Halloween Party

Friday night our ward had its annual Halloween party. We had a chili cook-off, desserts, costume parade, and trunk-or-treat (which had to be inside the church b/c it was raining). Jacob and I usually do not dress up, but this year we decided to get into the holiday spirit. Everyone loved our costumes. Of course, not that many adults dressed up. We actually won a prize for ...closest to character, whatever that means. Did they think we're really pirates?

Our friends, the Christiansons as Aladdin, Jasmine, the Genie, and Abu. They won the prize for Most Unique.

Arachnophobia

A few days ago Jacob found this is the corner of our living room.

Yes, it is a black widow! Don't worry, Jacob killed it... right after he picked it up. Just kidding. Sorry to all you spider haters (Shaela). Hope it doesn't creep you out too much!

Could you be a vampire?

Ok, tonight I have book club for the books Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. I couldn't resist putting this up. I guess I just have vampires on my mind. Here is my result-it is all pretty true!

You Could Not Be a Vampire

Sorry, but you're not just cut out for flesh eating, turning into a bat, and living forever. But that's okay. The sight of blood turns your stomach... without even thinking of drinking it. And while you definitely would never be a vampire, you're exactly the type of frail prey Dracula wannabe's crave. Maybe it's time to arm yourself with a cross and some nasty garlic breath! What you would like best about being a vampire: The raw power (though you wouldn't admit it to anyone) What you would like least about being a vampire: The whole killing thing

Could You Be a Vampire?

Pumpkin Palooza

On Saturday I spent the day with Elizabeth and her little boy Atticus who visited from Williamsburg. (Elizabeth's husband Brandon is Jacob's cousin.) We went to Byrd Park to check out their giant carved pumpkins. Here are a few.

Thanks for coming Elizabeth and Atticus! We had a great time!

National Folk Festival

A couple of weekends ago Jacob and I went to the National Folk Festival here in Richmond. It comes to a city for 3 years in a row and this was its last year here. We enjoyed the music and food and watching all the people that were there. I would have posted this sooner but Jacob had the camera at school all week (he has to take pictures of his patients' teeth- gross, I know). Anyway, here are some pictures from the festival.

This is Cindy Cashdollar on steel guitar and Elana James on violin. They did western swing. Elana also sang. It was fun music to listen to. We loved it when the guy on upright bass had a solo. He was crazy.

This is a band called Vishten from PEI, Canada. They did Celtic/French music. They were a bit weird, tapping their feet a lot, but the music was good, even though Jacob couldn't understand their French very well when they sang.

This is a woman named Karan Casey from Ireland. She had a beautiful voice. I think she has a myspace page where you can listen to her. I really liked her music, but Jacob almost fell asleep!

Here is Jacob eating alligator nuggets! I tried them too and liked them. We were pretty hungry though. I don't know how to describe their taste other than to say it was kind of like chicken. :)

Well, that's it. We had a great time listening to the music and looking at all the stuff people had for sale. I don't know what city the festival is going to be in next year, but if it's in yours, you should definitely go!

Conference Highlights

Well, we had a great weekend watching general conference. Some favorite moments and talks for me were:

• Elder Spencer J. Condie's talk that even when we may feel forgotten, God "will not vary from these promises."
• Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's great talk on charity/love while he struggled to stand and Elder Nelson holding him up. What great examples of love from both of them!
• Sister Julie Beck's talk about mothers who know. Hopefully someday I can be that kind of mother.
• Elder Dallin H. Oaks' talk about choosing things that are better or best to help our families. Great counsel for now and for my future family.

Of course I always love listening to Pres. Hinckley speak. I always feel so much love for him when I hear him talk. Overall it was a wonderful conference and I feel uplifted and motivated to live the gospel better! What were your favorite talks?

Elder Austin arrives home!

Last week I was able to go to TN to be with the family to welcome Will back home on Friday, Sept. 21. He was released that afternoon from serving an honorable mission in the Paraguay Asuncion North Mission. He had lots of pictures and stories to share and gave a great homecoming talk at church.

Arriving at the airport Will, Mom, Dad, and Anna
the banner Mom and I made :)
the 3 William Glenn Austins
me, Anna, and Will
I had a great time being home with everyone. We missed having Jana and Louisa and husbands there too. It is great having Will back. He is very mature and polite (what happened to my pesky little brother?). It was so fun talking to him again. Welcome back Will!!