The Carving of the Pumpkins

BRAD
MEGAN & JUSTIN ALLIE & JUSTIN
MIKE
CONNOR HELPING HIS DAD

Brad & Diana had us and the Call's over for a little Halloween pumpkin carving night! It was so fun! There was yummy food and it was just fun seeing what people came up with. I am horrible with knives, since I have tremors, so I sat back and watched. Mike did Jason, with the hockey mask, Megan did a cat complete with ears and a tail, and Brad's was so funny! It had a hatchet stuck in the side of its "head" as well as nasty fake teeth in it's mouth! The pumpkins were AWESOME!!!

My Reign Continues!!!!

The Band!!!

Costume Winners
The eating of the cow tongue

Brian preparing the nasty sardines
The Final Four

(Rylie, Laura, Janee, Christie)

Tonight was the Hogge's annual Halloween Party! As always, it was awesome!!!! Besides the great food, great company, and AMAZING band, there was the all-time favorite "Fear Factor" event! Last year I won the event so I knew I had to do it again this year. About 45 minutes before we started I was in the kitchen and noticed a cow tongue sitting in a pan on the stove, tastebuds and all! I really wanted to vomit and knew that when it came to that part of the competition that I would have to bow out. So, the time came to start. There were approximately 10-12 people that wanted to take part. The 1ST ROUNDwas simple. We had to eat 3 Hot Tamale candies to move on to the next round. All of us completed that easily. 2ND ROUND: We had to eat a spoonful of baby food (ham, pineapple, ?). Most of us still stayed in. 3RD ROUND: We had to eat one Harry Potter Jelly Belly. At least 4 of us had the grass flavored jelly belly, which was actually pretty fruity tasting. 4TH ROUND: We were all handed an onion and had to take a bite out of it, chew it, and swallow it. Ok, by now things were going fine and I had forgotten about the cow tongue. Then, my fear came to be! 5TH ROUND: We were each given a big chunk of cow tongue, with the tastebuds still on it, and had to chew and swallow it. By now I had lost count of how many were still in it. I just couldn't take my mind of this nasty piece of cow on my fork. Janee devored it like it was a piece of chocolate cake!!! GO JANEE! Meanwhile, Megan Hogge was munching on it too! Connor wanted to chew on it but I wouldn't let him. Erika gave us the 1-minute warning and so I finally threw the chunk in my mouth, chewed it down a little, and then swallowed it! YUCKKKKK! 6TH/FINAL ROUND: This round was timed and, if I remember right, there was Christie, Janee, Rylie,and myself left. Brian brought in a plate of whole sardines....spine and all. The first one to eat there sardine, swallowed and gone, would be the winner. Janee and Rylie took their spines out (very smart). I didn't even think to do that! So, they started us and I cut my into 4 pieces, then just grabbed & swallowed one at a time. I WON!!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!!! This year I won a gift card to Wendy's! I love Wendy's and I love food so it's perfect! Thanks Brian! You out-did yourself this year! However, I think there should be a new rule that whatever we eat you should have to eat!!!!

Uncle John's Cider Mill

It's been nearly 2 weeks since we went to Uncle John's Cider Mill so I thought I should post some pictures before they're too outdated. We met up with Brad & Diana Charles and also the Call's to go to Uncle John's Cider Mill. We had a blast!

We first stopped to taste the yummy cider and, of course, taste-test one of each kind of donut. Yes, I realize I looked drugged up in this picture. I'd like to thank the academy (Justin) for taking such awesome pictures!
After that we went on a wagon ride pulled by a train.

The wagon ride, pulled by a train, took us on a little trail that had different scenes with scarecrows in them. There was some really cute & creative scenes.

After taking the train ride we all headed down to take the horse-drawn carriage through the orchards. I thought the above picture was dang cute!

The scenery on the carriage/wagon ride was amazing!

The Call Family
Allie in the orchards

All we need in this picture is Mike holding pitchfork.

We then jumped on a wagon ride pulled by a tractor. Connor kept saying, "Papa! Papa!" because my Dad has tractors. This ride took us to the corn maze, the pumkin patch, and also an area with kids rides....which was our next stop.

Notice Mike holding the kettle corn? It was the most delicious, amazing kettle corn EVER!!!!!

Connor rode on this little train for kids. What you don't see is me sititng in the cart behind Connor, trying to find a comfortable position, with my knees up in my throat! I won't make the mistake of trying to ride that ever again!

The explanation on this picture is that we had been trying all day long to capture a fun picture for Mike but, besides our "family" picture, he would always turn away. We finally managed to somewhat catch him looking at us! Hooray!

Baby Update!

I had another Dr. appointment today. Today I met with Dr. Gibbs. She is very nice and I liked her a lot! They started out by giving me a flu shot! OUCH!!! The nurse must've been thinking, "Ready! Aim! FIRE!!!!" as she was poking me with the needle 'cause she nearly killed me! My arm is STILL so dang sore! Oh well! Dr. Gibbs came in next. She measured me then she next listened for the heartbeat. We were quite scared because she was really having a hard time finding the heartbeat! As you can imagine, every scenario ran through my head and I became very worried. Mike was too! However, after 5 or 6 minutes and 3 applications of the gucky stuff she FINALLY found the heartbeat. Our baby was hiding behind my vessel so that is why. The heartbeat is strong at 155! What a HUGE RELIEF!!!!! My next appointment is in 2 weeks (Nov. 6) for the ultrasound! Wahoo!

Pat-A-Cake

Today we had a Suprise Baby Shower for Erika! It was such a success and such a good time! The food was delicious, not to mention this FREAKIN' AWESOME cake done by Christie Taylor! I walked into the room and the only thing I could think of to say was "Holy crap!" This cake was so amazing with so much detail work on it! It matched the blanket that Erika has for the nursery. Christie should open up a business or something 'cause she has a huge talent for this! I am so impressed and I know everyone else was too!

WHY?!?!?!?!

I have a deep question that has stumped me!!!! Does anyone have the answer to the following question????? Why is it called babysitting if a Father is watching his own child????? Any ideas? Inquiring minds want to know!

My New Favorite Sound

Last night I was on my way home from helping the Christensen's pick up and transport some furniture. I was stopped at the light, on the corner of Saginaw Hwy. & Canal Rd. I was minding my own business, chatting with my Mom on the phone, when this lovely & most beautiful sound filled the air!!!! I have discovered that my new favorite sound is that dang siren on the corner, kitty-corner from Horrock's. I think it blew my ear drums but that's totally ok!!! Ha ha! No, I am glad that they have that siren to use as a warning system. Just make sure you're not nearby when it goes off!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!!

I have been officially "TAGGED" by my friend, Kara. What you are supposed to do is blog 10 either weird, random, interesting facts, or goals about yourself. At the end you choose 10 people to be tagged and list their names.

10 FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:

1. After playing fast-pitch softball in High School I then went on to play on a Jr. Olympic Fast-Pitch Softball team for 2 years.
2. I absolutely love, love, love to deer hunt! I love the thrill of the hunt, the sound of a gun shot echoing and wondering who shot their gun and if they shot the deer! I love hiking all over the mountains, all day long, pushing out any deer that may be hiding!
3. I served an LDS Mission in the New York New York South Mission. This consisted of Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, and ELDER MICHAEL MCGINNIS!
4. Someday, hopefully sooner rather than later, I will start college(after high school I went to Beauty College and got my Cosmetology/Barber License)! Not only will I stop my brain from shrinking but I will hopefully pick up words and phrases other than, "Oh my heck!", "Holy crap!", and "Omigosh!". I also want to understand big words that all my friends use!
5. I HATE, HATE, HATE snakes! They're so ugly! Blah!!!!! Sure, I don't mind eating them! Rattlesnake tastes just like chicken, except a little rubber may be involved. Funny story, my 2nd year of Girl's Camp we ran over a rattlesnake. So, this nice man skinned it for us, then we cooked it, and ate it around the campfire. MMMMM!
6. Someday I will enjoy the life of a small C-cup (ya'll know what I mean)!
7. I've played the piano for 22 years and have been singing since I was 4 or 5 years old! I love to play the piano, mostly accompanying. I really enjoy singing as long as I get to sing a part other than Soprano....preferrably 2nd Soprano or Alto. Occassionally I can sing tenor.
8. Belching is an art that will NEVER die as long as I'm alive! It helps me to build my awesome abs! Don't be jealous anyone!
9. All throughout high school, and a little bit afterwards, I was a big time weight lifter! I LOVED it!!! My goal was to outlift any girl and to outlift as many boys as I can! I hold the record at my high school for the most weight squatted (that sounds lady-like, doesn't it?)....which was 210 lbs. It may not seem like much but I'm proud of it and earned a back full of broken blood vessels for it! SHE-RA!!!!!!!
10. Someday I will be the owner of an F-350 XLT Powerstroke Truck with a lift!!! It'll be navy blue with a hint of purple in it and some chrome as well!

I NOW TAG (if they want to):

Erika, Megan, Brittni, Alyson, Amberly, Janee, Natalie, Heidi, Amber, and Tiffany! HAVE AT IT!!!

I LOVE MY DALLAS COWBOYS!!!!

I'm so bummed that the Dallas Cowboys lost their first game this week! Grrrrr! They've done so dang good so far (5-1). It's not their fault that the New England Patriots coach, Bill Belichick, cheated off the Cowboys and figured out all their plays. I guess that the Cowboys have to let someone win once in a while! That's ok. It's the last time it'll happen this season. The next step is the Superbowl, which we'll win, OF COURSE!!!!!

Natalie's Farewell Party

Natalie Service is getting ready to fly back to her hubby in Idaho, to stay this time. So, Janee was awesome enough to throw her a goodbye party. What a great idea and it was such a blast! Janee provided YUMMY subs. from Jersey Giant Subs then everyone brought a dessert or something else to eat. My, my, there were some dang yummy food! I have to say that Sarah's homemade salsa was AWESOME! Yes, it left your mouth burning out of control, but I couldn't stop myself! I think I had 3-4 servings of it! It was a fun time and so good just to visit with everyone and to with Natalie well! I hope everything works out really well for Ian and Natalie!
We also had to snag a picture of all the pregnant women at the party. Of course, there is a large handfull of pregnant women who weren't there too. The picture is in order of who will deliver there baby first, starting from right to left (Erika, Alyson, myself, Natalie, Kim, Natalie). Erika is due in 4 weeks and then after that there will be a LARGE Spring hatching(has Janee has so appropriately named it)!!!!

Brittni, You're My Hero!!!!

My friend, Brittni, is so freakin' awesome!!!! Tonight I asked her to help me out with changing the backgrounds of my blog so they're more fun and exciting than the ones we're given to work with!!!! Well, many moons later she helped me out and I'm well on my way to many days of different backgrounds! THANKS SO DANG MUCH, BRITTNI!!!!! You are AWESOME!!!!

Brother or a Sister?

Just a cute "Connor Moment" today! We were sitting together having F.H.E. (our new goal as a family). It was activity time so we were building various things with play dough; such as elephants (Connor's idea), snakes, balls, feet, people, etc. Mike and I got talking about the new baby-to-be and were discussing names. Connor heard us talking about the new baby and he perked up. I tried explaining to him, for the 50th time, that I had a baby growing in my belly and we would have a new baby in a while. I asked if he wanted a brother or a sister. I said, "A sister?" He nodded up and down, very confidently, and said, "Yes, uh huh, a sister!". It was very cute!

Hangin' Out in Utah

Connor & his cousin (who loves the camera)

Connor & his cousin playing in the sandbox

Connor & Grandma playing at the baby blessing

My sister-in-law just emailed me some pictures from when we were in Utah. She, my brother, and their two kids, live in Syracuse. We got the chance to go visit them a couple of times. Connor and his cousin play so cute together and have such a great time!!!! They are only 3 months apart so it's fun for the two of them to get together.

Officially Michiganders

FROM:

TO: Today we had to change over our license plates from Utah plates to Michigan plates. We had really wanted to keep our UT plates. What can we say? We're proud to be from Utah! Anyway, our plates were expiring in August. Normally we could've just paid the fee, mailed it in, and kept the plates for another year. However, if the year your car is made is an odd number (ours is a 2001) then you have to have a UT proof of inspection. So we didn't luck out this year! DARN IT!!!! So we are now the proud owner of Michigan license plates!

Hayride At the Beam's!!!

On Saturday our Branch had a Chili Cook Off at the Beam's house! It was a BLAST!!!! There were 6 different kinds of chili entered in the contest, as well has homemade rootbeer, donuts, rolls, corn bread, and other yummy stuff to snack on. Along with the chili tasting we got to go on hayrides, drive & ride the golf cart w/ a lift, the guys played football, and just visit and have a good time!!!! This Branch is AWESOME with so many fun, creative, and great people!!!!

Connor Rockin' Out!

We were feeding the missionaries with the Call's. Our Elders had to go on an exchange because an Elder from a different companionship had gotten hurt and our Elder Luthy had to take him to the hospital. So, Elder Page came with a different Elder, Elder Baker. Elder Baker loves music and playing guitar. Megan has a guitar so she let him borrow it to play around on. Connor was AMAZED and just stood there either staring Elder Baker up and down or else dancing along to the music! Connor loves music and dancing!!!!

It's Official! I'm Not An Artist!!!!

Tonight I was playing with Connor in his bedroom. He has a magna doodle, which he loves to draw on. He handed it to me and asked me to draw the rocket from "Little Einsteins". Ok, Connor is way too obsessed with this show!!!! Anyway, in all my efforts, that don't exist as an artist, I attempted to draw the rocket. After I finished drawing the rocket I handed the completed masterpiece to Connor. Connor looked at the drawing, gave it a smirk and grunted. I asked him if that's the rocket he wanted and he said, "Mmmmm, nope Mom." So, I called Mike in to help me out. Mike, of course, drew a picture-perfect rocket for Connor. Connor looked at Mike's drawing, smiled, said "Yay!" then looked at me and said, "Mommy, get out!" then said to Mike, "Dad, come here!" and motioned for him to sit where I was sitting. I was officially booted out of Connor's room! I have to say that I was not hurt one bit. I knew my drawing was horrible! I just found it quite entertaining and funny that my little 2-year-old could see that too!!!!!

Do I Look Like a Flower to You?

Today I had the joy of being stung by a freakin' wasp!!!! It's been since I was around 10 years old that it has happened. I was about to walk into Erika's house for playgroup when I felt this AWFUL stinging pain on the back of my HUGE biceps! I reached back to grab my arm and away flies this quite healthy WASP!!! Hello?!?!?!? Do I look like a flower to you??? Gosh! So, we quickly whipped up some Baking Soda & Water and it took most of the pain out! Phew! Thank heavens for my Mom's remedies!

Clean Up! Clean Up!

On Saturday we had a Branch activity. We played sports, ate food, and visited. It was a good time! There was even a little water fight going on, with Abbie Christensen heading it. When clean-up time came the kids were MORE than willing to help out! How cute is that?!?!?!?! Thanks for your help, kids!

Holland, Michigan

Yes, I know these pictures are late. Oh well, it's ok! Also, please forgive my camera that was obviously having issues this day. Luckily, Megan Call gave me some other copies that are much better! Thanks, Megan!

We went to the Tulip Festival in Holland, MI. We went in May and had a great time! I wish we had gone a few days earlier because the tulips had started to die down a lot while we were there. Luckily there were still quite a few that were up and GORGEOUS!!! I didn't realize how many different kinds of tulips there were! WOW! I love tulips even more now! We also spent some time in the Village there and that was really cool! We got to see so many different items and also tasted the most wondeful fudge I've EVER had! It literally just melted in your mouth! Mmmmm! Just thinking about it makes me crave some more! I guess we'll just have to make another visit next year!