Pumpkin Patch

PUMPKIN PATCH

I am so grateful for the moments I can spend with my family. The Pumpkin Patch is an activity we look forward to all year long. In fact, this year it almost didn't happen for our family due to crazy schedules, and my children were so sad. I'm glad we worked our schedule around The Pumpkin Patch--even if it meant going later in the evening. 

PILLOW JUMP

CORN BOX

SLIDE

JAIL

COW TRAIN

MAZE

I love the maze. I love how methodical my husband is about finding our way, and I love following him. I love how inventive my kids are in the directions we should go, and then how my husband again leads them back on course. It’s like life--we are guided by our Father’s along the pathway of life if we will only listen.

Soccer

JACOB PLAYS SOCCER

I am so proud of Jacob. He is truly learning to work hard and participate. We have allowed Jacob to play soccer for several seasons.  In the past, we have questioned whether or not we should continue the sport. He just hasn't seemed interested. Not that he couldn't play--just not interested. However, every season Jacob would ask to play soccer again. This season, Jacob finally put his heart into the game. It was so fun watching him learn how to use soccer skills and to come alive in a sport he has always wanted to play. In fact, because of his new found interest--we have had to learn many life lessons about being a good sport, and although I didn't love those "life lessons", I realize that part of the reason we play sports is to teach our kids these very lessons.  

One life lesson this season came when Jacob's best friend was playing goalie, and Jacob's team had a few goals scored on them. In absolute frustration, Jacob turned around and yelled at his friend. When Bryan and I realized what Jacob had done, we taught him about the game: it's never the goalies fault, but the rest of the team's fault for letting it get to the goalie in the first place; and we taught him about life: even when we are frustrated--it's never okay to yell at our friend's, or anyone. We always treat others with kindness. Always.

I'm grateful that Jacob is learning about sports, but I am even more grateful he is learning about being a good person. He is so genuine and sincere that as soon as he understood, he wanted to make amends. 

Halloween Traditions

Doughnuts and Apples

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. I'm not sure who "They" is, but as I scroll through these pictures, a thousand words seem to run through  my mind."Words/Thoughts" about changing the water each time someone else dunks for an apple; this thought resurfaces several times as my camera depicts the water (and spit) running from my children's faces with each new dip. Thoughts about doughnut wars, powdered faces, and yummy food as the children race to be the first one done with their doughnut on a string. This thought resurfaces as I view the picture of  Bryan and I battling for the win--he always wins--it must be because he has a bigger mouth than me. Smile. That must be it. Smile again. More thoughts. Then there are those thoughts where I laugh out loud as I see Jacob holding my head to the ground, and Hailey's angle on the camera, or Amber's determination to hold the rod just right so that the doughnut hits her dad in the face... Wonderful, beautiful thoughts emerge as I scroll through these pictures. Pictures truly are worth a thousand words. 

And family traditions are worth more than words! So grateful! 

Jacob is holding my head down...making sure I don't cheat! What kind of trust is that?

Apple Witch Carving & Pumpkin Carving

Apple and Pumpkin Carving

 

We practiced our pumpkin designs on apples. Jacob had just received a pocket knife, and he was so excited to be using it for carving.

Jacob had just learned about "Johnny Appleseed" in class. He wanted to plant an apple seed--just like Johnny.

He went out to water his seed, and couldn't find it. He was so cute as he wandered around the lawn.

Jacob placing toothpicks (teeth) in his pumpkin.

Time Out

Time Out for Women & Time Out for Girls

Hailey and I joined forces with Ali and Selena to attend the Time Out even this weekend. We had a great time enjoying the speakers and simply hanging out with one another. It's always nice to take a "day off" from life once in a while, and it's even nicer when you enjoy the company!

I absolutely love these girls!

Noelle Pikus-Pace

John Hilton

U-SWIRL AFTERWARDS...
What happens at U-Swirl stays at U-Swirl...

Hailey is a gem in my life. She creates fun wherever she goes. At U-Swirl Hailey convinced my two friends to use the U-Swirl lids as PAC MAN devices. Lots of laughs ensued as each of the girls tried to talk and move their mouths with a plastic container sandwiched between their teeth. As for me...I was busy taking pictures :).

Family Bonding

Cookie Decorating & Pumpkin Painting

I love October. I love the colorful leaves, the crisp air, and the October festivities. There is so much fun to be had in the month of October. While eating dinner last night, I asked my kids their favorite October activity, and they simply couldn't decide--Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Carving, Cookie Decorating, Pumpkin Hunt, Witch's Dinner, Trunk-or-Treat, Halloween Movie, etc.... I agree with my kids--it's impossible to pick a favorite; however, I can definitely pick a favorite sentiment--I love the family bonding that occurs in our home! Every activity carries with it a memory, and each memory strengthens our family bond.

 

I have to be honest--in order for me to be able to provide these fun-filled activities, I have to calendar each event at the beginning of October. I sometimes wonder if it is worth the effort. My conclusion: anything that provides my kids an opportunity to bond with their siblings, and allows our family to enjoy one another's company--is well worth the effort!

 



We love the missionaries!!!

Pumpkin Painting