Pumpkin Carving Party

We were so thrilled this year to get invited to our neighborhood's annual pumpkin carving party at the Hick's home. It was so much fun for everyone, big kids (parents) and the little ones. Each family had the opportunity to bring up to 2 pumpkins and carve them to enter into the contest. We only entered one, but Rob did a stellar job. There were some very imaginative and creative designs. I was quite impressed with the handiwork of all the dads. Tera had awesome chili for the adults and the kids had quite the spread to choose from. Sam and Kate devoured a cupcake, a brownie and a juice box all on their own. Needless to say, the sugar was flowing!! At the end of the night we all cast our ballot to pick the best pumpkin along with some other categories to see who would win the trophies. That's right, they even had trophies. The best pumpkin went to the Thomas family who incorporated dry ice into their final pumpkin and it was very original and funny!! We didn't win anything this year, but next year we will have to do some more planning and strategizing!! We had a great time and thank the Hicks for including us in the party!!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Two Saturdays ago, I decided to brave a trip to the pumpkin patch while Rob went to help his mom in her yard for the day. Not sure what I was thinking as it turned out to be quite the adventure. After loading everyone into the van, we drove 25 minutes to the Mini Miracles Farm in Taylors. I had read about it and really talked up the entire experience Sam like it was going to be the best trip EVER. They have rescue animals, gardens, fresh fruit stand, hayrides and last but not least a huge pumpkin patch. We were all so excited, but when we drove up and saw the locked gates I knew I was going to have to do some fast thinking... I turned the car around and headed back towards home, not knowing exactly how I was going to "fix" this when all of sudden I hear this awful thud on my car. The worst thing ever, a dog had run out in front of my van!!! We were on a very busy two lane road out in the country and obviously this little dog had gotten loose from the fence and that was the end of the poor dog's life. I have never hit an animal and was extremely upset. I pulled over and saw the neighbor staring at me. I quickly realized that I couldn't get the kids out and allow them to see this carnage. If Rob had been with me, we would have for sure gotten to the owners home and told them the awful news, but since I was alone with the kids, the neighbor was going to have to deliver the news. Fortunately, the sweet man standing there drinking his coffee told me that he would have no problem telling his neighbors of their loss. Well, I of course was crying and Sam lightened the moment by saying "mama, was that a LOG that hit the car?" I said " sure was". Anyway, I did recover enough to stop at the local farmers market on the way home and have a simulated "pumpkin patch" experience!!

BUSTED...

This is the scene that I walked into on Friday afternoon while I was desperately trying to take a shower before our small group meeting. I rarely take showers during the waking hours of my two precious children for this reason, but today I didn't have a choice. Most mornings I am up before anyone to get my "quiet time" in the shower and I actually enjoy this time. Well, Friday I closed the bedroom door and hoped for the best....the best was Kate discovering a box of "feminine ware" from under the sink and Sam ransacking my closet for shoes. It was quite a site and I should have taken a picture of the bathroom floor as it was equallly as amusing:) Anyway, these are the days in which I live in and it is hilarious!! Love to all.