Halloween 09

Breakfast helper
"Pumpkin" - actually butternut squash muffins w/ pumpkin seeds topping
2 transformers and a pirate
Cutest pirate costume!

Our morning started with "pumpkin" muffins that I actually used smashed butternut squash and were topped with cinnamon/sugar crushed pumpkin seeds and a glass of milk. yummy! They were so moist and delicious that I got a round of thumbs up.
The costumes above were taken on Thursday when we went to the Fall Festival at the YMCA, but Griffin changed his mind to be the red power ranger on Saturday night. AND the pirate costume was a garage sale find, and he loved saying, "ARGHHHH"

Skeleton Studies

Sample of Owen's labels on his skeleton
Painting on "glow-in-the-dark" paint
the boys' new best friends
So with the seasonal fun, we decided to make a science, math, and writing activity consume the better half of one afternoon naptime. A local homeschool mom shared the idea to measure out the major body parts of the boys and recreate a skeleton of themselves. So we, measured the head (both ways), spine, width of shoulders, hip width, shoulder to elbow, elbow to hand, thigh, knee to foot, and then foot. I had previously cut out 1" strips to use as "bones", so then we just cut accordingly for each measure. Owen and Griffin labeled their bones (yes, Griffin labeled all his bones as long as there was a model) and then we stapled, painted and then hung the finished products. A great afternoon activity this time of year!

Back in Action

Well, it has been almost a month since I have really mentally thought about meals for my family. I had surgery a month ago and with my mom here and then gracious meals from friends, I have been grateful to receive their love through food. (the boys have enjoyed it also)
So, I'm back...trying to create meals with color, creativity, and fun, which isn't always easy for me. In Owen's school work and scout requirements we studied the new food pyramid, and meals have brought on a new discussion. They all want to know which is the grain, veggie, fruit, bean, and especially fat or sweet on their plate and are quick to let me know if they are lacking something.
So there's my first meal back....Dinosaur Kale sauteed with almonds, Veggie Stir-fry with rice, and Almond crusted Chicken with homemade honey-mustard sauce....it was a good night back!

Pumpkin Time

This was an impromptu trip to the patch last week. We had a playdate with friend and decided at the last minute to go to the patch. We played at a local park and then went as so as it opened, so we tried to beat the crowd. The boys had a blast on the tire swing, corn crib (tate is in it), the corn maze, hay bales, animals, and picking the perfect pumpkin.

My new FAVORITE 5 year old

Here are the many faces of Griffin on his BIG day, October 5th!!!

This face of happiness is a glimpse into my world of fun
Are you scared of this knight? He's pretty serious about it...
One of the many faces of daily characters that come to our home
He honestly made 8 out 10 at this goal...my little baller!
A rare picture moment with my little man
Mom with the boys before Griffin's birthday dinner

When the boys turn 5 we let them choose either a party with friends or a family outing to celebrate their birthday. This year, Griffin wanted to go to Glo-Galaxy. like his brother did this year. We had a great time! Especially fun for me because it was my first time out of the house after a week of recovery. I was moving slow, but so glad to be there. Physically and emotionally present to celebrate my new favorite 5 year old. We had a great time at Pie in the Sky Pizza for dinner. The kids got some dough to play with while their food was cooking, and it was a great way to pass the time. We then went to Glo Galaxy, which is a glow-in-the-dark bounce house and putt-putt place. (I have some fun pictures of the other boys I'll add later.)

Dear Jesus, Thank you for this precious child you have given to us for a short while. My we honor you in molding his gifts and personality to honor and love you to the fullest. Guide Chad and me as we instruct, shepherd, love, and correct him. Thank you Lord for healing his body over the past year, and keep us attentive to his growing needs. Lord, most of all, thank you for blessing us with his life 5 years ago.

Valley of Baca

A dear friend shared the book, Feathers From My Nest by Beth Moore, with me and I have really enjoyed reading her thoughts on different seasons in her life..In the most recent reading, she is referring to Psalm 84:

" Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion....
O lord Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you. (vv5-7, 12)

The word baca means one of tears or weeping. In many ways this Psalm has been my heart the last month. I have been in the Valley of Baca, but thank the Lord he hasn't kept me there. I can honestly say that He has allowed "springs" to rise up in my heart and fill me with peace, joy, and rest. Yes,I have had moments of being back in the valley, I have just tried to walk through them.

What Beth shares in her book is so true...

For every challenge,there is strength and if we're willing to receive it, something amazing can happen. Our Valley of Baca can become "a place of springs." Our seasons of tears can become the source of our deepest wellsprings of personal revival. In fact, I'm hard pressed to remember many times my personal seasons of renewal did not spring from a valley of tears. I'm so grateful to love and serve a GOd who offers favor to every pilgrimi passng through Baca. Becasue God is Faithful, He ever extends to us "strength for today and a bright hope for tomorrow."

I already see His hand and a sweet opportunity with other moms who have had a loss through pregnancy. So what Satan intended for evil, God WILL use for good, and it's just humbling to be part of it. :-)

To my Sons

May they have the faith of Abraham,
May they have the boldness of Paul,
May they have a heart like David, always seeking God.
May they have the wisdom of Salomon,
May they have the patience of Job,
May they be a leader like Joshua, always full of hope.
May they have the courage of Daniel,
May they have the love of John,
May they know Your voice like Samuel and always obey God .

Father God, bless my sons, May they grow to be men of God.

(found on a friend of a friend's blog)