Happy Halloween

The little Pumpkin Fairy

The sassy Flapper Girl

The goofy Clown

The Witch

Trick-or-Treating in style with a new bag.

Thank you Erin! (emcreativedesigns).

Saturday night at the annual Trunk or Treat

Brian holding his favorite fairy

Texans Give Drugs the Boot!

To kick off Red Ribbon Week, the elementary students were asked to dress up in their cowboy/cowgirl boots and hats.  All week long the kids will participate in activities that will help them learn to say NO to drugs.

These two Texans are pledging to live a drug-free life. 

Caroline wanted to dress up just like big Bro. and Sis.

Cutest lil' cowgirl

Our drug-free dog

The Frogmarine

Using a few common household items, Nathan designed an underwater sub for his frog friend.

A perfect fit.

The frogmarine descends into the black depths of the bird bath.

 Frogmarine is safe and secure on the ocean floor.

No frogs were harmed during this naval exercise.

A Welcome Surprise!

Our family is so grateful and excited to announce that a fifth baby will be joining the Giles clan in May!  The doctor has already offered to call the baby "HE" in hopes that it will result in a baby brother for Nathan, but a little girl caboose is always welcome!

A Special Visit

Some of our dearest friends, the Sallaway family, came for a brief visit a couple of weeks ago.  We met this special family shortly after our move to Houston.  Sarah, who was only six months old at the time, and Ashley, seven months, made an instant connection and became the best of friends at this very young age.  Sarah and Ashley enjoyed weekly play dates and simply adored spending time with each other.  The Sallaways moved to Dallas a few months prior to Sarah's diagnosis.  During the final months of Sarah's life her dear little friend traveled the distance with her mother to bring joy, laughter and lots of hugs to Sarah.  I will forever be grateful for beautiful Ashley and her love for Sarah.  What a blessing for two girls to have the gift of friendship at such a tender age.

Sarah and Ashley ~ October 2006

October 2007

 October 2008

  Maren and Ashley

Thank you to Cherise (Ashley's mother) for capturing these two adorable playmates.  This short clip was filmed in November 2008.

Old Fashioned Crumb-Topped Apple Pie

(Brian's favorite Fall dessert) 

Recipe

9-inch pie crust

Filling

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

4-1/2 cups peeled and thinly sliced baking apples

Crumb Topping

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 tablespoons butter, softened

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place pie crust in 9-inch pie plate and flute edge.  For filling, combine sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in large bowl.  Add apples; toss gently to coat.  Spoon into crust.  For topping, combine all ingredients except butter in medium bowl. Add butter; mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Sprinkle oat mixture over apples.  Cover pastry edge with foil to prevent over browning.  Bake 25 minutes; remove foil.  Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until top is golden brown.  Cool on wire rack.  Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. 

Variation:  Sprinkle 1/3 cup sliced almonds over apple mixture before adding oat topping. 

Double Scoop Victory!

The votes have been counted.  The election results have been announced.  CONGRATULATIONS NATHAN AND MAREN!  How exciting for you both to have the opportunity to serve as members of the Student Council for your elementary school.  Tonight we will celebrate with a double scoop of ice cream!

Caroline's Baking Tip of the Day

Need to add a little spice to your favorite dish?  Forget the curry and cayenne pepper, simply put on a tutu and some pretty pearls.  Don't forget to wear a crown; it will add a little zest.