Pumpkin Patch 2009

We debated about going to the pumpkin patch many times this season. We needed pumpkins, after all, and the experience of actually going to a patch is so much fun for the kids (okay, and the adults too). But when our craft at MOPS was painting pumpkins, which we got to take home with us, we decided it was not necessary to get anymore pumpkins. And when we ran out of money, we also decided it was not frugal or wise. And the boys were aware that we decided not to go to the pumpkin patch, as we already had pumpkins. They seemed accepting of that, especially since we said we'd for sure go next year.

But then during bedtime prayers on Thursday night before we went, George prayed that we wouldn't be too late to go to the pumpkin patch and get a pumpkin and carve it and eat the seeds. Talk about being stabbed in the heart! How could we refuse such an earnest, sweet prayer?! We decided we'd go, and do the most frugal option - ONE pumpkin for the whole family (put to a vote), plus the hayride for us all (kids were free, and we were $2 each). Total cost? $9.00

The enjoyment and quality time we had as a family? Priceless. See for yourself....

If you are on Facebook, you've seen these already. This is something new I'm trying - linking my Facebook pictures in the blog. That way I don't have to duplicate efforts. But I will be posting different stuff in each place, so if you want it all, then read the blog and be friends with me on Facebook! Let me know if you like the link to Facebook pics or not. Please leave comments! I'm feeling like nobody cares...

The Dinner Table

It is so great being a family again. Having us all in close proximity much of the time is so bonding and...familial. I think my favorite thing now is having all of our meals together at the table. Granted, we need a bigger table (or at least a couple more chairs - our table does have a leaf). But it is so awesome just dialoguing with the kids at every meal. They are learning patience, manners, good eating habits, and we just laugh a lot at the silliness.

My wonderful husband always makes sure to thank me for preparing the meal and makes sure the boys thank me too - what a wonderful display of affection and consideration for my efforts! He has also starting requiring that the big boys ask (nicely) to be excused from the table when they are finished. They ask a lot, and it gives us teaching opportunities when we explain why sometimes they must remain at the table. Blake has started trying (and eating, in some cases) different foods, because he sees the rest of us eating them with relish.

Tonight we had dinner by candlelight, because we had a storm pass through and it blew a transformer nearby. It was actually fun - the boys loved all of the candles (they had baths by candlelight too), and we talked about all of the things we could not do with the power out (like COOK - we had turkey sandwiches). The interaction we have been having this past week has been sorely missed. I can't even tell you how many times George has said - "I'm so glad to be back with you. We were apart for a long, LONG time." It melts my heart. And to see the boys with their daddy again...it is worth more than gold.

So I need to get on the ball now and start taking pictures. That is one area in which I have severely slacked! But I know how fast the time goes, and I need to be diligent about documenting as much as I can, because my brain is just not reliable about remembering. So check back soon and often, and hopefully you will get to see something fun soon. Now back to the many boxes, bags, and tubs waiting for me...