Chuck's Birthday

Patrick made pop-up cards for Chuck that were Halloween themed. They were really creative! We got a package in the mail that day from Grandma and Jack and the boys loved their Count Dracula shirts. Nicholas wore his to school the next day and they took pictures in the pumpkin patch. I made this cake called "Kahlua Fantasy Cake" that was so disgustingly sweet. After 2 bites, I couldn't bear the thought of ever tasting it again. 88% of people who made it said they would make it again on epicurious.com. It was AWFUL! I threw it out last night. We got Chuck a one year study Bible, a Tagine (Moroccan cooking pot), preserved lemons and a cookbook on Tagine cooking. He was really surprised! After 19 years of birthdays that felt great. He also got several nice gift cards for buying some new cookbooks and jeans, a new long sleeved Polo from Great Gran and a book of sermons from Aunt June. The kids made out well, too, with puzzles and money from Great Gran. Speaking of Great Gran, she had knee surgery last Tuesday and had to be in the hospital for quite some time afterward from a bad reaction to some meds they gave her. She got out this past Tuesday and is at home resting. The kids and I are headed up to my folks house after school today. My dad is having stents put in tomorrow. Please keep all of our family in your prayers.