Halloween @ The Galloway House

Here is a picture story of Halloween goings on around our house.

Sometimes.......

Last night I was trying to get Bill to engage in a dinner time conversation instead of reading the paper. He kept getting distracted until I asked him to look at me so that I knew I had his attention. This is how it went:

Me: Billy, look at me when I'm talking to you (a bit motherly sounding, but necessary in the moment). I need to know if you want to go to Ree's party tomorrow and I'll go to Hammie's. This isn't a big decision, I just need to know.

Bill: I can't

Me: You can't what?

Bill: Yeah

Me: Yeah, to what, you can look at me or you'll go to Ree's party?

Bill: Okay

Me: Look at ME!

Bill: I can't because when I look at you, it's like looking at the sun.

Me: What?

Bill: It's like I see this horrible glare and it hurts my eyes. I can't. (shielding his eyes dramatically)

Me: (Laughing hysterically, not able to catch my breath. Composing…)Do you want to go to Ree's party?

Billy: Yes, that'll be fine.

OMGOSH!!!

Orange Chicken

It's finally crock pot season again! I love putting dinner in the crock pot in the morning and then not worrying about what I'm going to make when I get home. It's the best. Here is a recipe I started making a couple years ago. It's easy and economical.

















Orange Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup worth)
1/2 cup Catalina dressing (I use light or fat free)
2/3 of an 18 ounce jar orange marmalade
black pepper to taste

Spray the crockpot with Pam. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot and top with the onions and a light sprinkle of black pepper. Stir the dressing and marmalade together in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. I serve it over rice.

The sauce is very thin and I've toyed with the idea of taking the chicken out and adding some cornstarch to 1/2 cup of the liquid, then stirring the cornstarch mix into the rest of the liquid for a thicker sauce. Let me know if you try that.

Hammie's Field Trip

Today Bill went with Hammie's class to a punkin patch we haven't visited before. Looks like they had fun! Hammie told me he picked the biggest pumpkin Ü and went on a "totally awesome" hayride.

Big Cats!

We went to the local wild cat santuary yesterday. A good time was had by all. It was the perfect time to go. The cats were really anxious for their 3:00 feeding, so they were very active. It was probably the best experience I've had there. I look forward to visiting again.


















This lion cracked me up with his tongue. He's very, very old. And maybe a little bit senile?

















Is that the food gate rattling?


















Ree with her new baby jaguar. I was told I missed seeing her giving it lots of hugs and kisses. I was listening to the zoo keeper tell some people about how they're experimenting by putting 3 tigers in the same enclosure during the day. They want to see how they get along. Looked like a succeess to me!

Everyday Stuff

I took these pictures of the little kids doing everyday things. Hammie was in a "cave" and Ree has taken to reading in either her or Hammie's beds. It's the comfy way to read.

Ree's Punkin' Patch Field Trip

Here are some pictures I took when I accompanied Ree's class to the pumpkin patch. Good thing I took some pictures before lunch because the bee sting Ree endured (quite loudly) during lunch ruined the last part of the trip. Poor Ree! She enjoyed picking and eating an apple. I learned how to tell golden and red delicious varities from the rest. I also didn't know that the proper way to pick an apple is to turn the apple upside down and pull it from the tree.

Cool Elmer Lights

The flash on my camera kinda ruins the effect of these lights, but they're really cool. We decorated for Halloween today, so we're officially in the spirit.

I love early fall!

Here are some fall outdoorsy pictures. I just love asters, mums, and everything else that blooms this time of year. One of my baby pumpkins is finally starting to turn orange. I love how alysum creeps between rocks. I just wish it didn't take so long to do so!

Frame

Ree's teacher gave each student a wood frame to take home, decorate, and add a picture to. She's using them to decorate the classroom. Ree and I finished her's early last week. I had the scrapbooking supplies on hand of course Ü. I cut out the paper to cover the wood and Ree glued on the letters. It turned out pretty cute! Oh and props to Auntie Lisa for taking the somewhat harried picture.

Twin's Family Party

Here are some pictures from Hammie & Ree's birthday party. A good time was had by all. As you can see, there was an emphasis on dress-up for whatever reason.