We Love Leaves!

One of the best things about having kids, to me, is watching them do things that I enjoyed doing as a child myself. I have enjoyed more than anything these past few years watching my child learn the joy of birthdays, holidays, food, and seasons. It makes you feel like a child again yourself. I really have enjoyed as he gets older, seeing him experience life. This year Jackson has really gotten old enough to feel and show true excitement over the things of life. The joy of opening a present, the joy of knowing a really good meal is coming, the joy of impending visitors that he loves. It's the highlight of my existance, watching him live. It's been especially fun this fall, he's so loved watching the leaves come down, knowing that winter is coming, christmas is coming, so anticipated and loved his birthday, he loved the Cider Mill, and really gets it all.

My sister and I had many loud laughing, screaming with joy moments while jumping in leaves as my Dad raked them up. I loved watching our children do the same today.

Harvest Fun

We celebrate Halloween differently than most. We go to the annual Harvest Party at our church. The kids just love it! It's so much more fun than Trick or Treating anyway! The kids play games and WIN candy, they bounce on huge bouncehouses, pet animals, ride ponies, so fun! A Harvest Celebration. We don't do ghosts, gore and gross.

Jackson was Woody, Danny was Tigger, Chloe was a Snow Princess, and Chasely was a Pea Pod.

Blog Break

Well, not on purpose. It's been a busy week!


Last Friday we celebrated my Papa Leo's 93rd Birthday! That's right, 93. He's doing very well for his age. He's healthy and lives on his own. He loves his family and really wanted a birthday party this year. So Mom made him a fantastic cake and he enjoyed that very much. As a gift, I rounded up his great-grandchildren and took a great picture, had it blown up and framed. I think he really liked it.





September 25th marked a very important anniversary for us as a family. It's the five year mark of the day we lost my cousin, Rayma, to a terrible accident. We love her, and miss her very much. The pain of that loss will never be behind us, and we honor and remember her memory as often as possible.




Also, this week, Jackson decided that he was ready for a haircut just like his Uncle Aaron. As you see he got his wish! He thought it was pretty cool!

Danny is 3 Months Old!

Danny, you are 3 months old!
What is life like right now?

*You are 100% Breastfed, and even refuse bottles mostly now
*You are up 1-2 times per night to eat, as of 13 weeks old
*You have a hard time staying asleep for naps, just like your Brother did
*You graduated to Size 2 Diapers
*You wear 3-6 or 6 Month clothes
*You are grabbing at toys, but can’t hold them yet
*You smile lots, you are a happy baby
*You coo and talk to your favorite people

*You are cackling/giggling at times now, especially when you get your clothes changed
*You are starting to drool already

Comparison of 1 month, 2 months, 3 Months

Every day with Danny is a gift!

Teddy Bears Everywhere

Jackson is feeling much better today. Even yesterday he was back to running around the house, terrorizing his brother and playing his games. So we are glad to see that. It's hard seeing your kids sick. :(

I love, love, love this outfit that my cousin Jody got for Danny! It has so many adorable details. The bear face hat, the bear socks, the suede patches on the knees. OH SO PRECIOUS.

Danny says, "Thank you for making me look so cute, Aunt Jody!"

:)

Loss

We received word this morning that Karl's Aunt Marylou passed suddenly.

Aunt Marylou is Karl's Dad's sister, and a dear Aunt to Karl. I didn't know her very well, but I know she was a kind and happy woman, she was crafty and loved her family. She welcomed me to the family with open arms 5 years ago. I know she is leaving behind Uncle Doug who must be devestated. I know she is leaving behind adult children and several grandchildren. I know she is leaving nieces and nephews. There are hurts with this loss, so please keep our family in your prayers as we walk through this time.

'Tis the Season

Yesterday, I said I loved everything about fall. I guess I was wrong. I do despise the fact that it's cold and flu season. I hate worrying about which bug is just around the corner.

On the heels of my niece, Chasely, being hospitalized for 4 days with a terrible virus, Karl got a version of the seasonal flu. Danny started having pretty watery stools the last few days, and today Jackson woke up from his nap with a fever, saying his head hurts, and was couchbound all evening. That is so the opposite of him, so I know he's feeling badly.

And of course, now I feel like a deer in headlights, being that I'm the only healthy one left standing.

So, let's pray for quick recoveries, and good health in this scary season of illness.