Cheers to Four

Yesterday, Nathan and I celebrated four fabulous years of marriage. It is always fun to go through the photos, watch the videos and reminisce the joyous memories of that special day in December.

  

We celebrated the day with a romantic lunch of HUGE burritos at the bowling ally and then had the grandparents watch Mason while I drove 5 girls to gymnastics in Hastings and Nathan attended a golf course board meeting. Special, I know. We laughed and agreed that some day when we have time and money we are going to be celebrating on warm beach.

Cheers to four and many many more!

Nimble November

Oh sweet November, how you swept by me again. You are quick yet graceful and so very lively. You are a month full of activities, family and preparation but on this very last day I insist you slow down for just a quiet minute. I am going to bow my head and thank the One above from whom all blessings flow.

I am thankful for these two wonderful children that have been gifted unto my care.

This handsome boy that melts my heart with every smooch, hug and "I don't can't."

"Can I watch 'My Goils' please..just 20 minutes OK?"

"Mom you have the green tractor and yogger wagon and I get the green combine."

"I two. I Mason Kenzie."

"Mom, I watch Lighting Queen and Mator on the TV. OK?"

And this beautiful and determined young lady who has the most precious heart:

"Mom, I can't decide if I want to be a hair stylist or own a bakery."

"For Christmas I want crutches, a mannequin, makeup, a robot, and legos."

"I am going to ask Santa for all the hard stuff because he can get anything."

"If I were to get a tattoo I would get a key because God has the key to me. BUT... I am never going to get a tattoo."

"Nathan, can I drive something, pleeeeeease?"

And then there is this man. So patient, loving, protecting.

My forever and always.

These are the things I am thankful for...

And pie. I am thankful for pie too!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho

Well shiver me timbers. Is it possible to be an adorable pirate?

Always be yourself. Unless you can be a pirate. Then always be a pirate.

Not So Scary

Saturday morning Nathan drove Mason and me to Farmers Valley Cemetery. Some might think this a terrible idea the weekend before All Hallows Eve, however it was anything from scary. Who knew that such a special place was only a few miles away. It was a gorgeous fall morning and could not have been more peaceful tucked back in the trees. So much history!

 

 

To wrap up the Halloween weekend, we carved TWO pumpkins, one for each child. You see, Nathan I have grown much wiser over the years with the whole pumpkin carving with kids ritual. This activity has the potential be very frightening, but this year we pre-gutted the pumpkins outside while the kids were away/napping. Then we filtered and pre-selected easy stencil options from which the children could choose. 

When all was set up and ready, the kids got to do a small amount of carving and in a short 15 minutes or so the project was complete. 

The mess was minimal, the kiddos were happy and we all went to bed at a decent hour. See not scary at all. 

Happy Halloween!