Best Halloween Ever!

Trick~or~Treat ! ! !

Sorry for the lack of entries. I’ve been completely swamped at work. End of year is a very busy time for me.

My Halloween started with a trip to the dermatologist for two tiny procedures. I had a mole on my little toe that resembled melanoma and a tiny spot on my nose that looked suspicious. The one on my nose resembles a basal cell carcinoma. This is one of the least worrisome skin cancers. They never spread and are always treatable. I’m more worried about the spot on my toe. Melanoma is the worst type of skin cancer and some even say one of the worst types of cancers because it’s spreads quickly and easily. So, keep a watch out for anything suspicious and consult with your doctor if you find anything unusual, or changing.

In men, melanoma most often shows up:

• on the upper body, between the shoulders and hips
• on the head and neck

In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs.
In dark-skinned people, melanoma often appears:

• under the fingernails or toenails
• on the palms of the hands
• on the soles of the feet

I should get my results sometime today ~ so say a little prayer for me. I’ll keep you posted!

Now, back to why I started this entry: Halloween!

Because of my little trip to the doctor, I ended up taking the entire day off from work. This was a miracle in itself! Halloween day is the worst day to travel ever. Even beats Thanksgiving Day! This was the first year I didn’t have to sit in traffic for hours and rush to get the kids ready in time. Rather, I spent some time relaxing at Mom’s.

We started the evening at the Fall Festival at our church. It was lovely! Mom and I “worked” at the pumpkin painting tables. (I don’t really consider anything to do with paintbrushes, paints, and kids “work.” More like FUN!)

There was a ton to do for all the kids, free food, and great company. I’m really glad we went.

Afterwards we all headed to our house to get ready. Anthony changed into a vampire, Adam; our knight, and Nathan transformed into our chef. It was nice having such a small group. It was Dad, Mom, Adam, Anthony, Nathan, and I. (We missed you Jess! Joel fell asleep after the Fall Festival and stayed home with Matt.) Nathan’s costume was a hit; there were several “oohs” and “aahs.”

Most of the other children were finished trick-or-treating before we even began. That didn’t dampen our spirits! We had a blast! There were still several lit houses around and nearly all of them were tossing candy into the boy’s bags by the handfuls! After just a few houses, their bags were getting quite heavy! We made it down a few streets and then headed back to my house.

I only hope next year turns out so pleasant!

On a side note: I created the picture at the top of this entry via Photoshop for a contest. They supplied the picture of the witch below and we were to do whatever we wanted with it. I decided to turn her into a costume. I did not win. I spent a lot of time with the fern and her hat and didn’t spend the time I should have masking the bristles of the broom and they noticed the difference. I still think it turned out pretty cute. Either way ~ I had fun making it!

Small wonders

After several weeks of my begging, church members dropping by, and our pastor calling personally ~~ Matt finally joined us for bible study and church on Sunday! Talk about answered prayer! It seems he enjoyed himself too, so I'll continue to pray for his return next Sunday. This Sunday will be pretty crucial. Two Sundays in a row; I think I can get him to go on a semi-regular basis. On the other hand, if he just doesn't feel up to going for whatever excuse that morning, I don't know when I'd get him to go back again. Everyone at church was so happy to see him and great about making him feel welcome, I'm hopeful he'll come back.

Our other mini-miracle (Is there such a thing?)...

Just before dozing off last night, Matt reached for my hand and... just held it. I was so shocked at this unusually tender act that I couldn't sleep. Just laid there with my hand resting in his, touched to the point of tears. (Still now my screen is growing quite blurry!) While this may seem insignificant to you, it is a huge deal to me. While Matt may have his sweet moments and something such as a hug is a very normal occurance by day... this sort of (ha!) sentimental act just doesn't occur.

Rather than being angered by the fact that this does not happen regulary. I'm happy that it's rare and therefore even more meaningful and special. Ladies, don't take those acts for granted. Rather, treasure them as I do ~ forever. ;o}