Halloween 2022

 And just like that we’re turning the calendar over to November. The month of October went by in the blink of an eye…probably because Mitch was here, at home, with us. And we loved every minute of it. Tomorrow he heads back to Spain. We’re so glad he got to celebrate Halloween with us.

Josslyn took the girls to Boo at the Zoo after confirmation to we could get the house cleaned up. The girls were disappointed in the spooky train, but at least they got to go. 

After school we laid low, but by 5:00 the girls were getting costumed up. Mitch went out with Hattie and the Larsons while I made dinner. Kiersten went out with a group of her friends. They had pizza here at the house and then walked to Hunters Point. They did not hold back with their costumes.

Leah and Carla went out together. They went through Hunters Point and Sundance. I’m told they were hiding from some of their High School peers. But I’m glad they went out and Carla got to experience Trick-or-Treat! She was counting her candy at the table afterwards and bartering with Hattie. It was a fun night for all the Schultz girls.

Leah’s Confirmation

 What a weekend! Finally, we were able to celebrate Leah’s confirmation. It was tough on her to watch church online every Sunday in Spain and do the lessons on her own. But she did it. And celebrating this milestone with her was a great excuse for the family to come together.

The Schultzes and Gill’s all arrived just after lunch on Saturday. The weather was beautiful. We were able to sit out in the patio all afternoon. Mitch cooked a fantastic taco bar for us for dinner. After wards we sat by the fire and made s’mores. The food was good, the company was better but I think the girls were most excited about meeting new baby cousin Reese. What a sweetie!

We were at the church bright and early Sunday. Leah was nervous but she hid it well. We nearly filled three whole pews between the Myerscough side and the Schultz side. It was comical when pastor was speaking and told the family they could come up and pray over Leah. He told us all we could come up but we may need to lay hands on the family member next to, or in front of us because we all wouldn’t be able to reach Leah. 

She chose Joshua 1:9 for her verse. It’s extra special to our family. My grandmother Schaumburg wrote it in my brothers prayer book for his confirmation nearly 30 years ago. And it was the first thing that Matt shared after Jackson was diagnosed with leukemia. And Leah didn’t even know all that.

After the service there was a cake reception at the church. Then we hosted everyone at home for lunch. Leah received a beautiful cross necklace from Gigi and Papa that was bought at Catedral de Barcelona…such a touching gift. And unbeknownst to Aunt Lori she bought a bracelet that matched perfectly. It was a good day for Leah, and all of us.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Jack-o-lanterns

We crossed another truly American experience off the list tonight. Can’t have Halloween without pumpkin carving here in the States. Let me tell you, finding pumpkins to carve last October in Valencia was a challenge. But we got it done. Carla was surprised by our giant calabazas. Carving it proved to be a little more difficult than she imagined, but she got it done, and even said she was proud of herself. All the girls did great, and now our porch is looking festive. Bring on Halloween! 

Halloween Concert

 My musicians!!! Tonight was the Halloween Orchestra concert at Mt. Zion Auditorium. It was Hattie’s first school concert. She was so into it, with her head bobbing along. The Intermediate students did a great job. 

The Junior High and High School orchestra was amazing…Leah was 1st violin sporting her cowgirl get up. They played so well and I really enjoyed the piece “Remote Control”! So thankful for Mr. Ward and how he keeps the kids engaged with their music. Well done! 

And Kudos to Kiersten and Carla for sitting through the concert…they were rewarded with Las Margaritas for dinner!!

International Club

 This weekend I was happy to help Mrs. Abbott host her first international club event in two years. Last year was hard on her dealing with Dales illness and his passing. The year before that we were dealing with covid. So we kicked off this year right with a bonfire at our house.

I think we had nearly 30 kids. It was a great turnout! We had plenty of s’mores kits to go around, chips, and warm apple cider. I’ve always told my girls I want our house to be a place that people feel safe coming to…we have plenty of room and we’re happy to host. Looking forward to more events in the months to come.