Carving Pumpkins

This is the aftermath of our pumpkin carving/painting extravaganza! Lots of paints were used, only one pumpkin was carved, but fun was had by all!





These are pictures of our traditional pumpkin dinner. This tradition is from Earl's family, but my mom actually added the recipe to her own 'Family Cookbook'. Its a really easy recipe that you cook separately then bake in the pumpkin. It is YUMMY!!!!


Can't wait for Trunk-or-Treat tonight! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Gratitude

*******I know the font on this post is messed up. Darn it! I'll try and fix it later!************There has been so much going on in our crazy lives lately that I just forget sometimes to sit down and breathe. Do moms get to do that? I know we're supposed to make time for it, but with Halloween costumes, sick kids, housework, helping with homework, making dinner............who can fit it in?!?!

So, now that everyone else is settled for a few minutes and they haven't realized that I'm taking some time to myself, I thought I better sit down and fulfill my promise to myself to keep up with our blog.
In this small moment of quiet time I find myself thinking about all of the things we have to be grateful for. Most of all is wonderful friends and family!!! We are truly so blessed. I have watched our ward go through so many trials lately. I feel the comfort of all those around me as we pull together to help each other.....no matter what the need.
One dear family in our ward just lost their young father. He was an amazing man. I only regret that I didn't know him better. Our paths didn't seem to cross too often, but I watched him with his family and always knew he was a great example of what I want to be. I'm so thankful for his example. It will always be with me. Like I said, I just wish I would have made more of an effort to know him better. Now I have more resolve to come out of hibernation and put myself out there to be a better friend, neighbor and ward member. So watch out everyone! :)

I'm so thankful for the efforts of ward members on behalf of our children. Spencer is turning into an amazing young man. 12.....Deacon....Junior High.....'almost' a teenager....... He wouldn't be so amazing if it were only left up to us. His teachers and advisers have been wonderful!

Brayden had the opportunity to participate in the Primary Program again this year. It always WOWs me when he does something new. This year, he stood up and held a picture of our family. Last year he needed more prodding and help, so we ARE making progress! When it was time to go sit down he walked right past our bench where Earl was sitting. He found my friend, Ariane, and snuggled up with her. He melts hearts so easily. What talent!

Andraia actually spoke into the microphone during the program! Last year, she knew her part so well, but clammed up when it was time to 'perform'. She did so great! She has had so many wonderful teachers in primary and nursery. What a blessing!

And little Chloe. She is a major source of comic relief for our family, and I hope she is letting her personality shine through in nursery. She really enjoys playing with all of her friends once we get her there and settled. She still thinks Mom and/or Dad need to be there with her and not just drop her off, but she's getting better. We're so thankful for patient teachers who will take her and keep her busy until she decides she really is happy about being there!

Earl is going to be teaching primary now! He loves kids, so this is an awesome opportunity for him. He will be fantastic!

So much to be grateful for......I could go on and on, but the kids figured out that I'm hiding and the ruckus is getting a bit loud!

Have a lovely day!

Pumpkin Time

Pictures from the Pumpkin Patch. Can you tell Spencer really wanted his picture taken?!?! Gotta love that boy! BTW-he's now taller than me......help!!!

Time to Get My Rear in Gear

As you can tell from the previous October posts, Andraia was trying to tell me something. "Mom, get with the program! Update your blog!!" I should have taken her advice much sooner! I have really slacked off with the blog since our trip to Moab for Spring Break. I know, I know....how rude of me to just stop posting!

This summer was crazy, busy. Running 3 different kids to all of their different summer activities. Poor Chloe had to go everywhere with everyone, so we spent tons of time in the car!

I'll have to update later with pics of our trip to Disney in August.

One reason I am vowing to keep up with my blog is to let my out of area family in on what's going on with our kids. My sister, Marie, lives in Oregon. My brother, Mike, lives in Moab. We do a pretty good job of keeping in touch, but when our kids are growing so fast..........its hard to keep everyone up to date!

Another reason is because I've decided this is much easier than making myself sick with guilt for not keeping up with the scrapbooks and my journal.

So, wish me luck! We're here trying again!

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