I don't think there is any real rule, seems to me that most children start to lose interest about the 'tween' years...around 12 to 13. (I can remember going with my girlfriends in 7th grade, but it was more to be out and be silly than really collecting candy) We have somewhere around 125 children at the door unless it's really stormy - then it's fewer. Some are so cute, I love the really little ones who don't know what Halloween is about, they just know they're having fun and being treated to stuff their Moms don't give them. And I try to keep a supply of M&M's for those, just can't bring myself to hand a candy bar to a 2 yr old. And each year there is the group or two of high school aged boys (sometimes girls but usually boys)...then DH grumbles that they are taller than him and need a shave, and he usually gives them a bad time which they don't take seriously. DH LOVES Halloween and really enjoys the kids...making up for a 'deprived' childhood I think, being one of 10 and raised on a farm, there weren't neighbors close enough for trick or treating.

Would it be appropriate or possible to have someone else there to take the picture, to get the look on her face when she realizes what it is, as you'll be busy with the giving? ole joyful

mtnrdredux, I did research limewashed brick and LOVE what I saw. I do think that's a great idea, but there is alot of sentimental value to this house and the brick is one thing I've not considered changing. However, I do wonder if I could lime wash the brick floors?? That could be interesting while leaving the wall as is. I definitely lean toward to the more vibrant colors and rich tones. The ironstone is beautiful..I'll have to keep an eye out for some. - Do you have a picture of your chandelier? I would love to buy it from you if it's even close to the one Annie posted. nosoccermom - the kitchen valance featured on the Forever Decorating blog (her floral valance) is perfect. She told me where to get the fabric and I can't wait to shamelessly copy that treatment. Thank you so much for posting! Tuesday - those cabinets were painted by my crazy sister and her ex-husband (we've taken over the house since they divorced). I wouldn't dare show a close up as the paint job is horrible (drips, chips and smudges). They even changed out the original black hinges, which I love, for cheapy white ones that got paint all over them. Anyway, the original owners had the cabinets painted from the beginning and they were lovely. Unfortunately they got painted with latex over oil and now I've got a mess on my hands. I do think that painting these wouldn't be too difficult if prepwork is done well.

Wow, thanks! I just want to answer bestlawn's question about why I am talking to my sister. Recently, my mother broke her leg (she is 89) and I had to go up and help out my sister, who was staying at the hospital with her, and trying to take care of her own ailing BF. I really was concerned about my mother. I was intentionally nice to my sister at that time, because I knew I had to be. We actually had a nice time, but I found out things about her that, while they didn't surprise me, made me think she needs professional help. I guess right now, I pity her. Nothing has gone as she planned. She thought her BF would be dead by now. He has almost died twice. She is 67, he is 87, and there is a story behind that that you would not believe! Her BF used to be my mother's BF...yes, you heard that right. My mother and this man have known each other most of their lives, and were corresponding and seeing each other off and on, as they lived a 3 hour drive apart. They talked on the phone quite regularly. When my sister moved to where he lives, he quite innocently offered to help her out with some things. She saw an opportunity, and grabbed it, lied to my mother for months, and finally someone else had to tell my mother that she was seeing him. That was 15 years ago. She is horribly mean to him, and he is totally dependent on her, which is very sad. I had planned to bring my mother down here, because I did not like the conditions I found her living in when I went there, but she is in an assisted living facility now, and doing well, so until that changes, she will stay there. At least my sister will not have access to her money now, since all of it is going to the assisted living place. So I talk to my sister because of my mother. It's hard to talk to my mother, because my sister refuses to pay to have a phone put into my mother's room. I'm looking into paying for it myself. Anyway, I have to be nice to her, that's why I told her I'd think about it. I didn't want a fight. I'll just nicely tell her that I've decided to stay in Florida, and that as I have always done, I'll find a way to work things out with the house. If she gets mad, so be it. I'm happy here, and I could never be happy there. And you're right, she would be expecting me to do everything for my mother, and she would be taking care of #1, as she always does. Again, thanks for the support. I knew I was right, but it's nice to have friends who care enough to tell me that. (((((((((((((((((KT'ers)))))))))))))))))