Oh how I love a New Jersey fall -- raking leaves notwithstanding, of course.  But those same leaves, clinging with their last bit of strength, golden in the last warm rays of sunshine, warmed my heart as well.  Even the memory brings a smile to my face.  After a conversation with a NJ girlfriend describing the summertime weather we were still enjoying daily in San Diego more than two months post August move, and bemoaning missing the colorful vistas of our neighborhoods, I received a boxful, a large boxful, of autumn leaves.

October, of course, is also the month for Halloween. Okay, so Halloween is not my absolute most favorite holiday; I was NOT the mom who dressed up.  But with four children, you better believe Halloween was one we celebrated with gusto.  We pitched in to decorate the front door and made an outing of choosing the perfect pumpkin. But what I enjoyed best about the day was witnessing my children's joyful smiles as they marched around the school yard in their costumes.

Here are two of my creations, proof positive of a prior post's description of my "costume quality" seamstress abilities.  The little Mime is Rory and Little Bo Peep, Jessica. (These pics taken years apart! Rory was not yet born when Little Bo Peep marched!) I wish you could see the ruffles carefully stitched to the handmade pantaloons, and Jessica's impish grin!

When I worked, I usually chose October 31 as one of my shifts.  I did this mostly so that one of my coworkers could be home with their kids to prepare for the night's trick or treating.  I did this too, just a little, to leave those early tricksters to my husband!

Our next classes will be devoted to Halloween cards, one traditional and one not.  Thanks to Mary Fish for the beautifully designed colorful bats card CASE'd from her website.  Both cards were created using the Spooky Treats stamp set from Stampin' UP!

At this class we will make the two cards shown and also learn some new techniques. We will also make several treat bags; you will be delighted to SEE what yummy candy I provide for those bags!