Christmas

Christmas decorating has been quite an adventure this year.

You see this poor tree. It didn't start out this way. It was full and beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments (a few LEGO men). You may be asking yourself "What happened?"

Here is your answer. These two furballs have completely destroyed this tree. It is there very favorite place to climb, play, lay and occasionally eat. It's plastic by the way. Don't be fooled by their innocent looks they also are responsible for this...

You see that fountain in front of the church. It once had a ceramic dog next to it. Strangely this dog turned up missing some time in the night. No one has confessed to the crime but I have two pretty good suspects.

And this poor guy wasn't a victim of kitty antics. Oh no. Wheels thought Santa could use some flying lessons before the big day. Next year I am hanging everything from the ceiling!

Yum!

Remember when I said I didn't know what to do with all of that halloween candy?

Snickers Cookie Bars

And this past weekend I took a Reese's Peanut Butter cake to our small group. Sorry, no pictures. I couldn't get the camera out before it was devoured by the hungry masses. Next up, Twix Caramel Brownies.

Halloween

Lego had a great time being Captain America, while Wheels was Pikachu. Since he didn't want to wear his mask while trick-or-treating most people over ten thought he was a banana.

Something the boys try and do each year is carve pumpkins together. It's a big deal to pick out the right pumpkin and decide on just what design to use. They have a great time and I roast pumpkin seeds when their done. Now I just need to figure out what to do with all this candy.

Pumpkin Patch

We spent the day at Papa's Pumpkin Patch and had great time. Here are some pictures from our day...

They had games, food, a hay ride and a corn maze. The boys had a blast on the giant slide and doing the pumpkin launcher.

Welcome to the Family

Our newest additions Kurt and Skippy Jon. I am officially out numbered!!!

Steve Jobs

Oddly enough the death of Steve Jobs has made quite an impact on me. The question is why? I think part of it is that he was such an innovator, a game changer, and I think the world could do with more of that. So often we think (I think) that what we do can't make that big of a difference. I mean come on, I am just one person. Not only that, but I am just a stay at home mom in a small town in the middle of the country, what kind of impact can I make? If I am totally honest with myself more than I give credit for. I am not alone. My life touches the lives of all those around me and they in turn touch the lives of all those around them. How I live my life has a profound impact in the world. That is another reason Jobs passing has impacted me. He was an inspiration. And I am not just talking about with his products, but with his life. There are tons of quotes from Steve Jobs floating around, here is the one that keeps running through my head, "...the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do." I may never be a world leader, but I don't need to be. I am going to change the world from right here, right where I am at.

Fall, Fall, Fall

I love fall! It is by far my favorite season. The crisp air, the colors, the food. It has always rejuvinated me after a long hot (this year terribly hot) summer. As my children have gotten older something has happened to my beloved fall. Instead of rejuvination it has gotten busy. Now that both of my boys are old enough to do sports and I am more involved at their school some days it seems like we are lucky to breathe. I thought I might begrudge or resent this complete take over of what use to be a quiet season of renewing for me. And I did for the first few days, but then I had time to process it a bit more. I was having fun. We all were having fun.

We were going to football games and soccer games, practices and homecoming parades and having a blast. Sure some days are hectic, but they are full of life and family and enjoying this season in a different way. As I am learning to adjust to this new fall I am completely grasping the need to be a bit better organized and a more on the ball planner. I am also relearning the joys of cheering on the home team and being a part of a group with a focused purpose (club football kind of takes over for a while). Seeing my boys learn responsibility and dedication makes this time another big plus in my books. Also Hubby is having a great time coaching and passing on his love of the game to the kids. How can I not enjoy seeing that? I know that this season will pass and I will have my quiet falls back again someday, but thankfully not too soon.