Halloweener

I love Halloween. Let me say that again: I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!! I love everything about it, from the season that it falls in to the chance to dress as someone I'm not. Also, I just like a good excuse to throw a party, and halloween gives me one.
A good portion of the last few days has been devoted to preparing my home and my costume for said party. My plan for this year is to go as a gypsy, but in order to do this I had to made a few portions of my costume, along with a trip to the d.i. My costume is just about finished, I just need to accessorize a bit, but hopefully it'll be a good one. I have this funny thing about buying costumes... I hate doing it. When we were growing up our parents always made our costumes, and they had to get creative, like, for instance, the year I decided I wanted to be a mermaid. Kudos to my parents for that one. Needless to say, my parents have a large selection of various costume bits and pieces that have been worn over the years, from "Where's Waldo" to the tooth fairy. We cooked up some crazy costumes.
Also, a little sick but I can't help it, I've already decided what Steve and I are going as next year... so someone better throw a party!
I'm turning into quite the little Betty Homemaker. I've been cooking a lot more often, and I've signed up for a cooking class for newlyweds offered through my ward. I've been learning how to sew, as well. I made the major piece for my Halloween costume (see a previous blog with a picture of the "French Flea Market Apron", and I've still been quilting up a storm. I set up a filing system for Steve and I to keep track of important documents, and I've almost got the spare room cleaned out completely. My goal was to have it done before the Halloween party, but I don't think I'm going to make it. We've still got quite a few empty picture frames and framed pictures from the wedding reception and I have no idea what to do with all of them. I guess I'll save them for Christmas and re-gift. I hate doing it, but they're nice frames.
Speaking of Christmas, I've already started buying/making gifts. I've got Steve's big gift, it's being shipped currently. I've also got my mom's gift already. I told Steve what I want for Christmas, let's see if he remembers.
As for other things, Zach seems to be doing well, but is excited to get to Hawaii. He sent home a few pictures from the MTC and it looks like he's having some fun as well as learning. We send him packages, letters, and emails regularly so he's been voted the Elder most loved by his family. I just keep sending him encouragement and reminding him of what a good missionary he'll be.
I think that's it for now. I'll give you another update when I work later this week.