Thoughts on Halloween and more

We had family pictures on Saturday morning. They turned out allright. Not great. There were several really cute ones but there isn't a single family shot where we are all smiling or looking at the camera. She probably took 100 photos so what are the odds? The photographer actually offered us another chance for a nice family photo which I'm hoping we can do sometime soon before hair grows out again. We looked very coordinated in our brown and red. Afterwards, we continued onto Costco and I'm sure we made others self-conscious that they weren't nearly as well coordinated on a Saturday morning.

After Costco, Jay, Seth and Sam were gone for several hours at a ski swap and for the creation of Jay's costume, Jack Bauer. We were invited to a Halloween party that evening and Jay never does anything halfway if he can do it the right way. His costume wasn't complete with simple props. He also had to download some theme music for his entrance (the timer sound) and searched in vain for the CTU ringtone so he could flip open his cell phone and answer in the breathy Jack Bauer voice. I, on the other hand, am not a huge lover of Halloween. I don't hate it. I recognize the fun that can be had but I think it's gotten a bit out of control with the entire month of October being somewhat devoted to it. So, a couple of years ago, I bought a generic witch costume and that suited me just fine.

Jay - toughest federal agent ever. Me- boring witch.

We got a babysitter that evening to attend and headed over to the Halloween party at Rebecca and Devin's. There was a Stake Youth Dance AND Homecoming at the high school that night so babysitters were scarce. We made a bold move after calling the twins and discovered that even they were busy, by hiring their younger brothers. Surprisingly, they were o.k. Of course, we had Henry completely to bed by the time they arrived and Seth and Sam were already in pajamas with their teeth brushed. And this was at 6:30 pm! We just didn't want to leave anything to chance. Seth and Sam said they were pretty good babysitters though. Three games and a puzzle! And we had a fabulous time with our friends. All is well.

The group. Some pretty good costumes here.

Rebecca made pumpkin soup and everyone brought something to add.

Rebecca as Jack Sparrow

Immediately, as what happens at all couple parties, the girls and guys went to their respective corners.

How the boys party - college football

How the girls party - cheep cheep cheep!

After the chitchat was done, we merged together for games. We played some mean games of mafia and Rebecca made fresh scones. Grade: A+

Church was great today. I got to sit with my family because there was a special musical number (appropriateness....questionable) and a rocking closing hymn. I get excited when I get to go all out on the organ. We sang Onward Christian Soldiers and I was jamming. Of course, we need the more melodic, reverent hymns too. I just like the balance and when there are too many slow ones I get melancholy back there.

But Sunday School was where it was at. Our teacher led a great discussion on what she called the power distance. It's hard to summarize but she began by talking about different cultures and the power distance that exists between individuals such as student and teacher. For example, in our country, the power difference is small. Anyone can be anyone. Nobody is limited (theoritically, not socioeconomically) by their birth or left out of a monarchy. So, the power difference between those who have it and those who are ruled by it is relatively small. Compare that to other cultures....those with dictatorships or monarchies or castes. Then she made the leap to Isaiah and the atonement. She talked about the biggest power difference of all...between the Savior and us. We absolutely cannot be exalted without Him. And yet, he was subject to scorn, ridicule, whips and eventually death. With that sacrifice, he truely showed POWER. And he hands it to us when we come to him. So, it's completely unique to any other power system model in any existing culture. It has characteristics of the individualistic (us having agency to choose to come to him- our power) and the power he has to "heal us with his stripes". I'm not doing a very good job at explaining it but it really moved me. I love discussions on the atonement. It could be discussed every week and I think there would be something new to learn each time.


The rest of the evening has been relaxing. We had a nice family dinner and watched the Bronco game in about an hour (DVR is so great for watching football. No commercials - very family friendly). We were bummed that they lost but it was actually the best football I've seen them play. Jay's at a meeting now (he just got called to be Sunday School president) and I really need to start going on this Christmas Creche Choir. I've been avoiding it thus far but time's a tickin.