Have You Met My Son - The Mouse?

Well...Jack is officially a High School Actor. It's been 10 weeks of school and his theater troupe has performed two shows. The first was Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach". Jack played Mr. Trotter (James' father) and he was killed by a wild rhinocerus. 3 1/2 weeks later (and 15 rehearsals), they performed Roald Dahl's "The Witches". Jack played "Boy" who became an orphan in the first few lines and went to live with his Grandmother. She told him stories of witches - real witches - and how they lived like ordinary women. As the story goes on, poor "Boy" is turned into a mouse. Tonight was their 3rd performance. I saw this one (was manning the concession and ticket table for the first two shows)...but tonight was the best performance so far. The entire show was amazing and funny and I just loved watching Jack on stage. Above are a few pics (keep in mind the theater was dark and I didn't use a flash - so they are a little blurry). But, nonetheless, it was a fantastic event. Jack is loving theater and enjoying his new friends. They start rehearsing on Tuesday for their really big show...Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka" (have you seen a pattern yet?)

Zombie Prom

Tonight was Matt's first Middle School Dance - Zombie Prom. The kids could come dressed as anything, but Matt has planned his Zombie costume for weeks. First we went to the thrift store - he wanted a grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He then ripped off the sleeves and made random rips in the jeans. He made water with red food coloring and made "blood" spots on the jacket. Then, here's the good part, he actually buried the clothes in the ground outside in the backyard. He meant to dig them up the same evening, but forgot. A huge rainstorm came through that night and the clothes were so muddy - it was gross. The red food coloring washed off. Bill hung the clothes with a big fan underneath to dry and they were perfectly "dirty". We painted his face and gelled his hair to finish the "just came out of the earth" look. He had fun at the dance and his favorite part was when the whole school danced to "Thriller". He's been practicing that for weeks too. Aah...to be 11 again! Have a Happy Halloween

The Next Food Network Star

They should really have a competition for kids. Matt should have his own show! He made these cookies the other evening. He found the recipe (Hot Chocolate Cookies) in a new cookbook that I recently bought. He literally did everything for these cookies from measuring to icing to decorating. All I did was take the cookie sheet out of the oven for him. And yes...they were really really really good!

Fall is in the Air!

It's nearing the end of October and the weather actually turned cool for a brief time over the weekend. I believe the low on Saturday was 52 and we were loving it. Our neighbors, Matt, Carrie and Avie, Rennee and Matthew, and family, Beth, Joel and Joshua, came over for some yummy homemade tortilla soup and pumpkin carving time. We gobbled up 2 recipes of halloween rice krispy treats, too. It was so nice to sit outside and enjoy the crisp air and swat mosquitos! The pumpkins turned out great. Matt carved the pirate ship, I made the window scene and Jack carved the spider. Bill took the photo - he did an awesome job. Sunday afternoon, I made a batch of candy corn kiss chocolate cookies. These are a spin off of the peanut butter cookies with hershey kisses. I got the idea from one of my favorite sites - The Idea Room. Check out her blog - I go there almost everyday.

This week will be quite busy. Jack has his upcoming performance of Roald Dahl's, The Witches, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He has the lead male role. I'm nervous - but he says they are totally ready. I can't wait for the show. Jack got his haircut this afternoon - it's nice to see his eyes again :) Matt has his first middle school dance on Friday night - Zombie Prom. How fun is that? We are starting the 10th week of school and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Bill has the Houston Skate Marathon this Sunday morning. He's been training hard. We'll let you know his time after the race. Hope you all have a fantastic week!