I should really be cleaning the kitchen, but instead I'm on here. I do a fairly good job of keeping up on the house in general, but I just completely fail at kitchen maintenance. If only we had a dishwasher, I know it would be different. Or not haha. I feel like I've been somewhat into the Halloween spirit, but not completely. Jason and I have watched several Halloween-esque movies. We watched Paranormal Activities even though I really didn't want to. My former love of horror movies has evolved into a complete inability to watch them without freaking out. I barely slept the night we watched it, even though I didn't think it was a great movie. We also watched Mad Monster Party, a completely bizarre stop-motion film from the '60's. But my favorite so far has been The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. I think that was one of the best silent films I've ever seen. Our tradition is to watch The Great Pumpkin followed by all of the Simpson's Tree House of Horrors. I'm really looking forward to that. We decided we didn't feel like carving pumpkins, but I did put some decorations out. My main goal lately has been winterizing the yard. I go out for 10-15 minutes every day to do a little work. Yesterday I brought Laela and Harlock out. By the end Laela was crying and Harlock was barking to go inside, not the most productive environment. I think I might bust out my sequined Minnie Mouse headband that I got at Disney last year to hand out candy. I never dress up, because we usually don't go out. I wanted Laela to be Snow White, because she totally looks like her. But, the costume was $25, and I just didn't see the point when she won't remember it and we aren't leaving the house. So, she's going to wear her glow in the dark skeleton pj's, and maybe next year she can be Snow White. She has so many Halloween clothes that from tomorrow on, she will be wearing them all so we can get one more wear out of them. I know this is a bit early, but I've been really getting into the Christmas spirit lately. Last year we had a lovely time in Cape Cod, but honestly I was so sick and out of it that I couldn't really get into the holiday. I think I actually only picked out and purchased two gifts, the rest we just went in on with others. So I'm glad that this year I'll be feeling better. But, due to budgetary concerns, we're probably only going to be able to get gifts for those who will actually be spending the holidays with us, my dad and Megan. I have loved the years where I could go all out on Christmas gifts, but this is not one of those years. But, I'm already developing a list for Laela. I swear, I get so into her toys that I have a hard time restraining myself, they're all so cute haha. The Wist list on my page is where I'm keeping track of the stuff I find. Although I'm definitely into all things "girly" myself, it's very important to me to not force Laela into liking only girl-oriented toys. So, to that end, I found the perfect gift for my dad to get her- a Fisher-Price workbench. It's adorable, and I think it will provide the perfect compliment to the tea set we're getting her. After all, a girl needs to explore her options. I'm also super bummed that the "Wilco Loves Your Baby" onesie is sold out in her size. I hope they get it back in before Christmas. Jason, on the other hand, totally hates Wilco and is hoping I forget all about it haha. But, I feel like she needs some band shirts that aren't the Beatles for once. As for me, all I really want for Christmas is a new ipod. The battery on mine died after 5 years, and I want one that will hold enough music that I won't have to buy another one for a long time. I think 160 GB will do nicely.