Pumpkin Prayer

Claire received this poem at school so we carved our largest pumpkins according to the story.

Then, we just made a happy face on the small one. Of course, the highlight was the light/dark contrast!

I do not know why I cannot get a good dark-lit-pumpkin pic? I have the same issue with the Christmas tree. A - what setting do you use on your camera? We have the same one. :)

Since we are discussing game

We only wear exotics, we don't eat them. But since we had a cold snap, we broke out the fur.And just for the sake of facts, these adorable clothes are all hand-me-downs or garage sale items minus Faith's shoes & jeans that Mimi bought. Faith was quite distressed with Claire's darling get-up so she had to choose an animal print as well. I believe Abby has the exact matching outfit. It is about to be passed down to Lila, the tights & shirt were snug.

Even Will, he is wearing all of Luke's clothes but I did manage to buy his diapers, we don't re-use them. :)

He has his game on

Craig received a new game camera for his b-day. It is the new toy of 2008, making hunters proud across the country. Actually, I think it is just new to us. Craig thinks it is almost as exciting as the "kill." But, whatever.

Anyway, the first day, it took pics of a raccoon, I guess that could be a small animal one might want to eat. Not us. It also took pics of the wind blowing but I made him erase all 148 of those. I do not have room on the memory card for wind.

Soon, he spotted the pic of a buck. The bucks looks as if he may have had a drink on his way home. I might too if I lived the life he did.

Craig says this is another buck. As far as I am concerned, it looks real similar to the first one but I am not the expert.

This is a doe, the same morning. Maybe it is buck2's girls. He may need to watch out for her because doe has better meat than an older buck. I would know that because I have been cooking deer meat for years now.

None of this matters until we get the game. (I use we very loosely b/c I just encourage him kindly and listen so ever intently as he tells me each skilled move he makes.) But at least we know they are out there eating our corn and smiling for the camera.

Maybe before long, you could shoot the deer from your own living room through some fancy, shmancy rig. Then again, maybe not. That could be dangerous and fall into the hands of a nut in America. Don't get me started on that. A hunting post by me is bad enough.

This week in words

It is not going to happen in pictures because well, I did not take any.

Monday & Tuesday were pretty good days. I can barely remember them now, so what is there to say?

On Wednesday, I early voted.

Also, a roofer actually talked to us and visited our home. This is big b/c usually they laugh when we ask them when they are coming. Now, we just need the $ to pay for the roof when he begins work. I know you are so interested to know that squares have gone up $125 each since Rita. At least, that is what we are told.

It was a big ministry day, God is so good. We were encouraged in several areas. Why we question His faithfulness, I will never know. We can be such Israelites.

Speaking of Israelites, I am studying Moses in BSF. My fave principal from the lecture this week was: "Everyone brings glory to God by man's repentant & yielding obedience or disobedience through His wrath." I could give a million thoughts on this but just think on it yourself. :)

On Thursday, I had a "first." I left at 9:10 and drove to meet Kelli at Baybrook Mall, to shop, all by ourselves. A sweet friend of mine picked up the little ones and then I got back in time to get the 1st graders. Quick trip but tons of fun. I got some darling Gap pants, I love Gap, especially the clearance section. Also, the Marshall's Home Goods store was fabulous but very crowded. I thought we were in a recession, why are these people not at home planning dinner & folding clothes?

We had a make-up soccer game, the weather was great. If we were keeping score, we lost but it was a fun game. We played hard and Faith scored, 1st time this year. The look of shock on her face was priceless, her excitement was delayed by "did I really kick it in that far?" I love the game but I think I am a bit of a nut, I need a muzzle. I am not negative just excitable!

Today, the weather is beautiful! I walked early with Donna, it was chilly. Craig and the girls went to Pancakes with Dad at Regina. I stayed home with Will until time to take Claire to school. We had a war, he does not care for long sleeves & jeans. I finally won but he desires another wardrobe. He has such darling winter clothes, he is going to have to get over it!

Then, we went "CVSing." I got great deals, I could take a pic of my deals like real bargain shoppers but I am not. I got 3 packs of Huggies diapers, Cottenelle toilet paper (8 pack), 2 packs of wet wipes & garbage bags for $26.07!

The weekend holds gymnastics, birthday parties, and soccer. I have been thinking that we need to do more things with couples but when would we do it? Our socialization is through the kids!

A case of forgetfulness

If it is a disease, I have it. I feel like I have been through a washing machine cycle for days, it has just been nuts.

An example of my lack of accomplishment this week was evident today.

1. I forgot today was Faith's snack day at school, I had to bring them to her late. When I taught 1st grade, it totally annoyed me that unorganized parents could not remember their snack day and I thought they had too many kids to keep up with anyway. I was pregnant by 1/2 way through the year and snack was essential. I always checked it out as soon as I assigned Journal time and took roll. You reap what you sow.

2. I also forgot to take food to church for a funeral tomorrow and then I missed a funeral today. Luckily, the people who went to see Jesus will never know.


3. At the store, I forgot to buy Craig's Sprite and you know how that is at my house. It's been b-day week around here so groceries took a back seat.

4. So did cooking. Craig & I had flat iron steak tonight but the kids were not patient enough to wait on the grill, so they all ate mashed potatoes and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for dinner. So healthy.

5. I burned one batch of cookies, wish I had them now.

6. I realized Will did not have a "fall" shirt for "punkin" pics. So, he just wore orange. I have no idea where it came from, it was just in is drawer. I am sure he (and Craig) will thank me later that I did not put him in a big punkin shirt.

7. We did remember to take the kids to the Pumpkin Patch this evening. Fun was had by all. As we bought 3 high dollar pumpkins, I reminded myself the $ goes to missions. Speaking of missions, Craig saw someone tonight who said they saw a random woman with a Power Castle shirt on, they asked her if she volunteered with us. She said no, she bought the shirt at a garage sale! Oh my, cracked me up, if whoever sold it only knew how much we would have used it, I must forget that. Wonder what it was priced?

To end this forgetful post, here are our "punkin" pics.

Dear Craig,

My sweet hubby, you are 35 today. Thanks for being a godly, kind and patient man. I pray I always remember you are a special gift God granted me, even when I sometimes act ridiculous.

I would like to buy you a boat but since we cannot even go to the beach, how about thinking about it. Lame huh?

I love you!

So excited about Caroline Lucy

My youngest sister is having a girl! I guess Jesus thinks we do not have enough of them. :)

Adrienne is due in March so we are getting ready for her arrival. I say "we" loosely b/c actually I have done nothing but think about it, give advice and oh, I did pray. That is pretty important.
And, I am passing down several tens of dozens of clothes. If I look at anymore labeled storage containers that say 3-6 months, I will scream!

The ultrasound tech noticed a "placenta strand" so we need to pray about that, we are waiting to see if the doc finds it significant.

I especially love her name . . . Caroline Lucy, it has such a ring to it!

Actually, it is Lucy Caroline but I may call her CL since a certain someone thought I should name my firstborn Rebekah Faith. Could you imagine if I would have listened to her?

I am glad I didn't and I am sure she is not listening to me!

Desperately trying not to be sappy

I cannot believe my baby is 2 years old today, my baby, I repeat . . .the baby! It seems like life has flown right by me since the day he was born.

He was so thrilled to see us, he could not stop crying!

(Btw, this is what you look like after it takes 10 minutes to have a c-section. I looked so chipper and healthy. I may never post the pics 7 hours later after severe hemorrhaging, 2 blood transfusions & repeat surgery. The worst part. . . . the HAIR was quite unruly. )

Announcement pic - sweet memories Paula?
3 months4 months
6 months9 months - don't even get me started on how young my girls look!
1 year - I could still dress him without a fight and he was so precious. I have now given into (shudder) characters for b-day party attire.

18 months

20 months - beach memories add to sappiness (sp?)

And now he is TWO! I adore they way he is looking at Lila. They were so sweet singing. I will share the video, oh yeah, I DID NOT VIDEO! As he (or we) blew out the candles, I asked him if he made a wish, and he said . . .nothing. But, Lila said "Yes!"

My sweet precious boy, you have brought so much joy to our lives. I love your smile, energy, curiosity of trucks and cars, and unique spirit. You are the icing on the cake in our family. I wish you could stay young enough to play with your new race track all day long. I thank God for you each day, may you grow in His love and grace.

Temptation

Fab hair

It probably is not humble to say that my hair is looking good lately but it is. If I may say so myself. And the few of you who disagree, just hush.

For years I (and a few others) have made fun of my dear friend Susan (who needs to really update her blog) for her taste in hair products.

To veer a bit off course, let me tell you about Susan. My first memory of her is that she used to hang out with my sister, Adrienne, who is 5 years younger. How odd is it now that we are friends? Anyway, one time they were at our house and mom had me bring them to Susan's house around the corner. I remember not speaking to them since I was of the ripe old age of 16 and they were 11. I remember turning in the back seat and they were staring at me, I said, "get out."

Lovely moment to be kind to your sister, I was not in a ministering mood I guess. Actually, I had no idea how to minister to them with my words. I do not know why my sister or Susan talk to me today.

Anyway, S. is a hair stylist with exquisite taste in hair products, like most do. But, they are higher than a cat's back to buy so I always just stick to Suave or maybe Tre Semme if it is on sale. This makes S. cringe.

However, before Ike, we had been discussing hair. After Ike, I got a haircut and talked with S. about products. She told me what to get. And, now my hair is fab. I am off cheap-o-products. Plus, while playing the refugee card in Arkansas, my sister's friend Amy hooked me up with Matrix curl shampoo & conditioner. Love it.

So, those of you with curly hair who do not straighten it, listen up all 1.5 of you, this is free advice.

First, I use this gel while my hair is wet, either dry naturally or use diffuser, depends on how I am that day.

Then, I spray it with Catwalk, I borrowed my sister-in-law's once, I liked it. You use the diffuser until it is not heavy on your hair, excuse my non-stylist words.

Lastly, repeat with Sebastian spray, it holds all day. And the best part, you can just style & go in the a.m. without washing it every.single.day.

In this re-budgeting time, I do have a hair envelope. It is necessity. I don't feel bad about it either. If you stay at my house and have to shower, use my bathroom for good hair products. The kids still have Herbal Essences, Tre Semme or Suave, their husbands can pay for their good hair.

She rocked the soccer field

Faith & her teammates played a superb game today. They are truly learning to follow through on a play.

Don't they look like a group of mean Pink Cheetahs?


Will truly desires to be part of the team, he sneaked in the traditional foot-on-ball picture.

As Faith was playing a few exciting minutes on defense, Will was hollering "go fase!" (Faith). He learned that from his over competitive mother, I am kinda into it.

And I am not the one with professional football genes.

Speaking of rockin' something, we had yummy New York Pizza & Pasta pizza tonight, pepperoni and mushrooms to be exact. Note to self: eat there again and again. The pizza fed all 5 of us plus my in-laws (a.k.a babysitters) for $17.58. Now, that is a deal.

Also, we saw a movie tonight. I am by no means a film critic but I loved Fireproof. I found myself examining my own actions and thoughts about my marriage as well as raising my children and teaching them about Christ and His desire for me to glorify Him through my marriage. It is an excellent evangelical tool. Kudos to the pastors, lay people, actors, film crew church members, etc. Go see it.

Fall is here . . .or not

See all the beautiful golden, autumn sparked leaves?

The kids loved jumping in them after Craig raked and raked the yard for days.

But, actually, they are not falling foliage, there are 3 huge piles via IKEand they are brown.

Who is this dear creature? This would be MC Walker, the puppet who just borrowed Claire's head for a moment. This is what Craig does all day now that his office is at home/garage. He dresses up his kids and I eat bon bons and nap. :)


Craig's grandmother, Meme turned 85, it was a happening party.

These 2 stalked the cake the entire time. They were not the least bit interested in her lovely outfit. I tried to get a pic with all of them with their great grandmother but it was so wild, oxygen was needed. They showed their love through hugs, Blue Bell and 2 pieces of cake each.

The score is 2 to 1

I won last night, the boy ate his meat, every bit. Never mind the fact that I starved him from nap to dinner in order to force him to eat the proper nutrients. I still won, really, I did.

If tonight goes well, we will be even.

Please note the fact that I never gave in, he just ate nothing on the nights he won, or thinks he did.

Maybe he is just a vegetarian/fruit-a-tarian? Nah, he is a Larson. Meat is a must!

I got a prize in my email box today. After this week, I need one each day.

Unfortunately, 2-5 is not the best time for me, they probably planned to nix mothers-of-young-children-who-nap out of the deal.

Also, we are re-budgeting and I do not have a Dunkin fund. Of course for me, this could fall under entertainment.

A must read

This post on LPM's blog is very well written. Take the time to read it. I am so glad I know the God who is still on the throne!