The Princess and the Pumpkin

Journey's playschool had a party today. They dressed up and played fun games for prizes. They encouraged the parents to stick to a non-scary theme (which I appreciated) as some of the kids are quite sensitive still and easily frightened. This is Journey's friend Carson. His mommy and I are good buds too.

Sol in Sunday School

Sol's Sunday school teacher is Miss Grace and she's WONDERFUL! She taught Journey too. She sings a song about dropping pennies in for Jesus (which Sol is doing in some of the pics) and has them sit on the mat for story and song time. They're only 1 but its amazing how quickly they catch on and how much they remember. Sol has only been there a few weeks but already knows how to do actions to some songs and understands the class routine. He knows what's coming and understands what is expected of him ... mostly. Its so cute.

Halloween

I don't know what you think about celebrating Halloween ... I'm sure I have friends at both ends of the spectrum ... from going all out with costumes and trick or treating, to hiding in the basement hoping no one comes. At present, I'm somewhere in the middle. I used to hide in the basement ... fearing the implications of celebrating a holiday with so many negative spiritual connotations. Somewhere along the line I've changed my opinion and though I do tend to shy away from witches and goblins I like to get the kids dressed up in costumes and take them door to door for candy. Today Sol is dressed as a cow (you may remember this one from when Journey was 1) and Journey is dressed as Snow White. Her playschool is having a party today with a princess/prince theme. Tonight I think she's going as a horse, Sol as his cow and I will be the farmer. Hopefully I'll get some pics to put on here later.

Proud big Sister!

I stole all these pics from Mary incase some of you don't know her or how to access her blog. I love their smiles in this pic.

My Newest Nephew (on the James side of things)

Alex joined Mark and Mae and Mary this summer. (interrupted our summer holidays together actually ... but we forgive him) He had a rough and VERY early start to life but has made up ground since being a James. Love goes a long way in healing emotional and physical trauma!

Thanksgiving Monday

I've stolen some pictures from Laura's blog of our get-together on Thanksgiving Monday.

We played football while the girls played in the playground and mom took care of last minute kitchen duties. Manda cooked an awesome turkey, I brought candied yams, Laura took care of salad and dessert, mom brought the pumpkin pies and Sara added the whipped cream. I love that we do 'pot luck' so that no one is left with the burden of a big meal.