It's the great pumpkin

 I am always excited to see how the children come up with their pumpkin faces.
When asked what he wanted, the Dude replied that it needed to look exactly like the one I bought at Michaels last year.  He cracks me up!
I have learned that I can copy pretty decently, which is good because he doesn't accept half attempts.

Miss Boo always draws something elaborate and this year she wanted it carved.  That's a bit hard when the drawings are small and intricate.  She wanted holes for the ears, but since they were so cute, I stuffed them in the holes.

 Mr. Finn has never carved a pumpkin.
Seriously!
Really?!
Well, I have it on film that he did this year.  These pumpkins were almost 3 inches thick and I needed his help.  It was certainly a lot more fun sharing the job.

These kids are so much fun.  I can't imagine not having them around.  They certainly make life more interesting.

Let it rain...

This charming little face greeted me at school yesterday.  I truly believed he was a corn stalk.  Doesn't he look like one?  Well... that's what I got for verbalizing what I thought.  With kids, it is always better to get some details first.

He is the Statue of Liberty.

Can you see it now?

I totally can!

Or, at least I better so I don't hurt his feelings.   I would never want to do that.

 I love Fall and everything that goes with it.  Well, I could use a little less 50 degree days, but I do love sweaters and pumpkin patches.

 I find it interesting that we end up going to get pumpkins on the wettest day of Fall.  How does that happen?  We pick a day and then it rains.  This year it rained hard.

 But it didn't dampen our spirits.  The kids picked out the BIGGEST pumpkins they could find this year.  So different from last year when they wanted little ones they could carry themselves.  They have hit this very competitive stage and it tumbles over into the size of pumpkins.  The Dude had his picked out until Miss Boo found a bigger one.  You get the picture.  Remove pumpkin... insert bigger one.  We are lucky that it started to rain a little harder because they were willing to compromise quicker.
Then inside to play with the kittens.  One of the draws to this particular pumpkin patch is the kittens every year.  They are cute and oh, so very cuddly.  I would like to believe it's because they love us, but I know they are seeking warmth and they cuddle right in to get it.  Doesn't change their delight.

Tonight we are carving those bad boys.  Or, at least I will be carving what they draw with their Sharpies.  I can't wait!

Soccer thoughts...

 I wish I could feel as relaxed as Miss Boo makes soccer look.

Try to remember that you can look good in anything if you are dressed to play the part.

 I wonder if I could keep my eye on the "ball" if my days would go better.

 If we all gave it our "all" every moment of our lives, what would the end result be?

But... sometimes I just feel like she looks.  I think we can all relate.

Fall fun and a fish story

 This is the first year that we have attended the Fall Festival Fundraiser for the kid's school.  We have always been busy years past, but we didn't have anything pressing and the kids were pressing us hard to go.  Helps that they have a great motivator named BON!  Have I ever mentioned that she totally rocks?  She happens to be the principal of the school and one of the reasons that Miss Boo excels in her academic and social life.
We love her.  In this house her name is holy.

 She puts together so many fun things for the kids to do.  Such a safe environment that makes it easy to let the kids run and play.

 My little guy was having this intense conversation with one of the teachers.  His expressions were cracking me up.

The Dude ran into his friend Jacob and they had a great time riding the train.  I am so glad we made it this year.
Sad that Mr. Finn couldn't go because he pulled his hamstring fishing.  Now, there's a fish story.  LOL
He actually pulled it falling down the side of the bank trying to get a picture of a bullfrog... that got away.

Tender mercies

Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15).  David A. Bednar

I was having a rough day.
I felt impressed to check the mailbox at noon.  This is not something I normally do as Miss Boo frowns on anyone usurping her duty.
Awaiting me was this package from Shannon.  After reading her note it took me 30 minutes to get under control.
I am so grateful for friends that have the spirit in their lives and know its promptings AND act upon them.

Thank you my dear friend for helping me to feel how much my Heavenly Father loves me through a single act of kindness.

p.s.  Did you know that fruit medly is my favorite treat?

Will it work...

Conference was wonderful.  For the first time since we moved here I have been able to watch it on TV.  Well, on the Netflix box through the Mormon Channel.  It had its moments where it would suddenly skip to an earlier part in the conference and just when I was thinking it was a message for me, it would skip back.

The thing I learned though, was that I pay more attention when it is bigger than a computer screen and I enjoyed seeing the speakers eyes clearly.  I absolutely loved President Monson's talk.  His whole demeanor was what I needed.  He was quick to smile and tell jokes, roll his eyes and for me it was great to see his humanity.  I needed to hear him talk in a way that I can relate to.

The main thing I can remember, and for me that is a biggie because my retention is that of a GNAT, is a quote from the Prophet.

"The Ten Commandments are NOT a Suggestion!"

I've never been one to break the ten commandments, but I can certainly skirt over the stuff that leads up to breaking a big one.  My temper has been very short lately and my language... well, not so christlike.

I don't want my children to remember that about me.  I remember my mother always blowing up at just about everything.  I find myself doing it and hating myself afterwards.  How can I expect my children to control their temper if I don't control mine?

It is my greatest challenge to work on.  I want a harmonious home filled with the spirit.  I feel that we have the basics and we love each other, but we lack patience for each other when it really counts.

I want my family to be eternal.  I know that can only happen if we endure to the end.  And that takes action and constant change with a desire to become more like our Savior. I am grateful for forgiveness and the chance to start again trying to get it right.

Tomorrow is a new day, hopefully with a new and better attitude.