Pumpkins and more

I had major visions of harvest, fall pictures at the pumpkin patch this year. I even purchased a blue pumpkin which has looked absolutely grand on my porch. The stellar pumpkin still did not lead to perfect pics. But, who is perfect? Only Jesus, as I tell my children!

Claire dressed up as Junie B. Jones on Friday for Character Day of Red-Ribbon week. If you have a first grader, you must know Junie B. There is a chance you may also have survived or even TAUGHT during red ribbon week in the great land of America. By the end of the week, I seriously considered Xanax to face one more day of red-ribbon mania. Oh, I kid...maybe.

Of course, if I had darlings like Junie B. Claire or Mad Scientist Faith, I may have reconsidered the mania. Making green slim causes anyway to stick around.

Speaking of sticking around, Will found these gloves before our 7:30a.m. soccer game arrival on Saturday morning. It was a brisk 48 degrees, so he decided to stay warm, for the rest of the weekend. No kidding, he has not taken those gloves off.

I think the Bee was pained to hang with the Hollywood Diva & Spiderman.

Her mood lightened as she ate chocolate. I am sure it will also brighten my week!

When we were discussing costumes, Faith took her time deciding what she would like to imitate. One day after school, she said very emphatically that she wanted to dress like an 80's girl. I refrained from saying, "Oh my GAHHHH!" I said my usual response, " We will see." Her response, "I just want to be an 80's girl for the poodle skirt!" Oh, for heaven's sake...gag me with a spoon, get your generations straight! :)

Happy 4th B-day Will!

Dear Will,

You are Mama's special sweet boy. I love you so much and I am so proud of you. I pray you continue to grow in wisdom and stature like Christ. I pray you have a humble heart for the Lord like your Daddy. I pray the stubborn streak in you is used for God's glory and allows you to be strong in Him. I pray you would keep your eyes on Christ as you walk each day with him. Do not look to the right or left but look to His word to guide you.

Sweet Will, I hope your mama remembers to wash your sheets so you do not have to sleep on the plain mattress anymore. I also hope she keeps the fridge stocked with celery, yogurt & cheese. We would not want you to suffer without eating. I hope your sisters always adore you and you grow up learning to appreciate a girl's emotional state! Grasp the drama around here and learn to laugh like your Daddy's side of the family. Mommy is still learning too. Laughter is good for the soul. Thank you for your kind words and your love for me. I will love you forever, my baby you will always be. I love you to the moon and back.

A boy & his cake

Random for Fall

I thought the kids looked especially cute this morning so I had a great plan to capture the cuteness with my camera. However, my camera was dead so I had to borrow Faith's camera. The monogram on Claire's shirt tied in the hot pink & gray, but puppy stole the glory!

My darling nine year old has 3 tests today, Science, Social Studies & Math. You would not believe how smart I am becoming. Ha!

W is almost turning four. This morning I asked him why he got in bed with me last night. His response, "even though I am almost four, you said I will always be your baby." True enough brother.

I must think I am the Nester decorating my mantle. $5.49, thank you Ellis Pottery!

Bread & soccer

In September, I made bread, watched kids play soccer and did homework. Fantaboulous times!

This is what my kitchen looked like as I made bread, it was kinda nuts.

But, it was worth it!

Don't the kids look thrilled? I think it was because we took pictures at 6:50 in the morning that day. Pure sin people, pure sin.

Snacks make it worth it all!

Highs & hoes

I feel the need to share mine, it has been a week, or half a week anyway.

Tradition says one starts with the highs first. I must begin with the lows, it will make me appreciate my highs.

1. Why is Sonic happy hour not all day?

2. 3rd grade Math homework may kill me, I long for real happy hour after homework.

3. Why must produce spoil or ripen so quick? I need my own orchard.

4. Bedtime is getting later & later at my house.

OK, so maybe it was questions of lows/hoes? On to the highs...

1. I am making Amish bread, it takes 10 days. Let's hope I do not forget where I put the starter each day. I enjoyed mashing today, a wonderful post afternoon high! Once I complete my starter, I can share with you. All 2.5 of you need to stay tuned, you can make bread too!

2. BSF started back today and I volunteered with the children's department. I rocked babies, it was blissful. A tiny low was I tried very hard to remember the sounds & smell of my own 3 babies. :(

3. Would I trade homework, late bedtimes and lack-of-Sonic for my 3? Nah, I will keep them, right after happy hour! Oh, I kid, happy hour would not even recognize me. I think you have to wear something else besides work-out clothes.

A gift - My 3 blessings

Last winter, Craig was the pastor who prayed at the Garth House fundraiser. The sweet couple who asked us to attend bid on a portrait session to Gayletta's. Guess who they gave it to as a generous gift? The portrait is a 30X24. My snapshot does NOT do it justice. Plus, I feel like the frame does not pop on this brick. I love the frame I chose, but we need more lighting over the fireplace. Anyway, I am thrilled with all the pictures.

Isn't Will adorable? He ought to be, they moved his entire body from another pic for this shot.