We decided to wait until this morning to carve our pumpkins so they were fresh for Trunk or Treat tonight. In hindsight, not a great idea. The kids enjoyed scooping the pulp and seeds out. Back in my day, I just stuck my hand in, and when I showed them how to do that, each and every one of my children grossed out and went to the bathroom to wash their hands. Crazy kids.
Here are the final pumpkins. Hubby carved the Haunted House and funky pumpkin face. I carved the Headless Horseman and Dylan's small pumpkin.
Our final appointment with Dr. Chow (who I can not speak more highly of as an orthopedic) was this afternoon. Dr. Chow is impressed with the healing of Cameron's ankle/foot and gave Cameron the news he has been dreaming about...Cameron gets to ditch his walking boot! Cameron is still out of PE for one more month and absolutely no running or jumping. My 11 year old son follow directions? HA! I stressed to Cameron how very important it was to follow Dr. Chow's directions and exercises. I pray he listens.
Cameron ripped that boot off the minute he walked into his room. He walked out in his shoes and I fell over laughing. Cameron wore his brand new Tony Hawk shoes for 4 days before he broke his ankle and foot. I'm going to have to buy this kid a new pair of shoes this weekend.
After (Star Student) Dylan shared the family in class this morning, Hubby and I decided to take Cameron and Peyton to the Pumpkin Patch. Dylan went to Boulder Creek Ranch with his kindergarten class, and we needed to take the other two to pick out pumpkins. Peyton had a blast. Cameron, sadly, is getting a little too old. However, he entertained his Mama and posed when I asked him too. My kids know me too well.
I'm pleased to announce I got through the Evernight (Evernight, Stargazer, Hourglass) series by Claudia Gray this month. I whipped through all 3 books in 2 weeks. They aren't very long, and I would have finished them sooner, had I not gotten sinusitis and the subsequent sinus migraine's that went with it. I can't wait for March when the next and final installment of this series, Afterlife, comes out. Currently I'm reading Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I picked it up over the summer for free on my nook. In fact, everything I read this month was on my nook. Woo-Hoo! 
FOR TODAY...October 26th
Outside my window...stars shining in the clear black skies.
I am thinking...about Peyton spiking her fever over the weekend. I hope she's okay to go trick or treating tonight at Disneyland.
I am thankful for...Cameron getting into AAE! I'm super excited about this transition.
I am wearing...pajamas still.
I am remembering...everything that needs to be packed for tonight.
I am creating...nothing at the moment, between my sinusitis and Peyton's impromptu fever, not much creativity flowing.
I am going...to start a load of wash.
I am reading...Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I whipped right through Hourglass (the 3rd book in the Evernight series) by Claudia Gray.
I am praying...for beautiful weather tonight in Anaheim.
On my mind...Mickey's Halloween Party. How will it be different from California Adventure.
Noticing that...the oatmeal for breakfast is giving me the sustenance I need to get through my mornings.
Pondering these words..."He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend." Proverbs 22:11
From the kitchen...Oatmeal w/ mashed bananas and walnuts.
Around the house...CHAOS...FlyLady would be appalled.
One of my favorite things...Halloween!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Mickey's Halloween Party, Cameron's ankle/foot recheck with the orthopedic, Dylan sharing his family in class, taking Peyton to the pumpkin patch, La Femme Sage at church, and HALLOWEEN!
From my picture journal...ANOTHER Dylan crazy sleeping shot.
Dylan was picked as Star Student this week. What does that mean? Each week a new Kindergartner is picked as Star Student. Dylan gets to share something about himself each day to his class. At the beginning of the school year we made a poster, detailing facts about Dylan, complete with pictures. This was his first homework assignment. Friday he brought home the bag, with instructions, and diligently picked out 5 items to share with his class. On Wednesday Dylan will be sharing his family and our fun time at Mickey's Halloween Party. He is so excited that we'll all be able to make it.
Peyton has been spiking a fever the last couple of days and I pray it's nothing serious. The only thing that appeased her tonight was laying in bed with Mama. We had a lot of fun together. We giggled, we pretended we were asleep and peeked at each other, we sang songs...it's moments like these I treasure to the depth of my soul.
This GINORMOUS pill is knocking out the sinusitis wrecking havoc in my life. I pray it does it's job quickly.
After wearing piggies all day, Peyton's hair looks like this. It reminds me of (Johnny Depp's) Mad Hatter hair (without the hat). It cracks me up.
While Halloween costume shopping at the Disney Store, Peyton saw this Minnie Mouse camera. Of course she begged for it. I caved in and bought it for her. Now she's just like Mama. This morning I tried to take a picture of her using it and said, "Say cheese Peyton."
She replied, "Cheese Peyton." We roared with laughter.
One of my favorite things about the weather turning colder is feetsie pajamas! I think children are adorable in them. This may very well be Dylan's last year in them and that makes me sad. For now, he and Peyton are too cute for words.
FOR TODAY...October 19th
Outside my window...the thunder rolls and the lightning strikes.
I am thinking...about Anne, a Stampin' friend who moved to the beach (I know, right?) last year. I miss her so.
I am thankful for...the wonderful gals in my TLBS group, who have lifted me in prayer this last week and I could feel it. What a group of A-MA-ZING women!
I am wearing...New Moon t-shirt and sweats.
I am remembering...how Dylan told me that the sun wasn't even up yet, so why did he have to be awake. Can you say overcast?
I am creating...nothing, absolutely nothing. I don't feel like focusing on ANYthing right now.
I am going...try the neti pot out again.
I am reading...Stargazer by Claudia Gray. I am TOTALLY diggin' these books! My love for Twilight hasn't faded, but these are Twilight(ish) meets Harry Potter with way more twists, turns and action.
I am praying...the meds, vicks, neti pot all start to make a difference soon. I am MISERABLE!
On my mind...the beautiful weather.
Noticing that...I have to take my next dose of antibiotic, but need something in my stomach first. This antibiotic is tearing my stomach up.
Pondering these words...Love for Enemies
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36
Misty, one of my TLBS ladies, sent this to me yesterday and it made a HUGE impact. I have worked VERY hard at forgiving Denice, 35 years worth, and I need to work harder at it, for MY own sake.
From the kitchen...Leftover Beef Stew
Around the house...a glorious chill.
One of my favorite things...RAIN! I love the sound, I love the smell, I love the feel ... I am LOVING this weather.
A few plans for the rest of the week: going to put out some hot spots around the house, eat stew, soups, and drink hot chocolate, curl up with my Beloved in bed, gawk at my children in their feetie pajamas, and Thank God for the abundance of blessings he has bestowed upon me.
From my picture journal...a test shot of the kiddos trying their Halloween costumes on to make sure they fit.
Sinusitis? It's in there and it sucks! I am miserable. I took myself to urgent care and the doctor said, "OH! Yea, we're going to need to treat that before it gets any worse." UGH! I'm afraid I'm going to need my sinus' scrapped again. I had it done once before in high school. It's not pretty, and I'll sport a couple of black eyes, but I can't get this every year, and twice in the last year. It's debilitating. I can't sleep. My eyes hurt, my face hurts, and I have a migraine from the stuffiness. I had my tonsils out when I was a year old, they took my adenoids too, and I think the doctor's were wrong in doing this. I have always suffered from sinus problems and the older I get, the worse they are.
I went in to wake Dylan from his nap this afternoon...and this is what I found. The kid is the CRAZIEST sleeper!
Cameron's school had a mismatched day today. We came up with this ensemble for Cameron, but Annie and Joe had it made with their outfits.
Dylan had his very first field trip this afternoon. We went to the Pumpkin Patch, but not just ANY pumpkin patch, this is a new place and it ROCKED! Boulder Creek Ranch is beautiful and immense. Dylan and his classmates got to visit the petting zoo, take a hay ride, play on the coolest playground I've seen in a LONG time, learn, feel, and taste pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, as well as pick a pumpkin just his size. If the weather hadn't been 92 degrees AND humid, it would have been a PERFECT outing.
We're experiencing an Indian Summer in the desert. I had packed these clothes away, but pulled them back out this morning for another 90 degree OCTOBER day. Come back soon Fall...I miss you.
FOR TODAY...October 12th
Outside my window...another early morning where the sun hasn't come up yet.
I am thinking...about the cost of putting Dylan in XLT (Extended Learning Time where Dylan is still only half-day Kindergarten, this will put him in full-day).
I am thankful for...my Hubby, without his help I would have had to drop my first Master's Class.
I am wearing...shorts and a tank top.
I am remembering...the A-MA-ZING message Pastor Tim provided us with over the weekend. Now if only I could remember the name of the song we closed with.
I am creating...nothing right now.
I am going...to get back on the walking wagon, now that my new shoes have seemed to fixed my tendinitis problem in my left foot.
I am reading...Evernight by Claudia Gray.
I am praying...my Grandmother's suffering is almost over and take her journey home to be reunited with her family.
On my mind...planning Grandma's memorial service, cremation, and writing her obituary.
Noticing that...our beautiful, chilly, Fall weather has left us. I sure hope it comes back around soon.
Pondering these words...Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." John 13:7
From the kitchen...Leftovers
Around the house...my kitchen is sparkling, and children are sleeping soundly.
One of my favorite things...body massages. I don't have the money to pay someone for it, but Hubby gave me one last night and my entire body thanks him for it this morning.
A few plans for the rest of the week: packing up Summer clothes, packing up kids clothes for donations, decluttering kiddos toys for donations, as well as getting baby items ready for selling (whether yard sale or otherwise).
From my picture journal...I have an affection for food, and more so since I've become the little chef I am. After church Sunday we ate at Red Lobster and it was DELICIOUS! Cameron LOVES the Lobster pizza.
My poor Handsome. I fear the child will go on his first date in a booster seat. The law in California is 60 lbs and 6 years old. He is 4 months away from being 6, but has yet to reach 40 pounds. The doctor never seems concerned, and he's super healthy, just a petite boy. I paid nearly $300 for his baby car seat and it served us well. However, getting him in and out of the car for school drop off and pick up is time consuming, so I upgraded him to a booster seat before school started back up from Fall break. He was SO excited and keeps telling everybody about it.
We had a late morning, and therefore hit the late church service (we just can't seem to stick to a schedule right now). After church we were all hungry and decided to hit Red Lobster for lunch. Peyton LOVES to check out the "wopster" (as Dylan use to call it) tank.
