Georgia LOVES dandelions! I (don't) wish we had more!


I love fall! Our yard is full of mums in full bloom - I love the contrast between the blossoms of summer and the pumpkins of fall!

Pumpkin Party

In the true spirit of fall festivities, we spent our last Family Home Evening carving pumpkins! We took the kids to the store to pick out the perfect pumpkins and I made the mistake beforehand of telling Gibson he could have whichever one he wanted. Well, as soon as we got there his heart was set on one that must have weighed, oh - 80 pounds. Forget it! Who wants (to pay for) a pumpkin that big?! It took some doing, but we finally swayed his affection to a much more manageable one although it was still a little heavy for him to carry! So we bought the pumpkins, along with an electric carving knife that Lu couldn't live without (after all, it IS a power tool!) and headed home for the carving party. Fast forward through a couple of tantrums, an entire newspaper being strewn throughout the house, and Lu spending an hour on the phone -and finally we begin! Gibson would NOT touch the guts of the pumpkin. I tried, I really did. But his obsession with keeping his hands clean is just too much so he just watched. Georgia was way past her bedtime, but she was a good sport. All in all, it was a great FHE - and the electric carving tool WAS pretty awesome. Touche, Lu.

I Believe In Christ

My mom read an article a few days ago about an artist named Mark Mabry who has created an exhibit of photographs portraying the life of Christ. On the website, there is a slideshow that has been put to music. My sister showed me this slideshow today, and I have watched it several times this evening. I have felt the Spirit so strongly while watching it, and my testimony has once again been renewed of the purpose and sacrifice of my Savior for me. I know that He lives, and I feel His influence in my life every day. I encourage you to view this slideshow and pass it along. Just click on the link below...

http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/

Big Mommy

Actual conversation between Gibson and I on the way to tuck him into bed:

Me: I love you so much.
Gibson: I love YOU so much.

Me: I'm so proud of you.
Gibson: I'm so proud of YOU.

Me: You're such a big boy!
Gibson: You're such a big mommy!

Both: Hysterical (but hushed) laughter. Man, it was cute!

Georgia's 1st Birthday

My, my, my. Our baby girl is no longer a baby! On Saturday, October 11th, we celebrated her first birthday! Just like with Gibson, I spent several minutes being very emotional. Here are the emotions I was feeling:

1. Sadness. She was just barely born, and here she is walking and getting into things and doing big-girl stuff! Where did the time go? I want my baby back, baby back, baby back....

2. Incredulity. What???!! Baby back??! What-ev. Babies are just way too much work. Thank goodness she is out of the needy baby stage. No more sleepless nights. She can stand up while I put her pants on, which is so much easier. No more formula. A front-facing car seat. Table food. This is the life!

3. Sadness again. My baby! She doesn't need me anymore! Today she can walk towards me, but tomorrow she'll be running away!

4. Reality check. She won't be running away from me. I mean come on, she still poops her pants! If she runs too far or too fast, she'll get a rash!

5. Admiration. Dude. She's gorgeous and funny and sweet and girly-but-not-too-girly. She is clever and smart - just enough like me to make me smile, and just enough like her daddy to make me laugh out loud. A true marvel of genetics.

6. Gratitude. What a choice blessing to have this precious little daughter in our family. She is one of Heavenly Father's daughters whom he has entrusted in our care. I will try and savor every moment with her and enjoy watching her learn and grow! Oh, how I adore my beautiful baby girl!