Front Porch Pumpkins

I don't know who came up with the idea to carve pumpkins, but they were pure genius! This fun and creative tradition is one of my favorites during Halloween, and I look forward to it every year. Dave and I decided to stray away from the traditional jack-o-lantern face this time around, but the question is: can you guess who carved which pumpkin?

Monster Mash 2008

The annual Halloween party at the Sorensen's haunted house always proves to be frighteningly fun. Dressing up is a must for young and old alike. Every year I look forward to the delicious food, fun games, festive prizes, and graveyard cake. But my favorite part is seeing everyone in their costumes, all decked out for this once-a-year occasion.
The Hostess and Host, almost unrecognizable!

Some were all about the politics...

And others were politically incorrect... at least his wife had some saving grace.

This chick will make you think twice before you eat chicken again!

I'm not sure if they're dressed up as vacationers or as Lori and Cody...

The favorite family pets. I guess these are Sarah and Tyler's true pet names for each other!

Tell that gorilla to watch out, Indiana Jones just might rope him in!

Marcie amazingly won the jelly bean guessing contest, despite any professional training or experience with numbers! And the title for Best Costume went to John McCain and Sarah Palin; it must have been a Republican crowd. Hats off to Russ and Rosemary for all the time and effort they put into this each year; they have successfully thrown another great ghoulish gala.

The Last of the Harvest

With warm weather extending well into October this year, we've been able to enjoy our garden for longer than expected. My favorite vegetable we grew would have to be tomatoes (not to mention it's one of the only ones that really thrived.) Sacks full of tomatoes have been taking up most of the refrigerator space, motivating me to make multiple batches of salsa and bruschetta. I love the combined flavors of the yellow and red tomatoes, and I've basically been putting them in everything. This past week, we savored some of the last fruits as we topped some ravioli with the colorful concoction. It actually turned out be be a few ravioli alongside our tomatoes rather than the other way around. But if you ask me, that's how I prefer it. It makes me sad to think I'll be forced to buy tomatoes at the store in just a few short weeks. Until then, bon appetit!

i heart target

While happily shopping at Target today, I realized that my love for the store deserves a public declaration. So I am now announcing that I officially love Target, especially Super Target. Now I know it's not good to love worldly things and material goods, but this goes way beyond that. I love more than their amazing finds in the dollar section and fashionably cute yet affordable clothing. It's the feeling I get when I enter the automatic doors, pick up my red shopping cart, and take in the bright lights and aroma of freshly popped popcorn. At this moment, I feel right at home.

So Target, how do I love you? Let me count the ways...
1. Target brand anything is just as good (if not better) than the "brand name" item. And I don't know if an "Archer Farms" really exists, but I do know that I enjoy every mouthful of food that comes from said Farms.
2. Target commercials have got to be the best ones out there, even better than mac/apple commercials. I wish I could set my DVR to record every single one. I get excited just for the ads, and even more excited to actually visit the store!
3. Target is the true one-stop spot. I think I could shop at Target and only Target for an extended number of years and be perfectly happy. The only thing you really can't get there (yet) is a car or a house.
4. Look no further for excellent athletic clothing. From sports bras to gym socks, they've got you covered. Sometimes a new gym tank is just the motivation I need.
5. Target really gets into the spirit of things. For any holiday from Valentines to Halloween and of course Christmas, Target will not only provide you with the gifts you need for your loved ones, but the decorations, appropriate colored m&m's, and greeting cards for the occasion.

I could go on and on, but I better stop now before I get too carried away. I love Target so much, I'll even forgive them for their horrible return policy. A small price to pay for such a gold mine of a retailer. If you don't already share my love for this place, give it another shot. You just might develop a crush.