The DiSanto's

Wednesday, October 31st

Happy Halloween...

The word "Halloween" originates form the Catholic Church as a corruption of "All Hallows Eve". November the first is a Catholic day of observance in honour of saints, named "All Hollows Day" (or All Saints Day). In the fifth century BC in Celtic Ireland, Summer officially ended on 31st October.

On 31st October, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed that it was their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.

Naturally, the living did not want to be possessed, so on the night of 31st October, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all kinds of ghoulish costumes and noisily parade around the village, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.

What did you look like on Halloween?
klds on 10.31.07 @ 04:16 PM CST [link]

Tuesday, October 30th

Not looking good...

Last night we got a call that Ralph was not doing well. He fell Sunday, became disoriented and was placed on morphine. Yesterday they said they though he would pass within 48 hours. Linda and I went to the nursing home last night and stayed till 11ish and then came home- hour drive. Today he is having trouble breathing so is in a chair sitting up (they brought in a recliner). Haven't heard anything else today. Linda and I talked about bringing Ralph home to die but last night we made the decision to leave him where he is- he is close to family which suddenly have appeared and it is necessary to have those people say goodbye. This process sucks and it would be ok with me if I never go through it again (wishful thinking!). Prayers are always welcome.
klds on 10.30.07 @ 06:06 PM CST [link]

Happy 21st Birthday Nicholas!!!

Nicholas Michael how did you get to be 21.....seems like yesterday you were born on this day. I hope you had a great day even though you slept most of it and up in time to go to work tonight, know that I am very proud of you and love you very very much. Thanks for all you do to help me out!

Love,
Your Mom
bailey on 10.30.07 @ 03:28 PM CST [link]

Saturday, October 27th

Happy Birthday Clark...

Let's all wish Clark a very Happy Birthday!
klds on 10.27.07 @ 12:42 PM CST [link]

Thursday, October 25th

Dinner Sunday

Left messages but figure I would post something here to back it up in case people miss their phone message. Dinner Sunday for Nick, Mom and Clark will be at 4. This will make it easier for little people that will be anxious to get home and see their Daddy! Plus will just make it easier all the way around. So hope you all can make it.
bailey on 10.25.07 @ 06:41 AM CST [link]

Saturday, October 20th

Hugs...

"I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins."

klds on 10.20.07 @ 12:34 AM CST [link]

Nana's dress...

Delaney models the dress Nana got for her and Kelsie- all decked out with bracelets and an orange spider ring- this chick is ready for Halloween.
klds on 10.20.07 @ 12:32 AM CST [link]

Thursday, October 18th

CINNAMON APPLE MUFFINS...

Muffins:

* 4 Cups apples, peeled, cored and chopped, 4-5 large apples (we used McIntosh)
* 4 large eggs, beaten
* 1 Cup vegetable oil (we like canola)
* 2 tsp. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
* 1 tsp. PURE ALMOND EXTRACT
* 2 tsp. baking soda
* 2 tsp. salt
* 2 tsp. CINNAMON (we used CHINA)
* 3 Cups all-purpose flour
* 2 Cups granulated white sugar

Topping:

* 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 Cup granulated white sugar
* 2 tsp. CINNAMON
* 6 TB. butter, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease two muffin pans and set aside (you may have enough batter for more than 24 muffins). Peel, core and slice the apples. Cut into good-sized chunks, about 1 inch in size. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the oil and beat until combined. Add the VANILLA EXTRACT, ALMOND EXTRACT, baking soda, salt and CINNAMON. Beat until thoroughly mixed. Next, add the flour and sugar and mix on low just to blend. Then turn the mixer to high and beat until mixture is smooth. The batter will be very thick. Fold in the chopped apples, mixing by hand so the apples do not get too broken up. Divide the mixture between the two muffin pans. Since the batter is so thick, it is easiest to spoon the batter into the pans. To prepare the topping, combine flour, sugar and CINNAMON in a small bowl. Cut the butter into the mixture with a fork until all ingredients are moist and crumbly. If you don't mind a little mess, it is faster to use your hands. Sprinkle equal amounts of topping on each muffin. Bake for about 20-25 minutes on the center rack of the oven. The muffins should feel fairly firm when touched in the middle, or bake an extra 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pans.

These are yummy too- I used Honey Crisp apples- too die for!
klds on 10.18.07 @ 02:33 PM CST [link]

Pumpkin Bars...

* 1/2 Cup butter, soft (1 stick)
* 1 Cup brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2/3 Cup canned pumpkin
* 1 tsp. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
* 1 Cup flour
* 1/2 tsp. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1 tsp. CINNAMON
* 1/4 tsp. POWDERED GINGER
* 1/4 tsp. GROUND NUTMEG

Brown Butter Icing:

* 1/2 Cup butter (1 stick)
* 3 Cups powdered sugar
* 1 tsp. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
* 2 TB milk

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream the butter. Add the brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and VANILLA and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift all of the dry ingredients together. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake at 350° for about 15-20 minutes. Let cool and top with Brown Butter Icing.

Brown Butter Icing
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the butter over low heat until it is a light brown. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, VANILLA, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

I made these and they are great- the icing is a little sweet put the bars are fantastic.
klds on 10.18.07 @ 02:31 PM CST [link]

It's that time again...

The annual Witch & Warlock Ball...
Check with Sue or Kay for details...if you thought last year was great, wait till this year!
klds on 10.18.07 @ 12:47 AM CST [link]

Wednesday, October 17th

New look...

Beth has a new look and a new ride- as Kameron would say..."SWEET!"
klds on 10.17.07 @ 12:49 AM CST [link]

Tuesday, October 16th

Thankful...

" Somedays, we forget to look around us,
Somedays, we can't see the joy that surrounds us,
so caught up inside ourselves,
we take when we should give,
so for tonight we pray for,
what we know can be,
and on this day we hope for,
what we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
and even though we all can still do more,
there's so much to be thankful for,
look beyond ourselves,
there's so much sorrow,
it's way to late to say, I'll cry tomorrow
each of us must find our truth,
it's so long overdue,
so for tonight we pray for,
what we know can be,
and everyday, we hope for,
what we still can't see,
it's up to us, to be the change,
and even though we all can still do more,
there's so much to be thankful for,
even with our differences,
there is a place were all connected,
each of us can find each others light,
So for tonight, we pray for
what we know can be,
and on this day, we hope for,
what we still can't see,
it's up to us, to be the change,
and even though this world can still do so much more
there's so much to be thankful for."

klds on 10.16.07 @ 10:28 PM CST [link]

Monday, October 15th

Hello...

Been pretty quite- I know, I haven't been one here much either...
* Kameron played his last football game yesterday (lost 13-7)- he played well this year
* Kelsie is learning her letters and knows the sounds as well- wow!
* Kim was in North Carolina and is now in Atlanta with Clark
* Beth got a new car- post pictures- that is always exciting (picture above by Beth)
* Linda's sister signed for the house today- now we do inspection. Ralph is wanting to come home and doing very well right now
*Karen is running a new group at school called "Grey Matter" for 2nd & 3rd graders- 50 kiddos have signed up to do Brain Gym activities, puzzles and BrainSMART activities- Friday mornings at 7:30- it is a different year!
* Katie is feeling better- still no kissing!
* Mattie play soccer yesterday (don't know the outcome) but Kris and Erin where cheering her on
* Erin is feeling better and starting to look around for areas to get her own apartment- paying off bills and moving on with her life
* For those who don't know- daddy had to put Uncle Jimmy in a nursing home- we are send our prayers to you during this difficult time
*Kevin Michael is at a trade show in Las Vegas (so is Mark)
* As per the last post- the Carroll's got the tombstone
* Delaney knew her Nana was missing her so she went and had a weekend with her
* There is some GREAT new Christmas music out- Josh Groban, Rick Braun, Boney James, Jim Brickman (no I don't own it all) but I'll be working on it
* Anything you would like to add?
klds on 10.15.07 @ 12:56 AM CST [link]

Sunday, October 14th

Family tombstone...

It is finally here- the tombstone for the Carroll family and Matthew. It is beautiful and gives a wonderful remembrance to our sweet boy.
Also- please note big sister in all her glory with her new crocs and pony tail- styling!

klds on 10.14.07 @ 08:34 PM CST [link]

Sunday, October 7th

Maxine - Color is Good!

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,
I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems.
He said just think in colors...fill your plate with bright colors... greens,
yellows, reds, etc.
I went right home and ate an entire bowl of :

And sure enough, I felt better immediately. I never knew eating right could be so easy.

klds on 10.07.07 @ 11:27 PM CST [link]

Friday, October 5th

Happy Birthday Nana...

May your birthday bring
You as much happiness
As you give to everyone
Who knows you...Happy Birthday.

Let's all wish Nana a very happy birthday.
klds on 10.05.07 @ 12:13 AM CST [link]

Tuesday, October 2nd

Keep Katrina in your thoughts....

P1010084 (574k image)

Well just got off the phone with Dr. office about an hour ago and her test for Mono was positive.....poor kids is out of school for a week and then more blood test in 3 weeks. Obviously out of sports which now means her soccer season is over and out of gym until her enzymes are back to normal. She was sooooo sick last night my heart just broke for her. I am leaving work at 12:30 to go home and be with her and not working tonight. My kids comes first and foremost. I just got off the phone with her and she is bummed because of missing Bio labs and test this week now. But told her they understand and she will be able to make it up once better and back in school. Her sister is going to be getting her school work the rest of the week so she stays on top of that hopefully!
bailey on 10.02.07 @ 08:44 AM CST [link]

Monday, October 1st

Meet Binx Bailey!

This is the newest Bailey Family Member Binx Bailey who is 1 and a half, Cocker Spaniel. He is just the best dog! Boy we got lucky this time around. Shaun (Kate's boyfriend) new someone that needed to get rid of him. He is completely housebroke, all shots and came with crate and all. He is just the sweetest guy. We have had him three days tomorrow and we are still waiting to hear his voice as he doesn't bark! He just sits next to you, doesn't care to go outside except to relieve him self. We just love em to death. He slept with Mom last night and think he is going to be my new BEST FRIEND.

Another picture
And another picture
Enjoy!
bailey on 10.01.07 @ 06:03 PM CST [link]

Did you know...

New research found that smokers are 50 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or dementia than people who don't smoke or who gave up smoking. If the risk of cancer doesn't scare you- this should!
So one more time- if you smoke-QUIT!
klds on 10.01.07 @ 01:02 AM CST [link]

Welcome October...

"Open the door and come on in- I'm so glad to see you my friend
You' re like a rainbow coming around the bend."

klds on 10.01.07 @ 12:46 AM CST [link]

October 2007
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