Trick or Treat

There was a Trick or Trunk at our church this afternoon. What fun. The kids had a wonderful time and there were many dressed up "trunks" as you can see from the photos. There was even a red lady bug car, dressed just like Finley. Grayson wanted to be Flash again, because he feels that he can imitate him to the fullest when he is running "so fast". After we got home, Greg and Grayson went around the neighborhood and trick-or-treated some more. Some friends came around the block with their truck pulling a trailer filled with hay and lights and about 25 other kids and invited Grayson to go along with them. Needless to say, they didn't have to ask him twice. He feels so grown up when he is allowed to go with other kids and mom and dad aren't tagging along (Let it go Greg). Finley and I stayed at the house to give out candy to the other trick-or-treaters. Every time the doorbell rang, she would run to the door and yell "BOO" and then laugh at herself. She has an odd sense of humor that girl. They are both in bed now. They had a long, tiring day, ate way to much candy, drank way to much juice, but what wonderful memories they will have of this day.
"Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from you..." Psalm 119:18

A Light from Within

On Tuesday afternoon we carved our pumpkins. Everybody wanted in on the action, even Oliver and Trudy. We made a big mess, but what fun the kids had. One looks like a disco ball, made with Greg's power drill and wood paddle bits. On the more traditional pumpkin, Grayson insisted on the original pumpkin face. His favorite job every afternoon is to sprinkle salt around them and pick off the snails. Yuck!!
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

First Farm Field Trip

Wednesday was Grayson's first field trip. They went to a farm in Castle Hayne that a retired Codington teacher owns. There were, sheep, goats, lots of chickens, 3 horses, a peacock, one turkey and a very large pig. They took a hayride, fed all the animals and did horse rides and an art project. After lots of hand washing there was brown bag lunch on the ground and any vegetable or bread that wasn't eaten was fed to the farm animals. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and was glad I was able to go to Grayson's very first field trip. No children were hurt, no meltdowns and no animals were hurt by the children either!
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me... No one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:27-28

101 Things to do with Twinkies

What can you do with Twinkies? Finley had her first Twinkie this week and she has found 101 ways to use the filling. She really enjoyed it and wanted another. As you can see from the photos, she made a hair gel and facial cream. Yum.
Also this week we have had great weather this week and put together our roller-coaster in the back yard. the kids have had several long afternoons outside. Just look at the smile on their faces.
"Whatever you do work at it with all your heart. As working for the Lord, not for men." Collossians 3:23

Our Pumpkins

These pictures are of our first trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Finley's School, Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. She loves seeing them every day. She gets to go through the patch at drop off time with her Dad, she gets to go again with her class when they go on their walk to outside time and if I pick her up, we go again! Her excitement level is always the same, just like it was the first time she has ever seen them. So funny. Grayson was that way too when he went to school there. We have gone back a couple other times with both kids and also my MOPS group and I am sure we will go again before Halloween. I will keep you posted with more photos. Aren't the pumpkins a beautiful color? May your Fall months be filled with joyous blessings.
"Let all that you do be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Spooky GingerBread

This is our attempt at making a "Haunted House" out of a Gingerbread Kit that I bought on clearance in January or February for about $3. It turned out pretty well I think. The house was a rainy day project for Grayson and Finley during his 3 week intercession from his year-round school schedule. They had a great time making it and ate some of the candy pieces as we went along. Trudy (our hound dog) graciously cleaned up the floor after our project was finished. Thanks Trudy.

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth..." Isaiah 43:19

Just Monkeying Around

On Friday afternoon, my friend Wendy and I took our boys to Monkey Joes. They are both in year-round school and are out for their 3 week intercession. We stayed for 3 hours. The boys were hot, sweaty and tired by the time we left. There were a few tears (from Brady) and one bleeding lip (Grayson, see photo above) but I think they had fun anyway. It was nice to just sit and visit with Wendy and not have to participate in the jumping.
"A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face..." Proverbs 15:13

DIY for Kids

Saturday was a Do-It-Yourself Kid Workshop Day at our local Home Depot. We met some friends there at 10 am to make Fire Station Banks. We luckily did not have to take Finley. We dropped her off at mom's around 9:30. Thanks mom, that was a huge help. She would not have done well with all the loud hammers and nails around. The local Fire Department was also there to give out plastic fire hats and tours of the Trucks. Grayson, Carrington and James all got an apron, hat and wood kit, so we found a table and went to work. My friend, Shelly, is , well let's just say she is handy-man-challenged. Good thing I was there to give out a couple of pointers, otherwise she would never have been able to get the kids money out of their bank! The kids got popcorn, Halloween candy, badge and a certificate upon completion of their project. It made a very fun (and free) Saturday morning. Thanks for going with us. Grayson had a blast.

"He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you." Psalm 121:8