekend we went to Miami to watch my brother compete in a mock trial competiton.  It is like the epitomy of nerd olympics.  His team got second place.  Such a proud moment.

This is what our trip home from Miami looked like.  A van full of kids, grandparents, and dogs.  Wish you were there, right?

Monday was Halloween.  George was Luigi.  Notice the stellar mustache.

I got the privilege of being one of the room moms for George's preschool Halloween party.  This was the scary treat he made. Oreo spiders.  Clever, eh?

And here is Luigi's second half.  I know you want to know how I did such a good job getting that perfect mustache on him.  I can't let you in on all my secrets.



Oh, look how cute.  The baby is trying to get candy out of his bucket.  Not so cute when he gets an entire butterfinger open on his own and is eating it, paper and all.  This is the child who completely undresses himself, so I should have known.

We had an extra special treat this year.  The cousins from Vero came over for George's surgery, so we got to spend Halloween together.  They were all dressed as Transformers.

I already did a post here with pictures from George' surgery, but I thought this one was worth repeating.  Such a picture of God's grace.  What could have been such a terrible day turned into this.  Smiley kid riding on Daddy's shoulders.

This is Ethan helping George eat dinner . . . you know, since George's throat hurt and all.  Ethan felt sorry for his brother, so he climbed into his chair and ate the food for him.

That is where we are at this week. I hope we get a little break next week, but that doesn't ever seem to happen around here.



Surgery Update

Well, it is noon and all over.   Ya, it was short and sweet, which is just what we were going for. We had to be at the hospital at 6:45 am, and we were home by 11. George did great, and the surgery went well. The doctor said it was indeed a cyst, but he was not too worried about it after looking at the inside.  He does have to biopsy it, and we will get the results by Thursday.  He did say not to lose sleep over it, though, so I feel pretty good. Here are our pictures from the day: 

Cuddles before surgery.  

First after surgery popsicle.

Self-explanatory.

And this is how we left the hospital.  Bettelli style.

I am still sticking to my belief that God is in control . . . good or bad.  If our news would have been different, which it is in many other cases, He would still be in control.  Still on His throne.  Still faithful and good. Thanks for the prayers.  Keep praying for the recovery.

Reformation Day & Surgery Eve

The blog will probably be pretty quiet this week.  George's surgery is tomorrow (today when you are reading this), so we are laying low for the time being. We had a fun Halloween/Reformation Day today, and now we are gearing up for our time tomorrow. I am a little nervous but even more anxious to get it over with.  I just want to know everything is ok and move on.  Ya know? Pray for us if you think about it tomorrow. I will try to do a quick update after it is over if I am able.  Don't hold me to it, but with this new iphone most things are possible. I will have a full Halloween/Reformation Day post coming, but here is a little teaser to tie you over.

Yes, we were accompanied by Mario and Luigi tonight.  Adorable?  I think so.