Wicked Witch...Squashed!

So here it is!  At my work, they have an annual contest where any employee can decorate a pumpkin (no carving or piercing allowed) and display it in the waiting room.  So we found a cool Hubbard squash that was already green (Evan takes credit for finding the one with a perfect witchy nose) and so I just had to make a wicked witch. 

 One idea led to another, and the witch became the Wicked Witch of the East from the Wizard of Oz smashed by Dorothy's house complete with green striped socks and ruby red slippers.  But of course in this scenario the witch was "squashed" with a shocked look on her face (courtesy of my friend Sandie).

Some others in the contest included a doctor pumpkin, a penguin, Angry Birds, a Rose Festival pumpkin, Dumbo,  and a scarecrow.

And the good news is that I won!  I got the blue ribbon and will win $100.00!!!!! The patients all cast their votes for their favorites and mine came out on top. Supposedly, the nurse that wins every year was not too happy!  Now I'm on to plan for the "Scary Foods" contest (It's between Bloody Brains Cupcakes  or Skull Cheese Dip)....On Halloween, the front desk will dress up as 101 Dalmations and Cruella De Ville and guess who I get to be! 

"She Put the Music in Me"

Here is a sweet, touching video sung by Calee Reed of how her love of music was influenced by her mother teaching her the beautiful messages of primary songs.  I love all the allusions to those tender songs we all grew up with like "Popcorn Popping," "Smiles," or "Teach We to Walk in the Light" she so lovingly sings about.

I truly feel the same way about my mom.  I remember her being the Junior Sunday School Chorister for so many years (she's the only one who was in my memory) and she taught me those precious songs and gospel truths which I in turn loved teaching my own children and grandchildren and now am thrilled to be teaching  those songs to a new generation in Primary.  I also remember so well her encouraging us to practice our piano and saying "You will regret giving it up"  when we all decided to quit.  Which, of course, I do regret, but I have taken it up again and at least can play many hymns and those sweet primary songs.

So this is for you, Mom.  Thanks for "putting the music  in me!"

(Get those tissues ready!)

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